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LAKEPORT, Calif. – For those who love big, fun dogs, there is someone you need to meet at the county’s animal shelter.
“Brody” is a handsome and friendly boxer mix.
He is 7 years old and full of energy, with basic obedience training.
He has a short brown brindle coat, a docked tail, weighs nearly 90 pounds, has had his shots and is neutered.
Shelter staff said they’re particularly fond of Brody, who loves people and will try to climb into your lap if you let him.
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
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Attendees at the 45th American Wine Society (AWS) National Conference in Portland, Ore., were invited to “explore the unique wines of Lake County” and to learn about biodynamic grape growing in the region during program seminars presented by Lake County winegrape growers.
The county’s winegrape industry was well-represented at the annual conference in November, according to reports from the Lake County Winegrape Commission.
Held in the Pacific Northwest for the first time, the AWS conference attracted more than 475 AWS members from 35 states over the course of the three-day event.
Seminars covered topics such as winemaking, regional tastings, wines of Chile and Argentina, South Africa’s winemaking, vineyards of the Pacific Northwest, biodynamics, wine in Rome and the history of wine service.
The Lake County contingent was among winery owners, pioneers in the various aspects of the wine industry, and renowned winemakers who are selected to present sessions, said Lake County Winegrape Commission President Shannon Gunier.
Pietro Buttitta, winemaker and sommelier with Rosa d’Oro Vineyard in Kelseyville, facilitated a session entitled, “Explore the Unique Wines of Lake County, California.”
The 75-minute presentation was well-attended, according to Buttitta. “It was a good crowd with a good level of enthusiasm and knowledge – serious consumers who can inform other consumers,” he said.
During the presentation, Buttitta showed the Winegrape Commission’s “Lake County Rising” video and reviewed Lake County’s appellations, soil types, effects of altitude and its historical and geographical attributes. Attendees were then able to taste six wines from different Lake County areas.
“The wines showed well with most people agreeing that they were complex, age-worthy, and pretty serious,” said Buttitta, who also poured Lake County wines at the conference’s gala dinner. “Most attendees were shocked by the reasonable retail prices.”
Buttitta helped deliver the message the Winegrape Commission works to put out about Lake County’s winegrape industry, said Gunier.
“With Lake County having the third highest price per ton in the state, it is important that we stay on point and visible with what makes us unique. (We must) do what we can to emphasize value compared to our neighbors,” said Buttitta. “I believe that, at this point, shaking hands and popping corks has better return of investment for us than other forms of advertisement.”
In another session during the conference, Mitch and Tracey Hawkins, co-owners with attorney David Boies and the Boies family of Hawk & Horse Vineyards in Middletown, spoke about biodynamic winegrape production.
The presentation on “Biodynamic Basics” was a slide presentation of the farming practices used in the family-owned vineyards.
“We had a nice showing (for the session),” reported Tracey Hawkins. “People were enthusiastic and engaged.”
The couple facilitated a discussion on the role of biodynamics in vineyard management. “We discussed the seasonal role and shared a bit about biodiversity of the biodynamic ranch and vineyard estate. Attendees left with a biodynamic farming kit to try the preparations on their home gardens,” she said.
Written instructions were provided, and the Hawkinses described in detail how to apply the “500,” or “Horn Dung,” a fortified tea applied to the vineyard to enliven the soil.
“Overall, the venue, people and organization were fantastic,” Tracey Hawkins added. “We were told by the organizers that our presentation was very well-received.”
For further information about the Lake County Winegrape Commission and its programs, call the Commission office at 707-279-2633 or visit its Web site, www.lakecountywinegrape.org .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Registration is now open for new students for the spring semester at Mendocino College.
The schedule of classes is available for download on the college’s Web site, http://www.mendocino.edu/docs/schedule/2013_Spring_Schedule.pdf , or can be seen below.
The 54-page schedule contains pertinent details for every class offered through Mendocino College for the Spring 2013 semester, which begins Jan. 22.
This includes classes held at the Lake and Willits centers in addition to those held at the main campus in Ukiah.
Prospective students will also find a great variety of classes offered online, which is especially helpful for those who require maximum flexibility with their time.
Virginia Guleff, vice president of Instruction and Student Services, emphasizes the range of classes offered at the college, from basic to transfer-level.
Basic skills classes are available in Math and English, designed to meet the needs of any new student no matter what their skill level (placement tests are available through the college’s learning center).
Students are empowered to work their way up from the basic skills through to the highest transfer-level classes which can be applied toward a degree at a four-year school.
Career and Technical Education courses are for those students seeking employable skills with a certificate or degree from Mendocino College in fields such as automotive technology, culinary arts management, and sustainable technology.
Guleff also seeks to reassure those concerned that the arts have been cut from the college’s offerings.
“There seems to be a misconception that those have disappeared,” she said, but a glance at the art and theater sections of the schedule reveals over 60 courses, from painting, drawing and ceramics to dance, acting, and even costume construction.
The college also continues to offer courses in core subject areas in social science (anthropology, sociology, history, political science, psychology) as well as science (biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy).
Area residents may have noticed in recent semesters that the college no longer prints and mails the schedule as they did in the past; today the same information is all readily available online at www.mendocino.edu .
The Web site features an online application, online registration and information about services such as orientation, counseling and financial aid.
Mendocino College 2013 Spring ScheduleNew rules that govern the California driving public will go in effect on Jan. 1, 2013, and the California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to prepare for the changes.
These rules are the product of legislation passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. in 2012.
“The changes to California’s traffic safety laws are designed to protect the motoring public,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Citizens are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these new laws in advance of the new year. Adhering to the rules of the road may save your life, or the lives of your fellow motorists.”
The following are summaries of some of the new laws taking effect January 1, 2013:
Driving under the influence (AB 2020, Pan): The law no longer allows a person who has been arrested and is suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs the option of a urine test. Prior to this change, a person had the option of submitting either urine or blood to determine the drug content of their blood.
Charter-party carriers of passengers; alcoholic beverages, open containers (AB 45, Chesbro): This new law prohibits underage drinking in charter-party carriers (limos, buses, etc.) and makes the carrier and driver responsible for communicating this to their passengers. The law also requires a designee, who is at least 25 years of age, to be present whenever there are passengers who are under 21 years of age on board the vehicle and alcohol is being transported. The designee shall be responsible for ensuring the rules are followed, and the safety of the underage passengers throughout the duration of the trip.
Electronic wireless communications (AB 1536, Miller): This law allows California drivers to use hands-free technology to talk and text while driving. This will require the use of a device that is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send or listen to a text-based communication. The device is required to also be used in a voice-operated, hands-free manner to be in compliance with the law.
Financial responsibility and insurance (AB 1708, Gatto): Drivers will now have the option of providing proof of insurance and registration on an electronic device (smartphone, tablet, etc.) when it is requested by law enforcement.
High occupancy toll lanes (AB 2405, Blumenfield): This law creates the Choose Clean Cars Act, which allows cars with a Clean Air Vehicle Sticker free access to carpool lanes that are converted to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.
Autonomous vehicles (SB 1298, Padilla): This new law allows driverless cars to be operated on public roads for testing purposes, provided that each vehicle has a fully licensed and bonded operator in the driver’s seat to take control if necessary. The bill also instructs the Department of Motor Vehicles to adopt regulations that govern the licensing, bonding, testing and operation of autonomous vehicle technology.
Emergency services, seniors (SB 1047, Alquist): Similar to an AMBER Alert, the CHP would activate a “Silver Alert” upon request if a person, age 65 or older, is reported missing to a law enforcement agency and that agency determines that certain criteria is met. The criteria includes: the person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances or the law enforcement agency believes the person is in danger due to age, health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions; the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person; or there are other factors indicating that the person may be in peril. Finally, there is information available, if given to the public, may assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.
Driver license (AB 2189, Cedillo): This law allows a driver’s license applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a Social Security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver's license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure.
Automated traffic enforcement systems (SB 1303, Simitian): This new law establishes consistency in the operations of red-light enforcement cameras throughout the state by requiring governmental agencies to follow specified guidelines regarding intersections, signage, and the notice to appear.
License plates, obstruction or alteration (AB 2489, Hall): This new law prevents the altering and positioning of license plates from its original markings and clarifies the penalty imposed for obscuring the readability of license plates.
Child passenger restraints (AB 1452, Hill): Hospitals, clinics and birthing centers will now be required to provide and discuss contact information regarding child safety seat requirements, installation, and inspection to parents and caregivers upon discharge of a child, if the child is less than 8 years of age.
There also are two new laws related to recreational off-highway vehicles.
One (AB 1595, Cook) defines an off-highway motor vehicle to include a recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) and establishes additional requirements governing its safe operation.
The other law (AB 1266, Cook), which goes into effect July 1, 2013, prohibits a passenger in an ROV from riding in a seat location not designed and provided by the manufacturer.
It also prohibits operation of the ROV if the passenger is not seated with both feet on the floorboard and able to grab the occupant handhold with the seat belt and shoulder belt or safety harness fastened.
Additional registration fees (AB 1404, Feuer): This law authorizes three counties (Los Angeles, San Diego and San Bernardino) to increase vehicle registration fees to help fund vehicle theft programs. Increases would be from $1 to $2 for passenger vehicles, and $2 to $4 for commercial vehicles.
Inflatable restraint systems (AB 1854, Brownley): This law makes it illegal for a person to knowingly distribute or sell a previously deployed air bag or component that will no longer meet the original equipment form, function or proper operation.
Driving under the influence, alcoholic beverage or drug (AB 2552, Torres): Although this change in the law does not take effect until Jan. 1, 2014, it distinguishes whether an individual was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Ultimately this change, singling out drugs with its own subsection in the Vehicle Code, will make it easier to track the prevalence of drugged driving in California. This new law, coupled with the efforts requiring the use of Ignition Interlock Devices, will help reduce impaired driving throughout California.
These points are only a synopsis of some of the new laws adopted.
For complete information on chaptered bills enacted in 2012, refer to the Legislative Counsel Web site at www.LegInfo.ca.gov .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This week the county’s animal shelter has a new group of kittens and cats ready for adoption.
This week’s adorable and adoptable felines range in age from 8 weeks to 7 years, so whether you’re looking for a playful kitten or an older, more mellow cat, you can find a new friend in the group.
Cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed and 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”).
Brown male tabby kitten
This male brown tabby kitten is 8 weeks old.
He has green eyes, a short brown coat, weighs 2 pounds and has been neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 46b, ID No. 35101.
Brown female tabby kitten
This little brown tabby is 8 weeks old.
She has green eyes, a short brown striped coat and she’s been spayed.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 46c, ID No. 35102.
Female tuxedo kitten
This little female tuxedo kitty is 8 weeks old.
She has green eyes, a short black and white coat, weighs 2 pounds and has been spayed.
She’s in cat room kennel No. 46d, ID No. 35103.
Black male domestic short hair
This black male domestic short hair mix is 3 years old.
He looks short in his all-black outfit and he’s already neutered.
Visit him in cat room kennel No. 81, ID No. 35041.
Female domestic short hair mix
This female domestic short hair mix is 2 years old.
She has green eyes and a short gray tabby coat. She has not yet been spayed.
She’s in cat room kennel No. 88, ID No. 34940.
Male domestic long hair
This male domestic long hair mix is 7 years old.
He weighs nearly 10 pounds, has a long gray coat and has been neutered.
He can be found in cat room kennel No. 90, ID No. 35016.
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
COBB, Calif. – A 3.0-magnitude earthquake was reported near The Geysers geothermal steamfield Sunday afternoon.
The US Geological Survey’s preliminary report said the quake occurred at 4:03 p.m. Sunday.
The 1.3-mile deep quake was centered two miles east southeast of The Geysers, four miles southwest of Cobb and four miles west northwest of Anderson Springs, the US Geological Survey reported.
The survey had not received any shake reports as of 7:30 p.m. Sunday, according to its records.
A 3.4-magnitude quake was reported four miles west of Cobb shortly before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at