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Recreation
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
KELSEYVILLE – “Better Birdwatching in California” will be shown in the Clear Lake State Park visitor center auditorium at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.
Second in its month long Saturday series of fine films, Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association (CLSPIA), presents this 90-minute DVD of about 150 bird species commonly found in California. It is ideal for both beginners and advanced birdwatchers. Observe unique and entertaining behaviors, preferred habitats and diagnostic marks and vocalizations.
Birdwatching in Lake County is always thrilling as there are over 300 species that visit the county. This film will enhance future watching.
Peruse the Visitor Center gift shop. “The Birds of Lake County Seasonal Checklist,” compiled by Jerry R. White, and Golden Field Guides “Birds of North America,” a guide to field identification, are two great aids to birdwatching that are available in the gift shop.
While in the center, visit the natural history museum, from woodlands to wetlands, and contemplate the importance of the interactions of these birds and animals.
Return to the park at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 10 to join naturalist, birder and photographer Brad Barnwell for a guided walk in the park. Meet at the visitor center ramp where you will be greeted not only by Barnwell, but wonderful sounds of nature including the calls of a nesting pair of osprey and the jocular acorn woodpeckers.
There is no entrance fee to the park for participating in walks, attending programs or visiting the museum.
The Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. Guided walks will take place on the second and fourth Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Visit www.clearlakestatepark.org for great photos, activity schedule and park information.
Clear Lake State Park is located at 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Editor
For National Safe Boating Week May 16 – 22, BoatU.S. Seaworthy magazine Editor Bob Adriance has developed a short Crew Safety Checklist.
“Boating is supposed to be fun, so we do not want to unduly alarm our guests,” Adriance said. “However, every skipper should take a few minutes before they leave the dock to share these tips with crew.”
They are:
1. Life jackets: Give a correctly sized life jacket to those who wish to wear one, show guests where they are stored and how they are properly worn.
2. Fire extinguishers: They should be easily visible near engine and galley areas. Take a moment to explain what types they are and how they are meant to be used. Point out any fire port locations for snuffing out engine compartment fires.
3. Flares: Show where they are located and how to safely activate without causing injury.
4. Engine and fuel shutoffs: Especially on sailboats, it’s not always clear how to shut off the engine (usually by pulling out the “kill” knob).
5. VHF radio: It’s very important to familiarize the crew with its operation, how to make a radio distress call, and DSC one-button rescue mode (if equipped).
6. Battery switch: Show the crew how to turn off power in case of an electrical fire.
7. Chartplotter, GPS, and Loran: At a minimum, crew should know how to find a latitude/longitude position with these electronics. Pinpoint its location on the unit’s screen. Have a paper chart aboard, show your crew where you’re departing from and headed for the day.
8. Man Overboard Gear: Show where it is and give a brief explanation on how to use it.
To help boaters learn more about these and other safety related items, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has an Online Boating Safety Study Guide at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/Toolbox.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
Bass anglers have found success fishing Baby Brush Hogs, Maverick Bugly baits and other creature baits. Chatter baits and even some top water frog action were all mentioned this week. Fish shoreline areas with tule stands or beds, docks and walls. Live jumbo minnows are the ticket for a fun ride for live bait anglers. Bass Guide Bob Thein mentioned to me that the key to success this week – for either live or artificial baits – was to go SLOW. That’s tougher than it sounds …
Crappie action was big a week ago. Not much was mentioned this week. We do know that crappie like the gloomy weather so we’re hopeful that some of the west side docks that held slabs last week will be there again through the rainy weekend. That’s what I’d be on if I were lookin’ to catch some nice crappie for the table.
Catfish action is heating up nicely before the annual Derby coming up May 15, 16 and 17. We’re hearing about all kinds of stuff working – from hot dogs to mackerel to live bait. Cache Creek has been good. Indian Island and Rattlesnake are also in the honorable mention category this week. It’s catfish time again! And don’t forget, we’ll keep extended hours for the Derby and do our best to stay in the loop with frequent updates to the Derby “Top 20.”
Bob Rider is owner of Lakeshore Bait & Tackle, 14913-D Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, telephone 707-994-FISH (3474). Visit the store online at www.994Fish.com.
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- Written by: Editor
UKIAH – College of the Siskiyous Head Men’s Basketball Coach Billy Offill has been named the new men’s head basketball coach at Mendocino College.
Offill, a former Mendocino College basketball player and assistant coach, was recently the men’s head basketball coach at College of the Siskiyous from 2006-2009. College of the Siskiyous won 22 games this past season and earned a Northern California playoff berth.
"We are proud to by able to hire one of our own. Billy was a tremendous player for us and we look forward to seeing his passion and excitement carry over into our basketball program,” Mendocino College Interim Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Tom Gang said.
A native of Sonoma County, Offill saw the Mendocino College job as an opportunity get back home and coach at a place where he enjoyed his experiences as a coach and player.
“After playing for Coach Boyle (former Mendocino College Men’s Basketball Coach) and receiving my AA degree at Mendocino College, I am very excited to lead the basketball program here,” Offill said.
Previously, Offill was an assistant coach for Mendocino College from 2002-2005, before moving on to Modesto Junior College as an assistant from 2005-2006.
After a stellar career at El Molino High School in Forestville, CA, which Offill was named Press Democrat Large School Player of the Year and Sonoma County League Most Valuable Player in 1996, he played his freshman season at Santa Rosa Junior College. He then transferred to Mendocino College where he redshirted a year and then played his sophomore season.
According to Offill, wanting a small college environment where he could excel in the classroom and court were his reasons for leaving Santa Rosa Junior College for Mendocino College.
During his sophomore season at Mendocino College, he helped lead Mendocino to the Northern California playoffs. Offill averaged 14.6 points per game and led the state in assists with 8.3 per game.
Offill earned a full athletic scholarship to the College of Idaho, a NAIA Dvision II school in Caldwell, ID. There he helped his team to 50 wins in two seasons, including a berth in the elite eight at the national Tournament in Branson, MO. Offill received his bachelor of arts degree in physical education.
According to Offill, the focus of the Mendocino College Men’s Basketball program will be a year-round development of student-athletes on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
Offill will run an up tempo dribble drive motion on offense and execute switching defenses with a commitment to keeping offenses out of the painted area on defense.
“Everywhere I have been, we have placed numerous athletes at four-year institutions and we look to make noise in the Bay Valley conference in the 2009-2010 campaign,” Offill said.
For additional information about the Mendocino College Men’s Basketball Program, Contact Coach Offill at (707) 468-3028 or vist www.mendocino.edu.