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Some of Lake County’s Pearl Harbor survivors, including, from left, Bud Boner, Walt Urmann, Bill Slater, Henry Anderson and Jim Harris, all of whom have died over the past several years. Photo courtesy of Janeane Bogner.


LAKEPORT, Calif. – Pearl Harbor Survivors, Chapter 23 North, Lake County will observe the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The commemoration will begin at 9 a.m. at the Pearl Harbor Memorial mast in Library Park.

They will be honoring those who served there and who are no longer with us.

Invocation will be by the Rev. Father Adam Kotas.

Military ceremonies, including a rifle salvo, will be performed by the Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team.

Raising of the flag and lowering to half mast will be done by the Sea Scout Ship Konocti Phoenix.

Doug Patten will lead in singing the national anthem.

The event’s master of ceremonies is Ronnie Bogner, an honorary Pearl Harbor Survivors member.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – One man was killed and two other people were injured in a head-on collision on Saturday afternoon east of Clearlake Oaks.

Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the man who died was Kenneth Kub Xiong, 19, of Stockton.

The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office said the fatal wreck occurred on Highway 20 near Walker Ridge Road at 1:20 p.m. Saturday.

The CHP said Xiong was driving his 1996 Honda Civic westbound, just west of Walker Ridge Road, at an unknown speed.

At the same time, Nina Watanabe, 65, of Elk Grove was driving her 2015 Toyota Tacoma eastbound in the same area at approximately 50 miles per hour, within the No. 2 lane. Riding as her passenger was 75-year-old James Darke of Sacramento, the CHP said.

The CHP said that, due to Xiong’s unsafe speed for the wet conditions, his vehicle lost traction with the roadway, causing it to cross over the solid double yellow lines and into the eastbound lane, directly in front of Watanabe.

Watanabe attempted to brake and steer her Toyota to the right, however, the CHP she was unable to avoid a head-on collision with Xiong’s Honda.

Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway, blocking all lanes of Highway 20, which was closed for an extended period of time as firefighters and CHP officers worked at the scene, based on radio reports.

Watanabe and her passenger, Darke, both of whom were wearing their seat belts, sustained major injuries and were transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Clear Lake, the CHP said.

The CHP said Xiong, who also was using his seat belt, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the collision scene by medical personnel.

Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected of being factors in this collision, the CHP 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.
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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On Friday, Dec. 6, Kelseyville’s Main Street merchants will once again welcome guests to enjoy the magic of Christmas in downtown.

They will light up Main Street with holiday floats, an 80-foot lighted tree and lots of merriment for the 29th annual “Christmas in the Country.”

At 5:30 p.m. the festivities begin with the annual Holiday Merchant Open House. Local businesses will open their doors and offer lots of complimentary holiday treats to sample and provide an opportunity to start your holiday shopping.

Live Oak Belgian horses will again pull a large wooden wagon down Main Street.

“The wagon rides are a wonderful holiday tradition that really excites the children,” said Victoria Christie, owner of Roto-Rooter of Lake County, this year’s sponsor of the wagon rides.

At 6:30 p.m. the crowd favorite Parade of Lights begins on Main Street with tractors, horses and holiday floats elaborately decorated with lights.

Parade entries are still available; entry forms can be found at the the KBA website, www.visitkelseyville.com .

This year’s parade entrants will help with providing extra security. “We have hired CHP officers for both ends of Main Street to keep the traffic controlled,” said co-chair Marilyn Holdenried. “We felt it was worth the investment to keep our community safer.”

Don’t miss Santa Claus at 7 p.m. when he makes his annual pre-Christmas Kelseyville appearance at Westamerica Bank. He will be listening to Christmas wishes of all the
children. Photos will be taken by Santa’s Helpers.

Music will be provided by the Piano Man, David Neft. The Bridge Band will be playing holiday music at the Presbyterian Church and there will be caroling in United Methodist Church and the Unitarian Universalist shared space on Main Street.

There will be lots of food too: Pogo’s pizza-by-the-slice, John’s Market barbecue, chili and chowder at the Presbyterian Church, cocoa and coffee by the Big Valley 4Hers and tamales at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

Come out and start your Christmas season in Kelseyville, the friendly country town, on Friday, Dec. 6.
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Lake Transit Authority’s expanded Medi-Links service will now travel from Lake County to Santa Rosa, California. Courtesy photo.


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake Transit Authority announced that it is expanding its Medi-Links service to Santa Rosa.

This nonemergency medical transportation service will now be available five days per week.

The service is managed by Lake Links, a new transportation agency dedicated to serving these medical and other special needs.

“After we announced the new service in July with service only on Tuesdays, we found that people had difficulty if their appointments were scheduled on other weekdays. We needed to make service available five days per week,” said Lake Links Mobility Programs Manager Karl Parker.

Medi-Links service will operate one van per day to medical providers in Santa Rosa. It will operate as a demand-response service, meaning that the van will only run when needed.

Trips will begin and end at the location at which clients were picked up. The route and schedule taken on any given day will depend on the needs of the passengers. Appointments with medical offices in Santa Rosa should be scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., although it may be possible to accommodate other times.

Senior centers, hospitals and clinics will be used as readily-accessible pick up points.

Passengers will need to arrange to get to and from the pickup sites in Lake County. Those needing help may be eligible for assistance either via regular Lake Transit service, or the Pay-Your-Pal ride assistance program, also operated by Lake Links.

Lem Cheney of Nice recently used Medi-Links and reported that “the service was great – easy and convenient!”

When asked if he would recommend the service to others, Cheney said, “Yes! Definitely! And you can’t beat the twenty dollar round trip fare!”

In partnership with Lake Links and the Area Planning Council, Lake Transit Authority has been studying the need for non-emergency medical transportation outside the County for several years. This new service is funded by a grant from the Federal Transportation Administration.

Surveys of Lake County medical providers, as well as anecdotal experience reported by Lake County residents have identified Santa Rosa as one of the locations of medical providers to which Lake County residents are most frequently referred for specialized care and treatment.

Advance reservations are required by 5 p.m. on Wednesday of the week prior to the appointment.

The fare is $10 one-way for elderly & disabled people, and $20 one-way for general public. There are no additional charges for persons who need to accompany the rider.

Transport will be provided via a comfortable new lift-equipped van which can accommodate wheelchairs and electric scooters.

For more information, contact Karl Parker at 707-995-3330, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.lakelinks.org .
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair Board of Directors is inviting the community to help it build a better fair.

The board encourages community members to attend its upcoming meeting to be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Little Theater building at the Lake County Fairgrounds, located at 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

The Dec. 10 meeting will provide an opportunity for the Fair Board of Directors to hear community input and comments regarding the fair event, district agricultural association, and the fairgrounds.

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the Lake County Fair and to explore future possibilities and opportunities.

The goal is to “build a better” Lake County Fair and to ensure it serves the needs of the community today and tomorrow.

“We look forward to hearing from all of you,” said Board President Tom Turner. “With the coming of the new year, the Fair Board of Directors seeks to hire a new chief executive officer to represent the fair. As part of this process, we are exploring a ‘2020 and beyond’ vision for the Lake County Fairgrounds that aligns our mission with the needs and expectations of the community.”

Local government officials representing the county of Lake and cities of Lakeport and Clearlake are encouraged to attend.

In addition, members of the Lake County and Clearlake Chamber of Commerce; members of agriculture organizations including Lake County Farm Bureau, 4-H and FFA groups, California Women for Agriculture, and members of the Lake County Fair Foundation; community business owners and representatives of banking, real estate, wineries and vineyards, and other business entities; Lake County Fair staff, associates and contractors should also attend.

Most importantly, members of the public who attend the annual fair and participate in numerous activities held at the Lake County Fairgrounds are invited to share and participate.

“We need your input to ensure the strong future of the Lake County Fair,” said Turner. “Join us on Dec. 10. We look forward to hearing your comments, concerns and expectations for your Lake County Fair.”

The Dec. 10 meeting will be facilitated by Kalia Mitchell, board resource coordinator, Fairs & Expositions Branch of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

For more information on this community meeting or to request an application for the CEO position, please contact the Lake County Fair, 49th District Agricultural Association, P.O. Box 70, Lakeport, CA 95453. CEO applications should be received by Dec. 6.

The Lake County Fair – also known as the 49th District Agricultural Association – is one of 54 fair organizations that operate as state agencies under the authority of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fairs & Expositions Branch.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council this week will look at a design element for the proposed Lakefront Promenade, and hold public hearings on a telecommunications-related policy and wireless facilities rules.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

Community Development Director Kevin Ingram will present to the council a request to approve a proposed wood plank stamped concrete design for use along the Lakefront Promenade.

Ingram’s report to the council explains that a key element of the adopted 2017 Lakeport Lakefront Revitalization Plan includes a “waterfront promenade” along the entire shoreline of Clear Lake, stretching from C Street to Clear Lake Avenue.

He said the initial implementation phase would accompany the replacement of the storm-damaged sea wall, scheduled to be replaced this month.

Other phases would follow, including one related to the proposed development of a lakeside park at the Natural High property and a  waterfront path between Library Park and proposed new Lakefront Park, with future phases also to include private lands, such as the Will-O-Point Resort and the North Main Resort.

The council also will hold a public hearing to adopt and ordinance adding Chapter 15.28 Telecommunications Infrastructure Improvements to the Lakeport Municipal Code establishing a “dig once” policy for the city.

Ingram’s report to the council explains that dig once policies “are currently being adopted by municipalities across the county as a best management practice to improve and facilitate telecommunications infrastructure improvements. Dig once policies allow for the coordination between public works departments, public utility companies and internet service providers. Planned excavation/trenching projects in the public right-of-way is a coordination opportunity for the laying of broadband conduit simultaneously with these projects, reducing cost and reducing damage to public sidewalks and roadways. Dig once policies require that these coordination efforts take place.”

Also on Tuesday, the council will hold a public hearing as part of considering the adoption of an ordinance modifying Chapter 17.41 and amending Chapters 17.03, 17.4, 17.05, 17.6, 17.07, 17.8, 17.09, 17.10, 17.11, 17.12, 17.13, 17.14, 17.16, and 17.28 of the Lakeport Municipal Code to permit and regulate wireless facilities within the city of Lakeport.

Tuesday’s meeting also will include a presentation by First 5 California titled “State of Our Children” and a resolution that Police Chief Brad Rasmussen will take to the council supporting the Keeping California Safe Act.

On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on Nov. 19; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the October 2019 public safety power shutoff; and the adoption of the resolution accepting construction of the South Main Street Pavement
Rehabilitation Project by Lamon Construction Co. Inc. and authorize the filing of the notice of completion.

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.



120319 Lakeport City Counci... by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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State Controller Betty T. Yee on Tuesday updated her Government Compensation in California website to include self-reported salary data for K-12 education employers in the state.

The data cover 398,589 positions and almost $16.40 billion in wages at employers including public school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education.

While cities, counties, and special districts are required to report salary and benefits data to the State Controller, K-12 education employers are voluntary reporters for the purposes of GCC.

The State Controller’s Office requested data from 1,925 education employers, 411 of whom filed complete reports.

Another 1,388 K-12 education employers did not file salary data reports, while 126 filed reports that were incomplete or did not comply with reporting guidelines.

In Lake County, only three K-12 employers reported, while six did not, according to the site.

The districts that reported are Lakeport Unified, the Lake County Office of Education and Upper Lake Unified.

Those three reporting districts have a total of 825 employees, pay a combined total of $21.1 million in wages and $7.6 million in benefits.

The breakdown of the reporting districts is as follows:

– Lakeport Unified: 349 employees; total wages, $9,681,038; total retirement and health contribution, $3,521,055.
– Lake County Office of Education: 300 employees; total wages, $6,035,406; total retirement and health contribution, $1,918,911.
– Upper Lake Unified: 176 employees; total wages, $5,451,529; total retirement and health contribution, $2,162,999.

Schools and districts that didn’t file reports included California Connections Academy @ North Bay, Kelseyville Unified, Konocti Unified, Lake County International Charter, Lucerne Elementary and Middletown Unified.
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Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, and 1 in 4 young adults aged 19 to 34 years, are living with prediabetes, according to a new CDC study published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.

Prediabetes is a health condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. The condition also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.

Monitoring the percentage of adolescents and young adults with prediabetes can help determine the future risk of type 2 diabetes. To do this, CDC researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey covering the years 2005-2016.

“The prevalence of prediabetes in adolescents and young adults reinforces the critical need for effective public health strategies that promote healthy eating habits, physical activity, and stress management,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “These lifestyle behaviors can begin early in a child’s life and should continue through adolescence and adulthood to reduce onset of type 2 diabetes.”

Key study findings:

– Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) adolescents (those aged 12-18) and 1 in 4 (24%) young adults (aged 19-34 years) were living with prediabetes.
– The percentage of adolescents and young adults living with prediabetes was higher in males and participants with obesity.
– Hispanic young adults had higher rates of prediabetes compared to white young adults.
– Adolescents and young adults with prediabetes had significantly higher cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, abdominal fat and lower insulin sensitivity than those with normal glucose tolerance, which increased their risk of type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases.

“We’re already seeing increased rates of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications in youth and young adults, and these new findings are evidence of a growing epidemic and a tremendously worrisome threat to the future of our nation’s health,” said Ann Albright, Ph.D., director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. “Additional research is needed to support the development of interventions for youth and increasing access to programs that we know work for young adults, like the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program.”

What can be done?

Research shows that adults with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle-change program, including weight management and exercise, can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent (71% for people over 60 years old).

Participation in the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in those at high risk.

The program, available to those aged 18 and older, is taught by trained lifestyle coaches, and encourages healthy, whole-life changes to help participants address barriers to improved nutrition, increased physical activity and coping mechanisms for stress reduction.

Parents can also help turn the tide on prediabetes by encouraging healthy eating and increased physical activity. They can aim for their children to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day. To find tips on how to encourage children to eat healthy and stay active, visit CDC’s Healthy Weight site.

There are several ways state and local organizations can create a supportive environment to promote healthy weight and help prevent diabetes related to obesity.

States and communities can:

– Support mothers who choose to breastfeed.
– Work with early care and education centers and schools to improve healthy food and beverage offerings and opportunities for physical activity for children.
– Increase access to healthy and affordable foods.
– Make it easier and safer to walk and bike where families live, learn, work, and play.

To learn more about diabetes or the National Diabetes Prevention Program, visit http://cdc.gov/diabetes.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Association of Realtors reported that the sale of single-family residences in Lake County remained steady in October.

The same pattern was observed statewide and in general the trend has been consistent throughout 2019.

There were 69 sales of single-family residences in October compared to 76 sales in October about a 9 percent decrease. The year-over-year decrease was 2.8 percent. In October 2018 there were 71 sales.

The October 2019 median sales price was $269,000, down 2 percent from the September median of $274,500.

The year-to-year median sales price increased 3.9 percent. The median for October 2018 was $259,000.

“Possibly the most challenging issue for Lake County real sales right now is affordable insurance,” said Lake County Association of Realtors President Mary Benson. “Not all properties have this issue, but it is nonetheless extremely important that buyers start their insurance search early in the buying process.”

On the financing side of the business cash buyers purchased 17.5 percent of the sold homes, conventional loans 37.5 percent and FHA 12.5 percent. VA loans accounted for 8.75 percent of the sales and USDA loans 3.75 percent.

On a statewide basis the California Association of Realtors reported that the median sales price in California for October was $605,280, down 0.1 percent from September and up 6.0 percent from October 2018.

Existing, single-family home sales totaled 404,240 in October on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 0.1 percent from September and up 1.9 percent from October 2018.

The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 3.69 percent in October, down from 4.83 percent in October 2018, according to Freddie Mac.

The decrease of 114 basis points for the 30-year fixed-mortgage rate was the largest decline in any 12-month period since November 2009.

The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate was an average of 3.38 percent, compared to 4.08 percent in October 2018.

LAKE COUNTY NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

October 2019
Median price: $269,000
Units sold: 69
Median days to sell: 64

September 2019
Median price: $274,500
Units sold: 76
Median days to sell: 57

October 2018
Median price: $259,000
Units sold: 71
Median days to sell: 51
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – To help senior drivers face the challenges of aging safely, the California Highway Patrol joins the American Occupational Therapy Association in recognizing Dec. 2 to 6 as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.

The American Occupational Therapy Association hopes to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation to ensure older adults remain active in the community – shopping, working or volunteering – with the confidence that transportation will not be the barrier to strand them at home.

“The ability to drive encompasses a person’s knowledge and experience, along with visual, physical, and mental capabilities,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “While knowledge and experience may continue to increase, older drivers must adapt to changes in their capabilities to remain safe, responsible drivers.”

California currently has more than 27 million licensed drivers and more than 4.5 million of them, 17 percent, are 65 or older.

Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows that in 2018, 558 drivers 65 or older were in fatal collisions, with 297 at fault.

Of all California drivers killed in collisions each year, approximately 15 percent are 65 or older.

Driving is a complex activity that requires certain physical, visual and cognitive abilities. As people age, those abilities often change in subtle ways.

A driver’s chronological age is not a good predictor of driving ability. What counts on the road is performance. Having a series of minor crashes or near misses, getting lost on familiar roads, and being spoken to about driving by police, family and friends are a few signs of diminished capacity for safe driving.

The CHP supports older drivers with its free, two-hour Age Well, Drive Smart course.

Through this program, seniors can sharpen their driving skills, refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, and learn how to adjust to normal age-related physical and mental changes. Information is available at CHP Area offices or at www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services .

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security.
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On Monday, the California Department of Water Resources announced an initial State Water Project allocation of 10 percent for the 2020 calendar year.

The initial allocation is based on several factors, such as conservative dry hydrology, reservoir storage, and releases necessary to meet water supply and environmental demands.

State allocations are based on conservative assumptions and may change depending on rain and snow received this winter.

“We are thankful for the recent rains and the start of the new water year with above average reservoir storage, but the dry start in October and November reminds us that California’s weather is extremely variable and we must prepare for various conditions,” said Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth. “The wet weather can stop from one day to the next.”

The 2020 initial allocation amounts to 427,167 acre-feet of water.

Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir, is currently at 54 percent of capacity and 90 percent of average for this time of year.

Shasta Lake, the Central Valley Project’s largest reservoir, is at 71 percent of capacity and 119 percent of average.

San Luis Reservoir, the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States where water is stored for the State Water Project and Central Valley Project, is at 43 percent of capacity and 72 percent of average.

In Southern California, the State Water Project’s Castaic Lake is at 77 percent of capacity and 101 percent of average.

Nearly all areas served by the SWP have sources of water other than the allocation, such as streams, groundwater, and local reservoirs. The SWP provides water to 29 SWP contractors who supply water to more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.

The Department of Water Resources will conduct the season’s first snow survey at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on Jan. 2.

On average, the snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs as it melts in the spring and early summer.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has four adoptable cats and kittens this week.

The following cats and kittens at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in cat room kennel No. 39, ID No. 13198. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has a brown tabby coat with white markings and green eyes.

He is in cat room kennel No. 39, ID No. 13198.

“Bones” is a male domestic long hair kitten in cat room kennel No. 115c, ID No. 13045. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Bones’

“Bones” is a male domestic long hair kitten with a gray tabby and white coat and green eyes.

He is in cat room kennel No. 115c, ID No. 13045.

This female domestic short hair kitten is in cat room kennel No. 141, ID No 13235. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female domestic short hair kitten

This female domestic short hair kitten has an all-black coat and gold eyes.

She is in cat room kennel No. 141, ID No 13235.

This female domestic short hair cat is in cat room kennel No. 144, ID No. 13245. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female domestic short hair

This female domestic short hair has a gray tabby coat and green eyes.

She is in cat room kennel No. 144, ID No. 13245.

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.

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