LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This year, the annual Clear Lake Christmas Bird Count, held by the Redbud Audubon Society, will be on Saturday, Dec. 19.

The Christmas Bird Count is a traditional project of Audubon societies around the country and takes place between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5.

Each December birders gather to record every individual bird and species encountered during the day.

Each count group has a designated circle of 15 miles in diameter and tries to cover as much ground as possible within a certain period of time.

The data collected by each count group are then sent to the National Audubon Headquarters in New York and is made available online.

Redbud Audubon invites all birders and nature enthusiasts to join in the upcoming Christmas Bird Count. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.

This is Audubon’s longest-running wintertime tradition and is the 39th year the count has taken place in Lake County.

There will be two main groups that participants might wish to join – one will meet at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park and the other will meet at the Visitor’s Center Parking lot at the Clear Lake State Park. Both groups will meet at 8 a.m. and continue through to early or mid-afternoon.

After the count, participants are invited to a pizza dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Kelseyville Pizza on State Street in Kelseyville to join in the count compilation where the tally of the day’s sightings is compiled. 

If you are interested in participating in the bird count, call 707-263-8030, leave a message with your phone number and someone will return your call.

The Christmas Bird Count began more than a century ago when 27 conservationists in 25 localities, led by scientist and writer Frank Chapman, changed the course of ornithological history.

On Christmas Day in 1900, the small group posed an alternative to the “side hunt,” a Christmas day activity in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds and small mammals.

Instead, Chapman proposed to identify, count, and record all the birds they saw, founding what is now considered to be the world’s most significant citizen-based conservation effort – and century-old institution.

Scientists rely on the remarkable trend data of Audubon’s CBC to better understand how birds and the environment are faring throughout North America – and what needs to be done to protect them.

Data from Audubon’s signature Citizen Science program are at the heart of numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies.

Bonnie Thompson is a member of the Redbud Audubon Society.

Expedition 45 Flight Engineer Kjell Lindgren of NASA is among three crew members who returned to Earth Friday after a 141-day mission aboard the International Space Station, landing in Kazakhstan at approximately 8:12 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Also returning were Flight Engineers Oleg Kononenko of Roscosmos (Russian Federal Space Agency) and Kimiya Yui of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The crew touched down northeast of the remote town of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan, marking the first crew landing to occur after sunset and only the sixth nighttime Soyuz spacecraft return from the space station.

With the end of this mission, Kononenko now has spent 533 days in space, and Lindgren and Yui, both on their first flight, have spent 141 days in space.

While on station, the crew members participated in Earth observations and conducted research in the areas of physical, biological and molecular science to advance knowledge and demonstrate new technologies.

Such investigations enable research breakthroughs and drive technology innovations that provide benefits on Earth, and will enable long-duration human and robotic exploration missions into deep space.

The space station is a test bed to demonstrate new technologies, and Lindgren and Yui took part in the Veggie plant growth experiment that yielded fresh lettuce for crew consumption in August.

NASA is maturing Veggie technology aboard the space station to provide future pioneers with a sustainable food supplement – a critical part of NASA’s journey to Mars.

As NASA moves toward long-duration exploration missions farther into the solar system, Veggie will be a resource for crew food growth and consumption.

The system also could be used by astronauts for recreational gardening activities during deep space missions and may have implications for improving growth and biomass production on Earth, benefiting the average citizen.

Another key research area during Expedition 45 is the continued one-year mission with NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Roscosmos’ Mikhail Kornienko that is providing insight into human health management for long-duration space travel

The crew members also welcomed three cargo spacecraft during their mission. The fifth Japanese HTV cargo craft brought several tons of supplies to the station in August, and in October, a Russian ISS Progress cargo craft docked to the station, also bringing tons of supplies.

On Dec. 9, Lindgren led the grapple of Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft to the station, the U.S. company's fourth commercial resupply mission for NASA.

During his time on the orbiting complex, Lindgren ventured outside the confines of the space station for two planned spacewalks.

The first included a variety of station upgrade and maintenance tasks, including routing cables to prepare for new docking ports for U.S. commercial crew spacecraft. The second spacewalk resulted in the successful reconfiguration of a space station ammonia cooling system.

Expedition 46 continues operating the station, with Kelly in command. Along with Kornienko and Sergey Volkov of Roscosmos, the three-person crew will operate the station for four days until the arrival of three new crew members. NASA astronaut Tim Kopra, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and Tim Peake of ESA (European Space Agency) are scheduled to launch from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on Dec. 15.

Joint tenancy with right of survivorship, and more recently community property with right of survivorship, is often used by people who are not fully aware of the ramifications involved. Let’s discuss.

Generally speaking, title to important assets – including one’s residence – is not taken in joint tenancy with anyone other than one’s own spouse or registered domestic partner.

If problems arise between the joint tenants, or arise due to the creditors of either joint tenant, the asset can be partitioned and sold.

When people hold title as joint tenants, or when spouses hold title as community property with right of survivorship, each co-owner has an equal and undivided co-ownership interest in the property.

Because joint tenants have equal, undivided ownership interests, any joint tenant can use the property as he or she pleases without accountability.

The property is answerable for each co-owner’s debts and tax liabilities. When a joint tenant dies the property is answerable for the surviving joint owner(s) debts and only those debts of the deceased joint tenant to the extent of any lien in place prior to the deceased joint tenant’s death.

Also, if the deceased joint tenant received Medi-Cal benefits, an estate recovery claim can be made against the deceased joint tenant’s share of the joint tenancy.

A gift occurs when someone is added as a joint tenant. The gift has both ownership and tax consequences. If the gift is to someone other than one’s spouse and the gift exceeds $14,000 (the present annual gift tax exclusion) in value then a gift tax return is required. It is most unlikely, however, that a gift tax will be payable now the lifetime gift tax exclusion is exceeds $5.25 million.

Moreover, it is often more advantageous income tax wise to inherit an interest in an asset at the owner’s death rather than to receive partial ownership as a lifetime gift through joint tenancy.

A surviving joint tenant only receives a partial-adjustment in tax basis when the deceased joint tenant dies (for the portion that he or she inherits at death) and receives a transfer basis for the part that he or she had previously received as a lifetime gift.

Thus, with appreciated assets, a joint tenancy means that capital gains tax will be payable by the surviving joint tenant(s) when the asset is sold.

With the notable exception of bank accounts, all co-owners to joint tenancy assets must cooperate to manage or to sell the property. That is difficult when a joint tenant is incapacitated.

Unless the incapacitated joint tenancy owner has an adequate power of attorney, a conservatorship of the incapacitated joint tenant’s estate may be necessary to sell or manage the asset.

Bank accounts that are titled as joint tenancy accounts, however, can be managed by any one joint tenant acting alone. Thus, some parents title their day to day bank accounts as joint tenancy account to include a trusted child on title.

The hallmark feature of a joint tenancy is its “right of survival” feature: The surviving joint tenant(s) automatically inherits all (100 percent) of the deceased joint tenant’s ownership interest at his or death without probate and without regard to the terms of the deceased joint tenant’s will. This means that transfer of a joint tenancy asset at death is both quick and cheap.

An important exception to the right of survivorship applies when the surviving joint tenant is the decedent’s ex-spouse or ex-registered domestic partner, unless a court order or written agreement says otherwise. Instead, the deceased joint tenant’s interest passes under his or her will or otherwise to his or her heirs.

Due to the risks and limitations of joint tenancy, revocable living trusts are typically used to own the major assets in a person’s estate. Trusts not only avoid probate but also offer more comprehensive estate planning solutions.

Dennis A. Fordham, Attorney, is a State Bar-Certified Specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law. His office is at 870 S. Main St., Lakeport, Calif. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and 707-263-3235. His Website is www.DennisFordhamLaw.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Even though 2015 Lake County Wine Auction had to be canceled because of the Valley fire, the events producers were still able to raise $88,700 for charities and other local organizations who serve a wide range of needs across the community.

This distribution was made possible by generous auction sponsors and ticket holders who kept their money with the event despite its cancellation.

The Lake County Rising Fire Relief Fund also made a $40,000 donation in support of beneficiaries who served on the front lines of fire relief. These organizations provided food, housing, medical care, clothing, household supplies and other services to those who were suffering.
 
Five high schools, five youth-oriented programs and 17 other nonprofit organizations will share in the proceeds, which were distributed on the evening of Dec. 9 during a festive reception for beneficiaries and sponsors at Boatique Winery on Red Hills Road in Kelseyville.
 
Once again, education was the emphasis. “Our commitment to this critical area will ensure that Lake County grows as a strong and healthy community for the next generation,” said Kaj Ahlmann, president of the Lake County Wine Alliance.

The Wine Alliance is a nonprofit organization of wineries, wine grape growers, vineyard owners, related businesses and community supporters, and the sponsor of the Wine Auction.

Since its founding in 2000, the Wine Alliance has raised $1,266,502 to foster the arts, benefit health services and otherwise support the Lake County community.

Applications are now being accepted for proceeds from the 2016 auction, to be held on Sept. 20. Copies are available at the auctions Web site at www.WineAlliance.Org .

The 2016 Auction, will take place at Cache Creek Vineyards and Tasting Room on Highway 20 near New Long Valley Road, with owners Don and Margie Van Pelt serving as honorary co-chairs.

This year's distribution would not have been possible without the support of valued sponsors: Calpine, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, St. Helena Hospital, Sysco Foods, artist John Clarke, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Umpqua Bank, Cache Creek Vineyard and Winery, Boatique Winery, Kelseyville Pharmacy, Brassfield Estate Winery, Shannon Ridge Vineyards and Winery, C-Line Express Trucking, Savings Bank of Mendocino and Pacific Gas and Electric.

The Lake County Wine Alliance Board of Directors extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year's success possible. “Your support is deeply appreciated, not only by us but by our beneficiaries as well,” the organization said.

The proceeds for 2015 were distributed as follows.

The Arts ($30,000)

– $6,000, Lower Lake High School
– $6,000, Kelseyville High School
– $6,000, Upper Lake High School
– $6,000, Clearlake High School
– $6,000, Middletown High School

Health and Community ($58,700)

– $8,000, Friends of the Lake County Library
– $3,000, Sponsoring Survivorship
– $5,000, Lake County Historical Society
– $2,000, Yuba College Culinary Club
– $5,000, Lake County Symphony Association
– $4,000, Lake Community United Methodist Church Food Closet
– $2,000, Lower Lake High School Culinary Program
– $2,000, Kelseyville Food Pantry
– $1,200, Children's Museum of Arts and Science
– $3,500, Operation Tango Mike
– $9,000,Worldwide Healing Hands for local clinics
– $9,000, Habitat for Humanity
– $1,000, Highlands Senior Service Center
– $1,000, Lakeport Senior Center
– $1,000, Live Oak Senior Center
– $1,000, Lucerne Alpine Seniors
– $1,000, Middletown Senior Center

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Planning Commission on Wednesday night approved plans for a new AutoZone auto parts store in the city.

AutoZone proposes to build the 7,842-square-foot retail building on a one-acre parcel at 301 and 401 Industrial Ave. that would be created by dividing up the overall eight-acre property, owned by Napa resident Sam LaMonica.

In unanimous votes the commission approved a tentative parcel map to create four new parcels – two of which already have buildings on them – and rezoned the property where the AutoZone store would be located from industrial to major retail.

Other approvals covered a lot line adjustment with 292 Industrial Ave., architectural and design review for the AutoZone building and a mitigated negative declaration which it recommended the city council also approve.

The commission did not support a variance to allow AutoZone to exceed the maximum amount of signage permitted by an additional 85 square feet.

Among the conditions the commission imposed was a lowering of light standards from 25 to 18 feet to be in compliance with general plan specifications, a requirement for a new street light and a recommendation – at the request of Big Valley Rancheria – that AutoZone enter into an agreement with the tribe for cultural resources monitoring during the project construction.

City Community Development Director Kevin Ingram explained during the discussion that the tribe hadn't been noticed of the project when it was submitted two years ago – which was before his tenure which the city, which began a  year ago this month – and he apologized for that oversight.

The Pier 1900 Homeowners Association also had submitted an email to the city raising concerns about a culvert emptying into its lagoon, and asking that the AutoZone project include a new catch basin.

However, Ingram said staff was not suggesting that requirement, explaining that the project would significantly improve drainage off the site, and that the culvert issues likely were from further upstream on an unnamed creek in that area.

Ingram thanked LaMonica and project engineer Bob Eynck for their patience, explaining to the commission that the project application had been submitted more than two years ago. “They kind of fell victim to some staffing changes,” he said, noting that the project went through the hands of four planners and three city engineers.

Regarding controversy about locating an auto parts store closely to others already in existence – including O'Reilly Auto Parts and Napa Auto Parts stores – Ingram said the city's zoning ordinance doesn't address that issue, and he said some other industries, like fast food and auto malls, tend to cluster together.

He said he has a conversation with the owner of the Napa Auto Parts-Lake Parts store, who had concern about the corporation coming into the city because the AutoZone in Clearlake pushed out the Napa Auto Parts store there.

In comments made to the project engineer, the commission noted that the applicants had gone “several extra miles” on the studies and had created a well-done document.

Commissioner Ken Wicks Jr. asked why AutoZone had chosen the particular parcel where it wanted to build versus others that already were appropriately zoned.

Eynck said AutoZone does a lot of research for its projects. “They're very excited about coming into Lakeport,” he said, explaining that the company feels that property “is a very good location for them.”

Asked by Commissioner Harold Taylor if there would be a problem with not allowing for a larger sign size,  Eynck said he would have to take it back to AutoZone, but he believed something could be worked out.

Taylor asked if the proposed sign for the Lakeport store is similar to the one at the Clearlake store.  Eynck said yes, and Taylor replied that the Clearlake sign stands out, and a larger one wouldn't be needed.

Commissioner Suzanne Russell added that in the proposed location, the sign would be noticed, and she felt having a larger sign would be overkill.

Ingram added there had been some confusion for the applicant regarding total signage size, as they didn't know they could have two building-mounted signs. He said staff clarified that for them, and he thought that should help address the sign matter.

Batsulwin Brown, tribal historic preservation officer for Big Valley Rancheria, said the tribe had received last-minute notice of the project, otherwise it would have had more suggestions.

Brown said the entire city of Lakeport is within the tribe's primary aboriginal boundaries, and if human remains were discovered during construction Big Valley would be the most likely human descendants. He said the tribe's input on the project is meant to strengthen the protection of cultural resources.

Based on the letter submitted to the city, the tribe's key recommendations are as follows:

– AutoZone shall enter into a cultural resources protection agreement with the tribe to provide for monitoring of resources during any ground disturbing activities;
– A qualified archaeologist must be present during excavation and removal of ground materials beyond 18 inches below the existing ground level;
– If human remains are discovered, all work must immediately cease, the coroner must be contacted and the Native American Heritage Commission must be notified. Work may resume outside of the burial location with concurrence of the tribe's historic preservation officer, qualified archaeologist and project manager.

Brown said during the discussion that there is always the possibility of finding burial grounds close to the water in the city boundaries.

The firm that did the report for AutoZone, he added, didn't send any letters to the tribe about the project, with Ingram adding they were supposed to do that.

Wicks asked who would be responsible for the archaeology. Ingram said AutoZone would need to pay for an archaeologist.

In other news the commission approved minor revisions to the zoning ordinance to improve city procedures including streamlining the permitting process and working to ensure increased notification to those impacted by projects.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has begun an up-close investigation of dark sand dunes up to two stories tall. The dunes are on the rover's trek up the lower portion of a layered Martian mountain.

The dunes close to Curiosity's current location are part of “Bagnold Dunes,” a band along the northwestern flank of Mount Sharp inside Gale Crater.

Observations of this dune field from orbit show that edges of individual dunes move as much as 3 feet per Earth year.

The rover's planned investigations include scooping a sample of the dune material for analysis with laboratory instruments inside Curiosity.

Curiosity has been working on Mars since early August 2012.

It reached the base of Mount Sharp in 2014 after fruitfully investigating outcrops closer to its landing site and then trekking to the mountain.

The main mission objective now is to examine successively higher layers of Mount Sharp.

“History is a symphony of echoes heard and unheard. It is a poem with events as verses.” – Charles Angoff

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Lake County's Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum is located at 9921 Highway 281, also known as Soda Bay Road, and sits between Kelseyville and Lower Lake.

While the museum is run by the Lake County Historical Society, it belongs to the county of Lake.

This fine addition to our county's museum properties is only possible since it was saved from demolition, because of the generous donation – of both the building and the five acres that it is now situated upon – by Andy and Betty Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyards, along with a donation by the Kettenhofen Family Foundation.

According to the Lake County Historical Society, the Ely Stage Stop building was at a very convenient location, and was used throughout the past for many purposes. If this building's walls could talk!

Dated at around 1865, the building was once a stagecoach stop, post office, boy's school, pub and even a gas station.

The land upon which the historic building once stood was owned prior to the Ely family by James H. Jamison of Missouri, and utilized as ranch and stock lands in 1859, and later, as a pub and hotel.

In 1883 Benjamin Ely Sr.'s son, Benjamin Eli Jr. (it is not known why the spelling of his name differed from his familial name), garnered ownership of the tract of land.

Throughout the timespan of April 10, 1887, through March 8, 1889, our own Ely Stage Stop building was an operating post office/stagecoach relay station.

For a more detailed account of its history, visit the Ely Stage Stop Web site at http://elystagestop.com/ or better yet, visit it “in person.”

The Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum is open weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The museum offers some great events, including First Sunday Fiddlers, Science Camp, Living History events and Picnic on the Porch.

Be sure to visit Santa and other festivities, such as Christmas Marketplace at the Museum on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is an educator, potter, 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.” She also writes for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Events to celebrate the Christmas season are taking place all around the county in the weeks ahead.

Below is an updated list of celebrations being held through the end of this month.

Wreaths Across America

LAKE COUNTY – Local volunteers and community groups will lay wreaths on the graves of veterans at several cemeteries around Lake County from 9 to 10 a.m.

Participating in this year's commemoration are Hartley, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Upper Lake and St. Mary’s cemeteries.

For more information, contact Toni Funderburg at 707-263-5422.

Rotary Club of Clear Lake Community Christmas Dinner and Celebration

CLEARLAKE – The Rotary Club of Clear Lake will hold its 23rd annual Community Christmas Dinner and Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the Burns Valley School multipurpose room, 3620 Pine St.

Santa and his elves will be on hand to visit with children, who will receive a photo and a toy.

The free event includes a dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes, yams, vegetables and rolls, and pumpkin pie and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Take home meals are available for a family member who cannot attend. Meals On Wheels delivers the warm meal to the seniors on their list.

The Warm for the Winter program will give away new and gently used coats, warm clothing, sleeping bags and blankets to those in need.

Scandinavian Christmas Open House

KELSEYVILLE – The Sons of Norway Vikings of Lake Lodge No. 6-166 will host its Scandinavian Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 12, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Galilee Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 8860 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville. Admission is free.

There will be Scandinavian Christmas décor with assorted delicacies to enjoy, including Danish Æbleskiver, Krumkake, Rømmegrøt, Lefse, Vafler, open-faced sandwiches and much more.

There also will be the annual Santa Lucia Pageant at 1 p.m. and the singing of Christmas carols around the Christmas tree at 1:30 p.m.

A Viking raffle will feature beautiful baskets filled with goodies, handmade ceramic pieces and jellies. Norwegian, Danish and Swedish calendars will be offered for sale for $12 each, as well as Scandinavian cookies, Lefse and almond cakes available for purchase.

The event proceeds benefit the lodge's Adopt-A-School Community Service Project for Cobb Mountain Elementary School.

For more information call Jo Swenson at 707-279-4698.

Christmas in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN – Christmas in Middletown will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

The day will kick off at noon at the South Lake County Fire Station with a celebration of community and a free pasta lunch with all of the fixings for South Lake County residents.

Santa will be on hand, giving out gift certificates to local merchants for the children, there will be music and carols by local students and the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund will present an $800,000 check that will be distributed to residents who lost their homes to the Valley fire over the next several weeks.

In addition, local heroes will be honored at the lunch for their unwavering commitment to the South Lake County community during the Valley fire and the continued recovery efforts.

From 4 to 8 p.m., the celebration moves to downtown, with lights decorating Middletown from one end to the other and Christmas trees lining Calistoga Street.

All Middletown area businesses will be open late for shopping, dining and a Christmas celebration.

Join in the ever-popular “Passport to Fun.” Children and adults alike love visiting the participating businesses to collect stamps in their passports and be eligible to win gift certificates from the local businesses.

Santa will arrive at the new Middletown Park in front of the Senior Center and Library building on a fire truck at 5:30 p.m., with photo opportunities for families while Mrs. Claus gives away stuffed animals to the children.

There will be a band and food booths in Middletown Plaza. Vendors will have booths in the park (no food).

The Middletown Art Center is having an art opening and the MAMA Booth and fire pit with music will be at the corner of 175 and 29.

Pony rides and more vendors (food OK) will be available in front of Organic Home Lifestyles.

Funky Dozen Christmas Concert

LAKEPORT – A “Funky Dozen” celebration of Christmas comes to the Soper Reese Theatre at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18.

Led by Larry Thompson, the band focuses primarily on favorites from the 1970’s, but also pulls the best from the 80’s and 90’s, to provide high energy music that keeps the dance floor crowded.

All seats for this special “Third Friday Live” holiday celebration are $15.

Tickets are available online at www.SoperReeseTheatre.com ; at the theater box office, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport on Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; by phone at 707-263-0577; or at The Travel Center, 1265 S. Main, Lakeport, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Santa to visit Ely Christmas Marketplace

KELSEYVILLE – Come and enjoy the “decked halls” at the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum for a Christmas Marketplace featuring local artists selling their handcrafted goods in the barn on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Santa has promised to be at the event and will be roaming the grounds and joining hayrides with the kids, weather permitting. Bring your cameras as Santa will be available for photos with kids of all ages at the museum’s main house.

Handcrafted goods will include jewelry, bath and beauty products, butcher blocks, up-cycled fabrics, wood creations, photography and more.

The Lake County Historical Society’s Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum is located at 9921 Highway 281 (Soda Bay Road), Kelseyville.

For more information, check out www.elystagestop.com , www.lakecountyhistory.org ,  www.facebook.com/elystagestop or call 707-533-9990, during museum hours, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

'Blue Christmas' service

KELSEYVILLE – Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, located at 5340 Third St., will host a “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” worship service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.

Come and join with them in sharing and hearing prayers, Scripture, and music that acknowledge that God's presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle – and that God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness.

Everyone, regardless of church background, is welcome. The short service will be followed by a time for a light supper and fellowship.

For more information, please call Kelseyville Presbyterian Church at 707-279-1104.

Lake County Symphony Christmas Celebration

LAKEPORT – The Lake County Symphony will host its annual Christmas Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Soper Reese Theatre, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.

There will be an open rehearsal at 11 a.m., with tickets costing $5 for adults children age 18 and under offered free admittance.

The main concert will begin at 3 p.m., with $25 for general assigned seats and $30 for premium assigned seats. There is a $5 discount for Lake County Symphony Association members.

Holiday favorites including “Sleigh Ride” and “Let it Snow” will be performed, and there will be an audience sing-along of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel's “Messiah.”

Tickets are available online at www.SoperReeseTheatre.com ; at the theater box office, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport on Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; by phone at 707-263-0577; or at The Travel Center, 1265 S. Main, Lakeport, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve candlelight service

UPPER LAKE – A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, at the United Methodist Church of Upper Lake.

The church is located at 676 Clover Valley Road, at the corner of First Street and Clover Valley Road.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A Lower Lake man was taken into custody on Thursday evening for being in possession of child pornography.

Lee Daniel Buckmaster, 38, was arrested in the case, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

On Thursday Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 12000 block of Highway 29 in Lower Lake, Brooks said.

He said the search warrant was obtained as a result of several cyber tips the sheriff's office received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, or NCMEC, related to the uploading of child pornography.

NCMEC had identified more than 100 child pornography images that had been uploaded from specific IP and email addresses, according to Brooks.

Through an extensive investigation, Brooks said detectives were able to identify the suspect as Buckmaster.

Detectives also were able to identify the Lower Lake residence where the images were uploaded, Brooks said.

Brooks said detectives seized several media storage devices, some of which contained videos and still images depicting child pornography.

Buckmaster was arrested and booked at the Lake County Jail for possession of child pornography, with bail set at $200,000, according to his booking sheet.

Buckmaster remained in custody on Friday night. Jail records show he is tentatively scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Animal Care and Control is offering a large and eclectic group of canines to new homes this week.

This week's dogs include mixes of border collie, cattle dog, dachshund, Dalmatian, Great Pyrenees, hound, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, miniature pinscher, pit bull, pointer, Sharpei, shepherd and terrier.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

Miniature pinscher-dachshund

This male miniature pinscher-dachshund has a short black and tan coat.

He's in kennel No. 3, ID No. 4177.

'Digger'

“Digger” is a male terrier and Sharpei mix with a short tan coat.

He was found on Lakeview Drive in Nice.

Shelter staff said he always comes to the front of the kennel, wiggly and happy. He has no food aggression, allowed them to pull at his feet and tail with no problems and he gets along great with female dogs.

He's in kennel No. 4, ID No. 3693.

Labrador Retriever-Dalmatian mix

This male Labrador Retriever-Dalmatian has a short black coat with white markings.

He also has one blue eye and one brown eye.

Shelter staff said he has a low energy level and is good with other dogs, having come in with the dogs in kennels No. 8 and 10.

He's in kennel No. 5, ID No. 4138.

Hound mix

This male hound mix has a short white coat with brown markings.

He's in kennel No. 7, ID No. 4165.

Shepherd mix

This male shepherd mix has a medium-length black coat with tan markings.

Shelter staff said he gets along great with other dogs, and came in with dogs in kennels No. 5 and 10. He has a low energy level and would be great in a home with children.

He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 4151.

'Kong'

“Kong” is a male pit bull terrier mix.

He has a short brown coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 9, ID No. 4037.

Cattle dog mix

This female cattle dog mix has a short white coat with black markings, and one brown and one blue eye.

Shelter staff said she has great manners, knows how to sit and lie down. She is a little hesitant about being indoors – she may only have been an outside dog – but is adapting well. She's good with other dogs, having come in with the dogs in kennels No. 5 and 8. Based on her evaluation, she seems to like male dogs more than females.

“She will melt your heart in minutes,” shelter staff said.

She's in kennel No. 10, ID No. 4152.

'Cache'

“Cache” has had a rough year. He was rescued from the area of the Jerusalem fire this summer and adopted, but later returned because of an issue with his adopter's cat.

Shelter staff said he's a gentle, mellow giant that is part Leonberger. He's looking for a special person to give him a home for the rest of his life.

Cache is in kennel No. 11, ID No. 3101.

Pit bull terrier mix

This male pit bull terrier mix has a short black coat with white markings.

Shelters staff said he is great with female dogs but a little hesitant with male dogs. He did not guard food with people, but it's possible he may have food guarding with another canine. Staff also suggests he would do best in a home with children ages 12 and above.

He's in kennel No. 15, ID No. 4102.

'Naughty'

“Naughty” is a female pit bull terrier mix.

She has a white coat with a gray eye patch.

She's in kennel No. 16, ID No. 4083.

Pit bull mix

This female pit bull mix has a short gray coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said she is great with other dogs and is very people friendly, just wanting to sit in your lap. She has a low energy level and would do well in home with children.

She's in kennel No. 18, ID No. 3194.

'Onyx'

“Onyx” is a young female shepherd mix.

She has a short black coat with white markings.

Onyx is in kennel No. 20, ID No. 4174.

Pit bull terrier mix

This female pit bull terrier mix has a short brown and white coat.

Shelter staff said she is super sweet and wiggly when she gets visitors at her kennel. She just wants to be loved and play in her new forever home.

She's in kennel No. 21, ID No. 4164.

German Shepherd mix

This male German Shepherd mix has a tan and black coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said he is a beautiful boy who does not have any problems with food aggression, and is tolerant with being handled and having his feet, tail and skin pulled with no problems.

He does fine with other dogs, male or female. He has a lot of potential, and just needs somebody who will work with him.

Find him in kennel No. 22, ID No. 4116.

Pointer-Labrador Retriever mix

This male pointer-Labrador Retriever mix has a short white coat with liver-colored markings.

He's in kennel No. 23, ID No. 4150.

Great Pyrenees mix

This male Great Pyrenees mix has a medium-length white coat.

Shelter staff said he is a sweet boy who has a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will need surgery in the future.

He's in kennel No. 28, ID No. 4121.

'Tux'

“Tux” is a male border collie mix with a short black and white coat.

Shelter staff said Tux is a smart, sweet boy who is recovering from an injury to his leg.

He has no issues with food aggression and allowed staff to take the food away without any problems. He would be good in a home with no other dogs and no cats.

He's in kennel No. 32, ID No. 4036.

Labrador Retriever-shepherd mix

This male Labrador Retriever-shepherd mix has a short tan and black coat.

Shelter staff said he has no food aggression, and does fine with female dogs. He is very scared in the animal control environment, and needs to go home to a loving family. He is great with people, and just needs some one on one time to come out of his shell.

He's in kennel No. 33, ID No. 3861.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Due to historically strong El Niño patterns, recent storms and more wet weather in the forecast, the Mendocino National Forest is encouraging visitors to monitor the weather and check conditions before visiting Forest recreation sites.

The first wet weather closure of the season was implemented today for both the Grindstone and Upper Lake off-highway vehicle trail systems after trails were saturated by more than 2 inches of rain in 24 hours.

The trails will reopen after at least 48 hours of no measurable precipitation.

The closure orders are formally referenced as Order Numbers 08-15-07 and 08-15-08. They are available online at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

Recent drenching storms may have impacted roads in the forest. If you come across an area where the road is compromised or washed out, please report it to Forest Engineer Shannon Pozas at 530-934-3316.

As winter conditions return to the Mendocino National Forest, all visitors are asked to be cautious when recreating on the forest, whether they are driving, hiking, camping or enjoying other recreational pursuits – including selecting a Christmas tree.

“While this wet weather gives hope to the drought-stricken Mendocino and many other parts of California, it also presents some challenges for visitors enjoying our Forest during early winter through spring,” said Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson.

“Potential hazards to both visitors and forest resources arise when weather conditions are constantly changing throughout the season,” Carlson added. “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable trip to the forest, while preserving resources so they can be enjoyed for years to come. To help with this, visitors are asked to be prepared for changing conditions, aware of their surroundings, and minimize impacts to saturated roads and trails.”

Many popular trails and some access points to recreation sites on the Mendocino involve crossing normally small creeks and streams.

Caution should be used at these stream crossings. People and vehicles can be swept away by currents in even relatively shallow water.

Also, conditions can change rapidly and a stream that was easy to cross in the morning can become impassable by afternoon, trapping people on the wrong side.

Following are some additional safety suggestions for those recreating in the forest this winter:

· Plan your trip. Check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, water, emergency food, tire chains, shovel and any other supplies necessary for the activity. Call to check if the area you are planning to visit is still open and accessible.

· Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave and are prepared for changing conditions in the mountains.

· Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Cellphone service within the forest can be limited.

· Keep vehicles on designated roads and trails and be aware of changing weather and road conditions. Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources. If there are puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires or you can see your ruts in the rearview mirror, consider pulling over to hike or turning around and finding a different area.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Ahead of his appearance in town set for this weekend, on Thursday evening Santa Claus dropped by to visit with the community and the men and women who help keep Middletown safe all the year round.

The bay of the South Lake County Fire Protection District fire station on Highway 175, usually packed with equipment, was filled with hundreds of people of all ages who stopped in during the two-hour-long event Thursday evening.

Children got to choose gifts from tables stacked high with toys, books and games, with event staff replenishing the tables with still more goodies as the night went on.

The children also lined up to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, decked out in their holiday finest, seated against a backdrop that included a fire truck decked out in lights, holiday decorations and toys.

Everyone who came was invited to enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and popcorn.

This was the first year that South Lake County Fire has had this event, according to Jody Galvan, a district volunteer.

In past years, the district has had its “Candy Cane Run,” but this year decided to go with the Christmas party and toy giveaway, with help from the Fire Family Foundation, which sponsored the event.

The foundation was formed in 2008 by Firefighters First Credit Union in order to offer “immediate assistance to firefighters and their families, fire victims, fire departments, and charities,” according to its Web site, www.firefamilyfoundation.org/ .

In addition to the foundation, Galvan said donations of toys came from fire departments around Northern California, along with private citizens, some of whom also donated cash also donated toward the giveaway.

While a great deal of focus has been placed on helping fire survivors, Galvan said the Thursday night event welcomed everyone.

Email Elizabeth Larson at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.