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Thursday, 19 September 2024
News
- Susan Stout
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People Services expands services to clients, community
Behind the modest facade, a variety of programs take place throughout the week.
The programs are well-designed, carefully selected training and assistance plans for each of the approximately 60 adult consumers served by People Services Inc. of Clearlake.
However, what is happening within People Services isn’t simply benefiting the consumers; it’s resulting in contributions to Clearlake’s community — from shopping in the city’s stores for supplies to providing goods via the People Services thrift store, as well as beautifying residences and businesses.
“People Services in Clearlake has geared up for some exciting changes to offer those we serve,” said People Services Executive Director F. Ilene Dumont. “We are very excited to provide even more ways to prepare for competitive employment options, if that is a choice. The new options are exciting and I am extremely proud of the staff that make it all happen so professionally."
People Services Clearlake site Director Amanda Stone and about 20 staff members provide vocational training and personal skills classes for about 50 adults with disabilities.
The clientele ranges from having highly involved disabilities to being quite independent, said Stone. “Some are preparing to get their drivers’ licenses,” she added.
The common link among the consumers is that they take pride in the work they do. “We have productive people who are learning new skills and using them to benefit themselves and others,” said Stone.
People Services clients are running a cafe and coffee shop, making art and jewelry, taking computer classes, volunteering for other programs in the community, operating the People Services’ Thrift Store, and providing landscape and grounds maintenance in locales in Clearlake area.
Consumers may be involved in more than one program or activity, Stone noted. Every person that is referred to People Services is treated as an individual. Each new client has opportunities to see and experience the various training and skills.
After about two weeks staff sits down with the client to find out what they like and what they hope to get out of the program, Stone explained. The individual is then enrolled in the preferred training program, or programs.
With the coffee shop, the “Bizzy Bean,” run by consumers for the consumers, and with the newly opened restaurant, the “PS cafe,” clients are learning everything from clean up to customer service, Stone said.
They receive vocational skill training that involves planning, shopping, hostessing, wait staff services, prep cooking and cooking. Items sold at the coffee shop are prepared by consumers, and clients learn to wait on customers and operate the cash register.
Rounding out the training, consumers involved in working at the cafe, coffee shop and thrift store — any of the programs in which they make money — learn how to develop their own resumes, fill out applications and go through interviews. The individuals fill out time cards daily, and twice a year they are evaluated.
Consumers involved in the art, jewelry making and sewing classes receive instruction on pricing and marketing their products, advertising and managing sales. Those in the sewing program will typically make something in 2 months and then start another project. They earn a commission on the sale of the product.
People Services also offers sensory art classes to anyone who may benefit from the classes, said Stone. The art is featured in shows open to the public twice a year.
Among other training programs are basic computer classes. Journalism is taught in the day program. A “Lunch Out” course helps clients learn how to conduct themselves in a restaurant — how to order from a menu and the etiquette for eating at the restaurant.
Consumers may also take part in a wellness program that includes a healthy cooking class, visits to the gym, a support group, stretching class, and information classes on healthy eating and healthy life choices.
Each program is set up by People Services staff specifically for the particular program, Stone noted. They design and run it. The manager receives reports daily.
Several clients also participate in many community programs as volunteers, said Stone. These include Meals on Wheels, North Coast Opportunities, Redwood Food Bank Commodities, the senior center and Calvary Chapel Church of Clearlake.
“We work well with other agencies in the community,” said Stone. “Our goal is to have an open and respectful relationship with other agencies. It is one of our primary focuses because we are a support team for consumers. It’s important that we communicate and get along to give that support to consumers.”
A thrift store with friendly service
People Services Thrift Store Manager Joni Canevari boasts about the store and the clients who serve customers.
“I always tell my clients, ‘I am the manager and run it, but it is not my store. Without you guys, we would not have the store. It is your store,’” she said.
Clients are learning something new every day as they work in the store, she said. “They take pride in their work and do a good job. It makes them accountable. They work hard, and they are very respectable.”
Knowing it is their store to operate “gives them more (of a sense of ) dedication and commitment to do their jobs well,” she added.
Caneveri and a few staff members teach clients safety awareness, money handling, public relations, retail tasks, pricing and organizing skills to price clothing and household items, and maintaining inventory. “We take pride in training the clients. We see them blossom and feel good about themselves.”
There are eight regular clients who help in the store throughout the week. The thrift store is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day with the exception of Tuesdays when it closes at 3 p.m. for staff meetings.
“We work hard with the clients to learn how to work with the public and what it takes to have a good store, one that people would want to come back to,” said Caneveri. “We get compliments that our store is clean and that it’s the best priced thrift store in town.”
Acknowledging that the Clearlake demographics are different than Lakeport, the store manager noted that the People Services’ store offers sales on items that are well-received by low-income and homeless customers. The 10-cent rack placed outside each day is quite popular, she noted, as is a $1 rack made available.
“I’m trying to meet the needs of the community, make it reasonable to shop and feel good about it. (People Services is) making the community aware, integrating community with our clients.” said Caneveri. “The public sees the clients are worthy of having a job and very capable. We work together; it’s a very valued addition to our community.”
Some of Caneveri’s helpers have been workers there for years. They are extremely helpful and knowledgable, she stated. They can show customers where things are in the store and can find things customers want.
“They are very acute and very friendly,” she added. “People are impressed with the job I do, but I learn a lot from (the clients). They teach me to be humble and how to get more out of life. A lot of these folks, you are their life. They spend all day with you. They truly enjoy their jobs. They want to be here. I treat them with respect and dignity, and that’s what I get in return. It makes a world of difference.”
Art with a purpose
The People Services building in Clearlake is home to a student art gallery. The artwork is 100 percent of the clients’ own work, says art instructor Hope Lopez-Sanders. It is a place where many of the students do art as therapy, but it is also a gallery where their work is shown and the public may purchase artwork.
With the artwork produced, the students are “expressing themselves and learning to express themselves, said Lopez-Sanders. It provides social development, self-development, and a vocational experience, she added. The artists do their own public relations at the shows that are held twice a year.
However, the public can visit the gallery during its operating hours throughout the year. It is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visitors can view the work and see students working, said the instructor.
The artwork is not limited to paintings on canvas, she added. There are jewelry and sewing projects for sale, and many art pieces are created from recycled items. The students refurbish items, create furniture, and produce industrial art projects.
In People Services’ textile program students work on a project quarterly. They are now making reusable shopping bags, and a major project includes the making of a quilt. Much of the work is shown and sold at craft fairs and the County Fair.
“We strive to help the students become comfortable and imaginative with their work, as well as feeling competent and proud. They are extremely proud of what they do. The art program combines instruction with a social atmosphere and hands-on atmosphere. It works for them,” Lopez-Sanders stated.
The program planned to present a “Sensory Art Show” in August. The work features art by students in People Services’ sensory integration program. It involves art made with an emphasis on all five senses.“This is a first (for the art gallery),” said the instructor.
Landscaping and grounds maintenance beautifying the area
A full-time landscaping and maintenance crew is out in the community four days a week. On any given day, the crew consists of three or four People Services clients.
“They have a sense of independence to do work in the community and making the places nice,” said instructor and supervisor Victor Naja-Paz. “People drive by and see what they do; the workers take pride in their jobs. They are making a change in the community. We get many compliments from the public.”
Customers in the community include the Creativity School, the pawn shop, Burns Valley Mall, other businesses and several residences, according to Naja-Paz, a five-year employee with People Services who took over instruction for landscaping last year.
The crew is responsible for checking and maintaining the equipment on a daily basis and performing all the landscaping and grounds cleanup.
They typically cut grass, pull weeds, trim trees and bushes, use the weed-eater, pick up garbage, do leaf blowing and pickup, and general cleanup.
People Services clients who express a desire to work for the landscaping crew have the opportunity to try it, the instructor noted.
For the time being, there is only one crew that goes out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesdays the students have another class and the chance to do something else in the People Services program.
“We can’t take on any more customers right now,” said Naja-Paz. “Our calendar is filled.”
For more information about People Services, visit the organization’s Web site: www.peopleservices.org.
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
Final day of the Lake County Fair arrives Sunday; event rounds out with Fiesta Latina Day, more music and fun
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair is swinging into the final day of its four-day run on Sunday.
Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.
A chief attraction on Sunday will be the Fiesta Latina Day celebration, which begins at 3 p.m. at the main stage.
There also will be more walk-on contests, music at venues across the grounds and exhibits.
Plus, the Midway of Fun – which was jam-packed with visitors of all ages on Saturday night – will once again be in full swing.
Regular admission prices for the fair are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free each day.
Parking is $9 per car, which benefits local Boy Scouts.
Visit www.lakecountyfair.com or contact the fair office at 707-263-6181 for more information.
The full schedule for the last day of the fair is published below.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 3
- Gates open at 11 a.m.
- Carnival Pay-One Price Day $25 - Purchase in Carnival Area
- Buildings close: 10 p.m.
- Fair closes: 11 p.m.
Special attractions:
- Fiesta Latina Day
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, pig racing, award winning chainsaw carving
- All day and everyday events
- Look for the Family Oasis in Fiesta Park – a great place for parents to relax with youngsters.
- Schedule subject to change
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Richard Seisser, pastels – Fritch Hall
11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage
Noon: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage
12:30 to 2 p.m.: Two Chicks, tasty treats – Lewis Hall
1 p.m: Walk on contest, “Bling a Boot” – Fritch Hall
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: Majide, standard jazz classics – Gazebo Stage; Vintage Crush, classic rock – Main Stage
2 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
2 to 3 p.m.: Children’s Story Time: Llama Llama, Lakeport Library – Fiesta Park
2 to 5 p.m.: Sandy and David Stillwell, jewelry making – Fritch Hall
2:30 p.m.: Walk on contest, “Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest” – Lewis Hall
3 to 7 p.m.: Don McCown, custom leather – Lewis Hall
3 p.m.: Fiesta Latina – Main Stage
3 to 3:30 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids – Gazebo Stage
4 to 5 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Jazmin, traditional regional Mexican music with dance
performers – Main Stage
5 p.m.: Kiss My Clear Lake Bass, sponsored by Lake County Chamber of Commerce; 4H and FFA Award Ceremony – Baldwin Pavilion
6 p.m.: Presentation at the fish aquarium in Fiesta Park
5 to 8 p.m.: Suze Pahl, jewelry making – Fritch Hall
5 to 5:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Clave Trébol, contemporary Mexican music – Main Stage
7 p.m.: Dirt track auto racing and boat races – Main Grandstands
7 to 7:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
8 to 10 p.m.: Banda Sangre Azteca, big band and dance – Main Stage
8 to 10 p.m.: Terry and Rohnda Turnil, pastels and acrylics – Fritch Hall
9 to 9:45 p.m.: Mark Weston Band, pop, rock and country – Gazebo Stage
11 p.m.: Fair closes – see you in 2018!
- Editor
- Posted On
Fall flu vaccines available
Getting vaccinated is a great way to avoid getting the flu.
Anyone 6 months of age or older is encouraged to get a flu vaccine. Being careful to use good hygiene is another way to protect yourself and those around you. If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your arm instead of your hands.
A virus can easily be passed from your hands to the things you touch. Wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
Try not to touch your face with your hands. A virus can enter your system through the membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth. Protect yourself by avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.
Choosing a healthful lifestyle can also help to keep you well. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water and staying physically active can help to maintain a healthy immune system. Together, we can help to decrease the spread of influenza in our community.
The symptoms of the flu include a temperature of over 100 degrees F combined with a cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and a lack of energy. If you are ill, stay home to keep from infecting others.
Lake County Public Health is offering seasonal flu vaccines for $2.
Scheduled clinics for the seasonal flu vaccines are as follows:
Lakeport
For the months of September and October they will be offering flu vaccines on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Public Health Division, 922 Bevins Court in Lakeport.
Appointments are required. Please call 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291 to schedule.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. free flu shots will be offered at the Heroes of Health and Safety Fair, Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport.
Clearlake
Vaccinations will be available on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Senior Community Center, 3245 Bowers Ave.
Flu vaccinations are also available in a variety of locations such as your primary care provider and local pharmacies.
Please call the Lake County Public Health Division at 1-800-794-9291 or 263-1090 for more information.
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Lakeport City Council to discuss Public Works projects, meet new police officer
The council will meet in closed session at 5:15 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations before convening in open session at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The meeting will begin with a moment of silence for Lake County Deputy Rob Rumfelt, who died on Aug. 22.
On Tuesday night, the Lakeport Police Department will introduce its newest officer, Kaylene Strugnell, whose first day on the job was Thursday, as Lake County News has reported.
Under council business, Public Works Director Doug Grider will present a bid award for the replacement of an 8-inch well pump to Valley Pump & Motor Works.
Grider also will seek direction from the council to proceed with an informal bidding process to replace the failing HVAC system at the Corporation Yard Office, with an accompanying budget adjustment of not more than $20,000.
In another Public Works item, Grider will ask the council to authorize the purchase of a new 45-horsepower Flygt submersible pump for the Larrecou Lift Station and ask for change orders with Green Right O’Way Constructors Inc. for the additional work on the Giselman Waterline Replacement Project.
In other business on Tuesday, City Manager Margaret Silveira will present to the council two proposed resolutions for the annual League of California Cities conference this fall and seek the council’s direction to its voting delegate.
Items on the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on Aug. 15; the Aug. 23 warrant register; and approval of a new classification for a permit technician with a salary range 38 earning $3,208 to $4,065 per month.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
090517 Lakeport City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
Traditional, folk, and acoustic groups featured at Sept. 9 ‘Bluegrass at the Ely’ benefit
The fun event is being produced by the Lake County Historical Society and the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.
The concert will benefit the two groups, which are charitable nonprofits that work on preserving and protecting both the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.
The groups have joined together this year to present the Bluegrass event on the Ely Stage Stop grounds on Highway 281 (between the Clear Lake Riviera and Highway 29).
Tickets are $20 at the gate, and $15 advance sale at Catfish Coffee House in Clearlake and Watershed Books in Lakeport. Tickets are also available online at www.andersonmarsh.org to be picked up “on call,” at the event.
There will be craft and food booths, a lemonade stand and beer and wine available for sale.
The Bluegrass event will begin with local artists and veterans of the bluegrass scene, Pat Ickes and Bound to Ride, delivering traditional bluegrass songs.
Barwick and Siegfried, who have performed at the Strawberry Music Festival in California and pubs and concert halls throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland will be performing folk and bluegrass songs on mandolin and guitar.
Kathy Barwick is a native of Sacramento and has been widely hailed over the past 30 years as one of California’s most versatile acoustic musicians, known for her work in bluegrass, Americana and traditional Irish music.
Pete Siegfried, a Pennsylvania native has lived in Grass Valley since the 1970s and founded the bluegrass band Mountain Laurel in 1988 and sang lead vocals and played mandolin in the popular quintet until it disbanded in 2011.
The Thin Air String Band is a gifted group of Mendocino College teachers who perform a blend of folk and acoustic songs that are a pleasing mix of bluegrass, old-time, classic country, and Americana with an emphasis on quality vocal and acoustic music.
Local artists, The Cobb Stomper Mountain String Band is a throwback, quintessential example of the all acoustic performers that the folks from southern Appalachians have been whooping it up to for generations. They remain fresh sounding, and true to the infectiously danceable fiddle and banjo music that they started with.
Uncorked is a band of talented musicians who have been performing Irish and bluegrass for many years in Lake County and the Konocti Fiddle Club consists of very gifted young fiddlers led by Andi Skelton.
Join your Lake County friends and neighbors for a fabulous and fun day at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum. Please, no pets allowed and bring your own lawn chair for more comfortable viewing.
For tickets and information go to www.andersonmarsh.org.
- Lakeport Police Department
- Posted On
Lakeport Police logs: Thursday, Aug. 24
00:02 TRAFFIC STOP 1708240002
Officer initiated activity at N Main, Lakeport. ATTEMPTING TO CATCH RACERS. Disposition: REPORT TAKEN.
04:13 WIRELESS 911 HANG UP 1708240015
Occurred on N Forbes, Lakeport. W911 BARELY CONNECTED, UNABLE TO TRACK, ON CALL BACK, UNABLE TO LEAVE MESSAGE, NO HX, NFI. Cellular E911 Call: Lat:39.043189 Lon:-122.91735. Service Class: W911. Disposition: WIRELESS HANGUP .
11:29 PEDESTRIAN CHECK 1708240067
Officer initiated activity at Remax Lake County Realty, S Main, Lakeport. Disposition: WARNING.
14:09 PEDESTRIAN CHECK 1708240093
Officer initiated activity at Lakeport Police Department, S Main, Lakeport. Disposition: REPORT TAKEN.
15:21 FRAUD 1708240109
Occurred at Shell on S Main. , Lakeport.**COUNTERFEIT BILL. Disposition: REPORT TAKEN.
17:25 PUBLIC INTOXICATION 1708240121
Occurred at Safeway on 11TH. , Lakeport. TRANSIENT MALE IS DRINKING RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR AND RP HAS ASKED TO LEAVE AND IS REFUSING. RESP IS. Disposition: WARNING.
19:52 VEHICLE CODE/OTHER OFFENSES 1708240145
Occurred at 11TH/MANZANITA, Lakeport. EITHER AT MANZANITA OR BRUSH - THERE IS A STOP SIGN TURNED AROUND. Disposition: GENERAL SERVICES RENDERED.
19:53 WARRANT SERVICE 1708240146
Occurred on Berry, Lakeport. WILL BE THERE AROUND 2030 - COMING FROM SACRAMENTO - HAS MULTIPLE WARRANTS OUT FOR HIS ARREST / HIS MOTHER WOULD LIKE A PHONE CALL AT AFTER WE GO OUT THERE -THIS IS HER RESIDENCE BUT SHE WILL BE GONE DURING THIS TIME. Service Class: RESD. Disposition: GENERAL SERVICES RENDERED.
21:01 MISSING PERSON JUVENILE 1708240154
Occurred on Montana Vista, Lakeport. HAS BEEN MISSING FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR - ONGOING PROBLEM / JUVE MAY BE AROUND ARMSTRONG OR THIRD STREETS OR LIBRARY PARK. Disposition: GENERAL SERVICES RENDERED.
22:53 CIVIL COMPLAINT 1708240164
Occurred on 3D, Lakeport. RP'S FOSTER SON IS AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS AND RP WOULD LIKE AN OFFICER TO STAND BY WHEN HE COMES TO PICK HIM UP. Disposition: GENERAL SERVICES RENDERED.
23:06 WARRANT SERVICE 1708240166
Occurred on Berry, Lakeport. IS AT THE ADDRESS RIGHT NOW - MOTHER WILL LEAVE THE FRONT DOOR OPEN. Disposition: GONE ON ARRIVAL.
23:08 NOISE DISTURBANCE 1708240167
Occurred at Aqua Village Mobile Home Park on S Main. , Lakeport. REPORTS LOUD MUSIC, YELLING, POSSIBLE PARTY..RP NOT REQ CONTACT. Disposition: UNFOUNDED.
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Thousands of firefighters battle large wildland fires across California; smoke still blankets region
Cal Fire reported that more than 12,000 firefighters are assigned to nearly 20 fires around California.
Major incidents include:
- in Yosemite National Park, the South Fork fire, 7,200 acres, and the Empire fire, 4,700 acres;
- the Eclipse complex in the Klamath National Forest, which has burned 80,503 acres;
- the 48,889-acre Salmon-August Complex is Siskiyou County;
- the Whittier fire, which has burned 18,430 acres in the Los Padres National Forest;
- the 17,418-acre Pier fire near Springville;
- the Orleans complex, 17,330 acres in the Six Rivers National Forest;
- the Slinkard fire, which has burned 9,093 acres in Alpine and Mono counties in California and Douglas County in Nevada;
- the Helena fire, which has burned 8,940 acres in Trinity County;
- the La Tuna fire in Los Angeles County, which has burned more than 7,000 acres;
- the 6,701-acre Clear fire in the Klamath National Forest;
- the Railroad fire, 6,180 acres in Madera County;
- the Ponderosa fire in Butte County, burning more than 4,000 acres and destroying more than 30 homes;
- the 3,800-acre Palmer fire in Riverside County; and
- the 2,500-acre Younge fire in the Six Rivers National Forest in Siskiyou County.
Fires in other states – including Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana – also continue to burn, sending large amounts of smoke into the air across the Western United States.
The National Weather Service predicts Lake County will see patchy smoke and haze through at least Monday night, with temperatures to roll back into the high 90s over the coming days.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
- Kathleen Scavone
- Posted On
Lake County Time Capsule: The history of Taylor Observatory
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Here in Lake County lies a rich and varied past with many layers of history.
In the not-too-distant past the Taylor Observatory, at 5725 Oak Hills Lane in Kelseyville, came into being.
With the abundance of clear, clean air that is normally found in our county, the decision to locate Taylor Observatory here more than 32 years ago was a no-brainer.
The observatory was the brain-child of a former Lake County educator and assistant superintendent of schools for our county's Office of Education named Robert Taylor.
Taylor moved to Lake County from Kingsburg, Calif., according to the Lake County Office of Education's Web page.
Taylor learned of a means to obtain the funding for the construction of the observatory in the 1970s.
Since there was plenty of room on the property on which Kelseyville Elementary School was housed, the project to build our county's amazing observatory commenced, with a fabulous planetarium added on to the facility in 1985.
When Taylor moved out of Lake County we were fortunate to retain the services of his capable assistant, Evelyn Norton.
During Norton's time at the observatory she taught astronomy and wowed students and the public alike with her telescope lessons and rich planetarium features.
Norton ran the show there at the observatory until she retired in 2004. In that same year the observatory underwent extensive renovations via the hard-working Kelseyville Rotary Club, Ukiah Astronomical Society and also the Amateur Astronomers from our own county.
Taylor Observatory's planetarium took the moniker "Norton Planetarium" when she died in 2005 as a way of honoring all of her years of service to our community and its school children.
As a fourth grade teacher for 24 years, I was lucky enough to enrich the lives of my little charges with trips to the observatory, where they soaked up the universe via the facility's 36-seat classroom, the large planetarium’s amazing shows and the fabulous 16-inch telescope which is housed under an opening dome in the ceiling.
During some of that time I was also fortunate enough to present programs for the public on NASA's various space flights when I was one of NASA and JPL's "Solar System Ambassadors."
Visit the Taylor Observatory, or Taylor Observatory's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftaylorobservatory/.
Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also formerly wrote for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.
- Ted Kooser
- Posted On
American Life in Poetry: The Death of the Bee
Here's one about the recent decline in the world's bee population by the distinguished poet Linda Pastan, who lives in Maryland. Her most recent book is Insomnia, W. W. Norton & Co.
The Death of the Bee
The biography of the bee
is written in honey
and is drawing
to a close.
Soon the buzzing
plainchant of summer
will be silenced
for good;
the flowers, unkindled
will blaze
one last time
and go out.
And the boy nursing
his stung ankle this morning
will look back
at his brief tears
with something
like regret,
remembering the amber
taste of honey.
American Life in Poetry does not accept unsolicited submissions. It is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (www.poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright ©2002 by Linda Pastan,“The Death of the Bee,” from If Bees Are Few: A Hive of Bee Poems, Ed., James P. Lenfestey, (Univ. of Minnesota Press, 2016). Originally published in Last Uncle, (W. W. Norton & Co., 2002). Poem reprinted by permission of Linda Pastan and W.W. Norton & Co., Inc. Introduction copyright © 2017 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006.
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Purrfect Pals: More new cats and kittens
The cats and kittens featured this week include domestic short and medium hairs, from calicoes to tabbies.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.
For those looking for a barn cat to keep the rodents at bay, be sure to ask about the barn cat adoption program. Feral barn cats are adopted out for $1 each, which includes altering, ear notching and vaccines.
The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).
Domestic short hair kitten
This male domestic short hair kitten has a gray coat and gold eyes.
He’s in kennel No. 16c, ID No. 8257.
Domestic short hair kitten
This male domestic short hair kitten has a gray tabby coat and green eyes.
He’s in kennel No. 99a, ID No. 8389.
Domestic short hair kitten
This female domestic short hair kitten has a white and gray tabby coat and green eyes.
She’s in kennel No. 99c, ID No. 8391.
Domestic short hair kitten
This female domestic short hair kitten has a torbie coat and green eyes.
She’s in kennel No. 99d, ID No. 8392.
Domestic short hair cat
This female domestic short hair cat has a lynx point coat and blue eyes.
She already has been spayed.
She’s in kennel No. 108, ID No. 8095.
Domestic medium hair mix kitten
This male domestic medium hair mix kitten has a black coat and green eyes.
He’s in kennel No. 111b, ID No. 8228.
Domestic short hair kitten
This female domestic short hair kitten has a short calico coat and gold eyes.
She’s in kennel No. 124, ID No. 8401.
‘O’Malley’
“O’Malley” is a male domestic short hair kitten with an orange tabby and white coat.
Shelter staff said he’s a sweet kitten that gets along with dogs.
He’s in Kennel No. 128, ID No. 8276.
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Helping Paws: Many new dogs
This week’s available dogs include mixes of border collie, Chihuahua, German Shepherd, husky, Labrador Retriever, shepherd, pit bull and terrier.
Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.
The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).
Male terrier mix
This young male terrier mix has a short brown and white coat.
He’s in kennel No. 3, ID No. 8369.
Female Chihuahua
This female Chihuahua has a short red coat.
She’s in kennel No. 4, ID No. 8400.
Female Chihuahua
This female Chihuahua has a short tan coat.
She’s in kennel No. 6, ID No. 8399.
Male Chihuahua
This male Chihuahua has a short black and tan coat.
Shelter staff said he gets along with other dogs.
He’s in kennel No. 7, ID No. 8388.
Pit bull mix puppy
This female pit bull mix puppy has a short brown and white coat.
She’s in kennel No. 8a, ID No. 8393.
Pit bull mix puppy
This female pit bull mix puppy has a short brown and white coat.
She’s in kennel No. 8b, ID No. 8394.
Male shepherd mix
This male shepherd mix has a short tan and white coat.
Shelter staff said he gets along with other dogs.
He’s in kennel No. 9, ID No. 8382.
Male German Shepherd
This male German Shepherd has a medium-length black and brown coat.
Shelter staff said he goes along with other dogs.
He’s in kennel No. 10, ID No. 8298.
Male Chihuahua
This male Chihuahua mix has a short tan coat.
He’s in kennel No. 8355, ID No. 11.
‘Satchel’
“Satchel” is a male border collie and Labrador Retriever mix with a short black and white coat.
He already has been neutered.
He’s in kennel No. 12, ID No. 8275.
Male pit bull puppy
This male pit bull puppy has a short red coat and green eyes.
He’s in kennel No. 13, ID No. 8398.
Male Chihuahua
This male Chihuahua has a short tan and white coat.
He’s in kennel No. 15, ID No. 8413.
Male Chihuahua
This male Chihuahua has a short tan and white coat.
He’s in kennel No. 16, ID No. 8414.
‘Lulu’
“Lulu” is a female border collie mix.
She has a medium-length black coat with white markings, and one blue eye and one brown eye.
She’s in kennel No. 17, ID No. 7896.
Male shepherd
This male shepherd has a short tricolor coat.
He’s in kennel No. 18, ID No. 8410.
Female shepherd mix
This female shepherd mix has a short brindle coat.
She’s in kennel No. 19, ID No. 8315.
Male husky
This male husky has a long gray and white coat.
He’s in kennel No. 32, ID No. 8360.
Labrador Retriever mix
This female Labrador Retriever mix has a short red and white coat.
She’s in kennel No. 34, ID No. 8426.
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm.
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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