LUCERNE – A meet and greet for sheriff's candidate Francisco Rivero will be held on Wednesday, May 26.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center.

Refreshments will be provided.

KELSEYVILLE – The Konocti Lioness will hold their monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, May 20 at noon at the Riviera Hills Restaurant, 10200 Fairway Drive in Kelseyville.

This nonprofit service club invites anyone interested in attending to call Lioness Elizabeth Burnside at 279-8562 for reservations and for additional information about joining the club call Lioness Bunny at 277-9177.

WASHINGTON – On Thursday Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) voted in favor of the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 246-161.

This bill would offer rebates to households that renovate their homes to be more energy efficient. In addition to benefiting home owners, this bill will create local jobs in construction, retail, and manufacturing.

“Every home can be energy efficient,” said Congressman Thompson. “By providing these rebates for families, we can create new jobs, save people money on their electricity bills, and move the United States towards energy independence.”

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act offers rebates up to $3,000 for specific energy-saving investments, including insulation, duct sealing, windows and doors, air sealing and water heaters.

Homeowners also can be eligible for a rebate up to $8,000 if they wish to conduct a comprehensive energy audit and implement measures to reduce energy use.

Congressman Thompson has prioritized the promotion of alternate energy and energy efficiency in Congress. He introduced H.R. 4085 which offers a significant tax credit to solar manufacturers to promote green energy and stimulate job creation here in the United States.

He successfully included provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that allow state and local governments to more easily finance the purchase of solar systems and access $2.4 billion in new energy conservation bonds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, the Thompson provisions provide grants to incentivize businesses to invest in renewable technology today, rather than waiting until the economy improves.

Thompson has also introduced the STORAGE Act, which would provide a tax credit to individuals and businesses when they purchase energy storage systems.

Energy storage systems allow consumers to keep excess energy generated by devices like solar panels or wind turbines when energy is in low demand and then use it during periods of peak demand, reducing consumers’ electricity bills and greatly enhancing the reliability of alternative energy sources.

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act now heads to the Senate, where it must be passed before being sent to the President to be signed into law.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Clear Lake water trails map brochures – a series of seven individual paddling guides – now are available.

Each fold-out brochure highlights a distinct water loop trail on Clear Lake, designed to appeal to both residents and visitors who enjoy exploring waterways by kayak, canoe, and other forms of non-motorized paddling.

Seven water trails brochures are being released, including:

• Clear Lake Water Loop 1: Rattlesnake Island

• Clear Lake Water Loop 2: Anderson Marsh – Tule Maze and Islands

• Clear Lake Water Loop 3: Cache Creek – Rock Riffle and Dam

• Clear Lake Water Loop 4: The Narrows – Island Hopping

• Clear Lake Water Loop 5: Soda Bay – Volcanic Vents

• Clear Lake Water Loop 6: Long Tule Point – Wetlands & Wildlife

• Clear Lake Water Loop 7: Rodman Slough

Water loops are recreational waterways on a lake, river, or ocean between specific location, containing access points and day-use and/or camping sites for the boating public. Water loops emphasize low-impact use and promote stewardship of resources while providing healthy outdoor activity.

All of the brochures feature an overview of the specific trail route, distance, seasonal considerations and suggested level of paddling experience; a detailed narrative description of the route with waypoints referenced; and a color map with suggested water trail and launch points, wildlife viewing areas, historical and cultural points of interest, lakeside amenities, public parks and picnic stops, as well as a GPS waypoints table and easy-to-use map legend.

The brochures are designed in a simple foldable form with pleasing colors and eye-catching photos of interesting sights and wildlife that might be spotted along each trail. In addition, each brochure spotlights a different feature that makes Clear Lake unique – from its volcanic origins and mining history to its diverse birding and wildlife and the important role of aquatic plants.

Part of the Konocti Regional Trails planning effort, the Clear Lake Water Trails project is a coordinated effort among several Lake County departments (the Public Services Department, the Community Development Department, and the Marketing and Economic Development Program), community members Holly Harris and Chuck Lamb, with guidance and technical assistance provided by Barbara Rice through a grant from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. Graphic design work was provided by Laura Lamar of MAX Design Studio in Middletown.

Planning, fact-checking, and mapping included identification of lakeside amenities, areas of public access and public facilities, as well as protection of biologically and culturally sensitive areas. Much appreciation goes to the commitment of community members Harris and Lamb who have provided essential leadership along the way with concept and route development, in-depth research, GPS mapping, and community outreach that included circulation of initial drafts to trails groups, nature and outdoor organizations, landowners and tribal representatives, and interested businesses in order to garner valuable input and feedback for improvement and as a way to “road-test” the loops.

The seven Clear Lake Water Trails Loops include:

Loop 1: Rattlesnake Island

For the naturalist and those who want to savor breathtaking beauty, this is a beautiful loop around

Rattlesnake Island, past the historic Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine and wetlands, and back through the canals of “The Keys” in Clearlake Oaks. On calm days, this is an easy paddle for all experience levels. On windy days, however, it is for experienced paddlers willing to battle heavy winds and large waves. In the summer, mornings are best since the midday sun can become intense and strong winds typically pick up in the afternoon.

Loop 2: Anderson Marsh – Tule Maze and Islands

A favorite among birdwatchers, this is a scenic loop around Indian Island into the tule marshes of Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, and traversing back into Cache Creek and the western shoreline of Clear Lake. Paddling at a leisurely pace, the jaunt takes about 3 hours and is a bird watcher’s paradise. While the marsh itself is quite calm, be aware that winds can whip up large waves in the open waters off Redbud Park.

Loop 3: Cache Creek

A serene paddling experience down Cache Creek to the dam and back, past the Anderson Flats tule reeds, a few older waterfront neighborhoods, and then through the beautiful oak-studded back hills. This loop is best taken during summer and fall, when water levels are lower and Cache Creek Dam is not releasing huge amounts of water. During winter and spring, if the current is too strong, turn around and take a few side loop trips. In the summer, mornings are best as the midday sun can be intense.

Loop 4: The Narrows

A beautiful loop circling the Narrows, past small islands near the base of Mount Konocti. Panoramic views of Mount Konocti, Kono Tayee, Buckingham Point, and the north shore ridgeline. While the lake can be serenely mirrorlike, at any time, winds can be funneled into a “venturi effect” between Mount Konocti and Kono Tayee, causing huge gusts to whip up white caps. This often can be seen as large ripples on the distant water—at these moments, head back toward your launch spot or hug the shore.

Loop 5: Soda Bay – Volcanic Vents

A fascinating trip exploring the Clear Lake shoreline, around the infamous Soda Bay hot springs, looping back along Dorn Bay, and a calm paddle down Kelsey Creek. Beautiful views of Mount Konocti and the surrounding ridgelines. This route may be taken year-round. Note that in late summer and fall, intense sun, low water levels, and patches of algae and invasive weeds near the shoreline can impact paddling. A great trip for watching waterfowl and other wildlife, particularly in the winter and spring.

Loop 6: Long Tule Point – Wetlands & Wildlife

A bucolic paddle along Clear Lake’s largest remaining natural shoreline, past cottonwoods and ancient oaks and small waterfront hamlets. Far-reaching views of Mount Konocti, the Mayacamas mountains, and the north shore. On calm days, this is a gentle paddling experience; when the wind kicks up, it is best to hug the shoreline. A great alternate paddle during summer and early fall when loops like Anderson Marsh and Rodman Slough may be congested with late-season weeds. Mornings are best due to intense midday sun. Winter and spring months offer spectacular opportunities to watch migratory water fowl.

Loop 7: Rodman Slough

A peaceful excursion through Rodman Slough — passing Great Blue Heron and Double-Crested Cormorant rookeries (nesting areas) — to the culvert at Tule Lake. Beautiful views of the north shore ridgeline, oak woodlands, tule reeds, and the Middle Creek restoration area. This route is best taken in winter, spring, or early summer. Late summer and fall can bring intense sun, low water levels, mud flats, algae, and invasive weeds that may impede paddling. This is a great trip for watching waterfowl, particularly in winter and spring.

The Clear Lake Water Trails Brochures are available at Lake County visitor centers and may be downloaded from www.lakecounty.com or www.konoctitrails.com.

For information about Lake County’s trails planning and development efforts, contact the Lake County Public Services Department at 707-262-1618.

MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Area Town Hall will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 13.

The meeting will take place at Loconoma Valley High School on Washington Street in Middletown.

Agenda items include traffic safety at Highway 29 and Hartmann Road, U.S. Department of Agriculture Grants for a town hall, conducting a MATH meeting at Cobb and Coyote Valley, the Middletown Community United Methodist Church Skate Board Event, status of the MATH Social Networking Site and procedures for notifying the Department of Fish and Game of a streambed alteration project.

The group will next meet June 10.

MATH meetings are subject to videotaping.

Meeting proceedings may be available for viewing on public access television and/or the Internet.

MATH is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (includes HVL), Long Valley and Middletown.

SACRAMENTO – Six bills by authored Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) moved forward this week.

Four were approved by the full Assembly and are now headed to the Senate. Two were approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee and are headed to the floor for a full vote of the Assembly.

The full Assembly approved the following bills authored by Assemblymember Chesbro:

• AB 2134, a bill supported by owners of small microbreweries, would make it legal for beer manufacturers and importers to conduct and advertise to their customers “beer maker dinners,” featuring craft beers paired with food at local restaurants. The bill would grant the beer industry the same status as the wine industry, which has had good success marketing new products at winemaker dinners. AB 2134 is sponsored by the California Small Brewers Association.

• AB 2615, the “Ocean Fisheries Improvement Act,” would advise the Ocean Protection Council of the Legislature’s intent regarding funding priorities that focus on sustainable fishing practices. AB 2615 is sponsored by the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations

• AB 2675 would provide for additional training for those who care for people with disabilities. It would provide those who operate Immediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICFs/DD) with eight additional hours of training on the business side of running a facility. Currently, IFCs/DD licensees are required to complete eight hours of training on California’s developmental disabilities system and program and regulatory requirements. Feedback from new operators and oversight agencies finds that new licensees often struggle to manage the financial aspects of their businesses. Adding a business orientation program would double the required training to 16 hours for licensees. AB 2675 is sponsored by the California Association of Health Facilities.

• AB 2351 would help California’s State forests by allowing Cal Fire to establish recreational user fees for overnight campgrounds, including the Jackson State Forest in Mendocino County. Fees collected by Cal Fire would benefit California’s State forests. AB 2351 is sponsored by Cal Fire and supported by the Sierra Club of California, the California Licensed Foresters Association and the California Native Plant Society.

The Assembly Appropriations Committee approved the following Chesbro bills:

• AB 2664 would allow the State Lands Commission to charge administrative penalties for structures built on state lands without the proper permits or that are out of compliance with those permits. Many of these structures actually impede the public’s access to state land. Examples include building fences in to lakes and even across state parks. This law is needed because the State Lands Commission often must enter into costly litigation to combat persons or entities building structures on state land.

• AB 2430 would require that an organization or agency whose sole purpose is to provide services to the blind or visually impaired, which receives grants or contracts from the Department of Rehabilitation, have at least 20 percent blind or visually impaired individuals as board members in order to best meet the needs of blind and visually impaired Californians.

Visit Chesbro's Web site at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a01/.