FORT BRAGG, Calif. – The Mendocino Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire, is preparing for the fall season at Jackson Demonstration State Forest by announcing scheduled closures of seasonal campgrounds, trails and firewood areas.

Campground closure: The seasonal closure of Jackson Demonstration State Forest, or JDSF, Camp One, Dunlap and Horse Camp campgrounds are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 3. Big River campground will remain open until which time it is deemed necessary to close.

Trail closure: Beginning Oct. 15, the “Trestle Trail” between Camp 8 and JDSF Road 1070 will be closed to mushroom gathering and other recreational activities. This trail is closed (October to May) as a precautionary measure in an attempt to slow the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, the invasive pathogen that causes sudden oak death.

Firewood area closure: The designated areas for firewood cutting will also close on Monday, Oct. 3, or prior to the first significant rain, whichever occurs first. After the closure, all firewood cutting on the Forest is prohibited until otherwise noticed.

Information regarding camping and other recreational activities such as mushroom gathering on JDSF is available at the Cal Fire Fort Bragg office located at 802 North Main St. or by calling 707-964-5674 during the following hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

Visit the forest's Web site at http://calfire.ca.gov/resource_mgt/resource_mgt_stateforests_jackson.php .

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced its Genetic Disease Screening Program (GDSP) will now screen babies for adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a progressive neurological disease found in about 1 in 20,000 newborn boys.

“This new screening program will save children’s lives,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Early diagnosis and treatment can halt the progression of the life-threatening form of the disease, which will have a profound impact on California families.”

Screening for adrenoleukodystrophy (pronounced ah-DREE-no-luke-oh-dis-trow-fee) will begin statewide today.

CDPH will retroactively screen newborn blood samples that were received by the laboratory on or after February 16 of this year.

The department estimates that up to 100 California babies each year will be referred for follow-up services based on screening results.

With early identification, the disease can be monitored before complications develop and appropriate treatment options can be made available to prevent serious and permanent health problems.

Some boys with ALD will develop a progressive, life-threatening form of the disease and can die without medical intervention within a short time after complications are recognized.

ALD also causes adrenal gland dysfunction, which is characterized by weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, and life-threatening complications. ALD complications typically do not appear until after age 3.

In 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1559, which mandated that CDPH add ALD to the state’s newborn screening panel once the disorder was added to the national guidelines for state newborn screening programs. ALD was added to the national guidelines in February 2016.

"For children born with ALD, the difference between an early diagnosis through infant screening and a late diagnosis when symptoms start showing up, could be life and death,” said Dr. Richard Pan, a pediatrician and senator representing the Sacramento region who authored AB 1559 in 2014. “I applaud CDPH on the launch of their screening program created through AB 1559 and I am thrilled that California children will suffer less and live longer as a result.”

Newborn screening is a public health service provided to all babies in California in order to identify many serious diseases.

If not found and treated early, many of the diseases can cause serious and permanent health problems, developmental delay and even death.

Since newborn screening began in 1966, more than 14,000 California babies have been found with various diseases and treated.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans will begin emergency repairs of the U.S. Highway 101 Perkins Street overcrossing in Ukiah at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29.

The overpass was damaged on Sept. 14 when it was struck by an overheight load on a truck, Caltrans reported.

Southbound traffic on U.S. Highway 101 will be restricted to one lane, and motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. 

The southbound onramp from Perkins to Highway 101 also will be closed, and motorists will be directed to use the southbound Gobbi Street onramp.

This traffic control is anticipated to last up to two weeks, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

In addition, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sept. 30 through Oct. 3,  Friday evening through Monday morning, there will be one-way traffic control on Perkins Street and motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

UKIAH, Calif. – The North Coast Opportunities Governing Board will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. at 413 N. State St. in Ukiah.

Unless otherwise indicated, the times listed are approximate, and are intended for time management purposes only.

The discussion of any item may begin prior to the designated time, and may be considered in a different order.
                  
Timed items are as follows:

2 p.m.: Call to order.
2:05 p.m.: Public comment.
2:10 p.m.: Consent agenda.
2:15 p.m.: HSCDP School Readiness Goals.
2:20 p.m.: HSCDP Administrative Services Agreement.
2:25 p.m.: HSCDP Community Assessment Update.
2:35 p.m.: Mutual of America resolution for 401k enrollment adjustment.
2:40 p.m.: NCO Board and vice chair vacancies.
2:55 p.m.: Executive director annual review.
3:05 p.m.: Ad hoc facilities committee report.
3:20 p.m.: Executive director report.
3:30 p.m.: HR/finance meeting report.
3:35 p.m.: NCO 2016-17 budget approval.
3:45 p.m.: HR information items.
3:50 p.m.: Clayton Fire Fund update.
3:55 p.m.: November Board meeting date change to Nov. 30.
4:00 p.m.: Brief reports and announcements.
4:05 p.m.: Parking lot (presentation of topics for consideration/future agenda item).
4:10 p.m.: Adjourn to closed session (if necessary).

For information, or if you need disability modification or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting, please contact the NCO executive assistant 48 hours before the meeting at 707-467-3210.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Public Works Department reported that a road closure on Pool Street will continue on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The road will be closed to all traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Drivers are asked to use alternate routes and drive with caution in the area.

SACRAMENTO – A new law authored by Assemblymembers Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown to help local governments across the state strengthen their economic development powers.

The law enables cities and counties to offer loans to owners or tenants for rehabilitation of commercial buildings and to create economic opportunities through the purchase, sale or lease of properties. 

“We need to build good paying local jobs in our communities, and I appreciate Governor Brown signing my bill to advance that cause,” said Assemblyman Dodd. “As a business owner for over 25 years, I know that creating local jobs helps build vibrant communities, and this new law will help local governments support job growth. This is an example of how local officials, businesses, and state representatives can come together to help our communities.”

The legislation will offer communities additional tools that can be used to rehabilitate deteriorated areas, attract and retain jobs, and improve local quality of life.

In 2012 redevelopment agencies in California were eliminated as the state coped with massive budget deficits.

Many of the tools previously used by redevelopment agencies were transferred to local governments to assist with economic development.

With this authority, counties and cities are able to enter into agreements that can help create job opportunities and promote affordable housing projects.

Dodd and Frazier’s legislation will simplify the process by which local governments can assist with economic development. 

“I am so pleased to work with Assemblymember Dodd to bring new economic development tools to the communities of Solano County,” stated Assemblymember Frazier. “The people in our communities can rest assured that their state representatives have their back and will always answer the call to deliver for them.”

“This new law clarifies that cities have the power to create and provide vital economic development opportunities in their communities,” said Fairfield Mayor Harry Price. “The City of Fairfield greatly appreciates Assemblymembers Dodd and Frazier for joint authoring the legislation and for their efforts to strengthen our local economy.”

The bill passed the legislature last month with bipartisan support, and was sponsored by the City of Fairfield and the League of California Cities.  

Dodd represents the Fourth Assembly District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Yolo and Colusa counties. You can learn more about Dodd and the district at www.asm.ca.gov/dodd .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – At a recent meeting of the Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club Jerry Shaul Sr., who passed away this spring, was honored for his 40 years of dedicated service.

Shaul participated in all club projects and was an advocate for planting native species.

One of his favorite projects was the Lakeport Hartley Cemetery Memorial Gardens located next to the chapel that began in l985.

Trees, bulbs and shrubs are all in memory of garden club members. Members still maintain the garden.

There are two plaques inside the chapel that list the names of deceased garden club members. The latest name added was Shaul's.

The Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club is a member of the MendoLake District of the California Garden Club Inc. Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Auditions for the Lake County Community Theatre production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be held in October.

This production of the popular holiday classic is set in a New York radio studio in 1946, with period costumes, live sound effects and audience participation. Actors play multiple roles.

The cast includes two to three women and three to four men. Some singing is required.

Auditions will be held Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lake County Arts Council, 325 N. Main St., Lakeport, and Saturday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Weaver Auditorium (upstairs at the Schoolhouse Museum), 16435 Main St., Lower Lake.

Performances dates are Dec. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Rehearsals are on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 12.

For more information, contact director Linda Guebert at 707-279-4272 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Nancy Marie Lloyd
July 30, 1925 – Sept. 20, 2016

“I was given the gift of life, and now I have to give it back. This is hard. I leave this world knowing that I have made it a better place because of who I leave behind. I marched to the beat of my own drum throughout my life which made it difficult going at times. I take my mortal leave of this beautiful planet, the full moon, bicycle rides, walks around Clear Lake and strolls through the memories of my life. I am happy to have been here and know that I leave children and grandchildren that will continue to love nature, making Earth a better place to live.”

Nancy Marie Lloyd passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2016, in Lake County, Calif. She was 91 years old and was born and raised in Kelseyville.

She loved music, singing, dancing, bicycling and hiking. Nancy enjoyed writing poetry and had some of her work published throughout the years.

Nancy’s dream was to pursue and complete a college degree which she was able to do once her children were raised. She graduated from Clark College in Washington State with an Arts degree and continued on to Evergreen State College. She loved her college years and completed her first degree in record time.

To our Mother:

You have shown to your kids and grandkids what it means to live life, to seek out your passion, to never give up and never lie down. You jumped into a biplane in your youth and flew into the clouds, we would have loved to been there to see you leave the ground. You told us of your first love that never left your heart. You reminded us of what family meant, you showed us every day and over time we forgot but now we look back and know truly what that meant to you. You talked of your adventures as a young woman taking a bus from a very small town to San Francisco, we can only imagine what you felt seeing that big city. Your sacrifices changed your life, but expanded all of ours and we thank you! You witnessed life in so many ways that we will never fully understand, but as you embark on this journey to join all those that you have loved and lost, we wish you peace and love eternally. You have touched us all and so many more, it has been a remarkable journey of life.

We will miss your indomitable spirit and want to thank you for the never-ending sacrifices, adventures and wonderful memories.

Mom, we love you.

Donations in Nancy's memory can be made to Hospice Services of Lake County 1862 Parallel Drive Lakeport, CA 95453

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .