KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The 19th Lake County Land Trust Annual Dinner on Oct. 13 was dubbed “Dinner With Direction,” this year to signify the Land Trust’s continuing commitment to its mission of preserving and protecting lands with valuable natural habitats in Lake County.

More than 160 people gathered at the spacious Boatique winery on Red Hills Road to enjoy elegant views of Clear Lake and the surrounding mountains while socializing, enjoying a wide array of Lake County wines and bidding on a silent auction that featured numerous items including jewelry, art, gift certificates to local eateries, and baskets full of amazing Lake County produce and products.

A recent addition to the event is a live auction that raised several thousand dollars thanks to the efforts of auctioneer, Supervisor Jim Steele. Local wineries donated wine for both pouring and auctioning and local businesses and individuals sponsored the event.

Each year the Land Trust honors its Supporters of the Year. This year’s honorees were Richard and Angela Birk, well known for their volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity of Lake County, but also important donors to the Land Trust as significant contributors over the past several years.

Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry was this year’s keynote speaker. She spoke about her fondness for Lake County and how she has always been impressed with the community, especially the way people here work together and support each other.

She discussed the formation of the special Blue Ribbon Committee, composed of scientists, environmentalists, and other stakeholders to address the ongoing problems with and rehabilitation of Clear Lake. She promised she would continue to work with residents here tackling the many issues resulting from the fires as well.

Val Nixon, president of the Lake County Land Trust, discussed the plans and accomplishments of the organization including a recent update of the trust’s Land Conservation Priority Plan, recent acquisitions and plans for a significant new 200 acre acquisition on the shores of Clear Lake near Lakeport.

The annual dinner was catered by Fresh and Banging eatery in Lakeport and was generously sponsored by numerous businesses and individuals, including Adventist Health Clear Lake, Brad and Kathy Barnwell, Clear Lake Dental, Community First Credit Union, Jonas Energy Solutions, Katzoff and Riggs LLP, Meg Lankford - attorney at Deb Blum Law, Law Office of Dennis Fordham, Roberta and Harry Lions, Montesol and Joyce and Russell Porterfield.

Contributing wineries included Boutique Winery, Brassfield Estate Winery, Fore Family Vineyards, Gregory Graham, Langtry Estate & Vineyards, Laujor Estate Winery, Olof Cellars, R Vineyards, Shannon Ridge, Steele Wines and Wildhurst Vineyards.

Cobb Mountain musician, Scott Serena provided for the event and Boutique Winery served as a lovely venue.

The Lake County Land Trust is a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) that owns and manages several properties and Conservation Easements in Lake County. For more information about the Land Trust, go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org.