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Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS

Published: 23 February 2020

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Thanks to the generosity of local donors and the dedication of the Riviera Elementary School Garden Committee, local students have a place to dig in the dirt and learn all the lessons school gardens can provide.

Clearlake Tractor Supply Co. recently joined the growing list of local donors who have provided tools, supplies, and expertise to lay the foundation for a thriving school garden. 

Riviera Elementary teacher and Garden Committee member Mary Beth Abordo spearheaded the effort to involve Tractor Supply Co.

“I applied for support through the Tractor Supply Co. website back in September, and Amanda Johnson responded that our local Tractor Supply in Clearlake would be delighted to sponsor our school,” Abordo said.

She said store manager Vernon Parker, arranged for a banner displaying the school-business partnership and presented the school with a goodie bag of seeds, rulers, a sign for the garden, master gardener awards and a $200 gift certificate to Tractor Supply Co.

“Furthermore, Mr. Parker and his team of gardening experts plan to visit the Riviera Elementary School garden this spring to support our ongoing efforts,” Abordo said.

Studies show that school gardens can have a positive impact on academic achievement and behavior, as well as instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Gardens also provide a place for students to be physically active and to learn about nutrition, both of which can contribute to students’ health and wellness.

Kelseyville Unified School District Superintendent Dave McQueen expressed his gratitude to all the donors and volunteers who have made school gardens possible at both Riviera Elementary and at Kelseyville Elementary.

“It’s incredible to see the transformation in the gardens in such a short time. Big thanks to the teachers, parents and community members who made this happen. I love the thought of all our students spending time outdoors, learning to grow food and flowers, and just having fun,” he said.

At Riviera Elementary School, donations of pathway matting, peat moss, rakes, shovels, pitchforks, leaf scoops, pruning shears, seeds, and a garden wagon have been made by Campos Casual, the USDA Gymnosperm Project, Johnny's Seeds, and parents Mr. Traphagen, Laura Kirk (in memory of her daughter Katie), and Dr. Kimberly Fordham.

The Riviera Elementary Garden Committee consists of teachers Leslie Gray, Sarah Yurosko and Mary Beth Abordo.

“Getting the garden in shape has been a group effort. Ms. Gray and her students, Mrs. Yurosko and her husband and students, kindergarten teacher Mrs. Turner and her husband, Ms. Cascio and her students, Ms. Sears and her students, and senior volunteer Grandpa Ralph have spent countless hours restoring the shed, irrigation system, composting stations, and raised beds,” Abordo said.

She paused and smiled, then asked, “Aren't we so blessed to live in Kelseyville where our children are so cherished?”

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Written by: Kathleen Scavone

Published: 23 February 2020

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Some birdwatchers jokingly say there are only three types of birds.

There are tweety- birds, including birds like robins and finches; hawk-type birds such as eagles and hawks; and, finally, duck-type birds – birds that spend much of their lives floating on ponds and lakes.

It's fascinating to watch birds, no matter their species. According to reports such as National Geographic and Bay Nature magazines some bird species are arriving both earlier and later than in the past.

It is a total juggling act for today's birds, it would appear, to time their sojourns to meet the requirements of their breeding cycles, including nesting, egg-laying, the fledging process and all the while keeping healthy enough to complete this intricate itinerary.

On a recent day spent at Clear Lake State Park I ran into some fellow bird-watchers who were generously sharing their scope with park visitors.

I am happy to say that I watched at least a dozen varieties of birds near or on the lake, including a kingfisher, Clark's grebes, great blue heron, blue jay, acorn woodpecker, cormorants, egret and American Pelicans.

I also watched a young bald eagle, perched high in a cottonwood tree, who did not yet sport the characteristic white head of the stately adult bird.

I was fortunate enough to watch a pair of common goldeneyes who were serenely floating on the lake, diving periodically for their lunch of fish and aquatic invertebrates.

I also enjoyed sighting bufflehead who were also foraging for their lunch by diving for aquatic insects and crustaceans, which they often consume while under water.

There may be fewer avian species passing through the area this winter, but Lake County is still a premier bird watching spot since it is blessedly located on the path of the Pacific Flyway.

The Pacific Flyway is the route taken by migratory birds as they make their way in the fall and spring seasons.

During the fall and winter birds may hark from distant lands like Alaska to rest and refuel, looking for warm homes and food on which to feast

Climate change is having an impact on the lives of many bird species, but that is not the only thing that may threaten bird species.

In 2018 the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was celebrated, marking an important law aiding bird protection for more than 1,000 species of birds.

Today that 100-year-old protection is in danger of being stripped away in a push to take away the large fines that are in place in the event of bird-kills due to oil slicks, wind power turbines, and other human-made disasters and industrial threats.

For ornithologists and laypeople alike it is complicated and sometimes perplexing to keep abreast of all of the changes migratory birds are undergoing in these times of climate disruption.

One thing is certain: We are all hoping for the very best for birds and beasts alike.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, freelance writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.”

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Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS

Published: 23 February 2020

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Police arrested a Clearlake man in possession of a concealed handgun and drugs following a Friday morning vehicle pursuit.

Steven Johnny Farnan, 27, was arrested on probable cause for numerous felony charges after being found with a concealed loaded firearm and possession of more than half an ounce of heroin, according to a report from the Clearlake Police Department.

The department reported that shortly after 7:30 a.m. Friday, Officer Mauricio Barreto spotted Farnan driving a vehicle without a license and expired registration.

When Officer Barreto turned his patrol car to catch up with Farnan, Farnan pulled into the Speedway gas station on Lakeshore Drive at Old Highway 53, the report said.

Police said Officer Barreto contacted Farnan at the driver’s window. At that point, Farnan tried to flee in the car, nearly injuring the officer, but got boxed in by other vehicles.

Barreto then noticed a concealed .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun in Farnan’s waistband, police said.

Farnan attempted to grab the gun from his waistband as he exited the vehicle through the front passenger door. Once out of the car, he tried to run, according to the report.

Police said Officer Barreto used his Taser to subdue Farnan and arrest him.

Farnan received medical treatment and was booked into the Lake County Jail, police said.

The Clearlake Police Department reported that Farnan is on Post Release Community Supervision and has prior weapon-related arrests.