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COBB, Calif. – The US Geological Survey reported Sunday night that the area near The Geysers geothermal steamfield was shaken by a 3.3-magnitude earthquake.
The quake occurred at 9:59 p.m., the survey reported.
It was centered two miles southeast of The Geysers and 15 miles south southwest of Clearlake at a depth of 1.2 miles, according to the report.
As of 10:30 p.m., the US Geological Survey had received shake reports from Lower Lake, Middletown and Healdsburg.
The last earthquake in Lake County measuring magnitude 3 or above occurred on Oct. 2, when the Cobb area experienced a 3.1-magnitude temblor, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – An early Sunday morning fire destroyed a Clearlake home, but firefighters were able to prevent additional damage to nearby structures.
The fire, which occurred at 3848 Oakland Ave., was dispatched just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday, according to radio reports.
Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta said the mobile home was fully involved by the time firefighters arrived at the scene minutes later.
The fire also led to power lines falling down in the area of Oakland Avenue and Ridge Road, with Pacific Gas and Electric responding to the scene, Sapeta said.
While nearby structures initially were threatened by the fire, Sapeta said none of them were damaged, with firefighters containing the blaze in about 25 minutes.
The mobile home, however, was a total loss, he said.
The woman renting the home was able to get out unharmed, and went to stay with family, according to Sapeta.
Four engines, a rescue unit, Sapeta and a total of 18 personnel from Lake County Fire and Cal Fire were on scene. Units remained on scene for mop up until just after 3:30 a.m., based on radio reports.
Sapeta said the investigation into the fire's cause was continuing on Sunday.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – On the corner of Third and Forbes streets in downtown Lakeport, standing just a tree away from the Lake County Veterans Services building and across the street from the courthouse, is a little building that contains valuable resources offered free to the community.
The Lake County Law Library is one of such facilities serving the 58 counties in California because a state law enacted in 1891 mandates that every California county has a fully operational public law library. But they are not government-owned or supported.
The Law Library is an independent public agency, but not a government agency. The library does not sell books. It is funded partly by donations, but the bulk of its funding comes from a small fixed portion of the court filing fees.
“We are not funded by the taxpayers,” said Casse Waldman Forczek, the Law Library's librarian. “Whatever income that comes in here we use to update our collection and to purchase reference books and reference materials, supplies and furniture and to pay for our online services and other expenses.”
The Law Library and the resources it contains have become more important in recent years as the local courts have seen an increase in self-represented litigants, according to Lake County Superior Court officials.
Waldman Forczek, the law library's librarian for the last two years, is a fastidious – some might say fussy – overseer of this county resource open to everyone, from Philadelphia lawyers in town on major cases, to do-it-yourselfers.
“If someone wants to find out about a barking dog they can go into 2013 Deering's California Desktop Code Series Index,” she said. “It tells where the code is and exactly what the current code is for barking dogs.”
The Lake County Law Library has a collection of approximately 7,300 books. Compared to the state law library in Sacramento or the state's largest county law library in Los Angeles – which boasts an imposing near-million books and documents – Lake County's law library is but a blip on the monitor.
But the cyber age and access to the World Wide Web have vastly expanded the little library's resources.
“Everything is on the Internet and it's just a matter of where to find it, using our online subscriptions,” said Waldman Forczek.
“But our top priority is to maintain the most widely used legal resources in printed book form on our shelves for our patrons – both attorneys and non-attorneys,” she said.
To name a few, those resources include California's Deering's Codes, California Forms of Pleading and Practice, Continuing Education of the Bar titles, Rutters Group Practice Guides, Witkins and official appellate and Supreme Court reports.
Putting all the information needed at the library users' fingertips are three programs subscribed to by virtually all law libraries including:
- Lexis Nexis Online “Patriot Plan”: A monthly subscription program with a comprehensive database covering all Supreme Court, appellate, federal and state cases, decisions and laws.
- EBSCO Nolo: Nolo eBooks are accessible from any outside computer or cell phone through a link on the Lake County Law Library Web site home page, http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Law_Library.htm ; and
- CEB Onlaw: The entire collection of Continuing Education of the Bar Practice guides, with links to cases and laws/codes, covering all practice major areas of law such as, among others, criminal civil and family law.
But, noted Waldman Forczek, many of these guides are accessible at the Lake County Law Library only as binders.
“We just do not have enough shelf space to carry them all,” she said. “However, it is always wise to double-check printed resources online to ensure the most recent information.”
There also is a sophisticated system that enables the efficient flow of professional information between law librarians throughout Northern and Southern California – namely the statewide nonprofit Council of California County Law Librarians, as well as Northern California Association of Law Librarians in which the Lake County Law Library maintains active memberships – and nationwide.
“Law librarians from all over get together for multiday conferences and seminars,” said Waldman Forczek, “and for any research question that needs to be answered … For example, I can get on the Internet to my network of 56 other county law libraries in Council of California County Law Librarians or Northern California Association of Law Librarians and send a message saying, 'We need this article from a particular law journal and we don't carry the journal. Can you help?' And sure enough we get an answer.”
The Lake County Law Library's most engaging nook for both lawyers and nonlawyers holds an exhaustive Nolo Self-Help Book Collection of about 350 books and brochures – all donated by the late Steve Elias. Several titles were either authored or collected by Elias, himself.
Before his death in December 2011, Elias was on the Lake County Law Library Board of Trustees and was a Lake County pro bono attorney, radio talk program host and a founder of the Lake County Community Radio station, 88.1 FM.
Elias' donated book collection continues to be a valuable aid to laypeople in understanding legal issues in plain English, which is why such eye-catching titles as “Beat Your Ticket” are in his collection.
He also championed mediation for bankruptcy and foreclosure cases and is credited with spearheading the bringing of 21st century law to Lake County through his online subscription to the Nolo eBooks Legal Information Reference Center.
While every treatise on jurisprudence written by famed legal authors that are sought by patrons won't be found on the shelves of the Lake County Law Library, those patrons can request their acquisition.
“… And my board of trustees will determine whether I should or should not purchase the title during our monthly board meetings,” Waldman Forczek added.
The Law Library Board of Trustees currently includes several of Lake County's judges, including Andrew Blum, Michael Lunas and Richard Martin, as well as local attorneys Mike Ewing and Dennis Fordham, and the newest member, Shanda Harry, a deputy county counsel.
Harry succeeds to the board seat previously held by Bob Bridges, a newly retired senior county counsel, who served on the Law Library Board of Trustees for 15 years and resigned from the board at the time of his retirement.
Bridges observed that while research at the Law Library has increasingly become electronic, the board has agreed with his view that books are better for everyone to use, as they don't require special training.
“We want to have people come in off the street and have books that they can read and use, so we maintain a basic collection,” he said.
“For people who are trained and can use the computer it's an excellent research tool, but not everybody in the public is trained to do it,” he added. “The Law Library has to be there for a base of people. It's not just for unique lawyers. It's there for a lot of people to use.”
The library, located at 175 Third St., is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is closed on county holidays.
For more information about the library, visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Law_Library.htm or call 707-263-2205.
Email John Lindblom at
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Animal Coalition of Lake County held its annual Halloween fundraiser on Friday, packing the house at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks.
The dinner and dance featured drawings, a silent auction and a costume contest that saw a cave couple take the prize.
Proceeds from the event will be directed toward the coalition's efforts to provide low cost spay and neuter vouchers for seniors and low income residents of Clearlake, as well as animal rescue and fostering services.
In their leopard print pelts and bones in their ratted-hair, caveman Jim Dvorak and his cave wife Carol of Lakeport claimed the popular vote for best costume. Jim Dvorak said he and his wife are regular guests of the coalition.
"We come to the Animal Coalition dance because it's such a good event and a good cause, and we're animals ourselves," Jim Dvorak said, waving his cave club in the air.
Jim and Pattie Johnson said they always have a good time at the event.
The San Mateo couple, dressed as dragons, were among a party of eight and guests of Bob Sullivan, president of Kono Tayee and avid supporter of the Animal Coalition.
Peacocks and butterflies, jailbirds and scallywags, witches, vampires and even the King Elvis himself joined in the festivities, including the interactive performance of the evening's musical entertainment, The Charlie Baker Band.
Email Denise Rockestein at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has a big new group of dogs available for adoption this week.
The dogs range in age from 11 months to 3 years, and include Chihuahua mixes to larger breeds, including mastiff and German Shepherd
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”).
Pomeranian mix
This male Pomeranian mix is 3 years old.
He weighs 12 pounds and has a short coat. Shelter staff did not report if he has been altered.
Find him in kennel No. 5, ID No. 38280.
Hound-shepherd mix pup
This male hound-shepherd mix pup is 11 weeks old.
He has a short brown coat and gold eyes, weighs 6 pounds and has been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 8a, ID No. 38178.
Hound-shepherd mix pup
This male hound-shepherd mix pup is 11 weeks old.
He has a short brown coat and gold eyes, weighs 6 pounds and has been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 8b, ID No. 38179.
Male German Shepherd mix
This male German Shepherd mix is 2 years old.
He has a short brown and black coat, weighs nearly 80 pounds and has been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 11, ID No. 38245.
'K.C.'
“K.C.” is a 2-year-old blue heeler mix.
She weighs 30 pounds, has a short tricolor coat and has been spayed.
Shelter staff said she is good with other dogs, and is quiet and calm.
She's in kennel No. 12, ID No. 38218.
Mastiff-shar pei mix
This male mastiff-shar pei is 2 years old.
He has a short black coat and it was not reported if he was neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 13, ID No. 38288.
Female Labrador Retriever mix
This female Labrador Retriever is 1 year old.
She has a short black coat and weighs nearly 56 pounds. Shelter staff did not report if she has been altered.
She's in kennel No. 27, ID No. 38257.
Female Labrador Retriever mix
This female Labrador Retriever is 6 months old.
She has a short black coat with white markings and is not yet spayed.
Find her in kennel No. 29, ID No. 38319.
Terrier-Chihuahua mix
This male terrier-Chihuahua mix is 1 year old.
He has a short fawn-colored coat. It was not reported if he has been altered.
He's in kennel No. 32a, ID No. 38295.
Terrier-Chihuahua mix
This female terrier-Chihuahua mix is 1 year old.
She has a short fawn-colored coat; shelter staff did not report if she has been spayed.
Find her in kennel No. 32b, ID No. 38296.
Terrier-Chihuahua mix
This female terrier-Chihuahua mix is 1 year old.
She has a short fawn-colored coat. It was not reported if she has been spayed.
Find her in kennel No. 32c, ID No. 38297.
Boxer-pit bull terrier mix
This male boxer-pit bull terrier mix is 1 year old.
He has a short brown brindle mix coat, weighs 72 pounds and has been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 33, ID No. 35680 .
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
It’s that time year again, the Halloween celebration. October conjures up some frightening images in our mind – witches circling the sky, goblins walking the streets and bats emerging from caves.
In reality, it’s a month to celebrate the gorgeous weather, the harvest of many favorite fruits and vegetables and the changing landscape.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reminds residents of another reason to celebrate this time of year – those same bats.
They are one of the most misunderstood groups of mammals and, in fact, perform an important service.
“Because bats are nocturnal, fly and have teeth, many people fear them. What the public doesn’t realize is that bat populations play a huge role in controlling insects,” said CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist Scott Osborn.
“Bats have amazing abilities – they are the only mammals capable of true flight,” Osborn added. “Their unique ultrasonic sonar system enables them to navigate and to catch insects in flight in complete darkness. Once people get to know bats, fear gives way to admiration.”
There are many misconceptions about bats.
Many think they are blind, prefer to feast on the blood of prey (animal and human) and attack people.
Actually, they see almost as well as us, eat flower nectar and insects (up to 600 mosquitos in one hour!) and they want nothing more than to be left alone.
California has 25 species of bats that eat tons of insects each night.
Some bats are migratory and just pass through California to warmer climates in winter. Others stick around all year and hibernate in old barns, under bridges, and in caves and mines.
As mammals, they feed their young by nursing until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
The average lifespan of a bat is 30 years or longer and most California bat species could fit in the palm of your hand.
Helping bats
Bats have one young per year and their low reproduction rate puts them at risk of extinction.
The fungal disease White-Nose Syndrome, which first appeared in New York in 2006, also threatens bat populations throughout North America.
Although the disease has not yet been detected in the western states, if it should reach California many of our most sensitive bat species could be drastically impacted.
As with any wildlife, it is best to keep a respectful distance from injured or sick bats. There are many wildlife rescue groups in California that help and treat injured bats.
You should never pick up a downed bat with your bare hands, especially because some bats, like other animals, might have rabies.