The last remaining stretch of California coast is open to the recreational fishery as of Friday and will open to the commercial fishery on May 26, after a seven-day notice period.

On Friday the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Fish and Game Commission (Commission) were notified by the director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), after consultation with the director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), that it recommends lifting the last remaining closure of the Dungeness crab fishery (between a line extending due west from 40 46.15 N latitude, the west end of the north jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay and north to the southern boundary line at 41 17.6 N latitude of the Reading Rock State Marine Conservation Area near Redwood Creek). Now the entire California coast is open to the recreational fishery.

The commercial fishery in this same closure will open accordingly seven days from today at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, May 26 with a presoak period on Monday, May 23 at 8:01 a.m. 
 
With the last remaining portion of the commercial Dungeness crab fishery opening next week, CDFW reminds commercial and recreational fishing fleets of the Best Practices Guide available to download that provides tips for reducing incidences of whale entanglements with crab trap gear. All anglers are strongly encouraged to download the guide and observe best practices. 

This guide was produced by the Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group and was a collaborative effort between commercial crabbers, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.
 
CDFW also reminds crabbers of the recent FAQ to address the partial opening of Fishing District 6 on May 12 and fair start rules in order to conduct an orderly fishery.

This FAQ covers topics about transiting through the current closure area to land crab and the recommended procedures for crab catch on board during the pre-soak period for those not bound by the fair start provision.

Since the commercial fishery opened in Fishing Districts 6 and 7 on May 12, those bound by the Fair Start Provision will not be able to set gear and begin fishing in both districts, including the newly opened closure area described above, until the 30 day waiting period ends on Saturday June 11, 2016.
 
Due to the late start of the season there are also concerns over the take of soft-shelled crab. The commercial fleet should avoid taking crab that are not marketable and abide by Fish and Game Code Section 7704 that makes it unlawful to cause or permit waste of a fished resource. CDFW encourages all crabbers, buyers and processors to closely coordinate to minimize the chance of wasting any crab and violating Fish and Game Code Section 7704.
 
The delayed opening of the Dungeness crab fishery may concentrate effort at a time that could increase conflict with other active fisheries, for instance the salmon fishery. CDFW advises that all work together and adjust their fishing practices to avoid or minimize these conflicts.
 
Given the increasing reports of soft shelled crab and the unique circumstances this year that have led to unprecedented levels of fishing effort this late in the season, CDFW has concluded that it will not extend the season pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 8277. The recreational Dungeness crab season in Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties will close July 30. The recreational Dungeness crab season will close June 30 in counties south of Mendocino County.

The commercial fishery will close in Fish and Game Districts 6, 7, 8 and 9 on July 15. All other areas of the state will close to commercial Dungeness crab fishing on June 30.
 
Areas open to crab fishing include:

·       Recreational Dungeness crab fishery open statewide from California/Oregon border to the California/Mexico border.
·       On May 26, 2016 Commercial Dungeness crab fishery open statewide from California/Oregon border to the California/Mexico border (which includes all previously opened areas).
·       Commercial fishery currently open along mainland coast south of 40 46.15 N lat., at the Humboldt Bay entrance, Humboldt County to the California/Mexico border and north of 41 17.6 N lat. at the southern boundary of the Reading Rock SMCA (near Redwood Creek), Humboldt County to the California/Oregon border.
·       Commercial and recreational rock crab fisheries are open along the mainland coast south of 36 58.72 N Lat. at Sand Hill Bluff, Santa Cruz County (approximately 9 miles north of Santa Cruz Harbor Entrance)
·       Commercial and recreational rock crab fisheries are open in state waters of the Channel Islands except for an exclusion area between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands (see coordinates below)
 
Areas closed to rock crab fishing include:

·       Commercial and recreational rock crab fisheries are closed north of 36 58.72 N lat. and in state waters between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands within an exclusion area bounded by straight lines connecting the following points in the order listed:

(1) 34 7.75 N lat. 120 0.00 W long.;
(2) 34 7.75 N lat. 119 50.00 W long.;
(3) 33 53.00 N lat. 119 50.00 W long.;
(4) 33 53.00 N lat. 120 0.00 W long.; and
(5) 34 7.75 N lat. 120 0.00 W long.
 
CDFW will continue to closely coordinate with CDPH, OEHHA and fisheries representatives to extensively monitor domoic acid levels in rock crabs to determine when the fishery can safely be opened throughout the state.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Book lovers of all ages are invited to “Read for the Win” with the Lake County Library's 2016 Summer Reading Program.

For the first time ever, the library has opened the program to adults, so everyone can join in the fun.

Signups begin May 21 online and in person at all four library branches.

The summer reading program Web site will go live on May 21. Go to the library Web site http://library.lakecountyca.gov and click on the “Read for the Win” logo to sign up or visit your local library branch.

Once you sign up you can keep track of your reading progress online or when you return your books to the library. There are four programs for different age groups.

The program for “pre-readers” challenges parents and other family members to read together with their children who haven't quite started to read yet.

The children's program is recommended for children ages from five to twelve who are independent readers. Children can read books and earn stickers for their game cards.

For children who read 25 books or 1,000 pages The Friends of the Lake County Library will donate a book to the library with a special bookplate inside the book commemorating their achievement.

Teens age 13 to 18 can sign up to read books and earn entries for a grand prize drawing. There will also be a variety of events for teens over the summer at the library, including a writing workshop.

For the first time ever, the Lake County Library is including a summer reading program for adults. Adults are invited to challenge themselves to read this summer and earn entries for a grand prize.

The Lake County Library Summer Reading Program is supported in part by the Friends of the Lake County Library and Friends of Middletown Library.

For more information contact the library at 707-263-8817 or visit the library Web site at http://library.lakecountyca.gov .

The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville Methodist Thrift Shop will hold a special 25 cent sale on Monday, May 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The thrift shop is located at 5250 First St., just off Main Street.

“We are excited to provide this special sale to our regular customers and hope to entice new ones,” said long-time volunteer and Methodist member Norma Hodges. "We have an amazing array of  shoes, pants, dresses, books, dishes, linens, purses, hats, belts, sweaters, infant clothing, scrubs, sleepwear and coats."

The 25 cent sale is for inside items only. All outside items are at regular prices.

The thrift shop has been providing assistance to the community since 1954 and all proceeds assist the operation of this Kelseyville Church which has served the community since 1854 on the same spot at First and Main. 

In addition to Kelseyville United Methodist Sunday Services at 9 a.m. with Sunday brunch on the first Sunday each month, the church hosts Girl Scouts, 4-H, AA and the Lake County Unitarian Universalists at 11 a.m. on Sundays.

The thrift shop will be closed for Memorial Day on May 30 so you are encouraged to shop on May 23.

For more information, contact Norma Hodges at 707-245-5788 or Pastor Voris Brumfield at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Small Business Council of America (SBCA), a national nonprofit organization which represents the interests of more than 20,000 privately-held and family-owned organizations on Federal tax, employee benefit and health care matters, presented its 33rd Annual Congressional awards on May 4, 2016.

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) received the 2016 SBCA Congressional Award in recognition of his dedication to small businesses across the country and in particular for the introduction and sponsorship of the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act.

This bipartisan bill would allow small employers with fewer than 50 employees to offer Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) to help employees purchase health insurance in the individual market – on and off of the exchange – as well as reimburse employees for qualified health expenses if the employee has qualified health coverage.

In 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance prohibiting the use of HRAs for the purchase of health insurance and related medical expenses because it was inconsistent with the requirements of group health plans.

Employers who continue to offer HRAs would be subject to a $100 per day, per employee penalty, up to $36,500 per employee per year.

The Small Business Healthcare Relief Act would allow small employers to offer HRAs to their employees so that they can choose a quality, affordable health insurance plan that fits their individual budget and health care needs.

“The SBCA applauds Congressman Thompson for reaching across the partisan divide to promote common-sense bi-partisan legislation that will greatly help small businesses and their employees,” said SBCA Chair, Paula Calimafde. “The Small Business Healthcare Relief Act, sponsored by Congressman Thompson and Congressman Boustany, will provide a solution to a very real problem and, once again, allow small businesses to help their employees cover the cost of individual health insurance.”

“I am honored to receive the 2016 Small Business Council of America Congressional Award,” said Thompson. “Small businesses drive job creation and grow our economy, which is why I was proud to introduce the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act, so that our small business owners can afford to provide health care coverage to their employees and focus on what they do best, running their business.”

The SBCA also recognized the efforts of Senator Jim Risch, Senator Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Charles Boustany in promoting and supporting the small business community. 

The SBCA also honored members of the private sector, including: Robert Kent, of Bethesda, Maryland, Humanitarian of the Year and Troy Guard, of Denver, Colorado, Mort Harris Small Business Person of the Year.  SBCA Director, Sandra Turner of Oviedo, Florida, was this year’s Connie Murdoch award winner.

SACRAMENTO – For the past year, Sen. Mike McGuire has been leading the effort to restore millions in funds for rural and small school districts to replace their dilapidated school buses.

Rural and small districts have among the oldest and dirtiest burning fleets of buses in California.

Working with the California Air Resources Board, McGuire and the board have advanced a budget proposal – along with a grant process - that would allocate double the original amount for the pilot project. The grant process is designed to meet the unique needs of small, rural school districts.

“We have spent the past year developing a grant process and funding allocation that will be successful for our rural schools – which have among the oldest and dirtiest burning school buses in the state,” McGuire said. “This year’s budget proposal would bring twice the original budgeted allocation – $10 million to our state’s small schools, putting fuel efficient, cleaner burning school buses on the road which will reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, improve air quality and health outcomes for California school kids.”

The additional funding allocation means the program will have twice the impact as originally drafted. The proposal also calls for a statewide grant administrator based on the North Coast so that the program will be run by someone who lives and works in a rural area, with the unique and special set of circumstances small, rural schools face.

McGuire has led the effort to advance this pilot project and has worked collaboratively with the Air Resources Board to develop the program.

“Our rural communities are consistently left out of statewide funding proposals that institute supposedly one-size-fits-all grants,” McGuire said. “We have fought hard to ensure our rural students are not left behind, especially when it comes to their health, safety, and educational opportunities.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than half of today’s school buses have been in service for over a decade. These older buses emit nearly twice as much pollution per mile as a semi-truck.

In addition, buses manufactured before 1990 can send out as much as six times more particulate matter and nitrogen oxides compared to buses that have been recently manufactured. Consequently, health risks for students, especially younger children increase significantly because their respiratory systems are still developing.

Rural school districts transport a significant share of their total student population compared to larger districts. This means, per capita, rural students are exposed to higher forms of pollutants. The California Air Resources Board has stated that bus-related exposure to exhaust fumes is due to time spent commuting on the school bus. Exhaust fumes are known to be one of the leading causes of asthma.

While small and rural school districts want to advance environmental preferred transportation alternatives, these districts are challenged to afford bus replacements because they have less discretionary funding and limited access to other types of funding that urban school districts often use to replace aging bus fleets. Moreover, rural transportation costs per student are typically higher due to the greater distance rural students are required to travel to and from school.

The Rural School Bus Pilot Project allocation will be brought forward for approval by the Senate as part of this year’s budget process.

Veronica Rodriguez Vega
Jan. 22, 1974 - May 18, 2016

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Veronica is survived by her husband, Antonio; sons, Anthony and Andrew; parents, Rogelio and Fransisca; siblings, Rogelio (Rosa), Victor (Paloma), Daniel, Oscar and Mireya; brother-in-law Silvestre; nieces and nephews, Brandon, Tiago, Rogelio Jr. and Juliana; and goddaughters, Victoria and Sofia.

Her family and friends will miss her smile, laughter, sense of humor, guidance and strength.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary of the Angel's Catholic Church in Ukiah on Tuesday, May 24, from 3 to 7 p.m. with Rosary service at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at the church on Wednesday, May 25, at noon.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

SACRAMENTO – California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith on Thursday lifted the last remaining health advisory for Dungeness crab caught along the California coast.

The final advisory lifted Thursday was for Dungeness crabs caught in ocean waters north of 40°46.15′ N Latitude (a line extending due west from the west end of the north jetty at the entrance of Humboldt Bay) and south of 41° 17.60' N Latitude (a line extending due west from the mouth of Redwood Creek, Humboldt County).

Recent tests show traces of domoic acid have declined to low or undetectable levels in Dungeness crabs caught in these areas.

“I know this announcement is one that people in California have been waiting for, whether it affects their livelihood or their ability to enjoy Dungeness crabs at the dinner table,” said Dr. Smith. “We appreciate everyone who has paid attention to the warnings and remind everyone that conditions can change, so it’s important to stay informed.”

CDPH and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concur that meat from Dungeness crabs caught along the coast line is safe to consume.

However, consumers are advised to not eat the viscera (internal organs, also known as “butter” or “guts”) of crabs.

The viscera usually contain much higher levels of domoic acid than crab body meat. When whole crabs are cooked in liquid, domoic acid may leach from the viscera into the cooking liquid.

Water or broth used to cook whole crabs should be discarded and not used to prepare dishes such as sauces, broths, soups or stews (for example, cioppino or gumbo), stocks, roux, dressings or dips.

The best ways to reduce risk are:

– Remove the crab viscera and rinse out the body cavity prior to cooking, or
– Boil or steam whole crabs, instead of frying or broiling, and discard cooking liquids.

Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood.

In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days.

In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory (a condition known as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning), coma or death. There have been no confirmed illnesses associated with this year’s domoic acid event.

Domoic acid accumulation in seafood is a natural occurrence that is related to a “bloom” of a particular single-celled plant. The conditions that support the growth of this plant are impossible to predict. While the bloom that occurred last year has dissipated, it takes a period of time for the organisms feeding on the phytoplankton to eliminate the domoic acid from their bodies.

To receive updated information about shellfish poisoning and quarantines, call CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at 800-553-4133.

For additional information, visit CDPH’s Natural Marine Toxins: PSP and Domoic Acid Web page and CDPH’s Domoic Acid health information Web page at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages/fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx .

Gertrude Boggs-Lozano
June 18, 1941 - May 18, 2016

NICE, Calif. – Our beloved mother Gertrude Boggs-Lozano and beloved wife to John Lozano Sr. was called to the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at her residence on Robinson Rancheria.

Gertrude enjoyed playing bingo at our local casino Robinson Rancheria, she loved dressing up and applying her makeup no matter where she went. She loved shopping, car rides and attending cultural and elder activities, she enjoyed her cat, but not when he left unexpected "hunting gifts" at her front door.

She is preceded in death by her father, Sanchez Boggs; mother, Minerva Downs; grandmother, Louisa Downs; aunt, Lottie Downs-Anderson; sister, Severine Boggs-Mitchell; son, Marvin Mitchell; great-granddaughter Maliyah Drapeau; and her beloved dog, Buster.

Gertrude left behind a large family. She is survived by her children Gloria Mitchell-Reeves, Darrell Mitchell, James Mitchell Jr., Carmella Mitchell, Earlene Drapeau, John Lozano Jr. and Peggy Lozano-Lowblad; grandchildren, Dakota Drapeau, Indio Drapeau and Terrence Mitchell; siblings, James Sanders AKA Uncle Sam, Earl Sanders AKA Uncle Mick and Inez Sands; and many other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Our Mom is loved and will be greatly missed by friends and family.

Visitation will be held at her residence at Robinson Rancheria starting on Friday, May 20, to Sunday, May 22, and then continuing at Robinson Rancheria Gymnasium on Monday, May 23.

A graveside funeral service will be held at Hartley Cemetery on Tuesday, May 24, at 1 p.m.

For further information contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is now accepting applications for the 2016 Big Game Drawing.

Applications for elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, premium deer tags and fundraising drawing tags may be submitted anywhere California fishing or hunting licenses are sold.

Applications must be submitted before midnight on June 2, 2016.

The following resources are available to assist hunters in applying for the big game drawing:

– The 2016 California Big Game Hunting Digest includes proposed seasons, application instructions and drawing statistics. The digest is available online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/publications/hunting-digest .

– Big Game Tag Quotas can be found on the species webpages located at www.wildlife.ca.gov/hunting .

– Online Licenses Sales and Service, www.ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales , enables hunters to purchase licenses, apply for the big game drawing, review existing applications and preference points or find a local license agent.

– Telephone License Sales transactions, including purchasing all licenses and submitting drawing applications, can be conducted by calling 800-565-1458.

Junior hunters

Any hunter who is under 18 years of age on July 1 of the license year qualifies for a junior hunting license.

Junior hunters who are 12 years of age or older on July 1 may apply for apprentice deer, elk and antelope hunts.

Hunters must be at least 16 years of age on July 1 to apply for bighorn sheep tags.

Fundraising random drawing opportunities

Any person who will be 12 years of age or older on July 1 may apply for fundraising random drawing tags, except that applicants for bighorn sheep tags must be 16 years of age on July 1.

Applicants may apply as many times as they wish. The application fee is $5.97 per entry and deadline to apply is midnight on June 2, 2016.

Applicants do not need a valid hunting license to apply, but a hunting license must be purchased prior to issuing the tag. Fundraising tags will be issued at no additional cost.

For 2016, four fundraising random drawing tags will be available:

– Open Zone Deer Tag allows the hunter to hunt during the authorized season dates of any hunt, using the specific method and meeting any special conditions of the tag for that hunt.

– Grizzly Island Bull Elk Tag is valid in the Grizzly Island hunt zone, with any legal method of take. The hunt dates are from Aug. 6, 2016 to Sept. 4, 2016.

– Northeastern California Pronghorn Antelope Tag allows the hunter to hunt in any of the Northeastern antelope zones (Mount Dome, Clear Lake, Likely Tables, Lassen, Big Valley and Surprise Valley) with any legal method. The hunt dates are from July 30, 2016 to Sept. 18, 2016.

– Old Dad and Kelso Peak Bighorn Sheep Tag is valid only in the Old Dad and Kelso Peak hunt zone. If drawn, the hunter must attend a mandatory orientation to receive the tag. The hunt dates are from Nov. 5, 2016 to Feb. 5, 2017.

New for 2016 – harvest reporting now mandatory for deer hunters

Any person who is issued a deer tag must submit a harvest report for that tag, even if they did not hunt, or if they did not harvest a deer.

Deer hunters who fail to submit a harvest report for any 2016 deer tag by January 31, 2017, will be assessed a $21.60 non-reporting fee when purchasing a deer tag drawing application or deer tag in the 2017 license year.

Hunters have two methods to submit their harvest reports.

– Submit a report for each deer tag you are issued at www.wildlife.ca.gov/tagreporting . When you have successfully submitted your report online, you will receive a confirmation number. You must write the confirmation number on the harvest report card and retain the harvest report card until March 1, 2017. Tags reported online must be surrendered to the CDFW upon demand.

– By mail. Any person who does not report a deer tag online must return the report card portion of each deer tag by Jan. 31, 2017 to CDFW – Wildlife Branch, PO Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94299-0002.