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A bill to require that presidential candidates produce their birth certificate in order to be included on California’s ballot passed the State Senate late Wednesday and now moves on to the State Assembly.
SB 149 – the Presidential Tax Transparency & Accountability Act – was written by Sen. Mike McGuire, whose district includes Lake County, and Sen. Scott Wiener.
The bill moved forward despite a last minute attempt by California Senate Republicans to amend the bill to include a requirement that presidential candidates produce their birth certificate in order to be included on California’s ballot.
While McGuire said he was pleased that the bill moved forward, “It’s frankly astounding to me that some Republican senators would align themselves with one of the most racist attacks on a sitting president in modern history,” he said.
“Everyone knows that President Trump used the birth certificate issue against President Obama as a dog whistle to white supremacist groups. The truth is that we have never elected a president who was not a citizen. That has never been a problem and does not require a solution,” said McGuire.
“But we have elected a president – and he is currently in office – who has serious conflicts of interest that are endangering our national security and who is consistently violating ethical norms to enrich himself and his family. That’s a very serious problem which does require a solution – and the solution is SB 149,” he said.
SB 149 will require basic tax information to be shared with the American public and require that all presidential candidates release the last five years of their tax returns in order to appear on the California ballot.
The returns would also be made available to the public on the California Secretary of State Office’s Web site.
California is leading the way as states across the country move forward with similar legislation mandating the release of returns.
“The trust of the American people in our government is being shaken with each revelation coming out of Washington about contacts, connections, and possible collusion between the Trump administration and Russian officials,” said Sen. Wiener. “While we can’t change what’s happened or how we got here, we can start doing the hard work to rebuild that trust by ensuring transparency and accountability from future presidential candidates. Passing SB 149 will help us to make sure the interests of the American public come before all else.”
Contrary to what President Donald Trump has stated in public – that Americans don’t care about his tax returns – 74 percent of respondents in national polls on the issue believe President Trump should release his tax returns.
Prior to Trump’s refusal to release any tax returns, for more than 40 years every president since Jimmy Carter had released at least one year of tax returns.
During the 2016 Presidential election, Hillary Clinton (Democratic) and Jill Stein (Green) both released their tax returns.
Following the bill’s 27-13 vote in the Senate on Wednesday, it was ordered to move on to the Assembly.
On Thursday it began its progress through the Assembly with a first reading, according to state legislative records.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Rose Family Preschool Program in Lakeport held its graduation ceremony on May 24 before a large crowd of family and friends.
The 17 graduates presented a 45-minute performance, singing a collection of songs they had learned throughout the school year.
Their final song, “The Little Caterpillar,” told of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, spreading its wings and learning to fly.
The students start their beginning preschool program as a caterpillar and return the second year as butterflies for the pre-k program before flying off to kindergarten.
Instructor Martha Rose honored each child with special individual awards for their classroom achievements during the year.
The class “Student of the Year” academic awards went to Jemma Thompson and Joshua Ponce in the “Butterfly” class and to Emma McKay in the “Caterpillar” class.
Rose adorned each student with invisible wings using her “magic rose” and then presented diplomas to all her students.
Each child was then given a real butterfly for a special butterfly release signifying their metamorphosis.
A cake decorated with butterflies and caterpillars was served after the program to celebrate their special day.
Rose has been a licensed daycare provider with a preschool program for the past 30 years.
Classes for student’s ages 3 to 5 years will be starting in September with limited openings.
Call 707-263-3283 for more information.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – This weekend the Middletown Art Center is kicking off a yearlong art project and opening its newest art exhibit.
“Five dollars for a five-hour art class – you simply can’t beat that!” said Lisa Kaplan, executive director at the Middletown Art Center, or MAC.
This is a call for the public to come to MAC and, for $5, participate, collaborate and create every first through fourth Saturday in “Resilience.”
“Resilience” is a year-long project that culminates with county-wide exhibits, a chapbook of writings and images, spoken word performances and other community events.
The project is funded through a Local Impact grant from the California Arts Council with additional local business and community support.
Classes kick off this weekend with the first Saturday of the month dedicated to photography. Cell phone cameras are just fine for this class.
Poetry/written and spoken word follow on the second Saturday each month. On Sunday, June 18, painting will be offered due to Middletown Days, but generally the third Saturday will be devoted to painting and the fourth to drawing/printmaking.
MAC instructors will work in teams and take turns leading classes so that a variety of approaches and techniques in each discipline can be explored.
Classes, which are open to adults of all ages and teens ages 12 up, will run from noon to 5 p.m.
Further details are posted at www.MiddletownArtCenter.org/resilience . Please register in advance online, email or call to reserve your spot.
MAC’s newest exhibit, “Eco-Centric,” also opens this Saturday.
The public is invited to a fun and festive opening reception of new exhibits indoors and out doors from 6 to 8 p.m.
Brian Ward’s Interactive Sound Tree will be on view in the back of the house, and David Neft will be playing tunes in the front.
“Eco-Centric” features a compelling assortment of contemporary artwork by local artists that continue the dialog between art and nature which was the impetus of the EcoArts: Lake County Sculpture Walk.
The Sculpture Walk opened new exhibits each summer for 13 years at the Trailside Park until the Valley fire destroyed the park.
Since June of 2016, the MAC Art Garden on the corner of Highway 175 and Highway 29 has served as a means to continue the tradition and bring large-scale artwork to the center of town. Eco-Centric will be on view through Sunday, July 9.
The Art Center and EcoArts focus on the relationship of man to nature continues through Resilience. In this project the goal is to observe, document and use as inspiration nature’s regeneration and resilience after the fires of 2015 to 2016 through a cycle of seasons.
“Everyone, from beginner to professional, is encouraged to participate in classes in one or all four disciplines. Come to one class, sign up for a series, or take several classes in each discipline,” said Kaplan.
Thanks to this Local Impact grant, the cost is just $5 per class or $60 for a complete series in one discipline.
“Our motivation for this grant was to provide affordable access to the arts for anyone in Lake County. We also set our hours to coordinate with the Lake Transit bus schedule for this purpose. On an individual basis, we can subsidize the class fee and/or bus passes for those who may need further assistance,” explained Kaplan.
“We hope to see lots of folks engage with the arts through this project and encourage people to sign up as soon as possible,” said Kaplan.
Reserve your spot online with a Paypal payment, via email at
You can sign up in person when MAC is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All payments help support costs associated with the Resilience project.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Regulations went into effect as of May 26 to close a 5.5-mile stretch of the Sacramento River to all fishing, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.
An emergency regulation had expired on March 30 but was made permanent upon adoption of the Fish and Game Commission and filing with the Secretary of State.
The Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon population suffered over 95 percent loss of juvenile natural production for the years 2014 and 2015 due to low reservoir storage and elevated water temperatures caused by the pervasive drought. Chinook salmon return to their natal rivers and streams every three years to spawn.
"The prolonged drought that ended in 2017 has had a dramatic impact on winter-run, including the 2014 brood year, which will return as adults to spawn this year," said CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief Kevin Shaffer. "It is vital to protect this year's predicted small return of spawning adults and their young, and, over the next few years, to rebuild the stock and prevent extinction of winter-run Chinook."
Maximizing adult spawning numbers is critical to the population. CDFW fisheries staff have evaluated recent winter-run Chinook spawning locations and have concluded that the majority of spawning occurs in the recently closed section above the Highway 44 bridge to Keswick Dam.
Although fishing for winter-run Chinook in this reach of the Sacramento River is not allowed under current regulations, incidental by-catch by anglers who are not targeting salmon has been documented and is significant, especially during low flow periods.
Even if returned to the water, incidental by-catch stresses the fish, resulting in the potential loss of adults before spawning. A total fishing closure in the holding and spawning areas of winter-run Chinook is necessary to ensure this endangered fish population has the highest chance of survival.
As adopted by the Fish and Game Commission and in effect as of May 26:
Sacramento River below Keswick Dam, subsection 7.50(b)(156.5)
(B) From 650 feet below Keswick Dam to Deschutes Road bridge.
1. From 650 feet below Keswick Dam to the Highway 44 bridge.
Jan. 1 through March 31 with a bag limit of two hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead and four hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead in possession.
Closed to all fishing from April 1 to July 31.
Open from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31 with a bag limit of two hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead and four hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead in possession.
2. From the Highway 44 bridge to the Deschutes Road bridge.
All year with a bag limit of two hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead and four hatchery trout or hatchery steelhead in possession.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – On Wednesday, June 14, the Lake County Democratic Club will welcome summer with a potluck and meeting.
The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., an hour earlier than the usual meeting time in the social hall of the Lower Lake United Methodist Church, 16255 Second Street.
June is Pride Month and the Club will host two speakers.
Keynote speaker Joey Luiz will address the issue of federal executive orders targeting LGBTQ.
Clearlake Vice Mayor Bruno Sabatier will speak about the city's annual pride proclamation.
The Lake County Democratic Club is an officially chartered club of the Democratic Party of Lake County.
All meetings are open to the public. Membership is open to registered Democrats.
For more information visit www.lakecountydemocraticclub.org or email
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County and the North Coast during the coming week.
Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.
LAKE COUNTY
Highway 20
– Curb and sidewalk repairs from Foothill Drive to Ogden Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Shoulder work from the Morrison Creek Bridge to Country Club Drive will occur on Friday, June 2. Lane restrictions will be in effect in both directions. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Guardrail work from Linden Street to Mitchell Road will begin on Monday, June 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work near Harvey Boulevard on Thursday, June 8. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 29
– Emergency culvert repairs from Spruce Grove Road to Hofacker Lane will continue. Lane restrictions will be in effect in both directions. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Pavement work near Bar X Ranch will occur from 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7. Then from 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 9. One-way traffic control will be in effect during those hours. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
– Culvert work from Spruce Grove Road to South Hofacker Lane will resume. Lane restrictions will be in effect in both directions. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Pavement work near the Highway 281 junction and North Soda Bay Road will occur from 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, through 2 p.m. on Friday, June 9. One-way traffic control will be in effect during those hours. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
– Pavement work near Bottle Rock Road will begin on Sunday, June 4, at 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
– The Lower Lake Parade & BBQ has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for a special event near Morgan Valley Road.
– Pavement repairs near Route 281 (Soda Bay Road) and near Bottle Rock Road will begin Tuesday, May 30. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
Highway 175
– Emergency highway repairs from east of Forest Lake Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Highway 1
– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit near Iverson Road beginning Friday, June 2. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
– Emergency work south of the Wages Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 20
– Guardrail work from Blosser Road to Road A will begin on Monday, June 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Road A to East Side Potter Valley Road on Friday, June 2. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 101
– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Guardrail work near the Gobbi Street Overcrossing Bridge will begin on Sunday, June 4. The southbound and northbound on and off ramps will be fully closed weeknights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should find an alternate route.
– Guardrail work at the northbound off ramp to eastbound Route 20 will begin Monday, May 5. The ramp will be fully closed weeknights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should find an alternate route.
– Routine maintenance south of Ridgewood Ranch Road will resume. A southbound lane closure will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Guardrail repairs from Uva Drive to the Willits Cal Fire station will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Emergency slide removal near Hermitage Vista Point will continue. Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
– Traffic will diverted to Route 271 for emergency work. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
– Emergency slide removal near the Dora Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 15-minute delays at other times.
– Emergency slide removal near Piercy will continue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
Highway 128
– Roadway repairs west of Yorkville will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary traffic signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
Highway 162
– Emergency work from the Rodeo Creek Bridge to Horse Creek Bridge will begin on Monday, June 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
– Emergency storm damage repairs near Sand Bank Creek will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary traffic signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
– Emergency work south of Pookiny Fairbanks will begin on Monday, June 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
Highway 175
– Guardrail work near the 101 junction will begin on Monday, June 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
– Emergency storm damage repairs at various locations from 1.7 miles east of Buckman Drive to the Lake/Mendocino County line will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary traffic signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 30-minute delays.
Highway 253
– Emergency roadway repairs from Booneville to Ukiah will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
– Wall work near Singley Cattlepass will begin on Friday, June 2. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
Highway 271
– Emergency work from the 101 junction to the Grizzly Creek Culvert will occur on Friday, June 2. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.
For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).