News

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On the shores of Clear Lake, the annual Clear Lake Seaplane Splash In will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The seaplanes will come out of Clear Lake onto land at Natural High Grounds at 810 N. Main St. in Lakeport. 

Seaplane pilots throughout California and beyond are registering for this annual seaplane gathering that began in 1979.

Spectators will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with pilots and get up close and personal views of the planes.  

The Splash In Committee has arranged for a sound system by City of Light so everyone on the field can hear what’s going on including the pilot briefing, what planes are there and descriptions of aerial demonstrations over the lake demonstrations later in the day.

This year's field marshall is Ray Shipway of Shipway Aviation. He will be assisted by Lee Cook, a longtime Splash In volunteer. 

Shipway will oversee the Scouts of Sea Scout Ship unit 711 as they direct planes entering and leaving the field. 

As the Sea Scouts camp on site from Friday through Sunday, they and their leaders do 24 hour security for the field.

The day’s activities include a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. ($7/person) put on by the Lakeport Kiwanis Club to benefit Boy Scout Troop 42; a pilot’s briefing at 9 a.m. to cover what demonstrations they will be doing over the water beginning around noon; a display of classic cars and trucks, Lakeport Fire District will be on site with one of their trucks and firemen to talk about their great work in our community. 

Seaplane rides over Clear Lake with a couple of our commercially licensed pilots will be available for purchase. Two seaplane rides on Sept. 17 will be raffled off. Raffle sales close at 2 p.m.; winners must be present at the time of the drawing. 

Representatives of the National Seaplane Pilots Association from Lakeland Florida will have a booth where anyone interested in learning more about flying seaplanes can talk with them. Additional aviation industry vendors will also be on hand. 

The Clear Lake Modelers will have many of their models on display as well as a simulator where visitors may try their hand at flying a model. The club members will answer questions and demonstrate how to build models.

Commemorative Splash In T-shirts will be available at the Konoctee’s of Clearlake booth. Don’t forget to check out the many arts, crafts and food vendor booths.

This event is produced by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the city of Lakeport and the county of Lake.

Since its inception the Splash In’s official headquarters has been the Skylark Shores Resort in Lakeport.   For those seeking accommodations to attend the event visit the Lake County Chamber Web site at www.lakecochamber.com . For general questions call the chamber at 707-263-5092.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The “Wood & Glory” quilt block recently joined the Lake County Quilt Trail.

This 4-foot by 4-foot quilt block has been installed on Jim and Gail Robello’s dock, located on the water at 2310 Eastlake Drive, Kelseyville in Buckingham.

It is the third quilt block to be on the water trail.

The Robellos chose a nautical theme for their quilt block to express their love of boating on Clear Lake. They have enjoyed boating most of their lives which helped them decide to retire in Lake County.

“Our ‘barn’ is our floating boathouse which is used for antique and wooden boats, as well as fiber-classic boats,” Gail Robello said.

The Robellos hope those passing by viewing “Wood & Glory” enjoy Clear Lake as much as they do, and hope it puts a smile on their faces.

Wood & Glory is an annual boating event on Clear Lake which has been sponsored by the Antique and Classic Boating Society since 1999.

Each year about 200 people and 50 antique and classic boats gather to enjoy boating and sightseeing on Clear Lake.

The Lake County Quilt Trail is an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote community pride.

The 4-foot by 4-foot quilt block “Healing Star” was drawn and painted by the Lake County Quilt Trail team from the design suggestion given by Dr. Dhanda.

LCQT is a group of dedicated volunteer quilters, graphic artists, painters, writers, carpenters and a
videographer.

For more information about the Lake County Quilt Trail visit www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or visit the group on Facebook.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to the capture, arrest and conviction of a man who attempted to shoot a California Department of Fish and Wildlife officer late last month.

With the assistance of California Wildlife Officers Foundation, California Waterfowl Association, The Humane Society of the United States, The Sportfishing Alliance, The Nature Conservancy and private donors, a reward of up to $10,000 is offered for information about Shawn Eugene Hof Jr.
 
On Sunday, Aug. 21, at around 12:40 a.m., a CDFW wildlife officer was patrolling for poachers in Carlotta in Humboldt County when the officer saw a pickup truck with occupants using spotlights in an attempt to poach deer on Redwood House Road near Highway 36.

Officials said the wildlife officer attempted to conduct an enforcement stop on the vehicle when a person who was in the rear of the vehicle began shooting at the wildlife officer.

A vehicle pursuit ensued with the suspects crashing the vehicle off the road. The suspects fled on foot into the woods, evading arrest, according to the report.
 
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office and Humboldt District Attorney's Office are the lead investigating agencies concerning the shooting incident.

Through their investigation, they determined one of the suspects is 24-year-old Shawn Eugene Hof Jr.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has since obtained a $500,000 Ramey Warrant for Hof's arrest.
 
Shawn Eugene Hof Jr. is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
 
Anyone with information in this case (#201604226), particularly the whereabouts of Hof, is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office at 707-445-7251 or the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

The adult obesity rate in California is 24.2 percent, giving it the fifth lowest rate nationwide, according to a new report from the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America,” showed that U.S. adult obesity rates decreased in four states (Minnesota, Montana, New York and Ohio), increased in two (Kansas and Kentucky) and remained stable in the rest, between 2014 and 2015.

This marks the first time in the past decade that any states have experienced decreases – aside from a decline in Washington, D.C. in 2010.

Despite these modest gains, obesity continued to put millions of Americans at increased risk for a range of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and costs the country between $147 billion and $210 billion each year.

In 2015, Louisiana has the highest adult obesity rate at 36.2 percent and Colorado has the lowest at 20.2 percent.

While rates remained steady for most states, they are still high across the board. The 13th annual report found that rates of obesity now exceed 35 percent in four states, are at or above 30 percent in 25 states and are above 20 percent in all states. In 1991, no state had a rate above 20 percent.

The analyses are based on the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

The State of Obesity also found that:

• Nine of the 11 states with the highest obesity rates are in the South and 22 of the 25 states with the highest rates of obesity are in the South and Midwest.
• Ten of the 12 states with the highest rates of diabetes are in the South – and rates of diabetes increased in three states (Louisiana, Mississippi and Oregon). California's diabetes rate is 10 percent, 25th highest.
• American Indian/Alaska natives have an adult obesity rate of 42.3 percent.
• Adult obesity rates for blacks are 32.8 percent in California, the ninth lowest rate, and at or above 40 percent for blacks in 14 states.
• Adult obesity rates for Latinos are 31.3 percent in California, the 23rd highest rate.
• Adult obesity rates for whites are 22.2 percent in California, the fourth lowest rate, and at or above 25 percent for Whites in 39 states.
• Nationally, adult obesity rates are at or above 30 percent in 40 states and Washington, D.C. for blacks; 29 states for Latinos; and 16 states for whites.

There is some evidence that the rate of increase has been slowing over the past decade. For instance, in 2005, 49 states experienced an increase; in 2008, 37 states did; in 2010, 28 states did; in 2011, 16 states did; in 2012, only one state did; and in 2014, only two states did. (Note: the methodology for BRFSS changed in 2011).

“Obesity remains one of the most significant epidemics our country has faced, contributing to millions of preventable illnesses and billions of dollars in avoidable health care costs,” said Richard Hamburg, interim president and CEO, Trust for America's Health. “These new data suggest that we are making some progress but there's more yet to do. Across the country, we need to fully adopt the high-impact strategies recommended by numerous experts. Improving nutrition and increasing activity in early childhood, making healthy choices easier in people's daily lives and targeting the startling inequities are all key approaches we need to ramp up.”

Some other key findings from the report include:

• The number of high school students who drink one or more soda a day has dropped by nearly 40 percent since 2007, to around one in five (20.4 percent) in 2015 (note: does not include sport/energy drinks, diet sodas, or water with added sugars). In California, 14.2 percent of high school students reported drinking one can or more of soda per day.
• The number of high school students who report playing video or computer games three or more hours a day has increased more than 88 percent since 2003 (from 22.1 to 41.7 percent). In California, 42.1 percent of high school students reported playing video games and 23.1 percent reported watching three or more hours of TV per day.
• More than 29 million children live in “food deserts,” and more than 15 million U.S. children – including 13.5 percent in California – live in “food-insecure” households – having limited access to adequate food and nutrition due to cost, proximity and/or other reasons.
• The federal government has awarded more than $90 million via 44 Healthy Food Financing Initiative financial assistance awards in 29 states, including California, since 2011 – helping leverage more than $1 billion and create 2,500 jobs.
• Eighteen states, including California, and Washington, D.C. set a minimum amount of time that elementary students must participate in physical education; 14 states, including California, and Washington, D.C. set a minimum amount for middle schools; and six states, including California, set a minimum amount for high schools.

The report also includes a set of priority policy recommendations to accelerate progress in addressing obesity, including investing in obesity prevention, focusing on early childhood policies and programs, school-based policies and programs, and community-based policies and programs,

“This year's State of Obesity report is an urgent call to action for government, industry, health care, schools, child care and families around the country to join in the effort to provide a brighter, healthier future for our children. It focuses on important lessons and signs of progress, but those efforts must be significantly scaled to see a bigger turn around,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “Together, we can build an inclusive Culture of Health and ensure that all children and families live healthy lives.”

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, who represents the East Bay and is chair of the Future Forum in Congress, held a Future Forum Town Hall with students at Sonoma State University on Thursday.
 
The forum, introduced by Congressman Swalwell last year, is a group of 18 young, Democratic Members of Congress focused on bridging the gap between Congress and young Americans by discussing issues of importance to millennials.

Swalwell is leading the group on a national listening tour to listen and engage with millennials at universities, community colleges, companies and start-up incubators.
 
On Thursday, the Future Forum came to Sonoma State for a town hall-style listening session.

Students were encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversation with both Rep. Thompson and Rep. Swalwell about issues that are of particular interest or concern to them, as millennials.

To ensure the Future Forum was as accessible as possible, the town hall was live streamed via both Facebook and Periscope.
 
“Many thanks to my colleague Eric for working with me to bring the Future Forum to Sonoma State,” said Rep. Thompson. “I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with our bright young students and learning what it is they’re passionate about, and what it is that concerns them the most. Having this kind of open dialogue is key as my colleagues and I work to make sure the voices of our millennial generation are heard in Washington.”
 
“Thanks to all the Sonoma State students and community members who joined us for this latest stop on the Future Forum’s national listening tour,” said Rep. Swalwell. “Millennials are now the largest and most diverse generation in our nation’s history. Congress needs this kind of direct, frank input in order to make meaningful progress on the issues that concern millennials most, such as student loan debt, jobs, home ownership and climate change.”
 
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

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.

Caltrans will suspend work on Northern California highways from Friday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans Maintenance forces to respond to emergency situations.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Pavement marker replacement from Blue Lakes Road to Manzanita Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Pavement repairs at various locations from Manzanita Road to the southern junction of Route 53 will continue. One-way traffic control will also be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
– Great Lakes Environmental and Infrastructure has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for miscellaneous work near the Colusa County line. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 29
 
– Pavement marker replacement from the Siegler Creek Bridge to 0.7 miles north of the Lucerne Undercrossing will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY
 
Highway 1

– Bridge repairs at the Brush Creek Bridge will begin Tuesday, Sept. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Highway repairs a quarter-mile north of Ocean Meadows Circle will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, sevem days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Westport to Cotteneva Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
Highway 20

– Caltrans will perform paving at the East Side Potter Valley Road to westbound Route 20 beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6. A full ramp closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. A detour will be provided.
 
– Pavement sealing from the Cold Creek Bridge #5 to the Le Trianon Resort in Lake County will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101
 
– Bridge deck repairs at the Comminsky Station Viaduct and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept. 7. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. A northbound lane restriction will be in place. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
– Bridge deck repairs at the Robinson Overcrossing, Doolan Creek Bridge, Gobbi Street Overcrossing, and the North State Street Overcrossing will begin Wednesday, Sept. 7. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
– Rumble strip installation between Uva Drive and one half-mile south of the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
– Highway construction near the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Highway construction near the north Willits railroad crossing will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Rumble strip installation at various locations between Willits and Confusion Hill will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
 
– Geotechnical work from Reynolds Highway to Scow Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Emergency slide repairs just south of Standish-Hickey State Park will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
Highway 162

– Paving operations between East Lane Road and Short Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 175
 
– Emergency pavement repairs from Mathews Road to about 1.1 miles west of the Lake/Mendocino County line will begin Tuesday, Sept. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
Highway 253

– Highway repairs from Cattle Pass to Butler Ranch will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. 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).