Monday, 02 October 2023

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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Three local students are being honored for their contributions to the annual Kelseyville Pear Festival Essay Contest.

First place in the 2023 Kelseyville Pear Festival Essay Contest goes to Keon Romero, a 12-year-old student at Terrace Middle School in Lakeport.

Romero’s essay “The Winning Prize” tells the story of his “Nana” who worked at a local pear shed and how she won a costume contest.

Essays were judged on literary merit, creativity and adherence to the pear theme. Romero said he likes reading and writing “because it brings me peace when I am stressed.”

He also likes to spend time with family and friends. He loves basketball and soccer and hopes to be an athlete when he grows up.

Second place winner is Bianca Saldana-Pulido of Clearlake. She is a senior at Carle’ High School. She wrote “Celebrating Lake County Pears,” an essay about the pear festival and the history of pear-growing in Lake County.

Third place winner is Eva Pasley, a senior at Carle High School in Clearlake. Her “It’s Pear-tastic” essay details the health benefits of pears.

Judges also awarded honorable mentions for three submissions that were creative and expressed the theme well.

The honorable mentions are awarded to: Andrea Silva of Lower Lake, Cuahutemoc Ochoa of Clearlake and Audrey Person of Clearlake.
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Mendocino National Forest officials are seeking public input on a proposed forest-wide Invasive Plant Treatment Project.

The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce the extent and spread of invasive plant infestations in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Non-native invasive plant species are among the most significant environmental and economic threats facing land managers.

Invasive plants compromise the ability to manage public lands for a healthy native ecosystem.

There are approximately 1,900 known infestations of non-native invasive plant species across more than 10,000 acres within the Mendocino National Forest.

Of these known infestations, over 1,100 were documented during post-fire surveys after the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex.

Some of these sites were likely spread by disturbances associated with fire and suppression, while others may have existed prior to the fires. Much of the forest remains unsurveyed, and new invasive infestations can appear at any time.

The Invasive Plant Treatment Project would improve the forest’s ability to rapidly detect and treat current and future infestations of non-native invasive species using an integrated pest management approach.

This approach could include manual, mechanical, herbicide, grazing, prescribed fire and biological control methods.

One objective of the project is to improve treatment effectiveness by providing a broader suite of methods land managers can use to remove targeted species while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. Another objective is to eradicate invasive species infestations when they are small, thereby reducing costs, difficulty and impact to forest resources.

Forest Supervisor Wade McMaster encourages all interested parties, organizations, agencies, tribes and state and local governments to share their thoughts or concerns regarding the project. Public questions and comments are an integral part of the environmental analysis process and are used to identify issues and develop alternatives to proposed actions.

A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Mendocino National Forest headquarters at 825 N. Humboldt Ave. in Willows.

The meeting and presentations will begin at 4 p.m.

Forest personnel will be available for discussion and questions until 6pm.

For those who are not able to attend in person, the meeting can be attended virtually through Microsoft Teams using this link: Public Meeting (https://bit.ly/InvasiveWeedsMeeting), or by calling 323-886-7051, phone conference ID 35789948#.

Comments should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in one of the following formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format or Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf) and include “Invasive Treatment” in the subject line.

Comments can also be mailed in to Mendocino National Forest, ATTN: Invasive Plant Treatment Project, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988.

The public will be able to review and comment on the project through Oct. 25, 2023. Project documents will be available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/mendocino/?project=64906.

Questions about the project can be directed to the project lead Japhia Huhndorf, Upper Lake Ranger District botanist, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 530-473-9015.
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Ariana Rickard will present her Antarctica adventures at Redbud Audubon's first program in September. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Redbud Audubon Society will host Ariana Rickard who will present a fascinating program on Antarctica on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

“After this hot summer, Redbud Audubon will take you to frozen Antarctica for our first meeting of the new program year,” said Redbud President Donna Mackiewicz. “Have you dreamed of visiting the astonishing terrain of Antarctica and seeing penguins, seals, whales, and glaciers? Do you wish you could experience a place teeming with life that few people get to see?”

Speaker Ariana Rickard will take you there through photos, videos and stories from her trip earlier this year.

Learn about the adorable penguins, majestic whales, seals, sea lions and bird life that thrive in this harsh environment.

You won’t even have to cross the dreaded Drake Passage to experience the wonders of Antarctica.

Rickard also will discuss the impacts of climate change on the Frozen Continent, which is losing sea ice at an alarming rate.

Chinstrap penguins in Antarctica. Courtesy photo.

The loss of sea ice in Antarctica can have global implications, contributing to sea level rise worldwide.

Rickard earned her Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in environmental science and public policy and her Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a focus on ecology.

She is the public policy and funding program manager at Sonoma Land Trust.

Rickard has worked for several federal government agencies, including the Peace Corps in Ecuador, and numerous environmental nonprofits, such as Audubon California.

She is vice president and program chair for Mt. Diablo Audubon in the Bay Area. She also serves on the chapter’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee.

Rickard and her husband live in Pacheco with their two young sons and their indoor cat Mando, and they are hoping a bluebird family will take up residence next spring in their nest box in the backyard.

Preregistration for the Zoom program is required and can be accomplished by going to the website, www.redbudaudubon.org, and clicking on the link on the homepage.

A Weddell seal. Courtesy photo.
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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Kelseyville Presbyterian Church is bringing its popular pear milkshakes back to the Pear Festival this year.

The Pear Festival will take place in downtown Kelseyville on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The church will sell the shakes in its Friendship Hall beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing while supplies last or until 4 p.m.

The shakes will cost $5 each.

The church also will hold a parking fundraiser.

Parking will be available in its parking lot for $10 per vehicle. The parking area will be monitored throughout the day by an attendant.

Proceeds from the shakes and parking will be used for church projects to benefit the community.

Kelseyville Presbyterian Church is located at 5340 Third St., at the corner of Third and Church streets, one block off of Main Street.
Posted On

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. — Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
‌‌‌ ‌
Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌‌prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
The‌‌ ‌‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌Traffic‌‌ ‌‌Operations‌‌ ‌‌Office‌‌ ‌‌has‌‌ ‌‌reviewed‌‌ ‌‌each‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌determined‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌individual‌‌ ‌‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌delays‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌expected‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌less‌‌ ‌‌than‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌statewide‌‌ ‌‌policy‌‌ ‌‌maximum‌‌ ‌‌of‌‌ ‌‌30‌‌ ‌‌minutes‌‌ ‌‌unless‌‌ ‌‌‌noted‌‌ ‌‌otherwise. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 29

Route 29 (10.4/12.6) – Utility work in Upper Lake from Upper Lake Lucerne Road to Hammond Avenue will occur on Monday, September 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P29BA

Highway 175

Route 175 (19.5) – Bridge work in Cobb at Bottle Rock Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C175RA

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

Route 1 (59.6/62) – Road work in Fort Bragg from Hare Creek to Manzanita Avenue will begin on Sunday, September 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1PA

Route 1 (62/62.2) – Bridge work in Fort Bragg from Manzanita Street to Pudding Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists can expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1OB

Route 1 (63/63.8) – Utility work in Fort Bragg south of Happy Lane continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1AA

Route 1 (65/65.9) – Road work in Fort Bragg at Mill Creek Drive will conclude on Saturday, September 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C10A

Highway 20

Route 20 (2.2/5.4) – Paving work east of Fort Bragg from Gravel Pit Road to Private Road will occur on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20IA

Route 20 (5.4/14.1) – Paving work east of Fort Bragg from Private Road to Road 310 will occur on Monday and Tuesday, September 25-26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20IA

Route 20 (7/13) – Culvert work from west of Camp One Access Road to east of Parlin Fork Camp Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20JA

Route 20 (13/17.2) – Tree work west of Road 310 to Road 200A continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20BA

Route 20 (14.1/17.2) – Road work from Road 310 to Road 200A will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20IA

Route 20 (20/24) – Tree work at James Creek continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20BA

Route 20 (32.8) – Bridge work in Willits at the Broaddus Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20HA

Route 20 (34.1/38.5) – Road work from east of Road 144 to Road 260 will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C20NA

Route 20 (37.9) – Bridge work at the Cold Creek Bridge continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. A full on ramp closure will also be in effect. LC#C20HA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (.6/2.4) – Road work from Comminsky Station Viaduct to Geysers Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101NB

U.S. 101 (.6/3) – Emergency culvert work from Geysers Road to Comminsky Station Road continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101GB

U.S. 101 (3/5.9) – Road work from Comminsky Station Road to the Pieta Creek Bridge continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101KC

U.S. 101 (5.9) – Bridge work at the Pieta Creek Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (10.6) – Bridge work in Hopland at Feliz Creek continues. One-way traffic control closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (22.1) – Bridge work at the South Ukiah Overhead continues. One-way traffic control closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (31.8) – Bridge work at the Forsythe Creek Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (33.7/43.2) – Road work south of Willits from Route 20 to Uva Drive in Redwood Valley will continue. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#M101Q

U.S. 101 (86/87.6) – Culvert work at the Hermitage Vista Point continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101RD

U.S. 101 (100.1/103.8) – Paving work in Piercy from the Elizabeth Jane Rosewarne Memorial Bridge to the Standley Creek Undercrossing will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 26-27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#P101BE

U.S. 101 (102.3/104.5) – Sign work in Piercy from south of Route 271 to south of the Standley Creek Undercrossing. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101YD

U.S. 101 (103.8/106.2) – Culvert work from Route 271 to south of the Lowell Allen Memorial Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101ED

U.S. 101 (106.2/.8) – Bridge work from the Lowell Allen Memorial Bridge to Route 271 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists can expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101JD

Highway 162

Route 162 (11/12.6) – Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162IA

Route 162 (16.6) – Emergency work west of Laytonville Dos Rios Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#T162BA

Route 162 (28.3/29.2) – Caltrans has granted an encroachment permit in Covelo from the Grist Creek Bridge to East Lane Road on Saturday, September 23. A full lane closure will be in effect from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C162BA

Route 162 (29.1/30.7) – Road work in Covelo from Howard Street to Mina Street continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162AA

Route 162 (30.7/32.9) – Culvert work in Covelo at Short Creek Road will occur on Tuesday, September 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162BA

Highway 175

Route 175 (3.9/9.8) – Culvert work east of Hopland from Buckman Drive to the Lake County Line continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C175LA

Highway 271

Route 271 (19.5/20) – Road work in Piercy continues. A full lane closure is in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C271IA

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (8.3/8.6) – Bridge work between Peine Road and Old Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101KB

U.S. 101 (14.9/15.5) – Construction in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate a total of up to 15-minute delays. LC#C101OC

U.S. 101 (22.7/23.9) – Emergency work south of Crescent City from Hamilton Road to Humboldt Road will continue. Southbound lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101EB

Highway 199

Route 199 (19.1/33.5) – Due to fire activity, there is one-way controlled traffic east of Gasquet from Grassy Flat Campground to the Collier Tunnel. There are two full closures weekdays; the first from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the second from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to one-hour delays during all open hours. LC#T199CA

Route 199 (33.5) – Due to fire activity, the Collier Tunnel Rest Area is closed. LC#T199CA

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

Route 36 (0.1/1.7) – Construction work from U.S. 101 to River Bar Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#C36AA

Route 36 (11/11.5) – Bridge work from Pamplin Grove to Redwood House Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (25.3/25.4) – Bridge work at Little Larabee Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (37.2/37.4) – Slipout repair near Burr Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C36DA

Highway 96

Route 96 (0.2) – Bridge work at Willow Creek Bridge will conclude on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic delays. LC#C96NA

Route 96 (27/27.6) – Construction work near Bluff Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96LA

Route 96 (28.1/28.3) – Bridge work at Aiken Creek Bridge and Bluff Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96KA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (0/0.9) – Slipout repair from Route 271 to Hartsook Inn will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101IA

U.S. 101 (27.8) – Bridge work at South Fork Eel River Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101CF

U.S. 101 (51.8) – Bridge work at North Scotia Undercrossing will conclude on Friday, September 22. Lane closures will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101MD

U.S. 101 (77.3/78.1) – Various improvements between Wabash Avenue and Commercial Street will continue. Southbound lane closures will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101HD

U.S. 101 (88.3) – Ramp work in Arcata at Route 299 will continue. A full northbound on ramp closure will be in effect and motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C101KD

U.S. 101 (90.1/100.7) – Striping work from Route 200 to Trinidad Undercrossing will continue. Moving lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C101CA

Highway 169

Route 169 (27.6) - Bridge work at Rube Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C169AA

Highway 254

Route 254 (3.2/4.3) – Bridge work between State Park Road and Fish Creek Road will continue. A full closure of this portion of the highway will be in effect. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#C254CA

Route 254 (4.3/4.8) – Road work north of Fish Creek Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C254DA

Route 254 (40.7/41.1) - Tree work near Holms Flat Road will occur on Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C254CA

Highway 255

Route 255 (0.1/4.9) - Pavement work from 5th Street to the Lumber Mill Entrance will begin on Monday, September 25. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C255EA

Highway 299

Route 299 (4.7/7.8) – Electrical work from ‘G’ Street to ‘V’ Street will begin on Monday, September 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C255EA

Route 299 (1.6/5.5) - Drainage work from Mad River Bridge to Blue Lake Undercrossing will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C299QA

Route 299 (1.8) – Full westbound and eastbound on ramp closures at Route 200 will continue. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#P299QA

Route 299 (2.3) – A full eastbound off ramp closure at Exit 3A to Glendale Drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. will conclude on Friday, September 22. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (7.4/11) - Drainage work east of Blue Lake will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299QA

Route 299 (17.2/19.1) - Utility work between Old Highway and Bair Road will conclude on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (19.1/19.8) – Emergency storm damage repair work between Bair Road and Acorn Lane will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (19.1/20.7) – Utility work between Bair Road and Chezem Road will begin on Monday, September 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (24.6/26.6) - Emergency work near Chezem Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (27.4/28.4) - Utility work from Three Creek Road to Vista Point will conclude on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299LA

Route 299 (27.7/29.1) - Utility work from Three Creek Road to Titlow Hill Road will begin on Sunday, September 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (32.1/32.5) - Construction work near East Fork Campground will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299LA
Posted On

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly on Wednesday approved legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would grant wheelchair users the right to have their own equipment repaired, eliminating manufacturer delays that could leave them immobilized while reducing costs to one of California’s most vulnerable populations.

“Today we take a step toward enhancing quality of life for people with mobility issues,” Sen. Dodd said. “My bill allows power wheelchair users to get their wheelchairs fixed in an efficient and timely manner when things go wrong. It prevents manufacturers from imposing onerous repair restrictions, ensuring those who rely on wheelchairs can be operating as soon as possible.”

The power wheelchair industry has historically profited by limiting what it spends on technicians and repairs, frustrating wheelchair users as they try to maintain their equipment.

Last year, Colorado became the first state in the nation to address the issue, adopting a right-to-repair law that granted wheelchair owners and independent shops access to parts, manufacturer software, specialized tools and other items needed to ensure timely and affordable wheelchair repair. Manufacturers could be cited for failing to comply.

Sen. Dodd’s Senate Bill 271 would ensure the same right to repair for California wheelchair users and streamline the process for getting complex rehabilitation technology repaired.

SB 271, which is supported by advocates including Sacramento disability rights activist and wheelchair user Russell Rawlings, was approved by the Assembly by a unanimous vote.

It heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature following a Senate concurrence vote.

“If you have a power chair and are using it daily, it needs regular maintenance,” Rawlings said. “But the industry as it stands has very little interest in making repairs. There can be months if not longer of wait time. This bill seeks to change that by making it easier for owners and smaller shops to fill the repair need. Also, power chairs are increasingly controlled by software that is currently restricted to a small number of vendors. Owners having access to these tools would enable more freedom and ability to control their driving experiences.”

Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.
Griffins Furniture Clearlake griffinsfurniture.com

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