Lake County News,California

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: Lake County Farm Bureau; Posted On Tuesday, 15 November 2022 02:14; 15 November 2022

Inaugural Punkin Chunkin Festival benefits Lake County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund

**The inaugural Farm Bureau Punkin Chunkin Champions, Kelseyville High School FFA. Courtesy photo.**

LAKEPORT, Calif. — On the first Saturday in November, Lake County Farm Bureau launched a new event to raise funds for Lake County Farm Bureau’s scholarship program.

The inaugural Punkin Chunkin Festival at Wildhurst Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze offered an afternoon of family fun with the first official Punkin Chunkin, vendors, and the last opportunity to enjoy the 2022 Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze.

The event raised $4,475 for the scholarship fund.

Students from Kelseyville FFA designed and built a trebuchet to launch the pumpkins. After some on the spot repairs and practice launches, the team was rewarded with a pumpkin that flew more than 300 feet across the pumpkin field.

Kelseyville FFA will have their name etched on the FFA Division Punkin Chunkin Championship trophy that will be displayed in the LCFB office.

Daniel Suenram, vice president on the Lake County Farm Bureau Board, was the idea person for this event.

He and LCFB Executive Director Rebecca Harper led the planning team for the Punkin Chunkin. They were both still glowing from the success more than a week later.

“I would like to thank all from the community who came out to see and support the inaugural event. I would especially like to thank the Hats for so graciously welcoming this event to their wonderful facility,” Suenram said.

Vendors at the event added to the fun. The Noodle Bowl and Zero Dark Thirty Espresso were on hand to offer food options. The Scotts Valley 4H sold Loaded Baked Potatoes. LCFB offered homemade pumpkin pies for sale and Countywide C&L 4H hosted a petting zoo.

After the success with the first one, Harper said, “Next year we plan to have multiple divisions and expand this event drastically. Be on the lookout for more details to come! We hope to see more FFA chapters compete as well as other businesses and independent groups from around the lake. Agricultural mechanics is an integral component to the success of the agriculture industry. LCFB continues a long standing tradition of bringing visibility and providing scholarships to young people pursuing careers in agriculture.”

The event would not have been possible with the generous support of Michael and Tanya Hat, That Ranch at Wildhurst Vineyards. Other sponsors that supported the event included Calpine at the Geysers with a donation of hard hats and $1,500 and Rainbow Ag donating $25 gift cards for individual awards to members of the winning team and a $100 gift card for the winning team.

Lake County Farm Bureau represents nearly 500 farmers, ranchers, and ag-based companies in Lake County. Working to protect and promote agriculture, LCFB advocates on issues relating to farming, ranching, and the rural lifestyle, and collaborates closely with elected officials, government agencies, and other organizations to solve problems facing the agriculture industry.

For more information, contact Farm Bureau at 707 263-0911. Follow Lake County Farm Bureau on Facebook or visit our website at https://www.lakecofb.com/.

**Kelseyville FFA's trebuchet. This trebuchet launched the winning distance of 282 feet. Courtesy photo.**

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Saturday, 12 November 2022 22:01; 12 November 2022

Austin Park flag to be lowered Nov. 15

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The U.S. flag at Austin Park will come down for the winter season this week.

A flag lowering ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the park, located at 14077 Lakeshore Drive.

The guest speaker will be veteran Mike Huffman.

Community members are invited to take part in the event.

: Editor; Posted On Thursday, 10 November 2022 03:06; 10 November 2022

Researchers to present program on cormorants’ use of urban structures for nesting

**A double-crested cormorant. Courtesy photo.**

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Get ready for a truly fascinating program about double-crested cormorants featured for the Redbud Audubon Society’s Thursday, Nov. 17, Zoom program starting at 7 p.m.

Double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) are seabirds known to use urban structures as nesting habitat.

The old east span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the eastern portion of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge have hosted the two largest colonies of this species in the region.

**Scientist Meredith Elliott. Courtesy photo.**

Scientists Marc Rauzon and Meredith Elliott, who have studied these birds for three decades, will discuss their research which, among other things, shows the population dynamics of this resilient species.

Viewers will also learn about their efforts to study the Bay Area population of this adaptable, yet maligned, bird.

Rauzon was with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he studied sea birds and endangered marine mammals in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.

He is also an expert on the effects of invasive animals and plants on tropical islands. His latest book Isles of Amnesia (available on Amazon) details his experiences. Rauzon is also a research associate with Point Blue and a Geography professor at Laney College in Oakland.

**Scientist Marc Rauzon. Courtesy photo.**

Elliott is a senior scientist at Point Blue Conservation Science and has worked on a variety of seabird monitoring and diet projects.

She supervises the Point Blue marine laboratory where data on marine food webs are collected. She is a program leader with the ACCESS Program, an at-sea monitoring program founded by Point Blue, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

To register for the program, click go to www.redbudaudubon.org and click on the link on the home page that will take you to the registration form.

Please register soon; the link will be sent the day of the program.

**A platform for cormorants. Courtesy photo.**

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 14 November 2022 00:31; 14 November 2022

Western Region Town Hall meets Nov. 16

UPPER LAKE, Calif. — The Western Region Town Hall will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Habematolel community center, 9460 Main St. in Upper Lake.

The agenda includes the following Upper Lake levees, feral cats, fire preparedness,drought and much more.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

: Caltrans; Posted On Friday, 11 November 2022 01:06; 11 November 2022

Caltrans plans major roadwork through Nov. 17

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. —‌ Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌ around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
‌‌‌ ‌
Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌‌prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
The‌‌ ‌‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌Traffic‌‌ ‌‌Operations‌‌ ‌‌Office‌‌ ‌‌has‌‌ ‌‌reviewed‌‌ ‌‌each‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌determined‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌individual‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌delays‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌expected‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌less‌‌ ‌‌than‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌statewide‌‌ ‌‌policy‌‌ ‌‌maximum‌‌ ‌‌of‌‌ ‌‌30‌‌ ‌‌minutes‌‌ ‌‌unless‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
noted‌‌ ‌‌otherwise. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

Caltrans will suspend most work on Northern California highways on Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. However, in the case of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans crews to respond to emergency situations

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

LAKE‌‌ ‌‌COUNTY‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

Highway 29

— Utility work will occur in Middletown from Saint Helena Creek to east of Butts Canyon Road on Monday, Nov. 14, and Tuesday, Nov. 15. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Road work at Route 281 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

— Bridge work at Robinson Rancheria Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 175

— Tree work near Diener Road will begin on Monday, November 14. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Bridge work in Cobb from Humboldt Drive to Bottle Rock Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Bridge work in Cobb at Estates Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 20

— Road work near Road 10 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Slide removal at Pieta Creek Bridge continues. Northbound lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to five-minute delays.

— Bridge work at the Crawford Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Bridge work near Henry Station Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Road work continues in Ukiah at Route 222. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Fence work in Ukiah at the East Perkins Street Overcrossing continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Bridge work in Ukiah from the Presswood Overhead Bridge to the Hensley Creek Undercrossing continues. Lane Closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Road work south of Willits continues. A lane closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area.

— Culvert work at Road 307 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

Highway 162

— Bridge work at Crawford Creek continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

— Roadway excavation from Parkway Drive to Wilson & Burtchell will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. In addition, a full southbound onramp closure at the Washington Blvd. Overcrossing will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

— Utility work near Dr. Fine Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 199

— Electrical work near the Collier Tunnel Rest Area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 101

— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Bridge work near Myers Flat will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. A full southbound on ramp closure will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Excavation and concrete work from St. Louis Road Overcrossing to Georgia Pacific Road will continue. One-way traffic control and lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Lane closures from the St. Louis Road Overcrossing to Mad River Bridge will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate10-minute delays.

Highway 211

— A bridge inspection will occur at the Eel River Fernbridge Railroad Crossing on Wednesday, Nov. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 17. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.

Highway 255

— Utility work will occur near Young Lane on Monday, Nov. 14. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.

— Utility work from ‘V’ Street to ‘K’ Street will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 299

— Falsework installation from Route 200 to Route 101 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Landscape work from Chezem Road to east of Circle Point will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m.to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Emergency work near Burney Vista Point will occur on Monday, Nov. 14. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Construction from Willow Creek to Old Three Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

: Bureau of Land Management; Posted On Tuesday, 08 November 2022 22:27; 08 November 2022

BLM Ukiah Field Office eases fire restrictions

UKIAH, Calif. — With cooler temperatures and measurable precipitation, effective Tuesday the Bureau of Land Management has eased fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Ukiah Field Office in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.

Fire restrictions were originally initiated on June 24 to curb the threat of wildfire.

Public land visitors can again use campfires outside of developed campgrounds and posted recreation sites. Recreational target shooting may also resume in designated areas.

Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions for red flag warnings and fire weather watches to avoid shooting in hot, dry and windy conditions.

“Due to cooler fall weather conditions and declining fire danger, we are lifting seasonal fire restrictions,” said Ukiah acting Field Manager Leisyka Parrott. “While weather conditions are no longer causing high fire danger, we still urge everyone to Recreate Responsibly and help minimize fire potential when visiting public lands.”

The public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildland fires when recreating on public lands.

Good fire-prevention safety tips include keeping vehicles off dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves.

California campfire permits are available free online or at BLM, U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire offices.

Recreational target shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks.

Recreational target shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. More information on safe recreational target shooting is available on the BLM website.

For more information on preventing wildfires and additional tips for keeping campfires and target shooting safe, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or call the Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000.

The field office can also provide additional information on public lands available for target shooting.

Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs.