SACRAMENTO – Caltrans has released for public review the draft State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which lays out the policies and actions Caltrans and its partner agencies should take to achieve the department’s ambitious statewide goals to double walking and triple bicycling trips by 2020.

“Active transportation is at the nexus of many of our state’s goals, from public health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to fostering economic development and a sustainable multimodal transportation system,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “In this plan we are identifying the strategies and actions we can take to create better opportunities for bicycling and walking to thrive across California.”  

The draft plan, entitled “Toward an Active California, State Bicycle + Pedestrian Plan,” describes four objectives – safety, mobility, preservation and social equity – with corresponding strategies to bring the plan to reality.

The plan’s intent is to complement local and regional efforts already under way to create and implement their own active transportation networks.

The plan also highlights best practices from places around the world where active networks are increasingly popular.

Caltrans encourages stakeholders and the general public to review the plan and provide feedback on the document. Stakeholder feedback is critical to ensure that the policies developed through this plan reflect the diverse needs of all communities throughout the state.

Feedback can be provided during February meetings and webinars that will be held online and around the state. In addition, the public may review the plan and submit feedback electronically via a simple online comment tool. The comment period will close on March 10.

The final plan is anticipated to be completed in April of 2017.

For more details about the meetings, webinars and comment tool please visit www.cabikepedplan.org .

Extinction is forever, but you and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) can join forces to prevent it.

Help save California’s native plant and animal species when you file your state income tax return by making a voluntary contribution to the Rare and Endangered Species Preservation Program (RESPP) and/or the California Sea Otter Fund.

Just enter any dollar amount you wish on line 403 for rare and endangered species and on line 410 for southern sea otters. Money donated by California’s taxpayers supports programs that benefit these at-risk species.

“Taxpayers’ donations make more of a positive difference than one might think,” CDFW Wildlife Branch Chief T.O. Smith said. “Voluntary contributions also help CDFW acquire federal matching funds, increasing the actions we can take for threatened and endangered species and their habitat.”

California has 219 species of plants and 83 species of animals listed as rare, threatened or endangered. Money raised through the tax donation program helps pay for essential CDFW research and recovery efforts for these plants and animals, and critical efforts to restore and conserve their habitat.

Endangered species face many different threats, such as the unprecedented tree die-off occurring in the Sierra Nevada mountains due to a combination of past forest management practices, warming climate, severe drought and bark beetles capitalizing on the dying trees.

Past donations to the RESPP have enabled biologists to analyze data on the tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) – North America’s most highly colonial land bird – to assess factors that may be affecting the species’ ability to survive and reproduce.

Ninety-nine percent of the world’s tricolored blackbird population lives within the State of California and statewide surveys have revealed that the species has declined by more than 60 percent in the past decade.

CDFW has been working with multiple stakeholders to study the current distribution and status of the Giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) – a highly aquatic threatened species – and to improve habitat suitability and stability in areas hardest hit by the drought.

Staff have participated in the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) Science Advisory Committee’s efforts to recover the threatened species, beginning with tackling the issue of how to reduce their hybridization with non-native tiger salamanders.

CDFW is in the final stages of completing a conservation strategy for the state-listed Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis), which will guide conservation and research projects to help ensure recovery of the species.

With the assistance of biologists from other agencies, CDFW biologists have been monitoring endangered Desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) populations and water quality in natural and artificial habitats. Pupfish have been rescued from natural habitats that have dried during summer months and have been relocated to other areas. Recovery actions have included identification of habitat in need of restoration.

RESPP funds supported the review of Livermore tarplant (Deinandra bacigalupii), which informed the Fish and Game Commission’s decision to protect the species under the California Endangered Species Act. Funds were also used to monitor several endangered plant species, including the critically endangered Slender-petaled mustard (Thelypodium stenopetalum), found only near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains.

The past five drought years have put endangered species at even greater risk as rivers and creeks have been impacted and seasonal and some permanent aquatic habitats dried up.

CDFW has documented extremely low numbers and/or reproductive rates for winter-run Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), Mohave ground squirrel, Giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens), Giant garter snake, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum; drought rescue story on our website), California tiger salamander and Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae), among others.

There is no upper limit to voluntary contributions; any dollar amount is welcome. These plants and animals are part of our heritage and need your support to survive and thrive.

Donations to the California Sea Otter Fund are split between CDFW and the State Coastal Conservancy. CDFW’s half supports scientific research on the causes of mortality in sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). In addition to working on a large analysis of 15 years of mortality data, CDFW scientists are conducting research on little-known viruses, parasites and biotoxins that may be harming sea otters. Through a better understanding of the causes of mortality, it may be possible to work more effectively to recover the sea otter population here. The Southern sea otter is listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and “fully protected” by the State of California.

“This voluntary contribution program provides important funding for understanding sea otter health and implementing programs to help recover the Southern sea otter population,” said CDFW Sea Otter Program Manager Laird Henkel. “Our team and collaborators are currently in the final stages of summarizing 15 years of sea otter post-mortem investigations, largely supported by this tax check-off program. We’re excited that we’ll have this information to share later this year.”

CDFW is also collaborating with Friends of the Sea Otter and others on the ‘Sea Otter Savvy’ program. Also supported primarily by tax check-off contributions, this program is designed to reduce human disturbance to sea otters.

In 2016, $5,000 of the fund was offered as part of a larger reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who shot four sea otters near Santa Cruz. Unfortunately, CDFW has not yet received such information.

CDFW biologists have achieved important recovery milestones and protected vulnerable species, thanks to California taxpayers. More information about how CDFW uses funds in the Rare and Endangered Species and Sea Otter programs is available at www.wildlife.ca.gov/tax-donation and at www.facebook.com/seaotterfundcdfw .

If someone else prepares your state tax return, please let him or her know you want to donate to the California Sea Otter Fund on line 410 or the RESPP on line 403. If you use Turbo Tax, when you’re near the end of your tax return it should ask if you want to make a voluntary contribution to a special fund. Click “Yes” and go to lines 403 and 410.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Redbud Audubon’s February meeting will host a talk by guest speaker Gordon Beebe.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Lower Lake United Methodist Church Social Hall, 16255 Second St.

Refreshments will be available at 7 p.m., with the program starting at 7:15 p.m.

All are welcome to attend this free program.

Beebe’s presentation is titled “Three Short Weeks in the Ecuadorian Andes, from East to West."

Experience the visual beauty and unique songs and calls of the birds of the varied mountain habitats of Ecuador, from Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary on the eastern slopes, to the páramo of Las Cajas National Park high in the Andes, and then over to the western slopes to Maquipucuna Reserve, in the famous Mindo birding area.

Along the way, learn the meaning of derrumbe, a word Beebe and his group encountered frequently on the first days of his exploration.

Ecuador is said to have the highest biodiversity per acre of any country in the world. More than 1,660 species of birds have been recorded in the country; however, many have a very limited range.

Rather than attempting to collect a huge species list in a short period of time, Beebe focused instead on two ecolodges, plus a visit to Cuenca, a World Heritage site, third largest city in Ecuador, and gateway to Las Cajas National Park.

With the help of knowledgeable local guides from Beebe’s travels, revel in the sight and sound of the Toucan Barbets’ nasal honking duet.

Meet more than 80 other species of birds, including hook-billed kite, hummingbirds of every shape and color, singing antpittas, tanagers and more in photos and video.

Several more reclusive species that declined the offer to appear, such as the musician wren and the spotted nightingale-thrush, provide the audio background for the presentation. Not to be outdone, the variety of caterpillars and butterflies encountered rival any bird species seen.

At Maquipucuna, a locally-owned and run ecological preserve, see some of the myriad uses for bamboo, learn how to open a cacao pod, and see coffee production, from flower to bean to drying. A note for prospective travelers: Beebe tells us that by visiting in June, he was able to catch the end of the (very) rainy season on the Amazonian side, then experienced drier, though still showery, weather to the west.

Gordon Beebe is a project coordinator for the Sonoma County Breeding Bird Atlas, the Saturday bird walk leader and Web site editor for Madrone Audubon. He lives with his wife Judy in Santa Rosa.

Save

Tax season has officially begun.

Although Tax Day isn’t until Tuesday, April 18 this year, W-2 statements must be received by employees no later than Jan. 31, which means you already have yours.

The earlier you prepare to file your taxes, the better. You’ll avoid the stress of a last-minute rush and have time to deal with any issues that may arise. Plus, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll potentially get a refund.

BBB offers the following early tax preparation tips to make filing your taxes as smooth as possible.

Decide how you’ll file

When it comes to filing your taxes, you have a few options.

Your first option is to file your taxes manually (by hand).

There are also a plethora of online programs you can use. Using tax preparation software or electronic filing cuts down on errors in your application compared to manual filing.

Your third option is to hire a tax professional. If you haven’t worked with a professional before, you may want start meeting with multiple preparers to choose the right one for you.

Schedule your appointment early, as calendars fill up quickly during tax season. You can find a trustworthy professional or software service through BBB’s Accredited Business Directory at www.bbb.org .

Organize your paperwork

Organize your receipts, necessary forms (including W-2s and 1099s) and proof of charitable contributions, and keep everything in one place.

Determine whether you’re missing any necessary forms, and take the time now to reach out to the appropriate organizations and ensure that you receive them.

Figure out if you’ll take the standard deduction or if you’ll exceed it. If you plan on itemizing your deductions, now is a good time to start. You can find all necessary forms on the IRS’ Web site, www.IRS.gov , under “Forms and Publications.”

Watch out for scammers

Scammers love tax season. Tax scams were BBB’s No. 1 scam for both 2015 and 2016. In 2016, consumers nationwide reported more than 7,500 of them to BBB Scam Tracker.

Watch out for any phone calls, emails or other contact from the “IRS.” These scams are designed to convince consumers of their legitimacy, but don’t be fooled. The IRS will never initiate contact with you over phone, social media or email.

It’s also important to watch out for tax-related identity theft, which occurs when someone fraudulently uses your Social Security Number to file a return and claim a refund.

If you’ve encountered any type of scam, make sure to report it to BBB Scam Tracker at www.bbb.org/scamtracker to help warn others.

Think about milestones

Start by looking over your tax filings from previous years and take note of what’s changed in your life.

Old filings can remind you of forms and income/expenses that are easy to forget about.

Milestones like buying or selling a house, starting or graduating from college, having a child or getting married can have big effects on your taxes.

Do your research

Look in to new tax laws and interpretations, both federally and in California. This may alter your filing.

If you are a foreign national that uses an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you may need to renew your number.

This process can take up to 11 weeks, so start now if necessary.

A note about refund advances

According to the IRS, beginning in 2017, if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit on your return, the IRS must hold your refund until February 15.

This measure is intended to combat tax fraud, but may cause financial problems for struggling families.

Perhaps in response to this, big tax preparers are offering refund advances that have no fees and charge no interest.

The main requirement, according to BBB Accredited Charity Consumer Reports, is that you must file your taxes with the company offering the advance.

Be very careful before applying for an advance. Look out for hidden costs and read the fine print and contract very carefully.

Rebecca Harpster works for the Better Business Bureau serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California.

Why not a split season for California waterfowl?

Question: Global warming and climate change seem to have seriously affected waterfowl migration patterns.

Last year we saw the effects exacerbated as birds delayed migrations from summer nesting grounds until late into the year. So, why do we ignore this change in California and persist in starting our waterfowl season so early in the year?

My native state of Texas pushed its waterfowl season opener back into early November. Baja Mexico, just a stone’s throw south of us, has a waterfowl season that runs later and doesn’t close until the end of February. And further south in the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa, the seasons run as late as March.

How about considering a split season? One option our extremely elongated state could employ would be to open waterfowl season in the northern part of the state a month before the southern part of the state.

Another option could be to have an early season for a couple of weeks, separated by a two to three week break, and then a late season that runs to the end of February. Other states have split seasons, just like we do for doves in California. This last season’s start and finish dates did not track our modern day weather patterns or the flights of birds.

It is time to change the hunting season to match the change in our climate. What will it take to implement such a change? (James P. Hill, San Diego)

Answer: It is difficult to determine the exact cause of delayed migrations for some species or populations.

According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Senior Waterfowl Program Manager Melanie Weaver, California historically has started waterfowl seasons in October to accommodate the early arrival of some duck species, like pintail, that arrive in late August.

The peak concentrations do occur from mid-December to January or so, much of that having to do with stormy weather pushing birds further south. Additionally, habitat conditions tend to be more favorable and abundant in northern California, so there is incentive to stay put.

As far as season timing, federal regulations do not allow hunting of most migratory game birds past the last Sunday in January. Currently, we are in what is called the liberal regulations package for all four flyways. This allows California (Pacific Flyway) 107 days while Texas (Central Flyway) is allowed 74 days.

California is allowed a longer season and higher bag limits because we have far fewer hunters than the other flyways (this equates to less harvest). CDFW could recommend that the season open in November or later but that would reduce the season length.

CDFW has overwhelmingly heard that hunters value a longer season as that allows the greatest opportunity to get out. To be able to hunt past the last Sunday in January would require a change in the federal regulations.

Fishing for cuttlefish?

Question: Can you please tell me if recreational cuttlefish fishing is allowed in Los Angeles County? I am interested specifically in Santa Monica Bay from Playa Vista all the way down to Redondo Beach? (Karim B.)

Answer: Cuttlefish (a cephalopod closely related to squid and octopus) are seldom seen in cool California waters, so it’s unlikely you will encounter them here, thus we have no fishing regulations for them.

Possession of lead shotshell when hunting predators?

Question: Because I am near the state line and often hunt out-of-state, I keep lead ammo in my truck. Is this breaking the law? I understand that it’s against California law to have lead in the field. (Anonymous)

Answer: “It is unlawful to possess any projectile containing lead in excess of the amount allowed … and a firearm capable of firing the projectile while taking or attempting to take wildlife” (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 250.1).

If you are hunting from your vehicle in an area or for a species that requires the use of nonlead ammunition, leave your lead ammunition at home.

Lobster fishing in Santa Monica Bay

Question: Is there a restricted season for taking lobster in Santa Monica Bay? Appreciate any information and rules or regulations you can supply, if there are any. (Danny B.)

Answer: Yes, there is a restricted recreational lobster season in Southern California, not just in Santa Monica Bay.

Lobster season is underway now — it always begins the Saturday preceding the first Wednesday in October and ends the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. But commercial take of lobster is always unlawful in Santa Monica Bay.

Some marine protected areas (MPAs) do not permit the take of lobster. There are no MPAs within Santa Monica Bay, but there are some immediately to the north and south of the Bay.

You can find MPA regulation information in the regulations booklet, and in greater depth at http://www.wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/ocean/regulations/fishing-map/southern .

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Following the recommendation of state health agencies, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced Friday that it will extend the open area of the commercial rock crab fishery northward to Bodega Bay in Sonoma County.

On Feb. 10 the commercial rock crab fishery is open from 38° 18′ N. Lat. (Bodega Bay, Sonoma County) south to the California/Mexico border.

At the recommendation of the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham submitted to the Office of Administrative Law an emergency rulemaking to close the commercial rock crab fishery north of Pigeon Point, San Mateo County.

Because of this, on Nov. 8, OEHHA, in consultation with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), recommended to CDFW to close the commercial rock crab fishery north of Pigeon Point.

State and federal laws prohibit the commercial distribution of seafood products that contain domoic acid levels above the federal action level of 30 parts per million (ppm) in the viscera.

The recreational fishery for rock crab remains open statewide with a warning from CDPH to recreational anglers to avoid consuming the viscera of rock crab caught north of Bodega Bay.

Closure of the commercial rock crab fishery north of Bodega Bay shall remain in effect until the Director of OEHHA, in consultation with the Director of CDPH, determines that domoic acid levels no longer pose a significant risk to public health and recommends the fishery be open.

In the meantime, CDFW will continue to coordinate with CDPH and OEHHA to test domoic acid levels in rock crab within the closure area of the coast. CDPH, in conjunction with CDFW, has been actively testing crabs since early September.

The most recent test results showed that domoic acid in rock crabs from Bodega Bay and Point Reyes had fallen below the alert level of 30 ppm in their viscera.

Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin that can accumulate in shellfish, other invertebrates and sometimes fish.

It causes illness and sometimes death in a variety of birds and marine mammals that consume affected organisms.

At low levels, domoic acid exposure can cause nausea, diarrhea and dizziness in humans. At higher levels, it can cause persistent short-term memory loss, seizures and can in some cases be fatal.

For more information visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Health-Advisories or www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab .

Cathy Louise (Stout) Severtsen
Jan. 24, 1952 – Feb. 6, 2017

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Cathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and Mima who lived her life to the fullest with vigor and love.

She was born in Cairo, Ill., to George and Virginia (Stone) Stout. The family moved to Manilla, Calif., in 1955 where her father and uncles worked in various mills of the area.

Cathy attended Arcata High School, class of 1969. She attained her C.N.A. license and worked as a caregiver in misc. nursing homes in Humboldt, Mendocino and in Lake County.

Cathy moved to Lake County in the 1990s where she met her husband James R. Severtsen and was wed in 1993. They were happily married for more than 24 years. They raised Darren James Severtsen and Cathy’s granddaughter Kristen M. Bagley.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father and mother; a sister, Sherri Crosby; both grandparents, Carl and Mini Stone; uncle, Junior stone and wife Marline Stone; uncle, Bob and wife Ruby Stone; and her aunt, Patricia (Stone) Clark.

She was also preceded by her son Aaron Ray Bagley and wife Christie, as well as two sons at birth.

Cathy is survived by her son, Daryl Dewayne Odom, and three grandchildren, who reside in Arcata, Calif.; daughter, Jeanette R. Bagley of Arcata; sons, Darin L. Bagley of Arcata and Darren Severtsen of Aurora, IL.; grandchildren, Tim Holt and Jonathan Good of Arcata, Kristen (Bagley) Castanuela (Matt) of Clearlake, Calif., J.D. Severtsen of Aurora, Ill., Michelle Bagley of Sacramento; one beloved great-granddaughter, Kira E. Castanuela of Clearlake; sisters, Debby Stone and Crystal Desadier (Jeff) of Arcata; stepfather Les Desadier of Arcata; uncle, Larry Stone (Carolyn) of Brownsville, Ore.; beloved niece, Shawn Stone of Grants Pass, Ore.; nephew, Chris Landrum and wife Julie of Lakeport, Calif.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

After a courageous battle with COPD, Cathy passed peacefully at home with her loving husband and niece Shawn Stone at her side.

There will be a graveside service at Kelseyville Cemetery on Bell Hill Road, followed by a potluck celebration of life at the America Legion Hall located on Gaddy Lane in Kelseyville.

Flowers may be sent to Kelseyville Cemetery or donations in Cathy’s name to Kelseyville Fire Department on Main Street in Kelseyville or Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA, 95453-9388, telephone 707-263-6222.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Eleven nonprofit organizations in Mendocino and Lake counties have received a portion of the $11,285 contributed by Savings Bank employees and the bank during the 2016 Casual for a Cause – Denim Days yearlong fundraising campaign.

Due to the ongoing success, this effort will continue in 2017.

“Over the past five years, this effort has made a great impact in our communities with donations totaling $66,457,” said Katie Kight, Savings Bank marketing officer. “We’re investing in our local youth, senior citizens, those in need, the arts, education, public safety and economic development to strengthen the quality of life in our communities.”

The idea of “Casual For A Cause – Denim Days” began in January 2012 with a group of Savings Bank employees who wanted an additional way to make a difference in our communities during difficult economic times.

Every Friday and Saturday, employees have the opportunity to dress casual by wearing denim jeans to work while supporting a variety of local nonprofit organizations through voluntary donations.

Each month employees at a designated branch select the organization of their choice which will benefit by the monthly contributions.

In 2016 the following organizations received funds from this program: Potter Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Hopland Cemetery-Wreaths Across America, Lake County Habitat For Humanity, Redwood Coast Senior Center, Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project, Redwood Community Services Youth Empowerment Camp, Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department, Willits Kids Club, Laytonville Food Bank, Hospice of Ukiah, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Mendocino and Lake counties.

“Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project greatly values your generosity and support of our environmental education program,” wrote Maureen Taylor, RVOEP education coordinator. “Your donation will help in our efforts to enable students to become more aware of their surroundings and better stewards of the environment.”

“With your help we are able to provide assistance for those families in our community affected by the recent fires”, wrote Richard Birk, Habitat for Humanity Lake County president. “Only with the ongoing support of people like you can we continue to live up to our mission.”

“Our current patient load is the highest it’s ever been and we are experiencing the need for more medical and in home staff”, wrote Janet M. Denninger, Hospice of Ukiah administrator. “Your gift will help us meet our present and future growth.”

“Laytonville Food Bank thanks everyone at Savings Bank for the donation,” wrote Norma Branson. “With your donation we gave out extra food for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

“We are grateful for the work your business does to improve and support the communities it serves”, wrote Chief Ed O’Brien, Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department. “Your donation will help fund the emergency training, rescue and response of our volunteer fire department.”

As the local community bank, Savings Bank is proud of their tradition of giving back to their communities and the community support and volunteer time that their employees provide.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Gonzales G. Garcia, 82, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Middletown.

A native of Knippa, Texas, he lived in Lake County for 30 years. He served his country in the US Army, serving in the 10th Battle Group, 3rd Brigade.

Mr. Garcia is survived by his son, Fred Garcia; daughter, Sandra Fiddler (Sam); two grandchildren, Sam and Christy Fiddler; four brothers, Ernie, Frank, Raymond and Manuel Garcia; and four sisters, Anita Duran, Sally Ruiz, Lucy Brunson and Joann Garcia.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Pete, Tom and Gonzie.

A celebration of life will be held in Middletown at a future date.

Gonzales’ family would appreciate memorial donations be sent to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 7000, Albert Lea, MN 56007-8001.

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel.

Please share your loving memories of Gonzales by signing his online guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.Legacy.com .