Saturday, 01 March 2025

Register

News

Posted On

NICE, Calif. – An 84-year-old Lucerne man died Saturday evening after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing Highway 20.

The California Highway Patrol said the fatal crash occurred at 5:20 p.m. Saturday on Highway 20 at Pomo Way, which is the entrance to Robinson Rancheria.

The name of the man who died was not released on Sunday pending the notification of next of kin, the CHP said.

The CHP said that Douglas Williams, 56, of Lucerne was driving his 2001 Ford Escort eastbound on Highway 20 approaching Pomo Way at an unknown speed, while the pedestrian was crossing the highway at Pomo Way, from north to south.

For reasons that investigators have yet to determine, Williams was unable to see the pedestrian until just before he hit him, the CHP said.

Williams swerved his car to the left but was unable to avoid hitting the pedestrian, who hit the car's right side headlight, bumper, hood and windshield, and was thrown onto the highway's south shoulder, according to the CHP.

Northshore Fire medical personnel arrived and pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene, the CHP said.

The CHP said Williams was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was not injured.

Williams was evaluated at the scene, and was not under the influence, the CHP reported. It was not known at the time of the CHP's Sunday report if the pedestrian was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The crash investigation is still under way, and is being conducted by CHP Officer Alva.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

Posted On

nasahellasdepression

A strangely shaped depression on Mars could be a new place to look for signs of life on the Red Planet, according to a University of Texas at Austin-led study.

The depression was probably formed by a volcano beneath a glacier and could have been a warm, chemical-rich environment well suited for microbial life.

The findings were published this month in Icarus, the International Journal of Solar System Studies.

“We were drawn to this site because it looked like it could host some of the key ingredients for habitability – water, heat and nutrients,” said lead author Joseph Levy, a research associate at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, a research unit of the Jackson School of Geosciences.

The depression is inside a crater perched on the rim of the Hellas basin on Mars and surrounded by ancient glacial deposits.

It first caught Levy’s attention in 2009, when he noticed crack-like features on pictures of depressions taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter that looked similar to “ice cauldrons” on Earth, formations found in Iceland and Greenland made by volcanos erupting under an ice sheet. Another depression in the Galaxias Fossae region of Mars had a similar appearance.

“These landforms caught our eye because they’re weird looking. They’re concentrically fractured so they look like a bulls-eye. That can be a very diagnostic pattern you see in Earth materials,” said Levy, who was a postdoctoral researcher at Portland State University when he first saw the photos of the depressions.

But it wasn’t until this year that he and his research team were able to more thoroughly analyze the depressions using stereoscopic images to investigate whether the depressions were made by underground volcanic activity that melted away surface ice or by an impact from an asteroid.

Study collaborator Timothy Goudge, a postdoctoral fellow at the institute, used pairs of high-resolution images to create digital elevation models of the depressions that enabled in-depth analysis of their shape and structure in 3-D. Researchers from Brown University and Mount Holyoke College also participated in the study.

“The big contribution of the study was that we were able to measure not just their shape and appearance, but also how much material was lost to form the depressions. That 3-D view lets us test this idea of volcanic or impact,” Levy said.

The analysis revealed that both depressions shared an unusual funnel shape, with a broad perimeter that gradually narrowed with depth.

“That surprised us and led to a lot of thinking about whether it meant there was melting concentrated in the center that removed ice and allowed stuff to pour in from the sides. Or if you had an impact crater, did you start with a much smaller crater in the past, and by sublimating away ice, you’ve expanded the apparent size of the crater,” Levy said.

After testing formation scenarios for the two depressions, researchers found that they probably formed in different ways.

The debris spread around the Galaxias Fossae depression suggests that it was the result of an impact – but the known volcanic history of the area still doesn’t rule out volcanic origins, Levy said. In contrast, the Hellas depression has many signs of volcanic origins.

It lacks the surrounding debris of an impact and has a fracture pattern associated with concentrated removal of ice by melting or sublimation.

The interaction of lava and ice to form a depression would be an exciting find, Levy said, because it could create an environment with liquid water and chemical nutrients, both ingredients required for life on Earth. He said that the Hellas depression and, to a lesser extent, the Galaxias Fossae depression, should be kept in mind when looking for habitats on Mars.

Gro Pedersen, a volcanologist at the University of Iceland who was not involved with the study, agrees that the depressions are promising sites for future research.

“These features do really resemble ice cauldrons known from Earth, and just from that perspective they should be of great interest,” Pedersen said. “Both because their existence may provide information on the properties of subsurface material – the potential existence of ice – and because of the potential for revealing ice-volcano interactions.”

The research was supported by a NASA Mars Data Analysis Program award.

nasahellascratercharts

Posted On

U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman Pamela A. Vanderzwan graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Vanderzwan is the daughter of Adriaan T. Vanderzwan of Hercules, Calif.; sister of Rebecca F. Fuller of Broken Arrow, Okla., Jennifer M. Vanderzwan of Lower Lake, Calif., and Laura A. Vanderzwa of La Granda, Ore.; and daughter-in-law of Wanda J. Doak of Antioch, Calif.

She is a 1998 graduate of Pinole Valley High School, Pinole, Calif. She earned a master's degree in 2004 from Bryman College, San Francisco.

Blog Left ad
Posted On

110416teacheroftheyear

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 2016 Educators of the Year and Excellence in Education Awards dinner honored six outstanding teachers and four classified employees from around Lake County for excellence in their professions and dedication to their students.

The awards dinner took place at the Riviera Hills Restaurant in Kelseyville on Friday, Nov. 4.

Kimberly Harris was selected from those six teachers to be honored as the Lake County Teacher of the Year.

Harris is a special education teacher working with severely handicapped children in the fourth through eighth grades at Lower Lake Elementary School.

“She is amazing, dedicated and hardworking,” said Tarin Benson, principal of Lower Lake Elementary. “Mrs. Harris has been faced with challenging situations and she is able to deescalate a situation and make it a safe environment for all.”

The district Teachers of the Year recognized during the evening were Rico Abordo from Kelseyville Unified School District, Nicole Goodwin from Lakeport Unified School District, Karen Jones from Middletown Unified School District, Diana Johnson from Upper Lake Elementary School and Gary Madison from Upper Lake High School.

Classified employees receiving recognition for their outstanding support in the schools were Eva Santana from Konocti Unified, David Ferrell from Lakeport Unified, Salvador Pimentel from Middletown Unified and Linda Morton from Upper Lake Unified.

Two special recognition awards were awarded to Jessica Taliaferro and Russell Cremer.

Taliaferro was awarded the Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Board Administrators and Cremer was awarded the Champion of Education Award by the Lake County Office of Education.

In its 22nd year, the Excellence in Education Awards is sponsored by the Lake County Office of Education to formally recognize the professional and compassionate teachers and classified employees in the school districts.

These selfless individuals dedicate their time and careers to the educational growth of their students, student families and the communities in which they serve.

The Lake County Office of Education recognizes and supports the critical role the schools play in the education of youth and the development of strong communities through education. More information about the office of education can be found on its website at www.lakecoe.org .

Christine Hutt is communications coordinator for the Lake County Office of Education.

Save

Posted On

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club will meet at noon, Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the Scotts Valley Women's Club House at 2298 Hendricks Road, near Lakeport.

A light lunch will be served.

Kate Frey will present a program titled, “Adventures in Gardening.” It will include the London Chelsea Flower Show as well as flower shows in Japan, Malaysia and organic farming in Saudi Arabia.

This will be an educational journey around the world.

Frey also redesigned and managed the famous organic edible gardens at Fetzer Vineyards in Hopland for 20 years and taught sustainable landscaping at Sonoma State University Extended Education.

She is a consultant, designer, educator and writer for many different groups and gardens. Her book, “Bee-friendly Gardening,” co-written with Professor Gretchen LeBuhn, was published in February.

The club welcomes new members and information can be found by visiting www.clttgc.org . For more information please call Dana at 707 275-3500.

The Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club is a member of the Mendo-Lake District of the California Garden Club Inc.-Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.

Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Do you like to garden? Are you interested in helping other gardeners in Lake County? Then consider applying to become a University of California Master Gardener.

Master Gardeners are volunteer staff of the University of California who have been trained and certified to extend research-based horticultural information to the public.

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in the eight-week, 60-hour training on horticultural topics starting on Jan. 12.

Acceptance into the program is based on the following:

1. Written application.
2. Interest in volunteer community service.
3. Interest in gardening and horticulture in general.
4. Willingness and ability to work compatibly with other volunteers under the direction of University of California staff.
5. Commitment to the dissemination of University of California-approved information and advice.
6. Willingness to be fingerprinted for a background check.
7. In-person interview.

The purpose of the training program is to build and maintain a group of dedicated volunteers trained to provide helpful and important horticultural information to the citizens of Lake County.

Applicants must agree to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours of public service to the U.C. Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program within one year of completing their training.

Training is provided by University of California and other local experts. Classes are four hours long and are held from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 12, 2017, at the Agricultural Center in Lakeport, a wheelchair-accessible site.

There is a $125 fee for the class which includes training, selected classroom materials and relevant publications, plus an additional cost of $25 for fingerprinting.

For an application or more information on the U.C. Master Gardener Program and 2017 training class, contact the U.C. Cooperative Extension office at 707-263-6838, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or stop by the office at 883 Lakeport Blvd. in Lakeport.

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 5.

Posted On

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Assemblyman and Senator-elect Bill Dodd will host a town hall for Lake County on Monday, Nov. 21.

The town hall will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.

At the event Dodd will provide an update on important issues facing Lake County, introduce his successor and thank residents for allowing him to represent them.

Also in attendance will be Sen. Mike McGuire and Assemblymember-elect Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who will be taking Dodd’s place in the Assembly as he transitions to the State Senate.

All residents of Lake County are encouraged to attend this free event, featuring complimentary food (not paid for at taxpayer expense).

Dodd will represent Lake County until Dec. 5, when he will be sworn in to the Senate and Aguiar-Curry will be sworn in to take over as the District 4 representative in the Assembly.

“Serving Lake County in the Assembly has been an absolute honor and an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said Dodd. “Lake County will always be close to my heart, and I will continue to work collaboratively with Senator McGuire and Assemblymember-elect Aguiar-Curry to fight for the needs of Lake County.”

Posted On

DOCTOR STRANGE (Rated PG-13)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is entering a new dimension with “Doctor Strange,” the story of the brilliant, egomaniacal Doctor Stephen Strange, a world-famous neurosurgeon turned from science into the Master of the Mystic Arts.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange is introduced as the medical genius with a gifted brain and steady hands, while his character is that of an arrogant, skeptical, and materialistic man of great hubris, resulting in a batch of flaws that could be his undoing.

The doctor’s life changes forever after a horrific automobile accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing and hope in the unlikely place of Kathmandu, Nepal.

Not even his fellow surgeon and sometime love interest Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) can save him either medically or mentally.

Their love story, stilted as it is, seems only slightly more believable than if John Hinckley had once been on a date with Jodie Foster.

Dr. Strange finds salvation in a distant land where he meets the mystical Ancient One (Tilda Swinton, the right actor to embody an otherworldly quality).

The Ancient One is called upon to guide Dr. Strange into a supernatural world where he must embrace magic and mysticism.

The Ancient One is very persuasive, while also being aided to a significant degree by her apprentice Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who also learned the mystic arts and the paths of alternative dimensions that are keys to the action.

“Doctor Strange” deals with parallel dimensions, astral planes, alternative dimensions, mirror dimensions and a bunch of other distorted realities in the space-time continuum that may prove either baffling or dazzling and maybe a lot of both.

Of course, the Marvel Cinematic Universe requires a villain that would become the supreme antagonist to Dr. Strange’s newfound superhero status.

That role falls to Mads Mikkelsen as Kaecilius, a former disciple in Nepal who turned his back on the Ancient One.

Mikkelsen’s deft kung fu warrior carries an incredible amount of sinister gravitas, leading him to be a remarkable adversary, in mind and body, to the mystical powers that have now been absorbed by Dr. Strange.    

Cumberbatch’s Dr. Strange has some nice quips and sarcastic one-liners that add the right touch of humor. Of course, he’s not even close to the scabrous wit of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, the fast-talking mercenary with a morbid sense of humor in his own Marvel film.

The special effects are worth noting in the battle scenes in New York, London and Hong Kong. The shifting, twisting landscapes of buildings are reminiscent of “Inception,” only more interesting and less intrusive into the overall storytelling.

To no one’s surprise, Doctor Strange will return in another installment because a superhero with magical powers in the Marvel world is not to be denied.  

TV Corner: 'Timeless' on NBC network

The possibility of time travel, which on its face is a silly notion, has an inherent appeal to many. If I could, I would take a trip to circa 1955 to see the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field and also visit a few other iconic ballparks that are now defunct.

For the NBC fall season, “Timeless” is a new series about time travel that wants to take itself seriously, but is in reality almost as ridiculous and impractical as my own dream to search for vintage baseball nirvana.

While NBC has already aired several episodes of “Timeless” and the series returns to the schedule in mid-November, you can do your own time traveling to catch up with episodes on Video on Demand or NBC’s Web site.

History buffs may enjoy the playful and yet deadly earnest intent of “Timeless” to capture significant historical events, where a villain on the loose seeks to alter the past to affect the future.

The mysterious criminal mastermind Garcia Flynn (Goran Visnjic) has stolen a state-of-the-art time machine from Mason Industries. Fortunately, he wasn’t aware that the machine’s prototype is fully functional.

The only hope to stop the bad guy from destroying America from within rests with the unlikely trio of a history professor, former soldier and a Mason Industries scientist who can actually pilot the orb-like spacecraft.

The most compelling member of the trio is Lucy (Abigail Spencer), the professor with encyclopedic knowledge of events such that the date of April 14, 1865, is immediately known to her as the assassination of Abe Lincoln.

Rufus, the scientist/pilot, is an African American having troublesome encounters with police officers during the Hindenburg disaster in 1937 New Jersey or with fellow black Civil War soldiers on the side of the Union.

“Timeless” goes to great effort to recreate history with detailed production values. Traveling to 1962 Las Vegas where the Rat Pack and President Kennedy converge at the Sands Hotel is stunning in its sense of nostalgia and dread.

The trick of “Timeless” is that the heroes must make every effort not to affect the past themselves, but even the most inconsequential happenings command the attention of the audience because they could alter history nonetheless. 

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake Count News.

Posted On

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville United Methodist resumes its “Sunday Spirit Soul Connection” service at 5 p.m. beginning Nov. 20 for five consecutive Sundays through Dec. 18.

The one-hour service includes relaxation, affirmations, music and snacks meant to strengthen mind and body while connecting the soul to the Spirit of the Living God.

"Most people feel God exists yet a traditional church service seems foreign to them," said to Kelseyville United Methodist Pastor Voris Brumfield. "Everyone wants to find happiness and an improved life. Over time and throughout the world people have found ways to experience connecting to the Spirit of Creation and we are explore these connections. Participating can provide this connection. Give us an hour a week, you will receive an improved attitude for life."

In addition to the Kelseyville 5 p.m. Spirit Connection Service, there is the 9 a.m. Sunday United Methodist Worship Service with modern and traditional hymns, prayers, scripture readings and weekly message.

Kelseyville United Methodist Church is located at 3210 Main St. United Methodists practice “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.”

For more information call 707-295-7174 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Animal Care and Control is offering for adoption this week several Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers and some small dogs, too.

This week's dogs also include mixes Chihuahua, German Shepherd, mastiff, pit bull and wirehaired terrier.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

6470gravydog
'Gravy'

“Gravy” is a male wirehaired terrier-Chihuahua mix.

He has a short gray and white coat, brown eyes and floppy ears.

He's in kennel No. 2, ID No. 6470.

6401pitbull

Pit bull terrier-Chihuahua

This male pit bull terrier mix has a short brown coat and brown eyes.

He's in kennel No. 6, ID No. 6401.

6443pitbull

Pit bull terrier

This male pit bull terrier has a short gray and white coat and brown eyes.

He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 6443.

6463labmix

Labrador Retriever

This male Labrador Retriever has a short black coat and brown eyes.

He's in kennel No. 15, ID No. 6463.

19rottshepherd

Rottweiler-shepherd mix

This young male Rottweiler-shepherd mix has a medium-length black and brown coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 19, ID No. 6412.

22rottshepherd

Rottweiler-shepherd mix

This young male Rottweiler-shepherd mix has a medium-length black and tan coat.

He's in kennel No. 22, ID No. 6411.

6442gsdfemale

German Shepherd

This female German Shepherd has a short black and brown coat and brown eyes.

She's in kennel No. 23, ID No. 6442.

25newfemalerott

'Sara'

“Sara” is a female Rottweiler mix has a black coat with some brindle markings.

Shelter staff said she need some training and is manageable on a leash. They said she is a very nice dog and knows not to jump when excited. After proper introductions, she has gotten along with other dogs she has met, including off-leash play. She would do best in a home with no cats.

She's in kennel No. 25, ID No. 5947.

6438labbordercollie

Labrador Retriever-border collie mix

This male Labrador Retriever-border collie mix has a short black and white coat and brown eyes.

He's in kennel No. 26, ID No. 6438.

6424kalithedog

'Kali'

“Kali” is a female pit bull terrier mix.

She has a short blue and white coat, brown eyes and cropped ears.

She's in kennel No. 27, ID No. 6424.

6415blacklab

Labrador Retriever

This male Labrador Retriever mix has a short black coat and brown eyes.

Shelter staff said he is a sweet, energetic boy who would do wonderfully with an active family. He has been introduced to several dogs at the shelter, with all of those encounters ending playfully and happily.

He has typical lab energy and would be a great running companion. While he pulls on the leash he responds appropriately with correction.

He's in kennel No. 28, ID No. 6415.

6308blacklab

Labrador Retriever

This female Labrador Retriever mix has a short black coat with white markings.

She's in kennel No. 30, ID No. 6308.

6466mastiff

Mastiff-pit bull mix

This male mastiff-pit bull mix puppy has a brown coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 32, ID No. 6466.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

Save

Save

Posted On

What can we expect from President Elect Trump? I believe the best way to approach the next four years of a Republican-controlled legislature and executive branch is to read the Republican Party Platform, adopted by the Republican National Committee in July 2016.

This 66-page document is easily accessed online by searching “RNC.” It is a long read, but worth the effort.

The most interesting section is “Government Reform.” It appears the use of market forces (privatization) will be used to limit federal, state and local levels of government in their traditional role and function of providing services to the American people.

Since the 1980s, Congressional Republicans have steadily moved forward with legislation to move government services from the public to private sector, with some modest strides made in the area of overseeing national parks, public education and prisons (among other services).

I personally oppose further privitation of public education, the military, national parks, federal lands, municipal/mutual water systems, and current policies under consideration, which seek to privatize the Veterans Administration, U.S. Postal Service and Social Security.

When government functions are privatized, market forces add profit motives into the cost of doing business, which increases the cost of receiving these services.

Other problems, like national security concerns, arise when government services are handed over to the private sector, for example, airport security.

Inherent in privatizing are increases in the cost of regulation, to ensure services are legally and fairly provided to the American people.

Before we give portions of our government away to large corporations, the American people need the time to intelligently discuss these essential matters relating to our democracy.

So read the Republican Party Platform. It will help all of us understand the next four years of legislation and policy changes in America.

Anna Rose Ravenwoode lives in Kelseyville, Calif.

Posted On

111116vetsdaypennyparker

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Hundreds of Lake County residents came out on Friday morning to honor the contributions of veterans.

The county's annual Veterans Day celebration took place once again this year in the showroom at Konocti Vista Casino in Lakeport.

Bob Penny, a Vietnam veteran and the county's retired veteran service officer, acted as master of ceremonies, and received the annual “Veteran of the Year Award.”

The Clear Lake High School Jazz Band provided musical salutes to veterans and the Military Funeral Honors Team was on hand to provide the call to assemble, the rifle volley and the playing of “Taps.”

Penny read a letter from Congressman Mike Thompson, himself a Vietnam veteran.

“Veterans Day is about giving thanks” – both to veterans and their families, Thompson wrote.

Thompson's letter also noted that the country's obligation to those who have served lasts year-round, and outlined the necessity of making sure every veteran gets the benefits they deserve.

“We need to make sure our vets have opportunities,” in the form of jobs, education and health care, Thompson said.

He noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Vietnam War. Thompson pointed out that many Vietnam veterans did not receive a welcome on their return, and he offered them his thanks and welcomed them home.

Thompson said he prayed for peace and a day when war is a distant reality.

Following Penny's reading of Thompson's letter, members of local 4-H clubs handed out thank you cards to the veterans in the audience, an annual tradition.

The ceremony's guest speaker was Dean Gotham, a leader in the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter who served in the Marines.

Gotham welcomed his brothers and sisters home. “Today is your day.”

A native Californian, Gotham was in college when he decided to enlist in the Marines in 1967, inspired to do so by President John F. Kennedy's call to, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” He would serve in the Third Marine Division in Vietnam, working as a radio operator from 1968 to 1969 and later acting as an instructor.

He said he was filled with rage when he was discharged in 1970, carrying with him the memories of Marines being killed without being able to return fire. He said he learned you can't win a war with one hand tied behind your back.

It would take him years to get to the point where he could seek out help. When he did, Penny was his veteran service officer, and recognized the fact that Gotham had post traumatic stress disorder.

111116vetsdayclhsband

Nearly two decades of therapy has helped him address his severe denial, which was based on his belief that he wasn't truly a combat veteran. At one point in his life, the word “veteran” was empty of meaning to him.

Gotham said he found that the young Marine who he had been, who went to war in the 1960s, was buried inside, under survivor guilt.

He said veterans are people with strengths and challenges, like everyone else. They endure emotional anguish and deplorable conditions, and total only about 0.5 percent of the United States population.

Gotham urged people to remember veterans, and so honor them.

“Please, never forget,” he said, receiving a standing ovation.

Another Vietnam veteran, Supervisor Jim Comstock, presented this year's “Friend of the Veteran Award” to KPFZ's “Veterans Hour” radio show, which is featured every other Friday at 9 a.m. The next show is Nov. 25 on 88.1 FM.

Gotham, current Veteran Service Officer Saul Sanabria and Chris Taliaferro of the Employment Development Department field phone calls from veterans and their families during the show.

Veteran Skip Hulet then presented the “Veteran of the Year Award” to Penny.

Penny is himself a hero of local heroes for his work in the Veteran Service Office. He began working in that office in 1997, and served as veteran service officer from 2005 to 2014.

“You've got me speechless,” Penny said after Hulet presented him with the award, a statuette of a bald eagle and a flag.

He said that as veteran service officer he had tried to teach other vets how to help others. He said he still feels the need to reach out and help in any way he can.

“This award means the world to me,” he said.

After the ceremony, Penny told Lake County News that he served in the US Navy from 1966 to 1969.

During this three years of service, he served 14 months – two separate seven-month assignments – as a forward gunner on a river patrol boat, a 31-one foot craft that was about half the size of a swift boat, and made of fiberglass not steel.

At age 21 in 1968, he was wounded in the leg while out on patrol during the Tet Offensive, which lasted from January to September of that year.

“We got caught in a crossfire,” he said. He and all the other forward gunners were wounded.

In addition to the wounds he received during TET, Penny also suffered a back injury before getting out of the military.

He later went on to study architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and worked in construction in the Bay Area before being introduced to Lake County because his in-laws had a home here.

After retiring, Penny has stayed busy. In September, he worked with fellow veteran Frank Parker on the third annual Lake-Mendocino Stand Down/Veterans Resource Fair, which Penny said helped 200 homeless veterans.

“It's well overdue,” said Parker of Penny's award.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

111116vetsdaygothamhughes

LCNews

Responsible local journalism on the shores of Clear Lake.

 

Memberships:

 

Search