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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – In response to what they said is President-elect Donald Trump’s “unprecedented” refusal to share basic information with the American public, two California state senators have introduced a bill that will require that all future presidential or vice presidential candidates release tax returns in order to appear on California's ballot.
On Wednesday California state Senators Scott Wiener and Mike McGuire officially introduced their legislation, which they said they are offering in response to Trump’s historic refusal to release his tax returns to the American public, despite the fact that presidential candidates have been doing so voluntarily for decades.
The bill, SB 149 is modeled on similar legislation that has been proposed New York State Sen. Brad Hoylman.
“California voters have rightfully come to expect that their future president will be transparent and without hesitation, disclose their tax returns,” McGuire said. “These returns are one of the best tools California voters have to weigh any potential conflicts of interests their future leader has encumbered. California didn’t pick this fight, but we will respond to this unprecedented action and secrecy and ensure voters have the information they need to make the most important choice they have – voting for president.”
“Donald Trump claims that no one besides the media cares about the transparency and accountability that comes with the release of tax returns,” said Wiener. “That’s not true. I care, and my constituents care. The people of California deserve to have confidence that when they step into the voting booth, they are electing a leader who will act in their best interests, not the best interests of some investment portfolio. Transparency and accountability shouldn’t be dismissed as a distraction – they are bedrocks and basic requirements of our democracy.”
SB 149 is simple in structure: The proposed law will require a candidate for president, in order to have his or her name placed upon the general election ballot, to file his or her income tax returns for the five most recent taxable years with the Secretary of State's Office at least 70 days before that election. The returns would also be made available to the public on the Secretary of State’s Web site.
Prior to Trump’s refusal to release any tax returns, every president since Jimmy Carter (over 40 years) have 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.
Contrary to what President-elect Trump has stated in public, that Americans don’t care about his tax returns, according to a new ABC News/Washington Post poll, 74 percent of respondents believe Trump should release his tax returns. This poll shows consistent results from an earlier poll conducted by Quinnipiac University back in August of 2016.
As winter storms continue to fill reservoirs and boost the snowpack, the Department of Water Resources on Wednesday increased its estimate of this year’s State Water Project, or SWP, supply from 45 to 60 percent of most requests.
“Our water supply outlook is definitely brighter, but we still haven’t shaken off the effects of our historic drought,” said DWR Acting Director William Croyle. “Californians’ in some areas still depend on bottled drinking water, some reservoirs remain low and groundwater basins are still in decline and have yet to recover. We know from painful history that California winters can go quickly from very wet to very dry. We want to see the snowpack continue to build for the remainder of the wet season.”
DWR initially estimated it would be able to deliver only 20 percent of the 4.1 million acre-feet of SWP water requested this year.
That projection, or allocation, was increased to 45 percent as reservoirs rose from December storms.
Wednesday's increase to 60 percent of collective delivery requests is due to the atmospheric river storms that have filled many reservoirs and brought flood waters to some areas. With more rain and snow in the forecast, DWR hopes it will be able to increase the allocation further.
Under a 45 percent allocation, DWR would have delivered 1,894,645 of the 4,172,786 acre feet of water requested by the 29 public agencies served by the State Water Project. Under today’s 60 percent allocation, 2,536,267 acre-feet of water would be delivered.
Reservoirs have risen dramatically with runoff from this month’s storms. Major Northern California reservoirs, including Lake Oroville, Shasta Lake and Folsom Lake have been required to make flood control releases to maintain room to safely capture inflow that otherwise could flood downstream areas.
Lake Oroville in Butte County, the SWP’s principal reservoir, early this morning was holding 2,806,473 acre-feet, 79 percent of its 3.5 million acre-foot capacity and 125 percent of its historical average for the date.
Shasta Lake north of Redding, California’s and the federal Central Valley Project’s (CVP) largest reservoir, was holding 3,640,765 acre-feet, 80 percent of its 4.5 million acre-foot capacity and 123 percent of its historical average.
Folsom Lake near Sacramento, another CVP reservoir, was holding 484,000 acre feet, 98 percent of its historical average and 50 percent of its 977,000 acre-foot capacity.
San Luis Reservoir, a critical south-of-Delta pool for both the SWP and CVP, was holding 1,480,803 acre feet, 73 percent of its 2 million acre-foot capacity and 98 percent of its historical average for the date.
As State Water Project allocations change, it is important to remember that nearly all areas served by the project also have other sources of water, among them streams, groundwater and local reservoirs.
The last 100-percent SWP allocation – difficult to achieve even in wet years because of Delta pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fish species – was in 2006.
SWP allocations in recent years:
• 2016: 60 percent.
• 2015: 20 percent.
• 2014: 5 percent.
• 2013: 35 percent.
• 2012: 65 percent.
• 2011: 80 percent.
• 2010: 50 percent.
• 2009: 40 percent.
• 2008: 35 percent.
• 2007: 60 percent.
• 2006: 100 percent.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Registration for the spring 2017 semester at Mendocino College is under way.
The Lake Center located at 2565 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, will host a wide array of face-to-face courses for Lake County students including a wide array of courses to help students complete their general education requirements for Mendocino College associates degrees or for transfer to the California State University or University of California systems.
In addition, courses applicable to majors in administration of justice, business management, child development, communications, education, health, human services, and many different social sciences are available.
Students looking to develop skills for immediate employment opportunities will find courses in welding, construction fundamentals, computers, and emergency medical technician training.
A very popular course this past fall, “Food and Wine Pairing,” will again be on the schedule. It provides a fun hands-on opportunity for those working in the food, wine or hospitality industry or anyone with an interest, to build their understanding of the relationship between food and wine. The focus on many local wines adds to the value of this class.
Students wishing to explore their creative side will find art classes in both drawing and watercolor painting or from the theater department, an acting improvisation course for both beginning and experienced actors.
Writers may wish to enroll in a new “Writing for the Mass Media” course which will develop student skills in producing multimedia content for print, broadcast and the web. Learn techniques for blogging and visual storytelling which can help develop your professional skills, or refine your own online presence.
Community members, whose second language is English, and who wish to continue to build their English skills will find ESL courses offered in multiple locations throughout the area.
It is easy to become a Mendocino College student. Apply online at www.mendocino.edu or in-person at the Lake Center or Ukiah campus. Then, register for your chosen courses online or in-person with assistance from our friendly staff.
For those who would like additional guidance in their course selections, call the center at 707-263-4944 to schedule an appointment with one of the college's academic counselors.
Register soon, as many courses will fill quickly, and most courses begin Jan. 23.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The South Lake County Fire Sirens group will hold its annual installation of officers and awards ceremony on Monday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.
South Lake County Fire Chief Greg Bertelli will conduct the installation of officers for 2017.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of the Middletown Fire Sirens this past year especially in light of the fire activity this region has endured in 2016,” said outgoing SLCFS President Pat Hallman states. “I am so proud to be part of this organization that provides assistance to our local fire fighters so that they can better serve the community.”
The mission of the SLCFS is to raise funds to purchase equipment and supplies to assist the South Lake County Fire Department. Since its inception more than 31 years ago the Fire Sirens have raised $320,000.
“The efforts of the members of this unique organization help to save lives,” said Bertelli. “This is truly an amazing group of individuals who work so hard. They do not do it for the recognition; they are greatly appreciated by everyone that has the opportunity to work with them.”
The Fire Sirens installation of officers takes place at the start of each year. Typically held in January, the event was rescheduled due to the recent heavy rainfall event.
A luncheon immediately follows the installation of officers. Other business conducted includes the awarding of five annual Fire Siren awards including the Stars of Excellence Award.
Following the installation of officers, all are invited to attend the luncheon at the Middletown Senior Center dining room.
The cost is $5 and the menu is baked chicken with mash potatoes and all the trimmings.
To make a reservation for lunch and support the SLCFS please contact Pat Hallman at 707-987-3991 or by email at
SLCFS also runs the Fire Siren Thrift Shop located at 21095 Highway 175, Middletown. The Fire Siren Thrift Shop, “Second Hand But Grand,” is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Friday, Jan. 27, SLCFS will sponsor the Blood Centers of the Pacific Blood Drive at the Middletown Fire Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The next SLCFS regular monthly meeting will be held on March 6 at the Middletown Fire Station. All interested community members are welcome to attend.
SLCFS meetings are held on the first Monday of the month. A coffee social kicks off the morning at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 10 a.m.
To make your reservation to attend the Feb. 6 SLCFS Installation of Officers and Award Ceremony or for more information contact Pat Hallman at 707-987-3991 or Fran Rand at 707-987-8546.
UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Artist Anna Sabalone and Lake County Wine Studio are presenting a series of monthly art classes, with the next scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 22, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
During the two-and-a-half-hour class, Sabalone will demonstrate shading a still life scene.
All supplies are provided along with a glass of wine for sipping for $40 per person. Each monthly class focuses on a different art medium.
Sabalone was born and raised in Lake County. She has been involved in the Lake County Arts Council since her teen years. She attended University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the University of Leeds, England for her undergraduate degree in English, history and anthropology.
She earned her teaching credential and Master'ss of Education for UCSB and has been teaching art, English, history and academic decathlon at Upper Lake High School since 2008.
For art class schedule, reservations and additional information, contact Susan Feiler at 707-293-8752.
Lake County Wine Studio is both a gallery for display of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County. Artist's shows are held on a monthly basis with art and wine receptions held the first Friday and subsequent Saturday of each month.
The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake. Hours September through May are 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday and 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday.
For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at 707-275-8030.
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY
of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Environmental Permitting for Operations and Maintenance Project
NOTICE is hereby given that a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) prepared by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is available for public review. The proposed project would support a streamlined approach to permitting of mandated operation and maintenance (O&M) activities associated with maintaining the proper function of the Sacramento River Flood Control Project and Middle Creek Project flood protection facilities, including but not limited to; levee maintenance, channel maintenance, flood control structure maintenance and repair, and data collection. The proposed project would allow the continuation of these maintenance activities within the regulatory limitations imposed by required permits. The SRFCP levees, channels, and structures are located along the Sacramento River and its tributaries between Red Bluff and the area just south of Rio Vista. The Middle Creek Project is located near Clear Lake in Lake County.
The review period for the DEIR begins January 18, 2017 and ends March 3, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
Copies of the DEIR can be reviewed at the following locations:
http://water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/fmo/msb/env-permit.cfm or during normal business hours at:
Department of Water Resources, Division of Flood Management, 3310 El Camino Avenue, Room 100, Sacramento, CA 95821
Lakeport Library
1425 North High Street
Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 263-8817
A public meeting will be held on February 22, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Joint Operations Center, Department of Water Resources, 3310 El Camino Avenue, Room 130 Sacramento, CA 95821. There will be a short presentation on the project at the beginning of the meeting and then DWR will be taking public comments.
Comments regarding the DEIR should be submitted in writing to: Mr. Scott Kranhold, Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor), Maintenance Environmental Support Branch, Division of Flood Management, Flood Maintenance Office, Department of Water Resources
3310 El Camino Ave, Room 140, Sacramento, CA 95821
Fax: (916) 574-0331
Email:
Note: The Joint Operations Center is accessible to persons with disabilities. Individuals needing special services will be accommodated to the best of our ability. For more information, contact Scott Kranhold at (916) 574-0364 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
PRIVACY NOTE: Before including your name, address, telephone number, email or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – is a matter of public record and may be made publically available at any time. You can request in your comment to withhold this information from public review; however, there is no guarantee it will be possible.