SACRAMENTO – The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board is urging boaters and recreational users to avoid direct contact with or use of waters containing blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, in the Mountain Meadows Reservoir in Lassen County.

The recommendation is based on the potential health risks from the algae, which is currently blooming in the reservoir.

Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board staff visually observed a cyanobacteria bloom in the reservoir near the Indian Ole Dam. 

Bloom conditions can change rapidly and wind and waves may move or concentrate the bloom into different regions of the reservoir. 

A water sample collected near the dam has confirmed the presence of at least two different cyanobacteria genera (Gloeotrichia sp., and Aphanizomenon sp.). 

These types of cyanobacteria are capable of producing toxins.  However, the presence of toxins has not been confirmed.

Mountain Meadows Reservoir is a recreational lake near the town of Westwood and is part of the Upper Feather River Hydroelectric System operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. The lake is not used for drinking water supply.

PG&E has posted caution signs at known public access points around the reservoir and along Hamilton Branch, where water discharges from the Indian Ole dam.   

Blue-green algae can pose health risks, particularly to children and pets. People are urged to choose safe activities when visiting Mountain Meadows Reservoir and recommend that people and their pets avoid contact with water, and avoid swallowing lake water in an algae bloom area.

This map  indicates the location in Mountain Meadows Reservoir where a cyanobacteria bloom was visually confirmed (Indian Ole Dam): https://us.vocuspr.com/Publish/3240560/vcsPRAsset_3240560_63705_49ace0e8-9b68-4a37-bcbf-db4f5cb0ead1_0.png .

An evaluation of a water sample collected near the Indian Ole Dam has confirmed the presence of at least two different genera of cyanobacteria – Gloeotrichia sp. and Aphanizomenon sp.

The algae bloom can appear as cut grass in the water or blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats that can float on the water’s surface and accumulate along the shoreline and boat ramp area.

Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold and flu-like symptoms. Pets can be especially susceptible because they tend to drink while in the water and lick their fur after.

The Statewide Guidance on Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following for blue-green algae impacted waters:

– Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water, swim through algae, scums or mats, or lick their fur after going in the water. Rinse pets in clean water to remove algae from fur.
– Avoid wading, swimming, or jet or water skiing in water containing algae blooms or scums or mats.
– Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water from these areas under any circumstances; common water purification techniques (e.g., camping filters, tablets and boiling) do not remove toxins.
– People should not eat mussels or other bivalves collected from these areas. Limit or avoid eating fish from these areas; if fish are consumed, remove guts and liver, and rinse filets in clean drinking water.
– Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.

For more information visit the following:

– California Department of Public Health: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/Bluegreenalgae.aspx ;

– State Water Resources Control Board - California CyanoHAB Network: http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monitoring_council/cyanohab_network/index.html ;

– California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, information on microcystin: http://oehha.ca.gov/ecotoxicology/general-info/information-microcystins ;

– US Environmental Protection Agency CyanoHAB Web site: https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/cyanohabs ;

– US Environmental Protection Agency, Anatoxin-a report: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/anatoxin-a-report-2015.pdf .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County and the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Pavement repairs from Manzanita Road to the junction of Route 53 will continue. One-way traffic control will also be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– The Mine Restoration Project has been issued a long-term Caltrans Encroachment Permit to allow trucks to access their worksite near the Colusa County Line. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 29

– Fog sealing operations from Ackley Road to the Lakeport Boulevard Overcrossing will begin Sunday, August 14. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 53

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform utility work near mile marker 10 beginning Tuesday, Aug. 16. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform utility work between Dry Creek and Cry Creek Road beginning Tuesday, Aug. 16. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Valley Fire recovery work between Middletown and Loch Lomond will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Mowing operations between Albion and the north limits of Elk will begin Tuesday, August 16. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Mowing operations between Ward Avenue and Beach Access Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Highway repairs a quarter-mile north of Ocean Meadows Circle will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Sign work between the El Roble Overcrossing and the junction with Route 253 will begin Wednesday, Aug. 17. A northbound lane closure will be in effect between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 101

– Rumble strip installation between Uva Drive and one half-mile south of the Haehl Overhead Bridge will begin Monday, Aug. 15. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., weekdays. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdows.

– Sign work near Reeves Canon Road will begin Wednesday, August 17. A southbound lane closure will be in effect between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdowns.

– The city of Willits has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform utility work related to their water main project between Sherwood Road and Casteel Lane beginning Friday, Aug. 12. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdowns.

– Rumble strip installation at various locations between Willits and Confusion Hill will begin Monday, Aug. 15. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– Paving operations between Sherwood Road and Rattlesnake Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– Emergency slide repairs just south of Standish-Hickey State Park will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 128

– Drainage work from 2.5 to 7 miles east of the junction with Route 1 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 162

– PG&E has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform tree work between the Long Valley Creek Bridge and Short Creek Road. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Paving operations between East Lane Road and Short Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 253

– Paving operations between the Anderson Creek Bridge and Slide Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays.

– Highway repairs from Cattle Pass to Butler Ranch will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

May G. Noble
March 17, 1920 – Aug. 10, 2016

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – May was born on March 17, 1920, to Thurman and Minnie Bryant in Dover, Tenn. She was the oldest of eight children.

At just 12 years old her mother died, leaving May to mother her seven younger siblings. This is how she found out that she had the natural ability to care for others and proved this throughout her life.

At age 18 she moved to St. Louis to attend college. She later moved to Alameda, Calif., where she worked at the Alameda Naval Base where she was in charge of the parts inventory for the entire base.

It was here where she met and married Fred Noble. They had three children together and in 1954 bought Cottage City Resort in Lucerne, Calif. After many successful years and many great memories May and Fred sold the resort in the early 1970s.

May became involved in real estate and opened her first Noble Realty Inc. office in Lucerne. Her business boomed and she soon had a “chain” of offices all around the lake. She remained active in real estate into her late 80s.

May and Fred bought Cal 20 Truck Stop in Upper Lake, Calif., and developed it into what it is now, Meadow Pointe Residential Park.

May was involved in many charities, clubs and organizations. In 2005 May received the Lake County Stars Life Time Achievement Award.

Through her busy and successful life she always found time to help anyone in need and her community. May’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.

May is survived by her children, John and Ellen Noble, and George Noble; five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many.

May's family would like to thank Hospice Services of Lake County. Donations in her memory can be made to Hospice at 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport, on Tuesday, Aug. 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Upper Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 699 Second St., on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 3 p.m.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

With the arrival of back-to-school season, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges parents and guardians to ensure their children are current on vaccines.

The agency said immunizations protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children from serious diseases,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and state public health officer. “If you haven’t done so already, check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs. Vaccinations are the best way to ensure that students are protected against serious and preventable diseases, including measles.”

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for contracting diseases and can also spread diseases to other people, including students in their classrooms and both children and adults within their communities.

Babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions are especially susceptible.

California law requires students to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as licensed child care centers.

Schools and licensed child care centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report student immunization status to CDPH.

Talk to your child’s doctor to find out which vaccines are recommended for them before going back to school.

Visit www.ShotsforSchool.org for more information on immunization laws and required vaccinations.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Democratic Club has rescheduled its August meeting due to the Lower Lake fires on Tuesday.

Instead, the club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, in the Lower Lake Community United Methodist Church social hall, 16255 Second St., Lower Lake.

Guest speakers will be Mitch Markowitz, Konocti Unified School District Board member, and his guest Tom Hoskins, human resources/local control and accountability plan director; and Middletown Unified School Board candidate Sean Millerick.

The usual business meeting will be dispensed with in order to accommodate these speakers.

The Lake County Democratic Club is an officially chartered club of the Democratic Party of Lake County.

All meetings are open to the public. Membership is open to registered Democrats.

Visit www.lakecountydemocraticclub.org or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Cultural Homestay International (CHI), a highly respected nonprofit high school organization is looking for volunteer local host families for international high school boys and girls. 

These students are 15 to 18 years old and are coming to this area for the school year or semester.

These personable and academic select high school students are bright, curious and anxious to learn about the country through living as part of a family, attending high school and sharing their own culture and language with their newly adopted host family.

Each CHI student is fully insured, brings his or her own personal spending money, and expects to contribute to his or her responsibilities, as well as being included in normal daily activities and lifestyles.

These students are well screened and qualified by Cultural Homestay International.

Families can choose their students from a wide variety of backgrounds, nationalities and personal interests.

Those persons interested in obtaining more information about becoming a host family should call Adrianne Koford, 707-637-3775 or e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For more information visit www.chinet.org .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Luncheon Club gathering on Wednesday, Aug. 17, will be pure musical entertainment.

The local husband and wife duo Don and Saro Deacon, who perform as “From the Heart,” will travel to Middletown from their new post-Valley Fire home in Lakeport.

The Deacons love to sing together and share the joy of music with others.

Don plays guitar and Saro plays Celtic harp. They sing a variety of folk-rock-type songs with a few Celtic tunes in the mix. They welcome singing along.

Lunch will be served at noon at the Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St. The program will end promptly at 1 p.m.

For only $5 per person, enjoy chicken parmesan, spinach salad and an orange wedge.

Reservations are required. Please call 707-987-3113 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16.

For reservations or cancellations after Tuesday evening, please call the senior center directly at 707-987-3113.

SACRAMENTO – July state revenues came in below projections in the 2016-17 Budget Act approved the previous month by $591.3 million, or 9.8 percent, with all three of the state’s main revenue sources falling short of expectations for the first month of the fiscal year, State Controller Betty T. Yee reported today.
 
Retail sales and use taxes missed the mark by the widest margin. Estimated at $907.9 million, they came in at just $694.5 million – 23.5 percent, or $213.5 million, lower.
 
Personal income tax receipts of $4.39 billion were $323.3 million lower than anticipated in the Budget Act, missing estimates by 6.9 percent.

Corporation tax receipts of $227.3 million were $49.5 million below estimates, or 17.9 percent.
 
“The declines in all three revenue categories may be attributable to the slower rate of job growth when compared to 2015,” said Controller Yee, the state’s chief fiscal officer. “However, we should exercise caution by further examining and understanding the possible causes of the revenue shortfalls, as a one-month snapshot is not indicative of an economic trend.”
 
Total disbursements of $10.42 billion were $33.2 million lower than projected.

he state ended the month of July with unused borrowable resources of $30.37 billion, which was $1.38 billion more than expected in the 2016-17 Budget Act.

Outstanding loans of $5.63 billion were $545.5 million higher than projected. This loan balance consists of borrowing from the state’s internal special funds.
 
For more details, read the monthly cash report.

UKIAH, Calif. – Mendo Lake Credit Union is sponsoring a “School Supply Drive” to provide much-needed items to students in Lake and Mendocino counties.

Donations may be dropped off at any of MLCU’s four branches through Aug. 19.

“The credit union is striving to help the children throughout both counties by giving them the supplies they will need this new school year,” says MLCU President and CEO Richard Cooper. “We are counting on our members and friends to aid us with this endeavor.”

Some of the items that may be donated include pencils, pens, folders, binders, notebooks, notebook paper, composite notebooks, crayons, markers, glue, scissors, erasers, rulers and backpacks.

MLCU members giving a minimum of five items will have a chance to win a Kindle tablet. MLCU membership is open to everyone who lives or works in Lake and Mendocino counties.

For information about the supply drive and the raffle, inquire at one of MLCU’s branches in Lakeport, Clearlake, Fort Bragg and Ukiah.
 
Mendo Lake Credit Union is a member-owned community development financial cooperative and has been serving members’ financial needs since 1959.

For more information on membership, contact the Mendo Lake Credit Union Member Service Center at 707-468-0161. 

EMERYVILLE, Calif. – More than 200,000 crashes involved debris on U.S. roadways during the past four years, according to a new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Road debris has resulted in approximately 39,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths between 2011 and 2014. AAA is calling for drivers to properly secure their loads to prevent dangerous debris.
 
AAA researchers examined common characteristics of crashes involving road debris and found that nearly 37 percent of all deaths in road debris crashes resulted from the driver swerving to avoid hitting an object. Overcorrecting at the last minute to avoid debris can increase a driver’s risk of losing control of their vehicle and make a bad situation worse.
 
More than one in three crashes involving debris occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., a time when many people are on the road hauling or moving heavy items like furniture or construction equipment. Debris-related crashes are much more likely to occur on Interstate highways. Driving at high speeds increases the risk for vehicle parts to become detached or cargo to fall onto the roadway.
 
“These new reports show that road debris can be extremely dangerous, but also indicate that these crashes are preventable,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “Drivers can easily save lives and prevent injuries by securing their loads and taking other simple precautions to prevent items from falling off the vehicle.”
 
About two-thirds of debris-related crashes are the result of items falling from a vehicle due to improper maintenance and unsecured loads.

Crashes involving vehicle related-debris increased 40 percent since 2001, when the Foundation first studied the issue.

The most common types of vehicle debris are:

– Parts becoming detached from a vehicle (tires, wheels, etc.) and falling onto the roadway.
– Unsecured cargo like furniture, appliances and other items falling onto the roadway.
– Tow trailers becoming separated and hitting another vehicle or landing on the roadway.
 
Drivers can decrease their chances of being involved in a road debris crash by:
 
Maintaining vehicles: Drivers should have their vehicles checked regularly by trained mechanics. Badly worn or underinflated tires often suffer blowouts that can leave pieces of tire on the roadway. Exhaust systems and the hardware that attach to the vehicle can also rust and corrode, causing mufflers and other parts to drag and eventually break loose. Potential tire and exhaust system problems can easily be spotted by trained mechanics as part of the routine maintenance performed during every oil change.

Securing vehicle loads: When moving or towing furniture, it is important to make sure all items  
are secured. To properly secure a load, drivers should:

·        Tie down load with rope, netting or straps
·        Tie large objects directly to the vehicle or trailer
·        Cover the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting
·        Don’t overload the vehicle
·        Always double check load to make sure a load is secure
 
“Drivers have a much bigger responsibility when it comes to preventing debris on the roads than most realize,” added Harris. “It’s important for drivers to know that many states have hefty fines and penalties for drivers who drop items from their vehicle onto the roadway, and in some cases states impose jail time.”
 
Currently every state has laws that make it illegal for items to fall from a vehicle while on the road. Most states’ penalties result in fines ranging from $10-$5,000, with at least 16 states listing jail as a possible punishment for offenders.

AAA encourages drivers to educate themselves about specific road debris laws in their state. Drivers should also practice defensive driving techniques while on the road to prevent debris related crashes from occurring.
 
“Continually searching the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead can help drivers be prepared in the case of debris,” continued Harris. “Always try to maintain open space on at least one side of your vehicle in case you need to steer around an object. If you see you are unable to avoid debris on the roadway, safely reduce your speed as much as possible before making contact.”
 
AAA also recommends that drivers avoid tailgating and remain alert while on the road.  Additional tips on defensive driving and how to report road debris to the proper authorities are available online at www.AAA.com/PreventRoadDebris .
 
Established by AAA in 1947, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, publicly-supported charitable educational and research organization. Dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries on our roads, the Foundation’s mission is to prevent crashes and save lives through research and education about traffic safety.

Visit www.AAAFoundation.org for more information on this and other research.