CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Four people are facing charges for their part in a Sunday robbery and an assault of an employee at the Clearlake Walmart.

Leanne Lynne Perez, 33, of Santa Rosa; her husband, Johnny Ramon Perez, 28, of Clearlake; Cristina Marie Pacheco, 35, of Clearlake; and Justin Lynn Carey, who has ties to the Santa Rosa area, were arraigned on Tuesday in Lake County Superior Court.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff said it's alleged that at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday the four – taking along with them the 3-year-old son of Leanne and Johnny Perez – went to Walmart, intending to steal items in order to later return them for cash.

Hinchcliff said the Perezes went into the store with their child, while Pacheco and Carey waited in the car.

The couple loaded up their cart with about $1,000 worth of merchandise and attempted to leave through the garden area, Hinchcliff said.

As they were attempting to leave with the merchandise, Hinchcliff said a 66-year-old Walmart employee who was checking receipts asked for theirs.

They couldn't produce the receipt and when they tried to leave anyway, the Walmart employee grabbed ahold of the cart, Hinchcliff said.

At that point, Pacheco jumped out of the car, ran up and pepper-sprayed the Walmart employee before they all fled, taking the merchandise, according to Hinchcliff.

Clearlake Police officers caught up to the four a short time later. “Officers caught them with all these items in the trunk of their car,” said Hinchcliff.

Hinchcliff said the Walmart staffer was taken to the hospital.

He called the crime “outrageous.”

Hinchcliff said he is charging the Perezes and Pacheco with robbery using force or fear to take property, as well as burglary, grand theft and possession of stolen property.

Separately, he said he is charging the couple with child endangerment.

Pacheco is facing charges of use of tear gas, felony assault and elder abuse, Hinchcliff said. Carey – who was not booked but released at the scene – is charged with burglary and grand theft, possession of stolen property and being an accessory after the fact. 

Hinchcliff said Carey is alleged to have driven the car away from the scene before pulling over so Johnny Perez could drive.

Johnny Perez has four prior felony convictions from Napa and Sonoma counties, and served time in prison in 2006 for vehicle theft. He's an alleged member of the Nortenos street gang, Hinchcliff said.

The Perezes and Pacheco all remain in custody. Hinchcliff said at the Tuesday arraignment new bail amounts were set: $185,000 for Johnny Perez, $175,000 for Leanne Perez and $100,000 for Pacheco.

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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), co-chair of the Invasive Species Caucus, and Scott De Leon, director of the Lake County Water Resources Department, were honored last week in Washington, D.C. at the second annual Reduce Risks from Invasive Species Coalition Congressional Reception and Awards Program.

Thompson, along with co-chair Dan Benishek (R-MI), received the “Outstanding Leadership by an Election Official in Protecting America’s Environment and Economy” award.

De Leon received the “Outstanding Achievement by a Local Government Agency” award.

“It’s a high honor to be recognized for the work our caucus has done in both raising awareness of invasive species and passing laws to help mitigate the costly damage they can cause,” said Thompson. “The work we do would not be possible without great people like Scott De Leon and the Lake County Water Resources Department. They are on the front lines, protecting our communities from the major financial risks that invasive species pose. Scott’s recognition is well-earned.”

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 Fifth 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.

At the event, the Reduce Risks from Invasive Species Coalition demonstrated a Web site developed by the Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia that allows members of Congress to learn which invasive species affect their individual congressional districts.

Attendees learned how the economy, environment and public health in every congressional district are harmed by invasive species and how the award winners are making a difference in this fight.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – In two separate instances on Monday quick-acting neighbors and a passerby helped local firefighters prevent the destruction of homes threatened by fires.

The two fires occurred in Lucerne on Monday morning and near Lower Lake in the afternoon.

In Lucerne, a fire involving a 19-foot-long abandoned travel trailer was reported at about 11 a.m., according to Northshore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos.

Beristianos said it's not known who abandoned the vehicle – which was packed with garbage – in the 6400 block of Country Club Drive near a vacant home some weeks ago.

Thanks to neighbors, the fire was knocked down by the time firefighters arrived on scene. “It was rolling when we got there,” he said.

Had the neighbors not acted as quickly as they had, Beristianos estimated that within another minute or two the fire would have spread into the eaves of the nearby house.

There was no damage to the house, said Beristianos, who remained on scene until just before 3 p.m.

Then, just before 1:30 p.m., Lake County Fire and Cal Fire were dispatched to the 12300 block of Spruce Grove Road near Lower Lake on the reports of grass fire threatening a structure.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported that “locals” had been working on the fire ahead of their arrival, according to radio reports.

Posts on Lake County News' Facebook page credited a passing Dunkin Pumps worker who stopped and put out most of the fire, which not only helped save the house – whose residents were reportedly away at the time – but also a frightened dog inside the home.

Reports from the scene estimated the fire burned about a quarter-acre of grass around the house.

Quick fire response by firefighters on Monday evening also stopped a fire from destroying a house in Clearlake.

The house fire was reported just before 7 p.m. in the 11000 block of Crestview Drive.

Units arriving on scene found a small fire consuming the front deck and starting to move underneath the house and the wall, according to radio reports.

That fire was contained just before 7:15 p.m., based on scanner traffic.

In other local fire news, on Monday afternoon firefighters responded to a smoke check shortly after 2 p.m. in the area of the Harvey fire, which burned seven acres off of Harvey Boulevard near Clearlake Oaks last week, as Lake County News has reported.

Firefighters at the reported finding a smoldering stump hole in the burn area that was quickly mopped up.

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. – Hot weather, carnivals, the duct tape regatta, worm races and fireworks – the staples of Lake County's July 4 celebration are on tap this week.

A lot of fun events, plus several fireworks displays, are once again planned for the annual celebration of Independence Day.

The following is a roundup of the events countywide.

Event calendars are available at www.lakeconews.com and www.lakecounty.com , with updates also available at www.facebook.com/visitlakecountyca .

Thursday, July 2

Schoeppner Shows Carnival

CLEARLAKE – The Schoeppner Shows Carnival, sponsored by Lakeshore Lions, will offer rides, games and food at Austin Park starting at 5 p.m.

The carnival will remain open as long as demand continues.

For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.

Friday, July 3

Schoeppner Shows Carnival

CLEARLAKE – The Schoeppner Shows Carnival, sponsored by Lakeshore Lions, will offer rides, games and food at Austin Park starting at 5 p.m.

The carnival will remain open as long as demand continues.

For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.

Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks display

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association will kick off Lake County's Independence Day celebrations when it presents the Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks at dusk on Friday, July 3.

The fireworks are launched from Clearlake Oaks Beach Park over Widgeon Bay.

The association said the best – and most fun – viewing area is from a boat, anchored east of Rattlesnake Island. Another great viewing area is Clarks Island.

During the year, the association raises funds to help pay for the event, but it reported that the cost of the display has now grown beyond what it can raise from those events, so it is seeking donations to help fund this and future years' displays.

Secure online donations can be made through PayPal or credit card by visiting http://www.clearlakeoaks.org/news/22-annual-clearlake-oaks-fireworks-display-set-for-july-3rd . Checks can be mailed to the association at P.O. Box 1211, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423.

Lakeport Speedway hosts firework display

LAKEPORT – The Lakeport Speedway will put on a fireworks display Friday night following the Kelseyville Lumber Deake Lyndall Memorial Race.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m., racing starts at 5 p.m., with the fireworks ground show to take place at dusk.

Tickets are $15 for adults, seniors and students $12, children 6 to 11 $8 and children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Kelseyville Chiefs Cheerleaders at 707-533-7761.

The speedway is located at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St.

Visit www.lakeportspeedway.com for more information.

Saturday, July 4

Clearlake Independence Day celebration

CLEARLAKE – The 58th annual Redbud Parade and Festival will fill Clearlake with fun.

The parade takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

For the rest of the day, there will be bands, street vendors, games and food, along with the Schoeppner Shows Carnival at Austin Park, which will open at 10 a.m. and continue as long as there is demand.

Also featured will be the International Worm Races.

The equestrian awards will take place at 1:30 p.m., with the parade awards, car show awards and raffle drawing at 3:30 p.m.

The fireworks will take place at dusk, at around 9 p.m.

For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.

Lakeport July 4 celebration

LAKEPORT – The city of Lakeport will host its annual Independence Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

The all-day event will include street vendors and a fair on Park Street and the Duct Tape Regatta.

Fireworks will be set off from a barge on Clear Lake at dusk.

For information about safe and sane fireworks usage, rules pertaining to alcohol and other event details, visit bit.ly/1JlNRLM .

Sunday, July 5

Schoeppner Shows Carnival

CLEARLAKE – The Schoeppner Shows Carnival, sponsored by Lakeshore Lions, will offer rides, games and food all day at Austin Park beginning at 1 p.m.

The carnival will remain open as long as demand continues.

For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.

Hidden Valley Lake Independence Day celebration

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE – The Hidden Valley Lake Association will hold a daylong celebration which will include events for every age group.

From noon to 2 p.m. there will be games for children at the Little Beach, the parade of the fleet at 3 p.m. and live music from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

The fireworks will take place at 9:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the Hidden Valley Lake Association at 707-987-3138.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Fire activity continued to keep firefighters in Lake County and in other parts of the state busy on Monday.

A day after firefighters quickly contained the eight-acre Ogulin fire near Clearlake – it was stopped before it could damage nearby commercial structures – fire danger was again high, with three incidents threatening homes.

The incidents included an abandoned travel trailer fire in Lucerne on Monday morning and a grass fire near Lower Lake in the afternoon – with neighbors and a passerby assisting in those fires – and a fire on the deck of a Clearlake home in the evening, as Lake County News has reported.

In Mendocino County, firefighters wrapped up work on the Covelo fire, which was sparked on Sunday near the community of Covelo.

The Covelo fire burned 35 acres before it was fully contained, Cal Fire reported.

Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said several new fires started from lightning strikes over the weekend, with fire crews taking an aggressive initial attack to keep the fires small. 

More than 3,000 firefighters were working California's large wildfire incidents on Monday, Berlant said.

Berlant said the hotter and drier weather than began on Monday is expected to build up by week's end.

With very dry conditions throughout the state, and extreme temperatures forecast for this week, the burning of residential landscape debris piles was suspended statewide effective Monday, according to Berlant.

While outdoor burning had already been suspended throughout much of the state, Berlant said Monday began the suspension of the rest of the North State, including the coastal and bay areas. 

“Escaped burn piles are one of the top causes of wildfire each year, so it’s critical that residents look into other options to remove yard waste,” Berlant said. “Consider mulching landscape debris piles, or hauling it to a biomass facility in your area.”

Berlant said this week also marks the beginning of safe and sane fireworks being sold in approximately 300 communities, including the city of Lakeport.

“It's critical that if you choose to buy safe and sane fireworks in one of these communities that you exercise extreme caution. Only use those fireworks with the State Fire Marshal Seal of Approval. California has a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks,” Berlant said.

Rules for using safe and sane fireworks in the city of Lakeport can be found at www.bit.ly/1JlNRLM .

A rundown of other major incidents around the state follows, with the most recent available size estimates from Cal Fire.

Cal Fire incidents

– Covelo fire: Began June 28 in Mendocino County; 35 acres, 100-percent contained.

– Pleasure fire: Began June 27 in Napa County; 19 acres, 100-percent contained.

Unified command fires

– Lake fire: Began June 17 in San Bernardino County; 31,359 acres, 60-percent contained. All evacuations lifted. Cause is under investigation.

Federal incidents

– Sky Fire: Began June 18 in Madera County; 500 acres, 100-percent contained. Caused by a vehicle.

– Washington Fire: Began June 19 in Alpine County; 17,787 acres, 56-percent contained. Caused by lightning.

– Sterling Fire: Began June 27 in San Bernardino County; 100 acres, 100-percent contained. Arson fire.

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.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Firefighters dealt with more wildland fires in Lake County and across the region and state on Sunday, with a state official reporting that hundreds of lighting strikes resulted in dozens of new incidents.

In Lake County early Sunday evening, the Ogulin fire – located in the area of Highway 53 and Old Highway 53 – burned approximately 8.3 acres of grass, according to Cal Fire Battalion Chief Greg Bertelli.

A fast response from Lake County Fire, Northshore Fire and Cal Fire knocked the fire down within a short period of time after it was dispatched just after 5 p.m. The incident was terminated just before 8:30 p.m.

Major incidents also occurred or were continuing in Lake's neighboring counties on Sunday.

In Mendocino County, the Covelo fire was first reported at about 1:30 p.m. off Highway 162 and Cemetery Lane near Covelo, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire's latest report on the incident put it at between 25 and 30 acres.

In Napa County, the Pleasure fire – which began Saturday near Lake Berryessa – was wrapped upon Sunday, with full containment at 19 acres, Cal Fire said.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday, the Jameson fire was reported in the area of Highway 12 and Kirkland Ranch Road.

Cal Fire said ground crews and air resources aggressively fought the fire, which was burning near two structures. 

The latest report from Cal Fire on Sunday put it at approximately 1.9 acres, with 70-percent containment.

Across the rest of Northern California, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said Sunday that approximately 800 lightning strikes hit during the previous 24 hours with minimal rainfall, sparking 36 new fires. 

“A majority of the new lightning-sparked wildfires are relatively small, with the largest being four acres,” said Berlant, who reported that nearly 3,000 firefighters were on the front lines of major incidents on Sunday.

A rundown of other major incidents around the state follows, with the most recent available size estimates from Cal Fire.

Unified command fires

– Lake fire: Began June 17 in San Bernardino County; 30,716 acres, 55-percent contained. Evacuations remain in effect. Cause is under investigation.

Federal incidents

– Sky Fire: Began June 18 in Madera County; 500 acres, 97-percent contained. Caused by a vehicle.

– Washington Fire: Began June 19 in Alpine County; 17,786 acres, 45-percent contained. Caused by lightning.

– Sterling Fire: Began June 27 in San Bernardino County; 118 acres, 95-percent contained. Arson fire.

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.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Monday, the Clearlake Police Department hosted a multiagency probation sweep within the city of Clearlake.  

Additional participants included probation officers with Lake County Probation, officers with the California Highway Patrol and an officer with the Lakeport Police Department, according to Sgt. Martin Snyder.

The event focused on subjects in the city of Clearlake who were on probation, parole or Post Release Community Service, or PRCS, Snyder said.

Officers responded to the subjects' listed residences and conducted compliance checks to verify they were in compliance with their terms and conditions of release. Snyder said several subjects were contacted during the event and found to be in violation of their release conditions.

During the event 21 persons were arrested for various violations of their probation or parole, according to Snyder's report. Additionally several subjects were located that were wanted fugitives which had active warrants for their arrest.    

During the event 12 subjects were booked into the Lake County Jail, he said.

Several of the subjects were additionally charged with new criminal offenses which Snyder said included being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substances and possession of prohibited weapons.  

He said the remaining subjects were booked at the Clearlake Police Department and released on their written promise to appear.

The probation sweep was funded in part with the use of grant funds from Assembly Bill 109 and 112, Snyder said.

The grant, which Snyder said was obtained by the Clearlake Police Department and the Lakeport Police Department, assists smaller agencies with monitoring and enforcement of subject currently on PRCS. 

Due to staffing levels over the last two years there has been a reduction with the amount of enforcement operations, Snyder said. However with the recovering economy and filling of vacant positions the department will start holding more frequent events with allied agencies. 

Snyder said these events are important for officers to take action or conduct followup on patrol cases which involved subjects on probation or parole. It is also a reminder to persons on probation or PRCS to follow the terms and conditions set forth by their supervising officer. 

Anyone with information regarding individuals on PRCS or probation who are violating the terms of their probation in Clearlake can contact the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – A Lakeport woman was injured in a single-vehicle rollover that occurred early Saturday morning, with the driver arrested for driving under the influence.

Natalie Schneder, 24, was hurt in the crash, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kory Reynolds.

Reynolds said 25-year-old William David Findlay of Lakeport was arrested following the wreck, which occurred shortly before 6:15 a.m. Saturday on Highway 29 just north of Kelseyville Auto Salvage.

Findlay was driving a 1997 Ford Ranger southbound on Highway 29 at an unknown speed with Schneder as his passenger, Reynolds said. 

Reynolds said Findlay lost control in a right curve, drove off the roadway and rolled over.  

Radio reports indicated that firefighters arrived to find the pickup on its top, with both Findlay and  Schneder able to get out of the vehicle on their own.

However, firefighters called for an air ambulance due to Schneder's injuries, with a landing zone set up for REACH 6 at Kit's Corner, according to reports from the scene.

Schneder suffered lacerations to her head, face and legs, and complained of abdominal pain. Reynolds said she was flown to Kaiser-Vacaville.

Reynolds did not have an update on Schneder's condition on Monday.

Findlay, who was arrested about a half hour after the crash, was booked into the Lake County Jail for driving under the influence causing bodily injury, with bail set at $30,000, according to his booking sheet.

Jail records showed he posted the required percentage of bail and was released.

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. – Three adult cats are waiting for new and loving homes this week at Lake County Animal Care and Control.

The two females and one male are all domestic short hair mixes, and are ready to go to new families.

In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).

Domestic short hair mix

This pretty cat is a domestic short hair mix with calico markings.

Shelter staff said she is affectionate and loving.

She's in cat room kennel No. 27, ID No. 2213.

Female orange tabby

This female orange tabby has a short coat.

She's in cat room kennel No. 35, ID No. 2416.

Domestic short hair mix

This male domestic short hair mix has a gray tabby and white coat.

He's in cat room kennel No. 88, ID No. 2496.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

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. – With the Independence Day holiday rapidly approaching, Cal Fire is reminding all Californians and visitors to do their part to prevent fires caused by illegal fireworks or the misuse of “safe and sane” fireworks. 

On Sunday, safe and sane fireworks went on sale in approximately 300 communities throughout California, including the city of Lakeport ( www.bit.ly/1JlNRLM ).

Although fireworks are a symbolic display of patriotism during this time of celebration, they can be dangerous when handled incorrectly or used in the wrong environment.

“As we head into the fourth summer of a severe drought, it is more important than ever that everyone use an abundance of caution to avoid sparking a fire,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire. “Here in California we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”

In addition to vegetation fires, fireworks cause about 1,200 structure and 400 vehicle fires annually across the country, Cal Fire reported.

Fireworks caused last July's Monticello Fire near Lake Berryessa. Cal Fire said that fire burned 6,488 acres and resulted in five injuries.

Every year, fireworks also cause more than 8,000 injuries nationwide; some are fatal, the agency said.

There are also legal ramifications when it comes to certain types of fireworks. 

Possession of illegal fireworks such as sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year. 

Even safe and sane fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal.

State fire marshal-approved safe and sane fireworks are allowed for use in many communities; however, they are not approved statewide. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.

“Safe and sane fireworks are only as safe as they are used,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “Last year alone there were over 300 fires sparked by fireworks. We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner.”

Fireworks guidelines:

· First check that fireworks are allowed in the area of use.

· Make sure the firework has the state fire marshal safe and sane seal.

· Purchase only from legitimate organizations authorized to sell.

· Have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose available at firing site.

· Read all instructions before use.

· Never alter, modify or enhance fireworks – use only in the manner intended.

· Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials including dry grass and brush.

For a full fireworks safety guide visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Saturday, dozens of amateur and professional wine and beer makers and vendors of many persuasions crowded Lakeport’s waterfront Library Park for the 13th annual Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival.  

Attendees wandered from booth to booth, tasting beverages that had been judged earlier in the day by a panel of judges. In deference to its title, however, only the amateurs were eligible for awards.

Lakeport Mayor Martin Scheel loaned not only his considerable talent as master of ceremonies, but also his professional sound system which helped even those on the edge of the park keep up with the goings-on, including announcements of the judge’s awards.

Doug Moore, a resident of Kelseyville’s Riviera West district, won two gold ribbons for his Syrah and a dessert wine, while Jamie Celozzi also collected two for a Merlot and a Paradiso blend. 

For the first time the association’s wine club entered several categories and won two golds, with Kelseyville’s Ed Bublitz picking up the prizes – for the dry white, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a Barbera.  

Other first place awards went to David Pretari of Foster City for his Zinfandel, David Hicks for a Sangiovese, and Connel and Marcia Murray of Clear Lake Riviera for their Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Murrays also won two silver awards for their 2012 Zinfandel and 2013 Merlot, and Celozzi won silver for her Uraggle blend.  

Other winners were Bruce Lightfoot for Syrah, Tom Harty of Kelseyville for a Petite Sirah and Scott Knickmeyer for a dry white. Michelle Shultz won for her port and took a bronze for her Vin de Noix dessert wine.  

Other bronze winners were Celozzi for a Syrah, Hicks for a Petite Sirah and the LCSA Wine Club for Zinfandel. Knickmeyer, Celozzi and Shultz are all members of Finley’s Remembrance Group, which specializes in Syrah winegrape products.

The People's Choice Awards are voted on by the wine and beer tasting attendees and have become a popular aspect of the Winefest.

This year the best red wine award went to David Pretari for his Zinfandel, while the best white wine was awarded to Cornelia Sieber-Davis of Scotts Valley for her Sauvignon Blanc. Pretari also took the prize for best decorated booth.  

The eight home brewers registered in the Winefest were largely represented by their club the Malt Konocti Mashers and as might be expected they swept the category with best ale or IPA, best light beer and best label and beer booth.

The event is the major fundraiser for the Lake County Symphony Association, the nonprofit group that sponsors both the Lake County Symphony and its junior component, the Lake County Youth Orchestra, along with other youth music activities.  

John Parkinson, the symphony’s longtime music director and conductor, and his wife Diane manned the association booth, passing out brochures and selling memberships to the organization.

Music was provided by the popular David Neft Duo, consisting of keyboardist David Neft and drummer Steve Dubois, along with the soaring acoustic guitar solos of local artist Travis Rinker.   

Symphony Concertmaster Andi Skelton also led her bluegrass-oriented Konocti Fiddle Club through a toe-tapping half hour set.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake has proclaimed July 18 as Native American Day and will co-sponsor a Native American Day Gala.

The gala will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Highlands Senior Center, located at 3245 Bowers Road.

The event will feature the world premiere of “A Walk Through Time,” a 30-minute film about the history of Anderson Marsh, the American Indians who lived on the land for thousands of years and the preservation of Anderson Marsh through the creation of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The event is also being sponsored by the Koi Nation Cultural Protection Association and the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.

“We are planning a great evening of entertainment to celebrate Native American Day,” said Dino Beltran, treasurer of the Koi Nation Tribal Council.

Peter Coyote, the award-winning actor, author, director, screenwriter and narrator, will introduce the film.

The evening also will include American Indian drumming and dancing, and a talk by the noted local archaeologist, John Parker.

“We encourage everyone to come and celebrate with us and enjoy this beautiful film about the history of Lake County’s Anderson Marsh and the Koi people who have lived there,” Beltran said.

The film was directed by Dan Bruns, an Emmy-nominated director from Chico.

"This film is a joint project of the Koi Nation of Northern California, the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Advanced Laboratory for Visual Anthropology at CSU, Chico,” explained Bruns. “It tells the incredible history of the Koi, who lived at Anderson Marsh continuously for over 14,000 years, and the efforts to keep the land’s breathtaking beauty and culture intact for future generations to enjoy.”

Bruns added, “The best part of making this film was the opportunity to be involved with the Koi Nation, the State Parks and the people of Lake County who have worked so hard to preserve and protect this special place. I think everyone who sees this film will learn something new about the history of Anderson Marsh and the people who lived there.”

The event on July 18 will begin at 6 p.m., with the doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets to the event are $20, and will be on sale at the door and before the event in Clearlake at Catfish Coffee House and in Lakeport at Watershed Books.

All proceeds will benefit the work of the Koi Nation Cultural Protection Association and the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.

For more information about the event, contact the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association at 707-995-9658 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .