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- Written by: Dorothy De Lope
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On June 16, the Konocti Lioness Club installed its 2011-12 officers at the Riviera Hills Restaurant in the Clear Lake Riviera.
Lioness Anna Jones was installed as president by former Lioness District President Joann Williams of Cobb.
The Konocti Lioness Club is a nonprofit service club whose special interest is raising funds to sponsor children with special needs to summer camp.
The club also provides funds that benefit the youngsters of Lake County.
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- Written by: Editor
For the past eight years the Rural Food Project has given out boxes of food to as many as 300 people per month in the South County, and storage space is critical to the project.
The current 1,000-square-foot food pantry at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Middletown must move by the end of August so finding another space is critical to the people who are hungry in the Lake County area.
If you have space or know of someone that has a reasonable rental which could accommodate the storage of dry goods, shelving, boxes and a few freezers, please call Hedy Montoya at 707-987-8139.
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ShakeCast is a software application that uses ground sensors to analyze earthquake shaking data in relation to the performance characteristics of a bridge or other structure. This allows responders to prioritize inspections within minutes of an earthquake.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is using ShakeCast to monitor potential damage to nuclear facilities in Japan following the earthquake that occurred there in March.
The IAEA is also using ShakeCast to monitor close to 200 nuclear power plants around the world.
“I am proud that this innovative technology is helping aid the response to the tragedy in Japan,” said Caltrans Acting Director Malcolm Dougherty. “In the event of an earthquake, ShakeCast helps protect people by allowing us to efficiently and accurately prioritize bridge inspections. Now, it can help emergency responders around the globe to more effectively respond to earthquakes.”
Following an earthquake, one of Caltrans’ most critical tasks is to assess the condition of bridges and roadways. In the past, inspection teams had difficulty setting priorities because they lacked precise information about where the worst shaking and, most likely, the greatest damage had occurred.
“The California Emergency Management Agency works tirelessly with partners like Caltrans and the United States Geological Survey to prepare for and respond to any natural or man-made disaster,” said Cal EMA Acting Secretary Mike Dayton. "It's all about saving lives and property. This technology is
a vital addition to those efforts, and I'm pleased it's already helping people in Japan cope with the devastating losses there."
ShakeCast has already proved to be a valuable tool for Caltrans. During the 7.2 Calexico earthquake in Southern California in April 2010, ShakeCast identified the only bridge damaged in this event as the top priority for inspection.
ShakeCast also is being employed by other public agencies throughout California. The Los Angeles Unified School District, for example, is using it to improve earthquake monitoring and emergency response for over 1000 school buildings.
Caltrans recently executed a new three-year contract with the USGS to continue the development of ShakeCast.
The new version will incorporate improved bridge models and will include assessment of soil liquefaction and landslide hazards to roadways after earthquakes.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Home Wine Makers Festival reminds amateur wine and beer makers that it's not too late for them to submit their entries for both tasting and judging at the event, which is taking place Saturday, June 25, at Lakeport's Library Park.
There are no fees for wine samples poured for the general public, who will then vote for their favorites in the popular “Peoples Choice” awards event. A modest $7 per bottle is assessed for wines submitted for judging by a panel of professionals.
Thanks to the generosity of one of the participating commercial wineries, Bell Hill Vineyard, the building next door to Bigg's Cafe will again be made available for wine judging. It is located at 125 Park Street, across the street from the winefest venue, and is the site of the future downtown tasting room of Bell Hill.
Amateurs entering their wines for judging should deliver them to this location no later than nine am the morning of the event. Beers and ales to be judged may be delivered to Guido's Pizza, 5440 Live Oak Drive, Kelseyville, prior to the winefest.
Applications and instructions for all winefest events and activities can be had by visiting its Web site at www.homewinemakersfestival.com, or by calling 707-277-8172 or 707-277-7076. Home brewers may also call 707-279-2762.
Last year's Peoples Choice winners were David Petrari of Foster City for best dry red, Connel Murray of Kelseyville for best dry white, Bruce Lightfoot of Cobb, for best fruit wine, Jack Morris of Lakeport, for best sparkling wine and Greg and Jeff Conely of Middletown for best aperitif/dessert wine.
Best label awards went to Jeff Buege, Rolf Kriken, and Pam and Rod Duncan for their Big Valley Red, with a “best booth” award tie between Sheila Honeycutt of Kelseyville and Dennis and Marisa Koenig of San Mateo.
Best beer winner was the “Two Dudes” team of Dan Wieman of Lower Lake and Joe Parker of Kelseyville.
In judged wines and beers, nearly five dozen ribbons were awarded, split among some 44 contestants from Lake and other Northern California counties.
Once again popular local keyboardist David Neft, supported by drummer Steve DuBois will provide musical entertainment as The David Neft Duo, with intermission assistance from guitarist Travis Renker. Erik Patrick will once again serve as master of ceremonies.
The winefest – as it's popularly known – is now in its ninth year, and is the major fundraiser for Clear Lake Performing Arts.
All proceeds support the group's local music activities, including the Lake County Symphony and the CLPA Youth and Junior Youth orchestras, as well as scholarships for deserving students. Winefest hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Many of Lake County's leading commercial wineries also participate, and although they are not eligible for judging or direct sales, many schedule special promotions and winery-discount sales to coincide with the event.
Arts and crafts people and commercial and food vendors also contribute to the winefest, which is free and open to the public although people wishing to taste the wines and beers – whether amateur or professional – need to purchase a ticket and tasting glass for $20 at the gate or in advance for $15.
Tickets may be obtained from The Kitchen Gallery, 301 N. Main St.; Watershed Books, 305 N. Main St.; Shari's Secret Garden, 240 N. Main St.; Catfish Books, 1113 11th St.; or the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeport Blvd., all in Lakeport.
Tickets also may be purchased at Rosa d'Oro Wines, 3915 Main St., and Wildhurst Winery, 3855 Main St., both in Kelseyville; Steele Wines, 3350 Thomas Dr. in Finley; Tulip Hill Winery, 4900 Bartlett Springs Road and Hwy 20 in Nice and High Valley Winery, 12151 E. Hwy 20, Clearlake Oaks.