LAKEPORT, Calif. – Get ready to taste and vote for your favorite Lake County wine at the 2015 People’s Choice Wine Tasting and Concert on Saturday, July 25, at Moore Family Winery.

Sponsored by the Lake County Winery Association (LCWA), the tasting will feature 17 award-winning Lake County wineries pouring a selection of their award winning wines from this year’s Lake County Wine Awards Competition.

The fun includes a blind tasting to decide the People’s Choice. Each participating winery has selected the wine that they believe is people’s favorite. Attendees will blind taste the wines and cast their votes for the People's Choice.

The results of the contest will be announced at 7:30 p.m. after the opening concert band. Nosh at the delicious cheese station, get in a game of Bocce Ball, dance to the music of DJ extraordinaire Tony Barthel, mug for the camera in the photo booth or just enjoy the view.

The People’s Choice event was created to invite the public to taste award winning wines from the Lake County Wine Awards Competition.

The 2015 competition was held in June at Langtry Estates under the direction of Bob Fraser.

The panel of 10 professional judges blind tasted a total of 171 wine entries on the first day of the judging. Winning wines were rewarded with double gold, gold, silver, bronze and best in class medals in this portion of the competition.

The best in class wines moved to the sweepstakes round held the following day. The judges blind tasted all best of class wines and awarded sweepstakes red, white, rosé and dessert.

Taking the honors were Shooting Star’s 2013 Sauvignon Blanc for white sweepstake and Gregory Graham’s 2011 Grenache for red sweepstake.

Shannon Ridge Family of Wines took home the pink sweepstake with their 2014 High Valley Vineyard Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chacewater Winery scored the dessert sweepstake award with their 2000 Dessert Wine, a 15 year old tawny port.

The full results of the competition are available online at www.lakecowineawards.org .

At 6 p.m., Moore Family Winery will offer dinner options for purchase or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the lawn. BoomBox, the Band, hailing from the Sacramento area will be playing in concert. Their repertoire of oldies but goodies and R&B will have you dancing and rocking the night away. Plan to bring a blanket or low back chair to enjoy the concert.
 
Want to win tickets to the People’s Choice? LCWA will give away three pairs of tickets to the event. Visit www.lakecountywineries.org/choice to find the answer to this question – “What’s the word for Lake County wine?” Email your answer to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The first three people to send in the correct answer will each win a pair of tickets to the event.
 
Tickets are $40 per person and include wine tasting, glass, and concert. Designated drivers are $15 and get to enjoy everything but the wine. For tickets and information, visit www.lakecountywineries.org .

Tickets also can be purchased locally at Don Angel Cellars in Lakeport, Gregory Graham and Vigilance tasting rooms in Lower Lake, or at Moore Family Winery on Bottle Rock Road.
 
LCWA works to promote the wines of Lake County’s high elevation region. Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship, or membership opportunities, call 707-357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lakeshore Lions Club hosted the 58th annual Redbud Festival on Saturday in Clearlake to the tune of “Cartoon Time,” bringing many crowd-pleasing characters to the procession along Lakeshore Drive.

Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta served as Grand Marshal of the parade.

Sapeta received the honor with recognition of 27 years of service to the district, during which time he worked his way through the ranks to hold his current position as chief.

Sapeta attended Middletown schools launching his career in fire service while still in high school, volunteering with the Middletown Fire Protection District.

His career has included service with the former Lucerne Fire District, EMT-II/paramedic certification as well as service with the Lake County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services.

Sapeta says he lives to be a fireman and there isn't a day he wakes up that he doesn't feel like going to work.

Sapeta and his wife Rachelle have four children, a daughter and three sons. Being their dad, he said, to him, is the most important job in the world.

Redbud Parade Queen Thea Biasotti was joined in her royal court by princesses Katelynn Dillingham and Shelby Harris. The Lower Lake High School 2015 graduates were recognized for the academic achievements, leadership and contributions.

“Tooter and Ginger Snaps” of Castle Donuts was awarded Best Overall Entry. The colorful couple wave to the crowd from behind painted faces and a big red nose. First runner-up was the Sons of the American Legion and its homage to “The Flintstones.”

Kim Bauer and her Mazda Miata overrun by “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” was the second-runner-up and third runner-up was Jimmy Rickel.

Most patriotic entry went to Becky Broman, who was towing red, white and blue decked-out boat full of water toting kids.

Additional parade results were as follows:

– Fraternal/service club floats: Sons of the American Legion, first place; Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 2337, second place.

– Commercial floats: Baby Baby, first place; Brookdale, second place; Enterprise Towing, third place.

– Non-commercial floats: Kim Bauer, first place; Lake County Tiny Home Village, second place; Pearl Harbor Survivors, third place.

– Antique cars (pre-1940s): Bev VanPelt, 1930 Desoto, first place.

– Classic cars: Camaro Owners of Lake County, first place; Low Life Car Club, second place; Leo Perodi, third place.

– Unusual car, electric and steam: Jimmy Rickel, 2004 Ranger Towing, first place; Layne Paving, second place; 40 & 8, third place.

– Street Rod: Carol Madieros, 1939 Chevy coupe, first place; Rick and Linda Jones, 1934 Ford, second place.

– Bands: Lower Lake High School Drum Band, first place.

– Drill teams: Lower Lake High School Cheerleaders, first place; Lower Lake Youth Football and Cheerleaders, second place; Boy Scouts Troop No. 44, third place.

– Marching group: Lower Lake High School Varsity Football Team, first place; Kelseyville Girl Scouts, second place; Cub Scouts Troop No. 144, third place.

– Fire departments: Lake County Fire Protection District, first place; Cal Fire, second place.

– Other public service departments: Lake County Sheriff's Office, first place; Clearlake Police Department, second place.

– Clowns: “Tooter and Ginger Snap” of Castle Donuts, first place.

– Funny things, etc.: Becky Broman and Kids, first place; Cliff Madden, second place; Jenna and Justin Curry, third place.

The parade was followed by a daylong festival in Austin Park that culminated with fireworks at dusk.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Summertime is grillin’ time, and members of the Westside Community Park Committee are preparing for the sixth annual “Grillin’ on the Green” fundraiser, an afternoon event featuring a friendly barbecue competition with plenty of food, drink, and entertainment for all ages.

This year’s “Grillin’ on the Green” barbecue cook-off is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.

The event takes place at Westside Community Park, 1401 Westside Park Road, Lakeport.

Grillers and sponsors are encouraged to sign up soon. Call Cindy Ustrud, 707-263-7091, or Dennis Rollins, 707-349-0969, for information.

Local organizations, individuals and professionals go head-to-head in the cook-off, preparing their best barbecue recipes for attendees who then cast People’s Choice votes for their favorites. 

The Clear Lake High School Sports Foundation and Lakeport Fire Department Volunteers combined to take top honors at last year’s contest while Adam Bruch led his team, The Bru Cru, to second place, and Still Smokin’ and Q-n with Adrian Hoaglen took third.

New this year is the addition of three “celebrity” judges who will select their favorite griller. 

Michelle Malm, food services director for the Kelseyville Unified School District; Dave Faries, managing editor of the Lake County Record-Bee; and Michael Lunas, a Superior Court judge in real life, have agreed to put their “foodie” reputations on the line.

Ticket prices for the event are $25 per adult, $10 per child between the ages of 5 and 12, and no charge for children 4 years old or younger. Tickets are available in advance and will be sold at the function.

All proceeds benefit the Westside Community Park development.

Advance tickets for “Grillin’ on the Green” may be purchased at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Bicycles, Lake Event Design, and The Travel Centers, all in Lakeport, and at Polestar Computers in Kelseyville.

“Come out and join us for a fun evening in the park. Dance. Eat. Play – all while helping us raise funds to continue developing the park,” said Rollins, chair of the Westside Community Park Committee.

Children’s activities are planned, and the whole family will enjoy musical entertainment by the LC Diamonds, said Rollins.

Vintage cars will be on display by local car clubs. Wagon rides by Andre and Ellen Boersma, sponsored by the Lake County Horse Council, are new to the event’s featured activities this year.

Attendees enjoy a full dinner with fixings to accompany the barbecue dishes, said Rollins. Past years’ Grillin’ attendees have called the fare the “best barbecue around,” he added.

Information about the event can be found on the park’s Web site, www.westsidecommunitypark.org , or on Westside Community Park’s Facebook page.

Sponsors of the event are sought and will be recognized at the Grillin’ on the Green event. Levels of sponsor recognition are $100, $300, $500, $1,000, $3,000 and $5,000.

Contributions of any amount may be sent to 1350 Berry St., Lakeport, and made payable to Westside Community Park Committee.

The Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation is offering for the sixth year a match of $5,000, challenging local businesses and individuals to become sponsors and donors.

Westside Community Park is a city of Lakeport recreational facility that has been in development for 17 years.

The nonprofit park committee is developing the park in conjunction with the city of Lakeport, volunteers, and numerous contributions by individuals and businesses dedicated to constructing a recreational facility for the youth and adults of Lake County.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A 3.8-magnitude earthquake that hit near The Geysers geothermal steamfield was felt in several communities in Lake County on Thursday night.

The quake, which occurred at 8:29 p.m., was centered 2.8 miles northwest of The Geysers near Middletown and 13 miles southwest of Clearlake, at a depth of just over 2 miles, according to the US Geological Survey.

A room full of community members attending the Middletown Area Town Hall felt the quake when it jolted the Middletown Senior Center.

As of just before 2 a.m. Friday, the US Geological Survey had received 97 shake reports from 15 zip codes around Northern California.

In Lake County, reports were submitted from Clearlake Oaks, Kelseyville and Middletown.

Elsewhere around the region, shake reports came in from several communities in Napa and Sonoma counties; the most reports, 27, came from Calistoga. The furthest report came from San Ramon, 135 miles away.

The last earthquake measuring magnitude 3 or above in Lake County was in Upper Lake on April 27, when a 3.2-magnitude quake shook the Northshore, according to the US Geological Survey.

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.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Sen. Mike McGuire’s bill to bring regulation to the medical marijuana industry was again approved by another committee this week as it makes its way through the legislative process.

SB 643 – The Medical Marijuana Public Safety and Environmental Protection Act – received overwhelming support in the Assembly Business & Professions Committee Tuesday morning gaining even more momentum as the bill has already cleared three Senate committees, as well as passing on the Senate floor in June.

“The time is now. Our environment and our communities are paying the price for the state’s lack of action over the past 20 years,” said McGuire (D-Healdsburg). “This legislation will advance sweeping regulations and desperately needed resources that are necessary to address the impacts of this multi-billion dollar industry.”

Last week, McGuire – as chair of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture – led a hearing addressing the impacts of rogue marijuana grows on the state’s fisheries.

From water officials, fishery experts and state agency leaders to law enforcement and cannabis growers, it is clear that large-scale rogue marijuana grows are having a negative impact on Northern California watersheds.

“The impacts are horrendous and the drought has had an exacerbating effect, especially on the North Coast. Entire rivers are running dry as marijuana grows expand and the fourth year of this historic drought sets in,” McGuire said.

Rogue operators have cut down tens of thousands of acres of Northern California forests illegally without regard for the environment, neighboring communities, downstream farms, or endangered species.

In addition, tens of thousands of pounds of pesticides, rodenticides and fertilizers have been dumped into watersheds that flow through Northern California communities.

Rogue marijuana grows are the number one source of sediment and nutrient load in Northern California rivers.

On the North Coast, many of the medical cannabis growers are managing small family farm operations and are eager to comply with potential new regulations, McGuire's office reported. These farmers have worked the land, in many cases, for decades and are seeking a balanced approach.

SB 643 would provide a legal framework for those farmers who are working with McGuire on this legislation.

The bill provides a regulatory framework for the industry covering the issues of environmental protection and water regulations, law enforcement, licensing, public health related to edibles and product testing, to marketing, labeling, taxing, transporting, zoning, local control and re-sale (and more).

It is only focused on medical marijuana and does nothing to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Five high schools, four youth-oriented programs and 10 other Lake County nonprofit organizations have been selected as beneficiaries of this year’s Lake County Wine Auction.

“To build a strong community, we need to help the next generation respect Lake County’s agricultural tradition and improve their educational skills. With our grants, the Wine Alliance is working towards those goals,” said Wine Alliance President Kaj Ahlmann in announcing this year's beneficiaries list.

This year's beneficiaries are: The five comprehensive high schools of Lake County for their arts programs, Sponsoring Survivorship to support persons suffering from breast cancer, Habitat for Humanity for a new home repair and weatherizing program, the Lower Lake High School Culinary Club for instructional materials,Yuba College Culinary Club for scholarships, the Lake County Symphony Association for beginning string instruction, Worldwide Healing Hands for Lake County outreach programs, Children's Museum of Arts and Science for their annual art camp, Lake County Historical Society for student tours of Ely Stage Stop, Friends of the Lake County Library for new books and materials, Operation Tango Mike in support of Lake County military personnel serving overseas, and the Lake County Senior Centers for their Meals on Wheels program.

The Wine Alliance, a nonprofit organization of wineries, winegrape growers, vineyard owners, related businesses and community supporters has contributed $1,171,302 to foster the arts, benefit health services, and support the community since it was founded in the year 2000.

In addition, the the organization has a mandate to promote Lake County as a premier growing region for fine winegrapes and other crops.

This year’s auction, the 16th, will take place at the new Cache Creek Winery on Highway 20, from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19.

This exciting venue lends itself perfectly to a dramatic evening under the stars in support of some of
Lake County's most deserving programs.

The Lake County Wine Auction is open to guests 21 years and older.

All proceeds from the Wine Auction activities will benefit the selected beneficiaries.

Tickets for the Wine Auction will be available through the Wine Alliance Web site, www.winealliance.org , or by calling1-866-279-WINE to make reservations.

Information about sponsorship opportunities is available from Marie Beery, 707-278-0129.

Major sponsors to date include Calpine, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Sysco Foods, artist John Clarke, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Umpqua Bank, Cache Creek Vineyard & Winery, Kelseyville Pharmacy and Brassfield Estate Winery.

Honorary co-chairs for the Wine Auction are Don and Margie Van Pelt, owners of Cache Creek Winery.

Members of the all-volunteer Wine Alliance Board are Kaj Ahlmann, president; Dr. Judy Luchsinger, vice president; Sharron Zoller, secretary; Rob Roumiguiere, treasurer; and Marie Beery and Bill Groody directors.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – A Kelseyville man who is alleged to have threatened a family member with a firearm before barricading himself in his home was taken into custody early Thursday by members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team.

Danny Jay Barnes, 56, was arrested in the case, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.

At 7:45 p.m. Wednesday deputies responded to the 6000 block of Gold Dust Drive in Kelseyville to investigate a reported discharge of a firearm inside a residence, Brooks said.

When deputies arrived they were told that Barnes was intoxicated and had barricaded himself inside the residence, according to Brooks.

Brooks said deputies also were told that Barnes was upset because he was trying to sleep and the other occupants of the house were disturbing him.

Barnes grabbed a rifle and discharged it into the floor of the residence, then pointed the firearm at a family member and told him to leave the room, Brooks said. When the family member walked out of the room Barnes shut the door and locked it.

Brooks said Barnes refused to cooperate when deputies told him to exit the residence with his hands above his head. Barnes remained inside the residence and yelled at the deputies to leave him alone. 

One of the deputies noticed that Barnes had moved a window curtain with the barrel of the rifle and then pointed the rifle at the deputy, Brooks said.

Deputies were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence and an arrest warrant for Barnes, Brooks said.

At approximately 12:45 a.m. Thursday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team forced entry into the residence to serve the warrants and took Barnes into custody without further incident, according to Brooks.

Brooks said deputies located and seized several firearms and articles of evidence which supported the statements provided by witnesses. 

He said Barnes was arrested for discharging a firearm in a negligent manner, exhibiting a firearm and exhibiting a firearm in the presence of a peace officer, and transported to the Hill Road Correctional Facility where he was booked.

Barnes remained in custody late Thursday afternoon, with his bail set at $15,000, Brooks said.

Sheriff Brian Martin thanked the California Highway Patrol and Kelseyville Fire Protection District for their support and assistance during the incident.          

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Clearlake man has been charged with a murder that took place in the city last week.

Billy Raymond Mount, 35, has been booked for first-degree murder in the July 2 death of Steven Galvin, 40, of Clearlake, according to Sgt. Nick Bennett of the Clearlake Police Department.

At 3:40 p.m. July 2 Clearlake Police officers were dispatched to the 15000 block of 35th Avenue on a report of shots fired, Bennett said.

Officers arriving on scene found Galvin with unknown injuries. Bennett said Galvin was treated at the scene by medical personnel and transported to St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, where he died.

On Tuesday, Clearlake Police detectives received information linking a person of interest to the homicide, Bennett said.

Based on information obtained through the investigation, Bennett said Mount was determined to be a suspect and charged in the homicide.

Bennett said Mount was arrested on July 5 for outstanding warrants. In addition, he's now being held on murder and related charges.

Jail records show that he is being held without bail, and is due to appear in court on July 13.

During the investigation it was learned that there are other possible witnesses to this homicide. Bennett said those persons are encouraged to come forward with whatever information they might have that might assist in the case.

Bennett said the Clearlake Police Department wished to thank the men and women of Lake County Fire Protection District's Station 70, who assisted in the search of a difficult crime scene.

Any person with information in relation to this case is encouraged to contact Det. Ryan Peterson at the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251, Extension 320.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Authorities are working to identify and locate the driver and vehicle they say were involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian late Monday.

The California Highway Patrol said the crash occurred at 9:35 p.m. Monday on Highway 20 west of Valley View Road.

At approximately 9:39 p.m., CHP Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting an injured person on Highway 20 west of Saratoga Springs, the agency said.

When officers arrived, the CHP said they found a male subject who appeared to have been struck by a vehicle, lying on the side of the road.

The CHP said the vehicle responsible for hitting the individual fled the scene following the crash.

Despite the efforts to save the life of the injured pedestrian – including administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, according to radio reports – the CHP said he sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time the CHP issued its report on the crash on Tuesday morning, neither the victim nor the vehicle responsible for hitting him had been identified.

The crash is under investigation by CHP Officer Matt Norton.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact the CHP's Clear Lake Area office, 707-279-0103.

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.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – After parts of Lake County received heavy summer showers – coupled with thunder and lightning – on Wednesday afternoon, forecasters say there are chances of more rain into the weekend.

The National Weather Service said a low pressure system moving over Northern California brought the showers which, along with the cloud cover, helped drop temperatures to well below normal for the season.

Numerous reports of thunder and lightning and heavy showers came in from around Lake County, with lightning strikes reported in and around both the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport, as well as along the Northshore.

In the south county, however, readers reported no rain in and around Hidden Valley Lake and Middletown.

The National Weather Service reported that the Upper Lake area received 0.80 of an inch of rain, with nearly half an inch reported near Indian Valley Reservoir and 1.54 inches near High Glade Lookout above Upper Lake.

Forecasters are anticipating up to a 50-percent chance of showers and thunderstorms in the mountains above the Northshore on Thursday and Friday.

Through the rest of the county, chances for precipitation on Thursday top out at 40 percent during the day and 30 percent Thursday night, and drops to 20 percent on Friday, with total rainfall expected to total no more than three-tenths of an inch altogether, according to the forecast.

Daytime temperatures are expected to be in the high 70s, dropping into the mid to low 50s at night, the National Weather Service reported.

As for the weekend, high temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80s in the day and mid 50s at night, with Saturday mostly sunny and Sunday partly cloudy, but no rain anticipated either day, forecasters said.

Forecasters are predicting temperatures could be back into the 90s in parts of the county as early as Monday, with most of the county to get into those warmer numbers on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is expected to be a bit cooler – in the high 80s – in the higher elevations.

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.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Bicycle collisions in Lake County have become all too common in the last year and local law enforcement and fire departments have decided to take action.

Lake County’s public safety departments will host the “Bicycle Safety Rodeo” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

“Bicycle safety rodeos are designed to help improve bicycle riding skills. They are not a race or timed event; each skill course has purpose and by doing each course a few times, you can see the skills improve. We will be inspecting each bicycle and making sure each child has a properly fitted helmet,” said Officer Kory Reynolds of the California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake Area office.

Proper fitting of helmets will be demonstrated and a limited number of helmets will be given away.

“In the past year there were six serious bicycle collisions in our county, two that resulted in fatal injuries to teens and one teen suffered a major head injury,” said Lt. Hector Paredes, commander of the Clear Lake Area CHP. “We believe that through education, enhancing community awareness, and some enforcement, most bicycle collisions can be prevented.”

Local law enforcement and fire departments would like this to be a community effort and are asking for everyone’s assistance.

“When I drive around the county, I see too many children not wearing helmets when riding their bicycles,” said Reynolds. “Helmets are a must when kids ride their bicycles; it’s not only the law but a helmet could very well save their lives if they get involved in a collision.”

Local agencies are asking for bicycle helmet donations, which can be dropped off at any county fire department or law enforcement office.

“We’re not asking for money; we’re asking members of our community who wish to help to buy a helmet and get it to one of the departments; it will be greatly appreciated and it could save a life,” said Reynolds said.

Hot dogs and drinks also will be offered at the event.

For more information, contact the Clear Lake CHP office at 707-279-0103.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A section of Highway 20 near Upper Lake that was closed late Monday for a fatality investigation has reopened.

The California Highway Patrol reported that Highway 20 at Saratoga Springs had been completely reopened as of 2:44 a.m.

The highway in that area was closed late Monday for an investigation into a roadside fatality, with traffic rerouted temporarily onto Scotts Valley Road.

Firefighters were dispatched to the area just after 9:45 p.m. on the report of a subject down on the side of the road.

Initial reports from the scene indicated that the individual had died, possibly after being struck by a car while walking along the side of the highway.

Additional 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.