A fire damaged building in Lucerne. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY – One of the worst nightmares is a home damaged or destroyed by fire. Possibly, the structure has been only partially damaged but fire often results in the complete loss of a dwelling or structure.

Just as traumatic can be the loss of household possessions and heirlooms. This is one of the reasons to have remodels, additions and electrical work done by licensed contractors with permits, providing protection to the property owner.

County and state codes require a structure damaged by fire be examined by a competent building inspector before the removal of any fire-damaged materials. The inspector will determine the extent of damage, and if repair or removal is appropriate.

In some cases the owner or occupant is anxious to immediately commence work and secure the structure from further damage by weather, or vandalism. However, there is often an insurance adjuster who must check the damage and provide an assessment prior to repairs.

Additional concerns exist because it is possible that the supporting structure is burned to a point where the structural integrity of the building is jeopardized and can not be repaired. Also, electrical wiring may appear to be in good condition, however, close inspection may reveal serious hazards which could create another fire.

It is imperative that property owners in the unincorporated areas of Lake County or their contractor contact the County Building and Safety Division and obtain the necessary permits to either repair, replace or demolish the structures or dwelling after a fire.

If you are unsure of how to proceed or require additional information please contact one of the Building and Safety Division offices: Lakeport office, for areas of central to northern Lake County at 263-2382; or Lower Lake office, areas of central to southern Lake County at 994-6285.

Code Corner is a series of informational articles relating to Lake County Codes enforced by the Lake County Code Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department.

Information can also be obtained from the county's Web site at www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/DepartmentDirectory/Code_Enforcement.htm.

Often County codes are similar to those in the incorporated cities. If you live in one of Lake County’s two incorporated cities and have questions, check with their Code Enforcement: City of Clearlake Code Enforcement at 994-8201, Extension 115 or 118; City of Lakeport Code Enforcement at 263-3056, Extension 7.

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Duties include, but are not limited to, providing support to the PEG Board and Committee, maintaining and updating the PEG reader board, scheduling and providing for programming and broadcasting on TV8, providing technical support as requested, and maintaining studio equipment.

The salary is $20 per hour at four hours per week.

Applications will be accepted until March 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the City of Clearlake, Personnel Department, 14050 Olympic Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422.

For an application packet, call 994-8201, Extension 103.

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Those taking part report it has been quite a rewarding experience and very successful. No scientific explanation of this technique has been offered but from their experience it really works.

It is said that 90 percent of humans have the capability to perform this type of divining. Even the novice dowsers have had great success. Some of the group's more experienced dowsers can even determine depth and gender and will demonstrate their techniques.

It is known that several unmarked graves exist in the historic Herndon Pioneer Cemetery, therefore this location makes for the perfect setting to continue this project.

The group plans to meet at the Herndon Cemetery on Saturday, March 15 at noon to try this out.

Member of the Genealogical Society, the Historical Society, the media and a few experienced dowsers have promised to attend. Join them in this unusual and interesting experience. All are welcome.

If you need direction please contact me. Several people will be meeting at the Lower Lake Brick Hall around 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and then will caravan to the site.

The grass, weeds and wild flowers were cut last year by the county and so now they are low but boots are recommended as the vegetation may be moist. They may be there for an hour or two so bring your own refreshments. Dowsing rods for those who do not have any will be provided.

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“We’re the only oil-producing state in the nation that doesn’t tax oil extraction,” said Berg, D-Eureka. “That doesn’t make sense. And it’s especially obscene at a time that districts around the state are sending pink slips to teachers.”

Berg called on Republicans to rethink their opposition to Assembly Bill 9XXX, which would impose a 6 percent tax on oil pumped from California land or coastal waters.

It also would impose a windfall profits tax on oil company revenues. All totaled the tax package would raise about $1.2 billion, all of which would be dedicated to California’s schools.

Before supporting the bill, Berg and fellow Democrats insisted it include a clause that would forbid oil companies from passing the tax on to consumers.

The measure gives the state’s tax agencies the power to scrutinize oil company expenses to look for evidence of price gouging.

California, pummeled by a collapsed housing market and soft economy, is in the midst of a serious budget crisis. The Legislature and the governor already have cut a $16 billion deficit in half, but they now face a series of bad choices to close the remaining $8 billion gap.

The governor has proposed massive reductions to state spending, including cuts to schools, healthcare, public safety. He even plans to close state parks to save money. Cities and counties, also reeling from lost revenue, also will have to make unpopular decisions about parks and recreation, library hours, police patrols and reductions of a whole range of services.

“The money from this oil tax won’t solve all our problems,” said Berg. “But it’s a good start. Not only does this get us past all that no-tax rhetoric, it puts these petro-dollars to work, educating a generation of children who will be called upon to build a cleaner, brighter and better future.”

Nationwide, 21 other states impose a similar tax – including Texas, Ohio, Colorado, Tennessee, West Virginia – virtually all of which enjoy lower gas prices than California

“Tell the governor and the Republicans we want schools and healthcare,” said Berg. “Tell them we don’t need right-wing doubletalk about strangling government. We need to work together. The old partisan gridlock, business-as-usual approach won’t cut it this year.”

Assembly Bill 9xxx was heard on the Assembly floor, but failed due to Republicans not supporting the measure.

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The historical conditions of Middle Creek will be discussed Thursday. Photo by Linda Juntunen.

UPPER LAKE – Historical conditions in the Middle Creek watershed will be the topic of a special Middle Creek CRMP meeting on Thursday.

The meeting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 13 at the Upper Lake Oddfellows' Hall, 9408 Main St., Upper Lake.

Longtime and multi-generation residents of the watershed will share their memories and experiences of past watershed conditions and changes.

The evening will include refreshments and panel discussion by these longtime residents.

The event is free of charge and watershed residents (those living in the vicinity of Clover Creek, Sam Alley Creek, the town of Upper Lake, or the areas near the East Fork and West Fork of Middle Creek to Rodman Slough) are especially encouraged to attend.

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The meeting will take place at the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

At Wednesday's meeting, the commission will hold a public hearing and consideration of applications for architectural and design review for an addition and an exterior remodel of the Safeway store, modification of the parking area, and environmental review of the project in a C-2 Major Retail Zoning District. The subject property is located at 1071 11^th St.

Also on the agenda is a public hearing and consideration of an application for a use permit to allow the operation of a bed and breakfast Inn in an R-1 Low Density Residential Zoning District. The subject property is located at 2 16^th St. The applicant is Gregory Gill.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Lakeport will make available to members of the public any reasonable assistance necessary to participate in this meeting. Contact the Community Development Department at (707) 263-5613 to make such a request.

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