LAKE COUNTY>> The month of December has not only been busy one with all the holiday and Christmas related celebrations like the annual charitable Shop with a Cop and festive parades throughout the area. It is also a period of introspection and for change with new leadership at key positions coming in 2025 and outgoing municipal leaders such as in Clearlake City Council.
December events throughout the county
Saturday morning December 14, the Lower Lake Cemetery was just one of the 4,909 cemeteries that took part in this year’s “Wreath Across America” in the United States, to pay respect to fallen service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives to served this country with honor.
More than 40 volunteers stood in the rain and wind during the service to honor the fallen before heading out in the cemetery to place wreaths on their graves.
Lake County Sheriffs Office Public Information Officer Laura Berlin shared that this year’s annual Shop with a Cop event (held on December 10) participating agencies were able to increase the amount of children that were able to shop with a cop up to 220, with a budget of $250 for each child.
Changing of the guard
City officials noted appreciation for outgoing Mayor David Claffey, Vice Mayor Joyce Overton along with Councilmembers Russ Cremer, Russ Perdock, and Dirk Slooten for their contributions.
They also welcomed new Council members Tara Downey, Jessica Hooten and Mary Wilson who will serve the next four years. Along with our new members, Russ Perdock will serve as Clearlake’s mayor and Dirk Slooten will serve as vice mayor in 2025.
“I’m honored to step into the role of mayor and continue building on the incredible progress Clearlake has made, said Mayor Perdock. “Together with our 2025 council and our community members, I’m confident we’ll keep moving Clearlake toward a brighter and more prosperous future.”
While a new year approaches rapidly, the Lake County Board of Supervisors said goodbye to retiring members from District 1. Moke Simon, and also from District 4, Michael Green at this week’s meeting Tuesday. The board also recognized Girl Scout Emily Anderson for her Gold Award as well as Middletown football coach Bill Foltmer before his retirement.
Foltmer was recognized by Supervisor Simon as he begins his retirement. Simon noted “During Bill’s tenure coaching the Middletown varsity football the Mustangs have won 21 league championships.” In total Foltmer has been coaching for 45 years sharing “I’d like to share this award with my assistant coaches… these guys have been with me 15 years and that’s one of the reasons the program has been so successful. Thank you all so much, this honor is shared with you.”
Anderson was joined by her troop leader Linda Breeding as District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska recognized her on achieving the Girls Scouts’ most prestigious and highest award. Breeding shared “She first had to get her silver award, which took many activities.” Anderson shared “I did this because there is a library in Lakeport and not in Kelseyville so I figured to do something like this for when kids are on break, they can read more, because reading is a very important skill.” She constructed a free little library that would be stocked and monitored by Anderson to ensure the books and “reading buddies” were well taken care of and found the homes they deserved. Pyska said, “Thank you for earning the highest honor in Girl Scouting.” She continued “And thank you Linda for making such an impact on all of these girls.”
Supervisor Simon has been in his elected position for eight years, serving two full terms. District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell shared some of Supervisor Simon’s achievements. He said, “Moke has brought concepts to reality in district 1 recently, including the multi-use path which runs Middletown that runs from Middletown Rancheria to the Cal Pine Visitors Center and has encouraged active recreation in South Lake County.”
Supervisor Simon expressed his gratitude for his own family’s support and the support of the entire county, emotionally sharing, “Thank you very much, the support, all the hard work, I sit up there but all the people of this county, all of our employees, you guys do the hard work.” He continued with some advice for the board saying “Never change who you are, no matter what pressures come at you. Listen, but don’t change because it’s not possible. I think I have been able to show that over the years.”
Supervisor Crandell also commended District 4 Supervisor Michael Green on his two years in his position. Crandell shared “His attention to detail and journalistic nose for finding the thread in a story have brought unique and rich contributions to board discussions leaving an indelible mark.” Supervisor Green shared “It’s been a fast two years.” He continued “I have tried to, in my own weird way, to represent the diverse community that is district 4.” Green spoke of the learning curve that is inherent in the job, noting his mistakes and also lessons learned. He offered two apologies, one to his board colleagues as he felt like sometimes he could have been more open, also apologizing for being so detail oriented, thanking staff for all of their patience and support.
“We have definitely had some challenges but we have made some real progress in the last two years and I like to think I had a teeny, tiny part in that,” Green said.
