CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A grant for a boat launch improvement project proposed by the city of Clearlake will go before a state commission next week.

The California Boating and Waterways Commission will meet on Wednesday, March 14, in San Diego to consider $1.49 million in boat launching facility grants.

The meeting is open to the public and will convene at 9 a.m. at the Marriott Hotel, 333 West Harbor Drive.

Items being considered by the commission include Clearlake's proposed Redbud boat launching facility upgrades.

The city is seeking a $945,000 grant to complete improvements to the Redbud boat launching facility.

The proposed project includes lengthening one existing boarding float, replacing two suspended boarding floats, incidental dredging required for dock installation, parking lot rehabilitation and lighting.

Also on the agenda is a $540,000 grant to the county of San Luis Obispo to repave and restripe access way and parking areas to the Santa Margarita Lake boat launching facilities, install a new fish cleaning station, and remove overhead electrical power lines across the lake and replace with a solar power system.

A detailed agenda of the meeting and information on the commission may be found at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Commission/ .

Two solar flares that occurred earlier this week could disrupt some communications on Earth on Wednesday and also impact NASA spacecraft.

NASA models using data from the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and the Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) have now provided more information about the two coronal mass ejections – or CMEs – associated with two solar flares that occurred on Tuesday.

The first of the coronal mass ejections is traveling faster than 1,300 miles per second; the second more than 1,100 miles per second.

NASA's models predict that the CMEs will impact both Earth and Mars, as well as pass by several NASA spacecraft – Messenger, Spitzer, and STEREO-B.

The models also predicted that the leading edge of the first CME would reach Earth at about 10:25 p.m. Pacific Time Wednesday or 1:25 a.m. Eastern Standard Time Thursday morning – plus or minus seven hours.

Such a CME could result in a severe geomagnetic storm, causing aurora at low latitudes, with possible disruption to high frequency radio communication, global positioning systems and power grids.

The sun erupted with one of the largest solar flares of this solar cycle on Tuesday at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. This flare was categorized as an X5.4, making it the second largest flare – after an X6.9 on Aug. 9, 2011 – since the sun’s activity segued into a period of relatively low activity called solar minimum in early 2007.

The current increase in the number of X-class flares is part of the sun’s normal 11-year solar cycle, during which activity on the sun ramps up to solar maximum, which is expected to peak in late 2013.

About an hour later, at 5:14 p.m. Pacific Time Tuesday, the same region let loose an X1.3 class flare. An X1 is 5 times smaller than an X5 flare.

These X-class flares erupted from an active region named AR 1429 that rotated into view on March 2. Prior to this, the region had already produced numerous M-class and one X-class flare.

The region continues to rotate across the front of the sun, so the Tuesday flare was more earthward facing than the previous ones. It triggered a temporary radio blackout on the sunlit side of Earth that interfered with radio navigation and short wave radio.

In association with these flares, the sun also expelled two significant CMEs, which are traveling faster than 600 miles a second and may arrive at Earth in the next few days.

In the meantime, the CME associated with the X-class flare from Sunday has dumped solar particles and magnetic fields into Earth’s atmosphere and distorted Earth's magnetic fields, causing a moderate geomagnetic storm, rated a G2 on a scale from G1 to G5.

Such storms happen when the magnetic fields around Earth rapidly change strength and shape.

A moderate storm usually causes aurora and may interfere with high frequency radio transmission near the poles.

This storm is already dwindling, but the Earth may experience another enhancement if the most recent CMEs are directed toward and impact Earth.

In addition, Tuesday night’s flares have sent solar particles into Earth’s atmosphere, producing a moderate solar energetic particle event, also called a solar radiation storm.

These particles have been detected by NASA’s SOHO and STEREO spacecraft, and NOAA’s GOES spacecraft.

At the time of writing, this storm is rated an S3 on a scale that goes up to S5. Such storms can interfere with high frequency radio communication.

Besides the August 2011 X-class flare, the last time the sun sent out flares of this magnitude was in 2006.

There was an X6.5 on Dec. 6, 2006, and an X9.0 on Dec. 5, 2006. Like the most recent events, those two flares erupted from the same region on the sun, which is a common occurrence.

Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott announced Tuesday that he will retire as the head of the nation’s largest system of higher education on Sept. 1, capping a distinguished 58-year career in higher education and public service.

In a statement sent to community colleges statewide, Scott said, “I have greatly enjoyed my work since becoming chancellor on January 1, 2009. It is true that it has been a tough time for community colleges because of the financial difficulties of the state of California. But I have been received warmly in Sacramento and on college campuses by trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, and students. I have proudly represented our colleges before the Legislature, the governor, and many other audiences.”

Chancellor Scott, a fierce advocate for increased investment in higher education, has provided leadership that streamlined the transfer process from community colleges to the California State University with the new Associate Degree for Transfer program.

He also was a driving force in helping to craft the recommendations of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Student Success Task Force, which will lead to more students transferring to four-year institutions and earning certificates and degrees on time.

“The Board of Governors wishes to express its gratitude to Chancellor Scott for his extraordinary leadership of our system,” said Board President Scott Himelstein. “Chancellor Scott’s passion and commitment to community colleges will be evident in the success of our colleges for generations to come. The board will begin immediately the process of selecting a chancellor who can build on the success of Dr. Scott.”

Scott also oversaw innovations in career technical education programs, including those in nursing education, allied health, clean energy technology, and environmental sustainability at the system’s 112 colleges.

And, as community college campuses increasingly welcomed military veterans returning from overseas conflicts, Scott worked with the California Department of Veterans Affairs to strengthen services for veterans to help ease the transition from military to civilian and student life.

“Jack has been an invaluable partner and friend to the California State University,” said system Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “He has been a tireless advocate for higher education and a champion for students. His leadership in areas granting CSU the authority to offer doctorates of education, as well as establishing the Associate Degree for Transfer were historical milestones for the CSU and for our students.”

Before becoming the California Community Colleges Chancellor, Scott served in the California Legislature for 12 years as a State Senator (2000-2008) and Assemblymember (1996-2000) representing Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, a portion of the city of Los Angeles and other surrounding cities and communities. He served as chair of the Senate Committee on Education.

Among the 146 bills authored by Scott that became law, Senate Bill 361 was a landmark community college financing measure signed by then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. Also in 2006, Scott led the charge in passing Senate Bill 1309 that helped address the state’s nursing shortage. Scott also worked closely with Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2005 to pass Senate Bill 70, a measure that strengthens career technical education programs between K-12, community colleges and the business sector.

"Jack has been a great champion of community colleges, both in the Legislature and as chancellor. During a time of extreme state budget cuts, Jack provided stability and vision. He never lost sight of the importance of career technical education, especially in the clean energy and healthcare fields, in keeping our economy strong,” former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said. “I supported his appointment by the Board of Governors because he was always passionate about community colleges and a great leader for students."

Before Scott was elected to the state Legislature, he was President of Pasadena City College (1987-95) and Cypress College (1978-87).  He also served as Distinguished Professor of Higher Education at Pepperdine University (1995-2000).

“During his long public career, Chancellor Scott has proven to be an unwavering champion of public education in California. As steward of the vital California Community Colleges, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to California’s Master Plan for Higher Education, fully dedicated to the idea that, by working together, California’s higher education segments have given this state a model for the world to follow,” University of California President Mark G. Yudof said. “He also has been a courageous and reliable ally in the ongoing struggle to reverse the chronic disinvestment by the state in public higher education. I wish him and Lacreta all the best in retirement."

Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University, and a Ph.D. degree in History from Claremont Graduate University. He also holds an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine University and is Chancellor Emeritus of Pasadena City College.  He was chosen as the Distinguished Graduate from both Abilene Christian College and Claremont Graduate University.

Jack Scott and his wife, Lacreta, will return to their home in the Pasadena-area upon his retirement.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation. It is composed of 72 districts and 112 colleges serving 2.6 million students per year.

Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), along with other state agencies, is conducting a survey of California residents’ travel behavior.

The California Household Travel survey will help transportation planners ensure improved access to jobs, air quality, and quality of life in each region of the state.

“We need to look ahead to a time when California will add millions of new residents and vehicles to our state transportation system,” said acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Based on this research, we can make decisions that will lead to a better place to call home.”

The comprehensive survey is a partnership among Caltrans, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, and local transportation planning agencies and is intended to inform decision-makers on ways to improve the travel options available to Californians.

Efforts are already under way to contact a random sample of households to participate, and after an initial household interview, respondents receive diaries and are asked trip-related questions including where and when they travel and how they get to and from their destinations.

Approximately 57,000 households around the state are expected to complete the survey. In addition, a small sample of households who choose to participate will be provided with a global positioning systems or on-board diagnostic devices to record their vehicle movements.

All Californians who are contacted are urged to participate. The survey will continue through February 2013.

For additional information, visit http://www.californiatravelsurvey.com/ .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Authorities are looking for a teenage male who ran away from Lake County Juvenile Hall Wednesday morning.

“The minor has not been located,” acting Chief Probation Officer Steve Buchholz told Lake County News Wednesday afternoon.

The 16-year-old male had been allowed certain privileges, including work duties, and was on garbage detail at the juvenile hall, located outside of Lakeport, Buchholz said

At around 8 a.m. the teen hopped over a fence and took off, according to Buchholz.

Buchholz said the Lake County Sheriff's Office assisted the Probation Department with the search.

After about an hour and a half, the search was called off, Buchholz said.

A pickup order has been placed on the teenager, and Buchholz said it's now up to law enforcement – including his staff and local agencies – to find him.

Due to confidentiality with juvenile inmates, the teenager's name and a physical description can't be released by probation officials to the public.

Buchholz said such escapes aren't a common occurrence at the juvenile detention facility.

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, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As part of AmeriCorps Week, the Lake County Office of Education’s AmeriCorps program and community partners will hold the third annual All AmeriCorps Food Drive on Saturday, March 10.

The drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Safeway on 11th Street in Lakeport and Grocery Outlet, located on Main Street in Lakeport and Olympic Drive in Clearlake.

The group reported that all donations stay in Lake County and will be donated to North Coast Opportunities for distribution to Lake County’s food cupboards.  

Over the past 11 years, the Lake County Office of Education’s AmeriCorps program has collected and donated more than 46,000 pounds of food to our local food cupboards.  

Though it sounds like a large amount, the local AmeriCorps reported that it's a small part of what is needed to keep the county's children, families and community fed throughout the year.  

Requested food items include canned fruits and vegetables; canned or dry soup mixes; boxed dinners like Hamburger Helper; canned meats and stews; spaghetti and other pastas; canned cooking sauces, including spaghetti and pasta sauces; pork and beans; packaged dry goods, such as rice, stuffing, boxed potatoes and baking mixes; breakfast foods, including cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup; and juice or fruit drinks on cans or plastic containers.

The group asks that no foods in glass jars or bottles be donated.

For more information about the food drive or the work of the local AmeriCorps, visit www.lakecountyamericorps.org or call 707-263-8796.  

Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A complaint against the Lake County Jail has led to an inquiry by the state agency that enforces workplace safety regulations.

The California     Division of Occupational Safety and Health – more commonly known as Cal/OSHA – opened an inspection of the jail on Tuesday, according to Erika Monterroza, an agency spokesperson.

The jail, or the Hill Road Correctional Facility as it’s more formally known, is located on Hill Road outside of Lakeport. It’s operated under the auspices of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Monterroza said the inspection was initiated by a complaint.

Cal/OSHA has a process that allows employees to file complaints if they believe their employer is not complying with the law, according to its Web site, http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Contactus.html .

Monterroza said the agency keeps the names of complainants confidential to protect people from retaliation.

She said the agency also doesn’t discuss the specific details of ongoing investigations.

“It could be a very long process,” Monterroza explained.

Cal/OSHA has six months to complete its work on the case. Monterroza said such inquiries usually last three to four months.

Once the inspection is closed, there could be a finding that there were no violations of state occupational safety and health standards and regulations, or there could be a citation, Monterroza explained.

If there is a citation, the employer has the right to appeal, she said.

That appeals process also can be lengthy, according to Monterroza.

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, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) reported that it is in the process of negotiating an operating agreement with the State Department of Parks and Recreation that will allow AMIA to keep the park open until state funding can be restored.

Last spring it was announced that Anderson Marsh State Historic Park was on the statewide parks “closure list.”  

Since that time, AMIA has been working with state parks personnel to create an agreement that will permit AMIA to take on responsibility for numerous aspects of park operations, allowing the park to stay open to the public and for special events.

“Finance is one of the issues the State has been looking at in order to finalize an operating agreement,” said AMIA President Roberta Lyons. “Our proposal has been submitted and now we’re focusing on our fundraising and membership drive, to demonstrate to the state that we can raise the necessary funds in order to responsibly operate the Park for at least three years.”

“The immediate response has been very gratifying,” said AMIA Treasurer Henry Bornstein. “AMIA has received an extremely generous commitment of $15,000 – $5,000 for each of the next three years – from park supporter Charlotte Griswold.”

“The Lake County Land Trust and The Redbud Audubon Society have also each generously pledged $3000 ($1000 for each of the next 3 years),” continued Bornstein. “AMIA is also grateful to the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association for their pledge of $1,500 – $500 for each of the next three years – and to the Children’s Museum of Art and Science, which has made a donation of $1,000 to support AMIA’s Park operations. Numerous individuals have also stepped forward to help, including volunteering to do trail maintenance,”

Clay Shannon and Gregory Graham have announced that their second annual Cattails & Tules event, scheduled to be held on Saturday, June 16, will benefit AMIA as well as Konocti Trails.

AMIA has announced that the Old Time Bluegrass Festival, an important fundraiser for the Park, will be next held in September 2013.

“The festival was postponed for this year because of the need to concentrate on developing a way to keep the Park open,” explained Lyons. “The festival will continue to be an important AMIA fundraiser when the festival resumes next year.”

“To raise all the money it needs, AMIA needs each individual who supports keeping the Park open to help by joining AMIA at an individual, family, business or supporter level.” said Gae Henry, AMIA secretary. “We must each act, doing what we can to protect this jewel of Lake County and keep it open to the public.”

For information about Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, AMIA and how you can help, go to www.andersonmarsh.org or contact AMIA at either This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-995-2658.

Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

Two moderate-sized earthquakes hit within seconds of each other in the Bay Area early Monday morning, with thousands of people around the state reporting that they felt the second, larger temblor.

The United States Geological Survey said the quakes, measuring 3.5 and 4.0, took place just after 5:30 a.m. Monday.

The first, at approximately 5:33:12 a.m., was centered one mile north of El Cerrito, one mile south southeast of East Richmond Heights and four miles north northwest of Berkeley, at a depth of 5.2 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The survey reported receiving only two shake reports on that quake.

Eight seconds later, the 4.0-magnitude quake hit. U.S. Geological Survey records showed that second temblor was centered in a slightly different spot, one mile north northwest of El Cerrito, one miles south southeast of East Richmond Heights and four miles north northwest of Berkeley, at a depth of 5.3 miles.

By Monday evening more than 14,500 people in nearly 300 California zip codes reported feeling that quake, according to survey shake report records.

Two smaller aftershocks centered one miles southeast of East Richmond Heights, followed, one measuring magnitude 1.9 at 6:03 p.m. and the second measuring 1.1 at 6.29 p.m., the survey reported.

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, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A new wellness center serving the needs of the county's native peoples is opening this month.

The new Circle of Native Minds Wellness Center will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, March 16, starting at 11 a.m.

The center is located at 845 Bevins St. in Lakeport.

All tribal people are invited to tour and give their comments about the center.

Invited speakers are District 4 Supervisor Anthony Farrington, Lakeport Mayor Suzanne Lyons and county Mental Health Director Kristi Kelly.

One part of the center’s conference area has been transformed into the likeness of a traditional round house by Pomo artist Robert Quitiquit.

“It gives a person the feeling and the ambiance that this is a good place to be,” said Pomo elder Wilbur Augustine.

The center is funded by MHSA Proposition 63 through the Lake County Mental Health Department and will serve all American Indians in the county.

The center is supported by evidence suggesting the most successful treatment models for American Indians are those that are delivered within a cultural specific context.

“By healing themselves, they transform the lives of their families, friends and communities,” said elder Donna Gitchel.

The center proposes to hold weekly activities for all age groups on the different aspects of cultural healing: talking circles, traditional and contemporary art projects, native speakers, native film, the Pomo language and more.

The center will serve as a place for American Indians to connect and communicate with elders, treatment specialists/professionals and spiritual advisers.

Tribal outreach and engagement specialist Thomas Leon Brown has been working with individuals and families, including persons incarcerated or on probation, on a range of problems, the most common are alcohol and drugs.  

An “elders talking circle” consisting of native elders, some of whom are official volunteers with the County. Volunteers will oversee the center on a daily basis.

Among its partnerships are the Lake County Tribal Health Clinic, and a wide number of county programs and offices.

The center is equipped with four computers and a large screen television, and will serve as a clearinghouse of information, including national native newspapers, resource materials and children’s books.

The Circle of Native Minds Wellness Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The center can be reached at 707-263-4880, email 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, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – A prescribed fire using the helitorch is planned for Friday on the Grindstone Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest, conditions permitting.

The Grindstone Chaparral Burn is planned for up to 700 acres and is located near Forest Highway 7 at Long Point.

Helitorch operations will utilize a helicopter directed by personnel in a small airplane to ignite the fire.

The public may notice smoke in this area of the forest Friday, as well as residual smoke after ignitions are over.

Forest visitors are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations to maintain personal and fire fighter safety.

Areas where prescribed burning operations are taking place will be well signed with increased fire personnel and agency traffic in the area

Due to increased fire traffic and smoke impacts are asked to avoid the Sanhedrin Road and use other routes.

Visitors are encouraged to contact the Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information. Confirmation and updates on prescribed fire activities can also be found on Twitter, @MendocinoNF.

Prescribed burning is an important tool for the forest to use for hazardous fuels reduction and forest health improvement, including wildlife habitat.

Prescribed fire is applied by trained professionals in a skillful manner under specific weather conditions in a defined location to achieve specific objectives.

Each prescribed fire can be different visually depending on the forest types, fuel load and how long fire has been absent from the area, including both wildfires and prescribed fires.

Prescribed burns are conducted when there is a window of opportunity and specific conditions and criteria are met before, and will be sustained during and after, the burn.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316, or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) on Monday announced deaths due to handheld cell phone use by drivers have dropped since California enacted a ban on handheld cell phone use while driving in July 2008.

The analysis, conducted by the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at the University of California, Berkeley, showed that, when looking at state crash records two years before and two years after the handheld ban went into effect, overall traffic deaths declined 22 percent while handheld cell phone driver deaths went down 47 percent.

Similar results were shown for hands-free cell phone use as well as injuries in both categories.  

“These results suggest that the law banning handheld cell phone use while driving had a positive impact on reducing traffic fatalities and injuries,” said Dr. David Ragland, director of SafeTREC.  

Contributing to the decline in cell phone deaths and injuries is an overall drop in cell phone usage while driving.

A Statewide Intercept Opinion Survey commissioned with federal funds by OTS last summer showed 40 percent of California drivers reported they talk less (handheld and hands free) since enactment of the handheld cell phone ban.

In February 2010, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported similar results from their telephone survey which found that 44 percent of drivers in states with bans reported they don't use phones (handheld or hands-free) when driving, compared with 30 percent in states without such laws.

Further, IIHS observational research found that bans on handheld phoning while driving can have big and long-term effects in curbing handheld cell phone use.  
 
“While we are thrilled to see that the handheld ban in California has worked to reduce distracted driving crashes and overall cell phone use, there are still far too many drivers talking and texting while driving,” said Christopher J. Murphy, director for the California Office of Traffic Safety. “A good step for parents is to never call or text your kids if you think they might be driving.”  

Cell phone usage while driving is top of the mind with California drivers, which they see as carrying a significant traffic safety threat.

The same OTS statewide opinion survey reported that 62 percent of respondents stated that texting and talking are the biggest safety concerns on California roadways and 84 percent claimed cell phone conversations or texting while driving constitute the most serious distractions while driving.  

Another clue to the reduction in crashes might be found in new information from the Department of Motor Vehicles that shows, statewide in 2011, there were 460,487 handheld cell phone convictions – up 22 percent from 361,260 convictions in 2010 and 52 percent from 301,833 in 2009.

The cost of a ticket for a first offense is at least $159, and $279 for subsequent offenses.  

“Highly visible and publicized enforcement, along with the cooperation of the motoring public to reduce distractions behind the wheel, has played a significant role in the reduction in collisions,” said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow. “In addition, there are many educational programs developed by the CHP, our allied agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations such as Impact Teen Drivers that have made sustained efforts in reducing distracted driving.’’  

In April 2011, the Office of Traffic Safety using federal funds conducted the nation’s first statewide cell phone observational survey that showed nine percent of drivers were talking or texting while driving, representing hundreds of thousands of drivers at any given time.

Research has shown that drivers who use handheld devices are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.  

The distracted driving section of the California Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) has developed the state’s “It’s Not Worth It!” public awareness campaign that employs TV, radio commercials, billboards, Internet, social media and other outreach.

In addition, millions of Californians see the “Hand-held Cell Ticket – $159 – It’s Not Worth It” message on more than 625 permanent changeable message signs for several days throughout the year.

The SHSP’s distracted driving section is currently formulating plans to increase the data and research available to more accurately understand and combat the problem.  

Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com , on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .