LAKE COUNTY
Land Trust hosts South County fundraiser October 10
The Lake County Land Trust will host supporters and guests at its next fundraising event on Sat., Oct. 10, 2 to 4 p.m. The South County Fall Fundraiser will be held at a private residence, Casa Norte, located at 11755 Casa Grande Lane, Middletown.
Chef Tammy Lipps of Ripe Choice Farm and Catering will present a delightful charcuterie board accompanied by Lake County wines. The event venue boasts unique indoor and outdoor seating areas with views of surrounding nature. Don Coffin, folk artist, and Andi Skelton, fiddle player, will provide acoustic music during the afternoon.
A limited number of tickets are available for purchase on the Land Trust event website, https://www.lakecountylandtrust.org/fall-south-county-fundraiser.
The annual Supporter of the Year award will be presented. along with celebrating other supporters of the Land Trust’s mission of preserving, conserving, and restoring Lake County’s natural resources.
Founded in 1993, the Lake County Land Trust is a charitable nonprofit organization supported by residents, second-home owners, and the business community in its goals of protecting hundreds of acres including important wetlands, streams and shoreline, providing habitats that benefit Clear Lake and the Clear Lake Hitch. Come celebrate with us.
For more information, contact lclt@lakecountylandtrust.org.
LAKEPORT
Carter appointed Interim Public Works Director
On Tuesday, the Lake County Board of Supervisors emerged from Closed Session to announce Stephen L. Carter, Jr., had additionally been appointed Interim Director of the County of Lake’s Public Works Department. This appointment was immediately effective. Supervisor Sabatier’s Motion noted subsequent Closed Session discussion of Department of Public Works leadership would occur Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, (with all five Supervisors expected to be present).
Carter began service with the County of Lake in July 2010, and has served in fiscal leadership positions for over eleven years, including as Assistant County Administrative Officer (ACAO) since 2022. During previous assignments as Interim Director of the County’s Departments of Behavioral Health (2023), and Social Services (2024), and Animal Care and Control (2025-26) he provided stability in times of transition. Recently, the Lake County Civil Grand Jury recognized Carter with a commendation for his strong performance in Interim Department Head assignments.
County staff across departments know Carter to be an effective trainer and highly creative problem solver, informed by deep experience and a strong theoretical foundation in Business Administration. In 2025, Carter culminated a Master of Public Administration (Public Financial Management Concentration) program through California State University, San Bernardino.
“Stephen Carter has successfully managed complex fiscal and leadership responsibilities, and our Board is confident he will be effective in this Interim assignment” affirms Brad Rasmussen, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors. “He is also an empathetic leader that can support the diverse Public Works team at this time. We are grateful for his willingness to step into this assignment.”
“At this crucial juncture for our County government, I want to do everything I can,” adds Carter. “The Board’s and Public’s trust always mean a lot, and I have learned a lot from each opportunity to work closely with County Departments. This is a challenging time, but the goal remains the same: to provide the best public services we can.”
Please join in thanking Stephen L. Carter, Jr., for stepping into this key interim appointment.
LAKEPORT
Wind Phone Ribbon Cutting
The Lake County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a special ribbon cutting celebrating the installation of a Wind Phone at Xabatin Park on October 5 at 5:30 p.m.
The Wind Phone is the work of Janice Hornby, a certified End-of-Life Doula who wanted to create a peaceful place for anyone grieving or missing someone they love. A Wind Phone is a disconnected telephone that allows visitors to speak the words they wish they could still share, with the idea that the wind will carry those messages to their loved ones.
The idea originated in Japan, where the first Wind Phone became a source of comfort following the devastating 2011 tsunami. Since then, Wind Phones have appeared in communities around the world, offering people a personal way to remember those they have lost.
“I am deeply honored to bring a Wind Phone to Xabatin Park for our community.
Bringing the Wind Phone to Xabatin Park has been an incredible journey. I have been truly blessed by the many amazing people, local businesses and community members who have shared not only their time, talents, generosity and support to help make this happen but they have also shared their grief story with me,” shared Janice Hornby.
Bringing the Wind Phone to Xabatin Park has been a community effort, with local businesses and residents contributing their support to help Janice’s vision take shape. Along the way, many have also shared their own experiences with grief, adding even more meaning to the project.
Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take part in a grief walk around the block and contribute to a community mosaic project. The event is free, and everyone is welcome to join this meaningful evening with the Lake County community.