LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Bay Area firm seeking to purchase and renovate Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa received the Lake County Planning Commission's unanimous approval of its plans at a Thursday morning meeting.

The commission approved a mitigated negative declaration, a major use permit and shoreline variance for Resort Equities LLC's renovation plans for the Kelseyville resort, once the county's top resort destination, which has been closed since November 2009.

Resort Equities President Grant Sedgwick spoke to the commission about the project and what he hopes it can do to improve Lake County's tourism and enhance its reputation.

“I'm very excited about it,” Sedgwick said of the resort renovation plan.

About 60 people were on hand for the two-hour meeting at the Lake County Courthouse.

During the course of the meeting, additional mitigations suggested for the project – having an American Indian monitor on site for any ground work, including demolition; requiring the resort to participate in the invasives mussel prevention program; and planting of tules to help filter runoff in an undeveloped shoreline area slated for new buildings – were added by staff.

“They're all reasonable,” Resort Equities President Grant Sedgwick said of the requests for the additional measures following the meeting.

Principal Planner Kevin Ingram, who along with Community Development Director Rick Coel has worked on processing Resort Equities' application, called it a “wonderful but complicated” project.

Ingram noted he's fielded about 50 calls or visits to his office from people interested in the plans for Konocti Harbor. “A vast majority of those have been positive.”

The plans call for demolishing 121 of the 261 existing lodging units, renovating another 150 units as well as the main lodge and pool areas, building a new 75-unit hotel building adjacent to the pool and 15 two-story fourplexes for another 60 units along a currently undeveloped area of shoreline near the amphitheater.

At full buildout, the 90-acre property – of which about 58 acres is developed – will have 164 timeshare or fractional ownership units, Ingram said, along with a new waterside bar and grill, greater shoreline pedestrian access, more parking, 275 boat slips (currently there are 100), five piers and docks will be repaired, there will be an expanded system of piers and docks, and the amphitheater will be renovated.

Coel said the plans call for extending docks and amenities out into the lake, with the proposal including allowing the new party deck near the main lodge to be 35 feet high, rather than the 20 feet limit.

In explaining the shoreline ordinance variance, Coel noted, “Staff feels strongly that the variance findings can be made because of the uniqueness of this site, the prominence of it and the lack of public access to this whole region of Clear Lake.”

Ingram said that in September when the project first came in, county staff organized a site visit with a number of local and state agencies, which he said was a great experience.

“It was a great amount of knowledge that came out of that. The applicant was receptive to it,” he said, with an updated project application from Resort Equities working in suggestions from the meeting.

Commissioner Olga Martin Steele asked about lake impacts, increased sediments and fish spawning areas.

Coel said the shoreline improvements will consist of utilizing existing pilings. “That significantly minimizes the impact to the lakebed,” he said, adding that the resort has been developed and used for lake access facilities for 40 to 50 years.

Steele wanted to know if fish spawned in the area. Coel said the county had received no information from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or Department of Water Resources about whether there are spawning beds along Konocti Harbor's shoreline.

He said the water in that area is deeper, with spawning beds tending to be in shallow lake areas near tules. The dock structures provide shade that is beneficial to some species.

Explaining the project

Sedgwick said the plan includes job creation, positive economic impacts and entertainment.

He said that the project success and the county's are tied together. Lake County's tourism is suffering when compared to other areas and the resort is an important element in putting a rebuilding process in place.

Tourism in Lake County has only increased 55 percent since 1992, which Sedgwick said isn't even keeping up with inflation. Meanwhile, in neighboring counties such as Napa and Sonoma, tourism has increased more than 200 percent in that same timeframe.

“There is a bit of a perception problem about the lake itself and Lake County,” he said. “It isn't warranted.”

Sedgwick said he and business partner Richard Ragatz sent out an email survey to 17,000 people in a Konocti Harbor customer database. Out of those, they received 3,000 replies, which he called an “overwhelming” response.

Of those who had responded, more than 70 percent had stayed in the resort's lodging facilities, about 90 percent had attended a concert and 94 percent had an overall favorable experience, Sedgwick said.

Because of seasonality, it’s important to have varying types of ownership – including partial and timeshare – underpinning the real estate, Sedgwick said, explaining that the resort historically had occupancy of less than 40 percent.

Sedgwick said they could spend up to $90 million on the project's renovation plans. They don't yet have that amount raised, and are still in the process of working on financing. The planning commission's support, he added, would be important in the process.

“It's hard to summarize all the things I’m feeling about this project in just a couple of minutes,” he said.

Commission Chair Bob Malley said Konocti Harbor had always comprised four to five cylinders of the county's eight-cylinder economy, and he was glad to see someone stepping up to take it over.

Community speaks on project

Despite the large crowd, only a handful of people spoke on the project, mostly to ask questions and to request additional mitigations.

County staff also answered questions from some nearby residents who wondered if the additional undeveloped land is to have any building activity – there's no such proposal – and if lighting mitigations will be in place, with Malley noting that lighting rules have changed since the resort was open.

Archaeologist Dr. John Parker of the Lake County Historical Society said the resort was in a highly sensitive area and a registered archaeologist should work alongside an American Indian monitor to observe ground disturbing activities anywhere on the property.

Coel said there were no identified archaeological sites in the vicinity that required an entire archaeological study. He said 90 percent of the property has been surveyed but the undeveloped area along the shoreline where the fourplexes are proposed to be built hadn't been surveyed, so they added the monitor requirement.

Coel said they are trying to provide a level of protection, and from a business standpoint it makes a lot of sense to do an archaeological study before doing earthwork. “This project is on a constrained timeline and we really need to get this done.”

Jack Long, the county's economic development manager, read into the record the county's support for the project.

“Staff is pleased to see Resort Equities' commitment and dedication to the project,”Long said.

Konocti Harbor was a premier destination in the county, and its closure caused ripples across the county's economy, Long said. Its return would provide a boost to the economy and the plans include all of the elements the county believes would make it successful.

Victoria Brandon, on behalf of the Sierra Club Lake Group, said there needed to be included in the project conditions a requirement that the resort adheres to the county's invasive mussel prevention program. She also suggested a tule replanting project along the resort's lakeshore would attract wildlife.

She said she was delighted that Sedgwick recognizes the perception problem – not the reality problem – for Lake County, and said the renovated resort could be the kind of first class operation that helps address that perception.

Sarah Ryan, environmental director for Big Valley Rancheria, also urged the commission to keep a tribal monitor present for any ground disturbance in the entire project area. She also wanted language included in the project requirements relating to species of special concern such as the Clear Lake hitch, which is now being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act.

During commission discussion, Steele said she liked adding additional mitigations such as the tule plantings, but Coel said that under the California Environmental Quality Act there need to be impacts identified in order to require mitigations.

Malley said that the nexus is that additional runoff will result once buildings are placed on the undeveloped shoreline area, and he suggested they add a provision for placing tule beds in the area to filter runoff.

Coel asked for a brief break so he and Ingram could come back with some modified language in the permit requirements.

The changes presented to the commission included requiring Resort Equities to enter into an agreement with Lake County Water Resources to become a participant in the invasive mussels prevention program prior to operating the resort.

The firm also must provide a tule planting plan to the Water Resources Department for review and approval prior to the issuance of the building permits for the fourplexes on the shoreline. The tules should be planted within six months of the completion of the units.

In addition, Resort Equities shall provide the county with an archaeological reconnaissance study that will include the areas of existing development where demolition is proposed.

Malley asked if Sedgwick was amenable, and Ingram said yes.

Commissioner Gil Schoux made the three separate motions to approve the mitigated negative declaration as amended, grant the use permit and find that the request for a variance from the shoreline ordinance met the requirements. All three motions were approved unanimously.

“Konocti, get moving,” said Malley, with the audience giving a round of applause to the vote.

After the meeting, Ingram told Lake County News that once a seven day period during which appeals can be filed is over, Resort Equities could come in and begin filing for building permits. But he didn't expect that would happen just yet.

Sedgwick told Lake County News that the sale is anticipated to close the first or second week of March 2014.

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.

COBB, Calif. – A 3.4-magnitude quake was recorded early Thursday morning near The Geysers geothermal steamfield.

The quake occurred at 2:57 a.m. at a depth of 1.7 miles, according to the US Geological Survey.

It was centered one mile northwest of The Geysers and 13 miles southwest of Clearlake, the survey reported.

Another 3.4-magnitude quake occurred near The Geysers on Nov. 14, the survey reported.

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.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and its law enforcement partners throughout the nation are pleased to announce the results from the two recent traffic safety challenges issued for Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 40 (I-40).

No lives were lost during the two-day campaign on I-40.

However, one person was killed during the four-day effort on I-5 in California’s Kern County.

“We have to acknowledge the public who took the challenges seriously and traveled safely throughout the weekend,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “While one life was tragically lost during the challenge campaign, it is encouraging what can be accomplished when everyone works together for a common goal.”

More than nine states, including California, joined forces over the recent Thanksgiving holiday weekend to educate the public and encourage everyone to drive safe and buckle up.

The goal of the combined efforts from the two challenges was to ensure no lives were lost during one of the busiest travel weekends on I-5 or I-40.

The CHP focused on education and enforcement regarding speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), distracted driving, and failure to wear a seat belt.

The one life lost during the I-5 Challenge was a child not restrained in the backseat of the vehicle. The CHP reminds the public that it offers free child safety seat inspections and installations at every Area office throughout the state. Contact your local CHP office to schedule an appointment.

During the same time frame as the two nationwide challenges on I-5 and I-40 were taking place, the CHP’s Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) was being conducted statewide.

Overall, there were 33 people killed in collisions in California during the 4 ¼-day effort, which reflects a 25-percent decrease from the same period last year. Arrests for driving under the influence by the CHP were also down from last year by 9 percent (1,320 arrests for DUI in 2012 and 1,201 DUI arrests by CHP in 2013).

Among the vehicle occupants killed in collisions within CHP jurisdiction, 88 percent (15 of the 17 vehicle occupants) were not wearing a seat belt.

California has a very high occupant restraint compliance rate of approximately 97 percent, which is well above the national average of 86 percent.

While the majority of Californians are buckling up, allowing them to survive collisions or avoid serious injury, we need to reach the small percentage of people who have not heeded the message.

“As you travel during this holiday season, please take the time to buckle up and secure your children in a child safety seat. Make sure everyone in the car, including passengers in the rear seats, are buckled up before you start your trip and throughout the journey,” added Commissioner Farrow. “We have seen it time and again, seat belts do save lives.”

Although the challenges and MEP may have concluded, the public should continue to practice safe driving habits anytime they get behind the wheel.

“Traffic safety is a concern for all of us in law enforcement throughout California,” said Covina Police Chief Kim Raney, president of the 1,120-member California Police Chiefs Association. “Most of the traffic deaths that occur on our roadways can be prevented if motorists obey the speed limit, eliminate distractions behind the wheel, avoid drinking and driving and buckle up every trip, every time. It’s especially tragic that during the Thanksgiving weekend so many people died because they weren’t wearing a seat belt. It only takes a few seconds to buckle up and vastly improve your odds of surviving in a collision.”

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A vehicle stop conducted Wednesday morning resulted in the arrest of Clearlake man and the seizure of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Brett Alan Miller, 48, was arrested following the stop, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday a patrol deputy was traveling westbound on Highway 20 in Lucerne when he noticed a vehicle traveling in front of him that was in violation of the California Vehicle Code. Brooks said the deputy conducted an enforcement stop in the area of Highway 20 and 7th Avenue in Lucerne.

The deputy asked the driver – identified as Miller – to see his driver’s license. Miller said it had been suspended. Brooks said Central Dispatch ran a records check of Miller and confirmed his driving privilege was in fact suspended.

A K9 unit arrived and assisted with the enforcement stop. Brooks said the K9 deputy deployed his partner to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. As the canine approached the passenger side of the vehicle, she produced a positive alert, indicating there was the odor of a controlled substance present.

The deputy conducted a search of the vehicle and located a small metal container in the rear pouch of the right front passenger seat, according to Brooks.

He said the deputy opened the container and located a plastic bag containing a white crystalline substance he recognized to be methamphetamine.

In the same pouch next to the metal container, Brooks said the deputy also located a glass pipe which is commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.

Miller was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and for driving while his license is suspended or revoked. He was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.

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

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Five high schools, eight youth oriented programs and three other nonprofit organizations will share the $90,000 raised this year from September's Lake County Wine Auction.

The funds were distributed Wednesday evening at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro in Kelseyville.

This year, education was the emphasis.

“Our commitment to this critical area will ensure that Lake County grows as a strong and healthy community for the next generation,” said Kaj Ahlmann, president of the Lake County Wine Alliance.

The Wine Alliance, is a nonprofit organization of wineries, winegrape growers, vineyard owners, related businesses and community supporters and sponsor of the Wine Auction.

Since its founding in 2000, the Wine Alliance has raised $1,081,302 to foster the arts, benefit health services and otherwise support the Lake County community.

Applications are now being accepted for proceeds from the next year's auction, to be held on Sept. 20, 2014.

The 2013 Auction, the 14th, took place at the Cole Creek Equestrian Center in Kelseyville, a special venue which contributed not only to successful fundraising but also to the promotion of Lake County as not only a premier wine region but also a community of diverse agriculture.

This venue was so popular that the auction board has chosen it for the 2014 event as well.

The honorary chairs for the 2013's Wine Auction were John and Joanne VanEck, the owners of Cole Creek Equestrian. They were assisted by committee co-chairs Judy Luchsinger of Lakeport and Sharron Zoller of Kelseyville.

The event's success this year would not have been possible without the support of valued sponsors: Mendo Lake Credit Union, Calpine, Six Sigma Ranch, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Kathy Fowler Chevrolet, Bella Vista Farming, John C. Clarke, Shannon Ridge Winery, The Savings Bank of Mendocino, Umpqua Bank, Ceago Vineyard and Winery, Kelseyville Pharmacy, Brassfield Estate Vineyard & Winery and the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

The board of directors of the Lake County Wine Alliance wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year's success possible. Their support is deeply appreciated, not only by the alliance but by its beneficiaries as well.

The proceeds for 2013 were distributed as follows.

The Arts ($30,000)

• $6,000, Lower Lake High School
• $6,000, Kelseyville High School
• $6,000, Upper Lake High School
• $6,000, Clearlake High School
• $6,000, Middletown High School

Health and community ($32,000)

• $2,700, Clearlake Performing Arts youth programs
• $1,000, Yuba College Culinary Club
• $1,500, Friends of the Lake County Museum Student Outreach Program
• $1,600, Lake County Literacy Task Force Imagination Library
• $1,600, Lake County Boy Scouts Wreaths Across America
• $1,500, MDSC Boy Scouts (Cut Scout Day Damp)
• $1,600, LC Council of Church Women United Shoes and Socks Program
• $3,500, Operation Tango Mike
• $15,000, Lake County Office of Education Taylor Observatory
• $15,000, Lake County 4-H
• $15,000, People Services

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol arrested a woman on Monday after she allegedly caused a three-vehicle crash and then fled the scene.

Elise Amanda Schwind, 35, of Paradise was arrested just before 1 p.m. Monday, according to CHP Officer Kory Reynolds.

At around 12:45 p.m. Schwind was driving a Honda CRV when she allegedly rear-ended a vehicle that was stopped for construction work on Highway 53 near Ogulin Canyon Road outside of Clearlake, Reynolds said.

Reynolds said the vehicle Schwind hit then rear-ended a third vehicle. The other drivers suffered minor injuries.

Schwind fled the scene, traveling down Old Highway 53, where Reynolds said he located her. He said he also found her in possession of a glass methamphetamine pipe.

He took Schwind into custody and returned her to the crash scene, where CHP Officer Randy Forslund placed her under arrest for driving under the influence and hit and run, Reynolds said.

Schwind was booked at the Lake County Jail on felony hit and run resulting in injury and DUI causing bodily injury, and misdemeanor charges of possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and using or being under the influence of controlled substances, according to her booking sheet.

Jail records shows that Schwind's bail was set at $50,000, and she remained in custody early Wednesday.

On Oct. 31 Schwind had been arrested on charges of being under the influence of drugs, and obstruction and battery on a peace officer, according to jail records.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – A 3.7-magnitude earthquake hit near the Angwin area late Thursday.

The earthquake was recorded at 10:44 p.m. at a depth of 6.3 miles, according to the US Geological Survey.

It was located seven miles north northeast of Angwin and 22 miles southeast of Clearlake, the survey said.

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.

Veterans, their families and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

“We’re pleased there will be another cost-of-living increase for veterans, their families and their survivors,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “The increase expresses in a tangible way our nation’s gratitude for the sacrifices made by our service-disabled and wartime veterans.”

For the first time, payments will not be rounded down to the nearest dollar. Until this year, that was required by law.

Veterans and survivors will see additional cents included in their monthly compensation benefit payment.

For veterans without dependents, the new compensation rates will range from $130.94 monthly for a disability rated at 10 percent to $2,858.24 monthly for 100 percent.

The full rates are available on the Internet at www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/rates-index.asp .

The COLA increase also applies to disability and death pension recipients, survivors receiving dependency and indemnity compensation, disabled veterans receiving automobile and clothing allowances, and other benefits.

Under federal law, cost-of-living adjustments for VA’s compensation and pension must match those for Social Security benefits.

The last adjustment was in January 2013 when the Social Security benefits rate increased 1.7 percent.

In fiscal year 2013, VA provided over $59 billion in compensation benefits to nearly four million veterans and survivors, and over $5 billion in pension benefits to more than 515,000 veterans and survivors.

For veterans and separating servicemembers who plan to file an electronic disability claim, VA urges them to use the joint DoD/VA online portal, eBenefits. registered eBenefits users with a premium account can file a claim online, track the status, and access a variety of other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan eligibility, and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.

For more information about VA benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Holiday fun returns to downtown Kelseyville this week with the annual Christmas in the Country' Merchant Open House and Parade of Lights.

The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, on Main Street.

Every Christmas the Kelseyville Business Association rings in the holiday season by showing off what it does best: an old-fashioned Christmas in the country, some down home country hospitality and the best light show this side of the constellation Orion.

The spirit of spontaneity may be a part of what makes the combined parade and open house so charming.

Holiday music fills the air all along Main Street starting at 5:30 p.m. Stroll through town and take in all the sights and sounds in the crisp winter air, where the shops owners have their doors open to welcome all who stop in to have tasty treats, warm beverages and discover the country town.

Come early to get something to eat.

Starting at 5 p.m. Kelseyville Presbyterian Church – located behind Westamerica Bank – will hold its annual chowder and chili dinner. St. Peters Catholic Church on Main St. will have hot dogs and beans, coffee, hot cocoa and treats.

Kelseyville United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist Community will have free treats and holiday singing. Please bring some canned food or a donation to help support their holiday food baskets for local families in need.

The parade of lights starts at 6:30 p.m. with Santa, and that's when the fun really begins.

The participants work so hard to delight all with their floats, boats and all sorts of things decorated with holiday lights that lets everyone of all ages feel the joy of the holidays.

Immediately after the parade, walk down to the Kelseyville Fire House where Santa will light the town Christmas tree.

Then follow Santa across the street to Westamerica Bank and whisper your wishes and have a photo with Jolly Old St. Nick, taken by Dawn Smith of Color Splash Photos. Smith donates the proceeds to make Christmas wishes come true for Lake County's foster children.

While waiting for Santa enjoy the music and sing a long by David Neft and caroling by the Sweet Adelines.

Enjoy the lights and decorations through town. So many business owners came out and help make it sparkle and twinkle. That's the kind of country town that Kelseyville is, where everyone loves to step up and help out.

After the parade Kelsey Creek Brewing will have live music, Studebakers Coffee House can create that special holiday drink to warm you up, the Sawshop Gallery Bistro will have wine and complimentary cookies, Wildhurst Tasting Room will have mulled wine and cookies, Rosa D' Oro Tasting Room will offer Italian cookies and mulled Muscato, Kelseyville Pharmacy has a huge selection of holiday ornaments and home décor, and visit with antique and collectible dealers to find those unique gifts.

Also throughout the Christmas season – through Jan. 4 – Taylor Observatory will present “The Mystery of the Christmas Star,” a real delight for the family. Go to www.taylorobservatoy.org or call 707-262-4121 for more information.

Be sure not to miss out on the Lake County Theatre Co. performing “Peter Pan” Dec. 5-15 at Kelseyville Gard Street School. Visit www.LakeCountyTheatreCompany.org or call 707-998-0224 for more information.

So mark your calendars, wear your scarves and mittens, visit with old friends and make new ones while starting off your holiday season in a Christmas country town.

For more information or if you want to be in the parade, contact Mary Morse at 707-279-8559.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Robinson Rancheria's tribal chair, who was facing trial for grand theft for allegedly embezzling more than $60,000 from another local tribe, has died.

Tracey Avila, 52, of Nice died following several months of declining health, according to her attorney, Justin Petersen of Ukiah.

Petersen said he was notified by Avila's family on Thursday morning of her death.

He did not know when she died or the exact cause of death, but confirmed she had a number of ongoing health concerns, including diabetes.

“She was recovering from a stroke but had a number of other medical issues, primarily kidney failure,” he said. “I think the combination of those issues just got the best of her.”

Avila was facing trial for having allegedly taken the money while working as Elem’s fiscal officer from February 2006 to September 2008.

Elem began the investigation before requesting federal assistance, with the investigation later assumed by the EPA Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Housing and Urban Development's Office of the Inspector General.

Avila was arrested for felony grand theft in September 2011.

Court proceedings in Avila's case had run into numerous delays.

Her preliminary hearing was rescheduled and delayed until October 2012, when Judge Andrew Blum ordered her to stand trial for the charge.

Trial dates also were repeatedly set and reset, with the defense requesting four continuances of the trial earlier this year, according to Deputy District Attorney Rachel Abelson, who was handling Avila's prosecution.

Avila was last in court Aug. 13, Abelson said. That same month, delays due to Avila's health problems began, and continued into October and November.

On Nov. 13 the District Attorney's Office was told Avila would be in a rehabilitation hospital until next spring, said Abelson.

Petersen said that last delay followed his receipt of a note from Avila's doctor saying that she would be in no condition to continue with the court proceedings until at least April of next year.

As a result, the case had been scheduled to return to court on March 11, 2014, for resetting of the trial date, Petersen said.

Despite the criminal case against her and her health issues, Avila had managed to remain tribal chair.

During her tenure as chair, Avila disputed a June 2008 tribal election that she lost to EJ Crandell, and maintained her seat after the election was thrown out.

Later that same year, she oversaw the disenrollment of dozens of members of the Quitiquit family, who had supported Crandell in the disputed election.

Under her leadership the tribal council also moved forward last year with evictions of several Quitiquit family members from homes on the rancheria. The evictees argued that they resided in homes they contracted to purchase through a federally funded, low-income housing program, not the tribe.

This past January, during another set of evictions, a fight broke out between tribal members and law enforcement who were on the rancheria on standby, with several tribal members arrested afterward.

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. – The current weather forecast is predicting freezing temperatures over the next few days and Lake County Special Districts is reminding everyone to protect their water pipes from freezing.

A few precautionary steps may help avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes.

The following tips are suggested.

Seal out cold air

Caulk around pipes where they enter the house and close all foundation vents. This will stop cold winter air from blowing into your house.

Open foundation vents are probably the greatest cause of frozen or split water pipes. You will not only protect your pipes, but you may also reduce your winter heating needs.

Be sure to remember to open the foundation vents again in the spring to prevent moisture damage and dry rot.

Protect outside pipes and faucets

For newer homes, the outside hose bibs are frost free, meaning that the shut off valve is actually located deep inside the insulated wall.

If you are not sure if the hose bib is frost free, when you turn it off and water continues to drain for a few seconds, this is a good indication that the hose bib is frost-free.

If you are not sure or if you do not have a frost-free hose bib, then you will need to wrap the hose bib with newspapers or rags covered with plastic, fiberglass or molded foam-insulating covers to wrap the faucet. Premade molded foam insulating covers are available at most plumbing and hardware stores.

Disconnect all outdoor hoses from the faucets

This allows water to drain from the connected pipes. When a hose is attached, one overnight freeze can cause the faucet or the pipes to crack.

Locate your water shutoff valve

Know where your main water shutoff valve is outside of your home.

Typically they are located near the water meter or where the water pipes enter the house from the outside.

It is very important to know where this valve is located because if a pipe bursts anywhere in the house – kitchen, bath, basement or crawl space – this valve will turn it off.

Insulate the pipes

Wrapping will protect pipes from freezing.

Check your house for pipes in unheated areas such as the crawl space, attic, garage or basement. Use insulating tape or molded pipe sleeves (available at most home improvement stores) and wrap it over the entire length of exposed pipe.

Foam pipe insulation is split down the middle and you just slip it over the pipes. You may need to cut the insulation to fit certain lengths.

Cover all valves, pipe-fittings, etc. with insulating tape or fiberglass insulation.

Unoccupied house?

When leaving the house for an extended time, or if you live in an older home, consider opening cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Water lines supplying the kitchen or bathrooms are frequently located next to outside walls. Any air leaks in the siding or insulation can cause these pipes to freeze. Leaving these cabinet doors open when the temperature is below freezing allows pipes behind the cabinets to get more heat.

You can also contact a local plumber to winterize your home if it will be vacant during the winter.

Frozen pipes are particularly hazardous in vacant homes because nobody is home to hear or notice water running from a broken pipe.

If your pipes freeze, thaw the lines safely. If you know where the lines are frozen, you can attempt to thaw them with a hair dryer set on low heat. Wave the dryer back and forth along the frozen area. Thawing won’t be fast, but it will be safe.

If you have any questions, call Special Districts at 707-263-0119.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings for parts of Lake County due to a cold air mass moving from Canada into California.

A hard freeze warning is in effect from midnight Wednesday to 10 a.m. Friday, with a freeze warning in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

The warnings are in effect for the southern half of Lake County, below the 2,000 foot elevation mark, according to forecasters.

The very cold air mass bringing the freezing temperatures to the region originated in western Canada, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to dip into the low 20s to low 30s during the hard freeze warning's timeframe, based on the forecast.

County residents are urged to cover sensitive vegetation, make sure pets and livestock have proper shelter, and take precautions to prevent water pipes from bursting.

AccuWeather.com said parts of California could see temperature lows not normal this early in the winter season.

The cold weather outlook facing California is the latest result of Arctic air moving in over the Western United States this week, AccuWeather.com reported.

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.