Just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays, California fuel prices are predicted to dip further this month, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly report recently revealed that West Coast gasoline supplies are hitting record lows, which can likely be tied to the fall maintenance schedule. Most West Coast refineries are set to come back online this month.
 
On Tuesday the average price of California unleaded regular gas was $2.79, the same price as one month ago.

Northern California’s average price for regular gasoline this week is $2.69, a decrease of $0.06 from a month ago.

Of the California cities surveyed by AAA, Marysville posted the lowest price at $2.36, and South Lake Tahoe has the highest average at $2.93.

“Prices have been relatively steady over the past week despite tightened supply in the California market and the wrap up of planned maintenance on the Olympic pipeline early last week in the Northwest.” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “BP shut down operations on its Pacific Northwest pipeline system to conduct planned maintenance October 27 and reopened the line a few days later.”

The national average price for gasoline remains relatively flat compared to one week ago, although pump prices have been pressured higher in some regions due to disruptions on the Colonial Pipeline. This week's average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.21 per gallon.

Last week, following the explosion and shutdown of Colonial Pipeline Line 1 crude oil was trading higher, but the company quickly announced that Line 1 was scheduled to restart on Nov. 7.

The restart announcement had a chilling effect on the market and crude oil prices dropped below $45 dollars a barrel.

Colonial Pipeline could face congressional scrutiny after the deadly pipeline incident.  Several Members of Congress are requesting a comprehensive examination of Colonial Pipeline and the company's management as it relates to the maintenance and integrity operations of the system.  
                                  
Also weighing on the market are the continued negotiations amongst OPEC and non-OPEC members.

The secretary-general of OPEC announced Tuesday that the group was still committed to developing an output deal to cut oil production, but no formal agreement has been reached. Traders will keep a close eye on the Colonial Line 1 restart and upcoming OPEC meetings.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI was down 59 cents to settle at $44.07 per barrel.

To get the best mileage possible, AAA recommends keeping tires at the proper pressure suggested by the vehicle manufacturer, performing routine maintenance and making sure fluids are clean and belts and hoses are in good repair. The way you drive can also impact fuel economy. Smooth driving to avoid sudden stops and starts, combining trips and lightening your load also help conserve gasoline.

AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report is the most comprehensive retail gasoline survey available, with over 100,000 self-serve stations surveyed every day, nationwide. Data is provided in cooperation with OPIS Energy Group and Wright Express LLC.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Melanie Marie Hanson passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 17, 2016, at her home in Lakeport.

She was born on Aug. 11, 1955, in Hot Springs, Ark. She lived in the bay area before moving to Lake County in 1968.

Melanie was preceded in death by her husband, Henry (Hank); parents, Clifford and Annie Mae Maner; brother, Clifford Randall Maner; and her beloved dog, Huggles.

She is survived by her two sisters, Nancy Betley of Lincoln, Calif., and Tami (Forrest) Stogner of Kelseyville, Calif., and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport on Friday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Enrique L. Rodriguez, 86 years old, passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 4, 2016. He was surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren.

He was born in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico on July 6, 1930.

Enrique immigrated to the United States in the late 1950s, then in 1966 he moved his family to Kelseyville.

Enrique worked his entire life in the vineyards and became foreman. He worked for Reid Dorn for many years, then worked many more years with Turner Vineyards (Turner Gas), Roumiguiere Vineyards and Devoto Vineyards before retiring in 2012.

His passion in life was working hard in the vineyards, walnuts, driving tractors and spending time with his family.

Enrique is survived by his four daughters, Teresa Aguirre (Abdon), Irma Rodriguez, Alicia Rodriguez and Juanita Estrella; his grandchildren, Abdon Jr., Andres and Victor Aguirre, Jackie and Saul Avalos, Luis A. and Omar Rodriguez, Yvette and Christian Estrella, Jolene Ramsey (Kelly) and Gilbert Rodriguez, Shane, Michael and Natalie Rodriguez; and his great-grandchildren, Vanessa Reyes, Angelina Hernandez, Evalina Estrella, Audrey Rodriguez, Ruben and Kayla Rodriguez.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Rodriguez, and his three sons, Francisco, Gilbert and Luiz Rodriguez.

Visitation will take place at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m., with a rosary service at 6:15 p.m.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. with interment at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery on Highway 175.

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

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Oct. 21 the Soper Reese Theatre held its second annual Jillian Billester Memorial Scholarship fundraising event where it awarded two $1,000 scholarships to Gabriela Jauragui and William McAuley.

Presenting the scholarships was last year’s recipient Clara Carstensen along with Barbara Clark of the Lake County Theatre Co., Susan Condit of the Lake County Symphony Association and Michael Adams of the Soper Reese Theatre.

Representatives of these arts organizations as well as Robert Carpenter of the Lake County Arts Council and community representative Wilda Shock make up the scholarship committee that nominates and selects the recipients. Recipients are chosen based on their active involvement in the community and the arts.

Gabriela Jauragui is a former student of Lower Lake High School, currently attending UC Berkeley.

She has been involved in many community organizations including the Lake County Youth Orchestra and numerous school organizations. She was instrumental in helping form the Lower Lake High School Drumline.

William McAuley is currently attending Mendocino College and has been performing in plays with the Lake County Theatre Co. since he was very young. He is the current president of Lake County Theatre Co.

The event helped raise funds for next year’s scholarships.

Two bands, The Fargo Brothers and the Psychedellos, donated their time and talents to entertain the crowd.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Jillian Billester Memorial Scholarship can send donations to Soper Reese Theatre, Attn: Scholarship, P.O. Box 756, Lakeport, CA 95453.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The Calistoga Roastery is hosting a show of fine art photographs taken by John Mackesy.

The show features stunning close up images of bees on colorful flowers.  The photographs are metal prints of beautiful honeybees.

The photos were taken in gardens in Hidden Valley Lake.

Many feature flowers planted by children in the fabulous Coyote Valley Elementary School garden. 

After the 2015 Valley fire in Lake County, thousands of acres of natural foraging areas for wild bees were reduced to ashes.

Bees by the thousands who survived the fire flew into the school garden for refuge. The bees seemed covered with soot and desperate for food, which they found in the nectar and pollen of bright flowers such as sunflowers, zinnias, honeysuckle, lavender, sage and pumpkin blossoms.

The photo exhibit is meant to celebrate the survival of the Valley fire refuge bees and encourage people to plant flowers and herbs to help wild and free bees in a time of diminishing habitat.

Be sure to stop by the Calistoga Roastery in November and December to see the show.  Enjoy the finest coffee and delicious food while feasting your eyes on one of nature’s great expressions, wild and free bees.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Donnette passed away on Oct. 16, 2016 in Lakeport after a lengthy illness, surrounded by family. She was 65 years old.

Donnette Motley was born in Oakland, Calif., on Feb. 18, 1951. She was the third child and first daughter of  Louie Lawrence Motley and Neelgia Motley.

Donnette was raised in Oakland, with seven brothers and sisters. In her early childhood, she attended St. Mary's Catholic School.

Her sister Deardra lovingly remembers that growing up, Donnette loved to sew and had a passion for dancing. Donnette graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland in 1970, and later spent some time at Merritt College.

In 1989, Donnette and her family moved to Hidden Valley, Calif. There, she developed her career at Guenoc Winery as a line supervisor and raised her family.

Donnette cherished her garden, which she decorated with heart-shaped rocks she found, and she always had fresh cut flowers in the house. She was an amazing cook and baked the best pineapple cream pies. She loved animals, especially her cats Chewie and Lucy.

Donnette was preceded in death by her, father Louie Lawrence Motley; grandfather, Dr. Arthur Motley; great-grandmother, Pearl Hall-Wilson; aunt, Lizzymae Wison-Thompson; grandmother, Maleitha Wilson-Scarver; grandmother, Freddie Royster-Hale; cousin, Jackie Royster; and uncle, Fred Royster.

She is survived by her husband, Walter Howard; son, Kevin Motley; daughter, Maleitha Beck; mother, Neelgia Motley; brothers, Marlon, Harold, Roderick, Ronald, Keith and Jon; and sister, Deardra. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family are warmly invited to attend a celebration of life which will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, beginning at 6 p.m. at South Berkley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis St., Berkeley.

The family wishes to thank Evergreen Lakeport Healthcare and nurse Dina for their attentive care during Donnette's illness.

Those who wish to send thoughts or condolences are invited to sign the guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com .

Arrangements under the direction of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel FD 800, Lower Lake.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Just in time for holiday gift-giving, Kathy King and Molly Patton will teach a combined intermediate-level class on knitting and crocheting at the Lakeport branch of Lake County Library, 1425 N. High St.

The free class happens Saturday, Nov. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information call the library at 707-263-8817.

The class will produce a versatile crocheted bag that folds into itself and a small knitted doll. Some supplies will be provided. Guests can bring their own supplies if they want to.

For the knitting project bring worsted weight yarn scraps and #4 circular needs. For the crochet project bring two balls of “Sugar & Cream” cotton yard and a G or H crochet hook.

The class is free to the public and no library card is required to attend.

The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .

Jan Cook works for the Lake County Library.

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