LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Democratic Party of Lake County will host a gathering at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 28, to watch the acceptance speech for the party's nominee for president at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The event will be held at the United Democratic Party's campaign headquarters at 390 N. Main St. in Lakeport.

Appetizers and drinks will be served. There is no cost to attend.

Democratic campaign gear will be available for a donation.

For more information This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-533-4885, or https://www.facebook.com/LakeCountyDemocrats/ .

Are pomegranates really the superfood we've been led to believe will counteract the aging process?

Up to now, scientific proof has been fairly weak. And some controversial marketing tactics have led to skepticism as well.

A team of scientists from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale De Lausanne, or EPFL, and the company Amazentis wanted to explore the issue by taking a closer look at the secrets of this plump pink fruit.

They discovered that a molecule in pomegranates, transformed by microbes in the gut, enables muscle cells to protect themselves against one of the major causes of aging. In nematodes and rodents, the effect is nothing short of amazing.

Human clinical trials are currently under way, but these initial findings have already been published in the journal Nature Medicine.

As we age, our cells increasingly struggle to recycle their powerhouses.

Called mitochondria, these inner compartments are no longer able to carry out their vital function, thus accumulate in the cell. This degradation affects the health of many tissues, including muscles, which gradually weaken over the years.

A buildup of dysfunctional mitochondria is also suspected of playing a role in other diseases of aging, such as Parkinson's disease.

One molecule plays David against the Goliath of aging

The scientists identified a molecule that, all by itself, managed to re-establish the cell's ability to recycle the components of the defective mitochondria: urolithin A.

“It's the only known molecule that can relaunch the mitochondrial clean-up process, otherwise known as mitophagy,” said Patrick Aebischer, co-author on the study. “It's a completely natural substance, and its effect is powerful and measurable.”

The team started out by testing their hypothesis on the usual suspect: the nematode C. elegans. It's a favorite test subject among aging experts, because after just 8-10 days it's already considered elderly. The lifespan of worms exposed to urolithin A increased by more than 45% compared with the control group.

These initial encouraging results led the team to test the molecule on animals that have more in common with humans. In the rodent studies, like with C. elegans, a significant reduction in the number of mitochondria was observed, indicating that a robust cellular recycling process was taking place. Older mice, around two years of age, showed 42% better endurance while running than equally old mice in the control group.

Human testing under way

Before heading out to stock up on pomegranates, however, it's worth noting that the fruit doesn't itself contain the miracle molecule, but rather its precursor. That molecule is converted into urolithin A by the microbes that inhabit the intestine.

Because of this, the amount of urolithin A produced can vary widely, depending on the species of animal and the flora present in the gut microbiome. Some individuals don't produce any at all. If you're one of the unlucky ones, it's possible that pomegranate juice won't do you any good.

For those without the right microbes in their guts, however, the scientists are already working on a solution.

The study's co-authors founded a start-up company, Amazentis, which has developed a method to deliver finely calibrated doses of urolithin A. The company is currently conducting first clinical trials testing the molecule in humans in European hospitals.

Darwin at your service: parallel evolution makes good dinner partners According to study co-author Johan Auwerx, it would be surprising if urolithin A weren't effective in humans. “Species that are evolutionarily quite distant, such as C elegans and the rat, react to the same substance in the same way. That's a good indication that we're touching here on an essential mechanism in living organisms.”

Urolithin A's function is the product of tens of millions of years of parallel evolution between plants, bacteria and animals.

According to Chris Rinsch, co-author and CEO of Amazentis, this evolutionary process explains the molecule's effectiveness: “Precursors to urolithin A are found not only in pomegranates, but also in smaller amounts in many nuts and berries. Yet for it to be produced in our intestines, the bacteria must be able to break down what we're eating. When, via digestion, a substance is produced that is of benefit to us, natural selection favors both the bacteria involved and their host. Our objective is to follow strict clinical validations, so that everyone can benefit from the result of these millions of years of evolution.”

The EPFL scientists' approach provides a whole new palette of opportunities to fight the muscular degeneration that takes place as we age, and possibly also to counteract other effects of aging.

By helping the body to renew itself, urolithin A could well succeed where so many pharmaceutical products, most of which have tried to increase muscle mass, have failed.

Auwerx, who has also published a recent discovery about the anti-aging effects of another molecule in the journal Science, emphasizes the game-changing importance of these studies. “The nutritional approach opens up territory that traditional pharma has never explored. It's a true shift in the scientific paradigm.”

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Land Trust, founded in 1994, is updating its logo, signs and printed materials, and is pleased to be using a beautiful and evocative design by local publisher and graphic artist, Gaye Allen.

Allen first created the design, which features an iconic red-winged blackbird perched on cattails with a Western Grebe swimming nearby, for the Land Trust’s fundraising campaign for its Big Valley Wetlands project, an effort aimed at preserving and protecting the stretch of Clear Lake’s shoreline between the Clear Lake State Park and south Lakeport.

The effort has been an ongoing project and is intended to save some of the last remaining wetlands and tule marshes on Clear Lake through fee-title purchase and conservation easements.

The Land Trust is working with the Department of Fish and Wildlife on this goal and has developed a conceptual area protection plan that has been approved by the Wildlife Conservation Board to achieve this purpose.

The new logo was initially featured as the graphics for a “thermometer” type display showing how much money had been donated to the effort for the purchase of the initial “keystone” property of the project.

Board members and land trust supporters liked the display so much that it was decided to transform the image into the new Land Trust logo to be featured on letterheads, future newsletters, stationary, and the Land Trust’s Web site and Facebook pages.

The transition will be gradual as there are many items that need to be updated.

Allen, a resident of Cobb since 2010 and a former member of the Lake County Land Trust Board of Directors, has an impressive career in publishing and graphic design.

Originally from England, she founded her own company, Meadowlark Publishing, in 2010, but has been a book designer and publisher for more than 30 years.

She has published high-quality illustrated coffee table books and for 10 years was the vice president and creative director of San Francisco-based publisher Weldon Owen, which specializes in producing branded book programs for organizations such as Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, The Body Shop, Gymboree, 3M, Hallmark and more.

Locally she has published The Lake County Wine Guide, a comprehensive guide to the vineyards and wineries of Lake County and also published a custom souvenir book for the beautiful and luxurious historical Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake.

“The Land Trust is so fortunate to have the expertise of someone like Gaye to help us improve our look and our brand authority,” said Land Trust President Val Nixon. “We truly appreciate her expertise and her generosity.”

For more information about the Lake County Land Trust, go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org .

UKIAH, Calif. – The North Coast Opportunities Governing Board will meet on Wednesday, July 27.

The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. at 413 N. State St. in Ukiah.

Unless otherwise indicated, the times listed are approximate, and are intended for time management purposes only.

The discussion of any item may begin prior to the designated time, and may be considered in a different order.
                  
Timed items are as follows:

2 p.m.: Call to order.
2:05 p.m.: Public comment.
2:10 p.m.: Consent agenda.
2:15 p.m.: HSCDP approval of program planning document.
2:25 p.m.: HSCDP shared governance document.
2:35 p.m.: HSCDP enrollment and eligibility training.
3:05 p.m.: CHNA Mendo/Lake County presentations.
3:45 p.m.: NCO Governing Board ad hoc committee – bylaw review.
3:55 p.m.: Ad hoc improvement committee report and recommendations.
4:05 p.m.: NCO Governing Board vacancies.
4:10 p.m.: Executive director report.
4:15 p.m.: HR/Finance meeting report.
4:20 p.m.: Brief reports and announcements.
4:25 p.m.: Parking lot presentation of topics for consideration/future agenda item).
4:30 p.m.: Adjourn to closed session for a discussion on Head Start, PPC responsibilities and guidelines, and management gaps.

For information, or if you need disability modification or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the NCO executive assistant 48 hours before the meeting at 707-467-3210.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – What’s the draw with blind tasting wine?

Seems like many people are fascinated by it if past Lake County People’s Choice events are any indication. Attendees flock to the blind tasting tables for a pour and then sniff, swirl, and taste like the experts.
 
The 2016 People’s Choice Wine Tasting sponsored by the Lake County Winery Association (LCWA) is coming up on Saturday, July 30, and will feature a blind tasting and an opportunity to taste wines that were awarded gold medals in the 2016 Lake County Wine Competition before voting for the People’s Choice in both categories.

The event will be held at Moore Family Winery, 11990 Bottle Rock Road, in Kelseyville.

Offering 360 degree views of Cobb Mountain and almost 3,000 feet in elevation, this is the coolest (F°) place in Lake County on a hot July day!
 
The fun will begin with blind tasting from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Moore Family Winery Tasting Room.

This year, it will focus on Lake County Sauvignon Blanc with wines from 13 producers.

Sauvignon Blanc is the second most widely grown varietal in Lake County and one that is synonymous with the region in many consumers’ minds.

Julie Hoskins from Chic le Chef will educate tasters on the art of preparing food pairings that compliment this varietal, and offer delectable bites during the blind tasting.
 
Fourteen wineries will be pouring a selection of their gold medal winners on the back patio. Lake County olive oil producers Rosa d’Oro, Villa Barone, and Sunset Ranch will offer samples and sales of their olive oils.

Music, food, and a chance to mug for the camera will add to the fun. Take home your I Voted button plus recipes and more. Results from the voting for the People’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc and the People’s Choice Gold Medal wine will be announced during the event.
 
Tickets for the People’s Choice can be purchased online at www.lakecountywineries.org/choice .

Tasting tickets are $40 advance purchase and $45 at the door. Designated driver tickets are $10 and will include all of the fun except the wine. A special “Save 20 percent - Buy a Pair of Tasting Tickets” is available as a ticket option through July 24.
 
The Lake County Wine Awards Competition was started in 2009 as the exclusive competition for wines made with Lake County winegrapes and labeled with a Lake County appellation. During the first and second year, the competition was fashioned as a People’s Choice Wine Awards competition. The public was invited to blind taste the wines and select the winners.
 
In 2011, the Competition evolved into a professional wine-judging competition with a panel of wine judges. The 2016 Competition was held in June at Langtry Estates. Judges tasted over 125 wines, and awarded six wines with the coveted sweepstakes awards plus 16 best of class, and a total of 97 gold, silver, and bronze awards.
 
LCWA is planning a celebration of Lake County wines during September, California Wine Month. Look for Lake County wines in the new wine pavilion at the Kelseyville Pear Festival and ask for Lake County wines at your favorite restaurant during this month long celebration of the region.

December will feature the popular Give the Gift of Wine holiday events at Lake County wineries for holiday shopping including a chance to purchase tickets to the 2017 Lake County Wine Adventure. Visit www.lakecountywineries.org for the latest information on upcoming events.
 
LCWA works to promote the wines of Lake County’s high elevation region. Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship, or membership opportunities, call 707-357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The Hidden Valley Lake Ladies 40-9ers Golf Club has kept up a busy schedule of events in July.

On July 7, the group played nine holes and awarded the captain's trophy for the lowest net score for the month and putter of the month to Joy Ryan.

Results for that day's play are as follows:

– First flight: First place, Joy Ryan, net 30, putts 14; second place, Mariana Bendinelli, net 37, putts 16.

– Second flight: First place, Liz Cummesky, net 32, putts 17; second place, Marla Peterson, net 43, putts 21; third place, Kit Hoss, net 44, putts 21.

– Third flight: First place, Linda Millard, net 38, putts 18; second place, Darcy Miller, net 40, putts 22; third place, Diana Schneider, net 41, putts 19.

The group followed up on July 14 with another nine holes.

Results were:

– First flight: First place, Nancy Erickson, net 34; second place (tie), Adele Curtin and Bonnie Eagleton, 37.

– Second flight: First place, Mariana Bendinelli, 30; second place, Kit Hoss, 37; third place, Julia Yamashita, 45.

– Third flight: First place, Marla Peterson, 32; second place, Floydean Greenlow, 41.

– Fourth flight: First place, Linda Millard, 37; second place, Pat Bright, 47.

Dorianne Laux, who lives in North Carolina, is one of our country's most distinguished poets, and here's a poignant poem about a family resemblance. It's from her book Smoke, from BOA Editions.

Ray at 14

Bless this boy, born with the strong face
of my older brother, the one I loved most,
who jumped with me from the roof
of the playhouse, my hand in his hand.
On Friday nights we watched Twilight Zone
and he let me hold the bowl of popcorn,
a blanket draped over our shoulders,
saying, Don't be afraid. I was never afraid
when I was with my big brother
who let me touch the baseball-size muscles
living in his arms, who carried me on his back
through the lonely neighborhood,
held tight to the fender of my bike
until I made him let go.
The year he was fourteen
he looked just like Ray, and when he died
at twenty-two on a roadside in Germany
I thought he was gone forever.
But Ray runs into the kitchen: dirty T-shirt,
torn jeans, pushes back his sleeve.
He says, Feel my muscle, and I do.

American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation ( www.poetryfoundation.org ), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They do not accept unsolicited submissions. Poem copyright ©2000 by Dorianne Laux, “Ray at 14,” (Smoke, BOA Editions, 2000. Poem reprinted by permission of BOA Editions, Ltd. Introduction copyright © 2016 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Drivers are urged to be aware of roadwork to take place in Clearlake on Monday, July 25.

The Clearlake Police Department said curb, gutter and sidewalk will be installed in front of Foods Etc. and the northwest corner of the Live Well clinic in the 15000 block of Lakeshore Drive.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Northern California engineering and consulting firm LACO Associates (LACO) has announced a change in management leadership and additions to their staff.

Mike Nelson, AICP is the newly elected president and chief executive officer. Christopher Watt, CEG, CHG of Ukiah, will continue to support the president in his role as vice president.

Rodney Wilburn, PE of Willits has joined as the civil engineering director. The firm also welcomes Will Dawson of Sebastopol and Bryan Holmes of Santa Rosa.

“I am enthusiastic about the future of LACO while building on our 60 year legacy,” said Nelson. “LACO is more prepared than ever to take on the complex challenges of planning, engineering, and geotechnical projects. We are on track for expansion in the North Bay and Ukiah areas. This is certainly an exciting and dynamic time for this firm.”

LACO Associates Inc. is a multidisciplinary consulting firm providing integrated solutions for development, infrastructure and geo-environmental projects.

LACO was founded in 1954, incorporated in 1972, and has offices in Eureka, Ukiah and Santa Rosa.

The firm offers professional consulting services throughout Northern California in the following disciplines: civil engineering; site design; planning, permitting, and environmental compliance; geology and geotechnical engineering; environmental science; and materials testing and special inspection.

For more information, visit www.lacoassociates.com or phone 707-443-5054.