WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson introduced House Resolution 882 (H.Res. 882) on Thursday to recognize National Wildlife Refuge Week, which takesk place Oct. 9 through 15.

“For more than 100 years, the National Wildlife Refuge System has protected many of our country's most important habitats, protected numerous endangered species, made our water cleaner and provided Americans with beautiful areas to explore and enjoy. We’re fortunate to have the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge in our own backyard with an abundance of recreation opportunities. As we celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week this October, I encourage everyone to get out and explore all that our refuges have to offer,” said Thompson. 

Thompson’s resolution encourages the observance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual National Wildlife Refuge Week this October, which celebrates the conservation success of refuges and highlights the importance of refuges to wildlife, recreation, and conservation.

Hundreds of events across the country will provide people with the opportunity to reconnect with nature, enjoy unparalleled recreation, and appreciate the many benefits that refuges provide.

Find a refuge week event near you: http://bit.ly/2dhyI7i .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – In the wake of the Clayton Fire, in which Lower Lake suffered a significant loss of homes, Habitat for Humanity for Humanity, which lost its office in the blaze, is proud to announce that they are the recipient of a $5,000 donation from Davis Tire and Auto. 

The donation is intended to be used toward fire recovery in the Clayton fire burn area. 

“We moved to Lower Lake three months before the Clayton fire so it’s really become home to us. We were very fortunate and so we want to do what we can to help our neighbors,” said Marci McDaniel-Davis.

Donations to the Fire Rebuild Fund, to assist victims of the Rocky, Valley and Clayton fires, can be sent to Habitat for Humanity Lake County CA Inc., P.O. Box 1830, Lower Lake CA, 95457, or brought to the new office at 15312 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. 

Onlin donations may be made with a credit card via PayPal by visiting http://www.lakehabitat.org/?page_id=415 .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The First 5 Lake Commission will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The commission will meet beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the training/conference room at Legacy Court, 1950 Parallel Drive in Lakeport. 

Agenda items include a presentation on the Hero Project by Christine Hutt of the Lake County Office of Education; a report from Jaleen White of the Lake County Breastfeeding Coalition on the breastfeeding station at this year's Lake County Fair; and a funding request from Sutter Lakeside Hospital for the Heroes Health and Safety Fair on Oct. 15.

There also will be an update on the recruitment for the First 5 executive director position, review and approval of the 2015-16 unaudited financials, reports from commissioners, and public comment and announcements.

Commissioners include Chair Brock Falkenberg, Denise Pomeroy, Laurie Daly, Kathy Maes, Susan Jen, Pam Klier, Ana Santana and Jeff Smith.

For more information call the Lake County First 5 Lake Commission at 707-263-6169 or visit www.firstfivelake.org .

SACRAMENTO – A new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown will provide a quicker resolution process for victims of identity theft and fraud.

The bill, also known as the Identity Theft Resolution Act, was authored by Assemblyman Bill Dodd (D-Napa) after becoming a victim of identity theft himself last year.

This new law will dramatically reduce the time it takes for victims of identity theft to clear their name, end harassing phone calls, and remove negative credit reporting.

The bill received broad based support from Attorney General Kamala Harris, consumer advocates, and unanimously passed the legislature.
 
“Millions of Californians have suffered identity theft, myself included. It’s an issue that transcends partisan politics, and I want to thank Gov. Brown and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this important bill,” said Assemblymember Dodd. “Victims of identity theft deserve a transparent and speedy resolution process, and I will continue to fight for consumer protections."
 
Identity theft occurs when perpetrators illegally use a person’s confidential information to make fraudulent purchases or apply for consumer loans in the victim’s name.

The California Attorney General reports that 1.5 million Californians fall victim of identity theft every year.

Nationwide, identity theft has increased more than five-fold during the past 15 years according to the Federal Trade Commission, who estimate it can take an average of 6 months and 200 hours of work to recover from the crime.

Under Dodd’s legislation, the timeframe for recovery will be reduced to a matter of weeks.
 
“Identity theft is a crime that can haunt a victim for years. Too often, they must navigate a complex system to clean up their damaged credit and it can take years to recover from the loss,” said Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. “I am proud to support this sensible legislation that will protect victims of identity theft and fraud and help them clear their name more quickly.”
 
“Assemblymember Dodd is one of many Napa County residents who have unfortunately fallen victim of identity theft. Local law enforcement is committed to protecting residents from this crime, but new criminal techniques are making it more and more difficult to prevent,” said Napa County Sheriff John Robertson. “Assemblymember Dodd’s Identity Theft Resolution Act is common sense approach that will help millions of people in California fix the financial damage that results from identity theft.” 
 
Dodd’s bill dramatically reduces the time frame for debt collection companies to investigate identity theft disputes, and further requires that the results of that investigation be given to the consumer in a timely manner.

Debt collection companies will now be required to provide faster updates to the credit reporting agencies to delete the negative credit reporting, which can raise interest rates or block victims from accessing home loans.

The law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
 
Dodd represents the Fourth Assembly District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Lake, Solano and Colusa counties. Visit his Web site at www.asm.ca.gov/dodd .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County and the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Culvert rehabilitation from Le Trianon Resort to Scott Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement marker replacement from 0.1 miles east of Clover Creek to Hudson Avenue will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs at various locations from Sayre Avenue to the Paradise Cove subdivision will continue. One-way traffic control will also be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Drainage work between the north fork of Cache Creek and the Colusa County line will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 29

– Drainage work between the Napa County line and Saint Helena Creek will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement marker replacement from .26 miles north of the Siegler Canyon Bridge to just north of Cruikshank Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform utility work near the junction with Route 29 beginning Friday, Sept. 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Culvert rehabilitation from 1.0 mile east of Wild Cat Road to Salmina Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY
 
Highway 1

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility maintenance from Westward Ho Road to Sunset Drive on Friday, Sept. 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Bridge deck repair at the Brush Creek will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Geotech work at Russian Gulch will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Highway repairs a quarter-mile north of Ocean Meadows Circle will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Mendocino Land Trust has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to construct public parking near Abalobadia Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Roadway reconstruction about one mile north of Blue Slide Gulch will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 20

– Routine maintenance from Summer Lane to Chamberlain Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Pavement work near Road 260 will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Pavement sealing from the Cold Creek Bridge No.5 to the Le Trianon Resort in Lake County will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101

– Pavement marker replacement between Geysers Road and the Russian River will begin Monday, Sept. 26. A northbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdows.

– Deck repairs at the Comminsky Staiton Viaduct will begin Monday, Sept. 26. Lane closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. A northbound lane restriction will be in place. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Deck repairs at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge will begin Monday, Sept. 26. Lane closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Paving at the Hopland Overhead Bridge will begin Thursday, Sept. 29. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Paving operations near First Street will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. A northbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdowns.

– Deck repairs at the Robinson Overcrossing Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Deck repairs at the Doolan Creek Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Deck repairs at the Gobbi Street Overcrossing Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Deck repairs at the North State Street Undercrossing Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept 28. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement marker replacement from just south of Uva Drive to just north of Grider Road will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Rumble strip installation between Uva Drive and one half-mile south of the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Paving operations approximately 1 mile south of Ridgewood Range will begin Tuesday, Sept. 27. A southbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Bridge rail upgrades at the South Willits Overhead will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Highway construction near the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Highway construction near the north Willits railroad crossing will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Rumble strip installation at various locations between Willits and the Humboldt/Mendocino County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 1five-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs from County Road 307 to Rattlesnake Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 1five-minute delays.

– Emergency slide repairs just south of Standish-Hickey State Park will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform tree work near the Cal Fire office beginning Tuesday, Sept. 27. One-way traffic will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 128

– Drainage work from Haehl Street to just west of the Mendocino/Sonoma County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 162

– The Round Valley Indian Tribe has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for the Annual Indian Days Parade near the Town Creek Bridge on Saturday, Sept. 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Emergency pavement repairs from Mathews Road to about 1.1 miles west of the Lake/Mendocino County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253

– Highway repairs east of Cattle Pass will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

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 above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced the recreational Pacific halibut fishery will close Saturday, Sept. 24, at 12:01 a.m. for the remainder of 2016.

Based on the latest catch projections, CDFW expects the 2016 quota of 29,640 pounds will be exceeded unless the fishery is closed.

Formal authority to close the fishery resides with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which took action to close the fishery following consultation with CDFW.

Beginning in 2015, CDFW committed to tracking the fishery inseason to ensure catch amounts would not exceed the California quota.

The quota amount is determined annually in January through an international process, and is largely driven by results from the annual stock assessment conducted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).

Pacific halibut occupy a large geographic range, from the Aleutian Islands eastward through Alaska to British Columbia and throughout ocean waters of the Pacific Northwest. Along the West Coast, they are commonly found as far south as Point Arena in Mendocino County.

In recent years, catches in northern California have increased, consistent with a general shift of the stock to the south and east.

CDFW field staff sampled public launch ramps and charter boat landings to monitor catches of Pacific halibut along with other marine sportfish throughout the season.

Using this information, CDFW conferred with NMFS and IPHC on a weekly basis to review projected catch amounts and determine when the quota would be attained.

For current information about the Pacific halibut fishery, science or management, please check one of the following resources:

– NMFS Hotline, 800-662-9825;
– CDFW Recreational Groundfish Regulations Hotline, 831-649-2801;
– CDFW Web site, www.wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/pacific-halibut ;
– IPHC Web site, www.iphc.int .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake Community Methodist Church will have its fall yard sale Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 8, at the social hall.

Hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

There will be furniture, electronics, crafts, trash and treasures, with a special offer on Christmas items.

The United Methodist Women will be serving their famous chili and sandwich lunch starting at 11 a.m. each day.

The church was destroyed in the Clayton fire, but the congregation is still here.

The church is located on Second Street, just off Lake Street, in Lower Lake.

Bring your family and friends and join in the fun.

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed SB 412 by Sen. Steven M. Glazer (D-Orinda) and AB 1741 by Assemblymembers Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) and Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) creating “promise” programs at several community college and California State University (CSU) campuses to help more students graduate in four years.

Additionally, the governor commended the CSU Board of Trustees for approving a new 2025 Graduation Initiative that aims to more than double the number of students graduating in four years to 40 percent.

“These bills, coupled with today’s action from the CSU trustees, create conditions that allow students to timely graduate and avoid the burden of extra tuition,” said Gov. Brown.

SB 412 guarantees priority registration and academic advising to students pledging to take 30 units per year (or quarter equivalents) at select campuses.

The bill prioritizes Pell-eligible and first-generation students as well as students from underrepresented areas of the state.

Community college students with an associate degree for transfer will also be guaranteed these services at all participating campuses.

“Many students at the CSU want to finish in four years, but they need help in charting the path,” said Senator Glazer, who served on the CSU Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2015. “This bill directs resources to students who likely need the most help and will boost their chances of getting a bachelor's degree in four years.”

Inspired by several promise programs already underway in California, as well as the Obama Administration’s focus on community colleges, AB 1741 creates a $15 million grant program to further incentivize community college districts to establish local promise programs that will spur more robust pathways and partnerships between K-12, community colleges and four-year colleges, as well as leverage philanthropic and other local sources of funding.

“California has pioneered nationally-recognized College Promise programs. AB 1741 will empower community college districts across the state to prepare students early and set them on a path towards a meaningful career,” said Assemblymember Rodriguez. “I am excited to bring this opportunity to areas like Pomona and Ontario, where there is a clear need. Students here and throughout the state will greatly benefit from the preparation and guidance offered by California’s College Promise.”

In addition to its focus on improving four-year graduation rates, the CSU’s 2025 Graduation Initiative also prioritizes eliminating achievement gaps among students over the next several years.

To help support CSU’s efforts to update and achieve these new 2025 goals, the 2016-17 state budget allocates $35 million in one-time funding.

The governor also announced that he has signed the following higher education bills:

• AB 526 by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) – Pupils: attendance at community college.
• AB 801 by Assemblymember Richard H. Bloom (D-Santa Monica) – Postsecondary education: Success for Homeless Youth in Higher Education Act.
• AB 1449 by Assemblymember Patty Lopez (D-San Fernando) – Student financial aid: California Community College Transfer Cal Grant Entitlement Program.
• AB 2164 by Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) – Public postsecondary education: tuition and fees.
• SB 906 by Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose) – Public postsecondary education: priority enrollment systems.
• SB 1314 by Senator Marty Block (D-San Diego) – Cal Grant Program: Middle Class Scholarship Program: community college baccalaureate degree program students.

For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov .