How to resolve AdBlock issue? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will accept applications from veterans interested in competing in the 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games beginning Feb. 1.
Veterans ages 55 and older and enrolled in VA health care may complete applications online at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov .
Applications will be accepted through March 1.
“VA is committed to offer sports and fitness as an integral part of a successful health care program, and I encourage every eligible veteran to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Carla Carmichael, National Veterans Golden Age Games director. “There are significant health benefits to leading an active lifestyle, and in keeping with the Games motto, we want every veteran to achieve 'Fitness For Life.’”
The 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games will take place in Biloxi, Miss., May 7 to 11. Nearly 800 athletes are expected to compete in the national multi-sport competition for senior veterans, embracing the “Fitness for Life” motto.
The event encourages participants to make physical activity a central part of their lives, and supports VA’s comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs.
Competitive events include air rifle, badminton, bocce, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, powerwalk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Exhibition events include: air pistol, archery, basketball, blind disc golf and pickleball.
VA research and clinical experience verify that movement and exercise are important to maintaining good health, speeding recovery and improving overall quality of life.
The games encourage participants to continue in local senior events in their home communities and every other year serve as a qualifying event for competition in the National Senior Games.
VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System will host this year’s games. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System provides care for more than 50,000 veterans throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
For more information visit www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports on Twitter at @VAAdaptiveSport or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports .
News
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
Lighter rain expected Monday, bigger storms forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County and much of Northern California remains under flood watches and warnings following a weekend of heavy rain, but forecasters are predicting a slight break in the weather ahead of still more bigger storms.
On Sunday, there were large amounts of rain reported across Lake County; rainfall totals for the day looked to be about twice what was reported for Saturday.
For the 24-hour period ending at 3 a.m. Monday, the following rainfall amounts were reported around Lake County, in inches:
– Bear Canyon (near Middletown): 7.37.
– Boggs Mountain: 7.18.
– Cache Creek (near Lower Lake): 3.78.
– Cobb Mountain: 7.49.
– Hidden Valley Lake: 4.44.
– High Glade Lookout (above Upper Lake): 3.14.
– Indian Valley Reservoir: 1.87.
– Jerusalem Grade (Middletown): 5.97.
– Kelseyville: 3.13.
– Mt. Konocti: 3.98.
– Putah Creek (Middletown): 5.12.
– Upper Lake: 2.20.
The National Weather Service said the active weather pattern is forecast to continue on Monday, with rain in lower elevations and snow in the mountains.
While Monday is expected to see less rain, forecasters expect the impact of the heavy weekend rain will continue to swell many rivers and other water bodies. As a result, the flood watch and warning for the region remain in effect through Tuesday.
Lake County's specific forecast calls for rainfall totals of more than an inch plus winds with gusts of more than 20 miles per hour.
On Tuesday, another storm system appears headed to Northern California on Tuesday, bringing with it the potential for more flooding, according to forecasters.
Rainfall totals from Monday through Wednesday for Lake County are forecast to range between 1 to 2 inches across the middle section of the county, to 2 to 3 inches in the south county, and 4 to 6 inches in the northern county, with winds ranging up to 25 miles per hour.
Showers are forecast to continue in Lake County through the weekend, the National Weather Service said.
With lighter rain forecast on Monday, local school districts were planning to be in session, according to district officials.
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.
- Editor
- Posted On
Redbud Audubon to host Jan. 19 program on 'Our Changing Ocean'
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Redbud Audubon Chapter will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19.
Refreshments will be offered at 7 p.m. with the program starting at 7:15 p.m. at the group's new meeting location at Lower Lake United Methodist Church Social Hall, 16255 Second St.
Biologist Ron LeValley will present a program about “Our Changing Ocean.”
All are welcome to attend this free program.
In the past few years we have seen incredible concentrations of anchovies and krill along our coast at the same time that starfish have been dying. Now the ocean is very warm and the humpback and blue whales are close to shore. What is going on?
Our ocean is warming, there is an increasing level of carbon dioxide dissolved in the water and sea level is rising. Of course there is increasing amounts of plastic in our ocean as well. These factors have far-reaching consequences to our marine animals and those of us living along the coast.
While not everything is predictable, there are certainly some trends that are obvious. One of the aspects of our local region is an eddy in the California Current that changes our annual ocean conditions.
LeValley will be discussing these trends and changes and how they are affecting our local climate and the local ocean.
Part of the presentation will be the changes we are observing in the local marine life, especially changes in distribution and seasonal trends. He also will be discussing some ideas of what we can expect from El Nino, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and other long-term trends in oceanography andwhat some of us can do to help the future of our local oceans.
LeValley was founder and senior biologist of Mad River Biologists, a biological consulting firm in Northwestern California.
Best known for the identification and distribution of birds along the Pacific Coast, he also has an extensive understanding of natural history subjects. A lifelong interest in marine birds and mammals was enhanced by his involvement with Point Reyes Bird Observatory beginning in 1966, including serving as a biologist at the Farallon Island research station.
He gathered a worldwide perspective on ecological issues when he founded and for 15 years directed Biological Journeys, a pioneering ecotourism company.
One of his outstanding attributes is sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He is particularly adept at explaining complex biological principles in understandable terms. He is also a photographer specializing in photographs of wildlife of all kinds, from whales and birds to insects and natural scenes.
- Editor
- Posted On
Habitat for Humanity's 2016-17 Veteran’s Repair Program ending
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – If you are a low income military veteran in need of repairs to your home, Habitat for Humanity Lake County may be able to help.
Funds are available through the Home Depot Foundation to allow for health and safety related repairs, accessibility modifications for disabilities, and a variety of other repair services.
But time is running out for this funding year, so applications must be submitted promptly to receive consideration.
Contact Habitat for Humanity Lake County for an application, or with questions, at 707-994-1100, visit them online at http://www.lakehabitat.org/?page_id=51 or come by their office at 15312 Lakeshore Dr. in Clearlake.
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
CHP makes DUI arrest following Saturday night crash
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Cobb man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol following a two-vehicle crash on Saturday night that resulted in major injuries for the second driver.
Dakota John Thompson, 23, was taken into custody for felony driving under the influence following the wreck, which occurred on Highway 29 at Highway 175-Hopland Grade just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP said Thompson was driving his 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser at an unknown speed northbound on Highway 29 approaching the intersection with Highway 175.
Dustin Solmonson, 41, of Middletown, was stopped in a 2012 Mini Cooper at the intersection's red light, waiting to make a lefthand turn onto southbound Highway 29, the CHP said.
For reasons that the CHP said are yet to be determined, Thompson failed to negotiate a righthand turn at the intersection and the front end of his vehicle collided with the driver's side of Solmonson's car.
Solmonson's vehicle blocked the eastbound lanes of the roadway for a short time after the crash, the CHP said.
The CHP said Solmonson suffered major injuries including a lacerated spleen and lacerations to his face. Thompson had complaints of pain.
Solmonson was taken by ambulance to Sutter Lakeside Hospital and then to an out-of-county hospital for treatment of his injuries, the CHP said.
Officers evaluated Thompson at the scene and subsequently arrested him, with the CHP stating that alcohol appeared to be a factor in the crash.
Both drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the wreck, according to the CHP.
The crash remains under investigation by Officer Ryan Erickson.
Thompson was booked into the Lake County Jail, with bail set at $30,000. Jail records indicated he later posted bail and was released.
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.
- Editor
- Posted On
Kelseyville Business Association welcomes new members
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville Business Association is 70 members strong and constantly welcoming new members.
The group is proud of the contribution that it has been able to make toward keeping Kelseyville's downtown a clean, safe, inviting place to work, play and visit.
Members have been responsible for keeping the trees trimmed, the light posts painted, purchasing and installing the flags and poles that line the streets of Kelseyville on all the right occasions, as well as hosting activities like Kickin’ in the Country, playing a huge part in the annual Pear Festival and the much anticipated Bacon Festival in the works for June 2017.
A healthy downtown sets the right tone and encourages visitors, potential residents and people from all over the county to shop, spend and enjoy time in Kelseyville.
Plumbers, hairdressers, hotels and vacation rentals, car repair shops and bookkeepers all benefit from the good work done by the Kelseyville Business Association.
If you are a business owner or just a concerned citizen and interested in what is happening in the Kelseyville community, join them at one of their meetings on the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro, 3825 Main St.
For more information about the association visit www.visitkelseyville.com .
- Editor
- Posted On
Cardinal wrestlers compete in Middletown and Napa
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Friday, Jan. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 7, the Clear Lake Cardinals entered wrestlers into two separate, two-day tournaments.
Five boys went to the Dennis Jensen Invitational in Middletown and eight girls to the 19th annual True Wrestler Napa Valley Girls Classic, held at Vintage High School.
At the Middletown tournament wrestlers competed in a round robin format the first day to determine seeding for the second day medal tournament.
Justin Cantrell (152 lbs.) went 3-0 on day one with one pin and was the No. 1 seed. On day two he made the finals again, but lost an exciting triple overtime match by one point, taking the silver medal, going 2-1 with one pin.
Brandon Dickey (145 lbs.) went 1-2 with one pin on day one and on day two came back with a vengeance going 3-1 with three pins to win the bronze medal against a wrestler that had previously beaten him.
Frankie Sturr (132 lbs.) went 2-2 with one pin on day one and on day 2 was 1-2 with one pin to win a fourth place medal.
Ozod Ermatov (138 lbs.) was 2-2 on each day with one pin to win a fifth place medal and Hayden Eastham (126 lbs.) finished with a sixth place medal.
At the prestigious Napa Valley Girls Tournament featured 120 teams and 620 wrestlers, and was loaded with state medalists, state qualifiers and section medalists.
Ashley Vasquez (189 lbs.) made it to the second day, going 1-2 with one pin. Mavis Pyorre (111 lbs.) went 2-2 and Shelby Butcher (189 lbs.) went 1-2 with one pin.
Also wrestling some hard-fought matches for the Cardinals were Mackenzie Markham (101 lbs.), Scarlett Ballard (121 lbs.), Merari Alvarez (160 lbs.), Samantha Bruno (235 lbs.) and Kally Vinson (235 lbs.).
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
REGIONAL: Sonoma County Emergency Operations Center responds to flooding, prepares for second storm
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Sonoma County officials are preparing for more flooding potential along the Russian River this week.
The California Nevada River Forecast Center said the Russian River was to reach flood stage – 32 feet – at 1 a.m. Tuesday. The river is anticipated to remain at flood levels through 6 am on Tuesday.
The second storm forecast to arrive overnight and into Tuesday. The forecast indicates that the Russian River will reach flood stage again at 3 a.m. Wednesday, and crest at 35.7 feet at 6 p.m. The River is expected to recede below flood stage on Thursday at 6 a.m.
The County’s Emergency Operations Center will remain active to provide updated information and emergency services to Sonoma County residents.
The county issued advisory evacuation notices to the low lying areas of Monte Rio and Guerneville on Sunday afternoon. Recent flood modeling predicts that approximately 550 households are impacted when the Russian River reaches 35 feet.
The Guerneville Veterans Hall extended it shelter hours, and will remain open 24 hours a day through Friday morning. Additional shelters will be opened if necessary.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has restored power to more than 15,500 households since Saturday, and is continuing to work to end outages in the storm-impacted areas.
All drivers are encouraged to observe road closures and use detour routes. Road closures and restrictions information for the unincorporated areas can be found at http://roadconditions.sonoma-county.org/ .
As of Monday afternoon, Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works had reopened 24 roads, and continues to monitor and maintain 17 existing closures.
The county of Sonoma will also continue to post new information on shelters, power outages, road closures, safety information, and sandbag locations to its Web site at http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Public-Safety/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SonomaCountyCal/ .
- Editor
- Posted On
'All About Eve' screens at Soper Reese on Jan. 10
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Soper Reese Theatre will host showings of “All About Eve” on Tuesday, Jan. 10.
Showings will take place at 1 and 6 p.m.
Entry to the film is by donation.
A quintessential depiction of ruthless ambition in the entertainment industry, “All About Eve” is ranked 16th among the American Film Institute’s list of 100 best films ever made.
Made in 1950, it won six Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s brilliant script is perfect for the prodigious acting talents of Bette Davis who in turn is perfectly supported by Anne Baxter, Gary Merrill, Celeste Holme and George Sanders; and a young Marilyn Monroe makes one of her earliest screen appearances.
The movie is sponsored by Craig Waters. Rated PG with run time of two hours 18 minutes.
The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-0577, www.soperreesetheatre.com .
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
Monday sandbag report: Updates on availability
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. –Sand and sandbags remain available at a limited number of businesses around Lake County.
This list below, compiled by Lake County News, includes locations where sand, sandbags or both are available. In some cases, where they are out of sandbags, we have included information on when more are due to arrive.
The list is being updated as new information is received. If we've missed something, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message us on Facebook, @LakeCoNews.
LAKE COUNTY SANDBAG REPORT
As of 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9
CLEARLAKE
City of Clearlake Corporation Yard, next to Pierce Field airport
(Access off of Old Highway 53, between storage and Valley Glass)
Sand available, no sandbags.
Four Corners Builders Supply
14975 Olympic Drive
Telephone: 707-994-6277
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Out of sandbags as of Monday; reordering, more expected to arrive by Thursday.
Mendo Mill, Clearlake
5255 Old Highway 53
Telephone: 707-994-1014
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Out of sandbags as of Monday; reordering, more expected to arrive by Wednesday.
CLEARLAKE OAKS
Clearlake Lava
14572 E. Highway 20
Telephone: 707-998-1115
Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Sand only; cost is $14/yard
KELSEYVILLE
Kelseyville Lumber
3555 N. Main St.
Telephone: 707-279-4297
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Both sand and sandbags available. Sandbags are not prefilled.
LAKEPORT
Mendo Mill, Lakeport
2465 S. Main St.
Telephone: 707-263-8400
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Out of sand and sandbags; reordering, more expected Wednesday.
Rainbow Agricultural Services
1975 Argonaut Road, Lakeport
Telephone: 707-279-0550
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Plastic bags: $0.49 each.
No sand.
RB Peters
78 Soda Bay Road
Telephone: 707-263-3678
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Sand only: $35/yard or $1/five-gallon bucket
MIDDLETOWN
Hardesters
21088 Calistoga St.
Telephone: 707-987-2325
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Sunday
Out of utility sand, has bags of play sand left for $5.49 per 50 pound bag.
Out of sandbags; more ordered and will arrive on Thursday afternoon.
NICE
Lake Builders Supply
3694 E. Highway 20
Telephone: 707-274-6607
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Limited amounts of “play sand” left; 50 pound bag – $6, 100 pound bag – $12.49.
Out of sandbags; no estimate of when more will be available.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Public Service Department announced that the Eastlake Landfill and the Lakeport Public Services office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Residential waste pickup will be on the regular scheduled day.
Both facilities will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Normal operating hours at the landfill are 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. The Public Services office is normally open Monday through Friday 8: a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information visit www.recycling.co.ca.us or call 707-262-1618.
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
Road conditions update: Most Hidden Valley Lake roads to reopen, many other areas remain impacted
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A number of county roadways continue to be impacted by flooding due to the heavy rains, but some areas are soon due to reopen, according to county officials.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office reported that roads in Hidden Valley Lake that were closed due to flooding on Sunday morning had been reopened early Sunday evening, except for Gold Flat Road, which will remain closed due to continued flooding.
The sheriff's office said Sunday evening that, so far, only a few homes have been damaged and they have no reports of major injuries related to Sunday's weather.
However, they cautioned that the storms are far from over. There is supposed to be a brief respite on Monday, at which time local officials plan to survey the damage and prepare for more storms that are expected to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The agency thanked community members for their cooperation during Sunday's severe storm event, and asked them to continue to honor traffic control points and not to drive through them.
The sheriff's office also urged people not to try to navigate through standing water, as it may be deeper than you think and flowing water can actually sweep away a vehicle.
Elsewhere in the county, a number of road closures remained in place, according to Lake County Public Works, the California Highway Patrol, and the police departments in Clearlake and Lakeport.
The following is a list of impacted roadways as of 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Updates will be provided as they become available.
CLEARLAKE
36th Avenue: Roadway west of Phillips, between Phillips and Oaks, is closed due to heavy flooding and debris in the roadway.
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE
Gold Flat Road: Closed due to flooding.
KELSEYVILLE
Adobe Creek crossing: Closed due to flooding.
Argonaut Road: Flooding reported in the area of Big Valley Road.
Bell Hill Road: Bell Hill Road is closed at Adobe Creek Low Water Crossing due to water over the roadway.
Bottle Rock at Pine Street: Tree and power lines down and blocking both lanes.
Clark Drive: All of Clark Drive closed due to flooding, use alternative routes.
Gaddy Lane: Flooding across the roadway at Loasa.
Marina View Drive: Downed tree – single lane from Riviera Heights Drive to Soda Bay Road.
LAKEPORT
Highland Springs Road: Flooding across the roadway at Lampson Airport.
Hill Road: Hill Road between Sutter Lakeside Hospital entrance and Lakeshore Boulevard is closed to all traffic due to continuing debris flows. There is no estimate at this time as to when the roadway will be reopened.
Lakeshore Boulevard: Flooding reported across the roadway near Park Way.
Martin Street: Flooded from S. Forbes to Polk St. Use an alternate route and do not drive through the water.
Mathews Road: Mathews Road is closed at Highway 175 due to a bridge replacement project.
McMahon Road: Tree blocking roadway in both directions.
Soda Bay Road: Closed to all traffic from Big Valley Road to Highway 175/S. Main Street due to flooding.
LOWER LAKE
Morgan Valley Road: Single lane due to downed tree into phone lines.
Seigler Canyon Road: Flooding across the roadway above Seigler Bridge. Road is closed from Highway 29 to Big Canyon Road.
Perini Road: Closed at Seigler Canyon Road due to flooding
MIDDLETOWN
Western Mine Road: Closed due to mud/debris slide.
UPPER LAKE
Elk Mountain Road: Roadway closed at MPM 29.6 due to road washout. No estimate of when road will be reopened.
Robinson Road: Two downed trees blocking the roadway.
Scotts Valley Road: Closed from Hendricks Road to Highway 20 due to flooding.
Witter Springs Road: Closed due to flooding.
NAPA COUNTY UPDATE
In addition to the road situation in Lake County, the Napa County Sheriff's Office has issued the following updates on conditions, with all closures to remain in effect through the night, as of 6:30 p.m.:
Berryessa Knoxville Road: Open but impacted in numerous locations by mud and rock slides and trees down from the 1700 block to Eastside Road. The road is open at this time, but please use extreme caution while driving in this area.
Deer Park Road: Closed between Highway 29 and Silverado Trail due to flooding.
Dry Creek Road: Impacted from the 5800 block to Oakville Grade due to water.
Highway 128: North of Calistoga into Sonoma County is closed due to flooding per Caltrans.
Oakville Cross Road: Closed at Plump Jack Winery and the Napa River due to flooding.
Yountville Cross Road: Closed due to flooding.
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