BAD SANTA 2 (Rated R)

A television commercial for an Xfinity home entertainment system shows a family gathering for the holidays deciding almost immediately not to screen “Bad Santa” as one of their many viewing options.

That’s understandable given that the original “Bad Santa,” starring Billy Bob Thornton as a dissolute jolly fat man fully disengaged from the Christmas spirit, was a profane comedy highly unsuitable for family entertainment.

Now, 13 years later, along comes “Bad Santa 2,” which still has a surfeit of offensive humor that is to be expected when almost every character has a vocabulary that might make a sailor blush.

Billy Bob Thornton’s Willie Soke, even out of his dirty, soiled Kris Kringle costume, is a miserable person whose fondness for booze, women and larceny knows no bounds.

The opening scene shows Willie distracted by the sight of a buxom young mother breastfeeding before plowing a Mustang convertible into a valet stand. You know the car is stolen even before he flees the scene.

Still living in Phoenix, Willie can’t shake child-like Thurman (Brett Kelly), now a young adult but still delusional like he was 13 years ago, who still follows him around because he has no family of his own. No wonder then that Willie attempts to commit suicide by putting his head in an electric stove.

Things don’t get any better when his old backstabbing accomplice Marcus (Tony Cox) recruits him for a big heist in Chicago.

Instead of robbing a shopping mall, Willie and Marcus team up with Willie’s estranged criminal mother, Sunny Soke (Kathy Bates), the ringleader of a plan to rob a children’s charity on Christmas Eve.

Not only is Kathy Bates the criminal mastermind, but she practically steals the show with her loudmouth behavior and her ability to transform from a tattooed biker chick with a dark, cold heart into the con artist disguise of a prim and proper old lady.

As you can expect, complications always arise during the execution of the plan, as Willie can’t help but screw things up. Heck, he even seduces the charity founder’s sexy wife (Christina Hendricks), a recovering alcoholic.

The problem with “Bad Santa 2,” other than the raunchy humor and political incorrectness that may go too far, is that it lacks the spark of ingenuity of the original. And yet there is something perversely funny about Billy Bob Thornton as an unlikeable curmudgeon.

In many respects, “Bad Santa 2” is similar to “The Hangover 2” as it compares to “The Hangover,” in that both sequels are not altogether unsatisfying to the fans of the original. I would suggest not going for a third chapter.

TV Corner: 'Savage Kingdom' on Nat Geo WILD

The Nat Geo WILD cable channel is going all out with a three-part global miniseries event with “Savage Kingdom,” an unflinching look at five animal clans pitted against each other during a deadly drought in remote Botswana.

“Unflinching” seems to be the operative word for this nature series, which is narrated in deadly serious tone by Charles Dance, who appropriately had the role of Tywin Lannister on HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”

“Savage Kingdom” marks a step forward in wildlife filmmaking by playing more like a scripted drama than a nature documentary. Nevertheless, the series is an up-close look at the vicious fight for survival in the animal kingdom.

This series is no Disney version of the circle of life, even though the primary animals in focus have been named like characters in “The Lion King.”

In the “Clash of Queens” episode, the lion Matsumi has ascended the throne to become Queen of the Marsh Pride.

Nat Geo WILD is pushing this series as having a parallel between the battle for power in George R.R. Martin’s fictional world of “Game of Thrones” and the brutal power struggles on the African savanna.

Queen Matsumi is seen leaving the pride in order to give birth to two cubs. Lions can be volatile and brutal bedfellows, and Matsumi’s king and chief protector, Sekekama, gives no second chances to his enemies, not even his own family.

When Matsumi goes into hiding, Charles Dance, with a sense of dread in his voice, intones that “enemies are closing in from all sides.” Indeed, it gets real ugly when Matsumi’s cubs are abducted by her murderous family.

Even for the most dedicated aficionado of wildlife storytelling, “Savage Kingdom” is almost an endurance test. But the payoff comes from the incredible cinematography that brilliantly captures what even a big game hunter would be unlikely to see on an African safari.

Episodes of “Savage Kingdom” focus on a variety of the royal families that also consist of leopards, hyenas and wild dogs. Each episode is told from one predator’s point of view, resulting in dramatic storytelling that is more drama than documentary.

Another interesting character is Saba the leopard, a solitary killer without rival, constantly on the prowl. Saba is a spectacular and resourceful hunter who haunts the trees and hills in the heart of the realm.

“Savage Kingdom” is so violent and bloody that each episode is preceded with a warning that the footage may not be suitable for family viewing. There’s plenty of heartbreak in the animal kingdom.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The kindness of the season came early to many students of Carlé High School due to the generosity of the special group Totes for Teens.

These amazing volunteers put together duffel bags and much more for so many children in need all over our community. Students received clothing, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags and so much more.

One of the truly unique and heartwarming aspects of their kindness is that in each bag there are two wrapped presents for the students to give out.

One present is to be given to an adult and one to another person about your age. What an amazing pay it forward example.

These incredible people ask for absolutely nothing in return and work literally the whole year for their generous time of giving. They are so humble that they did not stay around to watch the absolute joy that our students displayed.

In the spirit of the Totes group students shared with others in need and even set up a table in teacher Alan Siegel’s room for things that others might need to come and browse and then utilize. Words cannot describe the joy and thankfulness of our student body to these amazing people.

Here is their story: Cheri Johnson, the creator of Totes for Teens, was at Walmart one Christmas working on making donations to kids and she was buying fleece blankets and a assortment of other things. 

Johnson had seven carts full and a woman asked her, “Why are you buying all of this?” so she told her.

A teenage girl behind her started to cry and said, “How come no one does anything for teenagers?”

This young girl’s words resonated with Johnson so much that she put this amazing nonprofit organization together.

Totes for Teens has been around for nearly 15 years. What Johnson likes the most about her organization is that it sends a message to children that people really do care about them, people they will never meet and will never know.

It is also great for all the people who work with Totes for Teens because the focus is on giving as opposed to getting.

Her message was at the beginning: “The fans sit in the stands and the players are on the field.” Everyone who helps with totes are the players that bring all this about.

Tasha Volitar and her two lovely daughters, Mikayla, 13, and Elizabeth, 8, have been volunteering for six years.

Volitar thinks right now we, as a community, need to let our teens know we care about them because people have lost sight of the idea that just because children are older doesn’t mean they should get any less attention then the little ones.

Marla Peterson is a two-year volunteer and former head of Konocti Unified's food services. Peterson is also part of the committee that helps runs Totes for Teens.

Peterson said that teens sometimes forget that people really care about them and want to help. She said this is just their way to remind them that it is a gift from volunteers who care and not a hand out. A lot goes into putting the totes together but the teens are all worth it.

Totes for Teens had a lot of donations this year to give out to many schools and they needed help getting everything together so Principal Koehler brought seven students up to help with wrapping and stuffing totes for everyone.

This was a great opportunity for our students to see how much goes into an endeavor like this one and an even better chance to get to know these wonderful volunteers personally.

On Friday, Dec. 2, student council hosted a fun end of the day where all student participated in the wonderful activities.

Lance Christiansen’s room was the board game and 21 tournament. Angie Siegel, Heather Koehler and Olga Paselk hosted holiday craft making. Alan Siegel’s room was video games. Dan Maes helped host karaoke in the library and treated everyone to some great guitar playing. Everyone had a lot of fun.

This week’s CHILY winner was Destiny Blevins and she grabbed an awesome rainbow unicorn piggy bank. Congratulations.

Student of the week was Stacie Clemmons. Stacie was a key player in the Totes project and was instrumental in getting all the gear out to the right people. In addition she handles all the birthday card making at school. She makes sure each and every student has a handmade card with lots of kind words from the staff and students. Congrats, you have definitely earned it.

Bruno Sabatier from Woodland Community College came and visited our school and students. He went on our morning bulletin and then visited two classes during sixth period to talk about the benefits of a college going experience.

Mr. Sabatier will come back again on Dec. 5 to finish speaking to all of our students. He is such a warm and honest person who so clearly understands and cares for our students that he really gets his points through to us. We truly appreciate the efforts of Mr. Sabatier looking out for our futures.

Brianna E. Legg is a student at Carlé Continuation High School.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital is proud to participate in the Lake County Family Resource Center’s annual toy drive.
 
The toy drive gives more than 200 children the gift of Christmas, according to Jennifer Dodd, executive director, Lake County Family Resource Center.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital has participated for more than 10 years, and usually provides at least 100 gifts, said Dodd.
 
“My favorite thing about the toy drive is all of the excitement ahead of time,” said Dodd. “We work with families to figure out what they need, and they know they have something to look forward to. It’s not just about the kids – you’re helping the whole family. To see the impact on the family starts from the moment we start collecting tags. It’s more than just the toy – we get to see firsthand how generous the people in this county are.”
 
Sutter Lakeside Hospital staff have the opportunity to pick a gift tag of their choice, which lists a child’s name, age, and desired gift.
 
“Everyone looks forward to the toy drive every year,” said Siri Nelson, chief administrative officer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “Staff get creative with buying toys – a lot of people pick more than one gift tag.”
 
The Lake County Family Resource Center holds a holiday social for participating families, with activities for the children. Meanwhile, parents discreetly pick up the donated gifts.
 
“However families usually celebrate the holidays is maintained,” said Dodd. “The children are completely surprised.”
 
To find out more, contact Lake County Family Resource Center at 707-279-0563.
 
Morgen Wells is Community Relations and Fund Development coordinator for Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

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 Sayre Avenue to Glenhaven Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 29
 
– Pavement marker replacement from 0.3 miles north of the Siegler Canyon Bridge to just north of Cruikshank Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance near Lee Barr Road on Wednesday, Dec. 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Bridge deck repairs at the Brush Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs from Maple Avenue to Oak Street. A shoulder closure will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 20

– Pavement repairs from the North Calpella Overcrossing to Cold Creek Bridge #3 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays.

Highway 101
 
– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 25 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Bridge deck repairs at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near the Feliz Creek Bridge on Friday, Dec. 2. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Hewlitt and Sturtevant Road to the Hopland Cal Fire station beginning Wednesday, Dec. 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Bridge rail upgrades at the South Willits Overhead will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– 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.

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).

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Rising Fire Relief Fund this fall received a $5,000 contribution from AT&T to support residents with urgently needed assistance to help rebuild homes and businesses destroyed in the Clayton fire.

Preston Dickinson, representative for AT&T, presented a $5,000 contribution to the Lake County Rising Fire Relief Fund on Oct. 27 at the Lake County Courthouse.

Present at the contribution were Bill Groody and Terry Dereniuk representing the Fire Relief Fund along with Lake County Supervisors Rob Brown and Jim Comstock.

“We are very appreciative of the ongoing commitment AT&T has made to Lake County,” said supervisor Brown “Our residents need support after a disaster like this and it’s nice to know that a company like AT&T is there to support us in our time of need.”

“Lake County has been hit with fires now in two consecutive years and we felt that we needed to step in to help the victims not only of the Clayton fire but also the fires of past,” said Lake County Wine Alliance Board member Bill Groody. “We thank AT&T for their support in helping community members who were affected by the Clayton fire.”

“AT&T rapidly deployed communications to the fire affected areas so that our first responders and residents could communicate. Today’s contribution is further proof that AT&T cares about Lake County, so I want to thank them for what they have done here,” said Supervisor Jim Comstock.

With the onset of another devastating fire in Lake County, the Lake County Rising, which is a partnership between the Lake County Winegrape Commission, the Lake County Winery Association and the Lake County Wine Alliance,  is working with county staff to aid the community by assisting fire victims and helping those in need as a result of the fire destruction.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The next free household hazardous waste dropoff event will be held Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at Lake County Waste Solutions Transfer Station and Recycling Yard, 230 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport.
 
Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Households can bring up to 15 gallons of toxic items free of charge. Fees will be charged for amounts over 15 gallons.

Items that are accepted include paint, solvents, fuels, five-gallon propane tanks (empty), pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, batteries, fluorescent light tubes (up to 60 linear feet) and other toxic materials that cannot be put in the trash.

Items that cannot be accepted include televisions, computer monitors, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials or infectious wastes.

To learn how and where to properly dispose these items, please visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us or contact the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980.

Household hazardous waste dropoff services are provided to Lake County residential households by the Integrated Waste Management Division of the Lake County Public Services Department and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

Businesses also are welcome to use this convenient service to properly dispose of hazardous waste and protect our environment, however, businesses must pay for this county-funded service and first make an appointment. Business appointments can be made by calling Lake County Waste Solutions at 707-234-6400.

Beginning in June, ask about receiving a free puncture-proof sharps container at one of these events to use for free sharps disposal.

Free recycling options for residents and businesses:

· Recycled paint is available to both residents and businesses at Lake County Waste Solutions and South Lake Refuse and Recycling Center first-come, first-served basis in five gallon containers. Colors include tan, brown, gray and pink.

· Used motor oil and cooking oil can be dropped off by businesses and residents, at Lake County Waste Solutions, South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center, and the North Shore Fire Protection District station at 6257 Seventh Ave. in Lucerne. Visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us for more locations.

· Electronics (e-waste) can be dropped off at Lake County Waste Solutions and at South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center.

Lake County Waste Solutions
230 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport
888-718-4888 or 707-234-6400
Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
www.candswaste.com

South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center
16015 Davis St., Clearlake
Open daily, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
707-994-8614
www.southlakerefuse.com

The free Household Hazardous Waste drop off program is subsidized by the Lake County Public Services Department, Integrated Waste Management Division and CalRecycle as a public service to Lake County households.

For more information about recycling, reusing and reducing, visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us , call the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980 or like Lake County Public Services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LCPublicServices?fref=ts .

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest Research Stations have released the draft Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) science synthesis.

The draft synthesis, when finalized, will help to provide a scientific foundation for land management plans for 17 national forests within the NWFP area.

The public can provide input on the science content of the draft synthesis in two ways:

· Attend a public forum webinar Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows.

· Through Jan. 6: Upload written input via http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/research/science-synthesis/index.shtml .

The synthesis is a highly influential science document as defined by the Office of Management and Budget.

As part of the requirements for such a document, an independent peer review is underway. It is being coordinated by the Ecological Society of America.

Peer reviewers will provide their reviews to the synthesis authors in the spring of 2017. The draft will be revised and published in late 2017.

The draft NWFP science synthesis is online at http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/research/science-synthesis/index.shtml .

If you have any questions, please contact Becky Gravenmier at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 503-808-2851.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Democratic Club will host Congressman Mike Thompson at its meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall of the United Methodist Church, 16255 Second St., Lower Lake. He will address the club on "Our Way Forward." 

The business meeting will follow the speaker.

Democratic Club meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Please note that the club has changed its meeting days to Wednesdays. Also, the club will resume having meetings in Lower Lake at the Methodist Church Social Hall.

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

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

For more information visit www.lakecountydemocraticclub.org or contact the club at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

SACRAMENTO – Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today issued new Auto Collision Repair Labor Rate Survey Regulations that increase consumer protections when a damaged vehicle is repaired.
 
Over the past several years, the Department of Insurance has worked on regulations protecting consumers who have filed automobile collision repair claims with insurance companies.

The regulations went through a formal public review process required by state law, which included taking and responding to public input on the regulations at public workshops, public hearings, and through written public comments. The regulations were drafted and revised with input from consumers, insurers, and repair shops.
 
Insurers limit payments for auto collision repairs based on labor rates derived from insurer created labor rate surveys which did not fairly measure labor rates.

Consumers are left having to pay the difference between the actual labor cost of the repair and what the insurer was willing to pay based on its labor rate survey.

The new regulation sets forth voluntary standards for insurers to accurately and reliably survey auto body repair labor rates to ensure they are paying the reasonable and proper amount.
 
"Accurate and reliable labor rate surveys ensure that consumers are not left paying out-of-pocket for collision repairs, which should be covered by insurance, or worse, forced to leave the vehicle in disrepair creating a potential safety concern," said Commissioner Jones.
 
The Office of Administrative Law (OAL), which independently reviews all new regulations, approved the Commissioner's regulation yesterday. The regulation goes into effect by operation of law on Jan. 1, 2017.

However, these newly adopted regulations are part of the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, which contain a delayed compliance date in order to give insurers, who choose to use these voluntary regulations, additional time to comply. The earliest compliance date is Feb. 28, 2017.