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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Pacific Gas & Electric plans to replace 37 center bore utility poles in the city of Clearlake.
What's more, the city has replacement options in the project including those that are at no expense.
A street light survey to identify any lights that were not functioning properly was recently conducted by Public Works Director Doug Herren and PG&E representative Robert Cherry.
They calculated a total of 250 street lights in the city, some of which are owned by entities other than PG&E or the city, such as Caltrans or private individuals.
According to Cherry, 65 PG&E-owned poles are in need of light bulb repair. He said poles are identified by pole numbers and that repair orders are issued by such.
“The problem is, there are no pole numbers,” he said. “We are hoping to have the 65 poles that need repair done, and try to identify who owns the other ones.”
PG&E representative Mark O'Leary said decorative utility poles with either single or double light fixtures are replacement options eligible to the city at no cost.
O'Leary said the new fixtures have better optics and the poles are shorter – 14 or 16 feet – than those to be replaced.
“Closer to the ground, means more light on the ground,” O'Leary said.
The city can choose standard “cobra” head fixtures with LED lighting on galvanized steel poles, according to O'Leary. LED lighting, however, will cost the city about $200 per fixture.
O'Leary said while the decorative poles are not LED, which is less costly to operate, they will be able to be converted at some point in the future.
PG&E will work with Herren to identify the type of pole and light fixture the community wants in replacement.
Herren said the majority of utility poles targeted for replacement are located on Lakeshore Drive.
O'Leary said the project is estimated to cost $167,000, not including any city-owned poles.
He said area residents who may be impacted will be notified three days prior to replacement work.
Email Denise Rockenstein at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Kittens and more mature cats are waiting for new families at Lake County Animal Care and Control this week.
The five cats ready for adoption as the week begins range in age from 9 weeks to 5 years, and all have been spayed or neutered so they can go immediately to new homes.
In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped 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 there, hoping you'll choose them.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .
The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).
Female brown tabby
This female brown tabby is 3 years old.
She has a curly coat and green eyes, weighs 8 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel 18, ID No. 39711.
Domestic long hair mix
This domestic long hair mix is 2 years old.
She has dilute tortie markings, weighs nearly 11 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 56, ID No. 39764.
Tuxedo kitten
This tuxedo kitten is 9 weeks old.
She has gold eyes and a short coat, weighs 2 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 60a, ID No. 39847.
Domestic short hair mix kitten
This domestic short hair mix kitten is 9 weeks old.
He has a black and white spotted coat, weighs 2 pounds and has been altered.
He comes from the community cat program and so he has had an ear tipped.
Find him in cat room kennel No. 60b, ID 39848.
Domestic medium hair mix
This female domestic medium hair mix cat is 5 years old.
She has a gray coat and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 62, ID No. 39667.
Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .
Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.
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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Steve Leonardi can truly say he has a target audience for his line of work.
Leonardi is an archery expert and United States Olympic Committee-certified Level 2 instructor, which means he can – and does – train potential Olympians in the sport.
You will find him at a course set up on Dry Creek Road on the periphery of Middletown, which on some Sunday afternoons will be abuzz with 40 or so enthusiasts of all ages zeroing in on targets.
“The way this works is it’s open-ended so that everybody can come who wants to,” said Leonardi, who provides the equipment – including Olympic-certified bows.
Participants in his program have ranged from age 5 to 85.
On Aug. 30-31 Leonardi’s course will be the site of a the first-ever Middletown Archery Olympics, which will be a highpoint for his three decades in archery.
“Every year the USOC (U.S. Olympic Committee) sanctions so many shoots that are going to be certified Olympic (trial) events,” said Leonardi. “This year this is one of them. There will be about 150 to 200 people. We are hoping to have two gold medal winners for the shoot.”
No less important, Leonardi is working with young local archers he believes have world-class potential.
“I’ve got two kids right now who are at the point that they are going to start competing at the Junior Olympics,” he said. “If they continue with it and keep growing with it I will help them go and get grants for college through archery.
In order to become a Level 2 certified archery instructor, Leonardi had to meet extensive criteria, including a coaching, professional and a sports science background.
He brings an expertise to archery in which he has been involved since he was a teenager growing up in San Anselmo.
But there’s a lot more that Leonardi incorporates in his program, some of which is not on the archery range.
“I’ve dedicated a lot of my life to helping kids,” he said. “The way I help them is by opening the door for archery. As soon as that opens up I bring in people who have the skills to be able to guide the families.
“I want to develop a program for families who need help and can’t afford it. We have a psychologist on board who donates time and supports families who are having a crisis.”
There is, in itself, something about drawing back a bow and unleashing an arrow that is becalming. The Japanese form of archery – Kyudo – is, in fact, founded on meditative principles. Leonardi, incidentally, intends to add a course for Kyudo.
“I love archery because it’s like a medication,” said Aram Thuesen, who assists with Leonardi‘s program while working toward a Level 1 instructor certificate. “Sometimes I’ll leave work and go to archery for an hour and I’ll forget about everything else.
“Once Steve talked to me about everything he’s doing – like getting into social services – I learned that this guy has put a lot of his own money, heart and time into this.”
Said Leonardi: “There is no negativism at all at our course. If the parents are there I will ask them to leave. I want young people to know that it’s a safe place to be. If they dedicate their time to it, they can have a good time and enjoy it.
“Nobody’s going to criticize or cut them down for doing anything they do there. The only ones who are going to tell them if they’re doing it right or wrong is themselves. The way I teach is to guide them through the process of archery. I can usually get someone shooting in 15 minutes. Accuracy is developed over of a couple of months.”
In the two and a half years Leonardi has operated his program there has been interest in establishing archery in other parts of Lake County.
Leonardi is working through the process of getting a Lakeport archery enthusiast certified and plans to help get that program established.
“I’m also getting closer to getting archery into the Indian community here in the Middletown area,” he said, noting that the early Pomos used spears, not bows and arrows.
He also is planning to upgrade his course, with the assistance of a friend who’s an architect. He wants to add a structure and set up his course for disabled archers.
But all this will requires funding and Leonardi confesses to one frailty: He is not a fundraiser.
“That’s my biggest weakness. It’s easy for me to teach, it’s easy for me to take money out of my own pocket, but it’s hard for me to ask for money from people,” he said.
Would-be contributors or archers can call 707-338-8866, visit Middletown Archery at http://www.middletownarchery.org/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/middletown.archery.ca .
Email John Lindblom at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Home winemakers and brewers across Northern California are getting ready for the 13th annual Lake County Home Wine Makers Festival celebrating their crafts, scheduled to take place in Lakeport on Saturday, June 21.
The winefest takes place between 1 and 5 p.m. at Lakeport’s Library Park, and also features a major silent auction and lottery, as well as vendors offering a wide range of products and services.
The event is sponsored by nonprofit Lake County Symphony Association, with proceeds going to support the organization’s music programs, including underwriting the county’s symphonic and youth orchestras.
The winefest, as it’s usually called, features dozens of amateurs who will pour tastes for attendees, who will then vote for their favorites for the “People’s Choice” awards in major categories of both wines and beers.
In addition, panels of professionals will judge a broad range of beverages including red and white wine varietals, sparkling and dessert wines and blends, with first, second and third prizes awarded, in each category if justified in the opinion of the judges.
Judges confirmed to date are Stephan Dilley, founder and owner of Lavender Blue Winery; Jack Vos, restaurant/food server manager at Manzanita Restaurant at Middletown’s Twin Pine Casino and Hotel; Stephanie Green, wine sommelier and owner of the recent Wine Studio in Kelseyville; Bonnie Sears, with Beckstoffer’s Kelseyville area vineyards; Quincy Steele, of Calvino Jones and Steele Wines of Finley; Sean Piper, Napa County born and raised creative director of “Wine Consumer” magazine; Miguel Angel, owner of Don Angel Cellar winery; and Anita McKee , representing Lakeview Homes and Estates. All have judged at prior winefests or other similar events.
Beers and ales judging will be restricted to those voting in the “People’s Choice” awards.
Music will be provided by the duo of David Neft and Steve DuBois, with breakout groups from the Symphony and Youth Orchestras as well as a possible return of perennial favorites the Konocti Fiddle Club.
Lake County’s major commercial wineries also will participate, pouring samples of their finest products.
Last year the commercial operators basically kept the event afloat after an adverse ruling from the State ABC prohibited amateurs from participating. The Symphony Association deeply appreciates their coming to the group’s assistance at a moment of crisis.
Home winemakers wishing to participate can contact Ed Bublitz at 707-277-8172 or email
Home brewers can call Scott Simkover at 707-279-2762 or
General information about the winefest can be obtained by visiting www.homewinemakersfestival.com .
Admission to the festival is $25 per person at the gate, which includes a commemorative wine glass.
Only persons 21 years or older and wearing the identifying wrist-band issued with the ticket, will be permitted tastes of the wines and beers.
Tickets purchased in advance are $20 and can be obtained from Lower Lake Coffee Co. on Main Street in Lower Lake, Middletown Florist in Middletown, EJ Video Store in the Riviera Shopping Center on Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, and Lake County Wine Studio, Upper Lake.
For additional outlets or other information call 707-277-8172.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A group of new puppies has joined the available dogs at Lake County Animal Care and Control.
The dogs needing homes this week include mixes of German Shepherd, pit bull, Labrador Retriever, terrier, Boxer and more.
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.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .
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”).
'Chocolate'
“Chocolate” is a 1-year-old beagle-fox terrier mix.
He has a short brown and white spotted coat, weighs 31 pounds and has been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 3, ID No. 39610.
Terrier mix puppy
This male terrier mix is 16 weeks old.
He has a curly black coat, floppy ears and brown eyes, and has been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 7, ID No. 39692.
'Baxter'
“Baxter” is a 4-year-old male boxer mix.
He has a brown and white coat, weighs 92 pounds and has not been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 39794.
'Gringo'
“Gringo” is a 4-year-old male boxer mix.
He has a white coat, weighs 75 pounds and has not been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 8, ID No. 39795.
'Cricket'
“Cricket” is a 4-year-old female Labrador Retriever-shepherd mix.
She has a short black and white coat, weighs 55 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in kennel No. 9, ID No. 39720.
Hound mix
This male hound mix is 4 years old.
He has a short tricolor coat, weighs 72 pounds and has been neutered.
Shelter staff said he is very mellow with great manners, and would make a great family pet with no cats.
He is heartworm positive but this is treatable; please contact the shelter with any questions.
He's in kennel No. 10, ID No. 39789.
Hound-Shar Pei mix
This male hound-Shar Pei mix puppy is 17 weeks old.
He has a short chocolate-colored coat and has been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 13, ID No. 39407.
Female Labrador Retriever mix
Looking for a loyal companion who will always be by your side?
Check out this 13-year-old female Labrador Retriever mix.
She has a medium-length black coat and has been spayed.
Shelter staff say she is perfect for any home, has no food aggression, gets along great with other dogs – male or female – as well as cats. Plus, she loves baths.
Find her in kennel No. 14, ID No. 39781.
Pit bull terrier mix puppy
This male pit bull terrier mix puppy is 10 weeks old.
He has a short brown brindle and white coat, weighs 10 pounds and has not been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 32a, ID No. 39792.
Pit bull terrier mix puppy
This male pit bull terrier mix puppy is 10 weeks old.
He has a short tan and white coat, weighs 12 pounds and has not been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 32b, ID No. 39793.
Blue heeler-pit bull terrier puppy
This female blue heeler-pit bull terrier puppy is 9 weeks old.
She has a short tan and white coat, weighs 7 pounds and has not yet been spayed.
She's in kennel No. 33a, ID No. 39739.
Blue heeler-pit bull terrier puppy
This male blue heeler-pit bull terrier puppy is 9 weeks old.
She has a short white and brown brindle coat, weighs 7 pounds and has not yet been spayed.
She's in kennel No. 33b, ID No. 39740.
German Shepherd mix puppy
This female German Shepherd mix puppy is 5 months old.
She weighs 28 pounds, has a short black and brown coat and has been spayed.
Find her in kennel No. 34a, ID No. 39761.
German Shepherd mix puppy
This female German Shepherd mix puppy is 5 months old.
She weighs 26 pounds, has a short black and brown coat and has been spayed.
Find her in kennel No. 34b, ID No. 39762.
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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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
U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, has introduced the Promoting Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of 2014, major mental health and domestic violence legislation aimed at reducing and preventing gun violence.
The legislation provides resources for mental health crisis intervention services; closes the gaps in current federal gun policy by clarifying and expanding existing federal prohibitors; provides states with the tools needed to strengthen and enforce gun violence prevention laws; and improves records reporting into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
“While those suffering from mental illness are far more likely to be victims than perpetrators of violent crimes, we must also recognize that improving our mental health system is an essential component of reducing and preventing gun violence,” said Thompson.
“This bill strengthens and improves intervention efforts, gives law enforcement additional tools to enforce laws and keep guns away from those who shouldn’t have them, and it improves the submission of mental health records into the criminal background check system,” Thompson continued. While no one law or set of laws can end gun violence, by taking these steps – and requiring background checks on all commercial gun sales – we can make our communities safer and prevent more shootings while respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.”
The Promoting Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of 2014 helps keep guns away from those who are determined to pose a danger to themselves or others.
The legislation prohibits the purchase or possession of a firearm by individuals subject to involuntary outpatient commitment if a court finds they pose a significant and dangerous threat to themselves or others.
Current federal law has been interpreted to apply only to inpatient commitments.
Recognizing that states play an important role in preventing gun violence and ensuring safe communities, the legislation strengthens federal and state partnerships by providing grants to states to strengthen gun violence prevention laws that prohibit individuals with dangerous risk factors from possessing firearms.
For example, states could:
- Create laws that enable law enforcement to petition for a warrant to temporarily remove firearms when there is probable cause to believe that an individual poses an imminent risk of harm to self or others. The process by which a warrant is obtained and a gun is removed must be consistent with due process; and
- Create laws that temporarily prohibit the purchase and possession of a gun after an involuntary hospitalization on an emergency basis due to serious mental illness.
The Promoting Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of 2014 prohibits the purchase or possession of a firearm by individuals convicted of misdemeanor stalking.
It also expands the definition of intimate partners and expands the scope of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to include dating partners, children, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings. This allows people in these categories to be protected under current domestic violence laws that prohibit domestic abusers from purchasing or possessing firearms.
Current law only protects current and former spouses, people who have or are co-habiting, people who share a child; parents; and guardians from domestic abusers who own guns.
Thompson’s bill also establishes a minimum restoration standard, ensuring a fair restoration process of firearm ownership rights that balances public safety with individuals’ rights.
One year after an individual’s involuntary commitment ends, they may petition the court to have their rights restored. The application must be accompanied by a clinical opinion of a psychiatrist or psychologist.
After considering a variety of factors, the judge would determine if restoring gun ownership rights is compatible with the public interest.
Finally, Promoting Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act of 2014 includes measures to strengthen and improve intervention efforts, boost mental health research, enhance information sharing and research on gun violence, and improve the submission of mental health records into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, the database used to determine whether or not a prospective buyer is eligible to buy a firearm.
Thompson’s task force included making improvements to our mental health system in their policy principles release in February 2013.
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.