How to resolve AdBlock issue? MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest fire managers plan to conduct prescribed burns on the Grindstone Ranger District starting Wednesday, Nov. 9, and continuing through the week as conditions allow.
Crews anticipate burning approximately 240 acres on the Black Diamond conversion unit and 120 acres on the Diversion Dam unit. Both projects are in the general vicinity of Stonyford.
Smoke may be visible from Interstate 5, Highway 162, Stonyford, Elk Creek and surrounding areas. These units are predominantly grass and smoke should disperse quickly after ignitions are completed. If traveling in this area, please use caution and watch for fire crews and equipment.
The ignition of all projects is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, favorable weather, conditions that minimize smoke impacts as best as possible, and California Air Resources Board approval.
The local air quality district manages the number of acres available to burn during allotted burn days based on the amount of projects proposed
Fire managers follow a burn plan that outlines the “prescription” or environmental conditions such as temperature, wind, fuel moisture, ventilation, and relative humidity that need to be met before the project begins.
Fire crews implement, monitor, and patrol each project to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined in the prescribed burn plans.
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UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Shannon Michele of Cache Creek Catering and Lake County Wine Studio are presenting a food and wine experience featuring gourmet appetizers paired with select Lake County wines.
Locally produced foods are proudly featured as key ingredients in recipes created by Cache Creek Catering.
The event will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11. The per person cost is $30 and $25 for Wine Studio club members. Reservations are required.
Nov. 11 will feature a Thanksgiving menu of roast turkey with pan gravy, purée of potato and parsnip, mushroom-sausage dressing, cranberry pomegranate sauce with a side by side red selection of Olof Cellars Malbera blend and Chacewater Highlander blend.
The dessert course will be pumpkin crème brûlée with the Petite Sirah “Fire” dessert wine from Thorn Hill.
For reservations and additional information, contact Susan at 707-293-8752.
Lake County Wine Studio is both a gallery for display of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County. Artists' shows are held on a monthly basis with art and wine receptions held the first Friday and subsequent Saturday of each month.
The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake. It is open Thursday through Monday, from 1 to 7 p.m., and Friday from 1 to 8 p.m.
The art show on display for the month of November is designer quilts by Laraine Wade-Butter.
For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at 707-275-8030.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Friends of the Lake County Library in Lakeport invites all its members and the public to their book sale.
This year the sale will be held on the second Saturday of the month, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but members may enter at 9:30 a.m. Members also will be entitled to a free book.
The categories available to choose from are novels, mysteries, nonfiction of different types, biographies, histories and how-to books.
Also available this year is a large selection of young children's books.
Chico Bags will be on sale for $5 or $10 dollars. Canvas bags with the Library logo will sell for $15 each. There will also be a table to sign up or renew as a Friend of the Library.
The library is located at 1425 N. High St.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake has been recognized by the Collaborative Alliance for Nursing Outcomes (CALNOC) for exemplary work in reducing hospital-acquired conditions in 2015. The Performance Excellence Awards were presented at the 2016 CALNOC Conference, Oct. 23 to 25.
The hospital was awarded “Best Performance” designation for 2015 in the following clinical areas:
• Best Performance in Preventing Injury Falls;
• Best Performance in Preventing Hospital Acquired Infections – CLABSI Total Facility;
• Best Performance in Preventing Hospital Acquired Infections – CLABSI Critical Care;
• Best Performance in Preventing Hospital Acquired Infections – CAUTI Critical Care;
• Best Performance in Preventing Hospital Acquired Infections – MRSA Total Facility.
These designations demonstrate the effectiveness of the hospital’s emphasis on quality and infection prevention efforts.
“Preventing injuries and infections during a hospital stay is key is to helping patients heal and return home as quickly as possible,” said Colleen Assavapisitkul, vice president of Patient Care at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake. “Our staff is trained to provide the best patient care to our community, and these recognitions are a great way to know that we are making a difference.”
CALNOC is a national registry tracking nursing patients that collects data from hundreds of hospitals on different quality and prevention measures, including Central Line-associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI), Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus areas (MRSA) rates.
St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake ranked in the lowest 25 percent of all CALNOC hospitals for these hospital-acquired infections.
Erin McNabb, a registered nurse, is dedicated to continuing the hospital’s performance as director of Quality, a role she began in 2016 after previously serving as St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake’s Infection Prevention Specialist.
“Because we are a small hospital with an experienced team, our frontline staff are able to collaborate closely to ensure we avoid patient falls and hospital-acquired infections,” said McNabb. “Great patient care takes a whole team.”
Visit www.sthelenahospitalclearlake.org for more information about the hospital.
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – In honor of Veterans Day, the Mendocino National Forest will waive fees at all Forest Service managed campgrounds and the Red Bluff boat launch on Friday, Nov. 11.
The fee waiver will not apply to campsites at Lake Pillsbury that are operated under concessionaire through PG&E.
“We are pleased to offer this fee free day in honor of veterans and invite folks to take this opportunity to get outdoors and explore the Mendocino,” said Mendocino National Forest Supervisor Ann Carlson.
Carlson adds that it’s important to plan ahead for your trip to the forest. Please call the office nearest your destination to purchase maps and obtain current information.
Mendocino National Forest offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of the Veteran’s Day holiday and will resume regular business hours Monday, Nov. 14.
For more information visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ .
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake Ministerial Association will present “A Service of Thanksgiving” on Sunday, Nov. 13.
The service will begin at 6 p.m. at Galilee Lutheran Church, 8860 Soda Bay Road, in the Kelseyville Rivieras, one-quarter mile south of Konocti Harbor Inn.
A special thank-offering will be taken to support the association's homeless warming center.
Just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays, California fuel prices are predicted to dip further this month, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly report recently revealed that West Coast gasoline supplies are hitting record lows, which can likely be tied to the fall maintenance schedule. Most West Coast refineries are set to come back online this month.
On Tuesday the average price of California unleaded regular gas was $2.79, the same price as one month ago.
Northern California’s average price for regular gasoline this week is $2.69, a decrease of $0.06 from a month ago.
Of the California cities surveyed by AAA, Marysville posted the lowest price at $2.36, and South Lake Tahoe has the highest average at $2.93.
“Prices have been relatively steady over the past week despite tightened supply in the California market and the wrap up of planned maintenance on the Olympic pipeline early last week in the Northwest.” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “BP shut down operations on its Pacific Northwest pipeline system to conduct planned maintenance October 27 and reopened the line a few days later.”
The national average price for gasoline remains relatively flat compared to one week ago, although pump prices have been pressured higher in some regions due to disruptions on the Colonial Pipeline. This week's average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.21 per gallon.
Last week, following the explosion and shutdown of Colonial Pipeline Line 1 crude oil was trading higher, but the company quickly announced that Line 1 was scheduled to restart on Nov. 7.
The restart announcement had a chilling effect on the market and crude oil prices dropped below $45 dollars a barrel.
Colonial Pipeline could face congressional scrutiny after the deadly pipeline incident. Several Members of Congress are requesting a comprehensive examination of Colonial Pipeline and the company's management as it relates to the maintenance and integrity operations of the system.
Also weighing on the market are the continued negotiations amongst OPEC and non-OPEC members.
The secretary-general of OPEC announced Tuesday that the group was still committed to developing an output deal to cut oil production, but no formal agreement has been reached. Traders will keep a close eye on the Colonial Line 1 restart and upcoming OPEC meetings.
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI was down 59 cents to settle at $44.07 per barrel.
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.
- Elizabeth Larson
Fatal Clearlake apartment fire under investigation; work continues to identify victim
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Authorities are investigating the cause of a Friday morning apartment complex fire in Clearlake that claimed a life and displaced the remaining residents.
The fire at 3891 Country Club Drive was first reported at about 5:45 a.m., according to Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta.
Sapeta said one apartment was partially involved when firefighters arrived.
He said his agency sent a total of four engines, two medic units, one water tender and himself, with resources from Northshore Fire and Cal Fire also responding.
The fire necessitated extended road closures in the area of Lakeshore Drive and Country Club Drive while firefighters were at work, according to the Clearlake Police Department.
Sapeta said the firefighters made an aggressive offensive attack and knocked the fire down, keeping it to the unit where it originated.
However, Sapeta said one person was found dead in the apartment where the fire started.
Red Cross responded right away to assist the residents who were displaced by the fire, with the property owner also responding, Sapeta said.
All fire resources cleared the scene at around 9:30 a.m., with investigators staying on scene for a few more hours, according to Sapeta.
He said investigators are working to make final determinations on the fire's origin and cause, noting, “It wasn't suspicious in nature,” and appeared not to be accidental but rather unintentional. “So there are no criminal components to it.”
As for the identity of the fire's victim, the Lake County Sheriff's Office was still working on Monday to confirm it.
“We believe we know who it is,” said Lt. Steve Brooks, noting the man was badly burned.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday at which time the medical examiner also will work on identification, Brooks said.
Due to the damage to the apartment complex, the building was red-tagged on Monday, according to Lee Lambert, the city of Clearlake's code enforcement officer and building inspector.
The three-story complex has a unit on the bottom floor, and six units each on the top two stories. Lambert said he did not know if all of the units were occupied at the time of the fire.
Lambert said he met with the property's insurance agent at the complex on Friday, with indications being that repairs are to get under way soon.
Before the city lifts the red tag, Lambert said it will require a structural engineer to sign off on repairs to the building.
He did not have an estimated time for when the repair process would be complete. However, he said a structural engineer is scheduled to visit the complex early this week.
Friday's fire is the second apartment complex fire involving a fatality in the county this year.
An August fire in Lakeport damaged a senior apartment complex on Bevins Street and took the life of a woman, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Elizabeth Larson
Malfunction leads to numerous phone alerts for residents in Lake, several other counties
This story has been updated with additional details about the phone carrier and counties affected.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Monday residents of Lake County were startled by an ongoing series of phone test alerts that were reported to have been the result of a system malfunction.
The multiple alerts came on Monday morning through the Integrated Public Alert Warning System, or IPAWS.
Lake County News received reports from local residents who said their phones had gone off about every 10 minutes for more than two hours.
The malfunction impacted US Cellular and not other cell phone carriers such as Verizon or AT&T, according to local officials.
There also were reports in other parts of the United States about receiving the alerts over an extended period.
Sheriff Brian Martin said the issues appeared to be a computer malfunction at the Federal Emergency Management Agency which subsequently was resolved Monday afternoon.
Martin said Central Dispatch received a notification from the state Office of Emergency Services regarding the malfunction issue.
Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino and other areas north to Oregon also were impacted, according to information Martin provided to Lake County News.
Earlier this year the sheriff's office joined the IPAWS system, which is used by federal, state, territorial, tribal and local authorities to issue emergency alerts and warning, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Lake County News reports
College to host event celebrating veterans on Nov. 10
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Thursday, Nov. 10, The Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College will be honoring and celebrating Veterans Day.
The event will begin at noon at the campus, 15880 Dam Road Extension in Clearlake.
The public is invited to attend the event, which will include the posting of the colors of the guard and student Anthony Neves singing the national anthem.
A guest speaker who will talk about their experience and detail what it means to be a vet, and discuss the important programs and benefits available to veterans in our local area.
There are more veterans in Lake County, per capita, than any other county in California. Woodland Community College feels it is important to honor and support our veterans and does so through events such as this and others such as the veterans’ educational benefit workshop it just offered on Nov. 3.
Aromas Café, the student-run campus restaurant, will be providing food for the event. They will be serving pork adobo with lumpia for $8, tempura sushi for $5, wonton soup for $5, pork belly appetizer for $6 and a teriyaki beef bowl with wonton for $8. All veterans will get an automatic 50 percent off anything they purchase from the restaurant.
For more information please contact the college at 707-995-7900 or visit http://lcc.yccd.edu .
- Lake County News reports
REGIONAL: Authorities search for missing Redding woman
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Authorities in Shasta County are investigating the case of a Redding woman who went missing while on a jog and whose family believes she may have been abducted.
The Shasta County Sheriff's Office said Sherri Papini disappeared under suspicious circumstances near her home on Nov. 2 and is considered to be at risk.
Officials said Papini, 34, was reported missing shortly before 6 p.m. after she was not found at home and her cell phone was discovered on the ground near the intersection of Sunrise Drive and Old Oregon Trail in Redding.
Her family members have told the media that they believe Papini was abducted and that she's likely been moved out of the area.
On Thursday, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Team conducted organized searches in the area where Papini's phone was found.
CHP air operations assisted with an aerial search, and ground searchers conducted followup canvasses and contacted area residences while searching for any evidence or clues associated with Papini, officials said.
Good information was obtained during those efforts and passed onto detectives, which assisted them in putting together a timeline of Papini’s activities on the date of her disappearance, the sheriff's office said.
At the same time, detectives had reportedly conducted numerous interviews with Papini’s family, friends and the public.
The work so far has included patrol deputies making contacts with pedestrians and motorists in an attempt to learn information about what has occurred, with deputies and detectives also contacting sex offender registrants in the area, expanding the coverage area.
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office said it has received multiple eyewitness reports from neighbors who know Papini and saw her in the area of Sunrise Drive on Nov. 2 in the mid to late morning or early afternoon, wearing a pink jogging top while she was on a jog/walk.
Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit continue to sort through approximately 150 tips that have been generated from the public, and are reviewing surveillance videos from neighboring residences and business in the area where Papini went missing.
The Sheriff’s Office said it is utilizing resources from the Redding Police Department, as well as from the Department of Justice, and continues to keep close contact with Papini family.
Officials are offering a $50,000 reward in the case.
Anyone with information on Papini’s whereabouts or tips can call dispatch 24 hours a day at 530-245-6540 or at the Major Crimes Unit 530-245-6135.
Tips can also be submitted at
A Facebook page also has been set up to provide updates and generate information on Papini's case.
- Lake County News reports
Prescribed burning continues on Upper Lake Ranger District
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Fire managers are preparing to conduct a 45-acre prescribed fire about five miles north of Upper Lake on the Upper Lake Ranger District on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
Crews are planning to ignite units that are part of the Howard Mill project, Mendocino National Forest officials reported.
Smoke may be visible from Highway 20, Upper Lake and surrounding areas. Officials said the unit is predominantly timber with pine litter understory and smoke should disperse quickly after ignitions are completed.
Burns are conducted within a “prescription” that is determined by appropriate fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind and ventilation.
Fire crews implement, monitor, and patrol each project to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined in the prescribed burn plans.
Some of these objectives include reducing hazardous fuels, protecting communities from extreme fires, and recycling nutrients back to the soil.
A project map is available on the forest Web site, http://tinyurl.com/z59o2mb .
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