SACRAMENTO
CAL FIRE and partners celebrate California Arbor Week
The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and California ReLeaf welcome the support and sponsorship of Edison International, Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), and Blue Shield of California to celebrate California Arbor Week this week through April 14.
This year Edison International and Pacific Gas and Electric Company collectively donated $115,000 for the Arbor Week and Growing Green Communities tree planting grants offered by California ReLeaf. This funding will support 23 grassroots urban forestry projects across the state. Blue Shield of California sponsored the Arbor Week Art Contest, coordinated by California ReLeaf in partnership with CAL FIRE, to engage youth about the importance of neighborhood trees in nurturing community health and connection through the many benefits trees provide.
“We are delighted and deeply grateful to partner with so many wonderful organizations to celebrate Arbor Week,” said Cindy Blain, Executive Director of California ReLeaf. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see how communities come together during Arbor Week and throughout the year to plant and nurture trees–recognizing the immense value of our urban forests and the wonderful possibilities when we work hand-in-hand to plant and nurture trees. Every year Arbor Week reminds us of the essential role trees play in nurturing community resilience, strengthening social bonds, and improving public health.”
A press conference was held Monday at Rick Gonzales, Sr. Park in Woodland to officially launch the statewide celebration of California Arbor Week. During this event, the winners of California ReLeaf’s Tree Planting Grants, and the Youth Art Contest were announced. The Woodland Tree Foundation hosted the kickoff celebration, proudly highlighting their partnership with the City of Woodland and the Woodland Joint Unified School District. Together, they are working to increase tree canopy in the community, helping to address extreme heat and improve public health.
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LAKE COUNTY
Plungers raise money for Lake County Special Olympics during 14th annual event
On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, over 50 plungers, chickens, and supporters gathered for the 2025 Lake County Special Olympics annual Polar Plunge at the Buckingham Homeowners Association Clubhouse.
This was the 14th year Lake County Special Olympics has participated in the Northern California Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and each of those years Lake County Special Olympic has been fortunate to have the support of the Kelseyville Lions Club for the after-plunge luncheon and the Kelseyville Fire Department for EMT services to keep our plungers safe. Riviera Foods provided lunch supplies and Debbie Bridges provided our luncheon sweets.
Plungers raising money were supported by many individuals, including sizeable donations from the Lakeshore Lions Club, Blue Angels Gas & Food in Clearlake, Clearlake Police Officers Association, Clearlake Police Department, Antique & Classic Boat Club, and Profitt Construction. This year over $18,576 has been raised and we have reached our goal of supporting our program for the entire year!
This fun and enjoyable event is a plunge with a twist. Plungers and teams are encouraged to dress in costume and plunge. Those not able to or brave enough to take the plunge can still join the party as a designated “chicken” and hang out in our very own chicken coop.
Funds raised at this annual plunge party support our local volunteer Special Olympics program in the purchase of training equipment, uniforms, and transportation costs to attend competitions throughout Northern California. We currently offer six sports which include basketball, track and field, bocce, golf, softball, and soccer.
Awards were presented included top fundraiser-Halena Smalley, top athlete team fundraiser-Saderlund Splashers, top law enforcement fundraiser-Lake County Probation Department, top schools fundraiser-Lake County Office of Education, top community team fundraiser-Lakeport Elks~Lakeport Kiwanis~Early Lake Lions, and top health services team-Lake County Behavioral Health Services. Our best costume winner was John Lahti, Jr. and the best team costume went to Team Raccoon, the Lake County Behavioral Health Services Department.
Many thanks to everyone that helped with organizing, set up and take down for the event-Mary Lahti, Tammy Rund, Robert Saderlund, Eric Saderlund, John Lahti Sr, John Lahti Jr, Buckingham Homeowners Association, and the spontaneous volunteers that helped.
Our sincere appreciation to all that donated to your favorite plunger and all those helping bring this event together. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
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