LAKEPORT, Calif. – In its first meeting, the newly formed board tasked with overseeing the phaseout of the Lake County Redevelopment Agency voted to transfer several agency-held properties to the ownership of the county, which helped fund many of the purposes either all or in part.

The oversight board for the successor agency to the former Lake County Redevelopment Agency met Monday morning at the Lake County Courthouse in Lakeport and decided to transfer the properties, including the Lucerne Hotel, Holiday Harbor in Nice and Clarks Island in Clearlake Oaks.

The state Department of Finance now has three days to review the decisions before they can become final. County staff intended to notify the agency of the actions on Monday afternoon.

Oversight board members include Eric Seely, the redevelopment agency’s deputy director; Supervisor Denise Rushing, who was elected the board chair; Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook, elected the board’s vice chair; Michelle Buell, director of business services for the Lake County Office of Education; Holly Harris, member of the public; and Jay Beristianos, Northshore Fire Protection District chief. Kathy Lehner, president/superintendent of Mendocino College, also is a member but was unable to attend.

Also at the meeting were County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox and members of his staff, including Debra Sommerfield, Matt Perry, Jeff Rein, Kathy Barnwell and Alan Flora; County Counsel Anita Grant and one of her deputies, Lloyd Guintivano; and County Clerk/Auditor-Controller Cathy Saderlund.

Cox told the group that the county took “the high road” and didn’t move properties and funds around in an effort to shield them from the redevelopment phaseout, which he expects will save the board some work in having to make the kinds of reversals other oversight boards may face.

He said the county is fully prepared to comply both with the spirit and the letter of the law to end redevelopment, noting it’s in the county’s best interest to make sure the dissolution is done quickly and properly.

Perry said the state is ordering redevelopment agencies to be dissolved “expeditiously” and in a manner that maximizes the value of properties.

Properties acquired through the use of tax increment revenue – the increase in property tax valuation seen in redevelopment areas – are to be sold, according to the new guidelines, he said.

In the absence of redevelopment, the county and other taxing agencies will see an increase in the tax revenues they receive, according to county staff.

Current projections are for the county general fund to receive $563,253 annually; $37,202 for the county roads department; $22,834 to the county’s library system; $189,394 to Northshore Fire Protection District; and $708,984 to schools in the redevelopment agency area.

Once it established its leadership, reviewed enforceable obligations, and approved its budget and the use of county administrative staff, the board discussed action to take on the redevelopment agency’s main assets, chief among them the Lucerne Hotel – known as “The Castle” – and Holiday Harbor.

Marymount College is in talks with the county about locating a college campus at The Castle, and is sending a delegation to visit the county later this month, Flora said.

The Castle is considered one of the agency’s most important assets due to the amount of money and effort put into its remodel, he said.

The county loaned the agency $1.35 million to purchase the building from a group of churches in 2010. Administrative office staff said a Sept. 10, 2010, loan agreement between the county and agency makes the funding source an “extremely straightforward” matter.

“The county bought this,” Cox said of the building.

While state legislation involving redevelopment dissolution does not allow the agency to pay back the $5 million it was loaned from the county general fund, Flora said staff believes the county can take The Castle since county funds – and not tax increment revenue – purchased the building.

Cox explained that the county’s ultimate goal – to see the property used for a purpose like a college campus – will benefit all of the taxing entities far more than if it were merely sold.

County staff said Holiday Harbor – purchased to be Nice’s town center – also was purchased with about $1.9 million in county loans.

The group voted separately to transfer the Lucerne Hotel, Holiday Harbor as well as several other assets – parcels for parking at the Lucerne Hotel, beachfront parcels next to Holiday Harbor, Clarks Island in Clearlake Oaks, parcels for the Clearlake Oaks Senior Center, the Lake County Sheriff’s Lucerne substation, Nylander Park in Clearlake Oaks, Harbor Village, Alpine Park and the Third Avenue Plaza and the Lucerne Promenade – to county ownership.

Only the Lucerne Hotel transfer didn’t get a unanimous vote. Beristianos voted against it citing “public safety” issues if the county had to remain responsible for its maintenance.

The board also voted to direct the successor agency to pursue the appropriate method of disposing of paper subdivision lots donated to the agency.

The lots, which cover the hillsides above Nice and Lucerne, were used to help finance the Lucerne Hotel’s construction in the 1920s, Rushing said.

However, in the decades since, the lots – many of which are not suitable for building due to steep terrain, lack of roads and utilities – have been sold and resold, and have become a target of squatting and illegal dumping.

Rushing said she would like to see the county continue to work to get the parcels off the market and use them to create open space.

The board also voted to sell a parcel on Boggs Street and to provide $80,000 to match a grant for a sidewalk project in Clearlake Oaks.

Additionally, the group voted unanimously to terminate an agreement with Rural Communities Housing Development Corp. for a multifamily low-income housing project in Nice.

The county entered into a contract for the project in 2005 and committed $1,248,000 to it, with nearly $627,000 spent, according to county staff.

With the county having no further obligations to build low-income housing as part of redevelopment, the oversight board thought that taking the more than $621,000 that remains and distributing it elsewhere was the better choice.

The board’s meetings and activities will be reported on the county’s Web site at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Redevelopment/Successor_Agency/Oversight_Board.htm.

The oversight board will next meet March 5.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com, on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

COBB, Calif. – A Sunday night quake with its epicenter on Cobb Mountain received hundreds of shake reports from around Northern California.

The quake, which occurred at 8:47 p.m., initially was reported as being 4.4 in magnitude, but was later dialed back slightly to 4.3 after it was reviewed by a seismologist, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report.

Centered three miles east of The Geysers geothermal steamfield, three miles south southwest of Cobb and three miles west northwest of Anderson Springs, the earthquake occurred at a depth of two-tenths of a mile, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

By 1 a.m. Sunday the U.S. Geological Survey had received approximately 336 shake reports from 51 zip codes around California.

Reports came in from around Lake County, with many more submitted from residents in Napa and Sonoma counties, communities around the Bay Area and even from Turlock, located more than 200 miles away in the Central Valley.

A 2.6-magnitude temblor occurred eight minutes after the bigger quake, centered two miles west northwest of Anderson Springs at the depth of about a mile, the survey reported.

According to Lake County News records, the last quake measuring 4.0 or above in The Geysers area occurred a year ago this month, when a 4.5-magnitude quake was recorded one mile from The Geysers.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com, on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In October, St. Helena Hospital Clearlake embarked on a major renovation of its emergency room facilities, the busiest in the area. Now, a significant community donation is bringing Clearlake’s new emergency room closer to reality.

The Rotary Club of Clearlake pledged $25,000, which was presented at the hospital last Wednesday, Feb. 8.

The club will be recognized with naming of one of the hospital emergency department's new private treatment rooms.

“We saw a true need here, where our contributions could make a significant – even life-saving – difference in our community,” said Karen Karnatz, president of the Rotary Club. “We believe this is an important project, and we want to help make the hospital a place our community can be proud of.”

“It's a gift with a legacy for our children and grandchildren,” said supporter Dr. Mark Cooper.

“This $25,000 pledge shows that our community cares. It is an unprecedented amount for any service organization in Lake County to give,” said Melissa Kinsel, St. Helena Hospital Clearlake development officer. “With so many needs in this county, there are many, many opportunities to give. This donation highlights just how important the hospital is to this community.”

The renovations include expanding and upgrading the original cramped 1960s-era emergency room to provide faster, better care for patients, and an increase in patient care staff.

“We've already made so much progress in streamlining operations and hiring quality, compassionate staff,” said Kinsel. “This gift will make a positive impact on the availability of quality health care for everyone in our county.”

Adventist Health, St. Helena Hospital’s parent organization, provided the first $9 million for the $12.1 million project, and challenged the hospital to fund the remainder from within the community.

The campaign has raised almost $1.3 million, including a $1 million gift from Redbud Health Care District.

“We still have a way to go, but I am encouraged by this gift,” said Kinsel. “I know there are others who will see this and think, ‘I want to help, too.’ The hospital is such a tangible operation; donors can actually see their dollars being put to work. There’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you had some part in the saving of lives in your own community.”

David Santos, vice president of St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, expressed his gratitude to the Rotary Club.

“Our sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of Clearlake for this significant gift and helping our Hospital improve the quality of patient care,” Santos said.

For more information about the project visit www.newerforyou.com/.

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair has agreed to provide management services to the Dixon May Fair for the period of February through May of 2012.

Dixon May Fair, which is located in the Solano County town of Dixon, is scheduled for May 10-13.

Dixon May Fair has been without a chief executive officer since September of 2011, when the previous CEO left to pursue other opportunities.

Reacting to state budget issues has caused many operational changes at fairgrounds throughout California.

The Dixon May Fair’s board of directors decided not to immediately fill the CEO position, and instead requested an agreement with the Lake County Fair for CEO Richard Persons to provide managerial leadership through Dixon's annual event, Persons reported Monday.

Persons, who has been the CEO at the Lake County Fair since November of 1996, is expected to spend two days per week in Dixon, along with the entire week of the Dixon May Fair.

The agreement specifies a maximum of forty-two days of work between February and the end of May. The total agreement has a value of $27,300 if all 42 days are used.

Dixon May Fair will reimburse the Lake County Fair for 100 percent of Persons’ salary, benefits and retirement for each day he spends in Dixon, and also will pay all travel and other costs associated with the arrangement.

If the arrangement is successful, a longer-term agreement may be possible, which would result in a cost savings to both fairgrounds.

“The timing with Dixon is perfect,” said Persons. “They are hitting the really busy time before the annual fair now, then just as they return to normal after the May Fair, we hit that really busy time in Lakeport starting in June.”

He added, “Besides the obvious financial benefits for each fair, this arrangement also allows me to see how things are done at another fairgrounds, and to help them with my knowledge of what works well here. The two operations are very similar, with nearly identical size fairgrounds and similar sized staffs. Unless the State finds a way to fund the fairground facilities it owns, I think there probably will be more cost sharing arrangements like this in the future.”

Fairgrounds throughout California have made many operational changes to deal with the loss of all state funding.

Payroll is the largest single expense at most fairgrounds, and Lake County Fair issued layoff notices to 50 percent of its full-time staff in February 2011, Persons said. The affected individuals eventually opted to retire, and the fair has left the positions vacant.

Dixon May Fair also has reduced staff at a similar rate, he said.

The Dixon May Fair board of directors approved the agreement on Wednesday, Feb. 8, and the Lake County Fair board of directors gave its approval on Monday, Feb. 13, Persons reported.

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As thoughts this week turn to love, it’s a good time to consider giving a loving home to one of the cats at Lake County’s animal shelter.

Cleared for adoption this week are two young kittens and an adult male cat, who promise to be great friends, and they won’t expect chocolate or flowers.

Cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed and 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.

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”).

Gray gentleman

This dignified fellow is a domestic long hair.

Shelter staff has not given an estimated age for him, but he is neutered.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 5, ID No. 31753.

Extra toes, ready to go

These two kittens – one black, one tabby – would much rather be frolicking in your yard.

They’re polydactile – meaning they have extra toes – and their youthful exuberance will liven up the day to day routine.

The kittens are in cat room kennel No. 77a-b, ID No. 31633.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com.

Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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.

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter has another full house this week, with dogs of all sizes to choose from if you’re looking for a new companion.

Featured dogs this week include many mixes -- German Shepherds, Pomeranians, pit bulls, terriers and border collies, among others.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license 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 hoping you'll choose them.

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

“Riley”

“Riley” is a 5-month-old American Bulldog-mastiff mix.

He has brown brindle and white coloring, and is not yet altered.

Find him in kennel No. 12, ID No. 31697.

“Ralph”

“Ralph” is a 15-week-old Labrador retriever mix.

He weighs 30 pounds and is not yet altered.

Find him in kennel No. 10, ID No. 31718.

Male pit bull mix

This 8-month-old pit bull terrier mix.

He has brown eyes and a short coat.

Find him in kennel No. 14, ID No. 31736.

Pomeranian mix

This male Pomeranian mix is 1 year old.

He has a long, light-colored coat and is not yet altered.

Find him in kennel No. 18, ID No. 31731.

“Buck”

“Buck” is a 1-year-old beagle-pug mix -- also known as a “puggle.”

He weighs nearly 16 pounds and has a short coat.

Find him in kennel No. 22, ID No. 31714.

“Binks”

“Binks” is a 5-year-old female German Shepherd mix.

She has black and tan coloring, a short coat and is not yet altered.

Find her in kennel No. 23, ID No. 31698.

“Masie”

“Masie” is a 4-year-old female beagle-terrier mix.

She is altered and weighs just over 26 pounds.

Shelter staff said she is microchipped.

She is in kennel No. 16, ID No. 31277.

Collie mix

This female collie mix is ready for a new home.

She has a short coat and brown eyes.

Find her in kennel No. 7, ID No. 31653.

Corgi mix

This 9-month-old female is a Corgi mix.

She has a short coat, tricolor markings and brown eyes.

Find her in kennel No. 5b, ID No. 31651.

Chihuahua mix

This 9-month-old male is a Chihuahua mix.

He has a short coat and brown eyes.

Find him in kennel No. 6, ID No. 31650.

Shepherd mix

This male shepherd mix is 1 year old.

He has a short yellow coat, and has been neutered.

Find him in kennel No. 28, ID No. 31670.

Cairn terrier mix

This little lady is a Cairn terrier mix.

She is 6 years old, with a medium-length black coat, and weighs 13.6 pounds.

Find her in kennel No. 27, ID No. 31683.

Male shepherd mix

This 15-week-old male pup is a shepherd mix.

He is not yet neutered, and has black, tan and white coloring, with a long coat.

Find him in kennel No. 26, ID No. 31706.

Australian terrier mix

This 6-year-old male is an Australian terrier mix.

He has a deep gold-colored, medium-length coat.

He weighs approximately 9.4 pounds and is not yet altered.

Find him in kennel No. 25b, ID No. ID: 31668.

“Thunder”

“Thunder” is a 5-year-old male Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix.

He has a medium-length brown-gold coat.

Find him in kennel No. 25a, ID No. 31598.

Border collie mix puppies

These 9-week-old border collie mix puppies are all males.

They have short coats and black and white coloring.

The puppies can be found in kennel No. 15a-d, ID No. 31657.

Adoptable dogs also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dogs_and_Puppies.htm or at www.petfinder.com.

Please note: Dogs listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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.

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Lake County will return once more in May, with the ninth annual event offering the community the chance to take part in the fight against cancer while allowing family and friends an important venue for remembrance and healing.

Teams will gather at Clear Lake High School in Lakeport on Saturday, May 19, at 10 a.m. for the overnight relay against cancer, with walkers going around the clock.

Relay For Life is a family-oriented team event where participants walk relay-style around the track and take part in fun activities off the track.

Teams can include coworkers, club members, family and friends and have gathered donations prior to the event.

“Relay For Life is a unique opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember those we’ve lost, and fight back against the disease,” said Marshele Bennett.

“Many of the participants are cancer survivors – anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer – which serves as a reminder that our community is not immune to this disease and we can actually help our friends, families and neighbors that have been touched by cancer,” she added.

The public also is invited to attend the luminaria ceremony, which will take place after sundown.

To honor the community’s cancer survivors and to remember those lost to the disease, survivors will circle the track rimmed with glowing luminaria while the names of survivors and those lost to the disease are read aloud. Luminaria can be purchased for any donation amount at the event.

Funds raised at Relay For Life will enable the American Cancer Society to support local services and resources for cancer patients and their families.

Funds also support critical cancer research and community education programs designed to teach people how to reduce their risk of developing cancer.

Relay For Life events will be held in more than 300 communities throughout California, raising $36 million for the fight against cancer.

To locate a Relay For Life event and find out how you can get involved, please call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.RelayForLife.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

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The U.S. Forest Service has announced a strategy, developed with input from the Department of the Interior, to replace the fleet of aging air tankers used to battle wildfires with a next generation of newer, faster, more cost-effective large air tankers.

“We need a core fleet of the next generation large air tankers to supplement our boots-on-the-ground firefighters for what we know will be longer and more severe wildfire seasons in years to come,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Not only will these newer, more effective air tankers help us keep fires contained and communities safe, they will also protect our brave men and women on the fire line.”

Although no large air tanker has been built specifically for firefighting, several aircraft were designed to handle similar stresses.

Recommendations for the next generation of air tankers include capabilities of carrying a minimum of 1,800 gallons of mixed retardant with more than 3,000 gallons preferred and a minimum cruise speed of 345 mph for quick fire response over long distance.

Additionally, the service wants air tankers powered by turbine engines, which are more reliable, more fuel efficient and require less maintenance than older aircraft piston engines; the capability of operating from most federal air tanker bases; and Forest Service contract structural integrity program requirements must be met.

“The effectiveness of air tankers on a wildfire is directly proportional to its speed and load capacity,” Tidwell said. “Large air tankers can be effective in thick forest canopies and areas of dense brush or timber. A larger load capacity also allows large air tankers to split their retardant loads to support different parts of a fire without delay of returning to base.”

The best mix of tools for wildland firefighting includes ground and air resources. However, retardant applied from large air tankers may slow the progress of a wildfire so firefighters on the ground can safely construct a fire line to contain it.

Tidwell noted that as air tankers age, maintenance costs and safety risks rise.

The Forest Service’s current large air tanker fleet is at least 50 years old and more than half of the aircraft face mandatory retirement within the next 10 years, he said.

The fleet has decreased in size from 43 in 2000 to only 11 under contract today, according to Tidwell.

Currently all large air tankers are owned and operated under contract by private companies.

Air tankers provided under contract by private industry will continue to be essential in effective wildland firefighting.

Long term, the agencies will continue to explore the costs and benefits of all types of aircraft and ownership models.

The fleet of aircraft that are used for wildland fire suppression also includes water scoopers, single engine air tankers, very large air tankers and helicopters.

The U.S. Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

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This just in: The Solar System is different from the space just outside it.

Researchers announced the finding at a press conference on Jan. 31, 2012. It’s based on data from NASA’s IBEX spacecraft, which is able to sample material flowing into the solar system from interstellar space.

“We’ve detected alien matter that came into our solar system from other parts of the galaxy – and, chemically speaking, it’s not exactly like what we find here at home,” said David McComas, the principal investigator for IBEX at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas.

Our solar system is surrounded by the heliosphere, a magnetic bubble that separates us from the rest of the Milky Way.

Outside the heliosphere lies the realm of the stars or “interstellar space”; inside lies the sun and all the planets.

The sun blows this vast magnetic bubble using the solar wind to inflate the sun’s own magnetic field.

It’s a good thing: The heliosphere helps protect us from cosmic rays that would otherwise penetrate the solar system.

Launched in 2008, the IBEX spacecraft spins in Earth orbit scanning the entire sky.

IBEX’s special trick is detecting neutral atoms that slip through the heliosphere’s magnetic defenses. Without actually exiting the solar system, IBEX is able to sample the galaxy outside.

The first two years of counting these alien atoms have led to some interesting conclusions:

“We've directly measured four separate types of atoms from interstellar space and the composition just doesn't match up with what we see in the solar system,” said Eric Christian, mission scientist for IBEX at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Among the four types of atoms detected – H, He, O and Ne – the last one, neon, serves as a particularly useful reference.

“Neon is a noble gas, so it doesn’t react with anything. And it’s relatively abundant, so we can measure it with good statistics,” explained McComas.

Using data from IBEX, the researchers team compared the neon-to-oxygen ratio inside vs. outside the heliosphere.

In a series of six science papers appearing in the Astrophysical Journal, they reported that for every 20 neon atoms in the galactic wind, there are 74 oxygen atoms.

In our own solar system, however, for every 20 neon atoms there are 111 oxygen atoms.

That translates to more oxygen in any given slice of the solar system than in local interstellar space.

Where did the extra oxygen come from?

“There are at least two possibilities,” said McComas. “Either the solar system evolved in a separate, more oxygen-rich part of the galaxy than where we currently reside or a great deal of critical, life-giving oxygen lies trapped in interstellar dust grains or ices, unable to move freely throughout space – and thus undetectable by IBEX.”

Either way, this affects scientific models of how our solar system – and life – formed.

“It’s a real puzzle,” he said.

While IBEX samples alien atoms from Earth orbit, NASA’s Voyager spacecraft have been traveling to the edge of the heliosphere for nearly 40 years – and they could soon find themselves on the outside looking in.

Researchers expect Voyager 1 to exit the solar system within the next few years. The new data from IBEX suggest the Voyagers are heading for a new frontier, indeed.

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A 5.6-magnitude earthquake rolled through a remote area of far Northern California Monday afternoon.

The quake occurred at 1:07 p.m., with its epicenter located five miles southwest of Weitchpec and 31 miles northeast of Eureka at a depth of 17.5 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

By 9 p.m. Monday the survey had received nearly 2,900 shake reports from 140 zip codes from around California, with reports also coming from Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Shake report records showed that Kelseyville, Lakeport and Middletown residents were among those who experienced the quake.

The quake occurred the day after Lake County experienced a moderate-sized 4.3-magnitude quake near The Geysers geothermal steamfield, as Lake County News has reported.

U.S. Geological Records showed that the Weitchpec quake was the largest to hit California sine a 5.9-magnitude quake was recorded off the coast of Northern California – approximately 45 miles west southwest of Fortuna – on Feb. 4, 2010.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews, on Tumblr at www.lakeconews.tumblr.com, on Google+, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

I thought I’d write about something hot and spicy for Valentine’s Day: cayenne peppers.

These racy, red numbers pack a punch, grabbing our attention in the form of dried red pepper flakes, tangy, piquant sauces and as a spice powder that adds heat to a variety of foods.

The cayenne pepper is a member of the capsicum genus of plants, which includes all types of peppers, from mild bells to ultra-hot chilis.

The plant genus is named for the chemical compound capsaisin, which gives peppers their hot taste by stimulating our nerve endings, especially mucous membranes. The more capsaisin present in the pepper, the hotter it tastes.

The spiciness of a pepper is measured by a Scoville scale, named for its developer, American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, who created the method in 1912.

Scoville heat units are assigned based on the capsaisin present in the pepper. Bell peppers, for example, have no significant heat, so have a Scoville rating of zero. Spicy habanero chilis, on the other hand, have a Scoville rating of between 100,000 and 350,000.

The hottest known pepper, the Trinidad Scorpion Butch T pepper, can have a Scoville rating of more than 1,400,000. Now that’s hot! (Even its name sounds scary.)

The cayenne pepper seems mild in comparison at between 10,000 and 30,000 Scoville heat units. Even so, as one of its monikers, red hot chili pepper, implies, it imparts quite a bit of heat and spice to the taste buds. It’s about ten times spicier than the jalapeno pepper.

Other names for the cayenne pepper are Guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, aleva, mad pepper, and bird pepper. The name cayenne was bestowed in honor of the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, its supposed center of origin.

Cayenne peppers, like other members of the pepper family, are botanically considered berries. They ripen to a bright red color and have a long, slender shape. They’re often dried and strung to make decorative hangings in restaurants, making them one of the most recognizable peppers.

Peppers are native to Central and South America and have been cultivated there for more than seven thousand years.

When Columbus landed in the West Indies, the natives he encountered gave him tiny, red berries which reminded him of the red peppercorns grown in India, both in looks and pungency of taste.

It’s said that these berries were what led him to believe he landed in India; hence, Native Americans were called Indians and the little red berries (a relative of the cayenne pepper) were called peppers.

A wide variety of peppers were already cultivated in the Americas at the time, with variations in size, color, and pungency, including the cayenne pepper.

Within a few years of Columbus’ first voyage, chiles were being planted in Europe and North Africa. It didn’t take long for them to become popular in cuisines around the world, enlivening dishes with their bright, sharp flavor.

Cuisines as diverse as Spanish, African, Southeast Asian, Indian, and Chinese were all transformed by members of the pepper family.

Cayenne pepper is especially popular as a seasoning in the Creole and Cajun cooking of the American south. (What would gumbo or jambalaya be without cayenne pepper?) Vinegar-based hot sauces inspired by this region get their spicy kick from cayenne.

Cayenne is what provides the heat in Buffalo chicken wings. It seasons chicken biriyani, an Indian dish that’s said to be the favorite meal of Londoners.

It flavors all manner of Mexican-inspired foods. Enchilada sauce and tacos are seasoned with it, for example.

African spice pastes are made with it (such as Ethiopia’s berbere) and it’s a common component of dry rubs and sauces for meat, especially those which will be slow-cooked barbecue style.

Cayenne pepper is used to give a kick to sweets, too. Chocolate is a common pairing, with cayenne added to cake, candy, and hot cocoa or mocha latte recipes.

Cayenne pepper in dried flake form may be used to flavor pizza, spaghetti sauce and any foods that might benefit from a flavor kick.

Dried chili flakes may be used to infuse oil with flavor, either on their own or in combination with complementary flavors, such as garlic or herbs.

I like using olive oil flavored with chili flakes, garlic, and basil to season pasta pomodoro, a favorite pasta dish of mine. The flakes on their own may be used to make spicy chili oil for basting crostini (little bread toasts) to accompany bean or lentil soup.

Fresh cayenne peppers may be used for infusing oil, as well.

Most of the capsaisin in hot peppers is contained in the whitish membrane inside the pod to which the seeds are attached. The seeds themselves do not produce pungency, but because of their close proximity to the membrane, they absorb heat.

The level of heat in cooking may be controlled by removing some of the membrane and seeds of cayenne peppers.

It’s important to protect oneself when working in the kitchen with hot peppers. Rubber or latex gloves keep fingers from being burned by the chemical compounds that cause heat, and glasses can protect eyes from an errant spray of juice.

Don’t forget to avoid touching your face when your hands have been exposed to the heat from peppers.

The health benefits of cayenne peppers are legendary and legion. The same compound that gives cayenne its hot flavor, capsaisin, makes them an amazing natural medicine.

Scientific studies have shown capsaisin effective in fighting inflammation; providing pain relief; offering cardiovascular benefits by lowering blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation; clearing congestion; boosting the immune system; preventing stomach ulcers; and assisting in weight loss.

In addition to all this, they’re very high in vitamin A and contain healthy stores of vitamins E and C. They also contain vitamin B6, fiber, vitamin K and manganese.

When shopping for fresh chili peppers, whether cayenne or another variety, look for firm, glossy pods with no soft spots. The stem end should look as though it was freshly cut. If dried chiles are what you’re after, make sure there’s no mold and that they smell as they should.

Today’s recipe utilizes two members of the pepper family: red bell peppers and cayenne peppers in two forms, the powdered spice and dried chili flakes.

Since rice is used as the thickening agent, the soup is low in fat, and fresh thyme, garlic, and cayenne, as well as a variety of vegetables, make it high in flavor.

If desired, use roasted red bell peppers in place of the fresh ones.

Before I go, did you know cayenne pepper is an effective way to discourage pests in your garden? Insects avoid capsaisin-filled cayenne peppers, and a safe, natural garden spray may be made with them.

If you’d like to find out how to do this, click on one of the following links: www.ehow.com/how_4881361_make-cayenne-pepper-spray.html or www.ehow.com/how_4867675_make-cayenne-pepper-spray-repellent.html.

Bon appétit and happy Valentine’s Day!

Spicy Red Pepper Soup

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

6 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 yellow onions, chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth

½ cup long-grain rice

2 tablespoons fresh thyme

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in the bell peppers, carrots, onions, celery and garlic. Cook and stir the vegetables until soft, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the broth, rice, thyme, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice and vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and cool 30 minutes.

Blend the cooled soup until smooth using a hand-held immersion blender directly in the pot. Or use a blender to blend the soup in batches until smooth.

Serve at room temperature or reheat until warm.

Yields about 10 servings.

Esther’s note: If you like things really spicy, double the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.

Esther Oertel, a freelance writer, cooking teacher, and speaker, is passionate about local produce and all foods in the vegetable kingdom. She welcomes your questions and comments and may be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has identified January 2012 as the fourth-warmest January on record for the contiguous United States.

In the contiguous U.S., the average temperature for January was 36.3°F which is 5.5°F above normal range, according to the report.

This makes the month not only the fourth warmest of its kind in history, but also the warmest since 2006, the report showed.

“It's warmer this year mainly because of the jet stream pattern,” said AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Michael Pigott.

“Generally, for the most part of the winter, it has been on a west-to-east pattern,” said Pigott. “Meteorologists refer to this as a 'zonal flow.' Essentially, we've seen a lot of storms moving from west to east, and not a lot traveling northward or southward. So, anything in the Arctic is staying up there, and anything in the U.S. is staying put as well. If you have north-to-south undulations in the jet stream, you do get warmer air heading northward to the poles, and colder air comes down toward the U.S. from the Arctic."

Nine states recorded their top ten warmest average temperatures for January in 2012: Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and Kansas.

It has also been the fifth-warmest, six-month period from August 2011 to January 2012 ever recorded in the contiguous U.S. Forty states have had warmer-than-average temperatures.

Even though the contiguous U.S. has seen record warmth this winter, Alaska is a different story. Several towns in Alaska have seen their coldest January on record.

“Since the jet stream isn't moving colder air southward, it's getting trapped over Alaska,” Pigott said. “It's basically creating an extreme divide in record temperatures there compared to the rest of the U.S.”

In addition to a warm January in 2012, it has also been dry. In fact, the contiguous U.S. has seen its 28th-driest January in recorded history.

The central Plains had below-average precipitation for the month, especially in Kansas. Kansas had its third-driest January in recorded history, while Nebraska saw its eighth-driest January.

“One reason the central Plains have seen less-than-average precipitation has been due to the weakening of storms coming from the West,” said Pigott. “When these storms hit the Rockies, they tend to stall out and weaken in intensity.”

However, this has not been the case for every state. Texas has actually seen above-average precipitation for the second month in a row. The state had not had two consecutive months of above-average precipitation since January-February 2010.

If March comes in like a lamb ...

The warm trend may continue through the end of February and into March, but temperatures are not expected to be as high as they were in January.

“It looks like the pattern will be similar for most of the country, but not to the same extent,” said AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Jack Boston. “We are getting in a pattern where we're more susceptible to cold air masses coming down. However, that doesn't mean they're going to stay. They're still going to be progressive. That means cooler temperatures will come in for only a few days, then disappear again.”

Intermittent stretches of cooler air will bring overall average temperatures closer to normal for the months ahead.

“The average will be somewhat above normal, though it won't be as above normal as January. But, it will be closer to normal,” added Boston.

Boston also stated that he thinks temperatures in the Northeast will begin to drop “just in time for spring,” with a pattern developing for cooler-than-normal weather in the Northeast starting later in March and continuing through April.

Boston also said that much of the rest of the contiguous U.S. will remain warmer with the possible exception of the Pacific Northwest.

“It may stay pretty active up there and get lots of rain and therefore keep their temperatures held down pretty well,” said Boston.

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