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CA Flooding After Fire from California DWR on Vimeo.

Flood and fire officials from the California Department of Water Resources, Cal Fire and the National Weather Service warn that weather and land conditions across California increase the potential for flash flooding during the rainy season now under way. 

Five years of drought conditions have exacerbated wildfires across the state. Now, rain is beginning to fall on fire burn scars, making these areas prone to sudden erosion along roads and through neighborhoods.

State officials and the National Weather Service urge the public to begin preparations for potential flood events.

The Department of Water Resources urges individuals and families to be aware of weather conditions and forecasts, know their risk and prepare to evacuate quickly if ordered by local officials. 

A list of recommended preparation steps and resources can be found at www.FloodPrepareCA.com .

The department on Monday released online an educational video showing recent catastrophic flooding after fire events across California and recommended actions the public should take if traveling through a flash flood-prone area.

“With an increased number of burn areas comes increased potential for flash flooding in those areas,” said Bill Croyle, deputy director of statewide emergency preparedness and security for the Department of Water Resources. “Flood preparedness is even more important this year due to widespread wildfires the state has experienced.”

The Department of Water Resources uses innovative monitoring tools that synthesize multi-agency data to understand detailed, real-time ground conditions, helping to inform officials of developing areas of flood concern. 

The National Weather Service is responsible for issuing flood watches and warnings to the media and the public. Californians are encouraged to monitor television and radio broadcasts and to take advantage of a variety of smartphone apps, all of which carry National Weather Service alerts.

For more information about the risk of flooding after fire, the National Weather Service provides an online explanation of what causes a debris flow.

Also, the California Nevada River Forecast Center provides the public a firsthand look at locations of burn scars here. As of Oct. 15, California had experienced 6,726 fires burning a total of 560,888 acres. The map showed that Lake County has one of the largest burn scar areas in the state due to the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires of 2015, and the August Clayton fire.

Cal Fire has taken measures to stabilize several slopes, including straw-mulching and installing Early Warning System rain gauges linked to local government emergency response systems to trigger evacuation. But the fire season continues, particularly in Southern California.

Information about ongoing wildfires is available at http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Sons in Retirement club is hosting a series of upcoming events through the end of this year.

Through the remainder of October, the club plans for a golf tournament in Hidden Valley Lake on Wednesday, Oct. 26, and a trip to see “The Sound of Music” in Sacramento on Thursday, Oct. 27.

On Nov. 9, SIR will host its final golf tournament of the year at Black Rock Golf Course in Cobb.

The group's regular meeting on Nov. 11 will include a talk by special guest, Sheriff Brian Martin.

From Nov. 29 through Dec. 1, the group will travel to Reno to see “Miracle on 34th Street” and do some Christmas shopping.

The SIR Christmas dinner meeting will take place on Dec. 9, with a “Mexican Christmas” theme.

Sons In Retirement is a social organization for men of retirement age who are pursuing the goal of enjoying their later years.

Branch 168 holds a Luncheon on the second Friday of each month at TNT Restaurant in Lakeport.

If you are interested in learning more about Sons In Retirement contact Larry Powers, chair of the membership committee, at 707-263-3403 or visit the state Web site at http://sirinc.org/sirhappenings/ .

Monica Rosenthal, candidate for District 1 supervisor, has been involved in many different agencies and organizations within Lake County for over 20 years. She has depth of knowledge that will enable her to hit the ground running as our County representative.

Examples include serving on the Lake County Planning Commission, the Lake County Farm Bureau Board and on the Napa/Lake Workforce Investment Board.

When I compare Mr. Simon’s resume to Ms. Rosenthal’s, she wins hands down. Monica’s extensive volunteer activities provide a much broader base of knowledge and relevant experience.

As a resident of Hidden Valley Lake I have discussed a few of our most pressing county-related problems with her.

One is the water moratorium, which has rendered our undeveloped lots worthless because no new water service can be provided. She has investigated the issues behind the water moratorium and has a strategy for working with relevant state agencies to resolve this edict.

Another high priority issue is the county building permitting process. With local residents trying to rebuild after the Valley fire, many complain of the disorganization in our county building department. Monica’s planning background combined with the relationships she has developed over the years will foster a proactive approach with higher expectations and better oversight to enable residents’ recovery efforts.

I am supporting Monica because experience and qualifications matter.

Join me in voting for Monica Rosenthal as our next District 1 supervisor.

Susan Cameron lives in Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, the voters in the Konocti Unified School District (KUSD) will be asked to consider Measure Y, a local school bond. 

KUSD has increased enrollment by 300 students in the past three years and we are running out of classroom space.

Measure Y funds will be used to build new classrooms and science labs to accommodate our growing student enrollment.

Funds will also replace or improve our older school buildings, help ensure the safety and security of our students and our staff, and provide better access to modern technology.

Measure Y provides for strict accountability. We will conduct annual audits to ensure bond funds are spent properly and an independent citizens’ oversight committee will be appointed to monitor and report to the community on all bond expenditures.

The oversight committee, composed of local residents, will ensure that all bond funds are spent as planned for the benefit of local elementary and high school students. 

The district has been successful with bond funds in the past. The district completed all projects promised to voters in 2004 and the district also secured almost $14 million in state matching and joint use funds. If Measure Y is successful, the district will be eligible additional matching funds from the state.

Measure Y provides local control and funding, and increases the number of classrooms for our student population. Quality schools protect and enhance our property values and our community. 

Please vote yes on Measure Y.

Sue Burton lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif. She is a member of the Konocti Unified School District Board of Trustees.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It’s “flu” season and the Lake County Public Health Division will once again host its community influenza vaccination clinics.

Getting vaccinated is a great way to avoid getting the flu. Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine.

Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm instead of your hands.

A virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch. Wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Try not to touch your face with your hands. A virus can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth. Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.

Choosing a healthful lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system. Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza in our community.

The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees F combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.

Lake County Public Health is offering seasonal flu vaccines for $2.

Scheduled clinics for the seasonal flu vaccines are as follows:

Clearlake

• Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Community Center, 3245 Bowers Road.

Middletown

• Thursday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Calpine Visitors Center, 15500 Central Park Road.

Lakeport

• Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court.
• Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court.

Flu vaccinations also are available in a variety of locations such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.

The Lake County Public Health Division wishes community members a healthy and happy fall and winter season.

Please call 1-800-794-9291 or 707-263-1090 with questions.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for apprentice pheasant hunts in 17 counties throughout the state.

The hunts, which will be held on various dates throughout November and December, are specially designed to provide an educational and memorable experience for new hunters, youth hunters, women hunters, mobility-impaired hunters and families.

These CDFW-sponsored opportunities are available at the following locations:

• Fresno County (Mendota Wildlife Area);
• Imperial County (Imperial Wildlife Area);
• Kern County (Bakersfield and Stockdale Ranch);
• Los Angeles County (Peace Valley);
• Madera County (Chowchilla and Hensley Lake);
• Merced County (O’Neill Forebay Wildlife Area and Merced);
• Napa County (Napa-Sonoma Wildlife Area);
• Plumas County (Green Gulch Ranch);
• Riverside County (Robinson Farms and San Jacinto Wildlife Area);
• San Bernardino County (Camp Cady Wildlife Area);
• San Diego County (Oak Grove);
• San Joaquin County (White Slough Wildlife Area);
• San Luis Obispo County (Santa Margarita and Ray Azbill);
• Siskiyou County (Shasta Valley Wildlife Area);
• Solano County (Grizzly Island Wildlife Area);
• Tehama County (Sacramento River Bend Area);
• Yolo County (Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area).

More details – including hunt dates, types of hunts offered and how many hunters each event will accommodate – can be found online at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/dfgspecialhunts/default.aspx .

These apprentice hunts are provided by CDFW’s Upland Game Bird Special Hunt Program, in cooperation with many volunteer organizations. They provide a high-quality, educational experience that builds upon the lessons taught in hunter education classes.

They also provide additional public hunting opportunities for upland game birds on both public and private lands.

Applicants are reminded that nonlead ammunition is required for hunting pheasant in California, unless the hunt is taking place at a licensed game bird club.

Before venturing out to hunt, please review the new nonlead requirements at www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/nonlead-ammunition .

For more information about the application process, please call 916-445-3452.