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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The next free household hazardous waste dropoff event will be held Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18, at Lake County Waste Solutions Transfer Station and Recycling Yard, 230 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport.
Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Households can bring up to 15 gallons of toxic items free of charge. Fees will be charged for amounts over 15 gallons.
Items that are accepted include paint, solvents, fuels, five-gallon propane tanks (empty), pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, batteries, fluorescent light tubes (up to 60 linear feet) and other toxic materials that cannot be put in the trash.
Items that cannot be accepted include televisions, computer monitors, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials or infectious wastes.
To learn how and where to properly dispose these items, please visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us or contact the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980.
Household hazardous waste dropoff services are provided to Lake County residential households by the Integrated Waste Management Division of the Lake County Public Services Department and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).
Businesses also are welcome to use this convenient service to properly dispose of hazardous waste and protect our environment, however, businesses must pay for this county-funded service and first make an appointment. Business appointments can be made by calling Lake County Waste Solutions at 707-234-6400.
Beginning in June, ask about receiving a free puncture-proof sharps container at one of these events to use for free sharps disposal.
Free recycling options for residents and businesses:
· Recycled paint is available to both residents and businesses at Lake County Waste Solutions and South Lake Refuse and Recycling Center first-come, first-served basis in five gallon containers. Colors include tan, brown, gray and pink.
· Used motor oil and cooking oil can be dropped off by businesses and residents, at Lake County Waste Solutions, South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center, and the North Shore Fire Protection District station at 6257 Seventh Ave. in Lucerne. Visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us for more locations.
· Electronics (e-waste) can be dropped off at Lake County Waste Solutions and at South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center.
Lake County Waste Solutions
230 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport
888-718-4888 or 707-234-6400
Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
www.candswaste.com
South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center
16015 Davis St., Clearlake
Open daily, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
707-994-8614
www.southlakerefuse.com
The free Household Hazardous Waste drop off program is subsidized by the Lake County Public Services Department, Integrated Waste Management Division and CalRecycle as a public service to Lake County households.
For more information about recycling, reusing and reducing, visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us , call the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980 or like Lake County Public Services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LCPublicServices?fref=ts .
It’s easy to get in to debt over the holidays. You want to spoil your family and friends with great gifts, but maybe can’t quite afford them.
Credit cards seem like the easy solution, but when you receive the bill in the mail a month later you may think differently.
If you are in debt, you’re not alone. A 2015 report by The Pew Charitable Trusts found that 80% of American households hold some form of debt.
However, getting out of debt, especially credit card debt, can start you on the road to financial freedom and wealth creation.
If you want to get out of debt and get your finances in order in 2017, follow these tips from your BBB.
Decide on a strategy
First, figure out how much debt you have; you need an accurate picture before you can figure out your strategy.
Credit cards are known for their high interest rates – this wastes a lot of money over time. See if you can use a balance transfer offer to switch to a card with a lower rate. Just make sure to read the terms and contract very carefully – there may be big penalties if you miss a payment.
If you have multiple cards, decide which debt-paying strategy is best for you. Some experts recommend paying off the card with the highest interest rate first, as it can save the most money.
However, researchers from Georgetown University and Harvard recommend paying off the cards with the smallest balances first – fully paying off a card will give you a sense of accomplishment and inspire you to keep going.
Additionally, try sending in payments throughout the month – put the $5 you would have spent on a morning coffee towards your debt instead.
Start budgeting
Creating a written budget and tracking your spending is one of the best ways to save money and stop spending more than you earn.
Note the difference between fixed expenses, needs and wants. Cut where you can, and stick to your budget as much as possible.
If you have debt, include repayment goals in your budget. If you can, try to factor in retirement and emergency savings as well.
Do your research and read the fine print
When deciding on a bank, credit card or big purchase, make sure to read the fine print and the contract carefully.
Making careful decisions now can save you time, money and headaches later. Research companies at www.bbb.org before doing business with them, and check BBB Scam Tracker ( www.bbb.org/scamtracker ) regularly to see what scams are happening in your area.
Take advantage of free tools
There are many online tools that can help you manage and reduce your debt.
A great place to start is www.bbb.org/financial-building-blocks .
BBB created this Web site in partnership with Accredited Business www.Bills.com to help consumers evaluate their finances, learn how to stay debt free and protect their finances from scams and illegal collection calls.
Additionally, you can use the free and easy-to-use debt solution tool to find options for managing your debt.
Give some things up
A great way to save money is to cut back on your spending. It’s easier to do than you think.
Eat at home instead of going out, stop buying coffee in the morning and take a break from buying new electronics and clothes that you don’t need.
Reorganize and clean out your living space, and try to sell what you don’t need. Instead of using your tax refund to splurge on a new item, put it straight towards your debt or savings account.
Consider an alternate source of income
The gig economy has created many opportunities for part-time work.
Figure out what you’re good at, and do it in your spare time to make extra money.
Whether it be photography, dog-walking or driving, there’s a need for every skill.
Rebecca Harpster works for the Better Business Bureau serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – On Jan. 25 all of Carlé High School took a field trip to Sacramento City College and the state capitol.
When we arrived at the college, we were met by three tour guides who split us into two different groups.
Sacramento City College has many programs dedicated to helping the students with tutoring, aid with book fees and other student friendly services.
They also have programs to help students switch from a community college to a four-year university or even a law school.
Sac City College has a very large gym for working out, and also a very large basketball court. If you’re into sports Sac City seems like a great community college to start your sports career.
Veronica Hernandez, a student at Carlé High School, said, “I had a good time walking around the college and seeing all the different courses they offer, I was impressed by how large it was for a community college.”
After touring Sacramento City College we went on a tour of the Capitol Building, which was beautiful.
When we arrived there, we were met by a tour guide in the treasury office of the Capitol Building. After learning about the treasury, we traveled up three flights of stairs to see the portraits of the governors which was really cool to see.
We really wanted to meet Gov. Jerry Brown in person, however, we didn’t get to see him.
After examining the portraits of the governors we went to the Senate Chambers, which had extremely impressive architecture and design.
The Senate Chambers is always open to the public; so at any time the senators are debating you may go in there and listen to the debate if you would like.
Alvaro Duran, another student at Carlé High, said: “I thought the trip was really exciting, and I eagerly wanted to meet Jerry Brown but he wasn’t there unfortunately.”
We have had two students of the week. Alan Siegel, who nominated winner Shaina Yaquinto as student of the week, had this to say: “I nominated Shaina Yaquinto as student of the week because she always tries to avoid drama and focus on her work, and she always does the right thing. I truly appreciate the hard work she puts in to earn her graduation.”
Our second student of the week was Teagan Tompioner. Principal Heather Koehler said, “When Teagan Tompioner was nominated as student of the week all the staff quickly agreed that she deserves this honor for her hard work and determined mindset.”
Many students entered the Super Hero mug contest, and there were some really amazing mugs the students produced: Poison Ivy, Dead Pool or even their parents.
The ultimate winner of the contest was also this week’s student of the week Teagan Tompioner who made a Joker mug from the Suicide Squad.
Jonathan Killops and Lia Lionetti from the Lake Family Resource Center visited Carlé with the California Prep Program, also know as the Sharp Curriculum. This program helps students make better decisions for their future.
Students Jaime Miller and Taylor Churchill made thank you mugs for these two wonderful people.
During sixth period on Feb. 3 Carlé High School had a “fun activity period” where there was karaoke, and a basketball shooting competition where the student that made the most shots won prizes.
Nicholas Phipps is a student at Carlé Continuation High School.
A DOG’S PURPOSE (Rated PG)
The animal rights group PETA has called for a boycott of “A Dog’s Purpose” as the result of the TMZ airing of a video purportedly showing mistreatment of a German Shepherd during a filming sequence.
This review is not going to wade into the controversy, leaving the issue to a reader’s discretion. I contend that, absent this debate, the film, narrated from a canine’s point of view, celebrates the virtues of man’s best friend.
“A Dog’s Purpose” posits the notion, without any sort of explanation, that a dog is reincarnated as a different breed over a period of many decades, with experiences both enriching and troubling.
What is impossible for any dog lover watching this family film is to keep dry eyes for the entire run of its 100 minutes. This film has the virtue of being a tearjerker if you don’t mind having tissues on hand.
The story begins in simpler times in suburban middle America when a young Ethan Montgomery and his mother rescue a golden retriever puppy suffering inside a hot car and adopt the pooch they call Bailey.
As Ethan (KJ Apa) turns into his high school’s star quarterback with a bright future, Bailey remains a constant companion even as Ethan finds his first romantic love with the caring Hannah (Britt Robertson).
While away at college, Ethan leaves his trusty companion at home. When the aging Bailey becomes sick, Ethan makes it to the veterinarian just in time for their final goodbye.
Thus begins the next chapter of Bailey’s life as he is reincarnated as a German Shepherd first responder with the Chicago Police Department where he is partnered with lonely cop Carlos (John Ortiz) and a new bond is forged.
Meanwhile, through the voice of Josh Gad, Bailey waxes philosophically about the meaning of life, asking questions such as “Are we here for a reason? Is there any point to any of this? And why does food taste so much better in the trash?”
There are answers to these questions, as director Lasse Hallstrom shares the heartwarming story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.
If you have seen the trailer for “A Dog’s Purpose,” you probably know the story comes full circle in the present day when the spry older Ethan (Dennis Quaid) connects with a St. Bernard mix named Buddy, and destiny seems to be realized.
TV Corner: 'Training Day' on CBS network
The CBS network effort to reboot the Denzel Washington film “Training Day” into a weekly series turns on a Los Angeles cop so unhinged and abrasive that Gene Hackman’s Popeye Doyle from “The French Connection” looks like a crossing guard in comparison.
In the series version, the concept of Denzel’s training officer for a rookie cop has the paradigm turned on its head, with white actor Bill Paxton as the police officer in charge of coaching a young African-American rookie in off-the-books policing methods.
Paxton’s veteran LAPD detective Frank Rourke could be charitably described as morally ambiguous and yet strangely competent in his pursuit of the city’s most dangerous criminals in his role of heading up the Special Investigation Section.
Yet, LAPD brass has taken notice of Rourke’s penchant for operating in a gray area to fight the war on crime and assigns heroic, untarnished young cop Kyle Craig (Justin Cornwell) to pose as a trainee to spy on the veteran’s unorthodox techniques.
One suspects that Frank would pursue his usual modus operandi even if he knew of Kyle’s undercover role. The twist to their relationship is that Kyle’s murdered father was an LAPD officer who had been a faithful partner with Frank in the same elite squad.
During the recent gathering of the nation’s TV critics, Bill Paxton spoke of his character’s affinity for the Western ethic, noting that he’s a “throwback” and a “gunfighter” who’s “almost been pulled out of a time capsule and put in modern times.”
A little more psychoanalysis from Paxton observed that Detective Rourke operates from an “old kind of gunslinger code of honor. He’s tough, but he’s fair.” This point might be arguable when he fire bombs a drug dealer’s house to flush out the criminals.
As a police procedural, “Training Day” is a bit formulaic and probably not as good as the rogue cop drama that was “The Shield.” However, Frank is such a conflicted, compromised character that his influence is not only corrupting but mesmerizing.
Even Frank’s personal life is hardly ideal. His girlfriend, Holly Butler (Julie Benz), is a well-connected, unapologetic Hollywood madam who happens to provide valuable intelligence. Apparently, Frank never worked with Jack Webb’s upright Detective Joe Friday, and it shows.
All in all, Bill Paxton is probably the best reason, if you must have one, to give “Training Day” a try for a few episodes even though the series seems unlikely to stir memories that parallel the original source material.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” – Robert Frost
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – When I was an educator it was always fun to take a field trip to the Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake.
The museum “lives” in the 1877 Lower Lake Grammar School. My fourth graders' eyes grew wide with surprise when learning about school days in the olden days.
An education in rural Lake County typically went up to the eighth grade, until the early 20th century.
For a more comprehensive, or secondary education students would need to travel to Lakeport's private academy or similar establishments.
The one-room school house was de rigueur for students living in the southern portion of Lake County's Mayacamas Mountains, whose parents worked at the quicksilver mines, to the northernmost areas, near what is now the Mendocino Forest.
The iconic one-room schoolhouse was surely a challenge for one teacher to instruct grades one through eight. The teacher needed to pass a qualifying exam, and it was rare for her to hold a college degree.
It was characteristic for a teacher to be an unmarried female, who would then give up her career after marriage.
Instruction, which was for a shorter period then – about 132 days long, as compared with today's school year of 182 days – included the “three Rs”: reading, writing and arithmetic.
School years were shorter then to accommodate the harvest, since many hands made light work.
As there was no such thing as a gel pen, a Smart Board or a white board back in the day, pupils were expected to work out their sums on a piece of slate.
Slates could be spit upon by pupils and wiped off, and slates were practically indestructible. Slate was much more economical than the use of paper.
Typically, the youngest children were learning their ABCs and, hence, were called “abecedarians.” It was standard procedure for the abecedarians to learn their ABCs when they sat in the front of the classroom, with the older, taller students sitting in the back rows.
During recess, known as “nooning,” the children could play games such as “Annie Over” or “Graces.”
Discipline could be harsh in the 19th century. Depending on the infraction and the child's age, punishment could include anything from holding a book for a length of time with arms held out, getting rapped with a ruler, standing in the corner or worse.
Since there was a woodstove in most one-room schoolhouses this was an additional job to accomplish – that of keeping the classroom warm enough in winter months. Teachers had to get the fire going each morning, and older pupils could bring in the wood and kindling.
Students usually walked several miles to reach their school establishment, and it was up to them to remember to carry their lunches, sometimes in metal pails, to school with them, as no school lunches were provided back then. Lunches often included an apple, biscuit and homemade preserves and some meat.
A water pump provided fresh water then, often with a single tin cup which was shared by all.
For more information visit one of our great local museums, and while you are there pick up Lake County Museum Curator Antone Pierucci's fantastic book called “Lake County Schoolhouses.”
Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also writes for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has a kennel full of big dogs waiting for their new families.
The dogs available for this week include mixes of American Bulldog, border collie, bullmastiff, Doberman Pinscher, Great Pyrenees, husky, Labrador Retriever, mastiff, shepherd, spaniel and standard poodle.
Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.
The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).
Shepherd-Labrador Retriever mix
This male shepherd-Labrador Retriever mix has a medium-length tan and black coat.
Shelter staff said he's very fun, playful and energetic, knows basic commands, and is very eager to learn. He would do best in a mellow household with children ages 10 and over. He doesn't do well with other large male dogs but has been good with females, including small dogs.
He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 6791.
Female pit bull terrier
This female pit bull terrier mix has a short black and brown coat.
She is in kennel No. 9, ID No. 6884.
Labrador Retriever-spaniel
This female Labrador Retriever-spaniel mix has a medium-length black coat.
Shelter staff said she is heartworm positive. She is good with other large dogs both male and female, although she does not do well with rough playing. They said she would do best in a home with older children over age 10.
She's in kennel No. 15a, ID No. 6812.
Female spaniel
This female spaniel has a curly black coat with white markings.
Shelter staff said she is heartworm positive. She is great with other dogs, shows submissive behavior and loves to play. They said she would do great in a home with children ages 10 and above. She allows some handling but isn't used to constant attention so she does get overstimulated. She has been an outside dog so she needs a patient home with a family willing to teach her how to live indoors.
She's in kennel No. 15b, ID No. 6813.
'Tye'
“Tye” is a senior male bullmastiff mix.
He has a short brown and white coat.
He's in kennel No. 17b, ID No. 6784.
'Annie'
“Annie” is a young female pit bull terrier mix with a short brindle and white coat and gold eyes.
She's in kennel No. 18a, ID No. 6876.
'Spot'
“Spot” is a young female pit bull terrier with a short white and brindle coat.
She's in kennel No. 18b, ID No. 6877.
'Miles'
“Miles” is a young male pit bull terrier mix with a short brindle coat and gold eyes.
She's in kennel No. 19, ID No. 6875.
Great Pyrenees
This senior female Great Pyrenees has a medium-length white coat.
She is in kennel No. 20, ID No. 6885.
Mastiff-pit bull terrier
This male mastiff-pit bull terrier has a short brown coat.
Shelter staff said he is a mellow boy that has been reserved when introduced to other dogs.
He's in kennel No. 22, ID No. 6835.
Doberman Pinscher
This male Doberman Pinscher has a short black and tan coat.
He's in kennel No. 23, ID No. 6915.
'Grubby'
“Grubby” is a male standard poodle-Labrador Retriever mix with a long black and gray coat. He already has been neutered.
Shelter staff said he is a great boy who loves people more than other dogs but will tolerate dogs that will respect his space. They said he is a very fun dog who knows how to sit and speak. He would do best in a home with people who are home often or take him with them.
Grubby is in kennel No. 24, ID No. 6789.
Husky-border collie mix
This male husky-border collie mix has a short black and white coat.
Shelter staff said he is a very sweet boy with a low energy level. He is very curious about new places but is polite and patient at the same time. Has not been assessed with other dogs and would do best in a home with no cats.
He's in kennel No. 25, ID No. 6797.
'Bronco'
“Bronco” is a young male Labrador Retriever-pit bull terrier mix.
He has a short black coat with white markings.
Shelter staff said he has been successfully introduced to other dogs and cats, and he loves to play. They recommend him for an active family.
He's in kennel No. 26, ID No. 6842.
Border collie-terrier mix
This male border collie-terrier mix has a short tan and white coat.
Shelter staff said he will do fine with other dogs once he learns that nobody will hurt him, as he has been very afraid. He would do best in a home with children ages 10 and above. He knows how to walk on a leash, and does not pull or try to get away.
He's in kennel No. 27, ID No. 6841.
Pit bull terrier
This male pit bull terrier has a short gray and white coat.
He is in kennel No. 30b, ID No. 6713.
'Tina'
“Tina” is a female American Bulldog with a short white coat.
She has been sponsored and is free to the first approved application.
She is very people friendly, and playful both with people and other dogs. Tina has lived with children of all ages.
She's in kennel No. 33a, ID No. 6708.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at