Sunday, 23 February 2025

Register

News

Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The first significant heat wave of the season has prompted the National Weather Service to issue an excessive heat warning for Lake and several neighboring counties through Wednesday.

The warning, which went into effect Monday afternoon, is in effect through 8 a.m. Wednesday, forecasters said.

The heat wave coming to Northern California is the result of a strong high pressure system, the National Weather Service reported.

An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of hot temperatures will occur and create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely, the agency said.

That makes it particularly important to stay hydrated, stay out of the sun and inside in an air-conditioned room, check on relatives and neighbors, and make sure children and pets are not left in cars.

The specific Lake County forecast calls for daytime highs hovering in the high 90s this week, with the temperature expected to hit the century mark on Tuesday. Nighttime temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-50s.

Light winds in the single digits also are forecast for Wednesday, the National Weather Service 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.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With kitten season now under way, Lake County Animal Care and Control has several young cats waiting for homes.

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

This female domestic short hair is in cat room kennel No. 7, ID No. 12281. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female domestic short hair

This female domestic short hair has a tortoiseshell coat and blue eyes.

She is in cat room kennel No. 7, ID No. 12281.

This brown tabby kitten is in cat room kennel No. 43a, ID No. 12332. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Brown tabby kitten

This brown tabby kitten has a short coat and green eyes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 43a, ID No. 12332.

This male tabby kitten is in cat room kennel No. 43b, ID No. 12333. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Brown tabby kitten

This male tabby kitten has a short brown and black coat and gold eyes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 43b, ID No. 12333.

This male gray tabby kitten is in kennel No. 43c, ID No. 12338. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Gray tabby kitten

This male gray tabby kitten has a short coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 43c, ID No. 12338.

This female kitten is in cat room kennel No. 78a, ID No. 12346. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic medium hair kitten

This female kitten has a medium-length black and white coat and green eyes.

She’s in cat room kennel No. 78a, ID No. 12346.

This male kitten is in cat room kennel No. 78b, ID No. 12347. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic medium hair kitten

This male kitten has a medium-length black and white coat and green eyes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 78b, ID No. 12347.

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.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control’s kennels are filled this week with a wide variety of adoptable dogs.

Dogs available for adoption this week include mixes of beagle, border collie, boxer, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Labrador Retriever, Lhasa Apso, pit bull, poodle, shepherd, treeing walker coonhound and wirehaired terrier.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license 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 hoping you'll choose them.

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

This female wirehaired terrier is in kennel No. 1, ID No. 12080. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female wirehaired terrier

This female wirehaired terrier has a coarse brown coat.

She is in kennel No. 1, ID No. 12080.

“Buddy” is a male beagle in kennel No. 5, ID No. 11906. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Buddy’

“Buddy” is a male beagle with a short brown and white coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 5, ID No. 11906.

This female shepherd is in kennel No. 6, ID No. 12343. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female shepherd

This female shepherd has a short black and brown coat.

Shelter staff said she smiles.

She’s in kennel No. 6, ID No. 12343.

This male dachshund-Chihuahua mix is in kennel No. 7, ID No. 12344. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Dachshund-Chihuahua mix

This male dachshund-Chihuahua mix has a short brown and white coat.

He is in kennel No. 7, ID No. 12344.

“Maui” is a female Great Pyrenees in kennel No. 9, ID NO. 12323. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Maui’

“Maui” is a female Great Pyrenees with a long white coat.

She is in kennel No. 9, ID NO. 12323.

“Scooby” is a male poodle mix in kennel No. 11, ID No. 12312. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Scooby’

“Scooby” is a male poodle mix with a medium-length white and tan coat.

Shelter staff said he previously was an outside-only dog in a family with 5- and 12-year-old children. His owner described him as very friendly and smart.

He is in kennel No. 11, ID No. 12312.

“Scubi” is a male pit bull in kennel No. 12, ID No. 12290. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Scubi’

“Scubi” is a male pit bull with a short tan and white coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 12, ID No. 12290.

‘Beau’ is a male shepherd in kennel No. 14, ID No. 6745. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Beau’

“Beau” is a male shepherd with a medium-length black coat.

He has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 14, ID No. 6745.

“Luke” is a male treeing walker coonhound in kennel No. 18, ID No. 11771. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Luke’

“Luke” is a male treeing walker coonhound with a short tricolor coat.

Shelter staff said he is dominant with other dogs and would prefer not to play but just soak up human affection. He can live with others but prefers to not have them in his space. Luke is good with children ages 6 and above.

He has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 18, ID No. 11771.

This female boxer is in kennel No. 19, ID No. 12326. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female boxer

This female boxer has a short brown and white coat.

She already has been spayed.

She is in kennel No. 19, ID No. 12326.

This female German Shepherd is in kennel No. 21, ID No. 12273. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female German Shepherd

This female German Shepherd has a medium-length black and tan coat.

She is in kennel No. 21, ID No. 12273.

This female pit bull-border collie mix is in kennel No. 23, ID No. 12274. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Pit bull-border collie mix

This female pit bull-border collie mix has a short tricolor coat.

She is in kennel No. 23, ID No. 12274.

“Charlie” is a male Labrador Retriever in kennel No. 25, ID No. 12262. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Charlie’

“Charlie” is a male Labrador Retriever with a black coat and white markings.

He’s in kennel No. 25, ID No. 12262.

This female Lhasa Apso is in kennel No. 26, ID No. 12328. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female Lhasa Apso

This female Lhasa Apso has a curly black and white coat.

She already has been spayed.

She’s in kennel No. 26, ID No. 12328.

“Moana” is a female Great Pyrenees in kennel No. 27, ID No. 12324. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Moana’

“Moana” is a female Great Pyrenees with a fluffy white coat.

She’s in kennel No. 27, ID No. 12324.

This male Chihuahua-terrier mix is in kennel No. 29a, ID No. 12112. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Chihuahua-terrier mix

This male Chihuahua-terrier mix has a short black coat.

He’s in kennel No. 29a, ID No. 12112.

This male German Shepherd is in kennel No. 30, ID No. 12314. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male German Shepherd

This male German Shepherd has a short black and tan coat.

He’s in kennel No. 30, ID No. 12314.

“Duke” is a male Labrador Retriever in kennel No. 34, ID No. 11022. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Duke’

“Duke” is a male Labrador Retriever with a short black coat with white markings.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 34, ID No. 11022.

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.
Blog Left ad
Posted On

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will discuss an updated agreement with the state for funding for the Middle Creek Restoration Project.

The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx . Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.

In an untimed item, the supervisors – sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors – will consider approving an agreement between the Lake County Watershed Protection District and the California Department of Water Resources in the amount of $15,000,000 for the purchase and maintenance of properties as part of the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project.

The project’s goal is to restore damaged habitat, remove structures and return 1,650 acres of agricultural land to the lake and marshland.

Water Resources Director David Cowan’s report explains that on July 17, 2018, the board adopted a resolution to accept $15,000,000 in grant funds from DWR. However, that agreement has been changed to clarify the funding sources, the state’s total contribution, the grantee and to remove a $240,000 cost of share to the district.

Also untimed are the following: consideration of a response to the 2018-19 Grand Jury Special Report; further discussion and consideration of cannabis permitting and fees; and consideration of discussion and direction to staff concerning the county regulation of industrial hemp.

The full agenda is below.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Approve letter of support for S. 923 (Feinstein), a bill to authorize a new funding stream for supportive housing models that provide comprehensive services and intensive case management and authorize the chair to sign.

5.2: Approve Amendment No. 2 to the agreement between the county of Lake and Clover Valley Guest Home for adult residential support services and specialty mental health services for fiscal year 2018-19 and authorize the board chair to sign the amendment.

5.3: Approve Amendment No. 2 to the agreement between the county of Lake and Hilltop Recovery Services for Substance use disorder residential services for fy 2018-19, and authorize the board chair to sign the amendment.

5.4: Adopt the resolution approving the amendment to the memorandum of understanding between county of Lake and Partnership Health Plan of California and authorize the behavioral health services administrator to sign the amendment to the memorandum of understanding.

5.5: Adopt resolution to amend the adopted budget for FY 2019-20 by appropriating unanticipated revenue in the amount of $10,000 for Budget Unit 5321 Veterans Services in support of mental health outreach and other related recovery treatment programs.

5.6: Adopt a resolution authorizing access to state, local and federal criminal history information by the county of Lake.

5.7: Adopt a resolution amending Resolution No. 2018-132 establishing position allocations for Fiscal Year 2018-2019, Budget Unit 2702, Planning.

5.8: Adopt a resolution amending Resolution No. 2018-132 establishing position allocations for Fiscal Year 2018-2019, Budget Unit 2602, Building & Safety.

5.9: Approve plans and specifications for the three SB1 rehabilitation improvement projects; Bid No. 19-10.

5.10: Approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Curren Consulting for staff augmentation services for Department of Public Works Projects in the amount not to exceed $100,000 and authorize the chair to sign.

5.11: Approve budget transfer in the Sheriff/DNA Fund for the purchase of a back-up generator at the evidence facility due to anticipated public safety power shut-off.

5.12: a) Waive the formal bidding process per Ordinance #2406, Purchasing Code 38.1, as cost of service has not increased; b) approve contract between the county of Lake and Industrial Employers and Distributors Association for public authority labor negotiations in the amount of $22,588 for fy 2019-2020 and authorize the chair to sign.

5.13: Approve waiver of the 900 hour limit for quagga mussel ramp coordinators Edward Jones and Edwin Scotton.

5.14: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting held Feb. 5, 2019.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Consideration of response to the 2018-19 Grand Jury Special Report.

7.3: Consideration of a Budget Transfer from BU 7999 - Contingencies to BU 2106 - Grand Jurors to provide sufficient funding for transportation and travel and per diem expenses for the month of June 2019.

7.4: Sitting as the Lake County Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, discussion and consideration of cannabis permitting and fees.

7.5: Continued from May 21 and April 9, consideration of discussion and direction to staff concerning the county regulation of industrial hemp.

7.6: Consideration of presentation to update the board on the National Flood Insurance Program and community rating system requirements and audits.

7.7: Sitting as Board of Directors, Lake County Watershed Protection District, consideration of the award of bid No. WR 19-01 for evaluation of levee culverts project, Upper Lake, in the amount of $87,927.52 and authorize the chair to sign the agreement and notice of award.

7.8: Sitting as Board of Directors, Lake County Watershed Protection District, consideration and approval of agreement #4600012946 between the Lake County Watershed Protection District and the state of California Department of Water Resources in the amount of $15,000,000 for the purchase and maintenance of properties as part of the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project; and authorize the Water Resources director to sign.

CLOSED SESSION

8.1: Public employee evaluations title: Animal Control director, Behavioral Health administrator and Public Works director.

8.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): County of Lake, et al. v. PG&E, et al.

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.
Posted On

“Ravens Wood” by LaynaJoy includes burned trees and a hand-carved raven at the 2019 EcoArts Sculpture Walk in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – For the first time since the Valley fire swept through Cobb, Middletown, and the surrounding areas in September 2015, an EcoArts Sculpture Walk is open to the public at the Middletown Trailside Nature Preserve.

After a three-year absence because of the park’s devastation by fire, the installation this year is a milestone event, and the pieces that dot the park represent the reclaiming of a space that was forever changed by wildfire.

“The plants raising their heads in optimism are synergistic with the artwork,” said Lisa Kaplan, programs director at the Middletown Art Center, who is impressed by the regrowth of flora at the park since the fire.

“The installation of the Sculpture Walk is symbolic of the community’s continuing recovery from the fire,” she added.

“Are We Safe?” by Lisa Kaplan is a reflection on the experience of natural disasters, both local and global. Photo by Esther Oertel.

The walk, entitled “Locus: A Sense of Place,” opened on June 1 with an afternoon reception that included music, poetry readings, wish making and a host of red parasols for the more than 250 participants that walked meandering trails to view the art.

It’s the 14th time the annual walk has been installed in Middletown Trailside Park, made possible with support from the National Endowment of the Arts.

The works are intended to engage the observer in a dialog with nature. Some are designed to enhance the existing environment by distributing wildflower seeds or attracting beneficial fauna such as bats or bees.

“You become a different person as you go through the walk because of the questions you ask yourself, such as, ‘is this art?’” said participating artist and EcoArts founder Karen Turcotte. “One comes out with additional breadth of soul,” she added.

“Tumbleseeds” by Karen Turcotte is created to disperse wildflower seeds as the wind provides motion at the 2019 EcoArts Sculpture Walk in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

In 2003, Turcotte, inspired by the environmental art of British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy, worked with the Lake County Arts Council and the county of Lake to develop a local sculpture walk.

Permission to use the Trailside Nature Preserve was granted by the county in April of that year, and the first sculpture walk was installed in mid-June.

Participation by local eco-artists grew in the following years until the Valley fire destroyed or damaged every art piece installed in the 2015 Walk.

“Acorn Woodpecker,” a collaboration between MAC’s ArtVenturers for Homeschoolers, Laura Kennedy, and Lauren Schneider, is made with collected wood from the Middletown Trailside Park in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

In the current exhibit, several of the installations are the collaborative creations of students at Cobb Mountain Elementary, the Lake County International Charter School and the Middletown Art Center’s homeschooled art students.

Cobb Mountain Elementary students also installed the bat houses which can be seen along the trail.

Kaplan especially appreciates projects that enhance the park’s habitat and wishes to see such positive action continue. “In doing so, we not only heal our environment, we heal ourselves,” she said.

The exhibit, which was erected in May, will remain in place at the park until Oct. 15, and the public is encouraged to view it early while wildflowers bloom, and then visit again as the seasons change.

A habitat for Mason bees is built into Emily Scheibel’s “Pollinator Pole” sculpture at the 2019 EcoArts Sculpture Walk in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

Middletown Trailside Nature Preserve is open from dawn until dusk and is located at 21436 Dry Creek Cutoff, off Highway 175. The exhibit can be found by entering the park on the south side of the parking lot.

The Middletown Art Center, in addition to their coordination of the EcoArts Sculpture Walk, offers art and writing classes, hosts exhibitions and cultural events, and is a locus for Lake County artists.

To learn more about this valuable Lake County resource and to consider a membership, please visit their Web site at www.middletownartcenter.org .

Esther Oertel is a freelance writer and columnist for Lake County News. She lives in Middletown.


“Spiral Skeleton” by Chia Lichtendahl creates shelter and shade similar to a tree hollow at the 2019 EcoArts Sculpture Walk in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.
Posted On

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover took this selfie on May 12, 2019 (the 2,405th Martian day, or sol, of the mission). To the lower-left of the rover are its two recent drill holes, at targets called "Aberlady" and "Kilmarie." Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

NASA's Curiosity rover has confirmed that the region on Mars it's exploring, called the "clay-bearing unit," is well deserving of its name.

Two samples the rover recently drilled at rock targets called "Aberlady" and "Kilmarie" have revealed the highest amounts of clay minerals ever found during the mission.

Both drill targets appear in a new selfie taken by the rover on May 12, 2019, the 2,405th Martian day, or sol, of the mission.

This clay-enriched region, located on the side of lower Mount Sharp, stood out to NASA orbiters before Curiosity landed in 2012.

Clay often forms in water, which is essential for life; Curiosity is exploring Mount Sharp to see if it had the conditions to support life billions of years ago.

The rover's mineralogy instrument, called CheMin (Chemistry and Mineralogy), provided the first analyses of rock samples drilled in the clay-bearing unit. CheMin also found very little hematite, an iron oxide mineral that was abundant just to the north, on Vera Rubin Ridge.

Other than proof that there was a significant amount of water once in Gale Crater, what these new findings mean for the region is still up for debate. It's likely that the rocks in the area formed as layers of mud in ancient lakes – something Curiosity also found lower on Mount Sharp. Water interacted with sediment over time, leaving an abundance of clay in the rocks there.

Amid this new drilling and analyzing, Curiosity took a break to watch some clouds – all in the name of science. The rover used its black-and-white Navigation Cameras (Navcams) to snap images of drifting clouds on May 7 and May 12, 2019, sols 2400 and 2405. They're likely water-ice clouds about 19 miles (31 kilometers) above the surface.

The mission's team has been trying to coordinate cloud observations with NASA's InSight lander, located about 373 miles (600 kilometers) away, which recently took its own cloud images. Capturing the same clouds from two vantage points can help scientists calculate their altitude.

More information about Curiosity is at https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/ .

More information about Mars is at https://mars.nasa.gov/ .
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Wildlife officers at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have shut down two illegal marijuana grows on private property in Lake County.

A record check on both properties showed no state license to grow cannabis, no county cultivation permit, no CDFW lake or streambed alteration agreement had been filed nor were there any steps taken to secure any of these licenses or permits on the two commercial-size operations.

“Illegal marijuana grows of this nature are known for stealing water and causing great environmental harm to California’s fish and wildlife,” said David Bess, deputy director and chief of the CDFW Law Enforcement Division. “CDFW supports cultivators who comply with applicable state and local laws and take action to prevent environmental impacts.”

On May 21, CDFW officers served a search warrant in Lower Lake with approximately 6,000 outdoor marijuana plants. Four suspects were arrested.

On May 29, wildlife officers served another search warrant in Upper Lake with approximately 400 outdoor marijuana plants. One suspect was arrested and a stolen firearm was recovered.

Combined Fish and Game Code violations include illegal water diversions, pesticide and petroleum products placed near streams and garbage placed near waterways.

Charges for all suspects will be filed with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.

CDFW reminded the public to report environmental crimes such as water pollution, water diversions and poaching to the CalTIP hotline by calling 888-334-2258 or by texting “CALTIP” followed by a space and the desired message, to 847411 (tip411).
Posted On

Lee Franz and Rose O’Bryan of the Woodland College Culinary Arts Program prepare tacos for the Aromas Café booth at the June 2019 First Fridays event in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – There was a festive feel on Friday night when local cuisine, art and music were celebrated throughout the small town as part of First Fridays in Middletown.

People strolled Middletown’s streets, stopping at businesses and public spaces such as the Gibson Museum and the Middletown Art Center, where artists, crafters and a variety of food purveyors were on hand.

Live musicians were strategically located throughout town, so that participants were serenaded at each stage of the walk.

First Fridays is a collaborative community effort, and this year the “Meet Your Makers” series spotlights a different Lake County micro industry each month.

The June event recognized local culinary artists with the theme “Eat Your Art Out,” and one could satisfy a craving for pizza, tacos, Filipino lumpia, Thai spring rolls, sushi burritos, vegan cheesecake, and a variety of other delectable bites, thanks to vendors scattered throughout the walk.

Hailey Trejo, Nakita Gomes, Dakoda Trejo, and Kristin Trejo brought sheep Waylon and goat Willie with them to the June 2019 First Friday event in Middletown, Calif. The animals will be shown later this summer at the Lake County Fair in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

At the Middletown Art Center outdoor space in the center of town, Aromas Café from the Woodland Community College Culinary Arts Program served up steak or mushroom tacos while Goddess of the Mountain made pizzas with natural ingredients in their wood-fired oven.

Local growers sold produce, Shed Horn Cellars poured wine, and the Clearlake Grocery Outlet offered an opportunity to win prizes by spinning a wheel.

Inside the Middletown Art Center, the work of local artists was on display, including that from classes for children and Woodland Community College students.

At the south end of town Star Gardens Nursery was alive with music and featured exotic food from Wholly Bowl, including sushi burritos, fruit skewers and Thai noodle salads.

Six types of lumpia (filled with such things as organic bison) could be consumed in front of the Gibson Museum, where Bing’s Kitchen Catering was set up.

Koontz Mercantile featured wine tasting by Pope Valley Winery, Buddha Thai Restaurant offered spring rolls and Thai iced tea, and the Middletown Creamery featured a raw vegan blueberry “cheesecake.”

Close to the heart of First Fridays in Middletown is the art walk that is part of each event. Those who wish to view art throughout town are given a treasure map showing the location of each artist, where their work is available for sale.

Six varieties of Filipino lumpia were available at the Bing’s Kitchen booth during the June 2019 First Friday event in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.

First Fridays in Middletown takes place May through October from 6 to 9 p.m.

This year’s future themes are Gems and Jewelry in July, FUNctional Art in August (with the emphasis on fun), Media and Technology in September, and Wellness in October.

I was told that attendance was down somewhat because of the graduation ceremony at Middletown High School. Even so, the event was lively, with many people who “ate their art out” as the sun went down over our little town.

To learn more about the Middletown Art Center, visit www.middletownartcenter.org.

Those interested in learning more about local history and the work of the Gibson Museum and Cultural Center may visit www.friendsofgibson.com.

Local business owners in the Middletown, Cobb, and Hidden Valley area may wish to learn more about the Middletown Area Merchants Association by visiting www.middletownareamerchants.com.

Esther Oertel is a writer and passionate home cook from a family of chefs. She grew up in a restaurant, where she began creating recipes from a young age. She’s taught culinary classes in a variety of venues in Lake County and previously wrote “The Veggie Girl” column for Lake County News. Most recently she’s taught culinary classes at Sur La Table in Santa Rosa, Calif. She lives in Middletown, Calif.


Rebel Music for the People played music described as gypsy folk at Star Gardens Nursery during the June 2019 First Friday event in Middletown, Calif. Photo by Esther Oertel.
Posted On

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Firefighters are battling a vegetation fire in Yolo County that has led to evacuations and a highway closure.

The Sand fire began at about 2:50 p.m. Saturday in the Capay Valley area near the town of Guinda, according to Cal Fire.

By 8:30 p.m., Cal Fire said the fire was reported to have reached 1,700 acres, with no containment.

So far, no structures have been damaged or destroyed, Cal Fire said.

However, evacuations have been ordered for all residents on County Road 41. Cal Fire said an evacuation center has been set up at the Boy Scout Camp in Esparto.

Highway 16 is closed from Highway 20 to the town of Brooks, officials said.

Cal Fire said the fire was moving at a rapid rate of spread and is on steep, brush-covered slopes.

Conditions in the area are reported to be hot and dry, with wind out of the northeast at around 20 miles per hour.

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state have been flying fire suppression missions on the Sand Fire as conditions allow, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire said the assigned resources include 38 engines, five water tenders, four helicopters – one of them Copter 104 from Boggs Mountain in Lake County – along with four hand crews, five dozers and a total of 500 firefighting personnel.

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.
Posted On

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Efforts continue to contain the Sand fire, burning since Saturday afternoon in Yolo County.

By Sunday night, the fire had burned 2,220 acres and was 20-percent contained, Cal Fire said.

Fire officials said seven structures have been destroyed.

The fire is burning in the Capay Valley near Guinda, fueled by winds on dry, steep and brush-covered slopes, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire said evacuations remain for the area of County Road 41, but the evacuation center was suspended due to a no occupants.

Highway 16 continues to be closed from Highway 20 to County Road 45, Cal Fire reported.

Assigned resources have increased to 57 engines, 11 water tenders, four helicopters, 25 hand crews, 12 dozers and four air tankers, as well as 740 personnel, according to Cal Fire.

So far, officials have not given an estimated date for full containment.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation.

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.
Posted On

Cal Fire Capt. Stacy Hamilton, at right, with his wife, Katie, and teenage sons, Ian and Logan. Hamilton died in a crash on Saturday, June 8, 2019. Courtesy photo.

Officials said Saturday that Cal Fire Capt. Stacy Hamilton from the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit was killed in an early morning vehicle accident in Merced County.

“On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our condolences to Captain Stacy Hamilton’s family, friends and colleagues in this difficult time. It’s the work of brave firefighters like Stacy that keeps our communities safe and we are deeply grateful for his service,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Hamilton began his career with Cal Fire in the Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit in 2006, after previously working for the United States Forest Service.

Hamilton was assigned to the Sierra Training Center, Forestry Training Program, where he trained inmates for more than four years. He then transferred to Columbia Helitack in 2010.

In 2013, Captain Hamilton moved into the fixed wing side and was assigned to Columbia Air Attack Base as an Air Tactical Group Supervisor on AA440, where he was currently assigned.

Cal Fire said Capt. Hamilton was a competent, skilled and professional Air Tactical Group supervisor.

Capt. Hamilton, a resident of Shaver Lake, is survived by his wife, Katie, and two teenage sons, Ian and Logan.

“Please keep Capt. Stacy Hamilton, his family and his colleagues in your thoughts,” Cal Fire said in a Saturday statement.

In honor of Capt. Hamilton, State Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff, Newsom’s office said.
Posted On

City and county officials and Bank of America representatives during a ceremony in Lakeport, Calif., on Friday, June 7, 2019, celebrating the city’s new community center. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Friday, community members and city officials gathered to celebrate the city of Lakeport’s latest accomplishment – the acquisition of a new community center.

On March 29, the city officially acquired the former Bank of America building, located at 500 N. Main St., as a donation from the company, as Lake County News has reported.

During the Friday celebration, local, state and federal leaders hailed Bank of America’s donation of the building to the city as the result of a unique partnership, and an important development that will have big benefits for the community.

“This is a very exciting day for the city of Lakeport,” said City Manager Margaret Silveira.

Lakeport Mayor Tim Barnes said the building – reported to be 6,400 square feet – is now the largest meeting space in the city.

He thanked other city leaders and offered special recognition to Silveira, who when she saw the building go vacant, wondered about the possibilities of a new community center, made numerous calls, filled out paperwork and made contact with company officials including Jason Foster, who was on hand for Friday’s celebration.

“Not only did you ask the right question, but we came up with the right answer,” Foster said.

He said they’re aware of the challenges Lakeport has faced, and he’s glad about how the donation will improve the community. Foster said he’s looking forward to seeing what the city does with the building.

“This is an incredible opportunity for this community,” State Sen. Mike McGuire said.

He added, “This is an innovative partnership between the bank and the city of Lakeport,” and one that transitions the building into the long-awaited community center.

Laura Beltran of Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry’s office also lauded the donation as evidence of a unique partnership, and in a video shown at the ceremony, Congressman Mike Thompson congratulated the city on an “exciting milestone” that’s part of its revitalization.

Bank of America closed the branch – its last in Lake County – in November 2017.

State Senator Mike McGuire speaks during a ceremony in Lakeport, Calif., on Friday, June 7, 2019, celebrating the city’s new community center. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

The bank had a branch in Lakeport since 1930. The city reported that A.P. Giannini’s Bank of Italy opened in Lakeport at the southwest corner of N. Main Street and Second Street in February 1927, becoming Bank of America three years later.

The branch later moved to the N. Main Street location in 1969, the year it was built.

When the new branch opened, the key of the old Bank of Italy building was presented to branch Manager Bill Bergem in October 1969.

Bill Bergem died in July 2011 at age 89. His son, Rick Bergem, chief of the Lakeport Fire Protection District, found that gold key in his father’s belongings.

On Friday, Rick Bergem brought the key, framed, to present to a delighted Mayor Barnes.

Rick Bergem said his father worked for Bank of America for 42 years, and had passed up promotions that would have required he move his family to the Bay Area because he wanted to raise his children in Lakeport.

Bill Bergem served as manager of the local Bank of America branch for 22 years. Rick Bergem pointed to a back corner of the building where his father’s desk sat.

As part of the ceremony, the city unveiled a bronze plaque to mark the building’s donation, which recognizes Bank of American and includes the formal date of acquisition and the names of elected city, county, state and congressional representatives.

Silveira said the city has been busy taking out the bank’s counters and doing some cleaning. However, there is more work to be done and she said it will be awhile before it’s ready to be open to the public for events.

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.
Lakeport Fire Protection District Chief Rick Bergem holds a framed Bank of America branch key that had been presented to his father, Bill Bergem, the branch manager, in October 1969. He presented the framed key to Lakeport Mayor Tim Barnes, at right, during a ceremony in Lakeport, Calif., on Friday, June 7, 2019, celebrating the city’s new community center. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LCNews

Responsible local journalism on the shores of Clear Lake.

 

Memberships:

 

Search