NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson’s (CA-5) bipartisan amendment requiring a federal study on impacts of invasive species passed the House Thursday.

The amendment was passed as part of H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2013.

Specifically, the amendment requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the impacts of aquatic invasive species on federal assets and current federal spending on aquatic invasive species prevention.

“Invasive species pose a major financial risk to our local communities, and we need to make sure we’re spending our money wisely and efficiently on prevention rather than responding to an invasion after it occurs,” said Thompson.

“The cost of dealing with invasive species after they become established in a new area is often far higher than what the cost of prevention would have been,” said Thompson. “Our amendment will help us to more efficiently address the problems posed by invasive species by proactively identifying where money needs to be spent, finding gaps in our current efforts, and helping minimize the duplication of federal and state activities.”

Thompson co-authored the amendment with his co-chair of the Congressional Invasive Species Caucus, Rep. Dan Benichek (R-MI-1), and Reps. Mike Simpson (R-ID-2), Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), and Dina Titus (D-NV-1).

Aquatic invasive species pose a costly challenge to water infrastructure, fisheries, and the environment in local communities across the United States.

However, this problem often only receives attention after an invasive species has become established in a new area and has begun clogging water pipes, infecting plants and animals with dangerous diseases, and outcompeting native species.

These impacts can damage fisheries, pose health hazards, irreparably damage natural environments, and take a severe toll on local, state, and federal budgets.

For example, aquatic mussels such as quagga and zebra mussels have cost U.S. communities more than $5 billion since their introduction in the 1980s.

In the 5th Congressional district, Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma and Lake Berryessa are all rated at the highest possible risk level for quagga invasion.

Currently none of these lakes has been invaded by quagga mussels. However, if quaggas invade one of these lakes, control and treatment would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and negatively impact the water supply for residents in Sonoma, Lake and Solano counties.

If quagga mussels invade the state water infrastructure it could cost millions every year to keep the pipes clear.

“Invasive species are a national problem with major local implications,” Thompson continued. “This study will help make sure we’re spending federal dollars in a way that prevents invasions before they happen so we can protect our communities from their devastating impacts.”

The amendment was passed by a bipartisan vote of 417-3. WRRDA was passed by a bipartisan vote of 417-3. The Senate passed a different WRDA bill, S. 601, on May 15 by a bipartisan vote of 83-14. The bills are now expected to go to a conference committee to resolve their differences.

Thompson represents California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has announced that the California Attorney General’s Office and the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) have jointly secured a $1 million civil settlement against two out-of-state organizations for violations of the California Political Reform Act.

According to the terms of the settlement, the Arizona-based Center to Protect Patient Rights (CPPR) and Arizona-based Americans for Responsible Leadership (ARL) have admitted to making millions of dollars in unlawful intermediary contributions in connection with the November 2012 election in California and have agreed to each pay a fine of $500,000.

“This case demonstrates in clear terms that California’s campaign finance laws are in desperate need of reform,” Harris said. “California law currently contains a loophole for certain groups to evade transparency by maintaining the anonymity of their donors. I fully endorse swift legislative action to change the law.

In October 2012, $11 million was funneled to a campaign committee supporting Proposition 32 and opposing Proposition 30. A civil investigation was initiated by the FPPC, which was represented by the California Department of Justice’s Civil Law Division.

Following the election, the California Department of Justice’s Criminal Law Division opened an investigation to examine potential criminal wrongdoing.

The investigation revealed that a Virginia nonprofit, Americans for Job Security (AJS), raised approximately $28 million in 2012 for issue advocacy opposing tax increases and supporting “pro-paycheck public policy.”

Current law permits donors to remain anonymous if their contributions are used for issue advocacy. Shortly before the general election, AJS decided that were it to spend the money on issue advocacy at that time, it would trigger a California law requiring disclosure of the funds’ sources.

Instead, AJS decided to make multiple donations to another nonprofit, CPPR, which has a history of funneling millions of dollars to support conservative causes.

AJS expected and hoped that CPPR would be able to find other money to support AJS’s efforts in California.

AJS gave CPPR a donation of $4.05 million on Sept. 10, 2012, $14 million on Oct. 11, 2012 and $6.5 million on Oct. 19, 2012.

Following these donations, CPPR made two major contributions of its own. First, on September 11, 2012, CPPR donated $7 million to the Iowa-based American Future Fund (AFF).

As an intermediary, AFF then made a contribution of $4.08 million to a third entity, the California Future Fund (CFF). CFF used that money to support Proposition 32 in the California general election.

CPPR’s second contribution occurred on Oct. 12, 2012, in the form of $13 million to ARL. As an intermediary, ARL returned $11 million to California through a contribution to the Small Business Action Committee (SBAC), a campaign committee supporting Proposition 32 and opposing Proposition 30.

CPPR’s contributions were funneled back to California campaign committees through intermediaries AFF and ARL, which violated civil provisions of the California Political Reform Act of 1974.

The Department of Justice’s investigation did not reveal evidence to prove a knowing or willful violation of the Act by these parties.

As a result, the California Attorney General's Office has concluded its investigation and will not pursue criminal charges.

102413 FPPC Signed Final Stipulation.pdf

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A sheriff’s deputy arrested a Clearlake man last weekend for marijuana possession and transportation, as well as obstruction of a peace officer following a vehicle stop, with the man later found to have methamphetamine during a jail search.

James Jeffrey Peng, 52, was arrested following the stop, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.

At 8 p.m. last Saturday, Oct. 19, a deputy was patrolling the area of Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake, when he noticed a Chevy pickup traveling northbound on Highway 53, exhibiting multiple vehicle code violations, Brooks said.

The deputy activated his emergency lights to conduct an enforcement stop in the area between Dam Road and 18th Avenue, Brooks said. The pickup continued northbound and passed a vehicle which had already yielded to the deputy, by pulling over to the right side of the road.

Brooks said the deputy activated his siren and the vehicle continued northbound and then turned east onto 18th Avenue. The pickup passed a second vehicle which had already yielded to the deputy by pulling over.

The pickup continued and finally pulled over in the parking lot of the St. Helena Hospital in Clearlake,
Brooks said.

As the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, he noticed the subject was drinking a liquid substance and appeared to have swallowed something other than the liquid, Brooks said. The deputy identified the driver as Peng.

Peng then stated, “I panicked because I sell weed,” according to Brooks' report.

The deputy said when he approached the vehicle he could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the inside of the pickup, Brooks said.

The deputy searched the vehicle and located a duffle bag on the passenger seat. Inside the duffle bag, Brooks said the deputy located 17 plastic bags containing processed marijuana of varying weight and quality, which were seized.

Brooks said the deputy also located a scale and a calculator in close proximity to the duffle bag, which he also seized. The combined weight of all the marijuana was 2.8 pounds.

Peng said the reason he did not pull over was because he thought the deputy was trying to pull over someone else who was traveling in front of him, Brooks said. Peng also said he panicked, because he had a half smoked joint in his mouth and was trying to chew it up and swallow it.

He then told the deputy that he pulled into the parking lot at the hospital because he felt it was a safe place to stop. Brooks said Peng told the deputy that he had to drink something to help wash the chewed marijuana down because it tasted bad.

Peng was arrested for the possession of marijuana for sales, transportation of marijuana and obstructing or delaying a peace officer. Peng was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility for booking, Brooks said.

During the intake process at the jail a correctional officer located a small bag containing methamphetamine in Peng’s pocket. Brooks said the additional charges of possession of a controlled substance and bringing a controlled substance into a jail were added during Peng’s booking.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Three years after the first Lake County Community Health Needs Assessment was issued, a new assessment has been released as local officials seek to better understand and address the county's unique health needs.

The original assessment created a baseline for tracking health needs and creating health policy, and this latest report builds on that effort, offering an additional component of tracking trends, according to Dr. Karen Tait, Lake County's public health officer.

The 2010 assessment also was the basis for the “Climb to the Peak of Health” effort Tait's agency created to encourage community members to take small steps toward improving their own health.

The newest assessment identifies both challenges and opportunities, from high poverty and above-average smoking rates to signs of low occurrences of some diseases, including AIDS.

The Lake County Collaborative of Health behind the report includes a number of organizations and agencies – St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Lake County Health Services, Lake Family Resource Center, First 5 of Lake County, Lake County Tribal Health Consortium, Health Leadership Network, Lake County Behavioral Health, Veteran’s Affairs, Mendocino Community Health Clinic Inc. and Area Agency on Aging, Lake and Mendocino Counties.

The new 180-page assessment, like its earlier counterpart, was completed by Barbara Aved Associates, which oversaw focus groups, as well as paper and online surveys, 994 of which were completed.

The report draws on a number of data sources – including state county health profiles, according to Tait.

It includes demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, selected health status indicators, health resource availability and utilization, a summary of related assessments, local perspectives and conclusions and recommended priorities.

“I don't think there are big surprises to it,” said Tait.

When it comes to health matters, Tait said rapid change isn't to be expected. “Population changes take years to become manifest.”

Among the major health issues identified are that Lake County residents are more likely than other Californians to have higher rates of drug use, including prescription drugs, as well as higher rates of obesity and coronary heart disease. Teen pregnancy rates also are higher than the state average.

County health statistics also show residents have high rates of death from lung cancer, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

Tait said the report is age-adjusted to account for Lake County's large senior population; the county's population of residents over age 65 is nearly double the proportion of seniors in California as a whole. She added the large senior pool “doesn't explain away our statistics altogether.”

The encouraging signs in the report include lower-than-state-average AIDS incidence rates and diabetes-related deaths, and better access to dental services for the county's children.

The collaborative said the focus group participants and the residents who completed the community health surveys showed an understanding that choosing exercise, eating fresh produce and not smoking were the top three health habits that contribute to maintaining personal health.

The report also found that Lake County is becoming increasingly diverse, and that about 34 percent of children – one-third higher than the state average – and 9.3 percent of seniors, close to 8,000 individuals, live below the poverty level, while 33 percent of low-income adults report not being “food secure.”

The assessment's recommended priorities include promotion and support of healthy choices/healthy behaviors; promotion and support of emotional and mental well being; prevention and treatment of use/misuse of legal and illegal substances, including prescription drugs and medications.

While the county's smoking rates are high, Tait noted that there was an improvement in the rate, which dropped from a quarter of the population to a fifth. There's a concern, however, that more younger people are starting to smoke.

“That's really where we need to put our effort, to prevent that early use of tobacco,” she said, adding that there is a concern that e-cigarettes aren't reducing smoking rates but are hooking young people early. “We could lose all those gains.”

In terms of how those reduced smoking rates impact cancer rates, Tait said that might not show up for 20 years.

“I think we're just building the trends at this point,” she said. “Two points on a graph doesn't always tell the story, but you need those point.”

One of the notable points of the assessment process was that Tait said focus group leaders were particularly touched by the stress factors that people shared that they experience.

“It was present last time but it was more pronounced this time,” she said.

She said it's appropriate for people to be anxious about real life problems, but the assessment process caused officials to see the toll that anxiety was taking on local residents.

Social and economic distress impacts health, with Tait pointing out that it's hard to make good decisions when people can't envision a future for themselves. She said that's why dealing with the psychological aspects of health is important.

Tait said chronic disease prevention is a new priority in public health. “We're just now really turning our attention to it,” she said, adding, “Our eyes are being opened and it's a good thing, we just need to keep it in context.”

Health ultimately boils down to personal health choices, and Tait said health officials don't want county residents to be discouraged by the assessment's findings.

Even if the county ranks poorly, it doesn't mean numbers haven't improved, it just means they haven't improved as much as local officials and residents might hope. “Any improvement is improvement, and we just have to persevere,” Tait said.

She hopes to see another assessment completed in three years.

“This is reinforcing our current priorities,” she said.

Tait encouraged county residents to make a commitment to do one thing every day to improve their health.

“Take a walk, eat an apple, cut down on smoking or quit, volunteer, talk to your doctor about preventive screenings. Even small steps yield big rewards,” she said.

Email Elizabeth Larson at elarson@lakeconews.com . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

2013 Community Health Needs Assessment.pdf

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – There is lots of spooky fun for people of all ages as Lake County celebrates Halloween this month.

Trick-or-treating, haunted houses, costume parties and performances, and even a pet costume contest can be found during the remaining days of October and the beginning of November.

A list of events follows. If you know of an event that should be included, email it to editor@lakeconews.com .

FRIDAY, OCT. 25

Lakeport Senior Activity Center Halloween dance and potluck

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Senior Activity Center, 527 Konocti Ave., will host a Halloween dance and potluck from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There is no cover charge, and ghouls, goblins and ghosts of all ages are welcome.

There will be special punch for the kids and a donation bar for adults, along with a silent auction and raffle, games and prizes for the children, face painting and a candy basket, and a best costume contest for both children and adults. Music is to be provided by the Southern Comfort Band.

In addition, there will be a free pumpkin provided for a decorating competition for each table. Absolutely no cutting. Best pumpkin will win a prize.

For more information call 707-263-4218.

Animal Coalition of Lake County plans Halloween fundraiser

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Animal Coalition of Lake County will hold its fourth annual Halloween and costume party beginning at 5 p.m. at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, 15900 East Highway 20.

Cocktails start at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. There will be a buffet dinner, dancing, costume contest and silent auction.

Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased at several Clearlake businesses, including From Me to You, the thrift shop that supports the coalition, located at 14104 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-994-9335; Marie's Lakeshore Feed & Grain, 14590 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-994-9335; Clearlake Veterinary Clinic, 3424 Emerson St., telephone 707-994-9100; and The Spot, 14625 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-900-8671.

For more information call 707-994-9335 or visit the group's Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Coalition-of-Lake-County/244591148937005 .

Toles Family Haunted House

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The admission fee is $5 per person.

Teen Fright Night

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The “Teen Fright Night” will take place at the Hidden Valley Lake Community Center, 18677 Lakeridge Circle, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The evening will feature a dance party, fortune telling, costume contest, free pumpkins for everyone in costumes, and pizza, snacks and soda.

For information call 707-987-3138 or email recdir@hvla.com .

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

Lakeport Christian Center Fall Fest

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport Christian Center will hold its annual Fall Fest on its grounds at at 455 S. Forbes St. from noon to 3 p.m.

There will be several local bands performing live music, lots of games and prizes for the kids, jumpy house, free pumpkins, free barbecue, free clothing, face painting and even a visit from Officer Chipper of the California Highway Patrol.

Everyone is welcome and this is a fun and free event for the whole family. Friendly costumes are welcome.

For more information call 707-263-4514 or visit the church online at www.lcchub.com .

Pet costume contest

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Rainbow Ag, 1975 Argonaut Road, will host its pet costume contest at 12:30 p.m.

There will be prizes in four categories: small dog under 25 pounds, large dogs over 25 pounds, most unique pet (non-dog) and best trick.

For more information call 707-279-0550.

Youth Halloween Fun Day

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The Hidden Valley Lake Association will host a Youth Halloween Fun Day and Spookfest from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the community center, 18677 Lakeridge Circle.

The family-friendly event will include costume contests, spooky games and prizes, wicked crafts, fortune telling, magic tricks, a puppet show, and ghostly treat bags and a haunted teen center.

For more information call 707-987-3138 or email recdir@hvla.com .

Toles Family Haunted House

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The admission fee is $5 per person.

'A Scary Night Under the Stars'

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – “A Scary Night Under the Stars” will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Taylor Observatory, located at 5725 Oak Hills Lane.

Enjoy a “spook-tacular evening” with refreshments and Halloween decorations. See their “Scary Night” show in the full dome planetarium.

Shows will play every hour on the half hour. View Deep Sky Objects through our telescopes. Enjoy the musical entertainment by Rafael and Christian Contreras along with the sounds of Halloween.

Costumes are encouraged to engage in the spirit of Halloween. Join in the children's costume contest. Children under 12 years of age will receive a treat bag.

Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years.

Lower Lake High School haunted house

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The students at Lower Lake High School are putting on a huge haunted house inside the multipurpose room at Lower Lake High from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The haunted house is open to the community. All are welcomed to come to this event but they suggest that visitors are at least 13 years of age.

Admission is free, but donations are welcomed and appreciated.

SUNDAY, OCT. 27

'The Cat Screamed at Midnight'

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The Hidden Valley Lake Association and the Commons Committee will host “The Cat Screamed at Midnight,” a murder mystery dinner, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the community center, 18677 Lakeridge Circle.

Costumes are optional but encouraged. There will be a light buffet and cash bar.

Tickets are $25 per person; seating is limited. For information call 707-987-3138 or email recdir@hvla.com .

'Lake County Live!'

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Halloween show of “Lake County Live!” will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.

The audience is asked to be seated by 5:45 p.m.; they’re also invited to stay after the show for additional performances by the featured musicians.

This month's show features the Rural Jazz Project – which includes local musicians Tom Aiken on piano, Jim Leonardis on sax, Dave Borjon on hand drums and Rick LeVasseur on bass. The audience also will meet Sid the Werewolf and enjoy a special Halloween edition of “Ladies of the Lake.”

“Lake County Live!” is produced before a live theater audience, broadcast on Lake County Community Radio KPFZ 88.1 FM and streamed on the Internet at www.KPFZ.org . The show is rebroadcast the Saturday after the live performance on KPFZ 88.1 FM at 7 a.m.

Tickets cost $5 and are available at the theater box office Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Travel Center in Lakeport at 1265 S. Main, at the door and online at www.soperreesetheatre.com .

Visit “Lake County Live!” at www.lakecountylive.com or on Facebook.

Toles Family Haunted House

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The admission fee is $5 per person.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

Lakeport Main Street trick-or-treating

LAKEPORT, Calif. – More than 25 downtown Lakeport stores will open their doors to hand out treats to children in costume from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Families are invited to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween on Main Street, concluding at 4 p.m. with a costume contest on Museum Square.

There is no charge for this event, which will be held rain or shine.

Maps indicating trick or treat locations will be available after Oct. 23 at participating businesses or at the Lakeport Main Street Association desk in the lobby of City Hall at Second and Park streets.

On the day of the event, participating businesses will have a pumpkin sign in the window to indicate their participation.

This event is sponsored by the Lakeport Main Street Association. For more information call 707-263-8843.

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

Clearlake 'Trunk or Treat'

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake's inaugural “Trunk or Treat” Halloween celebration, sponsored by Lake County Youth Services, will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the youth center on Golf Avenue in Clearlake.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., children can “trunk or treat” through a collection of festively decorated car trunks in the parking lot at Redbud Park, located across the street from the center.

There will be Halloween goodies, a carnival of Halloween games and prizes, bouncy house, haunted house, music by DJ Nemesis and a dance floor, costume and trunk contests, community-sponsored booths, free raffle drawings and more.

For those wanting to participate in the festive trunk decoration portion of the event, registration forms can be picked up at Hair by Mz. C, located in the indoor flea market at City Hall Plaza next to Clearlake City Hall on Olympic Drive.

Anyone who would like more information regarding any aspect of contributing should contact one of the following volunteer organizers: Bruno Sabatier, 707-695-0834; Ami Landrum, 707-350-7419; or Crystal Williams, 707-655-8559.

Lucerne Community Church Halloween trunk or treat party

LUCERNE, Calif. – Lucerne Community Church will host a safe trunk or treat party on Halloween evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the church parking lot, 5870 East Highway 20.

They will provide free hot chocolate and face painting in addition to handing out treats. Everyone is welcome.

For more information call 707-274-8326.

Middletown Lioness Halloween Carnival

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Lioness club is having a free Halloween carnival from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road.

Children will receive a ticket for a free hotdog; parents are able to purchase one for $1.

There will be popcorn, cotton candy and several activities for the children.

Youth appreciation event

LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive, is hosting a youth appreciation event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will be treats and activities for all attending at a suggested donation of $1. Treats will include many yummy edibles and activities will be carnival games which all can play. Costumes are optional. Parents also are welcome.

For more information call Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 707-274-8779.

Toles Family Haunted House

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The admission fee is $5 per person.

Lakeside Family Fun & Event Center Halloween Trunk or Treat

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeside Family Fun & Event Center Trunk or Treat Halloween event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the center's parking lot, 872 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport.

For more information, call the event center at 707-263-4828.

Lakeport Kiwanis Halloween party

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Kiwanis of Lakeport will host a Halloween party for the community's children from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake High School gym, 350 Lange St.

Admission to the party is free. Children up to age 13 are invited to come and enjoy a fun evening that includes games, candy, refreshments and prizes. At 7:15 p.m. a costume contest will take place.

The event is a safe way for children to celebrate Halloween.

'The Rocky Horror Show'

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Theatre Co. and Konocti Vista Casino present Richard O'Brien's “The Rocky Horror Show” in the banquet room at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, at 7 p.m.

All tickets are $15 general admission and $30 for VIP front row seats; the cost is $2 for LCTC members with a card.

Tickets are on sale at the Konocti Vista Casino Player's Club from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Hillbilly massacre haunted house

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Speedway, 401 Martin St., will host the hillbilly massacre haunted house from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Children age 5 and under get in free; the cost is $3 for children ages 6 to 12; and $5 for age 13 and up.

There also will be a separate haunted house geared to younger children.

Konocti Vista Casino costume party

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Konocti Vista Casino will host a costume contest at 9:30 p.m. on Halloween.

The costume contest follows the 7 p.m. “Rocky Horror Show” performance, with the cast and crew to be the judges. Check in at the Player’s Club at or before 9 p.m. to get your name on the contest list.

The top prize is $500, second prize is $250 cash and third prize $100 EZ KASH. Participants in the contest must be 18 years of age and older, and must be or become a Player’s Club member to receive the prizes.

For more information call the casino at 707-262-1900, Extension 1118.

FRIDAY, NOV. 1

'The Rocky Horror Show'

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Theatre Co. and Konocti Vista Casino present Richard O'Brien's “The Rocky Horror Show” in the banquet room at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, at 12 a.m.

All tickets are $15 general admission and $30 for VIP front row seats; the cost is $2 for LCTC members with a card.

Tickets are on sale at the Konocti Vista Casino Player's Club from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Hillbilly massacre haunted house

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Speedway, 401 Martin St., will host the hillbilly massacre haunted house from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Children age 5 and under get in free; the cost is $3 for children ages 6 to 12; and $5 for age 13 and up.

There also will be a separate haunted house geared to younger children.

SATURDAY, NOV. 2

Hillbilly massacre haunted house

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Speedway, 401 Martin St., will host the hillbilly massacre haunted house from 7 p.m. until the completion of the North Coast Rock Racing event.

Admission to the haunted house is free with a purchase of tickets to the racing event.

Visit http://www.lakeportspeedway.com for more information.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The 2014 Lake County College-Going Initiative Academic Decathlon is about three months away, and the county's teams are in the midst of preparing for the competition in hopes of going to the state event.

The topic of the 2014 Academic Decathlon, which takes place in February, is World War I.

Students received their World War I curriculum in early summer, including the novel “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 20 students from Kelseyville, Upper Lake and Clear Lake Highs participated in a special workshop with Dr. Harry Lyons of Yuba College.

The workshop focused on genetics, which is a key component of this year's science curriculum.

The energetic Lyons stayed true to form with engaging lessons mixed with humor and relevance.

Hands-on activities included simulated blood typing and learning about human genetic traits, such as why some can roll their tongue and others have dimples.

This event was offered free to the decathletes. The workshop was arranged by the Lake County Office of Education with instructional and planning time donated by Dr. Lyons.

For more information on the Academic Decathlon and how you can help with workshops or be a judge for speech or interviews, please contact Tammy Serpa at tserpa@lakecoe.org .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Area Town Hall will hold a special town hall meeting with Congressman Mike Thompson on Monday, Nov. 4.

The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the new Middletown Community Center, located at 21256 Washington St.

The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will focus on national issues.

The congressman will give opening marks and then take questions from community members.

For more information contact MATH at mathtownhall@gmail.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Veterans Day will be celebrated at Konocti Vista Casino on Monday, Nov. 11.

Veterans, their families and all supporters in the community are invited to Konocti Vista Casino to celebrate those who have served our country.

Annual past participants have included high school bands, 4-H members, Sea Scouts, Lake County veteran organizations and the Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County.

The Veterans Day ceremony will include presentations of the County’s annual “Friend of the Veteran” and United Veterans Council’s “Veteran of the Year” awards.

Through the generosity of Konocti Vista Casino, a complimentary lunch and beverages will be provided to those in attendance.

Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration and honoring of America’s veterans.

Please join the festivities on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road in Lakeport. Doors open at 10 a.m.

You may call 707-349-2838 for further information.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Autumn is deer mating season – which means deer are on the move and less cautious about darting out into the road.

It is also mating season for elk, which are less numerous than deer, but just as hazardous to motorists here in Northern California.

“During these fall months, we see a spike in traffic collisions as a result of deer in the roadway,” said California Highway Patrol Captain Adam Jager. “The best way to avoid this type of collision is to always maintain a safe speed and stay vigilant of deer that may have entered the roadway. Driving distracted or under the influence will greatly increase your chances of being involved in a car versus deer collision.”

Drivers should be extra vigilant this time of year and follow these tips for driving in deer country:

• Be particularly attentive between sunset and midnight, the hours shortly before and after sunrise, and in foggy conditions. Most deer-vehicle collisions occur during these times.
• Drive carefully in areas known to have high deer populations. Places where roads divide agricultural fields or streams from forestland are particularly dangerous.
• If you see a deer, slow down. Others are probably nearby.
• Use high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams can reflect off animal eyes and warn you of their presence.
• If a deer is in your lane, brake firmly but stay in the lane. The most serious crashes occur when drivers swerve.
• Don't rely on deer whistles, deer fences, or reflectors to deter deer.
• Always wear seat belts when driving.
• If your car strikes a deer, don't touch the animal. If the deer is blocking the highway, call 911.

“Safety is everyone’s responsibility, remember to use extra caution and stay alert when driving so you will arrive safely to your destination,” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 director.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Animal Coalition of Lake County will hold its fourth annual Halloween and costume party this Friday, Oct. 25.

The evening of fun will begin at 5 p.m. at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, 15900 East Highway 20.

Cocktails start at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m.

There will be a buffet dinner, dancing, costume contest and silent auction.

Tickets cost $25 per person.

Proceeds benefit the coalition's efforts to provide low cost spay and neuter vouchers for seniors and low income residents of Clearlake, as well as animal rescue and fostering services.

Tickets are available at several Clearlake businesses, including From Me to You, the thrift shop that supports the coalition, located at 14104 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-994-9335; Marie's Lakeshore Feed & Grain, 14590 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-994-9335; Clearlake Veterinary Clinic, 3424 Emerson St., telephone 707-994-9100; and The Spot, 14625 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-900-8671.

For more information call 707-994-9335 or visit the group's Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Coalition-of-Lake-County/244591148937005 .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The man accused of shooting at two California Highway Patrol officers who attempted to pull him over early Saturday morning is now facing a murder charge after a man who jumped out of his vehicle died of his injuries.

William Edward Steele, 39, of Hopland found out he was additionally being charged with the murder of Jeremy John at his Tuesday afternoon arraignment in Lake County Superior Court.

Altogether, Steele is facing 17 counts and numerous special allegations for the early morning shooting and pursuit.

The charges include murder, two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, two counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment, two counts of assault with a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a gun while having a restraining order, hit and run, gross vehicular manslaughter, shooting at an inhabited vehicle, felony reckless evading of a peace officer and failure to register as a controlled substances offender.

He's also charged with a number of special allegations for personal use of a firearm, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, and personally inflicting great bodily injury on John.

Steele is alleged to have numerous past felony convictions in Mendocino County that affect his charging, including two assault with a deadly weapon convictions that took place in 1992 and 2004, and battery with serious bodily injury in 2005.

He also had a domestic violence protective order placed against him in Lake County Superior Court in August 2012, according to court records.

Attorney Stephen Carter, appointed on Tuesday to defend Steele, said the charges carry with them the possibility of “multiple life terms” if Steele is convicted.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning two CHP officers, Shane Roach and Glen Thomas, attempted to pull over Steele's Chevy Tahoe – concerned that he was driving under the influence – on Highway 29 near Cruickshank Drive, officials reported.

Steele shot at the officers and fled, then in the area of Live Oak Drive he pulled over, made a U-turn and shot again at the officers, according to official reports of the incident.

John, a Mendocino County resident who was riding in the vehicle with Steele, was found lying on the ground in the area of Live Oak Drive, according to officials.

“It's our belief right now that he tried to jump out of the car to get away,” said District Attorney Don Anderson.

Authorities were not able to question John, who never regained consciousness, Anderson said.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Art Grothe said that at around 11 a.m. Tuesday John died at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he had been airlifted early Saturday.

Grothe said Steele was taken into custody later Saturday morning in the area of Wilkinson Road and Highway 29 after he had abandoned his SUV in the area of Highway 29 and Sand Hill and fled on foot.

Anderson said a female subject – identified by court records at Gavina Delgadillo – also had been detained, questioned and later released, with Delgadillo considered a witness, not a suspect. The kidnapping and false imprisonment charges against Steele relate to Delgadillo, based on the charging document.

Court records showed that in interviews with investigators on the day of the incident, Steele was exhibiting “symptoms of chronic use of methamphetamine and, at times, detailed somewhat elaborate alleged conspiracies of law enforcement officers involving ritualistic murders.”

Steele alleged in statements to investigators that law enforcement officers allegedly robbed him of $16,000 in previous encounters, and he claimed that officers also have threatened to have him killed.

“This statement was made in the context of defendant indirectly explaining his actions in the incident herein charged,” according to court records.

Steele stated during the interviews that “he presumed that due to past negative contacts with law enforcement, any dealings with law enforcement officers would inevitably turn violent.” Because of his distrust of law enforcement, Steele admitted that he routinely carried a firearm.

He also told investigators that he was carrying $30,000 on him at the time of the arrest and that he usually carries much more.

Mendocino County law enforcement officials told local authorities that the source of Steele's money is per capita payments totaling $90,000 per calendar quarter from the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians of Healdsburg, which owns the San Pablo Lytton Casino.

Steele had formerly lived at Hopland Rancheria, according to the report from Mendocino County officials, but had been banned from the rancheria due to “repeated violent and assaultive behavior.”

Grothe said Steele indicated to investigators that he has been staying in Lake County “for an undetermined period of time.”

Regarding the murder charge, Carter noted, “At this stage the prosecution doesn't have to elect what the theory of that murder charge is.”

One of the possibilities, he said, is the “felony murder” theory, which says that if a person is engaged in a felony act and someone dies, they can be charged with murder. It's different from the provocative act theory, which charges codefendants with murder when someone is killed during a felony crime.

“It's unusual in our county to have a felony murder charge,” said Carter, noting that it's still early and the prosecution could elect to pursue a different legal theory in the case.

Carter said he hasn't yet received any police reports from the prosecution, but he expects to receive them very soon.

Retired Judge David Herrick, who presided at Steele's Tuesday afternoon arraignment, ordered Steele to be held without bail. Steele's bail had been set at $200,000 at the time of his arrest and raised to $750,000 on Monday, Grothe said.

Steele is due to return to court for entry of plea and setting of preliminary hearing at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Judge Andrew Blum's Department 3 courtroom.

Email Elizabeth Larson at elarson@lakeconews.com . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Carolyn Wing Greenlee, author and past Lake County poet laureate, will discuss the power of books to change lives in her presentation on Sunday, Oct. 27, as part of the Lake County Big Read program.

Sponsored by the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College and the Friends of the Mendocino College Library, affiliates of the Mendocino College Foundation, Greenlee addresses “Lalu, Joy Luck, and Growing up Chinese in America – making peace with who you are, the power of story,” in her 3 p.m. talk at the Lake Center, 2565 Parallel Drive, Lakeport.

Admission is free of charge.

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest and presented in cooperation with the Lake County Office of Education.

For more information, visit the Big Read Communities page at www.neabigread.org or the LCOE site at www.lakecoe.org .