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COBB, Calif. – A Sunday night quake with its epicenter on Cobb Mountain received hundreds of shake reports from around Northern California.
The quake, which occurred at 8:47 p.m., initially was reported as being 4.4 in magnitude, but was later dialed back slightly to 4.3 after it was reviewed by a seismologist, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report.
Centered three miles east of The Geysers geothermal steamfield, three miles south southwest of Cobb and three miles west northwest of Anderson Springs, the earthquake occurred at a depth of two-tenths of a mile, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
By 1 a.m. Sunday the U.S. Geological Survey had received approximately 336 shake reports from 51 zip codes around California.
Reports came in from around Lake County, with many more submitted from residents in Napa and Sonoma counties, communities around the Bay Area and even from Turlock, located more than 200 miles away in the Central Valley.
A 2.6-magnitude temblor occurred eight minutes after the bigger quake, centered two miles west northwest of Anderson Springs at the depth of about a mile, the survey reported.
According to Lake County News records, the last quake measuring 4.0 or above in The Geysers area occurred a year ago this month, when a 4.5-magnitude quake was recorded one mile from The Geysers.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As thoughts this week turn to love, it’s a good time to consider giving a loving home to one of the cats at Lake County’s animal shelter.
Cleared for adoption this week are two young kittens and an adult male cat, who promise to be great friends, and they won’t expect chocolate or flowers.
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”).
Gray gentleman
This dignified fellow is a domestic long hair.
Shelter staff has not given an estimated age for him, but he is neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 5, ID No. 31753.
Extra toes, ready to go
These two kittens – one black, one tabby – would much rather be frolicking in your yard.
They’re polydactile – meaning they have extra toes – and their youthful exuberance will liven up the day to day routine.
The kittens are in cat room kennel No. 77a-b, ID No. 31633.
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.
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The U.S. Forest Service has announced a strategy, developed with input from the Department of the Interior, to replace the fleet of aging air tankers used to battle wildfires with a next generation of newer, faster, more cost-effective large air tankers.
“We need a core fleet of the next generation large air tankers to supplement our boots-on-the-ground firefighters for what we know will be longer and more severe wildfire seasons in years to come,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Not only will these newer, more effective air tankers help us keep fires contained and communities safe, they will also protect our brave men and women on the fire line.”
Although no large air tanker has been built specifically for firefighting, several aircraft were designed to handle similar stresses.
Recommendations for the next generation of air tankers include capabilities of carrying a minimum of 1,800 gallons of mixed retardant with more than 3,000 gallons preferred and a minimum cruise speed of 345 mph for quick fire response over long distance.
Additionally, the service wants air tankers powered by turbine engines, which are more reliable, more fuel efficient and require less maintenance than older aircraft piston engines; the capability of operating from most federal air tanker bases; and Forest Service contract structural integrity program requirements must be met.
“The effectiveness of air tankers on a wildfire is directly proportional to its speed and load capacity,” Tidwell said. “Large air tankers can be effective in thick forest canopies and areas of dense brush or timber. A larger load capacity also allows large air tankers to split their retardant loads to support different parts of a fire without delay of returning to base.”
The best mix of tools for wildland firefighting includes ground and air resources. However, retardant applied from large air tankers may slow the progress of a wildfire so firefighters on the ground can safely construct a fire line to contain it.
Tidwell noted that as air tankers age, maintenance costs and safety risks rise.
The Forest Service’s current large air tanker fleet is at least 50 years old and more than half of the aircraft face mandatory retirement within the next 10 years, he said.
The fleet has decreased in size from 43 in 2000 to only 11 under contract today, according to Tidwell.
Currently all large air tankers are owned and operated under contract by private companies.
Air tankers provided under contract by private industry will continue to be essential in effective wildland firefighting.
Long term, the agencies will continue to explore the costs and benefits of all types of aircraft and ownership models.
The fleet of aircraft that are used for wildland fire suppression also includes water scoopers, single engine air tankers, very large air tankers and helicopters.
The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.
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I thought I’d write about something hot and spicy for Valentine’s Day: cayenne peppers.
These racy, red numbers pack a punch, grabbing our attention in the form of dried red pepper flakes, tangy, piquant sauces and as a spice powder that adds heat to a variety of foods.
The cayenne pepper is a member of the capsicum genus of plants, which includes all types of peppers, from mild bells to ultra-hot chilis.
The plant genus is named for the chemical compound capsaisin, which gives peppers their hot taste by stimulating our nerve endings, especially mucous membranes. The more capsaisin present in the pepper, the hotter it tastes.
The spiciness of a pepper is measured by a Scoville scale, named for its developer, American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, who created the method in 1912.
Scoville heat units are assigned based on the capsaisin present in the pepper. Bell peppers, for example, have no significant heat, so have a Scoville rating of zero. Spicy habanero chilis, on the other hand, have a Scoville rating of between 100,000 and 350,000.
The hottest known pepper, the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper, can have a Scoville rating of more than 1,400,000. Now that’s hot! (Even its name sounds scary.)
The cayenne pepper seems mild in comparison at between 10,000 and 30,000 Scoville heat units. Even so, as one of its monikers, red hot chili pepper, implies, it imparts quite a bit of heat and spice to the taste buds. It’s about ten times spicier than the jalapeno pepper.
Other names for the cayenne pepper are Guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, aleva, mad pepper, and bird pepper. The name cayenne was bestowed in honor of the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, its supposed center of origin.
Cayenne peppers, like other members of the pepper family, are botanically considered berries. They ripen to a bright red color and have a long, slender shape. They’re often dried and strung to make decorative hangings in restaurants, making them one of the most recognizable peppers.
Peppers are native to Central and South America and have been cultivated there for more than seven thousand years.
When Columbus landed in the West Indies, the natives he encountered gave him tiny, red berries which reminded him of the red peppercorns grown in India, both in looks and pungency of taste.
It’s said that these berries were what led him to believe he landed in India; hence, Native Americans were called Indians and the little red berries (a relative of the cayenne pepper) were called peppers.
A wide variety of peppers were already cultivated in the Americas at the time, with variations in size, color, and pungency, including the cayenne pepper.
Within a few years of Columbus’ first voyage, chiles were being planted in Europe and North Africa. It didn’t take long for them to become popular in cuisines around the world, enlivening dishes with their bright, sharp flavor.
Cuisines as diverse as Spanish, African, Southeast Asian, Indian, and Chinese were all transformed by members of the pepper family.
Cayenne pepper is especially popular as a seasoning in the Creole and Cajun cooking of the American south. (What would gumbo or jambalaya be without cayenne pepper?) Vinegar-based hot sauces inspired by this region get their spicy kick from cayenne.
Cayenne is what provides the heat in Buffalo chicken wings. It seasons chicken biriyani, an Indian dish that’s said to be the favorite meal of Londoners.
It flavors all manner of Mexican-inspired foods. Enchilada sauce and tacos are seasoned with it, for example.
African spice pastes are made with it (such as Ethiopia’s berbere) and it’s a common component of dry rubs and sauces for meat, especially those which will be slow-cooked barbecue style.
Cayenne pepper is used to give a kick to sweets, too. Chocolate is a common pairing, with cayenne added to cake, candy, and hot cocoa or mocha latte recipes.
Cayenne pepper in dried flake form may be used to flavor pizza, spaghetti sauce and any foods that might benefit from a flavor kick.
Dried chili flakes may be used to infuse oil with flavor, either on their own or in combination with complementary flavors, such as garlic or herbs.
I like using olive oil flavored with chili flakes, garlic, and basil to season pasta pomodoro, a favorite pasta dish of mine. The flakes on their own may be used to make spicy chili oil for basting crostini (little bread toasts) to accompany bean or lentil soup.
Fresh cayenne peppers may be used for infusing oil, as well.
Most of the capsaisin in hot peppers is contained in the whitish membrane inside the pod to which the seeds are attached. The seeds themselves do not produce pungency, but because of their close proximity to the membrane, they absorb heat.
The level of heat in cooking may be controlled by removing some of the membrane and seeds of cayenne peppers.
It’s important to protect oneself when working in the kitchen with hot peppers. Rubber or latex gloves keep fingers from being burned by the chemical compounds that cause heat, and glasses can protect eyes from an errant spray of juice.
Don’t forget to avoid touching your face when your hands have been exposed to the heat from peppers.
The health benefits of cayenne peppers are legendary and legion. The same compound that gives cayenne its hot flavor, capsaisin, makes them an amazing natural medicine.
Scientific studies have shown capsaisin effective in fighting inflammation; providing pain relief; offering cardiovascular benefits by lowering blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation; clearing congestion; boosting the immune system; preventing stomach ulcers; and assisting in weight loss.
In addition to all this, they’re very high in vitamin A and contain healthy stores of vitamins E and C. They also contain vitamin B6, fiber, vitamin K and manganese.
When shopping for fresh chili peppers, whether cayenne or another variety, look for firm, glossy pods with no soft spots. The stem end should look as though it was freshly cut. If dried chiles are what you’re after, make sure there’s no mold and that they smell as they should.
Today’s recipe utilizes two members of the pepper family: red bell peppers and cayenne peppers in two forms, the powdered spice and dried chili flakes.
Since rice is used as the thickening agent, the soup is low in fat, and fresh thyme, garlic, and cayenne, as well as a variety of vegetables, make it high in flavor.
If desired, use roasted red bell peppers in place of the fresh ones.
Before I go, did you know cayenne pepper is an effective way to discourage pests in your garden? Insects avoid capsaisin-filled cayenne peppers, and a safe, natural garden spray may be made with them.
If you’d like to find out how to do this, click on one of the following links: www.ehow.com/how_4881361_make-cayenne-pepper-spray.html or www.ehow.com/how_4867675_make-cayenne-pepper-spray-repellent.html.
Bon appétit and happy Valentine’s Day!
Spicy Red Pepper Soup
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 yellow onions, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup long-grain rice
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the bell peppers, carrots, onions, celery and garlic. Cook and stir the vegetables until soft, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the broth, rice, thyme, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice and vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and cool 30 minutes.
Blend the cooled soup until smooth using a hand-held immersion blender directly in the pot. Or use a blender to blend the soup in batches until smooth.
Serve at room temperature or reheat until warm.
Yields about 10 servings.
Esther’s note: If you like things really spicy, double the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
Esther Oertel, a freelance writer, cooking teacher, and speaker, is passionate about local produce and all foods in the vegetable kingdom. She welcomes your questions and comments and may be reached at
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In October, St. Helena Hospital Clearlake embarked on a major renovation of its emergency room facilities, the busiest in the area. Now, a significant community donation is bringing Clearlake’s new emergency room closer to reality.
The Rotary Club of Clearlake pledged $25,000, which was presented at the hospital last Wednesday, Feb. 8.
The club will be recognized with naming of one of the hospital emergency department's new private treatment rooms.
“We saw a true need here, where our contributions could make a significant – even life-saving – difference in our community,” said Karen Karnatz, president of the Rotary Club. “We believe this is an important project, and we want to help make the hospital a place our community can be proud of.”
“It's a gift with a legacy for our children and grandchildren,” said supporter Dr. Mark Cooper.
“This $25,000 pledge shows that our community cares. It is an unprecedented amount for any service organization in Lake County to give,” said Melissa Kinsel, St. Helena Hospital Clearlake development officer. “With so many needs in this county, there are many, many opportunities to give. This donation highlights just how important the hospital is to this community.”
The renovations include expanding and upgrading the original cramped 1960s-era emergency room to provide faster, better care for patients, and an increase in patient care staff.
“We've already made so much progress in streamlining operations and hiring quality, compassionate staff,” said Kinsel. “This gift will make a positive impact on the availability of quality health care for everyone in our county.”
Adventist Health, St. Helena Hospital’s parent organization, provided the first $9 million for the $12.1 million project, and challenged the hospital to fund the remainder from within the community.
The campaign has raised almost $1.3 million, including a $1 million gift from Redbud Health Care District.
“We still have a way to go, but I am encouraged by this gift,” said Kinsel. “I know there are others who will see this and think, ‘I want to help, too.’ The hospital is such a tangible operation; donors can actually see their dollars being put to work. There’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you had some part in the saving of lives in your own community.”
David Santos, vice president of St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club.
“Our sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of Clearlake for this significant gift and helping our Hospital improve the quality of patient care,” Santos said.
For more information about the project visit www.newerforyou.com/.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter has another full house this week, with dogs of all sizes to choose from if you’re looking for a new companion.
Featured dogs this week include many mixes -- German Shepherds, Pomeranians, pit bulls, terriers and border collies, among others.
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”).
“Riley”
“Riley” is a 5-month-old American Bulldog-mastiff mix.
He has brown brindle and white coloring, and is not yet altered.
Find him in kennel No. 12, ID No. 31697.
“Ralph”
“Ralph” is a 15-week-old Labrador retriever mix.
He weighs 30 pounds and is not yet altered.
Find him in kennel No. 10, ID No. 31718.
Male pit bull mix
This 8-month-old pit bull terrier mix.
He has brown eyes and a short coat.
Find him in kennel No. 14, ID No. 31736.
Pomeranian mix
This male Pomeranian mix is 1 year old.
He has a long, light-colored coat and is not yet altered.
Find him in kennel No. 18, ID No. 31731.
“Buck”
“Buck” is a 1-year-old beagle-pug mix -- also known as a “puggle.”
He weighs nearly 16 pounds and has a short coat.
Find him in kennel No. 22, ID No. 31714.
“Binks”
“Binks” is a 5-year-old female German Shepherd mix.
She has black and tan coloring, a short coat and is not yet altered.
Find her in kennel No. 23, ID No. 31698.
“Masie”
“Masie” is a 4-year-old female beagle-terrier mix.
She is altered and weighs just over 26 pounds.
Shelter staff said she is microchipped.
She is in kennel No. 16, ID No. 31277.
Collie mix
This female collie mix is ready for a new home.
She has a short coat and brown eyes.
Find her in kennel No. 7, ID No. 31653.
Corgi mix
This 9-month-old female is a Corgi mix.
She has a short coat, tricolor markings and brown eyes.
Find her in kennel No. 5b, ID No. 31651.
Chihuahua mix
This 9-month-old male is a Chihuahua mix.
He has a short coat and brown eyes.
Find him in kennel No. 6, ID No. 31650.
Shepherd mix
This male shepherd mix is 1 year old.
He has a short yellow coat, and has been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 28, ID No. 31670.
Cairn terrier mix
This little lady is a Cairn terrier mix.
She is 6 years old, with a medium-length black coat, and weighs 13.6 pounds.
Find her in kennel No. 27, ID No. 31683.
Male shepherd mix
This 15-week-old male pup is a shepherd mix.
He is not yet neutered, and has black, tan and white coloring, with a long coat.
Find him in kennel No. 26, ID No. 31706.
Australian terrier mix
This 6-year-old male is an Australian terrier mix.
He has a deep gold-colored, medium-length coat.
He weighs approximately 9.4 pounds and is not yet altered.
Find him in kennel No. 25b, ID No. ID: 31668.
“Thunder”
“Thunder” is a 5-year-old male Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix.
He has a medium-length brown-gold coat.
Find him in kennel No. 25a, ID No. 31598.
Border collie mix puppies
These 9-week-old border collie mix puppies are all males.
They have short coats and black and white coloring.
The puppies can be found in kennel No. 15a-d, ID No. 31657.
Adoptable dogs also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dogs_and_Puppies.htm or at www.petfinder.com.
Please note: Dogs 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.
Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com, on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .