Why tag large trophy trout?

Question: A friend caught a tagged fish in Deadman’s Creek near Glass Creek in Mono County. The tag was on the top fin of the fish, orange in color, about one inch long and slightly thinner than a spaghetti noodle with black printing on it. The message on the tag read: “CA DFW TROPHY – DO NOT REPORT.”

What exactly does this mean? (Paul and Gloria W.)

Answer: This was likely a derby fish from Crowley Lake that migrated upstream. According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Fisheries Environmental Scientist Nick Buckmaster, “CA DFW-Trophy" floy tags are put on broodstock (or any large trout) that CDFW's Fish Springs Hatchery releases in an effort to show the fishing public that CDFW does stock fish larger than the usual “catchables.” Many of these fish go to “special waters” for tournaments or events.

According to CDFW Fish Springs Hatchery Manager Matt Norris, who oversees the hatchery that stocks Deadman Creek, we do not have record of any trophy trout being stocked in Deadman Creek, but broodstock have been placed into the Upper Owens River and Crowley Lake (downstream of Deadman Creek).

In spring many of our Eastern Sierra rainbow trout move into smaller headwater streams (such as Deadman Creek) to spawn, and this may be the case here.

CDFW’s Eastern Sierras hatcheries, especially Fish Springs, have been placing floy tags on broodstock, or super catchable, fish to inform the public that CDFW is stocking larger fish than the usual two-to-four-pound fish.

Crabbing from jetties

Question: I have a question regarding crabbing on jetties. I have a valid sports fishing license and I am wondering if I can use more than two rods on the Pillar Point jetty?

I’ve always thought there are no limits on the number of rods that can be used for ocean fishing, besides on public piers and special targeted species regulations.

I will be mainly using crab snares with six loops. Is a valid fishing license even required to fish on jetties? (John)

Answer: If a jetty meets the definition of a public pier, no license is required but there are gear restrictions.

“On public piers, no person shall use more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs” (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 28.65).

“A public pier is a publicly owned manmade structure that has the following characteristics: is connected, above the mean high tide, to the main coastline or to the landmass of a named and charted natural island; has unrestricted free access for the general public; and has been built or currently functions for the primary purpose of allowing angling access to ocean waters. Additionally, publicly owned jetties or breakwaters that are connected to land, as described above, that have free unrestricted access for the general public and whose purpose it is to form the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor are public piers. Jetties, breakwaters, promenades, sea walls, moles, docks, linings, barriers and other structures that are not the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor, are not public piers” (CCR Title 14, section 1.88).

In this case, the two outermost jetties at Pillar Point Harbor meet the definition of public piers. The inner jetties do not meet the definition as they are not the most seaward protective boundary, and the harbor district currently does not allow fishing from them.

For any jetties or piers that do not meet the definition of a public pier (as in section 1.88), anglers need a fishing license and are able to use as many lines or other appliances as wanted, per regulations.

Documentation needed to collect and keep antler sheds?

Question: I work on a ranch with a lot of property. Among the wildlife on the property, there are a lot of deer. Whenever I hike around I find antler sheds. I was wondering if it is legal for me to take them, and if so, what documentation would I need to keep them? (Lindy K., Sacramento)

Answer: It is legal to collect antlers that have been naturally shed or dropped by deer or elk in California. No documentation is needed to possess them. Keep in mind that everything in nature is recycled. Many mammals, rodents in particular, gnaw on shed antlers as they are valuable sources of calcium and other micronutrients.

Recognize that if you remove it from the field, you are denying that source of nutrient. Next time you find a shed antler, inspect it closely and you will often see teeth marks from these animals.

Also, be sure to check local regulations because some areas (e.g. most parks) do not allow collecting of sheds in areas under their jurisdiction. Fish and Game Code, section 3039(c) provides the authority to have them and sell them.

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. .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Loris Yiskis passed peacefully on March 27, 2016, at 85.

Preceded in death by husband Clifford Yiskis and daughter Rhea Ellis.

Survived by daughter, Renee Yiskis; son, Louis and his wife Lori; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Loris loved supporting Clifford's racing career roadsters to super modified. Both will be missed.

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE (Rated PG-13)

The “X-Men” universe, yet another superhero cinematic adaptation from Marvel Comics and the fertile imagination of Stan Lee, got off to a roaring start on the big screen sixteen years ago under the direction of Bryan Singer.

In the intervening years since the film debut of “X-Men,” there have been so many sequels, prequels and spinoffs that even the most dedicated fan likely would be hard-pressed to give a complete rundown of every title, let alone the storylines.

What is a known quantity is that director Bryan Singer returns for the fourth time, following the most recent franchise predecessor “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” with the spectacularly bombastic “X-Men: Apocalypse,” which might be expected based on the title alone.

Outside the hardcore fan base for Marvel and even non-Marvel superheroes alike, there’s a growing awareness, or at least there should be, that the excess of the superhero genre is trending towards a sense of fatigue.

The newest chapter of “X-Men” does not help alleviate that public feeling of sheer exhaustion. So many new and old characters are tossed into the mix that the result is a disorganized mess that can only thrive on the audacity of excessive violence and destruction.

In terms of style and approach, “X-Men: Apocalypse” is arguably not that much different from the graphic and violent clashes of the warring factions of superheroes recently on display in “Batman v Superman” and “Captain America: Civil War.”

The real difference between “X-Men: Apocalypse” and many of the most familiar superhero franchises is that the X-Men are mutants with superpowers, and while some of them qualify for heroic deeds, there are others committed to the dark side of their abilities.

An example of the latter is the titular character of Bryan Singer’s newest blockbuster adventure. Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac, unrecognizable under layers of special makeup) is a tyrannical malcontent long dormant beneath an Egyptian pyramid for several millennia.

The year is 1983, during the height of the Cold War, and the invincible and immortal Apocalypse has been awakened from his tomb by devoted followers chanting for his resurrection. Discovering he’s no longer treated as a god, Apocalypse’s ensuing rage has disastrous consequences.

Seeking to destroy humankind by launching every country’s nuclear missiles in order to create a new world order, Apocalypse assembles a team of powerful mutants, putting together Four Horsemen to unleash devastation.

Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto (Michael Fassbender), a mutant who has previously worked both sides, is seen living a quiet life in exile in Poland, with a wife and young daughter. But his identity is compromised and things go horribly wrong for the whole family.

Fueled by rage and revenge, Magneto is vulnerable to mad villain Apocalypse’s offer to join him on a mission to destroy the Earth. Others recruited to the cause are mutants living on the margins as the result of being ostracized.

An orphan raised as a thief on the streets of Cairo, Storm (Alexandra Shipp) possesses the ability to control all aspects of the weather. Meanwhile the fierce Psylocke (Olivia Munn) is a powerful telepath and trained ninja assassin who’s also the sexiest mutant.

The Fourth Horseman is Angel (Ben Hardy), whose mutation gave him large wings and the ability to fly. Angel’s agility and strength made him lethal, but after suffering damage to his wings, he is like an angry punk rocker.

Aligned against Apocalypse on the side of preserving humanity are Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence), who gains her superpowers as the blue-skinned shapeshifter Mystique.

Professor Xavier has rededicated himself to building his School for Gifted Children as a safe haven for mutants learning how to control their powers. The young students soon find out that their X-Men training has to be hastened to a quick pace.

A most promising new student is Scott Summers (Tye Sheridan), aka Cyclops, who must come to terms with his own powers, which allow him to shoot powerful optic blasts that can only be contained by wearing custom dark glasses.

Sophie Tucker’s Jean Grey has the dual powers of telepathy and telekinesis, but as a teenager, her powers are out of control and she must learn to put them in check for her own safety and that of the other students.

An interesting newcomer to Xavier’s school is Kurt Wagner (Kodi Smit-McPhee), aka Nightcrawler, whose demonic-looking appearance, blue skin, yellow eyes and long, barbed tail, made him an outcast well before the emergence of his mutant powers, which include superhuman agility and teleportation. But, at least, he brings some comic relief.

“X-Men: Apocalypse” is filled with a large ensemble cast where some characters are too easily diminished. One of the main staples of the X-Men universe returns for only a cameo appearance, and it’s powerful though very brief.

Talk about overlooking an important person, it should be noted that Rose Byrne is back as CIA operative Moira MacTaggert, a sympathizer and advocate for mutants who realizes the stakes in fighting Apocalypse.

In the final analysis, “X-Men: Apocalypse,” consumed with mutant wars and annihilation on a grand scale, offers little that is revelatory or exciting in carrying the franchise to the next level. It’s an action picture skewed entirely to its existing fan base.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

New research from North Carolina State University shows that implementation of Medicare Part D has increased the number of people taking their prescribed medications as directed – so-called “medication adherence” – and reduced the likelihood that newly covered beneficiaries develop high blood pressure.

“These findings highlight how important health care access is to health outcomes,” said Jeffrey Diebold, an assistant professor of public administration at NC State and author of a paper describing the work. “Given the amount of money we’re paying for Part D, it’s good to know there are tangible benefits.

“This is especially relevant in light of recent reforms and proposals put forth by presidential candidates, such as allowing the federal government to negotiate with drug companies on pharmaceutical prices, which would increase access to prescription coverage,” Diebold said.

Medicare is designed to provide health care coverage for all U.S. citizens over the age of 65. Medicare Part D, which was implemented in 2006, expanded prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. Prior to Part D, approximately 30 percent of Medicare beneficiaries lacked prescription coverage and had to pay for prescription drugs out of pocket.

Most of these individuals are now covered under Part D, meaning that they pay less for their prescription drugs.

“The implementation of Part D should have improved medication adherence, since the drugs became more affordable,” Diebold said. “I wanted to know if this happened, and whether Part D actually reduced health risks for seniors. Prior work had shown a decrease in hospitalization rates, but no one has looked at markers related to specific health outcomes.”

For the study, Diebold examined data from 2000 to 2010 on 1,700 Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, Diebold looked at self-reported health status and incidence of new high blood pressure diagnoses. High blood pressure is not a disease in itself, but significantly increases a person’s risk for heart disease or stroke.

“I found a significant and sustained improvement in self-reported health outcomes after the implementation of Part D,” Diebold said. “I also found a 50 percent reduction in cost-related nonadherence to drug regimens. Before implementation, 14 percent of people reported disruptions to medication adherence due to the cost of prescription drugs, and that dropped to 7 percent after implementation.”

In addition, according to Diebold’s estimates, Part D is responsible for a 5.6 percent reduction in the prevalence of high blood pressure. The reduction in new diagnoses is responsible for this improvement.

The improvements were concentrated among those newly covered beneficiaries who were continuously enrolled in a Part D plan after the establishment of the program in 2006.

Many of the conditions treated with medication require continuous use of the medication in order to be effective. By remaining covered, these individuals were more likely to take their medications as directed over time, which maximized their health benefits.

“These findings highlight the need to make coverage more affordable and more comprehensive,” Diebold said. “Recent provisions included in the Affordable Care Act should improve the program along each of these dimensions and build on the improvements evident in this analysis.”

The paper, “The Effects of Medicare Part D on Health Outcomes of Newly Covered Medicare Beneficiaries,” is published in Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Cache Creek Catering and Lake County Wine Studio present a monthly food and wine series featuring gourmet appetizers paired with select Lake County wines. 

Locally produced foods are proudly featured as key ingredients in recipes created by Cache Creek Catering.

The series is held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. Reservations are required and include a 30-day complimentary membership to the Local Cuisine Scene (LCS) Club.

Club members will be offered private pairings, pairing consultations, special private catering rates, access to recipes and first option for seatings at LCS for members and their guests.

Friday, June 10, will feature food pairings with Lake County Rosé wines.

The first pairing will be Sol Rouge Rosé with a salad of red quinoa, farro, strawberries, fresh peas and spinach, with orange-shallot dressing. 

The second pairing features Olof Cellars Rosé of Barbera with an herb crusted pork tenderloin with plum pan sauce and Cippolini onions over creamy polenta. 

The dessert course will be watermelon fruit ice with lavender shortbread paired with Gregory Graham Rosé.

For reservations and additional information, contact Susan at 707-293-8752.

The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The 1963 adventure drama “The Great Escape,” starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough and Charles Bronson, screens at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport on Tuesday, June 14, at 1 and 6 p.m.

Based on a true story of Allied prisoners plotting to break out of a Nazi detention camp in World War II, the film is particularly notable for Steve McQueen’s portrayal of the irreverent “Cooler King” and for his spectacular motorcycle chase scene in which he performed his own stunts.

The movie is sponsored by the Law Office of Judy Conard, the Law Office of Mary Heare Amodio and John H. Tomkins Tax Consultants. Unrated with run time of 2 hours 50 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. – Michael (Mike) E. Armstrong of Lakeport passed peacefully on May 27, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family after a short illness.
 
Mike worked for the California State Department of Corrections for 27 years. He loved his family, friends, flying and his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Mike was an active member of Mendocino County Harley Owners Group, taking many a ride with his fellow HOG members.
 
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Talley and Betty Armstrong, and his grandmother, Geneva Hafner.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Josh and his wife Shelly Armstrong; son, Jared Armstrong; granddaughter, Rylie Armstrong; and sister-in-law, Judy and her husband Forrest Carrico.
 
A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 1625 N. High St. in Lakeport, on Sunday, June 12, at 2 p.m.
 
The family prefers donations be made to Hospice Services of Lake County in his memory.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-262-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The next free household hazardous waste dropoff event will be held Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at Lake County Waste Solutions Transfer Station and Recycling Yard, 230 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport.
 
Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Households can bring up to 15 gallons of toxic items free of charge. Fees will be charged for amounts over 15 gallons.

Items that are accepted include paint, solvents, fuels, five-gallon propane tanks (empty), pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, batteries, fluorescent light tubes (up to 60 linear feet) and other toxic materials that cannot be put in the trash.

Items that cannot be accepted include televisions, computer monitors, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials or infectious wastes.

To learn how and where to properly dispose these items, please visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us or contact the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980.

Household hazardous waste dropoff services are provided to Lake County residential households by the Integrated Waste Management Division of the Lake County Public Services Department and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle).

Businesses also are welcome to use this convenient service to properly dispose of hazardous waste and protect our environment, however, businesses must pay for this county-funded service and first make an appointment. Business appointments can be made by calling Lake County Waste Solutions at 707-234-6400.

Beginning in June, ask about receiving a free puncture-proof sharps container at one of these events to use for free sharps disposal.

Free recycling options for residents and businesses:

· Recycled paint is available to both residents and businesses at Lake County Waste Solutions and South Lake Refuse and Recycling Center first-come, first-served basis in five gallon containers. Colors include tan, brown, gray and pink.

· Used motor oil and cooking oil can be dropped off by businesses and residents, at Lake County Waste Solutions, South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center, and the North Shore Fire Protection District station at 6257 Seventh Ave. in Lucerne. Visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us for more locations.

· Electronics (e-waste) can be dropped off at Lake County Waste Solutions and at South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center.

Lake County Waste Solutions
230 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport
888-718-4888 or 707-234-6400
Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
www.candswaste.com

South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center
16015 Davis St., Clearlake
Open daily, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
707-994-8614
www.southlakerefuse.com

The free Household Hazardous Waste drop off program is subsidized by the Lake County Public Services Department, Integrated Waste Management Division and CalRecycle as a public service to Lake County households.

For more information about recycling, reusing and reducing, visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us , call the recycling hotline at 707-263-1980 or like Lake County Public Services on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LCPublicServices?fref=ts .

SACRAMENTO – A bill by Assemblymember Bill Dodd (D-Napa) which aims to protect students and teachers during earthquakes took an important step forward this week, passing the state Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support.

Dodd’s bill would require school districts in seismically active zones in California to ensure that the contents of their classroom, like heavy bookshelves or filing cabinets, comply with state earthquake safety guidelines.

"Earthquakes are a part of life in California. We can’t count on earthquakes to strike outside of school hours, and we can’t afford to wait for tragedy before we take common sense steps to protect our children and teachers,” said Assemblymember Bill Dodd. “I’m thankful my fellow Assemblymembers rallied together to advance classroom safety.”

In August of 2014, Assemblymember Dodd’s district and hometown of Napa was rocked by a massive 6.0 earthquake.

Inspections of Napa schools following the South Napa Earthquake revealed significant damage inside classrooms, totaling millions of dollars.

The shifting contents and blocked exists could have been life-threatening had the earthquake occurred during school hours. These findings are not specific to Napa. Similar results have been identified following numerous earthquakes throughout the state.

The notion of securing classroom contents is not new to California. The state of California has already invested time and resources into creating guidelines for securing the contents of classrooms in the event of an earthquake.

However, there is currently nothing in state law that requires school districts to adhere to the established guidelines produced by the Division of the State Architects.

Dodd’s legislation, AB 1783 would require that all seismically active school districts in California proactively inspect school contents and equipment to ensure they are within state guidelines.

“What we found after the Napa Earthquake was alarming … we found classrooms that we couldn’t even get inside because things had fallen in the doorway,” said Don Evans, member of the Napa Valley Unified School District, who testified in support of Dodd’s bill earlier this year. “We believe the preventative approach is the way to go and we believe future damage is controllable.”

Following the South Napa Earthquake, the Napa Valley Unified School District completed an inspection of its facilities and addressed the issues that were identified. While some other school districts have taken these steps, many have not.

Dodd’s bill now advances to the state Senate along with his measures to promote gender pay equity and increase water storage and reliability. Both of which also passed the Assembly this week with bipartisan support.

Assemblymember Bill Dodd represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Lake, Solano and Colusa counties. You can learn more about Assemblymember Dodd and the district at www.asm.ca.gov/dodd .