MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Bruce Anderson surely knows more than anybody else about the history of the Cobb Mountain area. Should anyone wish to challenge that, they’ll be welcome to try at Gibson Museum’s Sept. 25 Fireside Chat, where he will be the featured speaker.
 
Anderson lives on the property (previously owned by his father) that was claimed by John Cobb and his family in 1853.

Cobb, his wife Esther and their children are believed to have been the first family to settle in south Lake County and almost the first in the entire county.
 
Beyond absorbing local history over a lifetime, Anderson has put immeasurable effort into researching and gathering information about the area.

Perhaps most notably, he spent many months going through carton after carton of documents stored in the courthouse basement in Lakeport. He is owed thanks for that effort in organizing and filing. (Of course he copied pertinent records for his own research, which he will soon make available at Gibson Museum.)
 
He has been active in the community, in a variety of roles, since his youth. Over the past year he has been almost wholly absorbed in the efforts to restore safe water supplies to the mountain communities following the devastation of resources and systems during the Valley Fire.
 
Gibson’s monthly Fireside Chats begin at the museum on Sunday at 3 p.m. and close around 5 p.m.

Refreshments are offered following the question period. As usual, the chat is free of charge although donations toward the museum’s operation are welcomed.
 
Reservations are advised, as space is limited in the small gallery.
 
Middletown’s Gibson Museum is located at 21267 Calistoga St., across the highway from Community Park.
 
For further information, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , call Nina Bouska at 707-987-2349 or Voris Brumfield at 707-295-7174.

Jerry Anthony Corbetta of the band Sugarloaf, known for its 1970s hit “Green-Eyed Lady, and an inductee in the Colorado Rock Music Hall of Fame, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his hometown of Denver, Colo., on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016,

His funeral and the burial of his remains will be Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, which would have been his 69th birthday.

Jerry is survived by his loving son, Kyle; ex-wife, Casse Waldman Forczek of Kelseyville, Calif.; devoted sister, Barbara Rogers and her husband, Jerry Rogers of Arvada, Colo.; sister, Nancy Grafmeyer; nephews, Danny, Mike and Vincent Rogers and their beautiful families; many aunts and uncles, cousins, grand nieces and nephews, dear close friends and thousands of classic rock fans since Jerry started his musical career in the early 1970s.

Frank Slay, record producer and composer, and a lifetime friend of Jerry, shared that he is “sorry for everybody’s loss. I was crushed when I heard what was happening … I was thanked by Jerry for what I did for him – but that is nothing compared to what Jerry did for me – just breaks my heart.”

Since Jerry passed away after a long battle with a rare form of dementia, Pick's disease, donations may be made in Jerry's name to the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter, 455 Sherman St. 500, Denver, CO 80203. 

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The First 5 Lake Commission will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The commission will meet beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the training/conference room at Legacy Court, 1950 Parallel Drive in Lakeport. 

Agenda items include a presentation on the Hero Project by Christine Hutt of the Lake County Office of Education; a report from Jaleen White of the Lake County Breastfeeding Coalition on the breastfeeding station at this year's Lake County Fair; and a funding request from Sutter Lakeside Hospital for the Heroes Health and Safety Fair on Oct. 15.

There also will be an update on the recruitment for the First 5 executive director position, review and approval of the 2015-16 unaudited financials, reports from commissioners, and public comment and announcements.

Commissioners include Chair Brock Falkenberg, Denise Pomeroy, Laurie Daly, Kathy Maes, Susan Jen, Pam Klier, Ana Santana and Jeff Smith.

For more information call the Lake County First 5 Lake Commission at 707-263-6169 or visit www.firstfivelake.org .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Construction is under way for Habitat for Humanity’s 20th home on 32nd Street in Clearlake.

Habitat said volunteers with construction experience, or those interested in gaining construction experience, are urgently needed.

Anyone who wants to join together as a community to assist the Pantoja family in completing their home is encouraged to call 707-994-1100 for more information, or to come by the office at 15312 Lakeshore Blvd. in Clearlake to fill out a volunteer application.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Beit Chavurah, Lake County’s Jewish community group, will hold High Holyday services for 2016 in October.

Erev Rosh Hashanah services will take place beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, and Kol Nidrei at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11.

In spite of the Clayton fire, the congregation will meet at its usual location, the Social Hall of the Lower Lake United Methodist Church, 16255 Second St.

Last year, services had to be canceled due to the Valley fire.

Come and help make this year extra special.

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

– Culvert rehabilitation from Le Trianon Resort to Scott Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement marker replacement from 0.1 miles east of Clover Creek to Hudson Avenue will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs at various locations from Sayre Avenue to the Paradise Cove subdivision will continue. One-way traffic control will also be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Drainage work between the north fork of Cache Creek and the Colusa County line will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 29

– Drainage work between the Napa County line and Saint Helena Creek will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement marker replacement from .26 miles north of the Siegler Canyon Bridge to just north of Cruikshank Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform utility work near the junction with Route 29 beginning Friday, Sept. 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Culvert rehabilitation from 1.0 mile east of Wild Cat Road to Salmina Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY
 
Highway 1

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility maintenance from Westward Ho Road to Sunset Drive on Friday, Sept. 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Bridge deck repair at the Brush Creek will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Geotech work at Russian Gulch will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-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.

– Mendocino Land Trust has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to construct public parking near Abalobadia Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Roadway reconstruction about one mile north of Blue Slide Gulch 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 20

– Routine maintenance from Summer Lane to Chamberlain Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Pavement work near Road 260 will begin Monday, Sept. 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Pavement sealing from the Cold Creek Bridge No.5 to the Le Trianon Resort in Lake County will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101

– Pavement marker replacement between Geysers Road and the Russian River will begin Monday, Sept. 26. A northbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdows.

– Deck repairs at the Comminsky Staiton Viaduct will begin Monday, Sept. 26. Lane closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. A northbound lane restriction will be in place. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Deck repairs at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge will begin Monday, Sept. 26. Lane closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Paving at the Hopland Overhead Bridge will begin Thursday, Sept. 29. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Paving operations near First Street will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. A northbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists may encounter minor traffic slowdowns.

– Deck repairs at the Robinson Overcrossing Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Deck repairs at the Doolan Creek Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Deck repairs at the Gobbi Street Overcrossing Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept. 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Deck repairs at the North State Street Undercrossing Bridge will begin Wednesday, Sept 28. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement marker replacement from just south of Uva Drive to just north of Grider Road will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Rumble strip installation between Uva Drive and one half-mile south of the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Paving operations approximately 1 mile south of Ridgewood Range will begin Tuesday, Sept. 27. A southbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Bridge rail upgrades at the South Willits Overhead will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Highway construction near the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Highway construction near the north Willits railroad crossing will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Rumble strip installation at various locations between Willits and the Humboldt/Mendocino County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 1five-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs from County Road 307 to Rattlesnake Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 1five-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.

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform tree work near the Cal Fire office beginning Tuesday, Sept. 27. One-way traffic will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 128

– Drainage work from Haehl Street to just west of the Mendocino/Sonoma County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 162

– The Round Valley Indian Tribe has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for the Annual Indian Days Parade near the Town Creek Bridge on Saturday, Sept. 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Emergency pavement repairs from Mathews Road to about 1.1 miles west of the Lake/Mendocino County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253

– Highway repairs east of Cattle Pass 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 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).

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – October auditions have been scheduled for performers in the 21th annual Renaissance Christmas Pageant and Feast in Middletown.

Come be part of the celebration at Greystone Castle, aka the Middletown Community United Methodist Church, 15155 Armstrong St., corner Washington, Middletown. Festivities and merriment await thee.

Auditions will be Sunday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. at Greystone Castle. Event organizers are looking for noble singers, steward (or castle mistress), maidens and men-at-arms. Noble singers sing four-part a Capella harmony, the others are non-singing roles. 

They add a little drama and fun, and serve up a three-course fingers-only feast.

Dates for this year’s evening performances are Fridays, Dec. 9 and 16, and Saturdays, Dec. 10 and 17 at 7 p.m.

Afternoon performances will be held on Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m.

You are encouraged to begin the holidays with this spirit-soaring community celebration.

RSVP that you plan to attend auditions is not necessary but much appreciated.

Please send an email to Shannon at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the church office at 707-987-3379. Phone messages may unfortunately not be returned for up to a week; emails are preferred.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson introduced House Resolution 882 (H.Res. 882) on Thursday to recognize National Wildlife Refuge Week, which takesk place Oct. 9 through 15.

“For more than 100 years, the National Wildlife Refuge System has protected many of our country's most important habitats, protected numerous endangered species, made our water cleaner and provided Americans with beautiful areas to explore and enjoy. We’re fortunate to have the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge in our own backyard with an abundance of recreation opportunities. As we celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week this October, I encourage everyone to get out and explore all that our refuges have to offer,” said Thompson. 

Thompson’s resolution encourages the observance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual National Wildlife Refuge Week this October, which celebrates the conservation success of refuges and highlights the importance of refuges to wildlife, recreation, and conservation.

Hundreds of events across the country will provide people with the opportunity to reconnect with nature, enjoy unparalleled recreation, and appreciate the many benefits that refuges provide.

Find a refuge week event near you: http://bit.ly/2dhyI7i .