I read the article about Lake County in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat (“A community in crisis”), and the truth is not told purely in facts and figures.

Lake County is a wonderful community and home to many who take pride in the place they call home.

The article states that Lake County relies heavily on tourism, winegrapes and real estate, and that all three sectors were hit hard. Where weren’t they hit hard?

Why does it not state in the article that as a community we have pulled together and are making great strides in keeping our dollars local.

We encourage the fine residents of this beautiful place to shop local, and there are many business owners who I am sure will state that yes, most of their business is local, and that perhaps the total volume of local shopping has increased.

And to further that, the tourism trade we usually experience is not a “lower income” group. We have people visit here from across the globe, and many who visit decide this is a better and more economical place to live.

Sure, businesses have seen the pinch, but that is everywhere. Sure, we have unemployment, but that is everywhere. We have high foreclosures, lack in tourism, stressed economic times, but that is EVERYWHERE.

We invite you to come to Lake County again, and get a broader perspective on things than just numbers and negativity.

Jamie Jourdan lives in Lucerne.