LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Arts Council will present its annual Winter Music Fest this weekend.

“Red, White and Blues – and All That Jazz” will be presented at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.

Inspiration for the new format came from artist and dancer Diane Trebly-Stawicki, who will open the show with an original piece of music written by her mother, Margo, for her husband during World War II.

Trebly-Stawicki's parents were married in Honolulu on Dec. 7, and her father was immediately shipped overseas; and thus was born her song, “Home Free.”

With so many of of America's young people “over there,” the arts council wanted to recognize their service to us today, as well as the service of so many in conflicts past.

Hosting for the evening will be the mayor of Clearlake, the witty, gregarious and dapper Joey Luiz, with Cindy Strong directing the performance.

Performers will include talented pianist Andy Rosoff, with versatile musical styles ranging from New Orleans Jazz to mellow blues; Kathleen Escude, Cathy Mallow and Kathy O’Connell performing energizing numbers such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”; Tom Xavier on guitar accompanied by Max Leyman on bass playing their original down home county songs; the versatile acoustics of Hilarie, Milton and Moe; Antoinette’s lively song and dance troupe with “Almost Like Being in Love”; the Mendo Singers with a patriotic medley of patriotic melodies; and show newcomers Kevin Village Stone and Lindy Day, offering a professional and unique musical style on a variety of instruments including acoustic and classical guitar, flute and more.

Reserved table seating and the first two rows of the lodge are available at the theater’s box office, 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport or 707-263-0577, on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General admission seating is $15 per person and available at the Travel Center located in the Shoreline Shopping Center in Lakeport and the Main Street Gallery in Lakeport at 325 N. Main St.

Tickets also can be purchased online at www.soperreesecommunitytheatre.com.

For more information on the program, call the Lake County Arts Council at 707-263-6658.

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The California Department of Fish and Game on Tuesday issued notice of its intent to sue the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The Department of Fish and Game notified the Corps that it failed to comply with the federal Endangered Species Act when it adopted a national policy requiring the removal of virtually all trees and shrubs on federal levees.

The Corps reportedly developed its national levee vegetation removal policy in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The action against the Corps alleges that its national policy fails to account for regional variations among levees. As early as 1955, the Corps encouraged and even required the planting of trees and shrubs on California levees.

Studies conducted in 1967, 1999 and 2008 by California confirm that native riparian vegetation are compatible with flood control and that such vegetation can often act to minimize damage during a flood event.

The Corps’ own studies from 1991 and 1999 reportedly confirm that post-damage flood rates for levees containing woody vegetation were lower than levees with no vegetation.

The Department of Fish and Game said it is confident that the Corps' flood concerns can be met in a regional variation allowing this unique riparian habitat.

Only 5 percent of the Central Valley’s original riparian forest remains and it would be required to be removed under the Corps’ policy, the Department of Fish and Game said.

In addition to providing scenic beauty and recreational enjoyment for people, riparian habitat is essential for several endangered species including Chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, Valley elderberry longhorn beetle, riparian brush rabbit, Western yellow-billed cuckoo and Swainson's hawk.

Approximately 1,600 miles of federal project levees along the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and tributaries are likely to be affected by the Corps’ policy. Several miles of federal levees in the Bay Area and Southern California would also be affected.

In total, compliance with the policy is estimated to cost up to $7.5 billion and divert funds from more significant levee deficiencies like seepage and erosions.

Despite years of roundtable discussions between the Department of Fish and Game, the Corps and other state, federal and local entities, the Department of Fish and Game said its concerns over removing the riparian habitat remain unaddressed.

The state's suit would seek to have the Corps comply with the federal Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the federal Administrative Procedure Act before further implementation of the levee vegetation removal policy.

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SACRAMENTO – Assemblymembers Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) and Jared Huffman (D- San Rafael) have introduced new legislation to revive California’s ailing state parks system.

Assembly Bill 1589, the “California State Parks Stewardship Act of 2012,” proposes to reshape the relationship between state parks and state government and establishes a blueprint to stop park closures and ensure their long-term viability.

“The recent parks closures disproportionately impact rural California, and nowhere is that more true than on the North Coast,” Chesbro said. “The economies of many of our small communities depend on state parks and the millions of visitors they draw every year. We must find a way to keep them open, safe and accessible. This legislation creates lasting security for the California State Parks system and saves the state money in the long-term.”

Key provisions of AB 1589 include:

• Encourages formation of a state compact that guarantees an ongoing level of state funding for operations and maintenance of state parks.

• Creates a State Park Enterprise Fund to be used for construction and installation of modern revenue and fee collection equipment and technologies to increase park visitation and revenues.

• Produces a California State Park environmental license plate that individual vehicle owners could purchase and have the fees go towards support of state parks.

• Provides the option for taxpayers to voluntarily purchase an annual state park access pass when they file their state tax returns.

• Requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to be more transparent on how it evaluates and selects specific parks for closure, and places a cap of 25 state park units on the number of park closures allowed from 2012 to 2016 without legislative approval.

“We have an opportunity with this legislation to not only prevent park closures, but to begin to reinvigorate our neglected California State Parks system,” Huffman said. “This bill is about charting a more sustainable approach to managing and financing our treasured state parks so that they will continue to be there for our economy and quality of life, and so that we can protect the valuable natural and cultural resources our parks contain.”

“Our local economy centers on visitor service and if we lose our only state park, Hendy Woods, every business in our community will be badly affected,” said Kathy Bailey, a member of the Anderson Valley Chamber of Commerce. “AB 1589 recognizes that closing parks should be the last choice, not the first, when trying to balance the budget. We’re very happy that the authors want the State to formulate common sense approaches to management reform and revenue enhancement before taking the drastic step of shuttering a vital component of our community’s economy.”

Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) is also a joint author of AB 1589.

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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $5,000 Toolbox for Education grant to the Lake County International Charter School (LCICS) in Middletown for the full replacement of the roof on the main classroom building, the Langtry House.

LCICS is one of more than 585 schools or parent organizations to be awarded a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant for parent-initiated school improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education across the United States during the 2010-11 school year.

“Being awarded this grant has allowed us to completely replace the roof on our main building, a project that has needed to be done for several years,” said LCICS Director Gwendolyn Maupin-Ahern.

“The state budget cuts over the past few years have made it very difficult for small, public schools like LCICS to fit even necessary facilities projects like this into the budget, and we are so grateful for Lowe’s dedication to charitable giving,” Maupin-Ahern added.

The project was completed over one weekend in late January, the school reported.

“Lowe’s is committed to recognizing and supporting efforts that enrich the lives of our neighbors and customers,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting public schools like LCICS, we know we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees and helping build stronger communities.”

Launched in partnership with PTO Today, a leading organization serving parent-teacher groups, the Toolbox for Education program has provided nearly $30 million through more than 6,000 grants since its inception in 2006. The grants have affected more than 3.7 million schoolchildren.

Grants are available to public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects and large schools or school districts may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000 for school improvement initiatives.

All K-12 public schools in the United States are eligible. Parent groups may apply by visiting www.toolboxforeducation.com.

For more information about LCICS visit its Facebook page or Web site at www.lcics.org.

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LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The service of a search warrant by the Lake County Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force last Saturday morning has resulted in one arrest and the seizure of methamphetamine, Oxycodone, digital scales and drug paraphernalia.

Detectives arrested 51-year-old Michael Vernon Ferrel of Lower Lake, according to Sgt. Steve Brooks.

Brooks said that on Jan. 25 narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for a residence and travel trailer located in the 9000 block of Highway 29 in Lower Lake.

At 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, detectives served the search warrant for the residence, Brooks said.

When narcotics detectives entered the home, three people were detained without incident, including Ferrel, according to Brooks.

During a search of the travel trailer detectives located three glass “meth” pipes, digital scales and packaging materials, Brooks said.

In the living room of the residence, detectives located methamphetamine and several Oxycodone pills. Brooks said it was determined that none of the people contacted in the residence had a prescription for Oxycodone.

Ferrel was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Brooks.

He was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked, with bail set at $15,000. Ferrel remained in custody on Tuesday, according to jail booking records.

The other two detainees were released at the scene, Brooks said.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be contacted through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.

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Here's hoping you find a new best friend!

COBB, Calif. – A backhoe reported stolen from the Moore Family Winery the week after Thanksgiving has been recovered.

Shortly after noon on Wednesday the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a call reporting the backhoe taken from the Moore Family Winery had been seen in the area of Harrington Flat Road and Sulphur Creek Road in Loch Lomond, according to Sgt. Steve Brooks.

The backhoe sighting was reported by a winery employee, Brooks said.

Brooks said the backhoe, which originally was orange in color, had been spray painted green.

Deputies responded to the area and, because of their diligence, were able to locate the backhoe, Brooks said.

He said the backhoe appeared to have been hidden in the brush on private property located on Rocky’s Point Road.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Department of Fish and Game and the California Highway Patrol assisted with the recovery, Brooks said.

Brooks said the backhoe later was returned to the Moore Family Winery.

This case is still under investigation, he said.

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LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association said Tuesday it will postpone its seventh annual Old Time Bluegrass Festival as it works to negotiate with state officials on an agreement that would keep Anderson Marsh State Historic Park open.

AMIA wants to concentrate its efforts on preserving the park, which is on the list of proposed state park closures. If an agreement isn't reached, the park will close this July.

The organization currently is negotiating with the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into an agreement to operate the park so that it may remain open and available to the public, as Lake County News has reported.

“The negotiation process is lengthy and complex,” said AMIA President Roberta Lyons. “AMIA's goal is for the park to continue to be open on weekends, and at other times for school field trips, tours and other AMIA events, including the popular Old Time Bluegrass Festival.”

Lyons added, “AMIA realizes it must focus now on doing what is necessary to successfully carry out our new responsibilities.”

The purpose of AMIA – the nonprofit cooperating association for the state park – is to support the park and provide interpretive and educational programs.

If approved, the agreement will require AMIA to become involved in park maintenance, keeping trails open and paying for utilities and other operating costs.

Lyons said the need to focus AMIA's energy on keeping the park open forced the group to make the hard but necessary decision to postpone the Old Time Bluegrass Festival – held each September – for one year.

“AMIA is very thankful to all of the Lake County businesses and individuals who have participated in and supported the Anderson Marsh Old Time Bluegrass Festival,” said AMIA Secretary Gae Henry.

“For six years the festival has been the main fundraiser for programs at Anderson Marsh Historic State Park and has been a premier Lake County event,” Henry said. “For now, AMIA volunteers are devoting their time and energy to creating an operating agreement which we hope will be approved by spring.”

AMIA Treasurer Henry Bornstein assured the public that if the group is granted the operating agreement, the Old Time Bluegrass Festival will be back in September 2013.

“It is a great event for Lake County and an important fundraiser for the park,” said Bornstein. “At this time, however, because of the uncertainty of the park's status, the time-consuming nature of the negotiations and the work that will have to be done to operate the park during the first year, we felt it was best to postpone the festival.”

For information about how you can get involved with AMIA's effort to save Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, please visit www.andersonmarsh.org or contact AMIA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-995-2658.

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LUCERNE, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol has identified the Lucerne man who died of injuries he sustained in a rollover pickup crash on Sunday night on the Northshore.

Kenneth Overstreet, 50, was mortally injured in the wreck, which took place on Highway 20 east of Rosemont Drive near Lucerne.

Overstreet – whose identity the CHP released to Lake County News Monday evening – was riding in a 2002 Toyota pickup driven by 24-year-old River Denning of Lucerne when Denning reportedly lost control of the vehicle.

The pickup rolled, fatally injuring Overstreet and leaving Denning with injuries that would later necessitate him being flown by REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. CHP said later that Denning suffered minor injuries.

An unidentified woman reportedly gave Overstreet and Denning a ride from the crash scene to the Tower Mart in Lucerne, where paramedics administered first aid to both and unsuccessfully attempted to revive Overstreet, who died of his injuries, as Lake County News has reported.

Further details about the cause of the crash were not available Monday from the CHP.

However, CHP said alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the collision.

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A parole search conducted last weekend by the Lake County Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force resulted in two arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, digital scales, packaging materials and 14 hypodermic needles.

Arrested following the search were 41-year-old Richard Lynn Parker of Lucerne and 33-year-old Lisa Therese Lundquist of Upper Lake, according to Sgt. Steve Brooks.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, at approximately 12:10 p.m., narcotics detectives and a sheriff’s narcotics detection K9 conducted a parole search on Parker at his Roland Drive home in Lucerne, Brooks said. Once inside the residence, detectives contacted Parker and Lundquist.

During a search of the outside of Parker’s residence, the narcotics detection K9 alerted on a vehicle belonging to Lundquist, Brooks said.

Once the K9 had access to the inside of the vehicle it alerted again on two lock boxes which were behind the front seat. Brooks said detectives opened the boxes where they located methamphetamine, several hypodermic needles, digital scales and packaging materials.

Brooks said Lundquist was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a hypodermic needle and for being under the influence of a controlled substance, with bail set at $25,000, while Parker was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, with his bail totaling $3,000.

Both Lundquist and Parker were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked. Jail records indicated that both have since posted bail and been released.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.

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SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday the Governor's Office announced the appointment of a new tribal advisor and executive secretary for the Native American Heritage Commission.

Governor Jerry Brown appointed 54-year-old Cynthia Gomez of Sacramento to the position, which he established by executive order to bolster communication and collaboration between California state government and American Indian tribes.

The tribal advisor will serve as a direct link between the Governor’s Office and tribal governments on matters including legislation, policy and regulation.

Gomez has been the chief justice for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Court since 2010.

She was assistant secretary of environmental justice and tribal governmental policy for the California Environmental Protection Agency from 2008 to 2010, chief of the Native American Liaison Branch for the California Department of Transportation from 1999 to 2008, and a housing and community development representative for the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 1989 to 1999.

Gomez is a member of the Tribal and State Court Forum for the California Administrative Office of the Courts and has served as chair of the Transportation Research Board’s Native American Transportation Issues Committee.

She received a juris doctorate degree from the University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patiño School of Law.

These positions do not require Senate confirmation and the total compensation is $140,000.

Gomez is a Democrat.

For more information about the tribal advisor executive order, visit http://gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=17222.

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans invites the public to attend an informational open house to review a proposed project to improve the safety of the intersection of Highway 20 and Highway 29 near Upper Lake.

The drop-in style open house will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Lake Middle School gymnasium, 725 Old Lucerne Road, Upper Lake.

The purpose of the project is to improve the safety of the Highway 20 and Highway 20 i intersection by reducing the frequency and severity of collisions.

The project is needed because the collision rate at the intersection is 3.7 times greater than the statewide average for similar intersections, Caltrans reported.

Caltrans is considering two alternatives: installation of traffic signals or installation of a roundabout.

The agency said the public will have the opportunity to review displays on these alternatives.

Caltrans said its staff also will be available to answer questions and receive comments or suggestions at the event.

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