Gov. Jerry Brown has declared May 1-7 as Wildfire Awareness Week in California.

“Even with the recent levels of precipitation California has received, homeowners should still be vigilant in preparing themselves and their property for the potential that a devastating wildfire might strike,” said Jones. “Simple steps such as creating defensible space around your property and being prepared can save your home or reduce the impact of a wildfire on your home should one strike.”

Jones reminds all homeowners to be prepared in the event of a wildfire by conducting a home inventory and offers the following tips:

• Using a household digital camera and a home inventory guide from the California Department of Insurance, catalog your possessions and document their values.

• Photographs of household goods are especially helpful when an item is difficult to describe on paper or if a purchase receipt cannot be obtained.

• Label photographs with information about each item.

• If a video recorder is used, commentary about each item should be included.

• A copy of the inventory and supporting documentation, such as receipts and model numbers, should be stored in a safe place, such as a safe-deposit box, work office or a relative's house. These records should also include financial documents such as insurance policies and mortgage information. A free Home Inventory Guide is available at www.insurance.ca.gov.

• Homeowners are encouraged to review their homeowners’ insurance policy with their agent to determine if they have sufficient coverage limits for the dwelling, personal property, and any special characteristics, such as antiques, expensive jewelry, and other valuable collections.

Contact CDI at 800-927-HELP to obtain consumer information guides about additional insurance products or for any insurance-related questions.

The bar is open for socializing at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m.

The club will serve a Cinco de Mayo celebration dinner of enchiladas, rice, beans, and salad plus dessert at the club hall, 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

Enjoy dancing to the music of Jim Williams right after the meal.

All tickets cost $15 at the door. Everyone is welcome.

For information about this event or renting the hall for your own call 707-274-2244.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – On Monday, May 2, the South Lake County Fire Sirens will hold their May general meeting.

Our speaker will be Jim Comisky, president of the South Lake County Fire Board.

After the meeting, the members went to the Middletown Senior Center for a delicious luncheon.

The Fire Sirens will hold another Saturday rummage sale on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the House of Bargains-Second Hand But Grand Store next to the Middletown Fire Station on Highway 175. They also are open for business every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Fire Sirens will sponsor a blood drive at the fire station in conjunction with the Blood Bank of the Redwoods on Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Fire Sirens will participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony honoring veterans at the Middletown Cemetery on Monday, May 30, at 9 a.m.

Join the group for any or all of these May events. All money raised by the Fire Sirens is used to purchase emergency equipment for the South Lake County Fire Protection District.

A new bill, AB 265, would provide tenants being evicted for nonpayment the right to pay the rent due and specified costs during eviction proceedings in order to “redeem” the tenancy and prevent eviction.

Similar rights exist in over a dozen states, but not in California. The bill, AB 265, cleared the Assembly Judiciary Committee last week, despite an intensive lobbying effort by landlord groups.

A right to redemption already exists under California law for property owners (including landlords) who default on mortgage payments. Proponents of the new bill argue that tenants deserve a right to redemption as well.

This would be a significant change in California law. In contrast to many other states, California provides a mere three-day pay or quit period and no right to redemption after that period expires.

Tenants who are just four days late on rent can be thrown out of their homes notwithstanding their willingness to pay rent, even if they have lived there for years.

Landlords are under no legal obligation to accept the rent after the three-day notice expires and can move forward with eviction even if tenants are willing and able to pay the rent and any costs incurred by the landlord.

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), the author of the bill, noted that many states already have a right to redemption for tenants.

“Why should tenants in Mississippi, Arizona, North Carolina, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Washington D.C. have a right to redemption, but not California tenants?” asked Ammiano. “With the second highest rents in the nation, California tenants are suffering in the current economy. Despite their best efforts, some tenants cannot pay the rent on time, but with the help of family, friends or nonprofit rental assistance programs are able to come up with the money soon after it is due. These tenants should be protected from eviction.”

Desiree Zavala, staff attorney at Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, testified at the committee hearing about a recent case showing the need for the law. “My client, Jorge, is a former Marine and automotive tech who lived in his rent-controlled apartment for thirteen years with his wife and three children paying rent timely each month.”

In February, the family was not able to pay the rent until the 10th of the month, and so advised the landlord.

The landlord served a three-day notice to pay or quit and immediately filed an eviction action, refusing to accept this one-time late payment of rent. The tenants now have an eviction on their record and will likely become homeless.

When the judge at trial noted that the landlord’s actions were extremely harsh, the landlord’s lawyer replied, “that is what the law permits.”

Landlord lobbyists turned out in force to oppose the bill. One lobbyist characterized the Los Angeles case as “unfortunate,” but still opposed the bill arguing that it unfairly burdened landlords.

Bill proponents maintain that landlords get the rent and reasonable costs if tenants exercise the right to redeem, so there would be no harm to landlords from passage of the bill.

The Judiciary Committee voted 6-3 to move the matter to the full Assembly for a vote.

Assemblyman Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) broke with her fellow Democrats on the committee to oppose the bill.

“The time for a right to redemption for California tenants has arrived,” commented Dean Preston of Tenants Together. “We are pleased with the Judiciary Committee’s vote of confidence on this important bill.”

NICE, Calif. – The public and Lake County Community Co-op members alike are invited to meet at Ceago Vinegarden in Nice to get a firsthand look at their natural methods of food production and viticulture – known as biodynamics – used there.

The tour will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14, at Ceago, 5115 E. Highway 20, Nice.

At Ceago, they recognize the basic principles at work in nature to create and maintain unique, self-sustaining farm ecosystems.

The co-op will be given a tour and firsthand look at what’s being put into practice at this forward thinking, community-minded establishment.

This educational and fun, show-and-tell event is free. No reservations required.

Biodynamic farming techniques utilize the vineyard’s natural resources to cultivate the highest quality grapes by building and maintaining soil fertility through composting and crop rotation as well as non-use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or genetically modified organisms.

On the tour visitors will learn about Ceago’s lavender harvest, its plant diversity and take a walk on the pier to learn about the use of the lake water.

They'll observe the bat house, the sheep and chickens and learn about their role in the production of compost, and also visit and learn about the “tea tower” and the homeopathic sprays produced there.

One of the LCCC’s goals is to educate Lake County residents on how to live more healthfully and sustainably by keeping it local.

Don’t miss this unique chance to learn from these local experts on biodynamics and see how the principles Ceago is using on its land can be learned and used in other parts of the county far and wide. Carpooling with friends and neighbors is encouraged for this one-of-a-kind opportunity.

For more information, contact Lori Patotzka at 707-994-1618.

Celebrating over three years in community, the Lake County Community Co-op (LCCC) envisions cultivating an evolving community by nurturing values of social, economic and environmental responsibility.

Member input and participation is encouraged for the continued success of its co-creation.

The LCCC supports and enhances the local food system while providing a forum for community activities.

For more information about the co-op or to become a member of the LCCC, follow the links at http://lakeco-op.org or call 707-993-4270.

Handcrafters from all around the lake are invited to rent a space at the show.

A total of 30 tables are available and the fee is $25 per table.

Food will be available at the show, and entertainment from local groups.

The art students at the center will provide a show of their creations.

The garden and playground will be open for playing horseshoes and lounging in the shade.

Anyone interested should contact event co-chair, Pam Plank, at 707-272-3665.

Applications can be picked up at the senior center or the Meals-on-Wheels Thrift Store at 560 Lakeport Blvd in Lakeport.

The deadline for registering is June 24 with both the application and fee.