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NORTH COAST, Calif. – A fatal three-car collision on Highway 20 in Mendocino County led to a temporary closure of the roadway as emergency personnel worked at the scene.
Radio reports indicated the wreck occurred just before 11:15 a.m. on Highway 20 at Potter Valley Road.
On arrival, firefighters found one dead and several people seriously injured. At least one female crash victim had to be extricated from a vehicle, according to scanner and witness reports.
Witness reports stated that one of the vehicles involved included a minivan – with several children inside – along with a full-sized pickup truck and a Jeep-type vehicle.
The highway was completely closed as firefighters and California Highway Patrol officers responded, based on reports from the scene.
In addition to resources responding from Mendocino County fire agencies, Northshore Fire was asked to send one ground ambulance, a request that was canceled with a second air ambulance asked to respond instead, according to scanner reports.
Initial reports stated that seven crash victims were transported for medical care, including the patients CalStar 4 and REACH 6 took by air.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m. CHP’s Ukiah Dispatch Center said one-way traffic control was in effect through the crash area, with the highway reported to be fully reopened about 45 minutes later.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – When the new Middletown Public Library opened on April 12, a door to new possibilities also was opened.
One of them was an enhanced Children's Summer Reading Program.
The number of youngsters enrolled this summer – 22 preschoolers and 93 kindergartners through sixth grade – speak to its success. “Teen Read” coordinator Tamsen Nash has simultaneously conducted a teens reading program for 10 young people, with that program ending Saturday, Aug. 3.
Prior to the new library's opening, the summer reading program existed in the much smaller Gibson Library, which opened in 1930 but was outgrown by Middletown's increased population.
Then, with the new library's opening at 21256 Washington St. this spring, Marcine Crowhurst, vice president of Friends of the Middletown Library, stepped up to establish a more comprehensive program with all the bells and whistles.
Crowhurst's emergence was accompanied by an unprecedented outpouring of aid in the form of sponsorships and volunteers from the Middletown community.
“My passion in life is that every child will be a reader. So we began to organize (the reading program),” said Crowhurst. “I've had tremendous support from Fran Rand, who is the president of Friends of the Library, then I received some funding from the Lake County Library Friends.”
Gehlen Palmer, who anchored the library desk at Gibson (as he does at the new library) and doubled in running the summer reading program at Gibson, compared the then and now of the program.
“There were very few kids. Sometimes you'd get quite a few kids lined up, but then the follow-through wasn't good because I didn't have people like Marcine to come in and help,” said Palmer, who also is the program's artist.
Palmer's normal hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, but he has donated his time in the morning, when the preschoolers come in, to assist with the reading program.
“It's important for kids to become readers and I understand that with younger kids their scheduling is usually that they do a story time and have a little snack and take a nap in the morning,” he explained.
Crowhurst recalled the limitations for the program at the Gibson Library.
“Over there we were never able to have a very large group. We thought we would have a children's librarian and we didn't,” said Crowhurst, who is a retired reading specialist.
Crowhurst looked like anything but retired last Tuesday as she read to a group of 16 preschoolers in the morning.
In both the morning and afternoon, she oversaw a craft day that involved youngsters in a number of hands-on activities.
Other readers have included Patty Buck, a teacher at Middletown Christian School; author Alethea Eason, a reading specialist at Minnie Cannon Elementary School; St. Helena Montessori Preschool teacher Saro Deacon; retired international educator Will Crowhurst; and past vice president of the Friends of Middletown Library and library volunteer Jacquie Sticklind.
Additionally, Luann Napier, Friends of the Library member and volunteer; Cheyene Buck, a student at George Fox University; Veronica McGee, Middletown School District Bilingual Education; and Colleen Comstock, a grandmother and preschool program volunteer, have read to the children.
Dr. Ian van Zyl of Happy Smiles Dental Practice presented a “Dental Health” program.
Reikor Deacon, teacher and guitarist at Minnie Cannon Elementary, and Saro Deacon led the children in singing activities.
For the fourth-to-sixth grade group, Barry Kraft, a Shakespearean actor no less, provided lively readings from a variety of age-group materials.
Kraft acknowledged that, as Crowhurst said, he performed in a number of plays at ultra-cultural Ashland, Oregon.
“I was in Julius Caesar four times,” he said. “Playing Caesar once, Brutus once, Cassius once and Mark Anthony once, I covered 'the big four.'”
He also read to all ages in the library at Ashland and taught kindergarten through eighth grade in San Francisco.
“He came here in May and read to adults,” said Crowhurst. “He volunteers his time and he's wonderful to have in the community. Without publicity, people don't know what they're missing.”
In addition to Palmer, Lakeport librarian Barbara Green and new county librarian Christopher Veach, said Crowhurst, were helpful in initiating the program and provided encouragement.
“My experience has been as a classroom teacher, resource specialist, reading specialist and literacy coach. So this was all new for me,” she said.
Regarding the many contributions of the Middletown community, she added, “I could see that we weren't really going to be able to organize a reading program without members. We are blessed with our new facility. Hopefully there will be funding in the future for a children's librarian.”
Sponsors of the reading program, all from Middletown, include Friends of the Lakeport Library, Friends of the Middletown Library, the Middletown Tribe, Hardester's in Middletown, The Big Chill, Hidden Valley Lake, Mt. St. Helena Brewing Co., Funtopia, Star Gardens, Jolly Cone and Happy Smiles.
The Middletown Library Children's Summer Reading Program will conclude on Thursday, July 25, with a 2 p.m. awards celebration.
The library wants to continue special reading activities throughout the rest of the year, including a teen book discussion group, author events and a teen volunteer program throughout the school year.
For more information, contact the Middletown Library at 707-987-3674.
Email John Lindblom at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – There is a big group of dogs available from animal organizations around the county this week.
Dogs, big and little, pups to mature dogs, are featured from Lake County Animal Care and Control and the SPCA of Clear Lake are featured this week.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .
SPCA OF CLEAR LAKE
All dogs have been spayed or neutered, are microchipped and current on all their vaccinations and started on heartworm preventative. For more information on the dogs listed below, contact the SPCA of Clear Lake, 707-279-1400.
'Mohawk'
“Mohawk” is a Cairn terrier mix with a bit of a funny hairdo, thus the name.
He is a fun and friendly little guy, and he loves people and animals alike.
He has a great smile and a sparkling personality.
'Joker'
“Joker” is a border collie mix.
Just look at his face and you'll get an idea of why he got his name. He looks like he’s wearing a joker's mask.
This beautiful dog also is as friendly and smart as he is handsome.
'Bentley'
“Bentley” is a cattle dog mix.
He is house trained, has gentle manners, loves to take walks and is great on the leash.
'Arthur'
“Arthur” is a blue nose pit bull mix who was found abandoned in a van.
He is very sweet and walks well on a leash. Arthur does not jump or pull and he makes the sweetest grunting noises.
Come on by and take a look at this sweet boy.
LAKE COUNTY ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
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.
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”).
Male Chihuahua mix
This male Chihuahua mix is of undetermined age.
He weighs 4.4 pounds, has a long black and tan coat, and has been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 4, ID No. 37111.
'Bella'
“Bella” is a 2-year-old Pomeranian-dachshund mix.
She has a long black and white coat, weighs 11 pounds and has been altered.
Shelter staff said Bella is great with women and children but needs a home with no men.
Find her in kennel No. 4, ID No. 36294.
Labrador Retriever mix
This male Labrador Retriever mix is 1 year old.
He has a short black coat and weighs 53 pounds. It was not reported if he had yet been altered.
He's in kennel No. 5, ID No. 37105.
Pit bull terrier mix
This male pit bull terrier mix is 3 years old.
He has a short blue coat and has not yet been neutered.
Shelter staff said he's an outstanding, calm and charming dog that was attacked by another dog before entering the shelter.
He has no food aggression. A cat-free home would be best for him.
He’s in kennel No. 10, ID No. 36931.
‘Cat’
This German Shepherd mix has been dubbed “Cat.”
He is 2 years old, weighs 46 pounds and has been neutered.
Shelter staff said Cat is a beautiful, smart and obedient dog with an easy going temperament.
His previous owner taught him some tricks, he has no food aggression, is great with children, has no interest in cats and is dominant with other dogs. He would make a wonderful companion.
Find him in kennel No. 11, ID No. 36825.
Female pug mix puppy
This female pug mix puppy is 12 weeks old.
She has a short brown coat, weighs almost 4 pounds and has been spayed.
Find her in kennel No. 19b, ID No. 36962.
Male pug mix puppy
This male pug mix puppy is 12 weeks old.
He has a short brown coat, weighs almost 4 pounds and has been neutered.
He’s in kennel No. 19c, ID No. 36963.
'Baby'
“Baby” is a 10-month-old female red heeler mix.
She has a short coat, weighs 24 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in kennel No. 20, ID No. 36374.
Hound mix puppy
This female hound mix puppy is 13 weeks old.
She has a short black and white coat and has been spayed.
She’s in kennel No. 21a, ID No. 36994.
Hound mix puppy
This female hound mix puppy is 13 weeks old.
She has a short brown and white coat and has been spayed.
She’s in kennel No. 21b, ID No. 36995.
Bluetick Coonhound mix
This male Bluetick Coonhound mix is 2 years old.
He has a short black and white coat and has not yet been altered.
He's in kennel No. 22, ID No. 37191.
Male terrier mix
This male terrier mix is 3 years old.
He has a short tan and white coat and has not yet been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 25, ID No. 37185.
'Oden'
“Oden” is a 2-year-old male boxer mix.
He's got a short brown brindle and white coat, a docked tail, weighs 53 pounds and has been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 27, ID No. 37136.
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
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding residents across the state to be bear aware.
Over the last few months, several bears have been observed in and near residential areas, including areas where they have not been present for many decades.
While bear activity is common this time of year, wildlife management staff say it is possible that a healthy population and a dry winter may be attracting bears to urban environments earlier than normal.
Bears are more commonly found in residential areas toward the end of summer or right before hibernation in the fall months.
“The thriving population, coupled with a dry spring could be playing a role in the uptick of activity. We want to encourage residents who live in areas near bear habitat to be extra diligent securing their trash and bear-proofing their homes,” said CDFW state bear program coordinator, Marc Kenyon. “We want Californians to enjoy bears. However, we don’t want bears to become reliant on food intentionally or otherwise provided by people.”
California has one species of bear– the black bear. With more than 30,000 bears in California, it is not surprising that during the summer months CDFW offices receive many calls about bears rummaging through trash bins, raiding campsites or making their way into residential areas.
CDFW recommends the following tips for businesses, campers and homeowners:
• Purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container.
• Wait to put trash out until the morning of collection day.
• Don’t leave trash, groceries, or animal feed in your car.
• Keep garbage cans clean and deodorize them with bleach or ammonia.
• Keep barbecue grills clean and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.
• Don’t leave any scented products outside, even non-food items such as suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.
• Keep doors and windows closed and locked.
• Harvest fruit off trees as soon as it is ripe, and promptly collect fruit that falls.
For more information, visit: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/keepmewild/bear.html .
LAKEPORT, Calif. – “Sail Away,” the 45th quilt block on the Lake County Quilt Trail, has been Installed at 1860 High St. in Lakeport.
Mike Borg is sponsor of the “Sail Away” quilt block and owner of the building on which it is installed.
Borg feels this pattern of a sailboat with a mountain and valley border is very appropriate since the site is on the shore of Clear Lake looking out onto Mt. Konocti.
The mountain and valley pattern mimics the mountains and valleys surrounding our beautiful lake.
Back in the 1940s this building housed the woodshop of the nearby Clear Lake High School.
The Hospice of Lake County currently occupies this building. Grief counseling is part of the use of this site. The sail boat is used in many traditions to symbolize the “passing” from our earthly
life to the ethereal spirit life.
The GPS location of “Sail Away” is Latitude: 39.054, Longitude: -122.916.
The quilt block was drawn and painted by the Lake County Quilt Trail team, a group of dedicated quilters, graphic artists, painters, writers, carpenters and a videographer.
Also, this week “Blazing Star” moved to the 3600 block of Main Street in downtown Kelseyville from its original 2010 location at Big Oak Ranch on Gaddy Lane.
Owners of the building and the 8-foot by 8-foot “Blazing Star” are Brian Fisher and JB Ballesteros.
The Lake County Quilt Trail is an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote community pride.
For more information about the Lake County Quilt Trail visit www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or go to the quilt trail’s Facebook page.
High above our planet in the realm of satellites and space stations, the familiar rules of Earth do not apply.
The midday sky is as black as night. There is no up and no down. Dropped objects do not fall, and hot air does not rise.
Of all the strange things that happen up there, however, it is possible that the strangest happens to coffee.
Physics professor Mark Weislogel of Portland State University has given a lot of thought to coffee (and other fluids) in space, and he describes what happens.
“For starters,” he said, “it would be a chore just getting the coffee into the cup. Absent the pull of gravity, pouring liquids can be very tricky.”
“But, for the sake of argument, let’s suppose you are on the space station and you have a cup of coffee in your hand.”
The most natural thing would be to tip the cup toward your lips, but when you do …
“The coffee would be very hard to control,” he continued. “In fact, it probably wouldn't [come out of the cup]. You'd have to shake the cup toward your face and hope that some of the hot liquid breaks loose and floats toward your mouth.”
On the bright side, you will probably be wide awake by the time the cup is empty.
Coffee is not the only liquid that misbehaves in space. Cryogenic fuels, thermal coolants, potable water and urine do it, too. The behavior of fluids is one of the most un-intuitive things in all of space flight.
This poses an extreme challenge for engineers designing spacecraft systems that use fluids. “Our intuition is all wrong,” lamented Weislogel. “When it comes to guessing what fluids will do in new systems, we are often in the dark.”
To develop a better understanding of fluids in microgravity, Weislogel and colleagues are conducting the Capillary Flow Experiment onboard the International Space Station.
For instance, one of the devices in their experiment suite looks at “interior corners.” If two solid surfaces meet at a narrow-enough angle, fluids in microgravity naturally flow along the join – no pumping required.
This capillary effect could be used to guide all kinds of fluids through spacecraft, from cryogenic fuel to recycled waste water.
The phenomenon is difficult to study on Earth, where it is damped by gravity, yet on the space station large scale corner flows are easy to create and observe.
Weislogel and colleagues have already been granted three patents for devices invented as a result of their work.
One is for a microgravity condensing heat exchanger. Another describes a device that separates and controls multiphase fluids. The third patent is for – you guessed it – a low-gravity coffee cup.
Astronaut Don Pettit, who worked with the Capillary Flow Experiment during his time on board the ISS, helped invent the cup, and he shares the patent along with Weisogel and two mathematicians, Paul Concus and Robert Finns, who performed the first theoretical analysis of the phenomenon.
Basically, one side of the cup has a sharp interior corner. In the microgravity environment of the space station, capillary forces send fluid flowing along the channel right into the lips of the drinker.
“As you sip, more fluid keeps coming, and you can enjoy your coffee in a weightless environment-- clear down to the last drop,” said Pettit. “This may well be what future space colonists use when they want to have a celebration.”
Indeed, the patent application specifically mentions “toasting” as one of the uses of the device.
It’s easy to imagine what they might be toasting: toilets and air conditioners and fuel tanks and recycling systems, working better thanks to capillary flow experiments on the ISS.
Dr. Tony Phillips works for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.