LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – United Veterans Council of Lake County Inc. is sponsoring the third annual Lake-Mendocino Stand Down/Veterans Resource Fair this coming September.

The stand down, being organized by Lake County Vet Connect, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, and Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

Vietnam Veterans of California in San Diego introduced the stand down concept in 1988 as a way to help veterans in need.

Since then, similar free stand down events have been held regularly in cities all over the nation to provide food, clothing, services and referrals to homeless and at-risk veterans.

The Lake-Mendocino Stand Down will also have resources available to veterans that are not homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The stand down/resource fair event held last year in Clearlake hosted 157 veterans and offered a variety of services, assistance and information provided by more than 30 agencies and organizations.

This year's stand down will offer access to on-site medical and dental services, enrollment in health care and supplemental nutrition programs, as well as other programs relating to educational, employment, and food resource issues that are important to our veterans.

Organizers are again seeking volunteers to assist with the event. Volunteers will assist in capacities including helping to set up and tear down the venue, staging and issuing materials and supplies to the veterans, and preparing food.

United Veterans Council of Lake County is still seeking financial assistance for the purchase of additional material and supplies.

If you would like to donate financial assistance or volunteer to assist with this event, please contact United Veterans Council of Lake County Vice President Frank Parker at 707-274-9512, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; or Alice Watkins, Mendocino County Veterans Services Office, 707-463-4226, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – For the people who have suffered the heartache and horrors of the Lake County wildland fires of this past year, it's an experience they're not likely to forget, and a project is now under way to capture those memories for the sake of history.

The Lake County Fire Oral History Project aims to record and preserve the oral histories of community members who have survived the county's notable wildland fires.

The project is administered by the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum and funded by the Lake Area Rotary Club Association and the Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee.

Lake County Museum Curator Tony Pierucci and his staff are participating in collecting the histories.

“It started earlier this year,” he said of the project, which has its roots in a discussion he and Lake County Library Director Christopher Veach began in December about an oral history project.

That led in April to the library and museum collaborating to produce a Book-to-Action series on oral histories, which grew out of the realization – following last year's “summer of fire – that survivors had stories to tell about the incidents.

That Book-to-Action series was funded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian, as well as the California State Library in partnership with the California Center for the Book.

During the April series there were discussions, workshops and training sessions on collecting oral histories and a five-hour recording session of histories at the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum, as Lake County News has reported.

Pierucci said at that point there were volunteers eager to collect the stories, with he and his staff also wanting to be involved. He said the library also met with organizations involved in recovery to engage them in helping collect the oral histories.

While the project largely focused on the Valley fire originally, Pierucci said it has since been expanded to include the Clayton fire.

“So far we've collected about 30 oral histories from various different perspectives,” Pierucci said, with six more interviews scheduled.

Those histories are all audio recordings done by museum staff. Pierucci anticipates creating an index of what is discussed in the histories, which are not currently being transcribed.

He said the shortest of the interviews is about 20 minutes, while the longest is about two and a half hours.

Those whose personal experiences are documented so far include everyday people, along with county employees and volunteers who helped during and after the fire, Pierucci said.

“We're trying to get the whole perspective on the fire, not just the fire itself but the recovery effort as well,” he said.

“Overall, we just want to create a significant body of information,” Pierucci said. “An oral history collection is going to be very significant in the years to come.”

Especially, he noted, after people settle into new lives. “We really don't know what the aftermath is.”

Museum staff are aware that they're dealing with some very painful experiences and are using care as a result, Pierucci said. “This is a very personal thing. We're recording people's memories.”

The oral history collection will be a significant source for future research, according to Pierucci.

That audio collection is the first part of the project, which Pierucci said has been developed and expanded beyond its original scope thanks to the funding from Lake Area Rotary Club Association and the Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee.

Pierucci said the second part of the project is the creation of a 15-minute documentary on the fires. Bill Groody and his production company were hired to do the documentary.

As part of the video aspect, Pierucci said six proposed standalone videos will be compiled into a 15- to 20-minute mini-documentary on people's experiences of the fires.

Pierucci said two of those videos have been completed so far. They are shot on-scene in most cases and have a level of production that goes beyond a video of a one-on-one interview. “The closest comparison I can make is that they're like distinct mini-documentaries unto themselves.”

All of the videos will be available on the county's recovery Web site and the museum's Facebook page for free. Copies of the histories also will be stored at both museums in Lakeport and Lower Lake and also at the Lake County Library, said Pierucci.

“Our hope is that they will serve to highlight the county's resilience and uplift people's spirits – but also to underscore the bare fact that the county is still recovering and we have a long road ahead of us,” Pierucci said.

Ultimately, he said he wants to see the oral histories included in the oral history archives at the University of California, Berkeley, although he hasn't yet started outreach on that goal. The university doesn't accept raw audio, and usually wants it fully transcribed or indexed.

In addition to the oral and video recordings, Pierucci said the museum is collecting other fire-related items, including individual collections of photos and video people took during the incident that they are giving to the museum. “We're taking all of that.”

He said the oral history project will be continued through the end of the year.

For those who would like to participate and have their oral histories recorded, Pierucci encouraged them to contact the Lake County Museum at 707-263-4555 or at 707-995-3565.

The process includes a basic phone interview and preliminary discussion to help the interviewers tailor the questions to the person's experience. Pierucci said a sit-down interview for the recording session will then be scheduled.

Volunteers also are needed for the project. Anyone interested should call the museum at the numbers above. Pierucci said the museum will train and work with the volunteers in the oral history collection process.

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. – Two cats are cleared for adoption at Lake County Animal Care and Control this week.

The cats available are a calico and a young polydactyl.

There also are several strays picked up from the Clayton fire area that are being held for 30 days in order to reunite them with their families.

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.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Shelter_Animal_Search.htm .

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”).

'Mom'

“Mom” is a domestic short hair mix with a dilute tortie coat and gold eyes.

She's in cat room kennel No. 90, ID No. 5880.

Young polydactyl

This young female domestic medium hair mix has a fluffy long white coat with tricolor markings, plus gold eyes.

Plus, she is a polydactyl, meaning she has multiple toes. Her front paws look like mittens.

She already is spayed, which should lower her overall adoption cost.

She's in cat room kennel No. 146, ID No. 5615.

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, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.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.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – All kinds of dogs and a lot of little kittens are waiting for homes at Clearlake Animal Control this week.

This week's featured dogs include mixes of beagle, border collie, cairn terrier, Chihuahua, dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, Labrador Retriever and wirehaired terrier.

To meet the animals, contact Marcia Taylor, the animal control outreach technician, at 707-994-8201, Extension 103, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or contact Animal Control Officer Jenna Tuller at Extension 115 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. those same days or leave a message on Fridays or weekends.

Also follow Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook for the latest updates.

Below are this week's available pets.

'Nicki'

“Nicki” is a female dachshund and beagle mix with a short read coat.

Shelter staff said she needs a new home as soon as possible, as she has been at the shelter a long time. Her former owners never came for her after she was seized from a relative's property.

Nicki deserves a second chance in life with a stable environment. Shelter staff said she gets along well with others, had a set of shots and is potty trained.

'Butterfinger'

“Butterfinger” is a sweet young male Chihuahua mix.

He has a short brown coat with white markings.

'Cooper'

“Cooper” is a young border collie and Labrador Retriever mix. He's estimated to be less than a year old.

Shelter staff said he is a crack up, goofy and cautious all at the same time. He wants to be having fun but is a little scared he may get in trouble.

He will be very easy to train, as he cares what people think and doesn't want to step out of bounds.

Cooper comes with first set of shots and free wellness exam.

'Happy'

“Happy” is a young male wirehaired terrier and cairn terrier mix.

He has a white coat and a big grin.

'Latte'

“Latte” is a young male Chihuahua mix.

He has an adorable little dog with a short red and white coat.

'Rambow'

“Rambow” is a male Doberman Pinscher with a short red and brown coat.

He's a big dog who needs a strong person who can work with his big size and curious nature.

Shelter staff said he looks to have been really well bred, absolutely loves people and is extremely friendly. He's one of the shelter favorites.

Rambow comes with a free bag of dog food and wellness exam.

'Rocky'

“Rocky” is a young male Labrador Retriever and border collie mix. He's estimated to be less than a year old.

Shelter staff said Rocky is gentle and sweet, and is ready to have a family to love.

He loves people and is good with other dogs. He is very smart and wants to please.

Rocky comes with his first set of shots and a free wellness exam.

'Steve'

“Steve” is a young male Chihuahua mix.

He's got a short tan and white coat.

All sorts of kittens

Numerous kittens with different coat types and colors – tuxedos, tabbies and calicoes – are ready and waiting for new homes.

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.

For the safety of everyone traveling on California roadways, the California Highway Patrol will focus on brake inspections and education for commercial vehicles during Brake Safety Week, which takes place this year Sept. 11 to 17.
 
The brakes and other safety equipment of commercial vehicles are inspected year-round throughout California.

However, during Brake Safety Week, the state’s 51 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facilities will operate at their maximum ability.

In addition to inspecting brake systems and other safety equipment on trucks and buses, they will check commercial driver licenses and registrations.

Many facilities will also hold educational events. Additional personnel will conduct mobile road enforcement, conducting inspections on all roads – federal, county and state – in addition to the commercial vehicle facilities.
 
“In California, commercial drivers may deal with mountain passes, heavy freeway traffic, and hot weather – all especially challenging to their brakes,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “The extra effort of Brake Safety Week, providing education and outreach as well as inspections, is essential for all drivers.”
 
During Brake Safety Week in California in 2015, 4,909 trucks and motorcoaches were inspected and 897 were taken out of service for brakes and other issues.
 
Brake Safety Week is a national safety campaign organized by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Properly functioning brake systems are crucial to safe operation of commercial motor vehicles. Commercial vehicle brakes are designed to hold up under tough conditions, but they must be routinely inspected and maintained carefully and consistently so they operate and perform properly throughout the vehicle’s life.
 
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security to the people of California.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Library’s free lecture series Know Lake County will feature local author and columnist Gene Paleno and his recently-published book “Lake County History: A Mystical Adventure on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The event will take place beginning at 2 p.m. at the Lakeport branch of the Lake County Library, located at 1425 N. High St.

Paleno is well-known around Lake County for his columns and serial fiction published locally.

His new book covers Lake County’s history from the most ancient prehistory to the present in its 450 pages with excursions into such diverse topics as American Indian history, geology, ghost stories, Lake County’s suffragists, rustlers, the Bear Flag Revolt, prohibition, murders, a gnat’s funeral, gunslingers, celebrities and the Civil War.

Paleno will be telling stories of Lake County history and selling his book.

Lake County PEG TV records the Know Lake County presentations for re-broadcast on PEG TV Channel 8 and on www.lakecountypegtv.org . The presentations are also available on DVD to check out from the Lake County Library.

Speakers from an array of disciplines and organizations deliver programs for Know Lake County. Still to come in 2016 are the Boggs Mountain State Demonstration Forest, the Lake County Symphony Association and the symphony association’s youth orchestra.

The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .

For more information about Know Lake County and other library programs call 707-263-8817.

Jan Cook works for the Lake County Library.

SOUTH LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A day ahead of the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the Valley fire, events around the south county gave area residents the chance to gather to remember and focus on the continuing recovery work.

The fire broke out on High Valley Road in Cobb on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015.

By the following day, it had scorched more than 50,000 acres. Altogether, it burned 76,067 acres and more than 1,300 homes, and led to four confirmed fatalities.

At Twin Pine Casino, Middletown Rancheria – which has been a stalwart in offering assistance to the community throughout the wildland fires – hosted the Valley Fire Community Day from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

While last year the casino's event center hosted an evacuation center – and did so again during the Clayton fire – this time it welcomed a steady stream of people who enjoyed music, free food, a bouncy house and slide for children, and information booths. The mood overall was upbeat.

Elsewhere around the Valley fire area, the South Lake County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire hosted open houses at the district's four fire stations – Cobb, Hidden Valley Lake, Loch Lomond and Middletown – from 1 to 4 p.m. The district contracts with Cal Fire for services.

“It's a day to remember” what Jim Comisky, president of the South Lake County Fire Protection District Board and himself a firefighter for 38 years, estimated was the most catastrophic day in the history of southern Lake County.

Comisky spoke during a brief and informal gathering during the open house at the Middletown Fire Station attended by Sheriff Brian Martin, Supervisor Rob Brown, several Cal Fire staff and a number of community members.

Comisky said that everyone in the community lost something to the Valley fire and at 1:30 p.m. – at about the time the fire initially was dispatched last Sept. 12 – he led the group in a moment of silence in recognition of that fact.

In a community where it's still unclear how many of the fire survivors ultimately will choose to stay and rebuild, hope was an underlying theme of Sunday's events.

Beyond loss is recovery, and Comisky said the event was about what's ahead as much as what is behind.

“It's a chance to look forward,” he said.

During an impromptu remembrance ceremony led by Kim Carr, attendees shared their memories and what they're grateful for in the wake of the fire.

Sheriff Martin, who was on the ground in the fire area beginning on the first day, said he remembered how the fire sounded like a jet engine.

He said the entire community shared the experience of the fire.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Mike Wink said he was grateful for the new relationships as well as the existing ones that were strengthened in the fire response and recovery.

“It's my honor to work here and serve this community,” Wink said.

Comisky pointed to the courage he has witnessed in response to the fire. “The way this community came together, it's like I've never seen before,” he said.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Linda Green, who also was on the ground during the fire that day, said she too has seen the community pull together.

Other firefighting staff noted their gratitude for the brotherhood of the profession.

Firefighter Don Lopez asked for another moment of silence in memory of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001, before sharing his experience of fighting the Valley fire.

His daughter lost her house on the first day of the incident, and as he was on the fire lines he heard come over the radio reports that homes were on fire in his neighborhood.

He wouldn't know for 24 hours that his home had been saved by the efforts of an out-of-area strike team. Despite the house nearly catching fire repeatedly, it was saved.

“How that happened I don't really know,” he said.

So many people lost homes, he noted, and it wasn't for a lack of trying to save them.

Later that afternoon, up Highway 175 at the Cobb firehouse, Cal Fire firefighters, fire district directors and a little group of Fire Sirens – the women whose devoted fundraising efforts pay for critical equipment – welcomed visitors throughout the afternoon.

“I think it was rewarding that we had the doors open,” said Rob Bostock, vice president of the South Lake County Fire Protection District's five-member board.

Wink stopped in at Cobb, where he said the station is staffed around the clock with two firefighter/paramedics per shift.

In addition to those Cal Fire personnel, Bostock said the district has a large volunteer base, with backup from the Kelsey Cobb station further down Highway 175. He said a more experienced firefighting team can't be found anywhere else.

Wink said the Hidden Valley Lake station also is staffed around the clock with Cal Fire personnel, while the Loch Lomond station is manned by volunteers, and the Middletown station by a mix of Cal Fire personnel and volunteers.

“None of us can do it alone,” said Wink.

The people who visited the fire house on Sunday “are glad we're here,” said Bostock.

Another board member, Devin Hoberg, said he wanted to be on hand to welcome community members.

“It's very relaxed and calm,” he said of Sunday afternoon's event, explaining that they were there to answer questions or to simply listen if people wanted to talk about their experiences.

Hoberg, a lifelong county resident and member of one of Cobb Mountain's most well-known families, lost his home near Boggs Forest in the fire.

He's watching rebuilding taking place in his neighborhood and is working to prepare his property for a new home. That work involves taking care of little trees that have naturally started to grow on his land, including about 25 pine seedlings plus some little oaks that have sprouted up.

Bostock started coming to the area as a child in 1944, has had a vacation cabin in Cobb since 1974 and moved to Cobb permanently in 1998.

He believes the community will recover, explaining that he could have chosen to live elsewhere but has made Cobb his home.

“We're here because it's a special place,” said Bostock.

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.

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