A new report from several California agencies tracks the significant progress made in 2016 toward achievement of the California Water Action Plan – progress that builds the reliability and resiliency of our water resources.

The report released today highlights the achievements of 2016, the third year that state agencies have been coordinating efforts under the Water Action Plan.

First released by the administration of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. in January 2014, the Water Action Plan is a five-year framework with 10 overarching goals designed to bring sustainability to California’s water resources and restoration to its most important ecosystems.

The plan’s major goals include making conservation a way of life, increasing regional self-reliance in water supplies, managing and preparing for dry periods, and providing safe water for all communities.

The plan is the foundation for expenditures under Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion water bond passed overwhelmingly by California voters in November 2014.

The 2016 summary of accomplishments was prepared by the California Natural Resources Agency, California Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

“We built momentum in 2016 that we intend to maintain in 2017 and beyond,” said California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird. “United by the Water Action Plan goals and enabled by the Proposition 1 funds, we are making investments that will pay off for generations to come.”

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross said, ““This plan is critically important beyond the year-to-year fluctuations we experience in precipitation. Looking ahead, we know that we must work together to make every drop of water count in California."

“The drought has highlighted the challenges California faces under climate change,” said CalEPA Secretary Matt Rodriquez. “The Water Action Plan serves as an invaluable guide to ensure that our short-term responses to the drought are also being translated into actions that make our water system more sustainable and resilient over the long term.”

Some of the 2016 achievements described in the California Water Action Plan Implementation Report – 2016 Summary of Accomplishments include:

· The investment of hundreds of millions of dollars of Proposition 1 funds in local projects that recycle water, improve farm irrigation water efficiency, capture stormwater, and otherwise stretch and safeguard supplies. These state bond dollars will leverage additional hundreds of millions of dollars of federal and local investment.

· Launch of dozens of habitat restoration projects around the state, including the largest tidal wetlands restoration project in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

· Support for the implementation of Klamath dam removal through bond funding and amendments to a key multi-party agreement.

· Creation of a five-agency framework for moving California beyond emergency, one-size-fits-all drought restrictions on water to permanent water-use efficiency standards in a way that accounts for local conditions and demographics.

· Implementation of regulations to carry out the historic Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, with counties, cities, and local water districts beginning to form the new agencies that will bring groundwater pumping and recharge into balance.

· Launch of a public process to update the water quality standards and flow requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to balance the needs of fish, farms, and cities. The State Water Resources Control Board began hearings this year to update 20-year-old Delta water quality standards.

For more information about the California Water Action Plan, visit http://resources.ca.gov/california_water_action_plan/ .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” screens at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 1 and 6 p.m.

The last and best of Sergio Leone’s “Dollars” trilogy, this powerful spaghetti western released in 1966 defines the genre, with Clint Eastwood as the taciturn, enigmatic loner relentlessly pursuing the bad guys. This time he’s chasing Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef.

The movie is sponsored by John H. Tomkins Tax Consultants. Rated R with run time of 2 hrs 41 minutes.

Entry to the film is by donation.

The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-0577, www.soperreesetheatre.com .

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 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 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY
 
Highway 1

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near Fish Rock Road on Friday, Jan. 20. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs from Haven Neck Drive to Old Stageroad Drive beginning Thursday, Jan. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs in Manchester on Tuesday, Jan. 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Repairs at the Albion River 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 from Albion Little River Road to the Little River Bridge. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Emergency slide removal near Leggett will continue. One-way traffic control with STOP signs will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101
 
– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
– Emergency slide repairs just south of Standish-Hickey State Park 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 seven-minute delays.
 
– Emergency slide removal near Piercy will continue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
Highway 128

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for tree trimming from Nash Mill Road to Philo. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175
 
– Emergency storm damage repairs from Harrison Street to Wooldridge Ranch Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-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).

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Registration for the spring 2017 semester at Mendocino College is under way.

The Lake Center located at 2565 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, will host a wide array of face-to-face courses for Lake County students including a wide array of courses to help students complete their general education requirements for Mendocino College associates degrees or for transfer to the California State University or University of California systems.

In addition, courses applicable to majors in administration of justice, business management, child development, communications, education, health, human services, and many different social sciences are available.

Students looking to develop skills for immediate employment opportunities will find courses in welding, construction fundamentals, computers, and emergency medical technician training.

A very popular course this past fall, “Food and Wine Pairing,” will again be on the schedule. It provides a fun hands-on opportunity for those working in the food, wine or hospitality industry or anyone with an interest, to build their understanding of the relationship between food and wine. The focus on many local wines adds to the value of this class.

Students wishing to explore their creative side will find art classes in both drawing and watercolor painting or from the theater department, an acting improvisation course for both beginning and experienced actors.

Writers may wish to enroll in a new “Writing for the Mass Media” course which will develop student skills in producing multimedia content for print, broadcast and the web. Learn techniques for blogging and visual storytelling which can help develop your professional skills, or refine your own online presence.

Community members, whose second language is English, and who wish to continue to build their English skills will find ESL courses offered in multiple locations throughout the area.

It is easy to become a Mendocino College student. Apply online at www.mendocino.edu or in-person at the Lake Center or Ukiah campus. Then, register for your chosen courses online or in-person with assistance from our friendly staff.

For those who would like additional guidance in their course selections, call the center at 707-263-4944 to schedule an appointment with one of the college's academic counselors.

Register soon, as many courses will fill quickly, and most courses begin Jan. 23.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College is offering an emergency medical technician class during the Spring 2017 semester.

The class starts on Feb. 11 and will be completed by May 24.

Lecture classes will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 9:20 p.m. The lab portion of the class will be on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.

Students are required to have an updated CPR certification and at least be 18 years of age as of June 1, 2017.

By registering for this class at Woodland Community College EMT students will be reimbursed for books, immunizations, uniforms, drug screening and fingerprints. Students will be responsible for the tuition portion of the class.

This is a seven-unit class that prepares you to pass the State EMT-1 certification. Once you have received your EMT-1 certification you will be eligible to work as an emergency medical technician.

The course will demonstrate and confirm knowledge of current information students need to work in the field of emergency medicine as an EMT.

Students will receive the basic educational requirements for most paramedic programs in the state and country. Students will also be able to demonstrate and incorporate professional values and standards for medical personnel that the industry requires in a pre-hospital emergency medicine.

For more information make sure to contact Lake County Campus at 707-995-7900, stop by the campus at 15880 Dam Road Extension in Clearlake or visit http://lcc.yccd.edu .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The South Lake County Fire Sirens group will hold its annual installation of officers and awards ceremony on Monday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.

South Lake County Fire Chief Greg Bertelli will conduct the installation of officers for 2017.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of the Middletown Fire Sirens this past year especially in light of the fire activity this region has endured in 2016,” said outgoing SLCFS President Pat Hallman states. “I am so proud to be part of this organization that provides assistance to our local fire fighters so that they can better serve the community.”

The mission of the SLCFS is to raise funds to purchase equipment and supplies to assist the South Lake County Fire Department. Since its inception more than 31 years ago the Fire Sirens have raised $320,000.

“The efforts of the members of this unique organization help to save lives,” said Bertelli. “This is truly an amazing group of individuals who work so hard. They do not do it for the recognition; they are greatly appreciated by everyone that has the opportunity to work with them.”

The Fire Sirens installation of officers takes place at the start of each year. Typically held in January, the event was rescheduled due to the recent heavy rainfall event.

A luncheon immediately follows the installation of officers. Other business conducted includes the awarding of five annual Fire Siren awards including the Stars of Excellence Award.

Following the installation of officers, all are invited to attend the luncheon at the Middletown Senior Center dining room.

The cost is $5 and the menu is baked chicken with mash potatoes and all the trimmings.

To make a reservation for lunch and support the SLCFS please contact Pat Hallman at 707-987-3991 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than Jan. 30.

SLCFS also runs the Fire Siren Thrift Shop located at 21095 Highway 175, Middletown. The Fire Siren Thrift Shop, “Second Hand But Grand,” is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

On Friday, Jan. 27, SLCFS will sponsor the Blood Centers of the Pacific Blood Drive at the Middletown Fire Station from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The next SLCFS regular monthly meeting will be held on March 6 at the Middletown Fire Station. All interested community members are welcome to attend.

SLCFS meetings are held on the first Monday of the month. A coffee social kicks off the morning at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 10 a.m.

To make your reservation to attend the Feb. 6 SLCFS Installation of Officers and Award Ceremony or for more information contact Pat Hallman at 707-987-3991 or Fran Rand at 707-987-8546.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released the Angler’s Guide to the California Heritage Trout Challenge, a new online tool for those interested in fishing for California’s heritage trout.

The guide provides anglers with detailed information on how to complete the Heritage Trout Challenge, including information about where to catch native trout, identification tips and a history of habitat restoration efforts.

Created in 2003, the Heritage Trout Challenge promotes California’s unique opportunity to pursue one of the most diverse assemblages of native trout found in the United States. Over the millennia, 12 unique trout types evolved to inhabit California.

Over the past 14 years, CDFW has provided customized certificates to anglers who successfully caught and photographed at least six different California native trout from their historic drainages.

The program recently hit a milestone as Christy Seifert of Citrus Heights became the 300th angler to complete the Heritage Trout Challenge.

“This experience has turned me and my fishing group into trout nerds,” Seifert said. “Now we can’t stop trying to catch more and more different species of wild trout in new places.”

Some anglers take the challenge even further by catching all of the recognized native trout in California and earning the title of Master Angler.

“Being associated with the challenge and the anglers that have completed it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Roger Bloom, CDFW environmental program manager and creator of the Heritage Trout Challenge. “Hopefully this guide will provide inspiration, along with information, to help anglers complete the challenge and create their own native trout angling memories.”

CDFW invites anglers, families and friends to take the challenge. Through the process, anglers will hopefully explore new waters and enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities in California.

Anglers are encouraged to research and explore the waterways where these trout live, as the learning process is key to the challenge.

CDFW Heritage and Wild Trout Program staff is available to answer questions and offer tips. Most are anglers themselves and enjoy assisting others in their pursuit of the challenge.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Artist Anna Sabalone and Lake County Wine Studio are presenting a series of monthly art classes, with the next scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 22, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

During the two-and-a-half-hour class, Sabalone will demonstrate shading a still life scene.
 
All supplies are provided along with a glass of wine for sipping for $40 per person. Each monthly class focuses on a different art medium.
 
Sabalone was born and raised in Lake County. She has been involved in the Lake County Arts Council since her teen years. She attended University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and the University of Leeds, England for her undergraduate degree in English, history and anthropology.

She earned her teaching credential and Master'ss of Education for UCSB and has been teaching art, English, history and academic decathlon at Upper Lake High School since 2008.
 
For art class schedule, reservations and additional information, contact Susan Feiler at 707-293-8752.
 
Lake County Wine Studio is both a gallery for display of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County. Artist's 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. Hours September through May are 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday and 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

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