NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Due to its potential health risks, federal, state and county agencies are urging swimmers, boaters and recreational users to avoid direct contact with or use of waters containing blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), now blooming in a reach of the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake in Northern California.
 
Sampling has confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria (Anabaena spp.) in the upper Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake approximately between the “No Ski” buoy markers near the middle arm and the buoys at the head of the Pit Arm. Wind and currents can move the bloom in the upper Pit Arm.

The presence of toxins has not been confirmed as toxin testing is currently underway. Until toxin testing results are completed, residents and recreational water users of the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake are urged to use caution and avoid getting in the water or letting dogs swim near these bloom areas.
 
Blue-green algae can pose health risks, particularly to children and pets. We urge people to choose safe activities when visiting the affected reaches of the Pit River Arm of Shasta Lake and recommend that people and their pets avoid contact with water in locations with blooms, and avoid swallowing or inhaling water spray in an algal bloom area.
 
The algal bloom appears as bright green in the water with streaks that look like spilled paint. The blooms can also appear as blue-green, white or brown foam, scum or mats that can float on the water and accumulate along the shore.

Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold and flu-like symptoms.

Liver failure, nerve damage and death have occurred in rare situations where large amounts of contaminated water were directly ingested. Pets can be especially susceptible since they tend to drink the water and lick their fur after going in the water.
 
The Statewide Guidance on Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following for blue-green algae impacted waters:

– Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water, swim through algae, scums or mats, or lick their fur after going in the water. Rinse pets in clean water to remove algae from fur.

– Avoid wading, swimming, or jet or water skiing in water containing algae blooms or scums or mats.

– Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water from these areas under any circumstances; common water purification techniques (e.g., camping filters, tablets and boiling) do not remove toxins.

– People should not eat mussels or other bivalves collected from these areas. Limit or avoid eating fish from these areas; if fish are consumed, remove guts and liver, and rinse filets in clean drinking water.

– Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – With epic wartime storytelling at its most vibrant and satisfying, “The Bridge on the River Kwai,” starring William Holden, Alec Guinness and Sessue Hayakawa, screens at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport on Tuesday, July 26, at 1 and 6 p.m.

Made in 1957 and directed by David Lean, the story pits the Japanese commander of a World War II camp in Burma against his prisoner, a British colonel who has been ordered to build a bridge for transport of Japanese munitions.

The film won seven Academy Awards including best picture, actor and director.

The movie is sponsored by Jim Dvorak, Jim’s Back Flow Service. The film is rated PG with run time of 2 hours and 42 minutes.

Entry to the film is by donation.

The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-0577, www.soperreesetheatre.com . 

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On July 1, 2016, Cadillac Pat Sperling lost the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Sue, when she passed away in her sleep.

Sue was born in Santa Monica, Calif., to George and Dorothy Heinz. The family moved to Lucerne in the late 1960s and then to Lakeport.

Sue and Pat met in high school and dated for awhile before she moved to Texas to live with her dad and stepmother. A short time later Pat gave her a call and she moved back to Lakeport where they were married in 1978.

Sue's parents, George and Dorothy, and her brother, William, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Debra Heinz of San Jose; stepmother, Bernice Heinz of Texas; husband, Cadillac Pat and Mickey, their beloved cat.

Many thanks to everyone for their support during this sad time. God bless all of you wonderful people. There will be no services at this time.

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

Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.legacy.com .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Record-sized crowds enjoyed the third annual Californio Days at Rancho de la Fuente on June 12.

Thanks to the generous support of key sponsors Balius Farm Miniature Sport Horses, Highland Springs Equestrian Center, Hooves and Wheels Carriage Club, RB Peters, and Williamson Hay Co., and additional contributions from the California Dressage Society Lake County Chapter, the Lake County Wine Studio, Rancho Californio and Rainbow Ag, this unique historical-education event remains free to the public and is enjoyed by people from all over Lake County and beyond.

Festivities kicked off with the Fiesta of the Horse, an exciting, action-and-comedy-packed two hours of fun under the sun.

There were a dozen different acts this year, including returning favorites like the Hooves & Wheels Quadrille, Lago Claro Peruvian Pasos, Cowboy Mounted Shooting and the Bennett Family Gypsy Horses, plus new additions from the California Dressage Society and White Dog Ranch in Potter Valley.

This fiesta marks the debut performance from Lake County's newest drill team, Random Chaos – a group that proves we are never too old to fulfill our dreams and have fun.

Singer Irma Lopez entertained throughout the fiesta, and following the show, the audience enjoyed good food from Suzie Q's and visited with traditional craftspeople and historic experts such as Bill Eaton of the California Map Society.

At 2 p.m., focus shifted to inside The Barn, where singers with the Red Voices Intertribal Drum provided a moving introduction to the afternoon program.

They were followed by traditional Pomo dancers from Big Valley, organized by Jojo MacLeod, who encouraged the entire audience to join the dance! It was a rare opportunity that was deeply appreciated by everyone who participated.

Dr. John Parker provided background notes for a special screening of the locally produced documentary, "A Walk Through Time, The Story of Anderson Marsh," which tells the fascinating history of 20,000 years of human habitation in the Clear Lake area.

Hundreds of photos from the June 12 event, both the morning and afternoon program, can be viewed at  www.californio.us .

The Intertribal and Pomo contributions greatly enhanced and expanded Californio Days' mission of providing "Edu-tainment" (history education and entertainment combined).

Event producer Deb Baumann looks forward to seeing Californio Days expand with involvement from more groups and individuals in Lake County that are devoted to California history, traditional arts and crafts, or agricultural heritage.

In fact, when asked if she would consider altering the event's name from "Californio" Days (a period of time in the 1800's) to "California" Days, Baumann gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "

Absolutely, yes!” she said. “My personal passion is the Californio period, but we want this event to showcase other aspects of California history and culture. If all it takes is changing one letter, to make the event feel more inclusive, count me in!"

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Construction will occur on Mendocino National Forest roads starting Aug. 1.

Forest visitors should be prepared for traffic delays on the M10 road and a temporary closure on the M6 road while roads are reconditioned and a culvert is replaced.

These measures are necessary to provide for public safety.

Forest officials said they appreciate the public's patience while they are working to improve travel on the forest.

 
Letts Road construction

· Start date: Aug. 1.

· Location: Roads M10, 17N02, 17N09. Between Dixie Glade Campground and Letts Lake Campground.

· Type of work: Roadway reconditioning

· Anticipated hours of work: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Traffic Delays: 30 to 45 minutes.

· Expect to see warning signs in the area. Traffic control devices used on this project will include traffic cones, delineators, barricades and signage.

Trout Creek Road construction

· Start date: Aug. 1.

· Location of Work: M6 Kneecap-Cabbage Patch Road.

· Type of work: Replacing a culvert located at the intersection of M6 road and Trout Creek.

· M6 road will be closed for 90 days. Barriers and signs will be placed at Low Gap (junction of M6 and M61 roads), Cabbage Patch (junction of M1 and M6 roads) and at Sunset Point intersection with M1. As a detour, use M61 and M1 roads.
 
For more information please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) has selected both Tom McFarling and Barry Oselett as its 2016 “Volunteers of the Year.”

The two were recognized at the organization’s general membership meeting that is presented annually by AMIA to update members on the group’s activities and to introduce AMIA’s current board of directors.

“For years both Tom and Barry have always been the first to volunteer for everything from planting and watering oak trees to repairing and painting fences and the AMIA storage shed. They also have helped in cleaning up the Park and the creeks that run through it, and setting up the AMIA displays at many community events such as the County Fair, Earth Day and AMIA’s Christmas at the Ranch open house,” said AMIA President Roberta Lyons.

AMIA is an all-volunteer nonprofit association that cooperates with California State Parks in providing public education about the history of Native American and European habitation at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The group also raises funds to help the State of California operate the park, leads field trips and hosts school groups.

For information about AMIA and its programs, go to www.andersonmarsh.org or contact AMIA at either This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-995-2658.

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 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Paving operations between New Long Valley Road and Gravel Plant Road will begin Monday, July 18. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Drainage work just north of Elk will continue. 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.

Highway 20

– Paving operations between Harmon Lane and the Wildwood Campground 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 between South Route 101 and Old Lake County Road 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.

Highway 101

– Digouts and paving work between the South Willits Overhead and Outlet Creek will begin Sunday, July 17. 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 State Street and Casteel Lane on Friday, July 15. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Paving operations between Sherwood Road and Casteel Lane will begin Tuesday, July 19. A southbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Mowing operations between Ryan Creek Road and Wheelbarrow Ranch will begin Monday, July 18. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– 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.

– 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. through July 8. 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.

– 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 4 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).

SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris on Wednesday issued a consumer alert to Californians regarding home improvement scams.

As summer approaches, many consumers may consider home remodeling, repair, and maintenance projects.

Unfortunately, not all contractors are legitimate and the unwary may fall victim to home improvement scams, which peak during the summer.

Consumers should be aware of their rights under California laws governing home improvement contracts.

This consumer alert provides some helpful tips for selecting reputable contractors, and provides an overview of homeowners’ rights in the event they encounter a home improvement scam.
       
What to look out for

The attorney general offers California consumers the following tips to help them select reputable contractors, and to understand their legal rights.

When selecting a contractor, be wary of unsolicited visits by contractors who claim to just “happen to be in the neighborhood” working on a nearby property or who promise large discounts because they have extra materials left over from other jobs.

Often, these contractors are not licensed, take large amounts of money upfront, and then fail to finish a job or do any work at all.

Instead, seek out contractors recommended by trusted friends or family members. It is wise to shop around, get at least three written quotes, and call all references.

Once you have selected a contractor, check to make sure they are licensed. You can find this information on the Contractors State License Board’s (CSLB) Web site at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ or www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com .

You also can check the Better Business Bureau’s Web site at http://www.bbb.org/ for any complaints about the contractor. A contractor’s license is required for all jobs except minor work totaling less than $500; this minor work cannot be part of a larger project. (Bus. & Prof. Code section 7048.)

If you feel pressured into signing a home improvement contract, California’s Home Solicitation Sales Act (Bus. & Prof. Code sections 1688 to 1693) allows you to cancel the contract within three days.

However, be aware that this law does not apply to contracts for emergency repairs or to contracts signed in the contractor’s place of business.

Always insist on a written contract. Under California law, all home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing. California also requires contract terms to be legible, easy to understand, and to inform you of the right to cancel the contract. The contract must also require any change orders to be in writing and must include a warning regarding mechanic’s liens. (Bus. & Prof. Code section 7159.)

Make sure that the contractor carries the appropriate insurance. Contractors should have personal liability, worker’s compensation (if they have employees), and property insurance. Confirm that insurance is addressed in the contract and ask for copies of insurance certificates if you have any concerns.

Make sure that the contract clearly states that the contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits for the work and that the contractor will comply with all local permitting, building, and zoning laws.

Never pay large amounts of money upfront. In fact, California law generally prohibits contractors from requiring down payments of more than $1,000 or 10 percent of the total contract price, whichever is less. (Bus. & Prof. Code section 7159.) Don’t pay the full contract price until the job is complete and you are satisfied with the work.

In the event that you have a dispute with your contractor, you have four years to file a complaint with the CSLB.

The CSLB administers two arbitration programs for claims against licensed contractors: a mandatory program for claims of $12,5000 or less, and a voluntary program for claims between $12,500 and $50,000.

More information about the complaint process can be found on CSLB’s Web site, http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ .

Helpful resources

To learn more about home improvement scams in general, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Web page on home improvement scams, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor .

The BBB has also published an article with other helpful tips, “Scam Alert – This Home Improvement Deal is Really a Scam: Summer Contracting Scam Tricks Homeowners.”

What to do if you have a problem with a home improvement contractor

If you are unable to resolve a dispute with a home improvement contractor, CSLB provides information on how to file a consumer complaint and its arbitration program.

The Better Business Bureau also provides information on how to file consumer complaints about a particular company.

Finally, the California Department of Justice protects the rights of consumers and collects complaints on scams in order to identify patterns of wrongful activity.

To submit a complaint to the California Department of Justice regarding a home improvement scam, use the following complaint form: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company .