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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Friday, the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College will celebrate the graduation of the class of 2017.
 
The college invites the community to the commencement ceremonies at the Konocti Education Center Cornelison Event Center, located at 15850 Dam Road Extension in Clearlake.
 
Students who have earned certificates of achievement will be recognized for their accomplishments at the 3 p.m. certificate ceremony.
 
The student speaker will be Jermaine Gregoire of Kelseyville.
 
At 7 p.m., students who have earned an associate in arts or associate in science degree will be recognized for their accomplishments at the graduation ceremony, hosted by Executive Dean Annette Lee.
 
Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees Vice President Richard (Doc) Savarese will confer the degrees.
 
Student speakers will be Lena Murphy of Cobb and Ada Calderon of Clearlake.
 
Below are the lists of students receiving certificates and degrees.
 
For more information, contact the campus at 707-995-7900 or visit http://lcc.yccd.edu .
 
CERTIFICATES
 
Business
 
Accounting Certificate of Achievement: Stanley Silsby, Shawna Theodorou of Clearlake; Rachel Black of Lower Lake; Katlyn Gillies, James Rayburn of Middletown.
 
Advanced Accounting Certificate of Achievement:  Araceli Sepulveda of Clearlake;  Rachel Black of Lower Lake;  James Rayburn of Middletown.
 
Income Tax Preparation Certificate of Achievement: Araceli Sepulveda of Clearlake.
 
Business Computer Applications Certificate of Achievement:   Shawna Theodorou of Clearlake.
 
Administrative Assistant Certificate of Achievement: Janet Hernandez of Clearlake.
 
Small Business Management Certificate of Achievement: Stanley Silsby of Clearlake; Jermaine Gregoire of Kelseyville.
 
Advanced Small Business Management Certificate of Achievement: Stanley Silsby of Clearlake.
 
Culinary Arts
 
Culinary Arts Certificate of Achievement: Harley Clemons, Charles Eberitzch, Joshua Guerrero, Richard Phillips Jr. of Clearlake; Jennifer Kooyman of Clearlake Oaks; Ian Pickersgill of Lakeport; Jill Baker of Lower Lake; Kyle Karlsson of Upper Lake.
 
Early Childhood Education
 
Child Development Associate Teacher Certificate of Training: Alana Bowman, Ada Calderon, Mitzi Grimley, Elizabeth McClure, Katie Rick, Eunice Rivera of Clearlake; Chelsea Cherney of Cobb; Deanna Hoyal of Fairfield; Laura Roldan Arreola of Hidden Valley Lake; Krystyn Gregore, Angelique Ikeler of Lower Lake.
 
Child Development Teacher Certificate of Achievement: Ada Calderon, Maria Mendoza of Clearlake.
 
Diversity Specialization Certificate of Achievement: Stephanie Garcia of Clearlake; Tonya Albright of Hidden Valley Lake.    
 
Infant and Toddler Specialization Certificate of Achievement: Stephanie Garcia of Clearlake.
 
Environmental Technology
 
Drinking Water and Waste Water Technologies Certificate of Achievement: Aaron Beecher, Joseph Beecher, Scott Davis, Patrick Grillett, Kurt Jensen Jr., Lachlan McCracken, David Schober, Ahimsah Wonderwheel of Clearlake; Cyril Barmore of Gualala; Peter Holleman of Hidden Valley Lake; Craig Peterson of Middletown.
 
Human Services
 
Chemical Dependency Awareness Certificate of Achievement: Lonni Laven of Lakeport; Jennifer Chavez of Lower Lake.    
 
Chemical Dependency Counselor Certificate of Achievement: Michael Mos of Cobb; Lonni Laven of Lakeport; Jennifer Chavez of Lower Lake.
 
Welding
 
Welding Technologies Certificate of Achievement: Gerardo Bravo, Joshua Brooks of Clearlake; Benjamin Edwards, Travis Woodland of Lower Lake; Dean Ohlen of Middletown.
 
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
 
Clearlake
 
John Adams - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science
Ada Rebecca Calderon - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science
Miranda Carmichael - Associate in Science, Human Services
Michelle Case - Associate in Arts, General Education: Arts & Humanities
Timothy Cox - Associate in Science, Human Services Chemical Dependency Counselor
Heather Critser - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Lisannette Diaz - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science
Elisabeth Fortino - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Amanda Graf - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Jonathan Grafton - Associate in Science, Business Computer Applications
Heather Gravlee - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science
Selena Hale - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Teresa Jones - Associate in Arts, Psychology; Associate in Science, Human Services
Thomas Karopoulos - Associate in Science, Culinary Arts
Stephanie Ledesma - Associate in Science, Accounting; Associate in Science, Business Administration
Jael Limon - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Benjamin Mann - Associate in Arts, English
Maria Mendoza - Associate in Science, Early Childhood Education
Wendy Mitchum - Associate in Science, Administrative Assistant; Associate in Science, Business Computer Applications; Associate in Science, Word Processing
John Morris - Associate in Science, Business Administration
Michael Oranje - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Krystal Rampone - Associate in Science, Accounting; Associate in Science, Business Administration
Araceli Sepulveda - Associate in Science, Accounting; Associate in Science, Business Administration; Associate in Science, Business Computer Applications; Associate in Science, General Business Management; Associate in Science, Income Tax; Associate in Science, Small Business Management
Stanley Silsby - Associate in Science, General Business Management; Associate in Science, Small Business Management
Danielle Stennet - Associate in Science, Administrative Assistant; Associate in Science, Medical Office Skills; Associate in Science, Word Processing
Beau Stephens - Associate in Science, Accounting; Associate in Science, Business Administration
Jeremy Thompson - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Audel Torres - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science
 
Clearlake Oaks
 
Jessica Anglen - Associate in Science, Early Childhood Education
Serena Blais - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
Daniel Clark - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science
 
Clearlake Park
 
Sarah Roath - Associate in Science, Administrative Assistant
 
Cobb
 
Michael Mos - Associate in Science, Human Services Chemical Dependency Counselor
 
Hidden Valley Lake
 
Jonathan Dawkins - Associate in Science, Business Administration
Amelia Johnson - Associate in Science, Business Computer Applications
 
Kelseyville
 
Amanda Fossa - Associate in Science, Accounting
Jermaine Gregoire - Associate in Science, Business Administration; Associate in Science, General Business Management
Brittaney Harms - Associate in Science, Culinary Arts
Ashley Medlin - Associate in Science, General Education: Natural Science & Math
 
Lakeport
 
Jealena Cooke - Associate in Arts, Psychology
Lonni Laven - Associate in Science, Human Services Chemical Dependency Counseling
 
Lower Lake
 
Rachel Black - Associate in Science, Accounting
Margaret DuBecky - Associate in Science, Human Services
Steven Ingraham - Associate in Arts, English
Gabriella Torrez - Associate in Arts, Psychology
 
Middletown
 
Katlyn Gillies - Associate in Science, Business Administration; Associate in Science, General Education: Arts & Humanities
 
Santa Clara
 
Haley Moore - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science
 
Upper Lake
 
Kayla Ward - Associate in Science, General Education: Social & Behavioral Science

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. –  Winter storms brought much-needed precipitation to Northern California but also caused problems in various areas of the Mendocino National Forest.
 
Work is being done to repair roads and service campgrounds but some recreation areas will be inaccessible over the Memorial Day weekend.
 
The winter storms left snow remaining in the high country – last reported around the 6,300 foot level – and resulted in several road closures being implemented across the forest.
 
Road closure information is on the forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices .
 
If forest visitors want to travel from Covelo to Willows, State Route 162 (turning into Forest Highway 7) is not passable yet. Also, be alert to logging activity on the M4 Road.
 
While there are many known hazards and closures, there may be other problems such as downed trees and rock slides that have not been identified yet as some areas are unsafe for employees to enter. High clearance vehicles are recommended for travel on the forest.
 
“Please be responsible and have a safe and enjoyable trip on the forest,” said Mendocino National Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson, who invites the public to get outdoors and experience the Mendocino.
 
However, it’s not all bad news. Road work is being done where it’s safe to have heavy equipment. The M10 Road is open with sections of one-lane traffic at times.
 
With the repairs on M10, employees were able to open Letts Lake and Mill Valley campgrounds. While some campgrounds remain unavailable, dispersed camping is allowed in those areas that are reachable under motor vehicle use rules.
 
Please note, the Red Bluff Recreation Area is full for the Memorial Day weekend.
 
The number of visitors in campgrounds and on trails generally increases over the Memorial Day weekend. Please plan ahead and be properly prepared for your trip.
 
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Remember that cell phones are unreliable in many parts of the forest. Be aware that weather can change very quickly and plan accordingly.
 
Visitors are encouraged to check with local offices for information about current conditions before traveling to the forest.
 
There are no fire restrictions at this time; however, the fire danger has increased to the moderate range. Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves outside designated recreation sites.
 
Permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/ .
 
Remember to always practice fire safety and follow these campfire guidelines:
 
· Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions.
· Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
· Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
· Never leave your campfire unattended.
· Never build a campfire on a windy day.
· To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making
sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.
· Every campfire will be put DEAD OUT before leaving it.
 
OPEN                                     
 
Grindstone and Upper Lake OHV areas, Letts Lake campground, Mill Valley campground, Pillsbury Lake campgrounds, Eel River campground, Red Bluff Recreation Area, Traveler’s Home trail, Bloody Rock trail, Thomes Gorge trail, Bear Creek Campground, Grizzly Flat Dispersed Camping Area, Whitlock, Sugarfoot, Black Bear and Del Harleson.
 
CLOSED
 
M5 Road: From southern intersection with Forest Trail No. 85303 then north to its northern intersection with Forest Trail No. 85303.
 
M1 Road: From a point about 4.4 miles northeast of the Eel River Work Station to the seasonal gate closure on Boardman Ridge.
 
FR 17N06 Boundary Road: From FR M10 1.6 miles to Summit Springs Trailhead.
 
FR 17N02 Letts Valley Road: From FR 17N09 to junction with Miner Ridge trail.
 
FR 20N59 Bowman Ridge Road: From FR 20N01 to junction with FR 20N85.
 
Forest Service offices will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
 
For more information, check the forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino , Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF/ , Twitter @MendocinoNF or call 530-934-3316.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport residents and Hero Project family the Alvarezes are the latest winners of the Lake County Office of Education’s Hero Project family challenge, Play & Explore.
 
The Play & Explore challenge is about encouraging and reminding busy parents to get out and explore beautiful Lake County and play with their children.
 
In our technology rich culture it’s easy to get caught up with being busy and forget a seemingly little thing that is so important to the development of our children and our family relationships – play.
 
Play is so much more than having the newest toy. Play is about fostering interest and supporting child development through exploration, experimentation and learning through the act of both group and individual play.
 
Hero Project mom Julie Alvarez said it is very important for her to support her four active children, ranging in age from age 10 years to 7 months.
 
“The Play & Explore challenge was a reminder for us to get outside and enjoy time together and learn new things,” she said.
 
Asked about  what the family’s favorite part of the challenge was, she said, “We really enjoyed getting out as a family and discovering new places in our community to play and explore together – we learned a lot!”
 
The Alvarez family received a baby block play set, a set of magnetic blocks, a children’s book on identifying plants by their leaves and bark, a bug vacuum kit and a science expedition kit – all to encourage continued exploration through play.
 
The Alvarez family are seasoned Hero Project participants. They joined the Hero Project in January of 2015 and have completed a number of challenges, having enjoyed and grown from every one.
 
Visit www.lakecountyheroproject.com to learn more about the Hero Project and to take the current challenge.
 
Tamara Thornquist works for the Lake County Office of Education.

FORT BRAGG, Calif. – The Cal Fire Mendocino Unit will open the campgrounds within the Jackson Demonstration State Forest at noon on Friday, May 26.
 
Campers are reminded that camping is only allowed within designated camping areas and a fee is required.
 
The camping fee is $15 per night with a single vehicle. Each additional vehicle up to a maximum of two vehicles per site is an additional $5.
 
Forest road closures will remain in effect for several weeks due to recent rains.
 
The following roads are generally open, but may be closed periodically without further notice depending on road and weather conditions:
 
• Road 100 (closed at the property line at the north end).
• Road 130 (closed at Road 1000 at the north end).
• Road 250 (closed at Road 1000 at the north end).
• Road 350 (only as far as the Egg Collection Station/Camp One Day Use Area).
• Road 500.
• Road 700 to Mendocino Woodlands State Park.
• Road 800 (to the property line).
• Road 810.
• Road 900 only to Road 810.
 
Each year, seasonal openings/closures occur, please refer to the forest’s Web site at http://calfire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/resource_mgt_stateforests_jackson.php or contact the Jackson Demonstration State Forest at 802 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, telephone 707-964-5674.
 
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.).

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Friday, May 12, Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College hosted its inaugural awards banquet at the Cornelison Event Center.

The event was organized to celebrate student achievements and scholarship recipients.

In all, 55 students received an award or a scholarship. Some students received multiple awards or scholarships.

The event started with dinner served by the Culinary Arts department of the Lake County Campus. It consisted of tri-tip, potatoes, stir-fried vegetables, and delicious tiramisu dessert embedded in a chocolate-shaped teacup.

Executive Dean Annette Lee along with Woodland Community College President Dr. Michael White presented opening remarks, welcomed all attendees, and felt honored to share the day with students who have achieved so much and excelled in their educational journey.

Rachel Black, a Woodland Community College student, shared with the audience a moving speech about her life experience. Throughout her life, she has overcome many obstacles and related how much her college experience has meant to her.

Many of the scholarships awarded during the night came from Woodland Community College scholarships. However, some community groups offered their own scholarships to students.

Lake County Retired Teachers’ Association, Clearlake Rotary and the Park Study Club shared their support of education by awarding scholarships to students of Lake County Campus.

“It was such a lovely evening with such a broad cross section of our campus being celebrated. From our incoming high school students, to continuing students, to soon-to-be graduates, every step was celebrated tonight because each step is important for our students to feel successful,” said Ingrid Larsen, the event coordinator.

The evening would not have been complete without the generosity of the community.

Thanks was given to Konocti Unified School District and the Konocti Education Center for the use of their facility, Sysco for donating food for the banquet and Walmart for donating floral decorations to enhance the beauty of the venue.

Lake County Campus is proud of their students and their achievements. Many students will be graduating on May 26. The public is invited to celebrate with our students as they obtain their certificates or degrees.

For more information about Lake County Campus, visit the campus at 15880 Dam Road Extension, call 707-995-7900 or find the college online at http://lcc.yccd.edu .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Three local men have been arrested for possession of child pornography, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
 
Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the men who were arrested are Daniel Laine Wood, 35, of Middletown; Scott Michael Davis, 44, of Clearlake Oaks; and Jose Angel Mendoza, 24, of Upper Lake.
 
Brooks said the arrests were the result of three separate and extensive investigations conducted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit in response to cyber tips it received.
 
During these investigations numerous search warrants were authored by detectives for searching residences, electronic devices and electronic service providers, Brooks said.
 
Brooks said detectives spent numerous hours conducting these investigations and examining the evidence collected. The investigations uncovered tens of thousands of images and movies depicting child pornography.
 
All of the cases appear to be unrelated to each other, Brooks said.
 
On April 19, detectives obtained information that Wood may be in possession of child pornography, according to Brooks.
 
Brook said Wood was on parole and a search was conducted at his residence. Authorities arrested Wood for a parole violation and booked into the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
 
Detectives later obtained evidence connecting Wood to the possession of child pornography and the possession of child pornography charge was added, Brooks said.
 
Based on separate investigations, Davis and Mendoza were taken into custody on arrest warrants on April 30 and May 18, respectively, according to Brooks.
 
All three men remained in custody in the Lake County Jail on Tuesday night, according to jail records.