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Nelson Robert Hopper
Jan. 27, 1917 – Feb. 9, 2017

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Traditional Native American visitation will be held at Big Valley Gymnasium starting on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. and continue to Saturday morning.

Rosary service at the Gymnasium on Friday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. Graveside funeral service at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m.

For further information please contact his daughter, Loretta Harjo, at 951-581-7499, or Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

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Elizabeth Carol Schramm
Dec. 25 1924 - Feb. 14, 2017

NICE, Calif. – Carol Schramm peacefully left her earthly life from her home in Nice. She had been under the loving care of family, Hospice Services of Lake County and Sequoia Senior Solutions.

Mrs. Schramm was preceded in death by her husband, Bryan; daughter, Janet; and brother, Robert Stetson.

She is survived by son, Richard (Rita) of Nice; daughter, Carol von Tempsky (Randall) of Maui; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Mary Ashworth of Upland.

Longtime residents of Nice, Carol, Bryan and Richard ran True Value Hardware until 1999.

Carol filled her 92 years with family, painting and ceramics, choral groups, ladies bowing league, time in her yard and extended stays at their second home in Kihei, Maui.

Ms. Schramm's life will be celebrated by family at a later date. Chapel of the Lakes is assisting the family and the family requests any donations in Carol’s memory to be make to Hospice Services of Lake County.

Aloha, Mom.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – This week Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) introduced AB 525 to help small and new businesses stay open when faced with unexpected tax bills.

“The tax code is complex for anyone, but for a new business it can be overwhelming and lead to unintended mistakes. Few small businesses have accounting specialists, so the responsibility falls on the owner. The Offer in Compromise Program provides entrepreneurs with a second chance if they find out that they’ve made a mistake calculating or reporting their taxes,” said Aguiar-Curry.

The Board of Equalization, or BOE, operates the Offer in Compromise Program, which gives BOE authority to compromise on a tax plan with a business owner who may be unable to pay unexpected business taxes in full.

This can happen if the owner does not realize their transactions are subject to sales tax and can force them to close.

“Running a small business in California is challenging and sometimes they run into trouble. Small businesses are vital to California’s economy and the Offer in Compromise program is a critical tool that helps these mom and pop stores stay open,” said Board of Equalization Chairwoman Fiona Ma, CPA. “The end of this program would devastate small business owners trying to stay afloat, while simultaneously causing an unnecessary hit to California’s economy. We need AB 525 to continue this important program to keep our businesses running and contributing to our economy.”

This particular part of the Offer in Compromise Program is scheduled to sunset on Jan. 1, 2018.

AB 525 will make permanent the Board of Equalization’s authority to operate the Program. If the provision were allowed to sunset, small businesses that face unanticipated taxes would be forced to pay their back taxes in full or be forced out of business.

Since 2009, the BOE has accepted compromises from 42 businesses that remain open today and continue to pay their sales and use taxes properly and on time – totaling an additional $14.3 million to the benefit of state and local governments.

“I am proud to partner with the BOE and Chairwoman Ma on this important legislation,” said Aguiar-Curry. “The Offer in Compromise Program has been proven to work.  Giving small businesses a second chance to meet their tax responsibilities and be successful not only saves jobs, but also helps our State fund important programs.  This is a great example of the creative way our Government can and should work.”

Cecilia Aguiar-Curry represents California’s Fourth Assembly District, which includes all of Colusa, Lake, Napa and Yolo counties, Dixon in Solano County and Rohnert in Sonoma County. Visit her Web site at www.asm.ca.gov/aguiar-curry .

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Officials with the city of Lakeport said Friday that additional streets have flooded and conditions have worsened at Library Park.

The Lakeport Public Works Department said the intersection of Giselman Street and Lakeshore Boulevard is flooding and Lakeshore Boulevard from the city limits to Lange Street is flooded with debris on the roadway.

The city has closed Giselman to Lakeshore and set up a detour. Northbound traffic will use Green Street to Sayer Street to Giselman Street, while southbound traffic will use Giselman Street to Sayer Street to Green Street.

Public Works officials advised the public to use extreme caution in this area.

In Library Park, which has remained closed to the public since Feb. 9, conditions also have become more serious due to Friday's storm, officials said.

The park is taking 3 to 4 foot waves from Clear Lake, officials said.

Public Works said there is absolutely no admittance into the park area due to the extreme danger.

NICE, Calif. – A Lower Lake man died early Friday after he was struck by a vehicle while walking along Highway 20.

The  California Highway Patrol did not release the name of the 35-year-old man in its initial Friday report on the crash.

The CHP said that at 12:10 a.m. Friday Matthew Hochleutner, 51, of Upper Lake was driving his 2006 Toyota Tundra eastbound on Highway 20, west of Pomo Way near Robinson Rancheria, at an estimated speed of 50 miles per hour.

At the same time, the pedestrian was walking in or about the eastbound lane and south shoulder of Highway 20, the CHP said.

Hochleutner was unable to see the pedestrian until just before his vehicle hit the man. The CHP said the Toyota's right-side headlight, bumper, grill and hood hit the pedestrian, who was thrown onto the highway's south shoulder.

Northshore Fire Protection District personnel who arrived at the scene minutes later pronounced the pedestrian dead, the CHP said.

The CHP said Hochleutner was evaluated at the scene and it was determined that he was not under the influence. It is not yet known if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors for the pedestrian.

Hochleutner was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was uninjured, the CHP said.

CHP Officer Bews is investigating the crash.

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.

NICE, Calif. – A pedestrian died early Friday morning after being hit by a vehicle on Highway 20.

Northshore Fire Protection District firefighters, the California Highway Patrol and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash, first reported just before 12:15 a.m. Friday, according to radio reports.

Initial reports said the individual was hit by a vehicle described as a Toyota Tundra on Highway 20 in front of Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino.

The pedestrian was found lying on the eastbound side of the highway, according to fire units arriving at the scene minutes after dispatch.

Shortly after their arrival, firefighters reported that the injured pedestrian had died.

Initial reports on the incident were limited, and more information will be posted as it becomes available.

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.

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport officials said that Library Park remains closed to the public due to flooding.

On Feb. 9, the city of Lakeport closed the park for public safety and to prevent further damage.

Since that time, many people have ignored the closed signs and entered the flooded areas of the park, which is causing further damage. The city said it continues to have crews working in the park to protect the infrastructure. 

To further assist with encouraging people to follow the closure the city said it has added barrier-tape between the "park closed" signs.

Police officers will be patrolling the area and persons found entering are subject to citation for entering a closed area, officials said.

The city said people are still welcome to view the park from open sidewalks on Park, First and Third streets.

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Thursday, the California Department of Water Resources said it had begun reducing outflow from the Oroville Dam as part of the ongoing repairs to the dam’s spillway.

The agency said that while construction crews continued work to remediate the emergency spillway’s erosion, water flow from the flood control spillway was reduced incrementally from 100,000 to 80,000 cubic feet per second.

The outflow reduction allowed crews to begin removing debris from the diversion pool below the spillway, officials said.

The Department of Water Resources said that removal of debris from the diversion pool further protects, safeguards and provides for the eventual reoperation of the Hyatt power plant.

At the same time, the reduced outflow still provides for the reduction of reservoir levels within the timeframes prescribed by the Department of Water Resources.

State officials said Thursday that the reservoir’s level has so far been reduced by 36 feet to accommodate inflow from upcoming storms. Inflows from forecasted inclement weather are not expected to exceed current outflows.

The trail system directly affected by the damaged spillway include the Brad Freeman and Dan Beebe trails; officials said those trails have been closed. Launch ramps serving the lake also remain closed.

California State Park Rangers are providing roving patrols due to a large number of contacts in the closed area, officials said.

On Sunday, 188,000 people in Butte, Sutter and Yolo counties were ordered to evacuate due to concerns about the emergency spillway failing. That evacuation order later was changed to a warning, according to state and local officials.

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California’s refineries continue to have production problems which led to the third consecutive week of production declines in the region.

That situation kept California’s gas prices near the top of the country.

Tuesday’s average price of California unleaded regular gas is $2.88, that is $0.01 higher than Monday, a $0.05 increase from a week ago, up $0.07 from a month ago and $0.47 higher than a year ago. Northern California’s average price for regular gasoline is $2.80, up $0.04 from a month ago.

Of the Northern California cities surveyed by AAA as a service to consumers, Marysville posted the lowest price at $2.57 and South Lake Tahoe has the highest average at $3.14.

“California gas prices inched higher due to refinery maintenance last week, as Chevron shut down two production refineries in El Segundo and Richmond due to unplanned maintenance and problems with production equipment,” said John Moreno, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “Gas prices on the West Coast remain the highest in the nation.”

The national average gas price reflects the majority of the country by staying relatively steady this past week.

Tuesday’s average price was $2.28, the same as Monday, showing an increase of $0.01 from a week ago, $0.07 higher than a month ago but a gain of $0.58 from a year ago. Hawaii posts the highest price in the country, $3.11 and South Carolina has the lowest average price, $2.04.

On Monday, OPEC released its Monthly Oil Market Report showing that participating countries implemented 90 percent of the agreed upon production cuts pledged at last year’s historic deal. This translated into a cut of 890,000 barrels of oil per day in January. The U.S. has tempered the impact of the OPEC production cut by continuing to increase drilling and production.

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair.

The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening your load also help conserve gasoline.

AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed every day, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express LLC.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake High Drama Department will present its annual “Comedy & Tragedy Night” on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The performance will take place beginning at 7 p.m. in the Lower Lake High multipurpose room, 9430 Lake St.

Admission is $5 per person.

The one act “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors” will be presented along with many monologues, duet scenes and musical theater pieces that were performed at the annual Lenaea Drama Festival in Folsom Feb. 10 to 12.

Lower Lake three-peated by receiving a silver medal for the third year in a row for their one act performance.

Brandon Goodson received an outstanding performance medal for his role in the one act.

The following actors round out the cast: Rachel Cabral, Malajiahna Robinson, Mary Jones, Kaymen Barnes, Natalie Carte, Tawnie Nell, Jordan Harris, Maria Neville, Tamara Stevens, Madison Winter, Chloe Cox, Bobby Landgraff, Grace Tucker and Kayla Sanderson.

“I couldn't be prouder of my students for their performances. To receive a silver medal for the third year straight going up against much bigger schools is quite an accomplishment,” said Director Tracy Lahr. “I guess it just goes to show you don't have to come from a big school to have big talent.”

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

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near Van Sleeper Road on Tuesday, Feb. 21. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175
 
– Valley fire recovery work from the junction of Routes 29/175 in Middletown to Loch Lomond will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Log jam removal at the Navarro River Bridge will continue. Intermittent full road closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 30-minute delays.

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near Ocean Drive on Tuesday, Feb. 21. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Emergency slide removal near Leggett will continue. A full road closure is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should seek an alternate route.

Highway 20

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for tree trimming from Old Willits Road to 1.2 miles east of Road 350. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
Highway 101

– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance near Hewlitt and Sturtevant Road on Monday, Feb. 21, and Tuesday, Feb. 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Emergency slide repairs on the westbound Route 20 to southbound Route 101 connector ramp will continue. Intermittent ramp closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Emergency slide removal near Piercy will continue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
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).

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Nominations are now open for Rep. Mike Thompson’s (CA-05) annual Woman of the Year Awards.

Each year, in honor of National Women’s History Month, Thompson recognizes exceptional women across California’s Fifth Congressional District for the work they do in our community.

Past recipients have been philanthropists, business leaders, educators, public servants and more.

“Throughout history, women have made tremendous impacts in science, industry, government, the arts, and every other facet of our society,” said Thompson. “But too often, their accomplishments and achievements have not received the recognition they deserve. That changes with us. It’s my privilege to accept nominations for our Woman of the Year Awards. If you know a woman who’s made an impact in our district, please let us know. I look forward to recognizing all our winners next month.”

All nominations must be received by February 26, 2017. Completed forms can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Winners will be announced at a public ceremony in March.

Nomination forms and additional information can be found online at https://mikethompson.house.gov/woman-of-the-year .

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