Some of the local organic produce available through the Lake County Community Co-op. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Community Co-op announced its modified CSA boxes were sourced from all local organic producers last week.

Produce for the boxes included green bell peppers and Early Girl tomatoes from Bio Farm in Kelseyville, mixed summer squash and Genovese Basil from Leonardis Organics in Lakeport, Russian Banana potatoes from Love Farms in Kelseyville and Simka Plums from Clover Creek Family Farm in Upper Lake.

These local producers, as well as Full Moon Farm, Dancing Tree People Organics and Main Street Bakery, have individual items purchasable through the co-op's new online ordering system, FOODS, increasing member options for Lake County grown and produced food.

The co-op's weekly modified CSA (community supported agriculture) boxes are sourced from local organic growers first, regional producers second and organic distributors lastly.

JoAnn Saccato, chair of the Lake County Community Co-op, was delighted with the news, "Due to our inclement Spring weather this year, most of our growers experienced a challenging and late harvest season. To finally have our boxes completely sourced local, which we haven't been able to do since Winter, is just exciting. It brings us closer to our vision of a sustainable local food system."

She further espoused the benefits to the environment, economy and community when the boxes can be sourced solely from Lake County farmers, and added, "Our local producers are doing what they can to increase their variety and lengthen the growing season in Lake County so we can benefit more from their efforts. We wholeheartedly appreciate that!"

Additionally, the co-op announced a new drop point in Upper Lake replacing the original drop at Olivia's Organics.

Lake County Wine Studio, at 9505 No. 1 Main St. (corner of First and Main), enthusiastically took on the role of drop point for Upper Lake. The studio will be open for pick up of the boxes from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, expanding member opportunities in that area.

The co-op has 10 drop points throughout the county for their weekly produce delivery.

For more information on ordering through the Co-op visit www.lakeco-op.org or call 707-993-4270.

For more information on the Lake County Wine Studio, contact Susan Feiler at 707-275-8030.

Now celebrating almost three years in existence, the Lake County Community Co-op (LCCC) cultivates an evolving community by nurturing values of social, economic and environmental responsibility.

The co-op encourages member input and participation for the continued success of its co-creation. It supports and enhances the local food system while providing a forum for community activities.

Evaluation speech winners Dean Gotham, first place; Sharon Shute, second place; and Louis Rigod, third place. Courtesy photo.

FINLEY, Calif. – Dennis Fordham and Dean Gotham of Toastmasters, Tenacious Talkers, Club No. 8731, recently won the club contest.

Fordham won for a humorous speech and Gotham for evaluation speech.

Each category is judged on specific goals that need to be met during competition. The highest ranking contestant wins in their category.

“Going through speech contests helps Toastmaster members gain more experience speaking in front of unfamiliar audiences,” said Sharon Shute, vice president of public relations for the Tenacious Talkers.

The area contest will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 25.

Toastmasters, Contagious Communicators, Club No. 866864 will host the contest at Sutter Lakeside Hospital, 5176 Hill Road East, Lakeport, in the conference room next to the cafeteria. The public is welcome to come and listen to the speakers compete.

Tenacious Talkers meets at 6:15 p.m. each Thursday at 2150 Argonaut Road in Finley.

For more information about the club, call 707-279-0381, Extension 5704 or visit http://tenacioustalkers.freetoasthost.net.

Humorous speech winners Dennis Fordham, first place; Phyllis Hoffman, second place; and Rick White, third place. Courtesy photo.

LOCH LOMOND, Calif. – The “Light the Night Luau” to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will take place on Sunday, Sept. 5, at the Loch Lomond Roadhouse, 10336 Loch Lomond Road.

The event will begin at 6 p.m.

The benefit will include an authentic Hawaiian buffet with a pig, tropical drinks and a 30-minute fire dance show performed by the Bay Area’s Obsidian Butterfly.

Pre-sale tickets are $25, with tickets selling for $30 at the door.

For more information call Sarah Focose at 707-350-5620.

NICE, Calif. – Sons of Italy in Nice will hold two events this weekend.

On Saturday, Sept. 4, there will be a flea market with seller tables at $10, sausage or hot dog sandwiches, and drinks for sale. The market will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 5, the group will hold its monthly spaghetti feed from noon to 6 p.m.

You will get a scrumptious Italian meal of red sauce pasta, garlic bread and salad, plus you can add a choice of meatballs or sausages.

Call the day of the event for more information or takeouts, 707-274-2244.

The club is located at 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

LAKE COUNTY – District 1 Assembly candidate Karen Brooks reported that she will attend and participate in events at the Lake County Fair.

The fair takes place Sept. 2 through 5.

Brooks will be available for questions and interviews at the Lake County Republican Party booth as well as throughout events while at the fair.

Brooks, citizen candidate, is a 30-year resident of Humboldt County and is running for the California State Assembly, District 1, which represents the counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma and Trinity.

ST. HELENA, Calif. – On Monday, Aug. 30, and Wednesday, Sept. 1, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Sonoma Lake Napa Unit will conduct live fire training exercises on the Warm Springs Dam at Lake Sonoma in Northern Sonoma County.

Along with CAL FIRE, Healdsburg Fire Department, Geyserville Fire Protection District and the Cloverdale Fire Protection District also will be participating.

The training will begin at 6 p.m. and will continue to approximately 9 p.m.

This training will provide realistic wildland fire conditions to train firefighters in different tactical operations.

In addition to the training, the area being used for the training burn is on the downstream face of Warm Springs Dam.

By burning 80 acres of grass off the dam, it allows the Army Corps of Engineers to do their annual inspection of the dam face.

There will be eight fire engines and a bulldozer participating along with approximately 35 firefighters.