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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has several cats and new kittens waiting for homes.

The cats and kittens featured this week include domestic short and medium hairs, from calicoes to tabbies.

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

For those looking for a barn cat to keep the rodents at bay, be sure to ask about the barn cat adoption program. Feral barn cats are adopted out for $1 each, which includes altering, ear notching and vaccines.

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

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 16c, ID No. 8257. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

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

He’s in kennel No. 16c, ID No. 8257.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 99a, ID No. 8389. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

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

He’s in kennel No. 99a, ID No. 8389.


This female domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 99c, ID No. 8391. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

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

She’s in kennel No. 99c, ID No. 8391.

This female domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 99d, ID No. 8392. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This female domestic short hair kitten has a torbie coat and green eyes.

She’s in kennel No. 99d, ID No. 8392.

This female domestic short hair cat is in kennel No. 108, ID No. 8095. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair cat

This female domestic short hair cat has a lynx point coat and blue eyes.

She already has been spayed.

She’s in kennel No. 108, ID No. 8095.

This male domestic medium hair mix kitten is in in kennel No. 111b, ID No. 8228. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic medium hair mix kitten

This male domestic medium hair mix kitten has a black coat and green eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 111b, ID No. 8228.

This female domestic short hair kitten is in kennel No. 124, ID No. 8401. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair kitten

This female domestic short hair kitten has a short calico coat and gold eyes.

She’s in kennel No. 124, ID No. 8401.

“O’Malley” is a male domestic short hair kitten is in Kennel No. 128, ID No. 8276. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘O’Malley’

“O’Malley” is a male domestic short hair kitten with an orange tabby and white coat.

Shelter staff said he’s a sweet kitten that gets along with dogs.

He’s in Kennel No. 128, ID No. 8276.

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.

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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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – There are many new dogs waiting for new homes at Lake County Animal Care and Control this week.

This week’s available dogs include mixes of border collie, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, husky, Labrador Retriever, shepherd, pit bull and 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 young male terrier mix is in kennel No. 3, ID No. 8369. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male terrier mix

This young male terrier mix has a short brown and white coat.

He’s in kennel No. 3, ID No. 8369.

This female Chihuahua is in kennel No. 4, ID No. 8400. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female Chihuahua

This female Chihuahua has a short red coat.

She’s in kennel No. 4, ID No. 8400.

This female Chihuahua is in kennel No. 6, ID No. 8399. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female Chihuahua

This female Chihuahua has a short tan coat.

She’s in kennel No. 6, ID No. 8399.

This male Chihuahua is in kennel No. 7, ID No. 8388. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male Chihuahua

This male Chihuahua has a short black and tan coat.

Shelter staff said he gets along with other dogs.

He’s in kennel No. 7, ID No. 8388.

This female pit bull mix puppy is in kennel No. 8a, ID No. 8393. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Pit bull mix puppy

This female pit bull mix puppy has a short brown and white coat.

She’s in kennel No. 8a, ID No. 8393.

This female pit bull mix puppy is in kennel No. 8b, ID No. 8394. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Pit bull mix puppy

This female pit bull mix puppy has a short brown and white coat.

She’s in kennel No. 8b, ID No. 8394.

This male shepherd mix is in kennel No. 9, ID No. 8382. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male shepherd mix

This male shepherd mix has a short tan and white coat.

Shelter staff said he gets along with other dogs.

He’s in kennel No. 9, ID No. 8382.

This male German Shepherd is in kennel No. 10, ID No. 8298. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male German Shepherd

This male German Shepherd has a medium-length black and brown coat.

Shelter staff said he goes along with other dogs.

He’s in kennel No. 10, ID No. 8298.

This male Chihuahua mix is in kennel No. 8355, ID No. 11. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male Chihuahua

This male Chihuahua mix has a short tan coat.

He’s in kennel No. 8355, ID No. 11.

“Satchel” is a male border collie and Labrador Retriever mix in kennel No. 12, ID No. 8275. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Satchel’

“Satchel” is a male border collie and Labrador Retriever mix with a short black and white coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 12, ID No. 8275.

This male pit bull puppy is in kennel No. 13, ID No. 8398. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male pit bull puppy

This male pit bull puppy has a short red coat and green eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 13, ID No. 8398.

This male Chihuahua is in kennel No. 15, ID No. 8413. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male Chihuahua

This male Chihuahua has a short tan and white coat.

He’s in kennel No. 15, ID No. 8413.

This male Chihuahua is in kennel No. 16, ID No. 8414. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male Chihuahua

This male Chihuahua has a short tan and white coat.

He’s in kennel No. 16, ID No. 8414.

“Lulu” is a female border collie mix in kennel No. 17, ID No. 7896. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Lulu’

“Lulu” is a female border collie mix.

She has a medium-length black coat with white markings, and one blue eye and one brown eye.

She’s in kennel No. 17, ID No. 7896.

This male shepherd is in kennel No. 18, ID No. 8410. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male shepherd

This male shepherd has a short tricolor coat.

He’s in kennel No. 18, ID No. 8410.

This female shepherd mix is in kennel No. 19, ID No. 8315. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female shepherd mix

This female shepherd mix has a short brindle coat.

She’s in kennel No. 19, ID No. 8315.

This male husky is in kennel No. 32, ID No. 8360. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male husky

This male husky has a long gray and white coat.

He’s in kennel No. 32, ID No. 8360.

This female Labrador Retriever mix is in kennel No. 34, ID No. 8426. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Labrador Retriever mix

This female Labrador Retriever mix has a short red and white coat.

She’s in kennel No. 34, ID No. 8426.

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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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred in Lake County on Friday.

Sgt. Corey Paulich said sheriff’s deputies were called to Adventist Health Clear Lake at around 6:20 a.m. Friday, where a shooting victim had been transported.

He said there were few details available, but that the incident had occurred in the unincorporated part of the county.

The victim later was transported out of Lake County by air ambulance, Paulich said.

An update will be posted as additional information becomes available.

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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Visitors enjoy the Midway of Fun at the Lake County Fair on Saturday, September 2, 2017. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair is swinging into the final day of its four-day run on Sunday.

Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.

A chief attraction on Sunday will be the Fiesta Latina Day celebration, which begins at 3 p.m. at the main stage.

There also will be more walk-on contests, music at venues across the grounds and exhibits.

Plus, the Midway of Fun – which was jam-packed with visitors of all ages on Saturday night – will once again be in full swing.

Regular admission prices for the fair are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free each day.

Parking is $9 per car, which benefits local Boy Scouts.

Visit www.lakecountyfair.com or contact the fair office at 707-263-6181 for more information.

The full schedule for the last day of the fair is published below.

The Midway of Fun at the Lake County Fair on Saturday, September 2, 2017. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.


SUNDAY, SEPT. 3

- Gates open at 11 a.m.
- Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area
- Buildings close: 10 p.m.
- Fair closes: 11 p.m.

Special attractions:

- Fiesta Latina Day
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, pig racing, award winning chainsaw carving
- All day and everyday events
- Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters.
- Schedule subject to change

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Richard Seisser, pastels – Fritch Hall
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage
Noon: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage
12:30 to 2 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall
1 p.m: Walk on contest, “Bling a Boot” – Fritch Hall
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage; Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage
2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
2 to 3 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park
2 to 5 p.m.: Sandy and David Stillwell, jewelry making – Fritch Hall
2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest” – Lewis Hall
3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall
3 p.m.: Fiesta Latina – Main Stage
3 to 3:30 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids – Gazebo Stage
4 to 5 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Jazmin, traditional regional Mexican music with dance
performers – Main Stage
5 p.m.: Kiss My Clear Lake Bass, sponsored by Lake County Chamber of Commerce; 4H and FFA Award Ceremony – Baldwin Pavilion
6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
5 to 8 p.m.: Suze Pahl, jewelry making – Fritch Hall
5 to 5:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Clave Trébol, contemporary Mexican music – Main Stage
7 p.m.: Dirt track auto racing and boat races – Main Grandstands
7 to 7:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
8 to 10 p.m.: Banda Sangre Azteca, big band and dance – Main Stage
8 to 10 p.m.: Terry and Rohnda Turnil, pastels and acrylics – Fritch Hall
9 to 9:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
11 p.m.: Fair closes – see you in 2018!


Quilts on display at the Lake County Fair on Saturday, September 2, 2017. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
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NASA's Cassini spacecraft is about two weeks away from its mission-ending dive into the atmosphere of Saturn.

Its fateful plunge on Sept. 15 is a foregone conclusion – an April 22 gravitational kick from Saturn's moon Titan placed the two-and-a-half ton vehicle on its path for impending destruction.

Yet several mission milestones have to occur over the coming two-plus weeks to prepare the vehicle for one last burst of trailblazing science.

"The Cassini mission has been packed full of scientific firsts, and our unique planetary revelations will continue to the very end of the mission as Cassini becomes Saturn’s first planetary probe, sampling Saturn's atmosphere up until the last second," said Linda Spilker, Cassini project scientist from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. "We'll be sending data in near real time as we rush headlong into the atmosphere -- it's truly a first-of-its-kind event at Saturn."

The spacecraft is expected to lose radio contact with Earth within about one to two minutes after beginning its descent into Saturn's upper atmosphere.

But on the way down, before contact is lost, eight of Cassini's 12 science instruments will be operating. In particular, the spacecraft‘s ion and neutral mass spectrometer, or INMS, which will be directly sampling the atmosphere's composition, potentially returning insights into the giant planet's formation and evolution.

On the day before the plunge, other Cassini instruments will make detailed, high-resolution observations of Saturn's auroras, temperature, and the vortices at the planet's poles.

Cassini's imaging camera will be off during this final descent, having taken a last look at the Saturn system on Sept. 14.

In its final week, Cassini will pass several milestones en route to its science-rich Saturn plunge. (Times below are predicted and may change slightly; see https://go.nasa.gov/2wbaCBT for updated times.)

– Sept. 9: Cassini will make the last of 22 passes between Saturn itself and its rings -- closest approach is 1,044 miles (1,680 kilometers) above the clouds tops.

– Sept. 11: Cassini will make a distant flyby of Saturn's largest moon, Titan. Even though the spacecraft will be at 73,974 miles (119,049 kilometers) away, the gravitational influence of the moon will slow down the spacecraft slightly as it speeds past. A few days later, instead of passing through the outermost fringes of Saturn's atmosphere, Cassini will dive in too deep to survive the friction and heating.

– Sept. 14: Cassini's imaging cameras take their last look around the Saturn system, sending back pictures of moons Titan and Enceladus, the hexagon-shaped jet stream around the planet's north pole, and features in the rings.

– Sept. 14 (5:45 p.m. EDT / 2:45 p.m. PDT): Cassini turns its antenna to point at Earth, begins a communications link that will continue until end of mission, and sends back its final images and other data collected along the way.

– Sept. 15 (4:37 a.m. EDT / 1:37 a.m. PDT): The "final plunge" begins. The spacecraft starts a five-minute roll to position INMS for optimal sampling of the atmosphere, transmitting data in near real time from now to end of mission.

– Sept. 15 (7:53 a.m. EDT / 4:53 a.m. PDT): Cassini enters Saturn's atmosphere. Its thrusters fire at 10 percent of their capacity to maintain directional stability, enabling the spacecraft's high-gain antenna to remain pointed at Earth and allowing continued transmission of data.

– Sept. 15 (7:54 a.m. EDT / 4:54 a.m. PDT): Cassini's thrusters are at 100 percent of capacity. Atmospheric forces overwhelm the thrusters' capacity to maintain control of the spacecraft's orientation, and the high-gain antenna loses its lock on Earth. At this moment, expected to occur about 940 miles (1,510 kilometers) above Saturn's cloud tops, communication from the spacecraft will cease, and Cassini's mission of exploration will have concluded. The spacecraft will break up like a meteor moments later.

As Cassini completes its 13-year tour of Saturn, its grand finale – which began in April – and final plunge are just the last beat.

Following a four-year primary mission and a two-year extension, NASA approved an ambitious plan to extend Cassini's service by an additional seven years.

Called the Cassini Solstice Mission, the extension saw Cassini perform dozens more flybys of Saturn's moons as the spacecraft observed seasonal changes in the atmospheres of Saturn and Titan.

From the outset, the planned endgame for the Solstice Mission was to expend all of Cassini's maneuvering propellant exploring, then eventually arriving in the ultra-close Grand Finale orbits, ending with safe disposal of the spacecraft in Saturn's atmosphere.

"The end of Cassini's mission will be a poignant moment, but a fitting and very necessary completion of an astonishing journey," said Earl Maize, Cassini project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "The Grand Finale represents the culmination of a seven-year plan to use the spacecraft’s remaining resources in the most scientifically productive way possible. By safely disposing of the spacecraft in Saturn's atmosphere, we avoid any possibility Cassini could impact one of Saturn's moons somewhere down the road, keeping them pristine for future exploration."

Since its launch in 1997, the findings of the Cassini mission have revolutionized our understanding of Saturn, its complex rings, the amazing assortment of moons and the planet's dynamic magnetic environment.

The most distant planetary orbiter ever launched, Cassini started making astonishing discoveries immediately upon arrival and continues today. Icy jets shoot from the tiny moon Enceladus, providing samples of an underground ocean with evidence of hydrothermal activity.

Titan's hydrocarbon lakes and seas are dominated by liquid ethane and methane, and complex prebiotic chemicals form in the atmosphere and rain to the surface.

Three-dimensional structures tower above Saturn's rings, and a giant Saturn storm circled the entire planet for most of a year.

Cassini's findings at Saturn have also buttressed scientists' understanding of processes involved in the formation of planets.

The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Italian Space Agency. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed, developed and assembled the Cassini orbiter.

More information about Cassini visit https://www.nasa.gov/cassini and https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov.

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CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Testing of a water sample from the shoreline along Island Drive near the Clearlake Oaks county boat launch has detected levels of a cyanotoxin considered unsafe for recreation, officials said Friday.

The sample was collected on Aug. 29 and the elevated level on a screening test led to further laboratory analysis, demonstrating 46 micrograms per liter of microcystin. The level exceeds the “danger” trigger of 20 micrograms per liter established in statewide guidelines for recreational water safety.

County officials urge residents and visitors to avoid contact with the water in the affected area until after the bloom subsides.

They should not allow people or pets to drink, swim, wade or contact visible mats or scum in the water or along the shore.

Pets are particularly at risk for adverse health effects due to cyanotoxin exposure because they readily ingest algal bloom material, including licking it from their fur after swimming. Tap water from the public water system is considered safe.

Cyanotoxins are produced by bacteria called cyanobacteria. They are an essential part of the environment that have existed for millions of year and produce oxygen.

Under certain conditions, they multiply excessively and form visible clumps in the water, surface scums, mats, or an oily sheen on natural water bodies.

On occasion, they produce toxins that can cause harmful effects in people, pets and livestock if exposed through ingestion, inhalation of aerosolized water or direct contact.

Visible and potentially toxic overgrowths of cyanobacteria are referred to as “Harmful Algal Blooms” or “HABs.”

Freshwater HABS may occur in rivers, lakes, streams and ponds. The current HAB in Copsey Creek is an unusual occurrence in Lake County, but may be related to physical conditions that cause localized slowing down of the flow of water.

As environmental factors change, most HABS resolve over time. However, when cyanotoxins are known to be present, re-testing the water after it has cleared and allowing at least two weeks to pass after no toxins are found is recommended.

Clear Lake isn’t the only waterbody in the state having such issues.

On Friday, the Department of Water Resources issued an algal bloom update for lakes and reservoirs that are part of the State Water Project based on laboratory results of water sampled this week in these lakes.

Pyramid Lake is at the “caution” level and the San Luis Reservoir is at the “danger” level, the state reported.

Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay, Thermalito Afterbay, Castaic Lake and Lagoon, Silverwood Lake and Lake Perris have no advisory, according to the state.

For more information, please visit the following Web sites.

California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal: http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/ 

BloomWatch!: http://cyanos.org/bloomwatch/ 

California Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom (CCHAB) Network:
http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monitoring_council/cyanohab_network/index.html 

California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Freshwater HAB Web page:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/swamp/freshwater_cyanobacteria.shtml 

California Department of Public Health:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/EHIB/EAS/Pages/HABs.aspx 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: CyanoHAB Web site, https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/cyanohabs
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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On Saturday, Sept. 9, “Bluegrass at the Ely,” will be presented at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum from noon to 5 p.m.

The fun event is being produced by the Lake County Historical Society and the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.

The concert will benefit the two groups, which are charitable nonprofits that work on preserving and protecting both the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The groups have joined together this year to present the Bluegrass event on the Ely Stage Stop grounds on Highway 281 (between the Clear Lake Riviera and Highway 29).

Tickets are $20 at the gate, and $15 advance sale at Catfish Coffee House in Clearlake and Watershed Books in Lakeport. Tickets are also available online at www.andersonmarsh.org to be picked up “on call,” at the event.

Kathy Barwick and Paul Siegfried will perform folk and bluegrass on mandolin and guitar at “Bluegrass at the Ely” on Saturday, September 9, 2017, in Kelseyville, Calif. Courtesy photo.


There will be craft and food booths, a lemonade stand and beer and wine available for sale.

The Bluegrass event will begin with local artists and veterans of the bluegrass scene, Pat Ickes and Bound to Ride, delivering traditional bluegrass songs.

Barwick and Siegfried, who have performed at the Strawberry Music Festival in California and pubs and concert halls throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland will be performing folk and bluegrass songs on mandolin and guitar.

Kathy Barwick is a native of Sacramento and has been widely hailed over the past 30 years as one of California’s most versatile acoustic musicians, known for her work in bluegrass, Americana and traditional Irish music.

Pete Siegfried, a Pennsylvania native has lived in Grass Valley since the 1970s and founded the bluegrass band Mountain Laurel in 1988 and sang lead vocals and played mandolin in the popular quintet until it disbanded in 2011.

The Konocti Fiddle Club, consisting of local youngsters and led by Andi Skelton will be part of the upcoming “Bluegrass at the Ely” on Saturday, September 9, 2017, in Kelseyville, Calif. Courtesy photo.

The Thin Air String Band is a gifted group of Mendocino College teachers who perform a blend of folk and acoustic songs that are a pleasing mix of bluegrass, old-time, classic country, and Americana with an emphasis on quality vocal and acoustic music.

Local artists, The Cobb Stomper Mountain String Band is a throwback, quintessential example of the all acoustic performers that the folks from southern Appalachians have been whooping it up to for generations. They remain fresh sounding, and true to the infectiously danceable fiddle and banjo music that they started with.

Uncorked is a band of talented musicians who have been performing Irish and bluegrass for many years in Lake County and the Konocti Fiddle Club consists of very gifted young fiddlers led by Andi Skelton.

Join your Lake County friends and neighbors for a fabulous and fun day at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum. Please, no pets allowed and bring your own lawn chair for more comfortable viewing.

For tickets and information go to www.andersonmarsh.org.

Bound to Ride is a popular local group that will perform at the “Bluegrass at the Ely” on Saturday, September 9, 2017, in Kelseyville, Calif. Courtesy photo.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A Clearlake couple and their adult son have been arrested by Sonoma County Sheriff’s detectives for a Friday murder in Santa Rosa.

Maria Guadalupe Torres, 40, her husband, 40-year-old Rene Espinoza Martinez Sr., and their son, 20-year-old Rene Espinoza Martinez Jr. were arrested as a result of the homicide investigation so far, according to a Saturday afternoon report from Sgt. Spencer Crum of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.

The name of the victim is currently being withheld as his family has not yet been notified, Crum said.

Crum said that at about 8:30 a.m. Friday the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the California Highway Patrol stating they were out with a suspicious vehicle in the 4500 block of Porter Creek Road in Santa Rosa.

The vehicle reportedly had bullet holes and blood was present inside and outside of the vehicle, Crum said.

Deputies arrived just before 9 a.m. and found a blue Toyota Previa with windows shot out and bullet holes present in the driver’s side of the van, according to Crum.

Crum said deputies searched the surrounding area and found the body of a Hispanic male in his mid-30s down a ravine near the Previa.

Sheriff’s detectives were called out and they processed the scene and conducted an investigation, Crum said.

Evidence located within the vehicle led detectives to a Santa Rosa motel, where Crum said they were able to get check-in information and surveillance video linking the victim to the primary suspect, identified as Torres.

Crum said the detectives went to Lake County and located Torres along with her son and husband.

Through interviews with the three, detectives learned that Torres had been involved in a lengthy romantic relationship with the victim. Crum said Torres’ husband and son recently became aware of this relationship and didn’t approve.

Early on Friday, Torres was with the victim on Porter Creek Road in the Previa when they pulled over in a dirt turnout in the 4500 block, Crum said.

Crum said that after they pulled over, Torres got out of the Previa as her husband and son pulled over in their car alongside them.

Torres' son and husband fired a gun from their car into the driver side of the Previa. Crum said the victim was shot and fled out the passenger side of the Previa. He ran to the ravine where he fell and was left for dead.

Crum said Saturday that authorities are not yet releasing details of who shot the victim. However, investigators have concluded that all three of the family members acted in concert.

As a result, Torres, her husband and son were arrested and booked for homicide and conspiracy, he said.

On Saturday the three were being booked into the Sonoma County Jail, where Crum said they will be held without bail.

Crum said detectives are still seeking to interview witnesses and the agency will release more information on the case it becomes available.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The third day of the Lake County Fair will see the return of the annual Junior Livestock Auction, along with music, racing, contests and more.

The fair is presenting the theme “Boots N Bling” through Sunday night.

Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.

The Junior Livestock Auction and barbecue takes place in the Baldwin Pavilion. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., with the auction at 1 p.m.

There also will be contests and demonstrations in the exhibit halls, and music around the grounds.

At 7 p.m. in the fair’s main grandstands it’s motorcycle flat track and TT racing.

Regular admission prices for the fair are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free each day.

Parking is $9 per car, which benefits local Boy Scouts.

Visit www.lakecountyfair.com or contact the fair office at 707-263-6181 for more information.

The full schedules for both Saturday and Sunday are published below.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

- Gates open at 11 a.m.
- Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area
- Buildings close: 10 p.m.
- Fair closes: 11 p.m.

Special attractions:

- Junior Livestock Auction and barbecue in Baldwin Pavilion. Registration starting at 10:30 a.m. and Auction at 1 p.m. plus round robin.
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, world’s largest aquarium all at Fiesta Park
- All day and everyday events
- Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-Up, Street Drum Corps and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds
- Kerrie’s Handmakers – textile techniques by handmakers.
- Free events in the grandstand
- Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters.
- Schedule subject to change

10:30 a.m.: Junior Livestock Buyers Registration & Luncheon – Baldwin Pavilion
11 a.m.: Gates open
11 to 1 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kennie Winter and Linda Kelly, gourds – Fritch Hall
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: TSW Trio, jazz and eclectic - Gazebo Stage
Noon: Junior Livestock Auction – Baldwin Pavilion; presentation at the fish aquarium - in Fiesta Park
Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage
12:45 to 1:30 p.m.: TSW Trio, jazz and eclectic - Gazebo Stage
1 p.m.: Walk on contest, “A Horseshoe With Bling” – Fritch Hall
1 to 4 p.m.: Desiree Todd, cheese demo – Lewis Hall
2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium – Fiesta Park
2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Best Apple Pie Contest” – Lewis Hall
2 to 2:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage
2:30 to 3:15 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, country soul – Gazebo Stage
3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall
3:45 to 4:30 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, country soul – Gazebo Stage
4 to 4:45 p.m.: Fargo Brothers, Americana, rock and roll, blues – Main Stage
4:30 to 6 p.m.: Lee Massie, not your grandma’s pie – Lewis Hall
5 to 8 p.m.: Peter Macrae and Pat Macrae, writers – Fritch Hall
5:15 to 6 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage
6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
6 to 8 p.m.: Goat milking by hand and machine – Mather Barn
6 to 7:30 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall
6:30 p.m.: Amateur talent contest - Lake County News Stage
7 p.m.: Motorcycle Flat Track & TT Racing – Main Grandstands
7 to 7:45 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage
8 to 9 p.m.: Twice as Good, son and father ultimate blues – Main Stage
8:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Austin & Owens, Neo Flamenco and jazz guitar – Gazebo Stage
9:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Twice as Good, son and father ultimate blues – Main Stage
11 p.m.: Fair closes for the evening

SUNDAY, SEPT. 3

- Gates open at 11 a.m.
- Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area
- Buildings close: 10 p.m.
- Fair closes: 11 p.m.

Special attractions:

- Fiesta Latina Day
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, pig racing, award winning chainsaw carving
- All day and everyday events
- Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters.
- Schedule subject to change

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Richard Seisser, pastels – Fritch Hall
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage
Noon: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage
12:30 to 2 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall
1 p.m: Walk on contest, “Bling a Boot” – Fritch Hall
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage; Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage
2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
2 to 3 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park
2 to 5 p.m.: Sandy and David Stillwell, jewelry making – Fritch Hall
2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest” – Lewis Hall
3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall
3 p.m.: Fiesta Latina – Main Stage
3 to 3:30 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids – Gazebo Stage
4 to 5 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Jazmin, traditional regional Mexican music with dance
performers – Main Stage
5 p.m.: Kiss My Clear Lake Bass, sponsored by Lake County Chamber of Commerce; 4H and FFA Award Ceremony – Baldwin Pavilion
6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
5 to 8 p.m.: Suze Pahl, jewelry making – Fritch Hall
5 to 5:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Clave Trébol, contemporary Mexican music – Main Stage
7 p.m.: Dirt track auto racing and boat races – Main Grandstands
7 to 7:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
8 to 10 p.m.: Banda Sangre Azteca, big band and dance – Main Stage
8 to 10 p.m.: Terry and Rohnda Turnil, pastels and acrylics – Fritch Hall
9 to 9:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
11 p.m.: Fair closes – see you in 2018!
Posted On

"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." – Vincent van Gogh

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Here in Lake County lies a rich and varied past with many layers of history.

In the not-too-distant past the Taylor Observatory, at 5725 Oak Hills Lane in Kelseyville, came into being.

With the abundance of clear, clean air that is normally found in our county, the decision to locate Taylor Observatory here more than 32 years ago was a no-brainer.

The observatory was the brain-child of a former Lake County educator and assistant superintendent of schools for our county's Office of Education named Robert Taylor.

Taylor moved to Lake County from Kingsburg, Calif., according to the Lake County Office of Education's Web page.

The 16” research-grade telescope at the Taylor Observatory in Kelseyville, Calif. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Office of Education.

Taylor learned of a means to obtain the funding for the construction of the observatory in the 1970s.

Since there was plenty of room on the property on which Kelseyville Elementary School was housed, the project to build our county's amazing observatory commenced, with a fabulous planetarium added on to the facility in 1985.

When Taylor moved out of Lake County we were fortunate to retain the services of his capable assistant, Evelyn Norton.

During Norton's time at the observatory she taught astronomy and wowed students and the public alike with her telescope lessons and rich planetarium features.

Norton ran the show there at the observatory until she retired in 2004. In that same year the observatory underwent extensive renovations via the hard-working Kelseyville Rotary Club, Ukiah Astronomical Society and also the Amateur Astronomers from our own county.

Taylor Observatory's planetarium took the moniker "Norton Planetarium" when she died in 2005 as a way of honoring all of her years of service to our community and its school children.

Evelyn Norton. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Office of Education.

As a fourth grade teacher for 24 years, I was lucky enough to enrich the lives of my little charges with trips to the observatory, where they soaked up the universe via the facility's 36-seat classroom, the large planetarium’s amazing shows and the fabulous 16-inch telescope which is housed under an opening dome in the ceiling.

During some of that time I was also fortunate enough to present programs for the public on NASA's various space flights when I was one of NASA and JPL's "Solar System Ambassadors."

Visit the Taylor Observatory, or Taylor Observatory's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftaylorobservatory/.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also formerly wrote for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.
Posted On

Robin Clark Harris, 84, of Kelseyville, Calif., has been arrested for committing lewd and lascivious acts with a 14-year-old victim. Lake County Jail photo.


KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – A Kelseyville man who worked for many years as a teacher and more recently was a substitute teacher has been arrested in a child molestation case involving a foster child.

Authorities arrested Robin Clark Harris, 84, of Kelseyville on Wednesday evening for committing lewd and lascivious acts with a 14-year-old victim, according to Sgt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Paulich said Harris has been a school teacher since 1963 and most recently a substitute teacher in Lake County schools.

Harris was a foster parent to the victim when the incident took place, according to Paulich’s report.

Paulich said the victim alleged that Harris would provide alcohol and cigarettes in exchange for sexual favors.

Paulich told Lake County News that the case was reported to the sheriff’s office from the Kelseyville Unified School District.

“Nobody has come forward and reported anything to us about other victims,” said Paulich.

Harris was booked into the Lake County Jail on the felony charge of lewd and lascivious acts with a child 14 years old or younger early Thursday morning, according to jail records.

Paulich said Harris’ bail was set at $75,000. He remained in custody early Saturday.

Anyone with any information regarding Harris or this investigation is asked to contact Major Crimes Detective Shamus Stafford at 707-262-4231.

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. – County officials reported that a bat found in Lucerne recently tested positive for rabies, resulting in treatment of several people who came in contact with the dying animal.

Bats are wonderful animals and they are important to our ecosystem, but health officials said there is reason to exercise caution around them.

Although most bats do not have rabies, bat variant rabies exists throughout California and can infect any mammal, including humans.

The rabies virus is found in the animal’s saliva. Exposure can occur due to bites or direct contact with infected animals that groom themselves by licking their fur.

Bat bites may be inapparent, such that a person who discovers a bat in a room where they were sleeping should be considered exposed.

Only rarely is rabies diagnosed in domestic pets, since it is preventable through vaccination. However, unvaccinated dogs and cats are susceptible to rabies and are at particular risk for exposure in rural environments where they may come into contact with bats or other wildlife, such as skunks, fox, and raccoons.

A case of human rabies in 2011 was suspected to be the result of contact with unvaccinated cats, the county reported.

For people who are exposed to rabies, post-exposure treatment is highly effective in preventing the infection as long as it is given before the person becomes symptomatic. Once symptoms of infection begin, the infection is nearly 100-percent fatal.

Recommendations to prevent rabies include:

· Vaccinate all dogs and cats
· Keep your pets where they are supervised and protected against exposure to wildlife
· Avoid contact with feral dogs and cats and other wildlife
· Seek prompt medical treatment for bites or exposures to sick or unvaccinated animals.

Discuss post-exposure preventive treatment with the healthcare provider.

Post-exposure treatment can be avoided if the biting dog or cat can be observed under quarantine for a 10-day period.

However, exposure to wild animals requires euthanasia and testing of the animal or, if the animal cannot be located, a strong recommendation will be made for the bite victim to receive post-exposure preventive treatment.

In the past year, Lake County Public Health handled 42 instances of animal bites for which the biting animal could not be quarantined or tested.

Contrary to the legendary and frightening rabies prevention treatments of many years ago, current post-exposure treatment now involves only a series of four shots in the arm spread out over a period of two weeks and one additional shot of antibody specifically against rabies virus on the first day.

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html.

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