LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Arnold Gomez was born on July 19, 1949, to Mitchell and Mildred Gomez and was a longtime resident of the Big Valley Rancheria. He was the loving husband of Mary Gomez. He passed on to be with the Lord on March 23, 2017.

Arnold is survived by his wife, Mary; his four sons, Michael Gomez, Daniel Gomez and Anthony Gomez of Colusa, and Cory Burrows of Lakeport; sisters, Jane Sommerfelt of Lakeport and Catherine Gomez of Lakeport; brother, Manuel Gomez of Vacaville; uncle, Richard (JoJo) Gomez of Lakeport; aunt, Carol Gomez of Yakima, Wash., and numerous grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Arnold enjoyed playing his guitar and singing songs at his Christian church. He will be missed by everyone his life has touched; missed, but not forgotten.

Traditional Native American services will be held at Big Valley Gymnasium in Lakeport starting with visitation on Sunday, March 26, at 10 a.m. to Tuesday, March 28, ending at 10 a.m. Graveside funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 11 a.m.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Charles “Chuck” Nisbet Doty, 78, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017, at home in Lower Lake, Calif. He was a loving partner, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.

Chuck was born in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 7, 1938, to Janet (Nisbet) Doty and Charles Harold Doty.

When Chuck was 7 years old, the family moved to San Leandro, Calif. After graduating from San Leandro High, Chuck attended college in Oregon until joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957.

In 1958 after Chuck’s Dad passed his Mom married Alfred Jobes. Alfred, “Pops” played an important role in Chuck’s life for the next 25 years.

For 20 years Chuck had a successful career as general manager of Barons Jewelers. In 1988, Chuck and Judy moved to Lake County and started Clear Lake Employment Agency. Later, Chuck worked as an Economic Development Consultant with BORT (Business Outreach & Response Team) where he was responsible for attracting new businesses to the county.

He concluded his working career in 2009 as president of Langtry Farms, where he oversaw their golf course development, among other responsibilities. After retiring, he continued doing consulting work.

Chuck was well known for his volunteer activities and community involvement. He enjoyed helping others, and expressed this in the many volunteer positions he held. He was a hard worker and very dedicated to his community!

He was a director on the Lake County Fire Protection District Board, and before merging, the Lower Lake Volunteer Fire District Board (the latter, where he served as both a volunteer and the fire chief). Chuck was also on the Lake County Fair Foundation Board where he was serving as vice-president. Chuck liked to help keep Lake County beautiful and spent countless hours picking up litter on Point Lakeview Road.

Chuck and Judy enjoyed their life at the home her father built overlooking the lake, spending early mornings enjoying the view and wildlife, coffee, and conversation. One of Chuck's hobbies was poetry and competing in Haiku contests. He and Judy also enjoyed many camping excursions throughout the west.

Chuck was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to tell them so. Whether in a handwritten note or by making the six-hour same day, round trip drive to attend sporting events and birthdays, every one of his four children and 10 grandchildren knew their Dad and Pa thought the world of them.

Everyone who knew Chuck understood he was a man you could count on and no one felt that more than his family. The first question from him was always, “What can I do to help?”

Chuck leaves his partner of 30 years, Judy Mullens; his son, Kirk Doty and wife Mechele of Manteca, grandchildren Britney and Zack and great grandson Zachariah; his son, Glen Doty and wife Barbara of Sacramento, grandchildren Jake, Emily and Eric; his daughter, Deborah Mello and husband Eddie of Pleasanton, grandchildren Samantha and Jackson; and daughter, Jennifer Kell and her husband Corey, grandchildren Caitlynn, Kennedy and Chad. Chuck was also family to Judy's family: Linda Mullens and partner Dave, grandchildren Zachary and Joshua, Bonnie Hudson and husband Don, grandchildren Rachel and Daniel, Mike Mullens and wife Karen and her son Jason and grandchild Nicole.

A celebration of life is planned for April 1 at 11 a.m. at The Brick Hall, 16374 Main St. in Lower Lake. If desired, donations can be made to the Lake County Fire Protection District 14815 Olympic Drive, Clearlake, CA 95422 .

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

Turkey hunting with lead or nonlead shot?

Question: Do I have to use nonlead shot when turkey hunting with a shotgun this spring? (Joe N., Sacramento)

Answer: Yes. Nonlead ammunition is now required statewide when hunting wild turkeys with a shotgun.

This applies to both public and private lands (except for licensed game bird clubs), including all national forests, Bureau of Land Management properties and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) lands. Private landowners or anyone authorized to hunt on private land must also comply with these regulations.

Moving crab pots that have become navigational hazards?

Question: Can I pick up and remove a crab pot that is a navigational hazard and/or has significant line floating on the surface? (Daniel)

Answer: No, it is unlawful to “disturb, move or damage any trap that belongs to another person that is marked with a buoy identification number or unless the person has written permission in possession from the owner of the trap” (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 29.80(a)(3) and Fish and Game Code, section 9002).

Instead, you are encouraged to report any crab pot creating a hazard to CDFW or the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has the authority to remove traps that are in violation of rule 9, which prohibits fishing that impedes the passage of a vessel that can only operate safely in a narrow channel or fairway. These are specifically designated by the sector of the coast guard that operates in that area.

Shooting too close to neighbors’ houses with permission?

Question: My neighbors and I each live on five-acre lots in Calaveras County that back up to open land with no buildings or dwellings.

We all like to hunt and have dove and quail on the back sides of our properties that run in conjunction with each other. I noticed that our houses are between 100-140 yards from the area where we like to shoot which is facing away from our homes.

We all allow each other to shoot with no problems, but based on of the language of Fish and Game Code, section 3004 it says we should be at least 150 yards away from our homes. Since we are all in agreement regarding shooting from this area, does this regulation make it illegal? (Brendon G.)

Answer: This regulation reads, “It is unlawful for a person, other than the owner, person in possession of the premises, or a person having the express permission of the owner or person in possession of the premises, while within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling house, residence or other building, or within 150 yards of a barn or other outbuilding used in connection with an occupied dwelling house, residence or other building, to either hunt or discharge a firearm or other deadly weapon while hunting” (FGC, section 3004). It appears you would not violate these provisions but you should also contact your local Sheriff’s Department to see if there are any local laws that may apply to your location.

Ocean finfish landing net size requirement?

Question: I understand that the following regulation applies to ocean-going kayaks. It says, “No person shall take finfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without having a landing net in possession or available for immediate use to assist in landing undersize fish of species having minimum size limits; the opening of any such landing net shall be not less than eighteen inches in diameter” (CCR Title 14, section 28.65(d)).

My question has to do with how the diameter is measured on a net that isn’t round. Many nets that are aimed at small craft use are not round and meet the opening size in one direction, for example, 18 inches x 14 inches.

Is that legally sufficient or must the minimum diameter at any point be no less than 18 inches? That would push the net size up considerably, and given the limited utility of a net (or a gaff for that matter) from a near-water craft like a kayak or float tube, I’d prefer to carry as little as possible. (Ariel C.)

Answer: The net need not feature a circular opening despite its reference to “diameter,” but the net must be a minimum of 18 inches at its narrowest part. Good luck and tight lines!

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Personal use firewood permits will be available for purchase from the Mendocino National Forest starting Monday, April 3.

Permits are $5 per cord of wood, with a minimum purchase of four cords for $20. The permits are good through Dec. 31. All firewood removed must be dead and down. It is illegal to remove firewood from the National Forest without a valid permit.

Permits are available in person or by mail from one of the Forest offices listed below. A third party authorization form to allow another person to cut wood for the permit holder is available for individuals unable to cut the wood themselves.

The form needs to be requested at the time of purchase. All firewood permit sales are final, with no refunds. Permittees will receive tags and a map of the Forest.

Permit holders should be aware that federal and state quarantines to prevent the spread of sudden oak death (SOD) are in effect for Lake and Mendocino Counties.

Any firewood cut in these counties can only be transported into other SOD quarantine counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Marin, San Francisco, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma.

Firewood permits can be purchased from the following offices.

Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office/Grindstone Ranger District Office
825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988
530-934-3316
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Stonyford Work Center
5171 Stonyford-Elk Creek Road, Stonyford, CA, 95979
530-963-3128
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1- 4:30 p.m.

Covelo Ranger Station
78150 Covelo Road, Covelo, CA 95428
707-983-6118
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-4:30 p.m.

Upper Lake Ranger Station
10025 Elk Mountain Road, Upper Lake, CA 95485
707-275-2361
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-4:30 p.m.

Gathering firewood is important to many individuals and families surrounding the Mendocino National Forest.

Following are some tips to remember:

· Plan your trip. Check the weather, bring water, emergency food, and the appropriate gear for the season when you are gathering firewood. Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave. Also, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back.

· Keep vehicles on designated roads and be aware of unexpected weather that may change road conditions quickly. Wet dirt roads can turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources.

· As fire season approaches, be aware of fire restrictions or closure orders that may be in effect. Make sure you have a spark arrester on chainsaws and any other mechanical equipment being used.

· Ensure you are cutting firewood on the Mendocino National Forest and not from other federal, state or private lands.

· Cell phones are unreliable in many parts of the forest.

· Some areas may not be accessible for cutting due to winter storm damage.

· Please check with local offices for current information before traveling to the forest.

For more information, please visit the forest Web site https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino/ , follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF/ and Twitter @MendocinoNF.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Spring Rummage Sale on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, at the church, located at 5340 Third St., behind Westamerica Bank.

Hours on Friday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a bag sale all day Saturday. 

There will be lots of great items from which to choose, including clothing for the entire family, outdoor items, furniture, glassware, small electronics and more.

Hot dogs and homemade chili are on the menu for lunch, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

For more information, call the church office at 707-279-1104.

All proceeds go to the Presbyterian Women for local outreach programs.

Wayne Everett Hilt
March 14, 1928 - March 22, 2017

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Wayne was born in Lafayette, Ind., and lived with his wife Lilly in Lake County for 45 years.

He worked in aerospace and was the father of seven children, 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lakeport on Friday, March 31, from 9 to 10 a.m., with a funeral service following at 10:30 a.m. Interment with Military Funeral Honors will be at Upper Lake Cemetery.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION
AND NOTICE OF PROPOSED MINOR USE PERMIT
BY THE LAKE COUNTY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lake County Zoning Administrator of the County of Lake, State of California, will consider approving Minor Use Permit 17-04 with no public hearing if no written request for a public hearing is submitted by 5:00 P.M., April 5, 2017 to the Community Development Department, Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport, California.

Should a timely request for hearing be filed, a public hearing will be held on April 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room C, 3rd Floor of the Courthouse.

Minor Use Permit 17-04. Location: 17150 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown, APN 014-140-25. Applicant: Donald Elder. Project: In accordance with Lake County Code to allow the construction of a 1,200 sq. ft. storage building. Project planner: Mireya Turner, (707) 263-2221 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Copies of the application, environmental documents, all reference documents, and staff reports associated with each project are available for review through the Community Development Department, Planning Division; Telephone (707) 263-2221.


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Robert Massarelli, Director

By: ____________________________________
Michalyn DelValle, Principal Planner
               

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Mike McGuire, chairman of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture, will convene the 44th annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum Wednesday, March 29, at the State Capitol.

California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird, state Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton Bonham and Eric Sklar, president of the state Fish and Game Commission, headline this year’s list of speakers and presenters.

The forum – “Fisheries in a Changing Climate” – will include presentations and discussion focusing on crab, salmon, lobster, sea urchins, aquaculture, seafood marketing needs and the governor’s proposed damaging increases to commercial fishing landing taxes.

The agenda features presentations by state agency leaders, commercial and recreational fishing representatives, aquaculture producers and fish processors.

“We have to protect and preserve California’s fisheries and we’re deeply concerned about the future based off of threats from the federal government and the exorbitant fees being proposed by the governor’s office,” McGuire said. “Next week’s joint committee will be focused on the current state of the fleet and aquaculture industry, along with a look to the future and how we can work together to ensure its historic success.”

In addition to the disastrous seasons for crab, salmon, urchins and sardines, which are the result of poor ocean conditions the last few years, the Department of Fish and Wildlife recently proposed an excessive increase in commercial fish landing taxes to augment the department’s budget – a topic that will be raised at next week’s fisheries forum.

“Balancing a $20 million Fish and Wildlife budget shortfall on the shoulders of our commercial fishing industry – with landing tax increases exceeding 10,000 percent – is simply unacceptable and we will fight this proposal,” McGuire said.

The hearing begins at 12:30 p.m. and will be held in Room 2040 of the Capitol. The public is welcome to attend the hearing. There is no cost to attend.

The hearing will be live-streamed via the Senate web site: http://senate.ca.gov/ .

For more information about the Fisheries Forum visit the Committee Web site at: http://fisheries.legislature.ca.gov/ .