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LUCERNE, Calif. – State officials are investigating the cause of a waterfowl die-off on Clear Lake.
Last week it was reported that there was a large number of dead ducks – which appeared to be ruddy ducks – at Lucerne’s south end.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Kyle Orr told Lake County News that the agency is aware of the die-off and is involved with the inquiry into the cause.
“Samples have been collected and testing is under way at this point to confirm the cause of mortality,” he said.
“Based on the symptoms and conditions, it is suspected that avian cholera is the cause of the mortality,” Orr added.
Orr said some species – ducks, geese, swans and coots – are more susceptible to avian cholera than others.
Humans are not considered at risk, he said.
Two significant waterfowl die-offs occurred on Clear Lake in 2004 near Lakeport and 2007 on the Northshore, both attributed to avian cholera, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Last week it was reported that there was a large number of dead ducks – which appeared to be ruddy ducks – at Lucerne’s south end.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Kyle Orr told Lake County News that the agency is aware of the die-off and is involved with the inquiry into the cause.
“Samples have been collected and testing is under way at this point to confirm the cause of mortality,” he said.
“Based on the symptoms and conditions, it is suspected that avian cholera is the cause of the mortality,” Orr added.
Orr said some species – ducks, geese, swans and coots – are more susceptible to avian cholera than others.
Humans are not considered at risk, he said.
Two significant waterfowl die-offs occurred on Clear Lake in 2004 near Lakeport and 2007 on the Northshore, both attributed to avian cholera, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department has received another report of a mountain lion having been spotted near the Lakeport Unified School District’s campuses.
School administration forwarded to the Lakeport Police Department a report from a citizen who said they saw a mountain lion in the brushy area along the northern boundary of the Lakeport Unified campuses, authorities said Wednesday.
The schools currently are closed for Christmas vacation, officials said.
The person who saw the lion didn’t report it to the school until two days after the sighting. The Lakeport Police Department said that it notified patrol officers to be on the lookout and also contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for assistance in investigating the sighting.
Police said the area of the sighting was thoroughly checked for signs of mountain lion activity; no evidence was found of one actually living in the area.
However the area has significant wildlife, including deer, which are a primary food source for mountain lions, police said.
This latest mountain lion sighting was the fourth reported within the city of Lakeport this year and the second unconfirmed sighting that occurred close to the school campuses, as Lake County News has reported.
The first sighting near the schools took place in September and was reported by a parent. Police and Fish and Wildlife officers were unable to locate an animal, but schools nonetheless went into temporary lockdown over concerns of student safety.
The other two mountain lion sightings occurred in June and October.
In June, a city worker said he saw what was believed to be a young adult mountain lion in the Forbes Creek drainage south of the fairgrounds baseball fields and west of the Lakeport Public Works yard.
Then, in October, a mountain lion was seen in the forested area between Page Drive and 19th Street, traveling west toward Highway 29. Officials said it was not acting aggressive.
Police said it is unknown if this is the same lion related to all sightings.
Below is a list offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for living in and staying safe in mountain lion country, which includes Lake County:
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request “A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage” from the agency’s offices.
- Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
- Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats and other vulnerable animals.
- Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk and at night.
- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children.
- Do not approach a mountain lion.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.
- Pick up small children.
- If attacked, fight back.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
For more information visit https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Lion.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
School administration forwarded to the Lakeport Police Department a report from a citizen who said they saw a mountain lion in the brushy area along the northern boundary of the Lakeport Unified campuses, authorities said Wednesday.
The schools currently are closed for Christmas vacation, officials said.
The person who saw the lion didn’t report it to the school until two days after the sighting. The Lakeport Police Department said that it notified patrol officers to be on the lookout and also contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for assistance in investigating the sighting.
Police said the area of the sighting was thoroughly checked for signs of mountain lion activity; no evidence was found of one actually living in the area.
However the area has significant wildlife, including deer, which are a primary food source for mountain lions, police said.
This latest mountain lion sighting was the fourth reported within the city of Lakeport this year and the second unconfirmed sighting that occurred close to the school campuses, as Lake County News has reported.
The first sighting near the schools took place in September and was reported by a parent. Police and Fish and Wildlife officers were unable to locate an animal, but schools nonetheless went into temporary lockdown over concerns of student safety.
The other two mountain lion sightings occurred in June and October.
In June, a city worker said he saw what was believed to be a young adult mountain lion in the Forbes Creek drainage south of the fairgrounds baseball fields and west of the Lakeport Public Works yard.
Then, in October, a mountain lion was seen in the forested area between Page Drive and 19th Street, traveling west toward Highway 29. Officials said it was not acting aggressive.
Police said it is unknown if this is the same lion related to all sightings.
Below is a list offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for living in and staying safe in mountain lion country, which includes Lake County:
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.
- Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request “A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage” from the agency’s offices.
- Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.
- Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats and other vulnerable animals.
- Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk and at night.
- Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.
- Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.
- Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.
- Keep a close watch on small children.
- Do not approach a mountain lion.
- If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects.
- Pick up small children.
- If attacked, fight back.
- If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
For more information visit https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Lion.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lakeport Unified School District band teacher Jenni Ingram and the Clear Lake High School Jazz Band have been honored for their support of Lake County’s veterans.
Ingram and the band were recognized for their ongoing commitment to Lake County veterans at the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Konocti Vista Casino on Nov. 11, as Lake County News has reported.
John Evalle, district director, presented Ingram and the CLHS Jazz band with a framed Congressional Commendation on behalf of Congressman John Garamendi, Third District, for “their steadfast dedication and selfless commitment to serve, support, and recognize the members of our nation that swore an oath to support and defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.”
They were also presented with a “Friends of the Veterans” plaque by the Lake County Board of Supervisors and the County Veterans Service Office “for their contributions to improving the quality of life for Lake County’s veterans.”
Ingram and her jazz band members were recognized again at the Lakeport School Board Meeting on Dec. 14.
Ingram says, “We were shocked and humbled to receive the, ‘Friends of the Veterans’ and Congressional Commendation award from the County Veterans Service Office, Lake County Board of Supervisors and Congressman Garamendi,” said Ingram.
Clear Lake High School has been participating in the event for many years. According to Ingram, a true rapport has been established between local veterans and jazz band members.
“Over the years I have witnessed countless veterans go out of their way to engage our students, complimenting their performance, encouraging their goals for higher education, and offering to mentor their musical development,” she said.
A few years again two veterans, Bill Vann and Boyd Green, who play trumpet and perform “Taps” as part of the Honor Guard came to jazz rehearsal. They taught the CLHS trumpeters “Taps”, allowing them to play side by side with the Honor Guard at the Veterans Day ceremony.
Ingram is proud of her music students. “As a teacher, I was moved to hear my students repeatedly express that we go perform not for the recognition to us, but to honor our local Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.”
She added, “We are truly grateful to be considered “Friends of the Veterans” and we thank each and every veteran for their sacrifice and their service.”
There are 346 LUSD students, grades sixth through 12th, taking band daily, working on a diverse repertoire ranging from Masterworks to movie soundtracks pieces. The CLHS concert band is comprised of 118 students.
Both the CLHS Band and the Terrace Middle School Eighth 8th Grade Band will be traveling to out-of-town music festivals this year to perform.
For more information, please go to the Lakeport Unified Band Facebook page.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The new year is almost here and as the festivities continue, the California Highway Patrol wants to remind motorists to celebrate safely and responsibly by designating a sober driver.
The CHP will observe the new year with a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
All available personnel will be on duty. Not only will officers focus on keeping the motoring public safe by removing impaired drivers from the road, they will also be watching for distracted driving, speeding, and seat belt violations, as well as motorists in need of assistance.
During last year’s New Year’s Day MEP, 29 people died in collisions on California roadways. In addition, CHP officers made more than 750 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour holiday enforcement effort.
“Impaired driving is a very serious crime that puts your life and the lives of others at risk,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Let’s end this year safely and start the New Year by designating a sober driver, wearing your seat belt, and observing all traffic laws.”
With the new year comes a change in law for California.
In 2016, voters passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, more commonly referred to as Proposition 64, which legalized adult recreational use of cannabis.
“The legalization of cannabis does not change the effect it has on the central nervous system. Driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs remains illegal,” added Acting Commissioner Stanley.
The CHP urges everyone to plan a safe ride home before the parties begin.
Calling a taxi or a sober friend or family member, using public transportation or the increasingly popular ride-sharing services can be the difference between life or death.
The CHP will observe the new year with a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
All available personnel will be on duty. Not only will officers focus on keeping the motoring public safe by removing impaired drivers from the road, they will also be watching for distracted driving, speeding, and seat belt violations, as well as motorists in need of assistance.
During last year’s New Year’s Day MEP, 29 people died in collisions on California roadways. In addition, CHP officers made more than 750 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour holiday enforcement effort.
“Impaired driving is a very serious crime that puts your life and the lives of others at risk,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Let’s end this year safely and start the New Year by designating a sober driver, wearing your seat belt, and observing all traffic laws.”
With the new year comes a change in law for California.
In 2016, voters passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, more commonly referred to as Proposition 64, which legalized adult recreational use of cannabis.
“The legalization of cannabis does not change the effect it has on the central nervous system. Driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs remains illegal,” added Acting Commissioner Stanley.
The CHP urges everyone to plan a safe ride home before the parties begin.
Calling a taxi or a sober friend or family member, using public transportation or the increasingly popular ride-sharing services can be the difference between life or death.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County’s sheriff will head to Southern California later this week to participate in the 129th annual Rose Parade.
The famed parade, which takes place in Pasadena, will be televised beginning at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. This year’s theme is “Making A Difference.”
Sheriff Brian Martin said he will appear on the Farmers Insurance “Hometown Heroes” float.
He said Farmers Insurance asked the state fire council for suggestions on who should be featured on the float. The council in turn asked Cal Fire, and Cal Fire asked him.
Martin, now in his third year as sheriff, also heads up Lake County’s Office of Emergency Services.
He’s been lauded for his leadership in dealing with natural and fire disasters in each of his three years as sheriff.
In 2015, the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires combined burned more than 170,000 acres, mostly in Lake County. Those fire were followed in 2016 by the Clayton fire and the Sulphur fire in October.
Early this year, the Office of Emergency Services also was involved in managing the response to Clear Lake’s severe winter flooding.
During the Rose Parade, Martin will ride on the float along with firefighters from Pasadena involved in fighting Southern California’s devastating fires, US Forest Service members and personnel from other agencies.
“It is pretty cool,” Martin said.
Martin said he’ll head down to Pasadena on Dec. 30 to participate in the parade.
For more information about the parade visit https://www.tournamentofroses.com/rose-parade.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The famed parade, which takes place in Pasadena, will be televised beginning at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. This year’s theme is “Making A Difference.”
Sheriff Brian Martin said he will appear on the Farmers Insurance “Hometown Heroes” float.
He said Farmers Insurance asked the state fire council for suggestions on who should be featured on the float. The council in turn asked Cal Fire, and Cal Fire asked him.
Martin, now in his third year as sheriff, also heads up Lake County’s Office of Emergency Services.
He’s been lauded for his leadership in dealing with natural and fire disasters in each of his three years as sheriff.
In 2015, the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires combined burned more than 170,000 acres, mostly in Lake County. Those fire were followed in 2016 by the Clayton fire and the Sulphur fire in October.
Early this year, the Office of Emergency Services also was involved in managing the response to Clear Lake’s severe winter flooding.
During the Rose Parade, Martin will ride on the float along with firefighters from Pasadena involved in fighting Southern California’s devastating fires, US Forest Service members and personnel from other agencies.
“It is pretty cool,” Martin said.
Martin said he’ll head down to Pasadena on Dec. 30 to participate in the parade.
For more information about the parade visit https://www.tournamentofroses.com/rose-parade.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County Winegrape Commission and Lake County Winery Association have announced Lake County will be host to a world-class event – the Sauvignon Blanc Experience – scheduled for May 4 to 5.
The event will be held on the grounds of Chacewater Winery in Kelseyville.
The International Symposium will take place on Friday, May 4, to be followed on Saturday, May 5, by the Grand Tasting.
This event will bring together winemakers, sommeliers, grape growers, buyers and wine enthusiasts for two days of learning, presentations, technical tastings and trials, and food and wine pairings.
The two-day event will feature a trade-focused International Symposium on May 4 and a consumer-focused Grand Tasting on May 5.
The International Symposium is supported by community partners such as University of California, Davis, and geared toward a technical audience. It will feature a prestigious lineup of presenters and panelists.
The highlight will be a keynote presentation by Jean Michel Boursiquot, an international authority on plant material and professor of ampelography with the Institute for Higher Education in Vine and Wine, Montpellier Sup Agro in France.
Monsieur Boursiquot will provide an overview of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal and discuss where it fits in the wine family and the cultural differences from Loire and Bordeaux.
“It makes sense to hold this event in the epicenter of Sauvignon Blanc winegrowing in California,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission, which is underwriting the event. “We’re excited to bring people together from around the world for an in-depth exchange of information on a varietal that is so important on a global scale.”
The Lake County Winegrape Commission previously hosted two International Sauvignon Blanc Symposia in 2002 and 2005.
“Lake County winegrowers are some of the most experienced Sauvignon Blanc growers in the country,” Sommerfield said. “Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first varietals they reached for when post-Prohibition replanting began in earnest 50 years ago.”
The Lake County winegrowing region, part of the North Coast AVA, has long been known for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc fruit and today makes up approximately 14 percent of California’s Sauvignon Blanc acreage.
The commission and its collaborative host partner, the Lake County Winery Association, are building on the success of the previous events and the varietal’s new-found popularity. For 2018, the event has been expanded to include a consumer-focused Grand Tasting.
“Sauvignon Blanc has been gaining in popularity among U.S. consumers faster than just about any other wine, according to Nielsen data,” said Maria Brunn, executive director of the Lake County Winery Association. “Sauvignon Blanc has always been a favorite among viticulturalists and winemakers due to its versatility. And now, with the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Experience, consumers can experience the vast breadth of expression as well, with wines at the Grand Tasting ranging in style from bright and crisp to lush and creamy.”
The Grand Tasting will feature Sauvignon Blanc wines from across California, as well as from producers throughout the United States and around the world, providing consumers an opportunity to compare the style and character of Sauvignon Blanc wines grown in some of its most important regions.
Individual wineries and regional associations interested in pouring at the Grand Tasting are encouraged to contact organizers atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Custom-branded event sponsorship opportunities also are available.
Registration and online ticket sales will kick off in early February. Preliminary program information is available online at www.sauvignonblancexperience.com.
The event will be held on the grounds of Chacewater Winery in Kelseyville.
The International Symposium will take place on Friday, May 4, to be followed on Saturday, May 5, by the Grand Tasting.
This event will bring together winemakers, sommeliers, grape growers, buyers and wine enthusiasts for two days of learning, presentations, technical tastings and trials, and food and wine pairings.
The two-day event will feature a trade-focused International Symposium on May 4 and a consumer-focused Grand Tasting on May 5.
The International Symposium is supported by community partners such as University of California, Davis, and geared toward a technical audience. It will feature a prestigious lineup of presenters and panelists.
The highlight will be a keynote presentation by Jean Michel Boursiquot, an international authority on plant material and professor of ampelography with the Institute for Higher Education in Vine and Wine, Montpellier Sup Agro in France.
Monsieur Boursiquot will provide an overview of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal and discuss where it fits in the wine family and the cultural differences from Loire and Bordeaux.
“It makes sense to hold this event in the epicenter of Sauvignon Blanc winegrowing in California,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission, which is underwriting the event. “We’re excited to bring people together from around the world for an in-depth exchange of information on a varietal that is so important on a global scale.”
The Lake County Winegrape Commission previously hosted two International Sauvignon Blanc Symposia in 2002 and 2005.
“Lake County winegrowers are some of the most experienced Sauvignon Blanc growers in the country,” Sommerfield said. “Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first varietals they reached for when post-Prohibition replanting began in earnest 50 years ago.”
The Lake County winegrowing region, part of the North Coast AVA, has long been known for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc fruit and today makes up approximately 14 percent of California’s Sauvignon Blanc acreage.
The commission and its collaborative host partner, the Lake County Winery Association, are building on the success of the previous events and the varietal’s new-found popularity. For 2018, the event has been expanded to include a consumer-focused Grand Tasting.
“Sauvignon Blanc has been gaining in popularity among U.S. consumers faster than just about any other wine, according to Nielsen data,” said Maria Brunn, executive director of the Lake County Winery Association. “Sauvignon Blanc has always been a favorite among viticulturalists and winemakers due to its versatility. And now, with the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Experience, consumers can experience the vast breadth of expression as well, with wines at the Grand Tasting ranging in style from bright and crisp to lush and creamy.”
The Grand Tasting will feature Sauvignon Blanc wines from across California, as well as from producers throughout the United States and around the world, providing consumers an opportunity to compare the style and character of Sauvignon Blanc wines grown in some of its most important regions.
Individual wineries and regional associations interested in pouring at the Grand Tasting are encouraged to contact organizers at
Registration and online ticket sales will kick off in early February. Preliminary program information is available online at www.sauvignonblancexperience.com.