LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport Friends of the Lake County Library welcome the public to attend the spring book sale on Saturday, May 7, at the Lakeport Library.

The sale will start at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

Members of the group are eligible to receive one free book upon producing their membership card.

Categories of books will include, but are not limited to, novels, mysteries, nonfiction, biographies, histories and a large selection of children's books.

Also for sale will be Chico Bags, at $5 and $10 each. Canvas bags with the Friends' logo also will be available.

To become a member of the Friends of the Library visit your local branch and ask for an application.

Memberships start at $15 for students/seniors, $25 dollars for adults/family, and $50 for donor level membership.

All proceeds from the sale and memberships go toward supporting library services.

The Lakeport Library is located at 1425 N. High St. in Lakeport.

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake’s physicians, nurses and other staff are not the only ones who promote healing and wellness.

An important part of the health care team are the volunteers who serve in nearly every department of the hospital.

On April 20, the hospital celebrated the service of its dedicated volunteers with a special luncheon at the Greenview Restaurant in Hidden Valley Lake.

In 2015, St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake’s volunteers served a combined 38,500 hours, the equivalent of more than 18 full-time employees.

The volunteers serve throughout the hospital, from assisting with clerical tasks to driving patients from the parking lot to the hospital entrance on a golf cart.

They are most visible at the check-in desk, where they greet patients and help them find their destination within the hospital.

“The warm welcome of a volunteer creates the first impression of our hospital,” says Audrey Barrall, administrative director of human resources. “That is why we are so grateful to have such compassionate and service-minded individuals as part of our team.”

Each volunteer was acknowledged at the luncheon for their individual hours of service. Shirley Knobles and Lois Meisenbach were specially honored for 25 years of generous service. Knobles served 3,500 hours and Meisenbach served 4,300 hours in 2015.

Ardell Kochel of Clearlake has been volunteering at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake for nearly 20 years. Kochel spent 3,000 hours greeting patients at the front desk in 2015. Kochel was inspired to serve by her mother, who was a surgical nurse during World War II.

“I’m a people person,” Kochel says. “I have compassion for folks who come to the hospital. We greet each person who comes through the door, and it’s a busy place all day.”

If you are interested in volunteering at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, contact Community and Volunteer Services Coordinator Jon Uher at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707.995.5845, or visit www.sthelenahospitalclearlake.org .

SACRAMENTO – The Identity Theft Resolution Act, a bill authored by Assemblymember Bill Dodd (D-Napa), has unanimously passed the Assembly Floor with bipartisan support.

The Identity Theft Resolution Act will dramatically reduce the time it takes for victims of identity theft to clear their name, end harassing phone calls, and remove negative credit reporting.

The bill has received broad based support from California Attorney General Kamala Harris, consumer advocates, and even segments of the debt collection industry.
 
“Identity theft does not discriminate based on your political party and many of my colleagues in the legislature, myself included, have been victims of identity theft. This bill is a prime example of how members of the legislature can work together to pass common sense legislation that will positively impact millions of people in California,” said Assemblymember Bill Dodd. “Victims don’t just receive annoying collection calls; they can also face higher interest rates or even lose out on critical home or auto loans due to the fraudulent charges on their credit reports.”
 
Identity theft occurs every 2.5 seconds in the U.S. and impacts 1.5 million Californians every year, according the California Attorney General. Identity theft occurs when perpetrators illegally use a person’s confidential information to make fraudulent purchases or apply for consumer loans in the victim’s name.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates it can take an average of 6 months and 200 hours of work to recover from identity theft. Under Dodd’s legislation, the timeframe for resolution can be reduced to a matter of weeks.
 
“Identity theft can have damaging effects long after the crime has taken place. Many people only find out the crime has occurred once it appears on their credit report,” said Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch. “Consumers can spend months trying to navigate through a confusing and overwhelming system to remove the negative reporting. Any legislation that provides a more expedient resolution for cases of identity theft is a positive step for consumer protection.”
 
“Identity theft is a very serious problem that affects millions of Californian’s each year. In Contra Costa County, our Consumer Protection Unit receives over five hundred complaints a year from residents who have become victims of consumer fraud and hundreds more from victims of identity theft,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Mark Peterson. “These victims deserve a faster resolution process. This legislation is a step towards helping ordinary citizens deal with the nightmare that results from being the victim of the crime of identity theft.”
 
While Dodd’s bill dramatically reduces the time frame for debt collection companies to review identity theft disputes, it also requires that consumers be notified of how their dispute was resolved.

Further, the bill requires faster updates to the credit reporting agencies to delete negative credit reporting and ensures the fraudulent accounts are not sold or transferred to another collector. The bill now moves on the Senate where it will be heard later this year.
 
Assemblymember Bill Dodd represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Lake, and Colusa Counties. You can learn more about Assemblymember Dodd and the district at www.asm.ca.gov/dodd .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County and the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Pavement repairs from Manzanita Drive to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 29
 
– Valley fire recovery work from the Lake/Napa County line to Hidden Valley Lake will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Valley fire recovery work from the junction of Routes 29/175 in Middletown to Loch Lomond will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 30-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Geotechnical studies near the Little River Bridge and Jack Peters Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near Happy Lane on Tuesday, May 3. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Highway repairs just north of Ocean Meadows Circle will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101
 
– Caltrans will perform slide repairs near the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (near Frog Woman Rock). Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Highway construction from Upp Creek to the north Willits railroad crossing will continue. Intermittent one-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs from County Road 307 to Rattlesnake Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs from the junction of Routes 1/101 to the Bear Pen Undercrossing will begin Monday, May 2. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
 
– Emergency slide repairs just south of Standish-Hickey State Park will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays.

– The Office of Senator Mike McGuire has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for a memorial bridge dedication just south of the Humboldt/Mendocino County line on Friday, April 29. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#P101JA

Highway 253

– Electrical work from Cattle Pass to Butler Ranch will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Redwood Community Chorus holds its spring concert Friday, May 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m.

The performances will be held at the Mendocino Presbyterian Church, 44831 Main St. in Mendocino.

This year's spring concert features works of religious music, including “Benedictus” by Brian Lewis and Dietrich Buxtehude’s “Kantate.”

The gospel song “Down to the River to Pray,” from the film "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" is on the program, along with two romantic, but sad, love songs including the haunting “Come to Me in the Silence of the Night,” a song setting by Greg Gilpin of Christina Rossetti’s poem expressing grief and longing for a loved who has died.

Six other short pieces round out the program.

Admission is free, but contributions are welcome.

The general trout opener in many counties throughout California will commence on Saturday, April 30, one hour before sunrise.
 
Because of the popularity of this annual event with the angling public, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is making every effort to stock trout in all accessible waters approved for planting prior to the season opener.

Because of the increased rains this winter, CDFW expects most lakes to be open and available for fishing.
 
Most lakes, rivers and streams have a limit of five trout per day and 10 in possession. However, regulations differ on season opening and closing dates, bag limits, minimum and maximum size limits and gear restrictions.
 
Anglers are advised to check specific area regulations and opening dates in the 2016-17 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulation booklet ( www.wildlife.ca.gov/regulations ) for regulations specific to each body of water.
 
In 2012, CDFW regional staff created the Eastern Sierra Back Country Fishing Guide to provide anglers with a quick, informative and accurate account of the distribution of fisheries in back country high elevation lakes.

This guide does not address front country waters, defined as lakes and streams that are accessible by vehicle.

Most of the lakes lie within U.S. Forest Service lands managed as wilderness and usually require back country permits for overnight use.

Most back country fisheries are based on self-sustaining populations of trout and do not need regular trout stocking to maintain fish populations.

The guide can be found at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/6 (under Hunting, Fishing, Education).
 
Crowley Lake in the Eastern Sierra is expected to be one of the most popular opening day destinations for anglers from around the state.

In past years, an estimated 10,000 anglers have turned out for the opener, and approximately 50,000 trout are caught during the first week of the season.

Typically Crowley is planted with hundreds of thousands of small and medium sized trout, and because of excellent food sources in the 5,280-acre reservoir, these trout grow to catchable sizes and weigh at least three-quarters of a pound by the opener.

About 10 percent of the trout caught at Crowley during opening weekend weigh over a pound and a half. These fish are from stocks planted in previous years or are wild fish produced in Crowley's tributary waters.
 
Anglers are asked to be particularly vigilant when cleaning fish and fishing gear at Crowley Lake and in the upper and lower Owens River Drainage.

The New Zealand Mudsnail was discovered several years ago in the Owens River Drainage, and CDFW would like to prevent mudsnails from spreading into other waters.

To avoid spreading New Zealand Mudsnails and other aquatic invasive species to other waters, anglers are advised to dispose of their fish guts in bear-proof trash cans, rather than throw them back into the water. Wading gear should be properly cleaned before using in new waters.
 
All persons age 16 and older must possess a valid California fishing license to fish within state lines. Freshwater fishing licenses can be purchased online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/online-sales or at regional CDFW offices or other license agents.

Anglers no longer have to display their license visibly above the waist but they must have it in their possession while fishing.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The regular meeting of the Clearlake Planning Commission and Park and Recreation Committee scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, has been canceled.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 17.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Friends and supporters of Worldwide Healing Hands (WHH) will gather Saturday morning to walk Mount Konocti’s Wright Summit Trail during the third annual “Hike 4 Healing.”

The yearly trek is a fundraiser to support the work of Worldwide Healing Hands in Lake County and in underserved areas of the world.

This year, “virtual” hikers – those who cannot make the scheduled hike — will join the April 30 event via Facebook.

There is still time to sign up for either the actual or virtual hike, reminds WHH’s medical director, Dr. Paula Dhanda.

Hike participants will traverse a little more than 6 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of 1,600 feet, along the trail.

“Docents familiar with the trails make the hike very special with their interesting historical facts and stories,” said Dhanda.

Suggested donation for the hike is $25 per person. Participants may register at Dhanda’s office at 5685 Main St., Kelseyville, or online by visiting the EventBrite sign-up page ( https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-hike-4-healing-registration-23469961286 ).

Last-minute registrations at the trailhead will be accepted between 8 and 9 a.m. Saturday, with the hike starting at 9 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to ride free shuttles from Mountain Vista Middle School between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. Parking at the trailhead is extremely limited.

Hikers and Facebook participants in the “Virtual Hike 4 Healing” will receive WHH visors. The Facebook “hikers” will be urged to post pictures of their treks while wearing the visors. Find out more on WHH’s Facebook page.

For information about the Hike 4 Healing, call 707-279-8733. Visit WHH’s Web site, www.worldwidehealinghands.or , to read more about the organization.

Several individuals and businesses are sponsoring the 2016 Hike 4 Healing. “We are grateful to the generous sponsors of this year’s event, as well as to all the individuals participating in the hike,” said Dhanda.

All donations will help support WHH’s goals and missions to provide quality health care to women and children, especially those who do not have access to such care.

WHH volunteer medical teams provide free health screenings to homeless in Lake County, CA, and WHH provides health care services to women and children in underserved areas of the world. WHH teams have traveled to Nepal, Chad, Haiti and Uganda to deliver health services.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Gary Means entered into rest on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, in Lakeport.

Age 82, Gary was a native of Oakland, Calif., and had lived in Lake County for 75 years.

Gary was raised on his parents' pear and walnut ranch in Big Valley. He went to local schools where he participated in sports and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1952.

He served his country and was stationed in Germany while in the US Army.

When he came home, he worked for propane companies until he bought and operated the Mobil gas station Suburban Cal Americas in Lakeport for 14 years. He eventually went back to delivering propane for 30 years until retirement.

Gary was active in 4-H, Clearlake Jr. Horsemen Association and other activities. He belonged to a Racing Pigeon Club and raced them all over the state, receiving many awards.

He was a lifetime member of the Lakeport Lion’s Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to Hat Creek every year (and falling trees on his truck). He is now enjoying the Happy Hunting Grounds with his old pal “Reeser.”

Gary is survived by his loving companion of 32 years, Lorna Young of Kelseyville; sister, Ann Means of Mariposa; daughter, Debbie (Dan) Galpin of Crawford, Colo.; son, Dan (Nancy) Means of Freedom, Calif.; grandsons, Nick (Amber) Means and Gary (Tera) Means, both of Lakeport and Darren Galpin of Mohab, Utah; granddaughter, Danielle (Dave) of Crawford, Colo.; along with four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Martha Means, and a sister, Hazel Smith.

Friends and family are warmly invited to attend graveside services on Monday, May 2, beginning at 11 a.m. at Hartley Cemetery, 2552 Hill Road East in Lakeport.

Arrangements entrusted to Jones Mortuary.

Please share your loving memories of Gary by signing his online guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Wine Studio is hosting a wine tasting event featuring wines from Cache Creek Vineyards and an artist reception with artists Rolf Kriken and Karen Turcotte on Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7.

The Friday event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., while hours on Saturday will be 4 to 7 p.m.

This event includes an optional progressive three-course winemaker dinner at the Tallman Hotel following the appetizer course at the Studio on May 7. Winemaker Derek Holstein will be at the Studio and Tallman Hotel for the reception and the special dinner event. Musical guest on guitar is Steve Winkle.

The $15 ($12/per person for studio club members) wine sampler and appetizers by Fresh and Bangin' Eatery presented at the studio will showcase the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc with a split pea crostini with lardons, 2013 Chardonnay with a blackened fish taco, 2011 Reserve Chardonnay with carmelized onion plus asiago latka with creme fraiche and chives, and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon with cherry mole on beef tenderloin over rice.
 
The wines and menu prepared by guest chef Mark Linback at the Tallman Hotel on May 7 will feature the 2014 Cabernet Rosé with a baby spring vegetable salad dressed with goat cheese, almonds and parsley sauce, followed by the 2010 Syrah with roast breast of duck, celery root puree, walnut slaw and red wine gastrique. The dessert course will be a chocolate mascarpone sandwich with berry glaze paired with the 2010 Petite Sirah.
 
Reservations for the Saturday tasting at the Studio and dinner at the Tallman are $80 plus tax and may be obtained by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.
 
A master foundryman, artist Rolf Kriken will have a number of his bronze sculptures installed at the Wine Studio for viewing during the receptions and month of May.

Intensely familiar with the horrors of war, having served our country in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1968 – three years active duty and three years reserve – Kriken resumed his education after returning home, and from 1973 while actively working as an artist, sculptor and foundry man at the same time, graduated with his master's degree in fine arts in 1975.

Following a position as an instructor at the Richmond Art Center, he was the director of the Berkeley Art Foundry from 1975 to 1979. He then opened his own foundry in Oakland, The Nordhammer Art Foundry, which he relocated to Kelseyville in 1991.

Kriken was commissioned to create the three-dimensional, life-size sculptures, bronze fabrication and art work for the California Vietnam Memorial in Sacramento, dedicated in 1988 to the 5,822 Californians who died or remain missing from the Vietnam War, and honors every man and woman who served in war.

He has exhibited in more than 60 locations since becoming an artist and has produced several commissioned works of public art. Kriken was quoted last year during another exhibit of his works, "My work is for those who have been killed and to help me find some finality and closure with what happened. I am trying to raise awareness about how we aren't learning from our history. I just keep trying to expose the craziness and also honor those who have served - I care about our fellow soldiers who have served."
 
Artist Karen Turcotte will be showing a variety of mixed media art, sculpture and three-dimensional works.

Turcotte's love of nature and natural materials manifests in much of her work, whether riffing on the politics of war or capturing a botanical texture, she strives to take nature into the realm of man.

She arrived at her conceptual perspective through a certain cynicism that ecology and history teach.  A background in horticulture taught her to respect the fragility and beautiful cruelty of nature's evolutionary web.

As a student of history, she understands the inevitable repetition of conquering and destruction man has sustained for millennia.

Turcotte's message is a contrast between primordial forms and colors, and the preternatural chaos of man's dominance. "Whether using natural materials, recycled finds or traditional mediums in unexpected ways, I invite the viewer to take a closer look at their place in the world," she stated.

Lake County Wine Studio is a gallery for display and sale of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County. Artists' shows are held on a monthly basis with art and wine receptions held the first Friday and subsequent Saturday of each month.
 
The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake and is open Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Friday from 1 to 8 p.m.

The Kriken/Turcotte art exhibit will be on display through May 30.

For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at 707-275-8030 or 707-293-8752.