Wednesday, 04 December 2024

News

SACRAMENTO – On the heels of late season storms, manual and electronic readings taken during the final snow survey of the year on Friday indicated that water content in California’s statewide mountain snowpack is 143 percent of normal.


“This is good news after three years of drought, but we still face water shortages in many parts of the state,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “State Water Project storage is well below average and Delta pumping restrictions to protect native fish species will continue to hamper our ability to deliver water to millions of California homes, businesses and farms. If we are to ensure an adequate water supply for the future, it is critical that we conserve water and develop smarter, more sustainable ways to manage our water resources.”


Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water Project’s principal storage reservoir, is still only 59 percent full or 71 percent of normal for the date. Fishery agency mandates to protect Delta smelt, longfin smelt, salmon and other species affect the amount of water that can be pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.


Also benefiting from recent storms is Clear Lake. The US Geological Survey's gage on Clear Lake measured 7.73 feet Rumsey, the special measurement for the lake, late Saturday. The lake is full at 7.56 feet Rumsey.


Indian Valley Reservoir was reported to have 95,022 acre feet of water in it as of Friday; on April 30, 2009, the reservoir had 48,952 acre feet of water, according to Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.


DWR currently estimates it will be able to deliver only 30 percent of requested State Water Project water to cities and farms in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast and Southern California.


“Initial results of our final snow survey indicate we may be able to increase the allocation above 30 percent, but nowhere close to the requested amounts,” Cowin said.


The 29 public agencies that purchase State Water Project water this year collectively requested 4,171,996 acre-feet of water. At 30 percent, the current allocation would deliver 1,251,601 acre-feet for approximately 25 million Californians and 750,000 acres of irrigated farmland.


Last year, the State Water Project delivered 40 percent of requests. The average allocation over the past 10 years is 68 percent of the requested amount


After three consecutive drought years, DWR late last year set the initial 2010 State Water Project allocation at only 5 percent of requested deliveries. The allocation rose incrementally to 15 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent as the snowpack accumulated during winter and early spring.


Snow surveyors from DWR and cooperating agencies manually measure snowpack water content around the first of the month from January through May. In addition, remote sensors electronically report their readings. Manual surveys will continue up and down the state for several more days.


Electronic sensor readings show northern Sierra snow water equivalents at 188 percent of normal for the date, central Sierra at 121 percent, and southern Sierra at 139 percent.


Readings from snowpack water content sensors are posted at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snow/DLYSWEQ. Reservoir storage levels can be found at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/reservoirs/RES.


Snow water content is important in determining water supply. The measurements help hydrologists prepare water supply forecasts as well as provide others, such as hydroelectric power companies and the recreation industry, with needed data.


Monitoring is coordinated by the Department of Water Resources as part of the multi-agency California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program. Surveyors from more than 50 agencies and utilities visit hundreds of snow measurement courses in California’s mountains to gauge the amount of water in the snowpack.


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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Census takers will be fanning out into Northern California and knocking on the doors of households that didn’t mail back their 2010 forms beginning Saturday, May 1.


The U.S. Census Bureau will launch the Non-Response Follow-Up (NRFU) operations next month – where census takers will collect information from households that did not return their census forms. Thousands of local residents have been hired as census takers to complete this important task.


The US Census Bureau reported that the nation's mail participation rate this year as 72 percent, which tied the 2000 participation rate.


California's mail participation rate for this year was 71 percent, down from 2000's rate of 73 percent.


Lake County's rate this year was 60 percent, an improvement over its 54-percent rate in 2000. The cities of Clearlake and Lakeport registered 60 percent and 73 percent response rates, respectively.


“The Non-Response Follow-Up operation plays a vital role in helping achieve an accurate 2010 Census count and determine the allocation of federal funds for community services,” said Seattle Regional Director Ralph Lee. “We ask that you cooperate with census takers should they contact you. It’s easy, important and safe. Information collected by census takers cannot be shared with any other government agency; they’ve taken a lifetime oath to not reveal any data.”


Mike Burns, deputy regional director for the Seattle Regional Census Center, will provide more details outlining the large-scale effort to count every person at in San Francisco May 3.


In most cases, census workers will make initial visits during afternoons, early evenings and weekends. Workers will identify themselves with a census ID badge that contains a Department of Commerce watermark.


The census taker may also be carrying a bag with a Census Bureau logo. Census workers will not ask for citizenship status, Social Security numbers, credit card or banking information.


If asked, he or she will provide supervisor contact information and/or the Local Census Office phone number for verification. If census workers are unable to reach a household member in-person, they will also attempt contact by phone to conduct the interview with the household member.


The Census Bureau began monitoring mail response rates since March 17, 2010, to estimate the local NRFU workload. Recruitment and training for NRFU operations began in November 2009.


An estimated 635,000 census takers will be deployed around the nation for this operations, with more than 19,000 in Northern California. The Census Bureau’s Northern California region stretches from Santa Cruz County, to the south, and the Oregon border, to the north.


The NRFU operations are scheduled to be completed by July 10.


Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census takes place every 10 years. Census data determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts.


More than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed annually based on census data to pay for local programs and services, such as schools, highways, vocational training, emergency services, hospitals and much more.


Learn more about the 2010 Census at www.2010census.gov.


Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

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FM Global presented Lakeport Fire Protection District with a check for $1,600 on Friday, April 30, 2010. From left, Lakeport Fire firefighter/paramedic Ponciano Hernandez; Ryan Nichols of FM Global, the consultant/engineer who presented the check; Don Davidson, chair of the Lakeport Fire Protection District Board; and Lakeport Fire Chief Ken Wells. Photo courtesy of Lakeport Fire Protection District.




 

LAKEPORT – A new grant will help Lakeport Fire Protection District have a better knowledge of hazards when they're responding to commercial fires.


On Friday, Lakeport Fire Chief Ken Wells and his staff received a $1,600 grant from FM Global, a commercial insurance company.


Wells said Lakeport Fire was one of four fire departments in the state to receive the FM Global grant.


FM Global offers fire preventions grants to fire departments and community organizations that combat fire, explaining on its Web site that the company believes the majority of fires can be prevented.


The grants can be used for pre-fire planning, arson prevention and education, and fire prevention education and training programs, the company reported.


Wells said his department plans to use the grant for pre-fire plan software that helps document floor plans, hazardous materials, electrical shutoffs and other important features of commercial buildings.


He said the goal is to have the information available on a computer in the chief's vehicle and the first engine out on fires. That, he said, will allow firefighters to know the hazards inside out.


Wells said Lakeport Fire firefighter/paramedic Ponciano Hernandez will do the data entry for the program to get it up and running.


To find out more about Lakeport Fire, including upcoming events or to listen to live fire radio traffic, visit www.lakeportfire.com/.


Visit the district's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1085177429&v=wall&story_fbid=122696534409330#!/pages/Lakeport-CA/Lakeport-Fire-Protection-District/190113238755 .


E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared May 2-8 Wildfire Awareness Week to remind Californians to be prepared for wildfires and vigilant as the state approaches peak fire season.


Cal Fire also will be using the week to highlight the importance of the homeowner’s role in preparing their property and families ahead of time to survive a wildfire.

 

This year’s Wildfire Awareness Week theme is based on the nationwide fire preparedness campaign “Ready, Set, Go.”


The slogan “Wildfire is coming ... Is your home ready?” focuses on the role homeowners have in being ready for a wildfire. Being ready for a wildfire starts with maintaining an adequate defensible space and hardening homes by using fire resistant building materials.


Fire officials firmly believe that it is the combination of both defensible space and the hardening of homes that give a house the best chance of surviving a wildfire.

 

To assist homeowner’s preparation for wildfires, Cal Fire plans to launch a new Web site during Wildfire Awareness Week, which provides residents the steps to make their home more resistant to wildfires and to ensure that their family is ready to evacuate early and safely when wildfire strikes.


The Web site is www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

 

“The first week in May is recognized as Wildfire Awareness Week, but residents need to be aware of the threat wildfire poses every day,” said Chief Del Walters, Cal Fire director. “Wildfires have occurred at all times of year in our state, but wildfire activity historically increases from spring through late fall, threatening lives, property and the environment. We are taking this week to heighten the public’s awareness about the steps they should take to prepare their homes and families for California’s inevitable wildfires.”

 

Cal Fire will use Wildfire Awareness Week as an opportunity to answer questions about fire safety and how to be better prepared in an emergency situation.

 

Wildfire Awareness Week schedule will include press events and fire preparedness exercises.


For more information visit www.fire.ca.gov.


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Retired persons often wish to enhance their current income. Many even want to make a contribution back to their community. These seemingly opposing wishes can be reconciled through a charitable gift annuity, a form of planned giving.


A charitable gift annuity involves a contribution of assets to a nonprofit organization in exchange for fixed income payments under the terms of an annuity contract.


Let’s examine how the annuity works.


First, how is the income amount determined? The fixed income is calculated using a fixed annuity rate (percentage) multiplied by the initial contribution.


The rate (percentage) depends on the age of the person, or persons (if a couple), receiving the payments, and on the payment start date.


The American Council on Gift Annuities publishes rate tables (available online) that many nonprofits follow. These rates ensure that the charity keeps approximately 50 percent of the value of what was contributed to purchase the charitable gift annuity.


For example, using the current tables, a person age 70 years, seeking an immediate gift annuity for his lifetime only could expect to receive an annual return (annuity) of 5.7 percent on the value of his initial one time contribution.


If he contributes $100,000, then he will receive $5,700 each year for the rest of his life. (Note: The rate would decrease slightly if he received monthly or quarterly payments.)


Moreover, if a couple were to purchase a charitable gift annuity and receive payments over their combined life expectancy – so that the surviving spouse would continue to receive annuity payments –then the rate would reflect the couple’s combined actuarial life expectancy.


Second, what assets can be contributed to “purchase” the annuity? Often these annuities are purchased with cash. Sometimes a charity will accept stocks and bonds or a residence (or ranch) in exchange for the annuity.


Third, what are the tax consequences to a charitable gift annuity? If cash is contributed, then the consequences are as follows: (1) an immediate tax deduction in the year of the gift for the so-called present value of the charitable remainder; which means the excess of the initial cash contribution over the present value over the lifetime annuity income stream; and (2) annual recognition of ordinary income on the annuity interest income.


If appreciated stocks or bonds are contributed, then in addition to ordinary interest income each year, capital gains will incrementally be recognized each year over the term of the annuity. Gradual recognition of the capital gains is usually much better than immediate recognition, as would occur if one were to sell the stock first, and then “purchase” the charitable gift annuity.


Lastly, charitable gift annuities presume a significant charitable intent on the part of the donor. Persons charitably included who wish both to make an immediate gift while alive and increase their income, may be interested.


If so, call the planned giving department of the intended nonprofit organization and request literature; then evaluate this option with your financial planner.


Dennis A. Fordham, attorney (LL.M. tax studies), is a State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law. His office is at 55 1st St., Lakeport, California. Dennis can be reached by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 707-263-3235.


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Irishman Will Roll opened his Corkman's Clipper Irish Pub in Clearlake, Calif., in May of 2009. Photo by Tera deVroede.




CLEARLAKE – Ireland is nearly 5,000 miles away from Clearlake, but a little bit of the Emerald Isle can be found nestled in a corner of the city.


That taste of Ireland is courtesy of Will Roll, who owns the Corkman's Clipper Irish Pub.


The authentic Irish pub offers music and spirits, a home-cooked meal by a true Irishman and a beautiful view of Clear Lake and its sunsets.


Roll left his home in County Cork, Ireland 45 years ago to come to the United States. He moved to Lake County 10 years ago and currently resides in Hidden Valley.


“We have a real commitment to providing a wonderful experience for everyone, and not just from a culinary standpoint,” said Roll.


Roll makes all of the food from scratch. “I don’t buy anything bagged, boxed or premade,” he said. “We provide our customers with the best of everything.”


He explained, “I learned to cook at the knees of my grandmam and my mam. Everything on my menu is 20 years' worth of dinner parties at my home before ever opening my first pub.”


A wide variety of drafts also can be found at the pub, from the Corkman’s Clipper Irish Pub’s own pale ale to Smithwick’s Authentic Irish Ale, imported from Ireland.


The Black Rose was another pub Roll owned in Santa Rosa which he had to close on March 27 due to health problems and a long commute.


He chose Clearlake for the site of the Corkman’s Clipper because he wanted a beautiful place close to home and Clearlake was the best of the areas he had visited. Plus, Clearlake didn’t have an Irish pub before Roll’s.


Roll opened his doors in May of 2009 in the building that once was Kathy Zinn’s.


“I wanted to stick with a nautical theme for my pub’s name,” said Roll.


He explained that he's a “Corkman” – someone from County Cork – and clippers refer to ships in the 1800s that Irish brought Irish immigrants to America during the famine.


Roll said that his pub has been very well received by the people of Clearlake; he expressed his affection for the town for its support. He feels the best advertising is word-of-mouth between friends, so don’t expect to see any ads for the pub anytime soon.


Even though many people read the word “pub” and immediately think alcohol, an Irish pub is much more than that, said Roll.


“This is a public house, and I am the publican – the owner of the public house,” said Roll. “We offer a very unique experience with family fun, good, hearty food and a place that still feels like home.”


He added, “The whole pub experience is a gathering spot for families to both celebrate ad drown their sorrows as well as share their experiences with their neighbors.”


The pub also has become a performance venue. They regularly host the local band, Uncorked, as well as a recent performance of the Celtic and world music duo, Four Shillings Short, comprised of Roll's friends Christy Martin and Aodh Og O’Tuama, the latter a fellow Corkman.


The Corkman’s Clipper is open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and has live, but soft, music every day except for Mondays and Wednesdays.


The pub also has a Web site, http://thecorkmansclipper.com/, where Roll offers this invitation: “Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the lost art of conversation!”


E-mail Tera deVroede at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

 

 

 

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The Corkman's Clipper Irish Pub is located on Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, Calif. Photo by Tera deVroede.
 

 

 

 

 

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The pub's dining room overlooks Clear Lake. Photo by Tera deVroede.
 

CLEARLAKE OAKS – Vandals this week did significant damage to the bathrooms at the county-owned Nylander Park in Clearlake Oaks.


The bathrooms are located in a building next to the park, located along Highway 20.


Public Services Director Kim Clymire said the suspects attempted to burn down both the mens' and womens' bathrooms by sticking paper on the walls, stuffing it in the drains and setting it on fire.


Gary Nylander, owner of the Red and White Market next door, sold the restroom building and the land for the park to the county. Clymire said Nylander and his staff have helped secure the restroom facility at night, which has kept it undamaged.


However, he said that on Tuesday night the bathroom wasn't locked due to an oversight, and that gave the vandals their opportunity.


The restrooms didn't burn, said Clymire. However, “We have a lot of smoke damage and we're going to have to repaint,” he said.


Clymire added, “This person who tried to burn it down also took a magic marker and drew hearts on the wall.”


He said the restrooms will remain closed while they're pressure washed, repainted and repaired, which he said should take until the latter part of next week to complete.


About two weeks ago, someone broke a mirror that had been in one of the bathrooms, said Clymire.


The Nylander Park restrooms have only been open since November, he noted.


Clymire said the sheriff's office has indicated it will conduct extra patrol of the area. In addition, Clymire said he's trying to get the word out to area residents.


“We're trying to step up the community patrol as well,” he said.


This is the most significant incident for the county's parks recently, said Clymire. The other issues have involved some graffiti tagging at parks around the lake, and recent complaints at Nylander Park of men sitting and drinking 12-packs of beer at the playground where children are trying to play.


“They're not making it comfortable with the parents to use the parks,” said Clymire, who explained his staff has been approached by concerned parents.


With the Parks Department now in its rush to prepare for the summer tourism season, Clymire said

they're having to set aside time from getting lawns mowed to repair the restroom facilities.


Anyone who spots vandals at work should call 911; those with information who want to leave it anonymously can call the sheriff's anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.


E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

LAKE COUNTY – Lake County once again got high grades and was ranked amongst the best counties nationwide for clean air in the annual American Lung Association State of the Air Report.


The report, out this week, grades areas on an A through F scale by comparing local ozone and small-particulate concentrations with the federal air quality standards.


Many areas around the nation and the state received failing grades, but Lake County received an “A” grade for ozone, a “B” grade for short term particulate pollution and was ranked 10th cleanest county in the nation for annual particulate average concentrations.


Lake County is one of only nine counties in California that did not have any days of ozone air pollution levels in the unhealthful range, according to the report.


In the 2009 report, Lake County was ranked No. 3 nationwide for cleanest air, as Lake County news has reported.


Doug Gearhart, the county's pollution control officer, attributed that change in ranking to the 2008 wildfires that plagued the region.


Lake County did have several days of unhealthy air during the 2008 wildfires, which Gearhart said will affect Lake County’s rating for several years as the grading is based on a three years of data.


“That was the only significant impact on the air quality in Lake County in the last three years,” said Gearhart.


Lake County's air quality instruments continued working during the wildfires and so got accurate readings which counted against the county. Gearhart said the same instruments failed for four neighboring counties – which also had issues with the wildfires – preventing them from getting accurate readings.


As a result, Gearhart explained that those counties got A grades while Lake County got a B for short term particulate pollution from the American Lung Association.


“We worked with them to try to come up with a resolution, but they were unable to come up with a legal way to resolve that issue in their report,” he said.


Even with the wildfire impacts, Lake County is the only county in California to place in the top

10 cleanest counties in the country for small-particulate levels, the report showed. Mendocino, Inyo and Santa Cruz counties are the only other counties in California to make the top 25.


That record was documented by continuous air quality monitoring over the past three years, which showed that ozone and small particles in the air never exceeded allowable levels during that time.


Gearhart called that ranking a “spectacular and amazing achievement.”


“It really does say a lot for the air quality we enjoy here,” he said.


He attributed the success of the county's air quality management program to strong community support

and cooperation of local agencies, the local fire protection districts, Cal Fire, the local agricultural community and industry.


Gearhart said the report does a good job of capturing everything that's going on with local air quality.


The State of the Air Report grades are the latest recognition of a long history of air quality accomplishments in Lake County, said Gearhart.


Strong local support for clean air measures has enabled the county to comply in full with not only the Federal Clean Air Standards, but also with the more rigorous California standards for ozone and other air pollutants for the past 20 years, according to Gearhart.


He said no other air district in California can match that record.


However, Gearhart said there could be new state and federal restrictions on the horizon that could affect the county's standings.


He said the state is considering tougher diesel and ambient air quality standards, and the federal Environmental Protection Agency is suggesting a new and very stringent ozone standard.


“Our attainment status could be in jeopardy,” he said.


That, he said, would affect every industry – including agriculture – as well as homeowners.


Losing the ozone attainment could mean smog checks for everyone, plus additional regulations on agriculture, Gearhart said.


Ozone occurs naturally and also is formed from vehicle emissions, Gearhart explained.


“It really impacts almost everything that happens in Lake County,” he said.


E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Lake County News is pleased to introduce our newest food column, “Veggie Girl,” written by respected local chef and culinary coach Esther Oertel. She will focus on locally grown foods and how you can best use them. We hope you enjoy it.


Lake County’s climate is similar to that of the Mediterranean region and is ideal for growing olives. An increasing number of local growers are pursuing their own tiny – and extremely delicious! – piece of the worldwide olive oil pie. That’s good news for our county, as well as good news for we who benefit from fresh, locally-available, home-grown health in a bottle.


Many of the people I speak with about olive oil are surprised to hear of the growing number of local labels.


Some wineries have begun producing their own oils, such as Ceago del Lago of Nice, which won the people’s choice award at the recent Kelseyville Olive Festival. Rosa D’Oro Vineyards of Kelseyville has two estate-bottled varieties available in their tasting room and the Kelseyville Wine Co. has at least five types, some of which have brought home silver medals from international competitions.


A number of other producers are dotted about the county, such as The Villa Barone (another silver medal winner) and Olivopolis near Hidden Valley Lake, Loconomi Farms near Middletown, Makiivka Estate of Lakeport and Loassa of Clearlake Oaks.


Each producer is passionate about the trees they’ve planted, their signature blends, the pressing process and their end product.


As with wine, there’s a special language to describe the properties of olive oil. Peppery, fruity and grassy are just a few of the colorful adjectives thrown around at a tasting.


There are seemingly endless varieties of olives; some are as tiny as a fingernail, others are as large as a plum, and varying types are grown in Lake County. The blend of olive varieties, as well as the ratio of ripe to green olives, contributes to each oil’s unique taste. It can be said that the complexity of producing a fine olive oil is akin to producing a fine wine, minus the aging process.


But why use olive oil?


First and foremost, there are positive health benefits. Studies have shown that monounsaturated fats such as olive oil are linked with a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. Olive oil has been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as having a positive effect on high blood pressure. It contains vitamin E and carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that protect our cells from damage.


Secondly, it tastes good! A simple piece of bread is transformed when dipped into it, plain lettuce benefits from its drizzle, and its flavor delights our taste buds in pesto and caprese salad. It’s quite versatile in the kitchen when used as a substitute for other fats. (Onions are delicious when caramelized in it.)


A simple mixed olive tapenade is delightful when made with a flavorful local oil, as is another favorite of mine, bruschetta, which is a mixture of equal parts chopped fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella served over toasted baguette slices. Add minced fresh garlic, freshly ground black pepper, salt (all to taste) and a healthy dose of olive oil to the tomato mixture.


Both of these simply-made culinary treats are served on little bread toasts made with olive oil (known as crostini in Italian or crouton in French). To make the little toasts, slice a baguette and brush each piece with olive oil. Toast the slices on a baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for several minutes until the outside is brown and toasty and the inside is soft. (You can test this by pressing lightly with your finger.) For an added treat, rub a fresh garlic clove lightly over the pieces. (My tapenade recipe is below.)


Why buy local olive oil? Aside from supporting our county’s industry and lowering the carbon footprint of the foods we eat, there are other benefits.


For one, the oil is fresher. Because local growers make smaller batches, it’s sure to be fresher than oil transported across miles of ocean or state highways.


Another reason is the taste. Local olive oils are lovingly handcrafted with taste in mind. In some cases, such as at local farmers’ markets or winery tasting rooms, it’s possible to taste before you purchase. This is a nice idea as, like wine, not all olive oils go with all dishes; as well, you may be partial to one oil’s taste over another. All have different flavor components and some are stronger than others.


I also like purchasing local oils because you can be assured of the quality. In Europe, the International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) strictly regulates olive oil (such as what can be considered “extra virgin”), but the U.S. market has no such safeguards. Hence, almost anything can be labeled “extra virgin” and sold in the U.S. Local growers produce ONLY oil that comes from virgin oil production and can truly be called “extra virgin.” This is especially important to me as there have been recent scandals (such as in Italy in 2008) where oils other than olive have been sold as extra virgin olive oil.


For longest shelf life, olive oil should be in dark bottles as clear glass allows light to deteriorate the oil. Be sure not to use oil that has a rancid smell. Store your olive oil in a cool, dark place. Once opened, I store mine in the refrigerator to guarantee freshness, though this is not necessary if you go through your opened bottle in a reasonable amount of time. If stored in the fridge, it will solidify, so I place the bottle in a bowl of warm water to liquefy the oil for use.


Tapenade

1 cup high-quality black and green olives, any combination

1 tablespoon capers

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Coarsely chop in food processor fitted with steel blade. (Be careful not to over-process, as tapenade should not be smooth.) If stored in tightly-covered container, tapenade should keep for up to a month in the fridge. Add some extra virgin olive oil to moisten it when needed before serving. Serve on crackers or toasted baguette slices over cream cheese or goat cheese.


Esther Oertel, the "Veggie Girl," is a personal chef and culinary coach and is passionate about local produce. She owns The SageCoach Personal Chef Service and teaches culinary classes at Chic Le Chef in Hidden Valley Lake.


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CLEARLAKE – A Thursday morning crash involving three vehicles outside of Clearlake injured four people, officials said Friday.


The crash occurred just before 8 a.m. Thursday on Highway 53, south of Dam Road, according to Officer Steve Tanguay of the Clearlake Highway Patrol.


Marilou Domen, 37, of Clearlake was driving her 2000 Ford Focus southbound on Highway 53 south of Dam Road with a 13-year-old passenger in her vehicle, Tanguay reported.


Tanguay said Domen was driving in the righthand lane when, according to a witness, she attempted to change lanes into the fast lane, where there already was another vehicle. Domen then overcorrected and lost control of her vehicle.


The Ford Focus went to the left and entered the northbound lanes of traffic directly in front of a

2005 Toyota Prius driven by Jerrold Grayson, 69, of Saint Helena. Tanguay said the front of the Toyota struck the right side of the Ford.


After the impact, the Ford rotated around and was struck by a 2003 Mini Cooper driven northbound by Marguerite Swint, 46, of Hidden Valley Lake, Tanguay said.


Domen was transported by Cal Star helicopter to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for internal trauma, while Tanguay said that the juvenile passenger was transported by REACH helicopter to Santa Rosa

Memorial Hospital and then later transferred to Oakland Children’s Hospital for internal trauma.


Swint was transported to Saint Helena Hospital Clearlake by South County Fire ambulance for complaint of pain to her back and neck. Tanguay said Grayson refused medical help and was not transported.


The collision is still under investigation by Officer Efrain Cortez, Tanguay said.


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LAKE COUNTY – State officials are reporting that traffic collision deaths on the state's highways and here in Lake County are down.


Four years after the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received funding to bolster the ranks of CHP officers throughout the state, the increased staffing appears to have shown a positive impact on traffic safety and a reduction in the economic impact of traffic collisions and fatalities statewide, the agency reported.


Although final statistics are not yet available, preliminary numbers show that in the three years since the increase in new officers, approximately 700 fewer people have died on the state’s highways and unincorporated areas – roadways primarily the responsibility of the CHP, according to CHP statistics.


The economic savings as a result are estimated at more than $3 billion, using statistics from the National Safety Council that approximates the average cost of fatal and nonfatal injuries from motor vehicle crashes.


During the same time, preliminary statistics show there were more than 19,000 fewer people injured resulting in a potential savings of nearly $4 billion. The calculable costs of motor-vehicle crashes are wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, motor vehicle damage and

employers’ uninsured costs.


As a result of the projected lower fatalities, the Mileage Death Rate – a standard measurement of traffic safety that translates into the number of persons killed per one million miles of travel – is anticipated to reach its lowest level in history for 2009.


Similarly, numbers of collisions and fatalities on Lake County's highways are down.


Statistics provided to Lake County News by Jaime Coffee of the CHP's Sacramento headquarters show a 57-percent drop in collisions from 2006 to 2009, and a 45-percent drop in collision-related deaths during that same time period. The latter number is well above the state average.


In 2006, collisions numbered 802; 16 of those crashes resulted in a total of 20 fatalities.


The following year, there were 741 collisions, with 14 fatal crashes that resulted in a total of 17 deaths.


In 2008, the numbers dropped again, to 671 total collisions, 14 of which were fatal with 15 total deaths.


Coffee said that 2009 numbers are still preliminary. However, they show a drop to 344 total collisions, with 10 fatal crashes and a total of 11 deaths.


While preliminary numbers show fatal collisions are down approximately 29 percent statewide, enforcement and services to the public have increased, meaning a quicker response to collisions and roadway hazards and a higher level of assistance to motorists who call for help from the CHP.


Officers issued 8 percent more citations statewide; however, they also gave 74 percent more verbal warnings to motorists. Motorist services increased 13 percent, according to CHP statistics.


Additionally, for the first time in the Department’s 80-year history, all 103 field offices are now staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


“Saving lives is what traffic safety is all about,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “The efforts of these officers and law enforcement throughout the state mean that more people are traveling home safely at the end of the day.”


In 2006 Schwarzenegger vowed to increase CHP patrol positions by 1,000 officers. The governor’s promise marked the first time in 40 years that the CHP had been provided an increase in officer positions intended strictly for patrol responsibilities. To date, 540 new officers have been hired and are actively patrolling in commands throughout the state.


“It’s clear that the additional officer staffing has proved to be beneficial to all Californians and those who visit and use the state’s roadways,” Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “I applaud the dedication of all CHP officers to keep the roads safe for everyone.”


Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

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