LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Focused on bringing residents the resources they need to recover from the Valley fire, the Lake County Valley Fire Recovery Task Force will begin holding public meetings on Tuesdays.

The group will meet at 6 p.m. at the Twin Pine Casino Event Center, at 22223 Highway 29 in Middletown.

The Lake County Valley Fire Recovery Task Force is a partnership of local, state, federal and tribal representatives.

These agencies are working together to provide comprehensive services to aid in the recovery of Valley fire survivors and Lake County residents.

The group was convened at the end of September immediately following the deactivation of the Lake County Emergency Operation Center.

Carol Huchingson, Lake County Director of Social Services, is leading the task force.

Huchingson looks forward to the meetings. “This is an opportunity for Lake County residents to hear firsthand about the progress being made in the Valley fire recovery,” she said. “It will also provide an opportunity for fire survivors to ask questions and provide input towards the recovery process.”

Huchingson encourages the public to attend.

The first Lake County Valley Fire Recovery Task Force meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Representatives from many agencies will report out to the public on fire recovery status.

For the latest news and information on the Valley fire recovery, visit www.LakeCountyRecovers.com .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Lakeport man was arrested Sunday night following a lengthy vehicle pursuit with law enforcement.

Jose Guadalupe Aguilar, 22, was arrested for felony evading police with disregard for public safety, a parole violation, hit and run and driving on a suspended license recklessly following the pursuit, which lasted 40 minutes and traveled more than 28 miles, according to Lakeport Police Sgt. Michael Sobieraj.

Just after 9 p.m. Sunday a Lakeport Police officer noticed Aguilar – whom he knows from previous contacts – driving a Nissan Pathfinder in the area of the 1500 block of North Main Street, Sobieraj said.

Sobieraj said the officer knew that Aguilar had a suspended driver’s license and was on active California Department of Corrections Parole. The officer tried to contact Aguilar, who fled.

The officer initiated a pursuit in Lakeport with Lake County Sheriff’s Office responding to assist.  Aguilar began driving erratically, driving through stop signs, driving on the wrong side of the road and driving at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour on Main Street. The streets were wet and slick due to the rain, Sobieraj said.

Aguilar continued driving, making his way to Kelseyville where he reached speeds of more than 90 miles per hour, at times turning off all his vehicle’s lighting, according to Sobieraj.

While on Main Street in Kelseyville, Aguilar drove onto the embankment of Kelseyville High School, hitting two steel poles and nearly rolling his vehicle over, Sobieraj said.

Sobieraj said the California Highway Patrol joined the pursuit in an attempt to lay down spike strips which Aguilar managed to avoid by driving on side streets.

At Soda Bay Road and Big Valley Road, a Lakeport Police officer got in front of Aguilar to slow him down and warn oncoming traffic of his driving into oncoming traffic. At Soda Bay Road and Hwy 175, Sobieraj said Aguilar got onto Highway 29 northbound.

Sobieraj said Aguilar then headed back north towards Lakeport where he again reached speeds of more than 90 miles per hour on Highway 29.

Aguilar got off the highway on the 11th Street exit, and a Lakeport Police officer attempted to ram Aguilar in an attempt to stop him from getting back into town but due to slick roads was unsuccessful, Sobieraj said.

Aguilar then again drove through town, eventually pulling into the Willow Point Trailer Resort, located at 1 First St., where Sobieraj said he was arrested.

Aguilar has prior arrests and state prison time for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of controlled substance for sale and battery with serious bodily injury, police reported.

Aguilar remains in the Lake County Jail on a no bail charge, Sobieraj said.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Four community members who want to serve on the Lake County Fire Protection District for the next four years shared their ideas on leading the district and addressing its unique needs at a Thursday forum.

Retired Judge Richard Freeborn moderated the event, which took place on Thursday night at Clearlake City Hall.

Participating were board incumbents Michael Dean, Jacqueline Snyder and John Spriet, and challenger Bud Moore.

The district election will be on the ballot Nov. 3.

In just over an hour the candidates answered seven questions that had been prepared for the event, along with three more from the audience.

Below is a list of key points in the video, including opening and closing statements, and the questions. The times for the statements and questions are noted also in order to easily find them in the video.

– Opening statements (5:48).

– Question No. 1: What is your overall impression of the Lake County Fire Protection District? (12:40)

– Question No. 2: What are the challenges facing the district and how do you consider funding these? (15:41)

– Question No. 3: Where do you see the district in five to 10 years from now? (21:53)

– Question No. 4: What ideas do you have to increase staffing for the district over the next five years? (27:08)

– Question No. 5: What ideas do you have to increase the district infrastructure to include existing and additional facilities? (30:25)

– Question No. 6: Where do you think you are best able to benefit the district and the communities it serves? (35:34)

– Question No. 7: Any final thoughts or comments regarding the district? (41:05)

– Question No. 8: Where do you believe the Lake County Office of Emergency Services should be? Should it be a part of the sheriff's office or a standalone office? (46:47)

– Question No. 9: Are you willing to ask the community for new technologies and new ideas? (52:15)

– Question No. 10: Is there anything being done in terms of fuel management in the area? (57:05)

– Closing statements (1:01:30).

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The community is coming together to fight prescription drug misuse and abuse in Lake County.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, a coalition of doctors, hospitals, clinics, schools, law enforcement and others will come together to begin addressing the problem of prescription drug misuse.

The death rate for prescription drug overdose in Lake County is four times the state average, now exceeding deaths due to traffic accidents and gunshot wounds. Nationally, this problem has been referred to as the “opioid epidemic.”

“While the use of opioid pain medications is essential to manage pain for injuries or after a surgery, there is now conclusive evidence that long-term use of opioid medications are not effective for chronic pain and can do more harm than good,” said Dr. Karen Tait, public health officer for Lake County.

Dr. Tait is leading the local effort in Lake County to take a community approach to address the problem by working with doctors to adopt consistent prescribing guidelines, educate their patients about both the risks and benefits of opioid use and raise the awareness of the public about safer alternatives to treat chronic pain.

The conference on Tuesday is a first big step to work invite the community to join this effort.

Dr. Matt Willis, public health officer from Marin County, will be the keynote speaker at the event, explaining how other counties have organized to reduce dependence and misuse.

“Should an opioid be prescribed? If so, what is a safe dosage?” Willis said. “What is the best way to guard against dependence? What non-opioid treatments should be considered? These are questions every clinician should be asking.”

Operating under the umbrella structure of Hope Rising, Lake County, a $60,000 grant was recently awarded to the Project by the California HealthCare Foundation.

The effort in Lake County, led by Dr. Tait, is one of 10 communities in the state to receive these funds.

“We want to protect our community and especially our children, from prescription drug misuse, explained Shelly Mascari, director of Community Health with Adventist Health Care and Chair of the Hope Rising, Lake County effort. “Pills can inadvertently get into the hands of our youth who are unaware of the dangers. We want safe prescribing and to save lives.”

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the areas impacted by the Valley, Rocky and Jerusalem fires.

The agency released the warning for southeastern Lake County – along with southwestern Colusa County and northwestern Napa County – on Monday afternoon after about half an inch of rain fell over the area in a 30-minute period, leading to concerns that flash flooding was about to begin.

The flash flood warning remains in effect until 4:30 p.m. Monday; a flash flood watch issued shortly before it lasts until 8 p.m.

Locations that could experience flooding as a result of the heavy rainfall include Anderson Springs, Cobb, Ettawa Springs, Hidden Valley Lake, Loch Lomond, Lower Lake, Middletown, Seigler Springs and Whispering Pines, the agency said.
 
A thunderstorm also was moving across the county on Monday afternoon, bringing with it heavy rain and lightning, and in some places, hail.

If flash flooding occurs, debris flows and rockslides are likely, forecasters said.

Area residents are reminded not to drive across flooded roads, to keep clear of recently burned areas and to stay away from creek beds and dry arroyos.

The forecast calls for the rain to taper off by Monday evening, leading to partly cloudy conditions, with mostly clear and sunny skies into early next week.

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.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A Susanville man was arrested early Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence after he crashed his pickup into a fence and power utility equipment in front of Lucerne Elementary School.

Holdyn Gray Guthrie, 22, was arrested in connection to the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake Area office.

The CHP said that at 2:30 a.m. Friday Guthrie was driving his 2000 Dodge Ram pickup eastbound on Country Club Drive east of 17th Avenue at an unknown speed.

For reasons that are still under investigation, the CHP said Guthrie lost control of the pickup and veered off the south side of the roadway, hitting a utility pole and transformer box.

After hitting that equipment, Guthrie's pickup continued in a southeasterly direction, hitting Lucerne Elementary School's chain-link fence and a second utility transformer box, the CHP said.

Due to the crash with the first pole, the CHP said live power lines from a utility pole on the north side of the road fell across Country Club Drive and onto the school's chain-link fence.

Guthrie, who was wearing his seat belt, had a laceration to his chin and minor cuts, and was taken to Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport, the CHP said.

The CHP said alcohol appears to have been a factor in the crash, and Guthrie subsequently was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence.

Jail records showed that Guthrie's bail was set at $5,000. He later posted the required portion of bail and was released.

Officer Ryan Erickson is investigating the crash, the CHP said.

Lucerne Elementary Principal/Superintendent Mike Brown estimated that damages from the crash could total as much as $25,000, with three of the school's classrooms not expected to have power until the middle of this week.

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

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Sheriff's detectives are working to locate the suspect in a Halloween night shooting in Clearlake Oaks.

The incident was reported just before 7 p.m. Saturday on Third Street, as Lake County News has reported.

Authorities said a male subject suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and was flown to an out-of-county hospital for treatment.

Sheriff's Lt. Steve Brooks said Monday that the victim – whose name has not been released – survived.

As of Monday, no arrest had been made in the case, Brooks said.

He said detectives have identified a male suspect in the shooting. That individual also has not been publicly identified by authorities.

“We are attempting to contact him,” Brooks said of the suspect.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control is now offering for adoption cats rescued from the Valley fire area that have not been reclaimed.

Eight cats of varying age are available as the week begins. That's down from the 27 cats that were available when adoptions to the general public began on Oct. 28.

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

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

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

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

Male domestic short hair mix

This male domestic short hair mix has an all-black coat.

He was found at the intersection of Dove and Quail in Cobb.

He's in kennel No. 33, ID No. 3834.

Female domestic short hair mix

This female domestic short hair mix has a black coat.

She was found on Spruce Grove Road in Lower Lake.

She's in kennel No. 38, ID No. 3696.

Female domestic short hair mix

This female domestic short hair mix has an orange tabby coat.

She was found on Oak Street and Gifford Springs in Cobb.

She's in kennel No. 68, ID No. 3848.

Male domestic short hair mix

This male domestic short hair mix has a tuxedo cat.

He was found on Gifford Springs Road in Cobb.

He's in kennel No. 84, ID No. 3833.

Domestic short hair mix

This young domestic short hair mix cat of undetermined gender has a black coat with white markings.

The cat was found on Dove and Quail in Cobb.

The cat is in kennel No. 87, ID No. 3839.

Female domestic short hair mix

This female domestic short hair mix has an all-black coat.

She was found on Oak Street in Cobb.

She is in kennel No. 103, ID No. 3835.

Female domestic long hair mix

This female domestic long hair mix has an all-black coat.

She was found on Oak Street and Gifford Springs Road in Cobb.

She is in kennel No. 122, ID No. 3838.

Female domestic short hair mix

This female domestic short hair mix has a brown tabby coat.

She was found in Middletown.

She's in kennel No. 142, ID No. 3797.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County history is peppered with its share of crime stories.

Lakeport Library’s microfiche newspaper files from the 19th century report the stage robberies, murders and petty crimes of the time.

Thanks to the Copeland family, I can relay the story of George Coburn, which was written for the Historical Society of Southern California by a former Lake County resident, Helen Rocca Goss.

In 1895 George W. Coburn was a young man, in his 20s, who lived on a farm north of Middletown with his parents.

It was during this time that the hard-working folks of Middletown began experiencing numerous thefts. Items of all description were reported missing: One person’s alarm clock, another’s derby hat and a sewing machine.

Whips and robes were stolen from someone’s buggy at one residence, while a sidesaddle was reported missing from another. One evening the books from the schoolhouse were stolen.

Conversations around town buzzed with the mystifying misdeeds. Who could be taking all of these things? Why were items of relatively little value targeted? When would it end?

Someone offered, “Could be Buck English!” 

“Nah,” another countered, “he only steals cattle and horses.”

References to other well-known crooks and misfits were bandied about, but the outcome of the conversation always ended in a question: Who was the thief?

Then, a flurry of reports revolving around the sighting of a woman, walking near Middletown after sunset, attired in all-white apparel occurred.

Stories flew like Halloween ghosts with regard to the strange vision. Some folks said they heard her weeping and wailing. It was an eerie situation, to be sure.

Then, in November of 1895 a local resident was out on a routine hunting expedition when he discovered a hoard of items of all description, about three miles north of Middletown near the George Coburn residence. This was getting to be a very curious situation.

Sure as buckshot, Coburn was finally arrested!

The June 26, 1897 issue of the San Francisco Examiner explained that it took a wagon pulled by two brawny horses to haul all of the booty to Middletown. There, it was put on public view where the locals congregated “to view this remarkable collection which surpasses the famous ‘Old Curiosity’ shop.”

People found their musty, rotting buggy whips, books and even the white outfits worn on those mysterious moonlit evenings.

Throughout George Coburn’s life he was regarded as an odd individual. Now, however he was a known kleptomaniac, who could not help but to be tempted by other’s belongings.

It wasn’t that he needed the items, he simply wanted to take what didn’t belong to him to build a hefty cache.

It was discovered later that he had hiding places for the stolen items all over the woods. He preferred storing stolen goods in holes he had dug into the ground, and choose hollow trees as well. He was careful to place a blanket of dirt and leaves over his hiding spots.

The Middletown “Independent” newspaper dated July 3, 1897, stated, “Stolen property will continue to be found on this ranch for the next century, for in all probability Coburn himself does not remember where he has hidden more than one-fourth of his plunder …”

In one case Coburn was charged with burglary, and bond was set at $500. Another case that was mentioned in the newspaper’s archives states that he was accused of “grand larceny for stealing a side saddle and a sewing machine” with bond set at $250.

The March 7, 1896 issue of the “Independent” reported that Coburn was sentenced to three years in Folsom Prison. Before the case could be decided by the California Supreme Court, he escaped from the Lakeport jail.

From that time on, Coburn’s story took on a mythical or legendary quality. The phrase, “George Coburn must be back” was uttered whenever an item, no matter how inconsequential, was missing from a residence or place of business.

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is an 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 writes 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.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Monday the usually busy lobby of the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Clearlake featured a celebratory theme to mark one of the facility's milestones.

It's been five years since the long-cherished dream of many local veterans came true in the form of a VA clinic in Lake County, and today the facility is thriving and looking at growing significantly in the years to come.

Getting the clinic in the county took years of effort, but when it finally opened at 15145 Lakeshore Drive in November 2010 there were big hopes that it would answer the need of thousands of veterans who call Lake County home.

From all indications, it has done just that, and also surpassed the service levels anticipated by the San Francisco VA Health Care System, which oversees the clinic.

“We exceeded all of their expectations about what our growth rate would be,” said clinic director Carol Brown.

Less than three months after opening, the clinic already had served 500 patients, Brown said.

Today, the clinic – open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – serves just under 2,000 veterans annually, she said.

For its service to the community, the clinic received a Stars of Lake County Community Service Award for nonprofit organization of the year in 2013.

In addition to traditional medical appointments and health education for patients, Brown said the clinic offers a telemedicine service that allows it to connect with more than 50 other clinics.

More than 100 vets now take part in the clinic's telehealth program. Brown said the program provides real-time monitoring of health conditions like diabetes, allowing clinic staff to check in with patients immediately – without patients having to come into the clinic.

She said the clinic tries to offer as many services as possible locally so vets don't have to travel out of county to larger facilities, such as those in San Francisco.

And while veterans may still have to travel to San Francisco for some services and programs, Brown said they can get followup care at the clinic.

Brown, a registered nurse, is a “charter member” of the staff, having been among the eight original employees who worked at the clinic when it opened in the fall of 2010.

“I started out as the only nurse,” she said.

Now, five years later, she's overseeing a staff that has quadrupled in size.

Brown said the staff today includes doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, social workers and front line office personnel. Approximately 32 out of a total of 38 positions are filled.

When the clinic opened, it had just one doctor. Today it has three physician positions. Dr. Anna Brou and Dr. Kirk Andrus are on staff, and with the recent retirement of the third doctor, Brown said they are now actively recruiting to fill that third position.

While the clinic recruits a new physician, for the first time a waiting list has been implemented. “It's not what any of us want,” said Brown of not being able to take new patients right now.

In the meantime, sister clinics in Ukiah and Santa Rosa are taking new patients, and veterans also can find a local health care provider and the VA will pay for it, Brown said.

As for what is ahead in the next five years, Brown said, “We're already looking at how we're going to expand out.”

The building currently has a 10,000-square-foot footprint. Brown said, ideally, they would like to double that, and have begun discussing a potential expansion with the building's owner.

In addition to adding more exam rooms, key areas considered for expansion are audiology and pharmacy, as the Clearlake VA clinic is one of the few clinics of its type that doesn't have pharmacy services available on site, Brown said.

To find out more about the clinic and services, or to volunteer, go to www.sanfrancisco.va.gov/ .

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Several dogs that remain unclaimed following the Valley fire are now among those being offered for adoption this week.

The five fire survivor dogs are all pit bulls – three males and two females. All are said to be friendly dogs.

In addition to them, there are dogs available this week that include mixes of Chihuahua, dachshund, Labrador Retriever 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.

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

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”).

Male pit bull terrier

This male pit bull terrier is a Valley fire survivor, found behind the Middletown gas station.

Has has a short gray and white coat.

He's in kennel No. 5, ID No. 3720.

'Buddah'

“Buddah” is a male Labrador Retriever mix.

He has a short black coat with white markings.

She's in kennel No. 6, ID No. 3826.

Male pit bull mix

This male pit bull terrier mix has a short gray and white coat.

He's in kennel No. 7, ID No. 3458.

'Digger'

“Digger” is a male terrier mix with a short tan coat.

He was found on Lakeview Drive in Nice.

He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 3693.

Male pit bull terrier

This male pit bull terrier mix is a Valley fire survivor, found on Gifford Springs and Pine Summit in Cobb.

He has a short black and tan coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 10, ID No. 3617.

Female pit bull terrier

This female pit bull terrier mix is a Valley fire survivor, found on Teklas in Lower Lake.

She has a short black coat with white markings.

She's in kennel No. 15, ID No. 3508.

Male pit bull terrier

This male pit bull terrier mix is a Valley fire survivor found, on Point Lakeview in Lower Lake.

He has a short brown and white coat.

He's in kennel No. 16, ID No. 3675.

Male pit bull terrier

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

He was found in Clearlake Oaks.

He's in kennel No. 17, ID No. 3719.

Chihuahua-dachshund mix

This female Chihuahua-dachshund mix has a short multi-colored coat coat, with blue merle-type markings.

She was found on Big Valley Road in Finley.

She's in kennel No. 20c, ID No. 3869.

Female pit bull terrier

This female pit bull terrier mix is a Valley fire survivor, found on Bottle Rock Road in Kelseyville.

She has a short gray coat with white markings.

She's in kennel No. 21, ID No. 3504.

'Buddy'

“Buddy” is a male pit bull terrier mix with a short gray coat.

He was found on Lakeview Drive in Nice.

He's in kennel No. 25, ID No. 3694.

Female pit bull terrier

This female pit bull terrier mix has a short gray and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 30, ID No. 3851.

Female pit bull terrier

This female pit bull terrier mix has a short black coat with white marking.

She was found on Morgan Valley Road in Lower Lake.

She's in kennel No. 33, ID No. 3879.

'Oreo'

“Oreo” is a male Chihuahua mix.

Shelter staff said Oreo was surrendered by his owner, who couldn't afford to take care of him.

Oreo is described as a spunky little guy who is looking for some attention. He is housebroken, gets along with other dogs, both small and large. Come in and spend sometime in the play yard with him.

He's in kennel No. 34, ID No. 3790.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For an astronomer, discovering a comet can be the highlight of a lifetime. Great comets carry the names of their discoverers into history.

Comet Halley, Comet Lovejoy, Comet Hale-Bopp are just a few examples.

Imagine the frustration, though, if every time you discovered a comet, it was rapidly destroyed.

Believe it or not, this is what happens almost every day to the most prolific comet hunter of all time.

The ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory has discovered more than 3,000 doomed comets that have passed close to the sun.

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, better known as “SOHO,” is a joint project of the European Space Agency, or ESA, and NASA.

Orbiting the sun at 1.5 million km, or 932,000 miles from Earth, the distant observatory has just discovered its 3,000th comet – more than any other spacecraft or astronomer. And, just about all of SOHO’s comets have been destroyed.

“They just disintegrate every time we observe one,” said Karl Battams, a solar scientist at the Naval Research Labs in Washington, D.C., who has been in charge of running the SOHO comet-sighting website since 2003. “SOHO sees comets that pass very close to the sun – and they just can’t stand the intense sunlight.”

The overwhelming majority of SOHO's comet discoveries belong to the Kreutz family. Kreutz sungrazers are fragments from the breakup of a single giant comet thousands of years ago.

They get their name from 19th century German astronomer Heinrich Kreutz, who studied them in detail.

On average, a new member of the Kreutz family is discovered every three days. Unfortunately for these small comets, their orbits swoop perilously close to the sun.

“There's only one Kreutz comet that made it around the sun – Comet Lovejoy. And we are pretty confident it fell apart a couple of weeks afterwards,” said Battams.

Although SOHO’s comets are rapidly destroyed, they nevertheless have great scientific value. For instance, the comets’ tails are buffeted and guided by the sun’s magnetic fields. Watching how the tails bend and swing can tell researchers a great deal about the sun’s magnetic field.

Prior to the launch of SOHO in 1995, only a dozen or so comets had ever even been discovered from space, while some 900 had been discovered from the ground since 1761. SOHO has turned the tables on these figures, making itself the greatest comet hunter of all time.

But SOHO hasn’t reached this lofty perch alone. The spacecraft relies on people who sift through its data. Anyone can help because SOHO’s images are freely available online in real time. Many volunteer amateur astronomers scan the data on a daily basis for signs of a new comet. The result: 95 percent of SOHO comets have been found by citizen scientists.

Whenever someone spots a comet, they report it to Battams. He goes over the imagery to confirm the sighting and then submits it to the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams, which gives it an official name.

And the name is … you guessed it: “SOHO.”

While comets spotted from the ground are named after the person who first discovered them, comets first observed by a space-based telescope are named after the spacecraft. The 3,000th comet discovered was named “SOHO-3000.”

Naturally, it has already been destroyed. SOHO doesn’t mind though. The Greatest Comet Hunter Ever has already moved on to the next sungrazer.

“SOHO-4000,” anyone?