Several local businesses have closed their doors recently for a variety of reasons. Business owners and local officials explained that the current economy isn't always the main factor in their decisions to open or close.

“It is really normal for transition to occur within a community in terms of businesses relocating, closing and new businesses coming in the door,” said Richard Knoll, redevelopment director for the city of Lakeport.

One of the businesses taking part in the local transition is Jack’s Gaslight Grill on Main Street in Lakeport, which recently closed. The owner couldn't be reached for comment.

Knoll suspected the eatery closed not due to a financial situation but because of a desire for change. The restaurant will most likely reopen with a different concept and angle on food service, he said.

He reported that there are numerous improvement projects happening all over the lake, such as a building façade enhancement program. Thanks to the program, the Campos Casuals storefront on Main Street has a fresh look.

Knoll also noted that several businesses have remodeled or expanded, such as Grocery Outlet in Lakeport, North Lake Pharmacy, Jimmy’s Deli, Lee’s Sporting Goods and the Tower Mart on Lakeport Boulevard.

Grocery Outlet Inc. also is opening a completely new store in Clearlake, according to the company’s spokesperson Sheena Stevens.

Although some recent closures come as a surprise to many, money is not always the issue.

On the other side of the lake in Clearlake, Wild About Books is closing, but founders Ellen Lundquist and daughter Lori Peters find that caring for Lundquist’s elderly mother is their main priority.

“I’m not going to have her around much longer,” said Lundquist.

The store has been closed since May 24 but will reopen June 16 for the blowout sale, which will last until June 30. After June, Wild About Books will be closed, but perhaps not permanently.

“Thank you ladies for bettering our community through reading,” said one reader in a comment on a previous Lake County News article announcing the store’s closure. “You and your services and products will be sorely missed.”

“I just thank all of the people, from the bottom of my heart, for all their support,” Lundquist said.

She said she is trying to sell the store to keep it open, but family comes first.

Another family-owned business that has had to close one of its stores is Curry’s Furniture.

They have three branches – one in Lakeport, Ukiah and Clearlake. The Clearlake location, which opened in 1986, is the one closing its doors.

In 1984, owner George Kilker began running the family business, which was started by his grandfather, James Curry, in Lakeport in 1912, said his daughter and employee, Kristi Domagalski.

Kilker and his wife, Nanette, live in Ukiah and were finding the distance to Clearlake more and more difficult to contend with over the years, she said. The Clearlake store will close its doors Saturday, June 19.

“We very much appreciate our customers’ loyal support these past years,” said Domagalski. “Please come and see us in the Lakeport and Ukiah stores.”

Despite the recent closures, Knoll is optimistic about what's ahead.

“Businesses have been pretty resilient,” said Knoll. “With nice water conditions and water levels we expect a good tourist season to benefit the local economy. We look forward to summer time and better things to come.”

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 .

Stephen Phipps, 46, was placed under arrest at the scene of the crash, on Highway 53 near Anderson Ranch Parkway, according to the California Highway Patrol. Phipps was later transported by REACH to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for internal injuries.

At 7:40 a.m. Phipps was driving a 2002 Ford Ranger pickup northbound on Highway 53 with passenger Jody Westphall, 53, of Clearlake, CHP Officer Steve Tanguay reported.

Tanguay said that as Phipps was approaching Anderson Ranch Parkway, witnesses reported he allowed his vehicle to veer to the left and cross over the left center turn lane, entering the southbound lane of traffic.

Luisa Enriquez, 43, of Clearlake, was driving a 2000 Oldsmobile van southbound on Highway 53 when the Ford Ranger crossed the center lane directly in front of her, Tanguay said.

Local resident Frank Bingel and his teenage daughter were traveling in their vehicle behind Enriquez – Bingel estimated they were about 10 car lengths back. “We were right behind the van but not that close, luckily,” he said.

Bingel and his daughter witnessed Phipps' pickup veer across the lanes and hit Enriquez's van. He said it happened so quickly that Enriquez didn't have a chance to respond.

He estimated Enriquez and Phipps were traveling at around 45 to 50 miles per hour when they hit head-on in the area near the Lake Transit building on Highway 53.

“It was pretty bad,” said Bingel, who noted that his daughter – who was driving their vehicle – was able to stop the car in time to avoid being involved in the crash.

Tanguay said the vehicles came to rest blocking one of the southbound lanes of traffic.

Enriquez was transported by REACH to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for broken bones in her legs. Tanguay said that a 12-year-old boy riding as a passenger with her was transported by REACH to Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland for broken bones in his leg, arm and face.

Westphall also was transported by REACH to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for internal injuries, Tanguay said.

The roadway remained closed for a portion of the investigation, Tanguay said. All of the involved parties were wearing their seat belts and the air bags deployed in both vehicles.

CHP Officer Greg Buchholz is investigating the collision, Tanguay 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 .

Veggie Girl Esther Oertel looks at onions this week and their value in cooking. Courtesy photo.

I spent a good chunk of Friday afternoon in Sky Hoyt’s Kelseyville onion field. The weather changed minute by minute as we discussed the wonders of the pungent bulb.

This member of the genus Allium evokes strong feelings in me.

I love it for its flavor, its many culinary uses and the delicious scent it emits when cooked; however, I hate my violent reaction to the sulfenic acids released when onions are cut.

I have tried various kitchen tricks to alleviate my eye irritation to no avail. One day, in desperation, I wore my son’s dive mask while I made French onion soup. I may have looked ridiculous, but it was the happiest onion slicing experience I’ve ever had.

The onion has been long thought to have powerful medicinal qualities. They contain chemical compounds believed to have properties that fight various conditions such as inflammation, high cholesterol and cancer; however, such claims have not been conclusively demonstrated.

While this is rare, some people claim to have wild dreams after consuming large quantities of onions. It is theorized that those who experience this are hypersensitive to the compounds in some onions that are similar to those in opium, but in a much milder form.

Red onions grown by local farmer Sky Hoyt, offered at Tuesday's Hidden Valley Lake farmers' market. Photo by Star Laurence.

Onions have been used around the world for ailments as diverse as blisters, bee stings, scars, and sea urchin wounds. The Egyptians worshipped them and certain sects in India avoid eating them because they believe them to be aphrodisiacs.

Man’s relationship with the onion is longstanding. There is evidence they were consumed as early as 7,000 years ago during the Bronze Age. They were probably first cultivated about 2,000 years later.

I just love their flavor. Caramelized onions are like candy to me. On Friday night we grilled onions outdoors and on Saturday morning I caramelized the leftovers and used them in scrambled eggs.

Patience wins all when caramelizing onions. They can’t be rushed, so start them well in advance of when they’re needed. Depending on the recipe, you may wish your onions to be completely brown (and greatly reduced), or you may wish for the lightest touch of color.

I find that onions with the greatest pungency provide the best caramelized flavor.

To caramelize them, slice the onions in rings or dice them. Throw them in a sauté or sauce pan with a generous amount of butter or olive oil, turn on the heat and let them cook. (And cook. And cook some more.)

Start with medium-high heat, and once they get going, reduce the heat a bit. They’ll need an occasional stir and your watchful eye so they don’t burn.

When they’ve softened and have started to develop a brown color, the caramelization process has begun. It’s up to you to decide how far you’d like them to go in the process.

The white

Jennifer Kelly, who teaches at Middletown Middle School, will represent Lake County in the upcoming California Teacher of the Year competition, according to Lake County Deputy Superintendent of Schools Chris Thomas.

Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from University of the Pacific and UC Davis, and holds a teaching credential in life science, and a supplementary authorization in chemistry and multiple subjects.

This is her 11th year with Middletown Unified School District. During her years at Middletown Middle School she has taught science, public speaking, leadership, animal science and AVID.

Prior to coming to Lake County, Kelly was an instructor of chemistry at Carlmont High in Belmont and then a substitute teacher in Marin County. It was during her subsequent five-year stint as a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at White Hill Middle School where she realized the enthusiasm and energy of middle school aged students was her niche.

“Teaching is both a career and a passion,” Kelly said. “Students inspire me to inspire them.”

Dan Morgan, principal at Middletown Middle School, offered high praise for Kelly.

“In her 11 years at Middletown Middle School, Mrs. Kelly has impacted a generation of students,” Morgan said. “She relates to them as a caring instructor, and as a fixture in the community. She shares her passion for life and learning in ways that can’t be quantified and measured. Jennifer Kelly is an outstanding educator deserving of recognition for her contributions to the profession and her influence on the students she teaches.”

Each year the school districts in the county select one exemplary teacher as their district teacher of the year, Thomas reported. A blue ribbon committee of community leaders then interviews these candidates.

The criteria for selection of the county teacher of the year is based upon the state and national requirements, which include professional development activities, commitment to the improvement of the educational system, personal attributes, creativity and ability to communicate ideas effectively, and professional skills in delivering curriculum and instruction to students, according to Thomas.

This year’s committee members were Byron Bell, Arlene Carter, Madelene Lyon, and Barbara Molini. Thomas chaired the committee.

The outstanding district teachers of the year for 2010-11 are Brian Claiche, Konocti Unified School District; Lloyd Coatney, Upper Lake Union High School District; Shelly Lawson, Lakeport Unified School District; and Tavis Perkins, Kelseyville Unified School District; and Linda Sheffert, Upper Lake Union Elementary District.

Kelly, along with the district teachers of the year, will be honored for their exceptional achievement at a dinner this fall.

For more information on the upcoming award dinner, please contact Janice Bailey at the Lake County Office of Education, 707-262-4102.

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Thick, heavy clouds rolled across most of Lake County throughout the day on Wednesday. That, combined with temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s, made for a warm and muggy afternoon.

Although very little rain actually fell by 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Western Weather Group for Lake County rainfall increased throughout the evening last night in most areas of the county.

The chance for rain will continue to climb throughout the day Thursday, according to the National Weather Service in Sacramento, with a 20-percent chance of rain and daytime highs in the upper-60s to low-70s.

Both the National Weather Service and Western Weather Group are forecasting more rains overnight Thursday, and Western Weather Group reported that some areas in Lake County will receive up to one third of an inch of rain.

Isolated showers will start the day on Friday, according to both, with afternoon clearing anticipated to usher in the weekend, with daytime highs near 70.

According to the Western Weather Group, this wet Pacific system will move out of Northern California on Friday. Temperatures are expected to finally reach normal on Saturday with daytime highs well into the 80s, and some areas of the county nearing 90 on Sunday.

Throughout the remainder of the week and into the weekend, overnight lows will remain well above the frost point – finally – with mid-40s to -60s predicted.

Remember – although daytime high temperatures are steadily climbing, water temperatures in Clear Lake and surrounding water bodies remain cool due to the unseasonably cold spring weather.

For up-to-the minute weather information, please visit the home page.

E-mail Terre Logsdon 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 .

Final statistics released by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) show 17 people were killed in collisions throughout the state during the 78-hour Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) which began May 25 at 6 p.m. and continued through May 31.

In Lake County, one fatality was reported – a May 29 crash near Middletown fatally injured a Rodeo woman who later died at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, as Lake County News has reported.

CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow attributed the more than 62-percent decrease in fatalities from last year’s Memorial Day weekend to the increased enforcement and awareness.

“It’s encouraging news, but the motoring public should remember that safety never takes a holiday.” said Commissioner Farrow. “Always wear your seat belt, watch your speed and never drink and

drive.”

For the second year in a row, arrests by CHP officers during the Memorial Day weekend were up slightly from 1,465 in 2009 to 1,541 this year.

In addition, one-third of the vehicle occupants killed in CHP jurisdiction were properly restrained at the time of the crash.

“Wearing a seat belt or using a child safety seat is not a choice, it’s the law,” added Commissioner Farrow. “Not only will it save you from a citation with a hefty fine, but it may save your life or the life of someone you love.”

The 2010 Click It or Ticket mobilization continues through June 6. This year, fines and fees have increased from $132 to $142 for first time adult seat belt violations. For children under 16, the fine is now $445 for a first time offense.

Before you buckle up, the CHP also encourages motorists who are planning a summer getaway to make sure their vehicle is ready to roll before hitting the road.

In addition to checking underneath the hood of the vehicle, always maintain proper pressure in your tires. Check them when the tires and the outside air are cool. Don't forget the spare tire. And finally, inspect tire treads for wear. National Tire Safety Week is June 6-12.

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Pictured, from left to right, are Larry Durnil, president of Corvettes of Lake County; Gloria Flaherty, executive director of the Lake Family Resource Center; artist and fundraiser Gail Salituri and Kathy Fowler, Lake Family Resource Center board member. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – In an afternoon ceremony this past Sunday in Lakeport's Library Park, a community group made a sizable donation to benefit the county's domestic violence shelter.

Corvettes of Lake County President Larry Durnil presented a check for $3,000 to Gloria Flaherty, executive director of the Lake Family Resource Center, during the club's “2010 Run to the Lake.”

The funds will benefit the center's Freedom House shelter, which opened late last year.

“Lake Family Resource Center is deeply appreciative of the generous donation made by the Corvette club and facilitated by Gail Salituri,” said Flaherty. “The funds are very much needed and will allow specific projects at Freedom House domestic violence shelter to move forward.”

In January, the club's members unanimously chose the Barbara LaForge Memorial Fund – which benefits Freedom House – as its charity to support this year, as Lake County News has reported.

The fund was created by Corvette club member Gail Salituri, a local artist and owner of Inspirations Gallery and Frame Shop located at 165 N. Main St., Lakeport.

Salituri started the fund in memory of her friend and fellow businesswoman, Barbara LaForge, who was murdered in her downtown frame shop in October 2002. LaForge's murder remains unsolved.

Many local businesses have donated raffle prizes for the fundraiser, with Salituri also creating several new paintings to raffle for the cause.

During the Sunday presentation Durnil thanked each and every business for their support and contributions.

The 2010 Run to the Lake is a yearly event for the Corvette club. Parade, wine and poker run, with a dinner for members and guests on Saturday, along with the “Park and Show” on Sunday at Library Park.

Under the gazebo, just prior to the car awards ceremony, the club presented a poster-sized check to Lake Family Resource Center. Flaherty was surprised by the amount.

Prior to the Corvette club donation the LaForge Memorial donations had grown to $4,770, just slightly under its $5,000 goal, said Salituri. However, the large donation raised the total funds for Freedom House to $7,770.

“I have said this before, the members are not just about having fun with their cars, they are very aware of the community needs and never lose sight of those who are less fortunate I am so proud of all of our members,” Salituri said.

The Corvettes of Lake County has approximately 40 members and is a member of the Western States Corvette Council. For more information on the Corvettes of Lake County please check out their Web site, www.corvettesoflakecounty.org.

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The Lake County PEG Board is responsible for oversight of the Public, Educational, Governmental (PEG) cable channel, TV8.

The board currently has a vacancy, and individuals who wish to be considered for the appointment must submit an application and letter of interest.

Applications are available at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

The applications and letters of interest must be submitted to City Clerk Melissa Swanson at city hall no later than 5 p.m. Monday, June 7.

The PEG Board will consider filling the vacancy at its next regular meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall.

For more information contact Swanson at 707-994-8251, Extension 106.

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The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Library Park, 225 Park St., in downtown Lakeport.

Sponsored by the Clear Lake Performing Arts, the event is a benefit for Lake County symphony and music programs and the purchase of a commemorative glass will allow event goers to taste any or all of the wines from the amateur winemakers and brews from the amateur brew makers.

In the morning before the festival begins, a professional judging panel will choose winners in several categories. Craig Renaud, one of the top wine brokers in California, wine critic, and author of “Great American Wine: The Wine Rebel's Manual,” has provided signed copies of his book to sell at the event. The proceeds will benefit the Clear Lake Performing Arts.

During the festival, guests vote on their favorite wines, brews, and other categories, and People’s Choice awards will be presented at the end of the day.

Local commercial wineries, including Rosa d’Oro Vineyards, Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Tulip Hill Winery & Vineyards, Moore Family Vineyard, and the Robledo Family Winery & Vineyards will be present to support the event, and some will even pour their wines for tasting.

In addition to wine, several home-brewed beers also will be available for sampling. Local purveyors will be selling food during the festival, including Basq Barbeque, Main Street Pizza, Lulu’s Ice Cream, and St. Peter’s Catholic Church serving Mexican food and more.

A silent auction will take place during the festival with many donated items – including a timeshare stay in Hawaii, some overnight stays, wines from commercial wineries in attendance, and wine-related items. The David Neft Duo will perform during the festival. The sounds of the day will include light jazz, bluegrass, folk, and similar genres.

The Home Winemakers Festival is sponsored by Clear Lake Performing Arts. For more information on the Lake County Home Winemakers Festival or to register as an amateur winemaker, contact Conn Murray, 707-277-7076.

Tickets may be purchased in advance for $15 from Catfish Books, 1013 11th St. in Lakeport; the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeport Boulevard, Lakeport; Clearlake Chamber of Commerce, 3425 Bowers Ave., Clearlake; Watershed Books, 305 N. Main St., Lakeport; Lake County Wine Studio, 9505 Main St., Upper Lake; Shari’s Secret Garden, 240 N. Main St., Lakeport; and most all Lake County wineries. Tickets will be $20 on the day of the event.

Lake County is part of the North Coast AVA, which also encompasses Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. Within Lake County, five other AVAs exist – Clear Lake AVA, Benmore Valley AVA, Guenoc AVA, and the recently approved Red Hills AVA and High Valley AVA.

For visitor information, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com.

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Those arrested included one gang member who bootstrapped his way from foot soldier to local commander by committing or ordering murders, according to a report from Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr.'s office.

In January, agents from the DOJ's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement and a task force of local law enforcement officials initiated Operation Crimson Tide by targeting gangs in and around Yuba and Sutter counties.

On Thursday alone, agents arrested 33 gang members and seized 24 firearms in five Northern California counties as part of “Operation Crimson Tide,” the DOJ reported.

The Thursday sweeps involved more than 300 law enforcement agents in Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, Colusa and Stanislaus counties and involved more than 30 search warrants, according to the DOJ.

“Tragically, those arrested today chose to join dangerous gangs that deal in meth and murder,” Brown said Thursday. “By removing them from society, we are disrupting their criminal activities and making the people of Northern California safer.”

After extensive investigative work, DOJ said its agents and task force members uncovered a well-organized methamphetamine distribution network, involving large amounts of methamphetamine smuggled into the United States from Mexico.

Officials said the investigation also helped solve four homicides of Sureños gang members and resulted in the earlier arrests of 26 Norteños gang members and several associates.

Last month, agents arrested Robert Juan Salazar, 24, for the March 2004 murder of a Sureños gang leader as he sat in his car with his six-year-old nephew.

In the view of law enforcement, that began Salazar's climb up the organizational ladder of the local Norteños gang, which included ordering murders of rival gang members in April and December 2004 and July 2005. Salazar is being held without bail in Sutter County Jail on murder charges.

Over the course of the operation, the DOJ reported that its agents and task force members were able to prevent one murder, two stabbings and two shootings, as well as arrest two wanted fugitive gang members and two gang members on murder charges.

Prior to Thursday's enforcement action, Operation Crimson Tide led to the seizure of more than 17 pounds of methamphetamine, two handguns and two sawed-off shotguns. An additional 24 weapons and more than 11 pounds of illegal drugs were seized.

All 59 arrestees – including the 33 arrested Thursdasy – will be prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office in one comprehensive gang prosecution case, the DOJ reported.

All 30 search warrants were issued by the Sacramento County Superior Court, according to the DOJ. The cold-case homicide cases are being prosecuted by the Sutter County District Attorney's Office.

Charges include distribution and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, firearms violations and murder.

The California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement and the Yuba/Sutter Narcotic and Gang Enforcement Team led Thursday's operation.

Participating agencies included the Butte County Sheriff's Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Colusa County Sheriff's Department, Marysville Police Department, Modesto Police Department, Nevada County Sheriff's Department, Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, Sacramento Police Department, Sutter County Probation Department, Sutter County Sheriff's Department, Yuba City Police Department, Yuba County Probation Department and Yuba County Sheriff's Department.

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The volunteer redevelopment project on the vacant city-owned building at the corner of Lakeshore and Olympic is going to take place this Saturday, June 5, after having been previously scheduled and then canceled as a result of city negotiations with a renter, as Lake County News has reported.

Participants are asked to gather at 8 a.m. Saturday at the site.

This week, the event organizer, Clearlake businesswoman Jeri Spittler, received a letter from City Administrator Dale Neiman informing her that she could paint the building on the former Austin Resort property if she wished.

Spittler said the project is intended to transform the structurally sound but neglected structure from an eyesore into an income-producing asset.

However, Neiman said the building doesn't comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and there are serious code deficiencies in the building that would be “cost prohibitive” to fix.

Paint, caulk, tape and other materials have all been donated by local businesses, and some tools will be available for the building's facelift, Spittler said.

Workers are asked to wear sturdy work clothes, shoes and gloves, and to bring their own tools (rakes, shovels, hammers, scrapers, paint brushes) if they have them.

To comply with city insurance requirements, volunteers must sign up with City Clerk Melissa Swanson, 707-994-8201, Extension 106, and City Public Works Director Doug Herren must manage the work.

Free cold water and a barbecue lunch will be provided to all participants.

Event fliers are available at Girlfriends, 14510 Lakeshore, and other locations throughout Clearlake, and may be downloaded at www.lakelive.info/6.5.10flyer.pdf.

For more information call Tony at 707-295-6534 or Jeri at 707-295-6533.

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