Site Content

Good afternoon everyone. My name is Brad Rasmussen, and I am honored to serve as the District 4 Supervisor for the County of Lake, California.

First, I want to sincerely thank Matthew Rothstein, his wife Jill, their family, and Trio Americana for bringing this beautiful concert to our community today in support of the Clear Lake Gleaners—Lake County’s food bank. Your generosity, talent, and commitment to service truly make a difference.

Food insecurity is a very real and significant issue here in Lake County. In fact, more than 16,300 of our residents—nearly 25 percent of our population—rely on federal SNAP benefits, as well as local food banks and pantries, just to meet their basic needs. These are our neighbors, our families, and our friends.

Last month, your Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $140,000 in additional county funding, channeled through the Redwood Empire Food Bank, to help provide more food for the Clear Lake Gleaners and other local pantries operated by churches and community organizations. That funding has made an immediate impact, but it will run out around Christmas, and the need will continue well beyond that. That is why gatherings like this one—and the generosity of everyone here today—are so important.

Because this cause matters so deeply, I want to announce today that in addition to what this concert raises for the Clear Lake Gleaners, I am committing an additional $15,000 in District 4 discretionary funds to help address food insecurity in our county as we head into 2026.

Lake County has always stepped up to take care of its people. And when I say “we,” I mean people like you—people who understand what community truly means.

We are sitting in a building that represents community. This historic theater has been a gathering place for decades—first as a movie theater and now as an event center hosting concerts, town halls, educational events, forums, and summits, all for the benefit of our community. A full restoration is underway, including ADA improvements and upgraded restrooms. While great progress has been made, at least another half-million dollars is still needed to complete the project.

To help do our part, I am also announcing today that I will be providing an additional $15,000 in District 4 discretionary funds to go directly to the Soper-Reese Theatre restoration fund.

Thank you all for being here, for supporting one another, and for showing once again what makes Lake County such a special place to call home.