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Lauren Schmaltz. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Redbud Audubon Society is pleased to host Lauren Schmaltz, the USA Administrator for the World Parrot Trust, for its Thursday, May 19, final program of the season.

The program starts at 7 p.m.

To register, go to www.redbudaudubon.org and click on the registration link on the home page, or, click on the link in The Western Grebe newsletter if you are receiving it by email. All are invited to the program, you don’t have to be a member of Redbud Audubon.

Parrots are the most endangered family of birds in the world. The World Parrot Trust, or WPT, has worked to help conserve more than 80 species of parrot in 43 countries.

Since 1989, the trust has brought together global experts on wildlife conservation and parrot welfare to implement effective programs to protect both wild and companion parrots.

The activities of the WPT include conducting field research on little known species; supporting the rehabilitation, release, and reintroduction of threatened and endangered species; working to end the trade in wild caught parrots; encouraging the protection and restoration of critical habitat areas; promoting community education and engagement through sustainable livelihoods; and advocating for better welfare and care of captive parrots.

This approach also empowers local communities to take ownership of the solutions, so that the progress achieved on behalf of parrots is lasting.

The collaboration between WPT staff, local NGOs, and communities is a hallmark of their success.

The trust seeks a future where the world’s wild parrots have the ongoing protection from human and environmental threats necessary to persist and thrive in the wild, and captive parrots receive the care they deserve from compassionate caregivers in order to flourish.

Lauren Schmaltz administrates the WPT’s programs in the United States. She first became involved with the World Parrot Trust while serving as the director of Echo, a small nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot and its fragile dry forest habitat on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire.

She returned to the US from Bonaire in 2017, having stepped down from that role to dedicate herself to working full-time with the World Parrot Trust.

Schmaltz completed a dual bachelor’s degree in biology and Spanish and a master’s degree in environmental studies.

In the midst of her studies, Schmaltz also spent several years living overseas in the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Costa Rica and Bonaire.

Her keen interest in environmental management, community outreach and education, and sustainable development harmonizes well with WPT’s growing initiatives in parrot conservation, habitat restoration, and community engagement.
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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. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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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. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

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

LAKE‌‌ ‌‌COUNTY‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
Highway‌‌ ‌‌20

— Bridge work continues in Upper Lake at Middle Creek. One-way traffic control will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Road work is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 16, in Lucerne near Sixth Street. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Bridge work is scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 12, at Cache Creek. One-way traffic control will be in place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 29

— Bridge work at Putah Creek continues. One-way traffic control will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work continues at Siegler Creek. One-way traffic control will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Road work is scheduled to begin on Thursday, May 19, in Lower Lake at Point Lakeview Road. One-way traffic control will be in place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work will continue at the Lakeport Boulevard overcrossing. One-way traffic control will be in place from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work in Lakeport at the Park Way overcrossing continues. One-way traffic control will be in place from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work continues at Scotts Creek. One-way traffic control will be in place from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 53

— Bridge work at Cache Creek continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Utility work is scheduled to begin in Cobb from Humboldt Drive to Bottle Rock Road on Friday, May 13. One-way traffic control will be in place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

— Emergency Road work will occur in Westport from Blue Slide Gulch to Pacific Avenue on Friday, May 13. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 20

— Road work will conclude in Fort Bragg near Route 1 on Friday, May 13. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Tree work east of Fort Bragg near the South Fork Noyo River will conclude on Friday, May 13. One-way traffic control will be in place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Road work will occur at the East Fork Russian River near the Lake Mendocino Park east entrance on Friday, May 13. One-way traffic control will be in place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Slide removal at Pieta Creek Bridge will continue. Northbound Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Moss Cove Safety Rest Area will be closed through July 2022.

— Road work will occur near Long Valley Creek on Friday, May 13. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Empire Camp Safety Rest Area will be closed through July 2022.

Highway 128

— Tree work will occur near Monte Bloyd Road on Friday, May 13. One-way traffic control will be in place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 162

— 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

— Construction work from the Route 169 junction to north of Klamath will conclude on Friday, May 13. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Bridge work north of Klamath near Old Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Construction in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 25-minute delays at all hours.

Highway 199

— Permitted cleanup and repair work between Hiouchi and Gasquet will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

— Construction work near Carlotta will occur on Friday, May 13, and Monday, May 16. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Construction work from Buck Mountain Road to the Trinity County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 96

— Construction work north of Hoopa will occur on Friday, May 13. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Permitted utility south of Orleans will occur on Wednesday, May 18. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Bridge work near Camp Creek Road will begin on Monday, May 16. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. A northbound onramp closure will also be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route.

— Bridge work at the Route 101 South Fork Road Undercrossing will begin on May 16 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. A southbound offramp closure will also be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route.

— Construction from the Herrick Avenue Overcrossing to Washington Street in Eureka will continue. Lane closures will be in effect in both directions from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Construction from the St Louis Road Overcrossing to Mad River Bridge will begin on Sunday, May 15. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 169

— Permitted utility work north of Weitchpec will conclude on Friday, May 13. One-way traffic will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 255

— Permitted work near Manila will continue. One-way traffic will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.

Highway 299

— Construction near Route 200 will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor traffic slowdowns.

— Paving east of Blue Lake will continue. The westbound offramp at the Truck Scale House will be closed. Motorists should use an alternate ramp.

— Construction east of the Burney Vista Point will continue. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Drainage work near Willow Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.
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SACRAMENTO — As Gov. Newsom prepares for his May budget revision with estimated surplus funds potentially exceeding $68 billion, Assemblymember Marc Levine (D - Marin County) on Monday announced a $10 billion budget request that would invest $5 billion to incentivize home hardening in high wildfire risk areas and an additional $5 billion to establish a state Catastrophic Wildfire Reinsurance Fund.

These two requests are essential to prepare and respond to the year round wildfire risk that threatens families and homes across California.

The climate crisis has redefined California’s approach to wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts necessary to stop widespread loss of life and property.

Thanks to California’s resilient economy, the current estimated budget surplus presents a number of opportunities to make lasting investments and prevent future destruction resulting from wildfires.

Homeowners, especially those in rural or suburban communities are in dire need to reduce their own risk of wildfire by increasing defensible space around their home.

A homeowner that invests in science-based home hardening stands a higher chance of surviving a wildfire than homes that do not. Large-scale home hardening is an essential tool to reduce wildfire-caused losses now and into the future.

Levine’s $5 billion budget request will incentivize science-based home hardening by offering homeowners grants of up to $10,000 to reduce a homeowner’s wildfire risk and reduce the potential spread of wildfires in high-risk fire zones across California.

As has been demonstrated over the past several years, insurance companies are canceling or non-renewing insurance policies, raising premiums, or threatening insolvency due to increased wildfire risks in California.

Levine’s additional $5 billion request would establish the Catastrophic Wildfire Reinsurance Fund, a state administered reinsurance program to provide a stable and ongoing source of reimbursement to insurers for catastrophic wildfire losses.

This fund, based on Levine’s legislation, AB 1522 (2022), will be the last line of insurance protection and will cover all insured losses over a certain amount occurring during the annual wildfire season.

As wildfires become larger and more destructive, no insurer or financial entity in the future will be willing to assume wildfire liability risks unless the state of California can provide a framework and structure to limit exposure and bring stability and predictability to the California property insurance market. Levine’s $5 billion request will stabilize the insurance marketplace and increase the availability of comprehensive, affordable property insurance.

“We have to do more than the bare minimum as California wildfires become hotter, faster and more devastating,” said Assemblymember Marc Levine. “We must harness our state’s economic health to make lasting investments that will reduce homeowner risk to wildfire loss and help to stabilize the insurance marketplace. This $10 billion investment is a necessary down payment as part of our state’s broader work to address the climate crisis and the devastating economic impacts of wildfires in California and should be included in the 2022-23 Budget Act.”

Levine’s budget request will be considered as part of the 2022-23 state budget.

A copy of Levine’s $10 billion wildfire budget request to legislative leaders is published below.

Wildfire Budget Request 5-9-22.Docx by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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The REAL ID federal enforcement date is just one year away, beat the rush.

Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved identification, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities like military bases.

Start your online application today and get REAL ID ready in three simple steps:

Gather your identification documents

• Complete your online application and upload your documents.
• Visit the DMV office to complete your REAL ID application.
• Visit dmv.ca.gov/realid for a complete list of acceptable documents and to begin your online application.

Question: What type of documents are required to apply for my REAL ID?

Answer: One original or certified proof of identity and two different printed proofs of California residency are required.

One original or certified proof of identity: Examples include a valid passport, birth certificate, valid permanent resident card. If your name on your proof of identity is different from the name on your other documents you will need a legal name change document (Examples: marriage certificate, adoption papers).

Two different printed proofs of California residency: Examples include a utility bill, bank statement, insurance documents, tax return, rental or lease agreement and school documents.

Question: Do I have to wait for my current license or ID to expire before I get a REAL ID?

Answer: No, you can apply for the REAL ID before your current driver license or ID expires. Be aware that your new REAL ID will hold the same expiration date as your current driver license or ID. Keep in mind that as the enforcement date gets closer, wait times are estimated to get longer.

Don’t delay and apply today to beat the rush.

For more information, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov/realid.
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The USDA Forest Service is releasing its Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, or PCT, Foundation Document — that will guide the future preservation and protection of the PCT — right as the season opens for northbound trail users starting their journey.

Since the Trail’s designation in 1968, the USFS has been the administrating agency for the iconic PCT and has collaboratively managed the trail with other natural resource agencies and partners.

“Until this point, the PCT Comprehensive Management Plan has directed the management of this unique recreation resource,” said Jennifer Eberlien, regional forester for the Pacific Southwest Region of the USFS. “Today, we are honored to release the PCT Foundation Document, a companion document, which will ground us in a shared understanding of the trail’s nature and purposes, and will be used as a cornerstone in future management discussions.”

This foundation document combines legislative history, legal and policy requirements, special mandates, and administrative commitments, and illustrates the nature and purposes of the PCT in one comprehensive communication and management tool.

Partners, stakeholders and the general public helped identify the interpretive themes and fundamental resources and values threaded throughout the document.

“The development of the PCT Foundation Document allows us to explore and root ourselves in the intrinsic values of the PCT that led to its designation as a national scenic trail,” said Lindsey Steinwachs, Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Administrator with the Pacific Southwest Region of the USFS.

By fostering a deeper understanding of the Trail, the PCT Foundation Document will help the USFS and partner land managers protect the fundamental resources and values of the PCT for this and future generations.

To read the document, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/pct/land-resources-management.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital to our long-term health. Having options, a variety of fitness activities, particularly if they are relatively close to where we live, can help each of us more consistently make positive choices.

The county of Lake, in collaboration with the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake and the Lake County Office of Education, invites your input regarding the future of recreational amenities in our region.

They hired a consulting team to develop a multiphase feasibility study that explores planning, funding and operational implications of a recreational and/or aquatics facility.

Their collective mission is to provide a haven for all community members to access fitness and health-related services.

Officials said they are working to provide a safe and healthy environment for all Lake County community members to develop a passion for fitness and health, engage in the community and support our neighbors to live our best lives.

What are your recreational and aquatics facilities needs and desires? What’s missing in your community?

Please complete the Lake County Region Recreational and Aquatics Facility Survey by June 6, 2022.

In recent months, the Blue Zones Project Lake County has been working to educate residents on ways to transform our well-being at our worksites, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, community organizations and more.

Developing and maintaining robust recreational amenities is one way we can move our communities forward, and promote better long-term health outcomes in Lake County.

To effectively target our approach, and develop the right amenities in the right communities, the survey organizers need to hear from you.

They offer their thanks to participants for partnering with them to promote the brightest, healthiest possible future for every Lake County resident.

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