The United States Postal Service announced plans to transition to a new delivery schedule during the week of Aug. 5 that includes package delivery Monday through Saturday, and mail delivery Monday through Friday.

The Postal Service expects to generate cost savings of approximately $2 billion annually, once the plan is fully implemented.

“The Postal Service is advancing an important new approach to delivery that reflects the strong growth of our package business and responds to the financial realities resulting from America’s changing mailing habits,” said Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Patrick R. Donahoe. “We developed this approach by working with our customers to understand their delivery needs and by identifying creative ways to generate significant cost savings.”

Over the past several years, the Postal Service has advocated shifting to a five-day delivery schedule for mail and packages.

However, recent strong growth in package delivery (14 percent volume increase since 2010) and projections of continued strong package growth throughout the coming decade led to the revised approach to maintain package delivery six days per week.

“Our customers see strong value in the national delivery platform we provide and maintaining a six-day delivery schedule for packages is an important part of that platform,” said Donahoe. “As consumers increasingly use and rely on delivery services – especially due to the rise of e-commerce – we can play an increasingly vital role as a delivery provider of choice, and as a driver of growth opportunities for America’s businesses.”

Once implemented during August of 2013, mail delivery to street addresses will occur Monday through Friday. Packages will continue to be delivered six days per week.

Mail addressed to PO boxes will continue to be delivered on Saturdays. Post Offices currently open on Saturdays will remain open on Saturdays.

Market research conducted by the Postal Service and independent research by major news organizations indicate that nearly seven out of ten Americans (70 percent) supported the switch to five-day delivery as a way for the Postal Service to reduce costs in its effort to return the organization to financial stability. Support for this approach will likely be even higher since the Postal Service plans to maintain six-day package delivery.

The Postal Service made the announcement more than six months in advance of implementing five-day mail delivery schedule, to give residential and business customers time to plan and adjust.

The Postal Service plans to publish specific guidance in the near future for residential and business customers about its new delivery schedule.

Given the ongoing financial challenges, the Postal Service Board of Governors last month directed postal management to accelerate the restructuring of Postal Service operations in order to strengthen Postal Service finances.

“The American public understands the financial challenges of the Postal Service and supports these steps as a responsible and reasonable approach to improving our financial situation,” said Donahoe. “The Postal Service has a responsibility to take the steps necessary to return to long-term financial stability and ensure the continued affordability of the U.S. Mail.”

The operational plan for the new delivery schedule anticipates a combination of employee reassignment and attrition and is expected to achieve cost savings of approximately $2 billion annually when fully implemented.

The Postal Service is currently implementing major restructuring throughout its retail, delivery and mail processing operations.

Since 2006, the Postal Service has reduced its annual cost base by approximately $15 billion, reduced the size of its career workforce by 193,000 or 28 percent, and has consolidated more than 200 mail processing locations.

During these unprecedented initiatives, the Postal Service continued to deliver record high levels of service to its customers.

While the change in the delivery schedule announced today is one of the actions needed to restore the financial health of the Postal Service, legislative change is urgently needed to address matters outside the Postal Service’s control.

The Postal Service continues to seek legislation to provide it with greater flexibility to control costs and generate new revenue and encourages the 113th Congress to make postal reform legislation an urgent priority.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Three people were stabbed during a fight that occurred early Monday evening in Clearlake.

Sgt. Rodd Joseph of the Clearlake Police Department said the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. near the baseball fields at Redbud Park.

“It appears to be a mutual combat involving a group of subjects,” Joseph said.

Joseph said three people were stabbed, with all taken to St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake for treatment.

One of the stabbing victims, an adult male, suffered a laceration to the stomach and was in intensive care early Tuesday morning, Joseph said.

While another of the victims was uncooperative and wouldn’t provide accurate information, Joseph said detectives have identified all of the parties involved.

No arrests had been made shortly before 1 a.m. Tuesday, he said.

Joseph said the police department’s detective division was continuing to work the case, with additional details expected to be released later on Tuesday.
        
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.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A meeting on the Clear Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load implementation will be held this Thursday, Feb. 7.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport.

The Clear Lake Nutrient TMDL was adopted in 2006 with the goal of reducing phosphorous loads by 40 percent by 2017 and ultimately reducing nuisance algal blooms.

Agenda items for the meeting will include completed studies and implementation activities, phosphorous reduction efforts, next step options, and a question and answer session.

The plan's five year update, completed last year, can be viewed below.

For more information visit
www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralvalley/clearlakenutrienttmdl .

2012 Clear Lake TMDL Update by LakeCoNews

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Updates from law enforcement leaders, proposed community safety measures and tips for what residents can do to guard against crime will be discussion topics at a special Kelseyville town hall this week.

The town hall will take place beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Kelseyville High School Student Center, 5480 Main St.

Supervisor Rob Brown organized the town hall following the fatal Jan. 18 shooting of 33-year-old Forrest Seagrave, who was shot during a robbery at Mt. Konocti Gas and Mart in downtown Kelseyville, where he had worked for several years.

Brown said he has invited members from the California Highway Patrol, Lake County District Attorney’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Probation and State Parole to give an update to community members.

Some of the proposals Brown said will be discussed include putting up traffic cameras and establishing a benefit zone to pay for a deputy to exclusively serve the Kelseyville area.

There also are things that Kelseyville residents can do to increase safety, including following basic precautions of keeping homes and vehicles locked, and not giving the opportunity for thefts and break-ins to occur, Brown said.

“We can’t rely on law enforcement to protect us,” he said.

Brown added, “Some of it we’ve got to do on our own.”

While the county has spent a lot of money to upgrade roads and improve the conditions of the lake, Brown said if the communities aren’t safe, none of those improvement efforts matter.

Brown said he also has invited local self defense instructors and representatives from alarm companies to come and be available to speak with community members about safety measures.

Sheriff’s officials have not yet made an arrest in Seagrave murder case, and on Monday Lt. Steve Brooks said he had no new information on the investigation.

A $10,000 reward – raised through community donations in an effort Brown spearheaded – is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

The male suspect wore a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and gloves. He was described as being  approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a thin build.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 707-263-2690.

John Jensen contributed to this report.

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.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has a full house of adult cats waiting for adoption this week.

Many of them are Siamese, brought in after the death of their owner.

The cats range in age from 7 months to 7 years old. All have been altered and are ready to go to new homes.

In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped 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 there, hoping you'll choose them.

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”).

Female Siamese mix

This female Siamese is 7 months old.

She has lynx point markings, weighs 3.5 pounds, has been spayed and is very friendly.

She's in cat room kennel No. 2a, ID No. 35367.

Siamese mix

This male Siamese mix is 2 years old.

He weighs 9 pounds, has blue eyes and flame point coloring, and has been altered.

He also has blue eyes and a docked tail.

Visit with him in cat room kennel No. 4, ID No. 35361.

Gray tabby

This male gray tabby is 4 years old.

He has a short striped coat and green eyes, weighs 11 pounds and has been neutered.

Find him in cat room kennel No. 10, ID No. 35371.

'Arrow'

“Arrow” is a 10 month old male Siamese mix.

He has unique markings and blue eyes, and has been altered.

Arrow is in cat room kennel No. 22, ID No. 35395.

Brown male tabby

This brown male tabby is 7 years old.

He has a short brown striped coat, and he’s been neutered.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 35, ID No. 35292.

Dilute tortie

This female calico is 2 years old.

She has dilute tortie coloring, weighs 7 pounds, has a short coat and has been spayed.

Find her in cat room kennel No. 45a, ID No. 35362.

Female Siamese mix

This female Siamese mix is 2 years old.

She has seal point coloring and a short coat, weighs 7 pounds and has been spayed.

Visit with her in cat room kennel No. 45b, ID No. 35360.

Siamese mix

This male Siamese mix is 3 years old.

He weighs 10 pounds, has lynx point coloring and a short coat, and has been altered.

He's in cat room kennel No. 48, ID No. 35372.

Male Siamese mix

This male Siamese mix is 2 years old.

He weighs 9 pounds, has a short coat and has been altered.

He's in cat room kennel No. 95, ID No. 35359.

Siamese mix

This female Siamese mix is 5 years old.

She has a long luxurious coat, is large in size and has been spayed. In addition, she has beautiful, jewel-blue eyes.

She’s in cat room kennel No. 100, ID No. 35293.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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.

On Tuesday the State Water Resources Control Board renewed a statewide storm water permit intended to decrease the amount of pollution entering waterways during storm water events.

The permit, required by state and federal laws to be renewed every five years, is called a Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.

The permit is issued consistent with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

During a permit renewal cycle, best management practices to control storm water pollution are specified to better stop pollutants from entering area waterways during storm events.

The MS4 permit regulates storm water discharges from municipalities that serve populations of less than 100,000 persons by requiring additional efforts to keep contaminants, refuse and trash from entering storm water drains, canals and other conveyances that discharge in lakes, streams and the ocean.

The cities of Lakeport and Clearlake, and the county of Lake are covered by the permit, according to state records.

“A permit of this magnitude affects so many people in different geographic areas and addresses such important issues,” said State Water Board Chair Charles Hoppin. “The high degree of collaboration that was necessary to get us to this point was very evident in today’s proceeding. The board looks forward to working with the permittees on effective implementation of this permit.”

The MS4 permit requirements focus on implementing post-construction standards and low-impact development principles to new or redevelopments in California and focus implementation efforts on areas in California identified as a priority to protect such as, Areas of Biological Significance (ASBS), waterbodies listed as impaired.

Clear Lake is listed as an impaired waterbody, according to the State Water Resources Control Board.

The MS4 permit will provide coverage to approximately 200 traditional (municipal governments) and non-traditional (state, federal facilities such as military bases and state colleges) MS4s.

For nearly two decades, the State Water Resources Control Board has regulated runoff and treatment of storm water from industrial and municipal sources in California.

Both the US EPA and the water boards have determined that storm water and urban runoff are significant sources of water pollution that can threaten aquatic life and public health.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Konocti Unified School District successfully refinanced a portion of its outstanding Measure “G” General Obligation bonds last month to take advantage of historically low interest rates in the bond market.

District officials said the bond refinancing will save taxpayers in the district approximately $625,000 over the remaining term of the bonds.

These savings will be passed along directly to local taxpayers in the form of reduced property tax bills, the district reported.

“For some time now, the district has been monitoring interest rate trends, waiting for a good opportunity to refinance the debt. After due consideration, the district determined that the timing was now appropriate to lock in a new, low interest rate and to capture significant taxpayer savings,” said district Business Manager Laurie Desimone.

Refinancing local school bonds is similar to refinancing a home mortgage – replacing existing high interest rate debt with low interest rate debt.

The bonds were originally issued in December 2004 following the successful passage of Measure “G” by local voters.

The proceeds from the 2004 issuance were used to improve classrooms and school facilities, increase student access to computers and modern technology, and to make the district eligible to receive additional state grants.

“The board of trustees and district staff greatly value the strong support we receive from our community, and we are very pleased to complete this refinancing and to pass along these substantial savings to our local taxpayers” said Superintendent Donna Becnel.

Officials said the district will continue to monitor opportunities to refinance bond debt in the future, and will pursue opportunities that will result in a benefit to local taxpayers.

Most astronomers suspect that a massive black hole lurks at the center of most if not all galaxies, but only a few dozen examples are known out of billions of galaxies in the cosmos.

Now astronomers have developed a quick technique that could potentially uncover and weigh 10 times more massive black holes than are now known.

Using the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy (CARMA) in California’s Owens Valley, UC Berkeley and European astronomers tracked carbon monoxide gas swirling around the center of a galaxy 53 million light years from Earth.

Based on the gas’s motion, they concluded that the galaxy, NGC4526, harbored a massive black hole about 450 million times the mass of the sun – 100 times larger than the black hole at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy.

“Because almost all spiral galaxies like the Milky Way and about one-quarter of large galaxies of the type we observed have molecular gas, this interferometry technique applies broadly, and raises the real probability of getting a large sample of black holes from all sorts of galaxies at much greater distances,” said Leo Blitz, UC Berkeley professor of astronomy and coauthor of a paper describing the procedure that appeared in the Jan. 31 issue of Nature.

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) now nearing completion in Chile could potentially measure black hole masses at the centers of hundreds of galaxies in as little as 10 minutes each, “shedding light on the mysterious co-evolution of black holes and galaxies,” added team leader Timothy A. Davis of the European Southern Observatory, which is based in Germany.

On his Web site Davis explained the technique remains “tricky,” adding, “It took over a hundred hours of observing time to measure the black hole mass in this object.”

He said the array will be able to repeat the NGC 4526 measurement in about 10 minutes, or make the same observation in a galaxy seven times farther away in just five hours.

“The technique therefore holds the promise of being able to determine black hole masses across a range of galaxy types and masses using a single instrument,” he said.

Robert Sanders writes for the UC Berkeley News Center.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – A North Coast man led California Highway Patrol officers and Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies on a high speed chase from Ukiah to Potter Valley Monday night.

William Jackson IV, 33, of Potter Valley eventually was arrested after driving his vehicle into the Eel River and then attempting to flee on foot, according to Sgt. Greg VanPatten of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.

Shortly before 11 p.m. Monday Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies were on routine patrol near the 100 block of Talmage Road when they observed a green Honda Accord fail to stop at a posted stop sign, VanPatten said.

He said the deputies attempted to make a traffic stop but the vehicle's driver – later identified as Jackson – sped away from them. The deputies activated their emergency lights with siren and pursued the vehicle.

CHP officers and Ukiah Police Department officers joined the pursuit as the vehicle entered onto northbound Highway 101 from Talmage Road, VanPatten said.

Jackson fled from the deputies at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour, with deputies and CHP officers following the vehicle northbound on Highway 101 and then eastbound onto Highway 20, he said.

VanPatten said Jackson passed other vehicles by crossing into an oncoming lane of traffic and also weaved unsafely at times.

The vehicle later turned northbound onto Potter Valley Road and reached speeds of 65 miles per hour while still evading law enforcement personnel, according to VanPatten.

The vehicle later turned northbound onto Eel River Road and continued until it reached Van Arsdale Road and then turned onto Old Logging Road, VanPatten said.

A short time later the vehicle turned onto a riverbank access road and drove into the water of the Eel River. VanPatten said Jackson jumped from the vehicle and ran through the river, attempting to escape the pursuing deputies and CHP officers.

VanPatten said CHP officers were able to apprehend Jackson after a short foot pursuit and arrested him without further incident.

Jackson was wanted on an outstanding Mendocino County felony arrest warrant for kidnapping and domestic battery and also was on formal felony probation out of Santa Clara County for domestic battery, VanPatten said.

Jackson was transported and booked into the Mendocino County Jail for the outstanding arrest warrant, violation of his probation and felony evading of law enforcement, VanPatten said.

He said Jackson was being held on a no bail status because of the probation violation charge.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The coroner’s office has released the name of a Middletown man who died in a single vehicle crash last week near Clearlake Oaks.

Robert Allen Harris, 59, died at the scene of the wreck, which occurred last Thursday, Jan. 31, on Highway 20 near Beryl Way west of Clearlake Oaks, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Harris was driving his 1992 Ford van eastbound on Highway 20 shortly before 6 p.m. that day when witnesses reported that he passed another vehicle on a blind curve, the CHP reported.

The CHP said Harris lost control of his van and slid sideways into a tree, receiving fatal injuries in the wreck.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – This week the county's animal shelter has several dogs from the working breeds available for adoption.

Labrador Retrievers, hounds and border collies, as well as boxers and pit bulls are ready to go to new homes.

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”).

Hound mix

This male hound mix is 4 years old.

He has a short tricolor coat and is not yet neutered.

He's in kennel No. 5, ID No. 35381.

Boxer mix

This male boxer mix is 8 months old.

He has a short brown and white coat, and is neutered.

Find him in kennel No. 6, ID No. 35380.

'Sasha'

“Sasha” is a 10-year-old border collie mix.

She has a short black and tan coat, weighs 81 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 12, ID No. 35388.

'Brave Heart'

“Brave Heart,” as he's been dubbed by shelter staff, is a 5-month-old male pit bull terrier mix.

He weighs 30 pounds, has a short blue and white coat, and he's been neutered.

Visit with him in kennel No. 18, ID No. 35164.

Labrador Retriever mix

This female Labrador Retriever mix is 9 months old.

She has a short chocolate-colored coat and has not yet been spayed.

She's in kennel No. 21, ID No. 35408.

Labrador Retriever mix

This male Labrador Retriever mix is 9 months old.

He has a short buff-colored coat and has not yet been neutered.

Find him in kennel No. 22, ID No. 35407.

Boxer mix

This male boxer mix is 1 year old.

He's got a short brown and white coat, a docked tail and weighs nearly 70 pounds. He has not yet been altered.

He's in kennel No. 26, ID No. 35415.

Please note: Dogs listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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.