California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has issued a consumer alert advising Californians to use care when playing location-based virtual games, such as the Pokémon Go treasure hunt app, just released this month.

Pokémon Go is an augmented reality application that generates a virtual treasure hunt taking place in the real world. Consumers of all ages, including minors, play it on their mobile devices.

Using the forward-facing camera on a mobile device, players search for Pokémon characters in their vicinity, including at local parks, landmarks, and retail locations.

For Pokémon Go to work, a player must grant the app access or “permission” to his or her mobile device’s GPS function, location, and camera when downloading the app. To play and “capture” the virtual Pokémon creatures, the player must then go to physical locations, called “Pokéstops” or “gyms,” where other players may also be gathering.  

Consumers should be aware that the virtual experience in Pokémon Go can expose players to physical danger.

For example, there have been reports of predators and thieves adding beacons or “Lure Modules” to Pokéstops to bait individuals playing the game to certain locations in order to steal from them. Recently in Southern California, two men were so distracted that they fell off a cliff while playing Pokémon Go, and another man playing the game alone late at night in a park in Anaheim was stabbed multiple times by a group of men when he was distracted.

The Attorney General offers consumers the following tips to help them better ensure their physical safety and protect sensitive location data while still having fun playing Pokémon Go:

– Stop and think before you share your personal information with an app.

– If you elect to download Pokémon Go and therefore allow the app access to the location function of your device, you should deactivate the app’s location access when you are not using it. This prevents Pokémon Go from “running in the background” and having access to your location when you are not playing.

– On Android phones, review the permissions tab on app pages in Google Play store, which displays the information and features that the app can access on your phone.

– On iPhones, review the permissions you have already granted by viewing Pokémon Go in iPhone Settings. Make sure you are operating the updated version of the app to protect the security of your mobile device and privacy of your data.

– Consumers and parents should take the time to review the privacy settings on their mobile devices and the permissions within the app.

– To prevent children from making in-app purchases – buying extra content and subscriptions once the app has been downloaded – parents can adjust the settings on their mobile device. For iPhones, turn off in-app purchases and for Android, set your phone to request a password before purchases can be made. For parents who do not want to create a Google account for their child, there is an option to create a Pokémon Trainer account. Parents also have the right to refuse collection, use, and/or disclosure of their child’s personal identifiable information by directly notifying the game’s developer, Niantic.

– As you search for characters, remember that Pokémon Go is a game you play in public, with the public. As you play, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. If possible, only go to a Pokéstop with a friend or partner.

– Parents and guardians should take extra care to know where children are going, when and with whom when they are playing the game.

– Pokémon Go characters and locations are randomly generated and some real locations may be dangerous or unsafe for players to enter. Stay alert and always watch where you’re going – being distracted by a phone in your hand could make you a target for a crime or susceptible to injury.

– Don’t trespass onto private property and don’t go into areas that are unfamiliar or risky to your personal safety.

– Business owners and local leaders can play a role in community safety by determining if their business, park or landmark is a Pokéstop or gym.

– Don’t play Pokémon Go while you are operating a vehicle or riding a bike or skateboard.

The Attorney General has published a consumer information sheet that gives step-by-step instructions for better controlling your location privacy on iPhone and Android devices, “Location, Location, Location Tips on Controlling Mobile Tracking,” at https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/privacy/cis-18.pdf? .

Also see “Getting Smart About Smartphones: Tips for Consumers,” https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/privacy/smartphones_consumers.pdf? , for general information on protecting privacy when using mobile devices.

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 the Paradise Cove subdivision will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., weeknights. One-way traffic control will also be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– The Mine Restoration Project has been issued a long-term Caltrans Encroachment Permit to allow trucks to access their worksite near the Colusa County Line. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
Highway 29

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

Highway 175

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

Highway 1

– Paving between Pacific View Drive and Irish Beach Drive will begin Monday, July 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– Paving between Lille Lake Road and Happy Lane will begin Wednesday, July 27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-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.

– Paving between Road 430 and the Georgia Pacific Picnic Area will begin Thursday, July 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 20

– Paving operations between Summer Lane and the Blosser Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– Paving operations from just east of Gino’s to just west of Old Bard will begin Tuesday, July 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 101

– Digouts and paving work between the Hollands Lane and the end of Main Street will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– The city of Willits has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to repair a water main between Sherwood Road and Casteel Lane beginning Thursday, July 21. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

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

– The Enchanted Forest Event has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit provide access to the event at Black Oaks Ranch. An extended left-turn lane will be in place between Thursday, July 21, and Monday, July 25. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

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

Highway 128

– Drainage work from Masonite Timber to approximately 1.8 miles east of the junction with Route 1 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to perform utility work near Greenwood Road just outside Philo. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 162

– Paving operations between East Lane Road and Short Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

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

– The Round Valley Indian Tribe has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to pave a driveway near Barnes Lane. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253

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

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

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Public Health has received a limited supply of vaccines to prevent against shingles, pneumonia and some Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.

Zostavax is a vaccine used for adults to prevent shingles, also known as Zoster.

Prevnar 13 vaccine is used for the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive disease caused by 13 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.

These vaccines will be provided free-of-charge except for a $9 administration fee while supplies last.

Eligibility guidelines to qualify for this program are:

– Prevnar 13 vaccine is only available to adults 65 years of age or older.
– Zostavax vaccine is available for uninsured and underinsured adults age 60 and over.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Public Health at 707-263-1090 or 800-794-9291.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport Christian Center Preschool held its graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 16.

LCC Preschool congratulates the following graduates from their Pre-K Program and wishes them the best success in kindergarten: Eric Chavez, Hayton Chen, Mavrik DeSimone, Landon Hodder, Colin Ingram, Logan Jessen, Gabriel Lowell, Tia Marshall, Wyatt Marshall, Kiera Mick, Evan Moretz, Hollace Stencil, Alex Traphagan, Samuel Valadez and Ximena Venegas. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed Eman Dalili to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

“I would like to welcome Mr. Dalili to the board as our new student representative,” said interim Chancellor Erik E. Skinner. “He is an accomplished young man and brings a great deal of experience and perspective to the board. I am confident he will do well representing his fellow California Community Colleges students. We look forward to working with him on improving student success and expanding educational opportunities.”

Gov. Brown announced the appointment on Thursday.

Dalili, 20, of Palos Verdes Estates, has served as student body president of El Camino College since 2016 and is as a business analyst intern for Red Cross Blood Donation Services. He has been an ambassador in the Office of Outreach and School Relations since 2015.

Dalili was a trustee on the El Camino College District Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2016, intern in the Office of Congresswoman Janice Hahn from 2014 to 2015 and intern in the Office of Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi in 2014. Dalili is a Democrat.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation composed of 72 districts and 113 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year.

For more information about the community colleges, please visit http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/ , https://www.facebook.com/CACommColleges or https://twitter.com/CalCommColleges .

Children who are thumb-suckers or nail-biters are less likely to develop allergic sensitivities, new research has found.

And, if they have both “bad habits,” they are even less likely to be allergic to such things as house dust mites, grass, cats, dogs, horses or airborne fungi.

The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, was completed by researchers of New Zealand's Dunedin School of Medicine, assisted by professor Malcolm Sears of McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, and formerly from Dunedin.

"Our findings are consistent with the hygiene theory that early exposure to dirt or germs reduces the risk of developing allergies," said Sears, who is also a researcher for the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health at McMaster and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. "While we don't recommend that these habits should be encouraged, there does appear to be a positive side to these habits."

The researchers were testing the idea that the common childhood habits of thumb-sucking and nail-biting would increase microbial exposures, affecting the immune system and reducing the development of allergic reactions also known as atopic sensitization.

The habits of thumb-sucking and nail-biting were measured in a longitudinal birth cohort of more than 1,000 New Zealand children at ages 5, 7, 9 and 11; and atopic sensitization was measured by skin-prick testing at 13 and 32 years old.

The researchers found 31 percent of children were frequent thumb suckers or nail biters.

Among all children at 13 years old, 45 percent showed atopic sensitization, but among those with one oral habit, only 40 percent had allergies.

Among those with both habits, only 31 percent had allergies. This trend was sustained into adulthood, and showed no difference depending on smoking in the household, ownership of cats or dogs; or exposure to house dust mites.

However, the study did not find associations between the oral habits and development of asthma or hay fever.

NAPA, Calif. – The Napa County Mosquito Abatement District detected the first mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus on Friday.

Two samples of mosquitoes collected in American Canyon tested positive for WNV.

“These first mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus in Napa County this summer reminds us that we must protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites,” said Napa County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Relucio. “The good news is there are simple steps we can take at home and when we travel to stop mosquito bites, which can transmit viruses like West Nile.”

WNV is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. 

Napa County Public Health recommends that individuals “Fight the Bite” and prevent exposure to mosquito bites by practicing the “Three Ds”:

1. Defend – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.

2. Dawn and dusk – Most mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times.

3. Drain – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water including flower pots, old car tires, rain gutters and pet bowls.  If a swimming pool is not being properly maintained, or for other mosquito problems contact the Napa County Mosquito Abatement District at 707-553-9610.

California's WNV Web site, http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ , includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state.

Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds and dead tree squirrels on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

For questions about local mosquito surveillance and problems with mosquito control contact the Napa County Mosquito Abatement District at 707-553-9610.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The American Red Cross of the California Northwest is proud to present the New Volunteer of Year Award to Dennis Smith of Lakeport.

Smith first joined the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina more than 10 years ago. He served with the Red Cross of Lake County for almost two years and then drifted away.

This past fall, he returned to the Red Cross during the Valley fire as an event-based volunteer. He worked for 10 days to help at the client service center greeting impacted residents and helping them complete their paperwork.

In the few short months since Smith rejoined the Red Cross, he has become an invaluable member of the Lake County team. He has exemplified the meaning of serving the mission – always ready to respond to a local disaster call, to take needed training, or move and repack shelter trailers.

“I really enjoy working with the Red Cross and the people in Red Cross that are so positive in their outlook on life,” said Smith. “As a retired firefighter, when the Valley fire hit so close to home I had to step up once again. I just showed up at the client service center and asked what I could do. Red Cross put me to work right away, and I immediately felt at home working with Red Cross volunteers. The feeling of giving back to our community was awesome, and since I am retired, I knew the direction I wanted my life to go. Red Cross is truly a remarkable organization."

Other outstanding volunteers and several community partners were honored at the Volunteer Awards and Recognition Event on June 18 at the Riviera Hills Country Club in Kelseyville include:

• Disaster Cycle Services, Outstanding Support: Jeff Plank of Upper Lake and Gloria Eisenman of Lucerne.

• Disaster Cycle Service, Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication: Jim Plank of Kelseyville.

• Disaster Cycle Service, Exceptional Response Award: Deborah Smith of Kelseyville.

• Good Neighbor and Partnership Award: Jennifer Fitts of Lake County Social Services, Grace Evangelical Church, Hidden Valley Lake Association, Highlands Senior Center, Kelseyville High School, Middletown High School and Twin Pine Casino and Hotel.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Robert A. Lettus was suddenly taken from us on July 16, 2016.

Born in New York in 1930. A veteran of the Korean war. He leaves behind the love of his life, PJ, and his love for bowling and the 49ers.

At his request, no funeral services will be held.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com . Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.legacy.com .