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 at various locations from Sayre Avenue to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue through Friday, Oct. 28. One-way traffic control will also be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 1five-minute delays.
 
Highway 29

– Pavement marker replacement from .3 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., or from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 53

– Rocky Fire cleanup from Crawford Avenue to 40th Avenue will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1
 
– Bridge deck repairs at the Brush Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 101
 
– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. A northbound lane restriction will be in place. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.
 
– Bridge rail upgrades at the South Willits Overhead will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in both directions from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

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

– Emergency culvert repairs just north of the north Willits railroad crossing will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 7 days per week. 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.

– Emergency hazmat cleanup near Dora Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-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).

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Finch Gardens will host an afternoon of seasonal wreath making fun on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m.

All materials will be provided and amazing refreshments will be prepared by the catering team.

All ages are welcome.

For just $25 you can take home your own personally created wreath to enjoy.

Please call early to make your reservation at 707-279-9400 or go to www.finchgardens.com .

Finch Gardens is located at 6565 Live Oak Drive, just past the church on Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville. Keep going until you see the Finch Gardens sign. They are just across the street.

As a resident of the Lower Lake area, but no longer in District 1 (because of redistricting) I am still very much concerned with the outcome of the election for District I supervisor.

I am a longtime acquaintance of candidate Monica Rosenthal and strongly encourage District 1 residents to vote for her.

Monica is hardworking, well-informed and dedicated to this beautiful place we call home.

Check out Monica’s Web site, www.monicaforsupervisor.com to learn about her many accomplishments and her caring concern for all of Lake County.

Roberta Lyons lives in Lower Lake, Calif.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Jesse James Spurling, 36, died on Friday, Sept. 30, 2016, at his Clearlake home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
 
Jesse was born on Nov. 5, 1979.
 
He attended school in Ukiah, but the first of his three bouts of cancer resulted in him leaving school when he was in his first year of high school, and his subsequent health issues prevented him from returning.
 
Later, he became a client at People Services, which is dedicated to providing services to people with disabilities and improving their quality of life.
 
He loved doing volunteer work for North Coast Opportunities and the local senior center, and participated in commodities distribution.
 
His favorite pastimes included camping and fishing, and other outdoors activities. Rodeos and “anything cowboy” also were favorites. He liked watching sports with his brothers and cooking or shopping with his sisters. Jesse also enjoyed dancing and listening to all kinds of music, but primarily country western.
 
He was a sweet, loving and generous person. When his sister Dawn was finishing her bachelor's degree, he encouraged her and made her stay focused on her studies by kindly asking her, “Is your homework done?” if he thought she might need a reminder. He attended her graduation this past May.
 
In June Jesse went with Dawn and several of their friends to Hawaii. It had been one of his longtime dreams to dance the hula with real hula girls. He got to do that and so much more on the trip. Several times during the trip he remarked about the it being a “dream come true.”
 
When he became ill for the last time, the staff at People Services worked with Jesse’s family to make another dream of his to come true, for him to graduate. He had never had the opportunity to graduate from anything because of his health, yet he had worked hard, always tried his best and continued to learn throughout his life.

Once they started planning, many others joined in, volunteering their time to make this a success. It was complete with cap, gown and tassel. Not only did he receive a diploma but he was also presented with a certificate of appreciation from North Coast Opportunities for all of his volunteer work in Lake County. Afterwards the Lake County band “Fogg” played while everyone celebrated.

Jesse loved life and never sorry for himself. Even when he was ill he was busy trying to take care of those around him. His family said he did not want others to be sad for him.
 
He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Goodwin.
 
Survivors include sisters, Dawn Spurling of Clearlake and Sandie Pickens of Kelseyville; brothers Mike Spurling and Rich Spurling, both of Ukiah; aunt, Freda Spurling of Clearlake; nieces, Fawnell Dale, Emalee Pickens, Taylor Spurling and Heather Young; nephews Cody McLeod, Jake Spurling, Michael Spurling and Robert Spurling; and numerous cousins.
 
A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Clearlake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 14490 Uhl Ave. Requested attire is Hawaiian or something colorful, as he wouldn't want people to wear dark, sad colors.
 
A small reception with root beer floats and popcorn will be held after the service.
 
Donations in his memory may be made to People Services Inc. in Clearlake, 4195 Lakeshore Blvd., which did a great deal to help him enjoy a good quality of life.
 
Cards and messages of condolence for the family may be sent to PO Box 153, Clearlake, CA 95422.

The job of a Lake County Supervisor is not part-time. Rather it is a role that encompasses a huge variety of duties and a colossal commitment of time on the part of the person willing to take it on.

It takes an engaged and patient listener to all people and an understanding that it is not just about addressing the concerns of district constituents, but that of making decisions which affect the lives of all Lake County residents.

A supervisor is one of five elected to the board that acts as a governing body overseeing the operation of our county government. Therefore, one who chooses to apply for this role should have a general understanding of the workings of government and the budgets that drive each county department.

The job of supervisor requires a willingness to partner with county department heads to solve problems and to have an understanding of what each department can and cannot do.

It takes a person who has the time, ability and desire to address complex issues in order to be educated and adequately prepared at board meetings. And it requires a willingness to work as a team with other supervisors for the greater good and not for personal gain or agenda.

The job of supervisor in any district requires a full-time commitment to being available and on top of the issues that affect not just one district, but all five.

It takes a willingness to work with business and community groups toward improving the tools that support our people and drive our economy. It takes an open-minded listener to city council members and local officials in order to understand common needs and goals of our communities.

It requires a broad understanding of issues that involve law enforcement, public safety, public services, health care, transportation, the environment, our lake, the homeless, our business economy, land use, watershed issues, our educational system and so much more.

It takes someone with “life experience” who understands the hardships and struggles that the majority of our Lake County residents face every day; having empathy and understanding of those who fight just to get by. It takes someone with a lot of time to give and who can admit to not having the answer but assist with finding out who does.

I’ve known Martin Scheel for many years and have watched him suffer through the loss of his business due to an accident five years ago, only to bounce back as an effective city councilman and mayor; a tireless community volunteer; and a huge advocate for our fire recovery victims and for rebuilding the business economy in our county.

Martin has formed valuable connections with county and state leaders in an effort to better the future of Lake County. He has an impressive understanding of the workings of government and the issues affecting not only District 4, but all of us in Lake County.

I’ve personally watched Martin prepare himself for the role of supervisor for a very long time. He doesn’t make vague promises or offer gimmicks but offers realistic ideas and common sense plans to face the challenges ahead of us.

I would encourage voters to consider each candidate’s ability to add the rigorous demands of being an effective supervisor to their existing roles and responsibilities. The residents of District 4 deserve a candidate who can fill the role, and not just the position.

Melody De Leon lives in Lakeport, Calif.

Jerry A. Toler
1943-2016

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Jerry A. Toler left us unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in Clearlake.

Jerry was born in Morton, Wash., and came to Fortuna, Calif., in 1946. His family were loggers and logged a lot of Humboldt County.

Jerry graduated high school in Fortuna then served his country by joining the US Navy after graduation. He went to diesel school at Great Lakes after boot camp then nuclear power school in Vallejo.

He served three tours of duty in Vietnam in the “Brown Water Navy” and was honorably discharged in 1975 on a Friday then went to work for MINSY (Mare Island Naval Shipyard) on Monday servicing Navy submarines.

He moved to Lake County in 1980.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Lois; a brother, Robert; children, John (Carol), May, Cathy and Denise; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; niece, Jennifer; and nephew, Kevin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Emma Toler; a grandson, Manuel; and granddaughter, Brandy.

Jerry loved drag racing and had his own car, on which he loved working on to make it go faster. He had it up to 125 miles per hour. He also loved to fish on the ocean, river, lake, boating and waterskiing when we were younger. He played music for years as a hobby and therapy.

He was a Life Member of the VFW Post 2337, Loyal Order of the Moose, Elks Lodge 2299 BPOE, NRA, NHRA.

Memorial services will be held at the VFW Post 2337 in Clearlake on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 2 p.m. Military honors will be rendered by the US Navy and the Lake County Funeral Honors Team.

Another memorial service will be held at the Elks Lodge No. 652, 455 Herrick Ave., Eureka, CA on Sunday Nov. 6, beginning at 1 p.m. Military honors will be rendered by the Mad River Community Veterans Honor Guard.

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel. Please share your loving memories of Jerry by signing his online guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Join the fun at Middletown Art Center for the “Me, Myself & I” self-portrait exhibit on Saturday, Oct. 29, with a reception from 6 m. to 8 p.m.

Lake County residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a juried show highlighting the investigation of self in many and varied forms.

The exhibit runs through Dec. 4.

Self-portraits have a long and illustrious tradition in art. Throughout much of their careers, Rembrandt and Van Gogh had only themselves as a model. Each artist struggled with mood, perception, color and angst to capture what was in that moment.

However, a self-portrait can be more than surface representation. A self-portrait can be a glimpse into an aspect of the artist; an overriding philosophy of that artist; a nagging emotion, a glimpse of something unexpectedly discovered, an obsession.

Certainly, traditional paintings are a very viable form, but MAC hopes to push the envelope of tradition by reexamining what a self-portrait is or can become.

As part of the art exhibit, the gallery’s interactive room invites you to draw your own self-portrait on mirrored walls.

During the opening, Brian Ward will be on site with “The Mind Tree,” an interactive sound sculpture that allows participants to manipulate and control the emotional mood of their sonic surroundings. Refreshments will be available to enjoy.

The Middletown Art Center is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts and economic and community recovery in South Lake County after the 2015 fires.

Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 State Highway 175 in Middletown. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday; noon to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.; or by appointment.

For more information visit www.Middletownartcenter.org .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Members of the Clear Lake Junior Horsemen were in their glory this last weekend enjoying an old tradition of camping with their families and their horses. 

A three-hour trail ride – led by Brenna Sullivan and two of her favorite endurance riding cohorts, Jennifer Whoo and Kim Ross – was the highlight of the weekend at Cowboy Camp on Highway 16.

It was a spectacular 10 mile ride through creeks and beautiful golden hills where the scorched areas, burned by recent fires, were also a sight to behold, the kind of thing you have to see to believe.

Junior Horsemen members helped get horses squared away for the evening and set up tents before enjoying a delicious meal in front of the campfire and s’mores and hot chocolate after dinner.

It was a magical night under the stars and oh…what a frosty morning! It was a wonderful excuse to get the campfire started again and nothing beats a cup of coffee by the fire on a Sunday morning.

Another member and his family joined us on Sunday for breakfast and a shorter ride  before we packed it all up to head home. 

Only a few Junior Horsemen were able to attend this first campout, but they have paved the way for many more to come. It was an outstanding opportunity for parents to bond and the fabric of the the club is beginning to reweave itself into something they can be proud of.

They are looking forward to more Junior Horsemen and their families being with them in the coming year as this becomes a regular outing.

The club also is pleased that they are acquiring a very knowledgeable and experienced group of supporters who really enjoy their time with the club. 

If you know a young, up-and-coming rider who would like to join the club, they meet on the third Monday of every month at MSquare Farms at 3150 Bell Hill Road in Kelseyville at 6 p.m.

For more information please call Helen Finch at 707-279-9400.

UKIAH, Calif. – Physicians, staff and community leaders left with a sense of excitement after a check presentation in mid-October that raised more than $130,000 in funds to go towards development of the new Family Medicine Residency Program scheduled to start in June 2018.

The program will help to attract family medicine doctors to the area to pursue graduate medical training at Ukiah Valley Medical Center, or UVMC.
 
The community based organization Family Medicine Education for Mendocino County, or FMEMC, presented a check in the amount of $45,000, raised by the Rural Health Rocks concert event featuring Michael McDonald earlier this year.

Robert Werra, MD, of the Mendo Lake Medical Foundation also announced they would be providing a check in the amount of $20,000 for a grand total of $65,000.

Gwen Matthews, president and chief executive officer of Ukiah Valley Medical Center, went on to announce that UVMC would match these amounts, bringing the total funds raised to $130,000.
 
“It’s refreshing to see so many partners coming together to help make the Family Residency Program in Ukiah a reality,” said Matthews.

She thanked FMEMC and Mendo Lake Medical Foundation for their dedication and support, “Deepest thanks to both organizations for their generous donations and grassroots work they’ve done for the future of health care in Mendocino County.”
 
The Family Medicine Residency Program is part of a long-term solution to bring more highly skilled family medicine doctors to the community.

Studies show that 60 to 80 percent of physicians who undergo training in a geographic area typically stay and practice medicine in the same town after their training is complete.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to offer a curriculum that will challenge residents to be thought leaders in a rapidly changing health care environment both in the clinic and hospital setting,” Matthews said.
 
For more information about the local Family Medicine Residency Program or the Family Medicine Education for Mendocino County organization, contact Daphne Macneil, president of FMEMC, at 707-463-2878 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .