Lake County News,California

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: Tami Cramer; Posted On Tuesday, 12 April 2016 01:08; 12 April 2016

High school mountain bikers still going strong

030616mtnbiketeam LAKEPORT, Calif. – By now, most people in Lake County have seen the charred remains of Boggs Mountain Demonstration Forest being hauled off to saw mills for salvage after the devastation done by the Valley fire.

Along with the destroyed homes and properties, the county lost an invaluable recreation area – at least for a while.

The result has meant a challenging year for the high school mountain bike teams. It’s hard to train for races on trails when there are not many to ride and a wet winter hasn’t helped.

Despite this challenge, the Clear Lake and Kelseyville High School mountain bike teams are still going strong. In fact, they are excited to be racing alongside the newly formed Middletown High School team as well.

Our season opener was on March 6 at Fort Ord, a decommissioned US Army base turned National Monument just north of Monterey.

The NorCal league is so large – nearly 1,000 riders this year – it is split into two conferences competing over two days.

Saturday’s race encountered some serious wet weather but the rains ended and the skies parted for nearly perfect riding conditions for us on Sunday.

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The sandy soils drain well providing well-packed and smooth trails. Riders raced two to five laps, or 10 to 25 miles. Each lap was 4.5 miles with 600 feet of climbing.

Although the teams had no one in the top five at Ft. Ord, standouts of the day included Kia Kohler (KHS-JV girls) who pulled off 12th out of 32.

Christian Lindsey and Justin Perez (KHS frosh boys) finished strong in the upper third of their field, managing to pull ahead despite starting at the rear of the pack of 63.

For a couple of the more experienced riders, it was a slower start.

Moving up to varsity means serious competition for Jeffrey Morton (CLHS), who realized how tough it is to crack into the top five, placing 12th of 25.

Two of the Clear Lake riders also were fighting the terrible flu that went around the county, one going to the hospital in Salinas with strep.

Other riders competing included Solano Dominguez and Gabe Wind (CLHS JV boys), Tanner Morton (CLHS Frosh boys), Zoë Cramer (CLHS Sophomore girls) and Edina Balazs (KHS JV girls).

Edina, a foreign exchange student from Hungary, was super pumped just to be a part of the excitement that is NorCal High School racing by completing the challenging race.

With race No. 1 complete, eyes were opened, new goals made, and sites set on the next race March 19 at Granite Bay State Park on Folsom Lake. Unfortunately, fewer local athletes competed at this event.

A 6.3-mile lap with 700 feet of climbing, Granite Bay is fast and flowy with granite outcroppings and a treacherous sand pit among oak trees and grasses.

Racing between two to four laps, the local girls started strong.

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Kia Koher (KHS JV girls) moved up finishing ninth in her class and newcomer Rainey Vanoven (CLHS Frosh girl) finished 10th.

“It was so much fun,” said Rainey. “I can’t wait to do it again.”

Things changed as the freshman boys got out.

Justin Perez ended up dropping out of the race after a mechanical with his back tire and Christian Lindsey (KHS) broke his chain halfway through his last lap, running in the last two miles with his bike to finish 20th.

Fully recovered from the flu, Solano Dominguez (CLHS JV boys), made a big comeback finishing 11th out of a field of 71 and Gabe Wind (CLHS) finished 34th.

Jeffrey Morton stayed consistent in his four laps to maintain 12th position out of 30.

The young riders returned to action again on April 9 back at Fort Ord (moved from Vacaville). For full details about the NorCal league, visit their Website at www.norcalmtb.org .

Like the teams on Facebook at Lake County High School Mountain Bike Teams.

Tami Cramer is coach and team director for the Clear Lake and Kelseyville High School mountain bike teams.

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: Morgen Wells; Posted On Tuesday, 12 April 2016 00:50; 12 April 2016

Sutter Lakeside Hospital celebrates National Volunteer Week

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Nancy Helldorfer has spent her life in the hospital.

From helping as a candy striper, to serving as a nurse for 42 years, to joining the auxiliary, she has continuously devoted her time to others.

“My mother and great aunt were nurses, as is my daughter,” said Helldorfer. “I started as a candy striper at age twelve, and then became a nurses’ assistant. All I ever wanted was to be a nurse, so it was a natural progression to become an RN. I enjoy the hospital environment and interacting with staff, patients, and administration.”

Post-retirement, Helldorfer still spends hours a week at Sutter Lakeside.

“Volunteers are an essential part of the hospital. I’m proud to be a part of a group that goes out of their way to serve the community,” said Helldorfer. “We’ve also established a scholarship fund for employees to encourage a new generation of nurses, and promote professional growth within Sutter Lakeside.”

President Richard Nixon established National Volunteer Week in 1974, and every president since has issued a proclamation during the month of April urging Americans to strengthen their communities by giving back.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital has reason to celebrate: because of its dedicated team of volunteers, it can provide equipment and services to patients that we otherwise couldn’t.

In the last 10 years alone, auxiliary has helped furnish the Family Birth Center suites and Surgery Center waiting room, helped purchase the life saving Telestroke equipment, and funded countless other pieces of equipment that improve patients’ experiences with Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

According to Helldorfer, volunteering offers something for everyone.

“Socialization is a big part of Auxiliary; we visit patients with the Comfort Cart, make baby baskets for the Family Birth Center, work in the Surgery Center waiting room, and staff the gift shop. Most volunteers don’t have a clinical background because it’s not necessary,” she said.

Volunteering comes with a host of benefits as well.

“Giving back keeps us young – it’s good for the mind and soul. Taking care of others feels great and enhances life. It benefits everyone,” Helldorfer said.

Our four-legged furry friends are also an integral part of Sutter Lakeside’s volunteer force.

The canine companions who visit the hospital bring comfort and happiness to the patients who are away from their own pets.

The dogs and their owners also visit the Emergency Department waiting room, a place that is often synonymous with tension and frustration.

The mood-boosting pet rounding drastically improves patient experience and creates a more relaxing environment during an otherwise stressful time.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital volunteers exemplify what it means to give back and improve our community.

If you or someone you know is interested in Sutter Lakeside Hospital volunteer opportunities, please contact Morgen Wells at 707-262-5121, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Morgen Wells is community relations and fund development specialist at Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Sunday, 10 April 2016 02:46; 10 April 2016

Gibson Museum second anniversary celebration May 14

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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A bang-up celebration – literally – has been set for the observance of the second anniversary of Middletown’s Gibson Museum & Cultural Center.

“A Look at Life in the 1860s” will be the focus of the event, which takes place on Saturday, May 14, beginning at noon.

The decade was dominated by the American Civil War. In recognition of the 19 Civil War veterans in Middletown Cemetery, a mini-Civil War will erupt on the fields behind Middletown Mansion just north of town.

Two authentically portrayed skirmishes between the Union and Confederacy, contributed by the American Civil War Association, will highlight activities.

Although the actual battles were far removed from California, passions here were high. Some Californians were drafted, many others voluntarily joined the war.

Gene Poleno, Lake County historian, will be on hand to share tales of local participation and other little-known information about the war will be offered.

Gibson’s look at the 1860s will also display the fashions, foods and foibles of the times.

Organizers are expecting Scarlett O'Hara – as depicted by Hidden Valley Lake resident Lori Cantrell – to be on hand. Hors d’oeuvres representative of the period, by Julie Hoskins of Chic Le Chef, will be offered along with a local wine.

A "dressing demonstration” by Barbara White of Kelseyville, long-time collector of Victorian era clothing, will show guests how much work it was for a proper lady in those times to get dressed to go out.

Music reminiscent of the era will be offered by David Neft on piano, and by Don Coffin and Andi Skelton on guitar and fiddle, respectively.

Sponsorships of this event will help generate funds to insure continued operation of the museum. Calpine At The Geysers has offered to match early sponsorships up to $1,000. Sponsors will be recognized in promotional efforts and during the course of the activities.

Advance ticket prices are adult, $60; senior, $50; student, $25; children under 10, free. If available, tickets at the gate will be $65, $55 and $30.

Tickets may be ordered online at www.Gibsons2ndAnniversary.com , purchased at Middletown Florist (21037 Calistoga in Middletown Plaza), or by calling Linda Moran at 707-987-2045 or Judy Kauffman at 707-987-2433.

: Editor; Posted On Tuesday, 12 April 2016 00:55; 12 April 2016

'Maison du Maroc' to be featured in May garden tour

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club's “Hidden Gardens of Lake County” tour is Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The “Maison du Maroc,” located near Lakeport, will be one of five gardens featured.

This is a true “renaissance property” with a panoramic view of rural farming countryside below.

Creative and artistic ideas were inspired by a trip to Morocco in the 1970s. The property was designed as an animal sanctuary and is landscaped primarily with plantings in containers for water conservation and because of rocky soil. A majestic fountain and container water features on the front patio attracts local wildlife.

You also will enjoy plants including succulents, orchids and goldfish pond as you walk through the conservatory to the back patio. The back patio also has container plantings and a beautiful view of Clear Lake.

Tickets are $25 each and will be available beginning on April 13 at Main Street Nursery and Flowers by Jackie in Lakeport; and Bird Brain Designs in Kelseyville.

To purchase tickets by mail, call Nora at 707-263-5803.

For further information, log visit www.clttgc.org or call tour chair Debra at 707-367-0815.

The Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club is a member of the Mendo-Lake District of the California Garden Club Inc.-Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 11 April 2016 18:08; 11 April 2016

Structure fires in Lucerne, Clearlake Oaks displace residents

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Northshore Fire Protection District firefighters responded to two separate fires on Sunday morning and Monday afternoon that displaced residents.

At 9:15 a.m. Sunday, firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 4178 Country Club in Lucerne, according to Northshore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos.

The fire occurred in a modular home. The home's sheetrock helped slow the spread of the fire, Beristianos said.

The fire destroyed a room and its contents, and resulted in smoke damage throughout the rest of the house, displacing its five residents, Beristianos said.

The fire killed a dog, but two to three puppies were saved, he added.

Beristianos said the fire is being attributed to an electrical issue.

Then, on Monday at around 3 p.m., Northshore Fire personnel responded to Everglade Boulevard in Clearlake Oaks on the report of a fire there, according to radio reports.

Beristianos said units arriving on scene found a travel trailer – parked in the front yard of a home – that was on fire.

Radio reports indicated that firefighters quickly knocked down the fire, which Beristianos said destroyed the trailer.

A young man was living in the trailer, Beristianos said.

Units at scene called for Red Cross to assist the trailer's resident with clothing and other needs, according to scanner traffic.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: Kathleen Scavone; Posted On Sunday, 10 April 2016 01:34; 10 April 2016

The Living Landscape: Love those lizards

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“Nature is an infinite sphere of which the center is everywhere and the circumference nowhere.” – Blaise Pascal

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Spring is one of the best times of year to observe the antics of Western Fence Lizards, or bluebellies.

These interesting reptiles like to stake a claim on their territory and vie for a mate in a most macho fashion.

The males will circle one another, and set about performing reps of studly push-ups before they tackle and wrestle one another. The winner gets the female.

I contacted reptile expert, Gary, at the www.CaliforniaHerps.com Web site to inquire about the lizards in photos I took for this article.

Gary replied, "This is my favorite time of year because people send me pictures like yours. The lizards are Northwestern Fence Lizards and the reason they look so blue is because they are both males and they are having a territorial dispute. It's mating season and males show off their bright colors and extend their blue throats to intimidate each other. When that doesn't work, they chase and bite each other until one runs off. It's stressful for the lizards but I have enjoyed watching the combat because the lizards are so pre-occupied that they ignore the threat of a large human trying to take pictures of them."

The Western Fence Lizard appears out of hibernation during late winter or early spring, and likes to sun himself, usually on a nearby stone, or, as its name implies- on a fence.

They are cold-blooded creatures, and come in a variety of colors: gray, tan, brown or black. These scaly critters grow to a length of more than 8 inches.

Western Fence Lizards are diurnal, or active during the daylight hours. Western Fence lizards breed after their second year, producing clutches of three to 17 eggs during the months of April to July. The baby lizards use an egg tooth to break free from their eggs.

Western Fence Lizards have been know to live three to five years. They instinctively and quickly scurry away from predators like birds and snakes, and can drop their tails if threatened, as a decoy to then allow for a hasty retreat. If the unlucky lizard is attacked, its tail flops about, drawing attention away from the lizard.

Lizards reserve the tail-drop routine strictly as a last resort, as re-growing a tail uses valuable stores of energy.

Lizards are beneficial in that they eat large quantities of bugs, ants, flies and spiders.

Scientists have learned that where lizards live, Lyme disease is lower. It has been proven that there is a protein in lizard blood that kills the Lyme disease bacterium, and renders the ticks safe from carrying Lyme disease.

Love those lizards!

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is an educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also writes for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.

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: Editor; Posted On Tuesday, 12 April 2016 00:54; 12 April 2016

McGuire stands in strong opposition to beach fee proposal

NORTH COAST, Calif. – State Sen. Mike McGuire continues to be adamantly opposed to what he called State Parks' short-sighted proposal to enact fees on some of Northern California’s most cherished public beaches.

On Monday he submitted a letter urging the California Coastal Commission to deny this latest proposal and focus on revenue measures to bring long-term stability to the State Parks system which has been starved of funds for years now.

“The plan deters public access to some of the most cherished public beaches in Northern California. We should be in the business of opening up our coast to all residents, no matter their socio-economic background and this plan stifles many who live paycheck to paycheck from visiting our beloved coast,” Sen. McGuire said. “Rather than taking a piecemeal approach, which this plan is, we should be introducing a statewide funding proposal that would eliminate the need for any beach fees to be established.”

The Coastal Commission will make a decision on the diversity and access issue on Wednesday in Santa Rosa when the beach fees proposal comes to a vote.

Coastal Commission staff has recommended denying the proposal, and Sen. McGuire agreed with the staff summary that states: “The program not only reduces (as opposed to maximizing) coastal public access parking, it also equates in some ways to a prohibition on beach access at these locations unless you can pay a fee which disproportionally impacts persons of low income.”

Like many coastal regions north of the Golden Gate, the Sonoma Coast is isolated due to the lack of public transit.

Adding yet another barrier will hurt visitor numbers, and it will have an impact on the local economy.

Several Coastal Commissioners have said they want visitors who enjoy the coast to be more diverse, and Sen. McGuire believes enacting fees on the Sonoma Coast would have the opposite effect of their stated goal.

“Californians deserve a park system that is open to all,” Sen. McGuire said. “Rather than continuing this tired battle which is inconsistent with the Coastal Act, let’s work together on a plan that will bring financial stability to our beloved parks for generations to come.”

Sen. McGuire represents the entire North Coast from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including all of the state beaches where, if approved, fees would be charged at eight parking lot facilities limiting access along 35 miles of the Sonoma County coastline.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 11 April 2016 00:30; 11 April 2016

Lakeport Planning Commission to consider fence variance, lot line adjustment

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Planning Commission will meet this week to discuss matters including a fence variance, the application for a lot line adjustment, the progress report on the city's housing element and an update on projects awaiting city approval.

The commission will meet beginning at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

Commissioners will discuss an application from Arnold and Denise Pomeroy for a fence variance at 410 Fairview Way.

The Pomeroys are asking that the city allow an additional 3-foot hog wire fence located on top of an existing 3-foot wood fence, which would create a 6-foot fence along Sayre Street and replace the existing 6-foot fence along the eastern property boundary.

Also on the agenda, Ruzicka and Associates has applied for a lot line adjustment to reconfigure two adjacent legal lots of record located at 1405 S. Main St. and 100 Kimberly Lane.

In other business, the commission will review the housing element annual progress report for 2014 and 2015.

City staff also will give the commission an update on projects pending approval by the Lakeport Planning Department as of April 7.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Sunday, 10 April 2016 00:51; 10 April 2016

Helping Paws: Dozens of dogs in need

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control just finished a special weeklong adoption event, but it's still bursting at the seams with animals that need homes.

Nearly 50 dogs are listed for adoption as this week begins, with some of them urgent cases because they've been waiting so long.

This week's adoptable dogs include mixes of American Bulldog, border collie, Boston Terrier, boxer, bullmastiff, cattle dog, Chihuahua, Doberman, hound, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, terrier and pit bull.

Lake County Animal Care and Control is adopting out dogs this week with a $50 discount – waiving the county adoption fee portion and costs for microchipping. There will will be costs for spaying and neutering dogs.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

2bwmalepit

Male pit bull terrier mix

This young male pit bull terrier mix has a short white coat with black markings.

He is in kennel No. 2, ID No. 4697.

3achihuahuas

Female Chihuahuas

These two female Chihuahuas have short multicolored coats.

They're in kennel No. 3a, ID Nos. 4636 and 4637.

4blacklabpitmix

'Luther'

“Luther” is a male pit bull terrier mix who is in urgent need of a home, as he has been at the shelter since Feb. 28.

He has a short black coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said he is great with other dogs, both male and female, is very sweet and while he gets excited he doesn't jump on people.

He walks well on a leash and has basic commands.

In addition, he allows handling of his ears, mouth, paws and allowed nail trimming, has no food guarding, avoided cats and didn't mind the horses.

He's in kennel No. 4, ID No. 4511.

5boxermix

Female boxer mix

This female boxer mix has a short gray coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said she needs basic leash training, but is manageable for her size. She also allows handling of her ears, mouth, paws and body, and tolerated nail clipping without pulling away.

She has no food aggression, and would do great in a home with no cats. Staff said she has been tested with another dog and got along well.

They believe she will be happiest in a quiet home and will form a very strong bond with her handler.

She's in kennel No. 5, ID No. 4551.

6calilab

'Cali'

“Cali” is a female Labrador Retriever.

She has a short yellow coat.

She's in kennel No. 6, ID No. 4683.

7bwcattledog

Cattle dog-pit bull terrier

This male cattle dog-pit bull terrier has a short white coat with black markings.

He's in kennel No. 7, ID No. 4694.

8maleshepherdnew

Male shepherd mix

This male shepherd mix has a short brown coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said he needs leash training but is very manageable, and in the play yard came when called when food was used as a motivator. He doesn't know basic commands yet, but did volunteer the behavior when another dog was doing it for treats.

He has no food aggression towards people or dogs, and allows handling of ears, mouth, paws and tail without any problems. He avoided the cats.

He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 4560.

9asheppup

Shepherd-Rottweiler mix puppy

This female shepherd-Rottweiler mix puppy has a short tan and black coat.

She's in kennel No. 9a, ID No. 4713.

9bmastiffpup

Shepherd-bullmastiff mix puppy

This female shepherd-bullmastiff mix puppy has a short tan coat.

She's in kennel No. 9b, ID No. 4714.

9cmastiffpupnew

Rottweiler-bullmastiff puppy

This female Rottweiler-bullmastiff puppy has a short black coat.

She's in kennel No. 9c, ID No. 4715.

9dmastiffpup

Shepherd-bullmastiff mix puppy

This female shepherd-bullmastiff mix puppy has a short tan coat.

She's in kennel No. 9d, ID No. 4716.

9dmastiffpup

Shepherd-bullmastiff mix puppy

This male shepherd-bullmastiff mix puppy has a short tan coat.

He's in kennel No. 9e, ID No. 4717.

9frottpup

Shepherd-Rottweiler mix puppy

This male shepherd-Rottweiler mix puppy has a short tan and black coat.

He's in kennel No. 9f, ID No. 4718.

9grottpup

Rottweiler-border collie puppy

This male Rottweiler-border collie puppy has a short tricolor coat.

He's in kennel No. 9g, ID No. 4719.

9hmastiffpup

Border collie-bullmastiff puppy

This male border collie-bullmastiff puppy has a short black and white coat.

He's in kennel No. 9h, ID No. 4720.

9imastiffpup

Rottweiler-bullmastiff puppy

This male Rottweiler-bullmastiff puppy has a short black coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 9i, ID No. 4721.

11rottbordercollie

Rottweiler-border collie mix

This female Rottweiler-border collie mix has a short black coat with tan and white markings.

She's in kennel No. 11, ID No. 4722.

12malebrownwhitepit

Male pit bull terrier mix

This male pit bull terrier mix has a light brown and white coat.

He's in kennel No. 12, ID No. 4608.

13dobieshepherd

Shepherd-Doberman mix

This female shepherd-Doberman mix has a beautiful black and brown coat.

She's in kennel No. 13, ID No. 4638.

15labpups

Labrador Retriever mix puppies

These Labrador Retriever mix puppies have a variety of coat colors – black, brown, chocolate and brindle.

There are three females and one male.

They are in kennel No. 15a, 15c, 15d and 15f, ID Nos. 4674, 4678, 4679 and 4681.

16daisy

'Daisy'

“Daisy” is a female American Bulldog.

She has a white coat with some black markings.

Shelter staff said she is great with other dogs and loves to play. She is very well-mannered and does not require much exercise, and is an all-around fun girl.

Because she is already spayed and current on vaccines, her adoption fees will be very low.

She is in kennel No. 16, ID No. 4564.

4whitemalechi

Male Chihuahua mix

This male Chihuahua mix has an all-white coat.

He's in kennel No. 17, ID No. 4591.

18puppies

Labrador Retriever-pit bull mix puppies

These four female Labrador-Retriever mix puppies come in a variety of colors.

They're in kennel No. 18, ID Nos. 4574, 4575, 4577 and 4581.

19asnowball

'Snowball'

“Snowball” is a female Chihuahua mix with a short tan and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 19a, ID No. 4705.

19smokeysandy

'Smokey' and 'Sandy'

“Smokey” and “Sandy” are two Chihuahuas in need of a new home.

They are in kennel No. 19b and 19c, ID No. 4706 and 4707.

19dthor

'Thor'

“Thor” is a male Boston Terrier mix.

He has a short black coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 19d, ID No. 4708.

21houndlab

Hound-Labrador Retriever mix

This female hound-Labrador Retriever mix has a short white coat with black markings.

She's in kennel No. 21, ID No. 4641.

22buddynew

'Buddy'

“Buddy” is a handsome male Labrador Retriever-hound mix with a short tricolor coat.

He is in urgent need of a new home because he has been at the shelter since Feb. 25.

He was assessed with every dog in the kennel and loved them all, although shelter staff said he would do best in a home without livestock, small dogs or cats.

Shelter staff said he is a very well-mannered, tolerant dog with low energy.

He's in kennel No. 22, ID No. 4487.

24bronco

'Bronco'

“Bronco” is a male cattle dog mix.

He has a short white and brown coat.

Shelter staff said he needs some basic training and has a lot of potential.

He's in kennel No. 24, ID No. 4592.

25graypitmix2

Female pit bull mix

This female pit bull mix has a short gray and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 25, ID No. 4588.

27brownpit

Male pit bull terrier mix

This male pit bull terrier mix has a short brown coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 27, ID No. 4673.

28labpuppy

Labrador Retriever puppy

This male Labrador Retriever mix puppy has a short black coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said he would do well in a home with no male dogs.

He's in kennel No. 28, ID No. 4423.

30maleblacklab

Male Labrador Retriever

This male Labrador Retriever has an all-black coat.

He's in kennel No. 30, ID No. 4711.

31brottpup

Rottweiler-mastiff puppy

This female Rottweiler-mastiff puppy has a short black coat.

She's in kennel No. 31b, ID No. 4620.

31crottpup

Rottweiler-mastiff puppy

This female Rottweiler-mastiff puppy has a short black coat.

She's in kennel No. 31c, ID No. 4621.

31drottpup

Rottweiler-mastiff puppy

This female Rottweiler-mastiff puppy has a short black coat with white markings.

She's in kennel No. 31d, ID No. 4622.

31erottpup

Rottweiler-mastiff puppy

This female Rottweiler-mastiff puppy has a short black coat.

She's in kennel No. 31e, ID No. 4623.

31frottpup

Rottweiler-mastiff puppy

This male Rottweiler-mastiff puppy has a short black coat.

He's in kennel No. 31f, ID No. 4619.

31hrottpup

Rottweiler-mastiff puppy

This male Rottweiler-mastiff puppy has a short brindle and white coat.

He's in kennel No. 31h, ID No. 4625.

32rosieboxerpit

'Rosie'

“Rosie” is a female boxer-pit bull mix.

She has a short brown brindle coat with white markings.

Her adoption fee will be less expensive due to already being spayed.

She's in kennel No. 32, ID No. 4670.

33brownhound

Hound mix

This male hound mix has a short tan coat with white markings.

He's in kennel No. 33, ID No. 4712.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: Editor; Posted On Tuesday, 12 April 2016 00:51; 12 April 2016

Carley Helton Jr.

carleyheltonobit

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Carley Allen Helton Jr. passed away suddenly on the evening of April 5, 2016.

To his family he was known as Dad, Grandpa and Uncle.

Born Feb. 6, 1951, in Grundy, Virginia, to Carley and Birchie (Dales) Helton, he was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Uvia Merrill Mead and Jackie Jones; stepson, Raymond Burns; and stepdaughter Amy Burns Nelson of Clearlake.

After living in the Bay Area from the age of 3 he and his wife moved to Lake County in 1995 to enjoy fishing and a slower pace of life.

He worked in the auto body and paint business since he was 15 years old ane he retired in 2003. His passions were cars and his boat.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Helton; daughter, Shannon Durbala (Tom); sisters, Melba Jones and Debra Ashe (Randy); brother, Richard Steven Helton (Juanita); stepson, Clint Burns (Tammy); stepdaughters, Christine Burns and Laura Norton; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Many who knew him loved him and will miss him. God came down and said your pain is gone now and took him to Heaven. We will meet again, Sweetheart.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 16, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Young’s Street in Middletown at 1 p.m.

Services entrusted with Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Lake, telephone 707-994-6417.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 11 April 2016 00:30; 11 April 2016

Purrfect Pals: 'Chip,' 'Tanner' and a tuxedo

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Three cats are waiting this week for new homes at Lake County Animal Care and Control.

The cats – two males and a female – all are domestic short hair mixes.

In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).

24tannercat

'Tanner'

“Tanner” is a young male domestic short hair mix with a buff-colored tabby coat.

He's in cat room kennel No. 24, ID No. 4671.

28chipcat

'Chip'

“Chip” is a female domestic short hair mix cat with gray tabby and white coat.

She's in cat room kennel No. 28, ID No. 4669.

49graytuxcat

Male domestic short hair mix

This handsome male tuxedo cat has a short gray and white coat.

He's a tall and talkative guy, who likes to give head bonks.

He's in cat room kennel No. 49, ID No. 4686.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Sunday, 10 April 2016 00:48; 10 April 2016

'Healing Star' quilt block installed in Kelseyville

lcqthealingstar

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Quilt Trail has installed the “Healing Star” quilt block at Specialty Care and Surgery Center in Kelseyville.

Dr. Paula Dhanda owns the center, located at 5685 Main St.

Based on a traditional star pattern, this quilt design incorporates the World Wide Healing Hands’ logo.

Dr. Dhanda has been medically serving Lake County for 25 years as a gynecologist and surgeon.

She founded Worldwide Healing Hands after a medical mission to Chad, Africa, in 2009. She witnessed firsthand the lack of access to medical care for many women and children.

For more information regarding her honors, awards and medical missions – both in Lake County and other parts of the world – visit www.worldwidehealinghands.org .

The Lake County Quilt Trail is an agricultural and tourism project designed to promote community pride.

The 4-foot by 4-foot quilt block “Healing Star” was drawn and painted by the Lake County Quilt Trail team from the design suggestion given by Dr. Dhanda.

LCQT is a group of dedicated volunteer quilters, graphic artists, painters, writers, carpenters and a
videographer.

For more information about the Lake County Quilt Trail visit www.lakecountyquilttrail.com or visit the group on Facebook.