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LUCERNE, Calif. – This year's “Make A Difference Day” – held on Saturday, Oct. 25 – had a new feature, a volunteer fair.
On that afternoon, organizations gathered at Marymount California University in Lucerne to provide information on volunteering opportunities as well as raise public awareness of their missions.
Donations for the “stuff a bus” food collection effort also were accepted at the fair.
Organizers said they exceeded expectations for turnout.
Check out the video above for a sampling of the event.
Costumes, jack-‘o-lanterns, A haunted house and scary ghost stories mark this time of year as all kids of all ages enjoy the spirit of Halloween.
But if precautions aren’t taken, scary things can happen. Decorations that ignited are the reported cause in 900 home fires nationwide each year. Two of every five of those were started by a candle.
To make this day a fun and festive event, Cal Fire suggests following these few simple steps to ensure everyone stays safe.
Trick-or-treating
– Children should always go trick-or-treating with a responsible adult.
– Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting and visibility.
– Review how to cross a street with your child. Look left, right and left again to be sure no cars are approaching before crossing the street.
– If driving, be sure to watch for trick-or-treaters who are too busy to watch for you.
– Remind children to stay together as a group when walking from house to house.
Costumes
– Purchase costumes made of flame resistant or flame retardant. Fire resistant does not mean fireproof!
– Apply reflective tape to Halloween costumes.
– Masks can obstruct vision – consider using make-up instead.
– Avoid loose, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.
– Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping.
Decorations
– Keep decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
– Light jack-‘o-lanterns with battery powered light – never use candles!
– Keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
– Remove objects from the yard that could present a tripping hazard (garden tools, hoses, etc.).
Remember to closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it, discarding any unwrapped treats from a stranger. If in doubt, throw it out.
Cal Fire wishes all Californians a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
For more Halloween fire safety ideas and tips, please visit the Cal Fire Web site at www.fire.ca.gov .
While there continue to be no reported or confirmed cases of Ebola in California, State Health Officer and California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ron Chapman took action on Wednesday to help prevent any potential spread of the disease in the state by issuing a quarantine order and associated guidelines that require counties to individually assess persons at risk for Ebola and tailor an appropriate level of quarantine as needed.
This flexible, case-by-case approach will ensure that local health officers throughout the state prevent spread of the disease, while ensuring that individuals at risk for Ebola are treated fairly and consistently.
“Today we’re establishing a statewide, standard protocol requiring some level of quarantine for those at highest risk of contracting and spreading Ebola,” said Dr. Chapman. “This order will protect the health and safety of Californians and support the state’s local health officers’ existing authority to develop protections against disease spread.”
The order, which applies to anyone traveling to California who has 1) traveled to California from an Ebola affected area; and 2) has had contact with someone who has a confirmed case of Ebola, requires those travelers to be quarantined for 21 days.
A person traveling to this region that has not come into contact with a person with Ebola will not be subject to quarantine.
An Ebola-affected area is one determined as an active area by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which currently includes Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Local County health officers will issue quarantine orders for individuals and establish limitations of quarantine on a case-by-case basis. These limitations will be based on new guidance also released Wednesday by CDPH.
This “Guidance for the Evaluation and Management of Contacts to Ebola Virus Disease” outlines quarantine limitations that local health officers should take based on the level of Ebola risk to which individuals were exposed.
Although quarantine can involve isolation at home, it may be tailored to allow for greater movement of individuals who are deemed to be at lower risk.
“Not everyone who has been to an Ebola affected area should be considered high risk,” Dr. Chapman said. “This order will allow local health officers to determine, for those coming into California, who is most at risk for developing this disease, and to contain any potential spread of infectious disease by responding to those risks appropriately.”
In California, local health officers currently have the authority to order quarantine of people who may have an infectious disease that threatens public health. This order will ensure consistent application across the state of quarantine for high risk individuals in order to control risks from Ebola.
California is home to many health care workers who have selflessly volunteered to help combat the current Ebola epidemic in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. These individuals are engaged in stemming this epidemic at its source through a range of activities, from direct care of confirmed Ebola patients to health education of the general population.
California also is receiving residents returning from travel to these three countries as well as visitors from this region.
“Health care workers who go to Ebola affected countries to treat patients are great humanitarians. They will be treated with respect and dignity when they come home as these important public health actions are taken,” said Dr. Chapman. “We value those who volunteer to help those in need, and appreciate their willingness to serve.”
Wednesday's order is available on the CDPH Web site, www.cdph.ca.gov , as is the guidance to local health officers for implementing the order.
THE GEYSERS, Calif. – A Tuesday night earthquake was reported near the Geysers geothermal steamfield.
The 3.6-magnitude quake reported at 9:36 p.m. Tuesday, according to the US Geological Survey.
The quake's epicenter was one mile north northwest of The Geysers and 13 miles southwest of Clearlake, the survey reported. It was recorded at a depth of 1.2 miles.
The US Geological Survey received shake reports from around Lake County – including Kelseyville and Middletown – as well as the Bay Area and the North Coast.
Shake reports came from as far away as Rio Dell, the agency said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A man convicted last month of ramming a Clearlake Police officer with a vehicle was sentenced on Tuesday to more than 100 years in state prison.
Judge Andrew Blum gave Daniel Alan York, 54, a sentence of 96 years to life, plus 25 years determinate as specified by statute, for a total of 121 years to life, according to Senior Deputy District Attorney Art Grothe.
Last month a jury convicted York of five felonies charges, including assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, hit and run causing injury, vandalism and auto theft with a prior conviction, plus the jury found true special allegations of great bodily injury on all of those five counts.
The jury deadlocked on an attempted murder count that later was dismissed, as Lake County News has reported.
A lengthy, three-decade criminal record that included drug, weapons, vehicle theft and other convictions across Lake, Nevada and Sonoma counties resulted in Judge Blum also finding that York had prior serious or violent felonies and seven prior prison terms.
York was convicted of ramming an SUV into Clearlake Police Officer Tom Riley at Redbud Park on the morning of Sept. 22, 2013.
Riley suffered serious injuries – including a fractured spine, broken ribs, and head and neck lacerations, police reported – and was flown out to a regional trauma center for treatment.
York fled the scene and was arrested later that day.
York's sentencing originally had been scheduled for Oct. 20. However, on that day, York appeared in court with a handwritten motion for a new trial and made an attempt to fire his trial defense attorney, Barry Melton.
The result was that the court had to consider the new trial motion, which took place on Oct. 20, continued the following day and then was continued to Tuesday.
The breakdown of the sentence York received includes 27 years to life plus 22 years for assault on an officer; 25 years to life plus 22 years on the count of threatening an officer, which was stayed since it was considered as the same as the assault on an officer; hit and run with injury, 25 years to life, plus 22 years; 25 years for felony vandalism; and 25 years for auto theft with a prior, Grothe said.
Grothe said the vandalism and auto theft counts will run concurrent to each other, but consecutive to all other counts.
Melton told Lake County News that York intends to appeal the decision.
“I'll be filing an appeal on his behalf,” Melton said Tuesday afternoon.
Melton noted that York's was a “relatively lengthy trial.” A number of issues were presented during trial and sentencing which will be the basis of York's appeal, he said.
“This is the last word on the case for the time being from the superior court,” Melton said, adding, “The whole matter will be reviewed.”
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – There will be plenty of “boo” factor around Lake County this Friday as residents of all ages celebrate Halloween.
New events and longtime favorites will be offered in all corners in the county – from the Lakeport Kiwanis' 33-year tradition of fun for youngsters to the new “Trunk or Treat” event that had its big debut last year in Clearlake and returns this year.
A list of events follows. If you know of an event that should be included, email it to
THURSDAY, OCT. 30
Toles Family Haunted House
COBB – Jellystone RV Park and Camp Resort at Cobb Mountain, located at 14117 Bottle Rock Road, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Call 866-928-4322 for more information.
'A Scary Night Under the Stars'
KELSEYVILLE – “A Scary Night Under the Stars” will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Taylor Observatory, located at 5725 Oak Hills Lane.
See their digital theater show “Spook-tacular” in the full dome planetarium every hour on the half hour.
View deep sky objects through their telescopes.
Costumes are encouraged to engage in the spirit of Halloween. Join in the children's costume contest at 7:15 p.m.
Children under 12 years of age will receive a treat bag.
Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years.
For more information, call 707-995-0339.
'The Monster Hunters'
MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Middle School Drama Club will present “The Monster Hunters” at 7 p.m. in the multi-use room at the school, 20932 Big Canyon Road.
The cost is $3 per person or $10 per family.
FRIDAY, OCT. 31
Downtown Lakeport Halloween celebration
LAKEPORT – The Lakeport Main Street Association invites families to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween on Main Street on Friday.
The free event – which takes place rain or shine – will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the Halloween Children's Parade down Main Street.
More than 30 Lakeport stores will open their doors to trick-or-treating youngsters in costume. Look for the pumpkin posted in local business on and off Main Street for participating merchants.
Trick or Treat Main Street follows from 2 to 4 p.m., with local elementary schools planning to release the little ghosts and goblins from school early at 2:15 p.m.
The fun concludes at 4 p.m. with a costume contest hosted by Your One Stop Party Shop and Lakeside Family Fun Center on Museum Square.
There will be prizes awarded for first, second and third place winners of each age category and Family category.
Clearlake 'Trunk or Treat'
CLEARLAKE – The second annual Trunk or Treat event at the Clearlake Youth Center and Redbud Park will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Halloween.
At the free event you'll find food, Halloween games and activities, a bouncy house, a haunted house, live music from Borrowed Time and an assortment of decorated trunks handing out candy to those that attend.
This year, Lake County Youth Services will start the event with a parade beginning at 4:30 p.m. and originating from Highlands Park on Lakeshore Drive and moving toward the youth center.
At 6:30 p.m. they will start the Halloween costume contests.
If you are interested in having a booth with activities or having a decorated trunk to hand out candy from, please contact Bruno Sabatier at 707-695-0834 or Ami Landrum at 707-350-7419.
Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.
If you want to help with this event, please contact Joyce Overton, the director of the Clearlake Youth Center, at 707-994-KIDS.
Visit the event's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/trunkortreatclearlake .
Great Monster Mash Halloween Bash
LAKEPORT – The Lakeport Senior Activity Center will host its “Great Monster Mash Halloween Bash” on Friday.
The bash will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the center, located at 527 Konocti Ave.
The evening will feature music by The High Notes, a costume contest, taco bar buffet, no-host full bar and raffle prizes.
Special guest a Capella group “EarReverence” and the fun antics of “Flipper” will add to the atmosphere.
Tickets cost $15 per person and benefit the Meals on Wheels program for Lakeport and Kelseyville areas so that no senior goes hungry.
For more information call the center at 707-263-4218.
Lake County Animal Coalition annual costume dinner dance
CLEARLAKE OAKS – The Lake County Animal Coalition's annual costume dinner dance will be held on Friday.
The event will be held at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, 15900 E. Highway 20.
No host cocktails begin at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m.
Dancing to Twice As Good starts at 7 p.m.
There will be raffles, live auctions, a costume contest and a silent auction.
Tickets are $20 per person and are available at From Me 2 U, The Spot, Lakeshore Feed and Grain and Clearlake Veterinary Clinic.
Lucerne Community Church Halloween trunk or treat party
LUCERNE – Lucerne Community Church will host its second annual “Trunk or Treat party from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the church parking lot, 5870 East Highway 20.
People of all ages are welcome.
There will lots of candy, face painting and games.
For more information call 707-274-8326.
Orchard Park Halloween House, trick or treat
CLEARLAKE – Orchard Park Assisted Living & Memory Care, 14789 Burns Valley Road, will host a free and safe trick or treat event for the children from 6 to 8 p.m.
They will offer refreshments, movies in the living room and door-to-door trick or treating throughout their community.
Toles Family Haunted House
COBB – Jellystone RV Park and Camp Resort at Cobb Mountain, located at 14117 Bottle Rock Road, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The haunted house also will be presented the same hours on Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2.
Call 866-928-4322 for more information.
Lakeport Kiwanis Halloween party
LAKEPORT – The Kiwanis of Lakeport will host its 33rd annual Halloween party for the community's children from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake High School gym, 350 Lange St.
Admission to the party is free.
Children up to age 13 are invited to come and enjoy a fun evening that includes games, candy, refreshments and prizes. At 7:15 p.m. a costume contest will take place.
The event is a safe way for children to celebrate Halloween.
Middletown Lioness Halloween Carnival
MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Lioness club is having a free Halloween carnival from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road.
Children will receive a ticket for a free hot dog; parents are able to purchase one for $1.
There will be popcorn, cotton candy and several activities for the children.
Lakeside Family Fun Center costume contest
LAKEPORT – Lakeside Family Fun & Event Center, 872 Lakeport Blvd., will host a costume contest.
Sign ups begin at 7 p.m.
Prizes – which include $50, $25 and $10 gift cards for first, second and third places, respectively – will be awarded at 9 p.m.
For more information, call the event center at 707-263-4828.
Running Creek Halloween Bash
UPPER LAKE – Running Creek Casino, 635 Highway 20, will host Halloween fun on Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Check in and participate in up to seven different categories in the casino's costume contest. There will be prizes for the winners.
The evening will feature DJ Ruben Mora and karaoke, cash prizes, food and drink specials, and more.