April 24 Issue | Cloverdale Connect

Cream of Asparagus and Sweet Roasted Italian Pepper Soup Recipe

vickie — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:47:07 +0000

Cooking with David Maciel

Sponsored by Ray’s Food Place, Furber Plaza

April brings fresh asparagus and I love to make soup with the tender ends. I add roasted sweet Italian peppers to kick up the flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 slices of bacon diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 medium shallots, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• kosher salt and pepper
• 2 pounds asparagus spears, cut into pieces with stems removed
• 8 ounces roasted sweet peppers, skinned & seeded
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• ½ cup heavy cream, plus more for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• crumbled feta cheese & bacon bits for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot on low heat cook the bacon until it’s just crispy. Spoon out and save for later. Add the butter,
shallots, garlic and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the asparagus and dill. Cook for another 5 minutes. Add the sweet peppers and the stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce it to a simmer and cook until the asparagus is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a blender carefully (or use an immersion blender) and blend until pureed. Pour it back into the pot and heat over low heat.
Stir in the cream and lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve with a few drops of cream on top and the top of an asparagus spear! Sprinkle on crumbled feta for garnish.

2024 Elections ~ City of Cloverdale 4-24

vickie — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:40:19 +0000

Here is an update on the recent primary elections held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, plus valuable information regarding the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election often referred to as the Presidential Election, as well as crucial details for those interested in running for a seat on the Cloverdale City Council.

Primary Elections Recap:
The primary elections held on March 5th earlier this month marked a pivotal moment in our community’s democratic process. Voters turned out to cast their ballots and voice their preferences for candidates vying for positions of leadership in the State Assembly as well as Measure H, which would approve a sales tax for local emergency services and disaster response.

The primary elections are essential as they narrow down the field of candidates, allowing the top contenders to advance to the General Municipal Election in November. The City of Cloverdale is situated within the 2nd District of the State Assembly. The top two leading candidates for State Assembly will face a runoff in the November 5 General Elections. At the time of writing this article, Measure H appears to have garnered over 60% approval on its way to becoming enacted. Measure H is expected to enable the Cloverdale Fire Department to hire additional full time firefighters and much needed emergency equipment.

Preparations for November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election:
There are two seats on the Cloverdale City Council that will open for election on the November 5 Election. In addition, Cloverdale will be considering whether to place various ballot measures before registered voters in the city including whether to update the City’s Urban Growth Boundary and a potential revenue measure.

Interested in Running for Council?
If you’re considering a run for the Cloverdale City Council, now is the time to take action. To become a qualified candidate, you must adhere to specific guidelines and timelines. The Nomination Period is a critical window during which prospective candidates must fulfill necessary requirements to ensure their eligibility.

Qualification/Nomination Process
In order to be elected into public office, all interested candidates must become a Qualified Candidate (including write-in candidates). In order to become qualified, eligible candidates must make an appointment with the Elections Official during the Nomination Period. At this meeting, potential candidates will review the virtual Candidate’s Guide and the mandatory nomination forms / papers which must be filed prior to the end of the nomination period.

Nomination Period (2024)
July 15, 2024 at 8 a.m. through August 9, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Cloverdale City Clerk Mike Maloney serves as the City’s Election Official, and is responsible for managing this essential aspect of the electoral process:
1. Establishing Procedures: The City Clerk, in collaboration with the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters and in accordance with state and local laws, establishes procedures and guidelines for the qualification and nomination of candidates. These procedures ensure transparency, fairness, and
adherence to legal requirements throughout the process.
2. Providing Information: The City Clerk serves as a primary point

of contact for prospective candidates, providing them with comprehensive information about eligibility requirements, nomination procedures, and key deadlines. This information is crucial for ensuring that candidates understand the steps they need to take to run for office.

3. Accepting Nomination Papers: During the designated nomination period, the City Clerk is responsible for accepting nomination papers from candidates seeking to run for local office. Nomination papers typically include forms and documents that demonstrate the candidate’s eligibility and support for their candidacy, such as nomination petitions and statements of qualifications.

4. Reviewing Candidate Qualifications: Upon receiving nomination papers, the City Clerk carefully reviews the documents to ensure that candidates meet all eligibility requirements specified by law and municipal ordinances. This may include verifying the candidate’s residency status, age, voter registration, and any other relevant criteria.

5. Certifying Qualified Candidates: Once the review process is complete and it is determined that a candidate meets all necessary qualifications, the City Clerk certifies them as a qualified candidate for the upcoming election. This certification signifies that the candidate has met the legal requirements to appear on the ballot.

6. Facilitating Ballot Placement: After certifying qualified candidates, the City Clerk coordinates with election officials to ensure that their names appear correctly on the ballot. This involves overseeing the printing and distribution of ballots and providing instructions to voters on how to cast their votes.

7. Providing Public Notice: Throughout the qualification and nomination process, the City Clerk is responsible for providing public notice of key dates, deadlines, and requirements related to candidate eligibility and the election itself. This ensures that residents are informed and have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

Our City Clerk plays a central role in upholding the integrity and efficiency of the qualification and nomination process for local elections. By administering procedures fairly and transparently, the City Clerk helps to ensure that candidates have equal opportunities to participate in the democratic process and that voters can make informed choices at the ballot box.

Stay Informed and Engaged:
Potential candidates should review the new digital Candidate Guide prepared by the City Clerk, available at www.cloverdale.net/24candidateguide, or simply scan the QR Code. This comprehensive guide outlines essential information, including eligibility criteria, nomination procedures, and key deadlines. Familiarizing yourself with these details is the first step towards a successful candidacy.

General Municipal Election Information:
For comprehensive information regarding the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election, including details about local ballot measures, voter resources, and campaign guidelines, please visit www.cloverdale.net/elections. This dedicated webpage will serve as your go-to resource as we approach the election date. Be sure to check back regularly for updates and important announcements.

Your participation in the electoral process is vital. Whether you’re casting your vote, considering a run for office, or simply staying informed about local governance, your engagement contributes to the vibrancy and strength of our city. According to the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters’ March 5, 2024 Registration Report, Cloverdale has 5,339 registered voters – every individual vote truly does make a signiﬁcant impact on the results. Your vote matters!

Celebrate Susi Laurice

vickie — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:31:32 +0000

1946 – 2024

Mary Susan Laurice, best known as “Susi,” passed away at home in Yorkville surrounded by her family on January 30, 2024. Susi was born in Evanston, Illinois on December 8, 1946, and grew up in Chicago. Newly married, in 1968, Susi and her husband, Doug, moved to Berkeley where Doug attended law school and Susi went to work. Doug and Susi lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years while Doug was practicing law in San Francisco and Palo Alto. Over the years Susi worked as a Rating Clerk for Matson and various other shipping companies. When she was not raising her family, Susi occasionally returned to the workplace, often to the shipping business.

When the family moved to Anderson Valley in 2001, Susi was reluctant to accept the drastic change in lifestyle. It was not unusual for Susi to tell friends “It’s 20 minutes into town and you are still nowhere!” That said, Susi eventually made this her home. Susi was outgoing and had a great sense of humor. Eventually she gathered a good-sized circle of friends. Although Susi was not one to join organizations, many of her friendships came through Doug’s participation with the Cloverdale Lions Club, Cloverdale Druids, The Cloverdale Historical Society and the Cloverdale Roadrunners Club. Susi worked hard on projects she enjoyed. For years she worked behind the scenes on the Lion’s Club Citrus Fair exhibit. Most importantly, she worked from beginning to end each year with Iris Konic and others carrying out the Christmas Wish program.

Susi was a devoted crafter. Gifts from Susi were usually handmade. Susi loved animals, especially her dogs. Susi’s
handmade dog beds are scattered throughout the country, but especially locally.

Susi is survived by her husband, Doug Laurice, her son, David Laurice, and daughter-in-law, Melissa Laurice, of Cloverdale, her daughter, Angela Laurice, of Fort Collins, Colorado, and her Grandson, Ian Marron, also of Fort
Collins.

Susi’s family and friends are all invited to attend a Celebration of Life and Open House on April 13, 2024 at the Druids Hall, 1-4 pm. Come and go as you wish. Hopefully we will share some food, sip some wine and share some laughter and memories.

April 24 Editor’s Note

vickie — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 22:27:06 +0000

The warmth of the spring sun feels so good after our rainy winter. Now it’s time to haul out the outdoor cushions, the shade umbrellas, sweep the patio, clean out the fountain, make some iced tea and grab a good book. I just finished Sir Patrick Stewart’s book and now I’ve started William Barr’s book. I love it when I’m out in the garden reading and I can feel the hummingbirds swooping around my head and over to the feeders while the fountain water splashes in the background.

We hope you enjoy this expanded issue of Cloverdale Connect, as April is our Gardening issue and there is so much to share with you.

I’ll see you around town!

Dana