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LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association says it will no longer produce the Old Time Bluegrass Festival at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, as the group instead places its focus on keeping the park open.
The nonprofit AMIA – which works with the State Department of Parks and Recreation to protect and promote Anderson Marsh State Historic Park – is presently negotiating an agreement with the state that will ensure that the park remains open.
The AMIA Board regretfully made the decision to cancel upcoming bluegrass festivals in favor of other fundraisers that do not require the large amount of time and number of volunteers that need to be coordinated for the bluegrass festival.
“Over the years, AMIA has held various fundraisers to help support its work at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park,” explained AMIA President Roberta Lyons. “Originally, there was a Blackberry Festival held each year in August at the Park. The Blackberry Festival was held for over 15 years with different organizations such as the Rotary Club of Clearlake taking responsibility for planning and production.
“After the Blackberry Festival was no longer being held, AMIA began producing the Old Time Bluegrass Festival,” Lyons said. “The Bluegrass Festival was held at the park from 2006 through 2011, with AMIA providing the majority of the volunteer energies necessary to produce the event.”
“In 2011, Anderson Marsh State Historic Park was one of the state parks placed on the ‘closure list,’ and AMIA was faced with a situation in which the very existence of the park was in doubt,” explained AMIA Secretary Gae Henry.
“The Bluegrass Festival was postponed in 2012 when AMIA found that the effort necessary to work with the State Parks Department to keep the park open made it impossible for AMIA volunteers to also do all that it took for them to put on the festival,” Henry said.
According to the AMIA announcement, much work still needs to be done to both insure that the park remains open and that needed deferred maintenance is performed to insure that the park remains safe and accessible to the public.
AMIA has announced that on Sept. 14, the day that the bluegrass festival would have been held this year, a benefit concert is being planned to help AMIA with its fundraising efforts.
“While we know that many Lake County residents looked forward to the Bluegrass Festival, this decision was necessary to allow AMIA volunteers to concentrate on the important work of partnering with the State Parks Department to insure that the Park remains protected, safe and open to the public,” said Lyons.
Visit the association online at http://www.andersonmarsh.org/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AMIA.org?ref=ts&;fref=ts .
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol on Monday issued a report detailing the events that led to three people being injured in a single-vehicle crash the previous night near Lower Lake, where a CHP officer is credited with helping save two people who were trapped.
Dow Edwin Walton, 54, of Lower Lake, along with his passengers Regina Lee Walton, 46, also of Lower Lake and 25-year-old Andy Hopper, whose city of residence was not listed, were injured in the wreck, which occurred at approximately 8:28 p.m. Sunday on Highway 29 north of Hofacker Lane.
The CHP report said Walton was driving a 2005 Chevrolet four wheel drive pickup northbound on Highway 29 at an unknown speed when, according to witnesses, he attempted to pass another vehicle using the southbound lane after crossing over solid double yellow lines.
As opposing traffic approached, Walton was witnessed swerving back into the northbound lane, where he struck a raised curb bordering the east highway edge, according to the report.
The CHP said he then veered sharply back across the north and southbound lanes. The pickup slid sideways off the west roadway edge, flipped end over end through an open field and over a fence, and landed on its wheels in a creek bed.
CHP Officer Adam Garcia was a short distance away when he received a call from the Ukiah Communications Center advising him of the crash, the report explained.
Upon Garcia’s arrival, Hopper was standing outside of the pickup at the top of the embankment; however, Dow Walton and Regina Walton were still in the vehicle, according to the report.
The CHP said the pickup’s passenger side compartment was just starting to ignite and smolder. As Garcia reached the vehicle, it became fully engulfed in flames.
The vehicle windshield was broken out so flames began to enter the passenger compartment. The CHP said Garcia attempted to pull Dow Walton out through the broken driver’s window as the door was jammed shut. However, Walton’s leg was pinned under the driver’s side dashboard, preventing his immediate extrication.
Garcia then pulled Regina Walton from the right front passenger seat, over the top of Dow Walton, out through the driver’s window, and dragged her to a safe location to the rear of the vehicle, the CHP said.
The CHP said he then returned for Dow Walton, and with persistent pulling was able to free his leg from the dashboard. Garcia also pulled Walton out of the vehicle and got him to a safe location.
Regina Walton suffered severe burns to her upper body but was saved from further injury due to Garcia’s heroic actions, the CHP said.
Dow Walton sustained a possible fractured shoulder and wrist due to the collision, and the CHP also credited Garcia’s actions for saving Dow Walton from further injury.
The CHP said Dow Walton was flown to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa and later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Regina Walton was flown to UC Davis Medical Center and Hopper was flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with a possible skull fracture, laceration to the face and multiple broken ribs.
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – During a heartfelt Sunday service, hundreds of community residents remembered a Kelseyville man who died after being shot during a Jan. 18 armed robbery, a crime that has given rise to concerns that the town’s once-safe atmosphere has been destroyed.
The 40-minute afternoon memorial service for 33-year-old Forrest Seagrave was held at Kelseyville High School, where he had graduated years before.
Pastor Steve Nesheim, who led the service, said it was a time of “more questions than answers,” as those who knew Seagrave – and the community at large – have struggled with why the friendly and generous young man lost his life in such a violent manner.
From the center, one can look across the street to Mt. Konocti Gas and Mart, where Seagrave had worked since 2006.
It was there that Seagrave had been mortally wounded during the late-night robbery nine days earlier, an act committed by a lone, masked suspect, who shot Seagrave in front of other store employees before running away into the night.
“He was taken from us, he died at his job, the one he loved,” said Nesheim.
Friends said Seagrave had struggled to fit in as a young man, yet he didn’t become resentful. Instead, he had become well known and regarded, a friendly face at the town convenience store, often wearing a funny t-shirt and willing to offer a much-needed dollar – or an ear – for those in trouble.
A picture of Seagrave was projected up on a screen, looking out over the group with the kind, friendly demeanor – and just a hint of mischief – for which he was known and remembered.
Nesheim said he hoped the murderer turns himself in or is caught soon, and that “justice takes its course.”
“Amen!” a woman called from the audience.
Nesheim addressed the fearfulness that has arisen in the community following the murder, which is the kind of crime that Kelseyville residents don’t think of happening in their town.
Kelseyville, Nesheim acknowledged, has been viewed by many as a place largely insulated from that kind of violence.
But a Kelseyville like that is a thing of the past, said Nesheim. “The reality is, that’s not true anymore.”
Nesheim offered mourners a consideration, that they could keep Seagrave’s memory alive by acting as he had in his short life – by being a good neighbor, and caring for one another.
Seagrave’s brother, Nick Wainwright, recalled having the greatest brother in the world, a man who loved everyone. In turn, he asked people to love others the way his brother did.
Seagrave’s friends, brothers Warren and Johnie Finch, also spoke in praise of their friend.
“I know you all understand how good of a person he was,” Warren Finch said.
He added, “I just wish we didn’t have to do this.”
Johnie Finch told the group that it meant a lot that they had all come, and he recounted the “fun, crazy and stupid” things he and his friend had done together.
Rebecca Warner, who like Seagrave worked at the gas station, said she was like a second mother to him, “only a little meaner.”
She said she had never come across a more pure soul, and looking out at the group of people he brought together, she remarked on what an incredible force he was in the community.
Catching Seagrave’s killer, she said, was going to take the efforts of the entire community.
“I won’t rest ‘til this comes to an end,” she said.
While community members have been impatient for an arrest in the murder, sheriff’s detectives have continued to work nonstop as they search for the suspect and follow up on every lead, the agency said late last week.
A $10,000 reward was raised by county Supervisor Rob Brown to help bring in information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction.
Brown said he plans to have a two-hour community town hall beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 – also in the Kelseyville High Student Center – in order to begin addressing the town’s crime and public safety issues.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Three people were flown to regional trauma centers following a Sunday evening crash near Lower Lake.
The single-vehicle collision was first reported just before 8:30 p.m. on Highway 29 between Hofacker Lane and Murphy Springs Road south of Lower Lake, according to radio reports.
Firefighters arriving at the scene reported over the radio that they had found a vehicle about 30 feet down an embankment and in a creekbed.
The vehicle was reported to have caught fire, with some nearby trees catching fire as well, according to scanner reports.
Radio traffic indicated there were three injured people – including one with burns and one with head injuries.
Highway 29 was shut down entirely for about an hour as firefighters and California Highway Patrol worked at the scene, scanner traffic indicated.
The CHP reported that the crash resulted in major injuries, with firefighters at the scene calling for three air ambulances.
The helicopters transported patients to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, UC Davis Medical Center and Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa County, reports from the scene indicated.
Officials reported that Highway 29 was reopened to one-way traffic just before 10 p.m.
Additional details – including information on the make and model of the vehicle and the names of those involved – were not immediately available.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Four cats are at the county’s animal shelter, waiting for new forever homes.
The cats cleared for adoption this week include a tabby, a Siamese, a calico and a gray cat.
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.
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 domestic short hair mix
This female domestic short hair mix is 3 years old.
She has a long gray coat, is large in size, and has not yet been spayed.
Visit with her in cat room kennel No. 20, ID No. 35272.
Brown male tabby
This brown male tabby is 7 years old.
He has a short brown striped coat, and he’s been neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 35, ID No. 35292.
Dilute calico
This female dilute calico is 6 years old.
She has a long coat, is of medium size and has been spayed.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 88, ID No. 35347.
Siamese mix
This female Siamese mix is 5 years old.
She has a long luxurious coat, is large in size and has been spayed.
She’s in cat room kennel No. 100, ID No. 35293.
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
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Two teenagers saved a man’s life while traveling overseas; a doctor traveled to Nepal to perform life-changing cataract surgeries; a father saved a woman’s life and honors his son’s legacy.
These heroic community members were among those honored by American Red Cross at last year’s Real Heroes Breakfast.
Now the American Red Cross, serving Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma counties, is seeking new heroes to honor at the 10th annual breakfast on Thursday, April 18, from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
The breakfast benefits the local Red Cross chapter and supports essential Red Cross services. It will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park.
Last year, Lake County residents honored at the awards ceremony included Hidden Valley Lake Security Officer Byran Atkins, Security Operations Manager Steve Atkinson, firefighter/paramedic Gabe Lopez, Lake County Fire firefighter/EMT Eric Vineyard and California Highway Patrol Officer Josh Dye.
All of the men had been involved with the rescue on Dec. 20, 2011, of Kevin Hart and Jordan Armstrong, injured during a house fire in Hidden Valley Lake.
For the upcoming awards, heroic acts must be ongoing or have occurred between Jan. 1, 2012 and Feb. 8, 2013. Heroes for all categories must live in, or heroic acts must have taken place in, Lake, Mendocino or Sonoma counties.
Nomination forms, which must be received by Feb. 8, are available on www.redcross.org/LakeCounty or from the Red Cross by calling 707-577-7627.
There are 10 categories of nominations: animal, education, environment, heroic deed, humanitarian youth, humanitarian adult, law enforcement, medical, military and professional rescue.
The Real Heroes Selection Committee, comprised of community leaders, will review nominations.
The selection committee chair is Dr. Frank Chong, president, Santa Rosa Junior College.
Other committee members are Siri Nelson, chief administrative officer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Lake County; Jitu Ishwar, owner, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot, Mendocino County; and from Sonoma County, Vince Albano, chief executive officer, Mary’s Pizza Shack; Travis Collier, lieutenant commander, United States Coast Guard; Tom Eakin, general manager, Peter Michael Winery; Chris Smith, columnist, Press Democrat; and Maria Sundeen, marketing coordinator, American AgCredit.
Companies interested in sponsorship are encouraged to contact Ashley Fehrmann, chief development officer for the Red Cross, at 707-577-7627 or
There is no set donation amount. Guests are encouraged to generously support the work of the American Red Cross in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties by donating at least $1 for every year the Red Cross has served the American people, 132 years.
To find out about becoming a sponsor, attending the event, or donating to support the Red Cross and the breakfast, interested parties can visit www.redcross.org/LakeCounty or call 707-577-7627.