CORRECTION: THE FORECAST IS FOR SIX TO EIGHT INCHES, NOT FEET, OF SNOW.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) has issued a public advisory for extreme weather conditions forecast for the next several days.

The Lake County area will be subject to a severe weather event over the next three days as a storm system approaches with the potential to drop snow throughout the area and down to lake level, according to the report from Capt. James Bauman.

As much as 6 to 8 inches of snow is expected to accumulate in the mountains and throughout the county starting early Thursday morning and lasting through Friday evening.

During this weather event, OES strongly urges the public to avoid any unnecessary travel. As temperatures fall and winds increase starting late Wednesday or early Thursday, road surfaces may become icy and blowing snow could limit visibility. Even in areas where falling snow turns to rain or sleet, snow or slush accumulations may remain on roadways and present a hazard to motorists.

Lake County Public Safety agencies responded to numerous accidents throughout the county during the last winter storm event on Feb. 17 and OES is advising motorists to refrain from all unnecessary travel when this approaching system arrives.

Those who must drive should use extreme caution. Speeds should be lowered and distances between vehicles should be increased as appropriate. Motorists are encouraged to be equipped with flares, flashlights, a cell phone, a first aid kit, boots and other extra clothing if they must travel.

With increasing winds and decreasing temperatures, those who must leave home should wear multiple layers of clothing and keep their head, ears, and hands covered. Pets should be brought indoors if possible, or otherwise kept in a well-insulated outdoor shelter. Outdoor water dishes should be checked regularly to assure animals are provided with water that is not frozen.

If generator power becomes necessary, OES urges homeowners to first contact PG&E before starting up as utilizing generators can re-energize power lines and potentially cause serious injury or death to responders and utility workers.

OES offers the following public safety tips for severe storms or other adverse weather

conditions:

• Dress appropriately with head and hands covered when going outdoors in temperatures below freezing.

• Bring pets inside and provide shelter for farm animals.

• Have an emergency household supply kit, including nonperishable foods and drinking water stored in bottles or other containers in case water or other utility services are interrupted.

• Ensure flashlights and battery-powered radios are in good working order and have an ample supply of batteries on hand. Candles and other open-flame light sources are not recommended.

• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts strain on the heart, even without exertion. Some winter deaths have resulted from overexertion while shoveling snow or pushing cars stuck in the snow.

• Check on neighbors and relatives. The elderly are particularly susceptible to hypothermia and falls due to icy conditions.

• If there is a power outage, do not call 911. Use a customer service number for information.

• Take precautions to keep pipes from freezing. Consult a licensed plumber or hardware dealer for recommendations on protecting or thawing pipes.

Customer service numbers to keep on hand are:

• PG&E: 800-743-5000.

• ATT: 611 or 866-346-1168.

• American Red Cross: Emergency, 800-696-3873; local office, 707-263-8451.

• Sheriff’s Dispatch Non-emergency: 707-263-2690.

Additional disaster resource information can be found in the local yellow pages of the phone book.

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THIS EARTHQUAKE ORIGINALLY WAS REPORTED AS BEING 4.3 IN MAGNITUDE, WAS UPGRADED TO 4.4 AND HAS NOW BEEN DOWNGRADED BACK TO 4.3.

LAKE PILLSBURY, Calif. – A 4.3-magnitude earthquake occurred Tuesday evening near Lake Pillsbury, with residents on the other side of the county reporting that they felt the temblor.

The quake occurred at 8:49 p.m., according to the US Geological Survey.

Its epicenter was located six miles north of Lake Pillsbury, 16 miles southwest of Alder Springs and 22 miles east northeast of Willits. The US Geological Survey said it was recorded at a depth of 9.1 miles.

The quake was immediately preceded by a 2.8-magnitude earthquake at 8:44 p.m., located on the same epicenter as the big quake but at a depth of 7.1 miles, and a 2.9-magnitude earthquake at 8:45 p.m., at a depth of 4.8 miles but located seven miles north of Lake Pillsbury.

At 9:17 p.m. a 2.4-magnitude quake occurred seven miles north of Lake Pillsbury, followed at 10:14 p.m. by a 2.8-magnitude quake six miles north of Lake Pillsbury, US Geological Survey records showed.

Although quakes measuring in magnitude above 3.0 are more common in the south county area near The Geysers geothermal steamfield, quakes in the Lake Pillsbury area are less frequent.

However, in recent years there have been some sizable quakes near Lake Pillsbury, including a 4.8-magnitude quake in April of 2007 that a seismologist said was the largest there in about 30 years, as Lake County News has reported.

The most recent moderately sized quake reported in the area occurred last August and measured 3.6 in magnitude, according to Lake County News records.

Late on Tuesday evening some area residents posted on Lake County News' Facebook page that they had felt the quake, although the US Geological Survey hadn't received any shake reports by that point.

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THE US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY HAS DOWNGRADED THE INITIAL QUAKE AND UPGRADED THE SECOND.

LAKE PILLSBURY, Calif. – An updated report from the US Geological Survey showed that two earthquakes measuring more than 4.0 in magnitude each occurred just a minute apart Tuesday evening.

A 4.3-magnitude quake occurred at 8:49 p.m. Tuesday, with an epicenter located six miles north of Lake Pillsbury at a depth of 9.4 miles, as Lake County News has reported.

It had been immediately preceded during a six-minute period by three smaller quakes, ranging between 1.6 and 2.9 in magnitude, all located on the same epicenter but at slightly shallower depths.

The US Geological Survey records initially showed several smaller quakes before and after the 4.3 quake.

However, on Wednesday reports were updated to show that a 4.2-magnitude quake occurred at 8:50 p.m., also six miles north of Lake Pillsbury but at a depth of 7 miles.

No shake reports were sent to the US Geological Survey on either of the large quakes, although Lake County News received reports Tuesday evening from county residents who reported feeling a quake.

Since the two larger quakes occurred, US Geological Survey sensors recorded seven other earthquakes in the Lake Pillsbury area from late Tuesday through early Thursday morning, measuring between 1.5 and 2.7 in magnitude.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews , on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .

LAKEPORT – In an effort to positively impact a history of low student performance, the California Department of Education has moved to step in and take control of the struggling Round Valley School District located in Mendocino County by appointing a state trustee.

Chris Thomas, deputy Superintendent for Lake County Office of Education, received a unanimous vote as the chosen candidate and will assume her position as State Appointed Trustee to the Round Valley School District beginning in March.

“Receiving this appointment has been bittersweet,” said Thomas, who has served at LCOE for the past 16 years. “I am excited to take on the challenge of working to improve outcomes for the students at Round Valley; however, it is difficult to say goodbye to the dedicated staff at LCOE.”

Thomas began her career at LCOE as the director of Educational Support Services, became the assistant superintendent of Educational Services in 1997 and in 2007 was appointed to her current position of Deputy Superintendent.

Over the span of her 36-year career, Thomas has received numerous commendations, such as being named Lake County Administrator of the Year in 2000 by the Association of California School Administrators.

Many services now offered through the County Office of Education were initiated or expanded under her leadership, including child development programs, Healthy Start programs, Safe Schools/Healthy Student programs, and curriculum and instruction support services.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Chris Thomas, and a testament to her leadership, experience and expertise,” said Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook. “She has had a significant impact on the County Office of Education, and her shoes are not easy to fill.”

Holbrook added, “However, this situation provides us with a unique opportunity to analyze our current structure and evaluate how to best utilize our resources to serve the students, families and educators of Lake County.”

Holbrook indicated that LCOE will be releasing a reorganization plan in the coming weeks, as well as a report to the community on the Program and Services Review, a process he initiated as a part of his 100 Day Plan for leading the County Office of Education after his election last year.

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Reynaldo Robledo Sr. pours his renowned wine at Wine and Chocolate on Saturday, February 19, 2011. Photo by Gail Salituri.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Now in its fifth year, the annual fundraiser that pairs ultra-premium Lake County Wines with delicious chocolates – the Lake Family Resource Center's Wine & Chocolate Festival – once again attracted hundreds of people who enjoyed an afternoon of decadence on Saturday.

With more than two dozen local wineries pouring one or more varietals that were perfectly paired with a specific chocolate, including locally handmade truffles, event goers also had the opportunities to taste savory bites from local restaurants and caterers, bid on lots at a silent auction and participate in several educational presentations.

The event was once again held at Mt. Konocti Growers, a vast pear shed with many buildings that also is a winery with its own label and is the wine-making facility for many professional and amateur winemakers alike – meaning the cavernous buildings are lined with wine barrels, the perfect setting for such an event.

Each event-goer received pairing and tasting notes for a selection of the varietals poured, as well as a wine tasting comparison chart and a ballot to vote on their favorite pairing, favorite wine, and favorite food.

This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Lake Family Resource Center. It's proved an important source of funding for this nonprofit organization, raising more than $20,000 during previous years.

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Sommelier Stephanie Green and local attorney Doug Rhoades enjoy the fifth annual Wine & Chocolate event in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, February 19, 2011. Photo by Gail Salituri.

Locally produced varietals are lined up for Wine and Chocolate on Saturday, February 19, 2011. Photo by Gail Salituri.

Gloria Flaherty, received the sabbatical from The California Wellness Foundation.

Flaherty will take her sabbatical from Feb. 28 through July 6, 2011.

The Lake Family Resource Center Board of Directors has appointed Lisa Fronsman as interim executive director during Flaherty’s absence.

Fronsman currently serves as the nonprofit's director of finance and operations.

During her time off, Flaherty will take advantage of the time to take a road trip with her mother, reestablish her vegetable, herb and flower gardens, hike and camp, and spend time with her husband and family.

“This sabbatical is a gift that I never expected,” said Flaherty. “It is an opportunity to refresh and reenergize myself and focus priorities.”

The organization has worked hard over the past several years to build leadership within the organization so that it can sustain itself through management changes. Flaherty said this time will be an opportunity to test those systems.

“We have a very capable leadership team and staff, and our board of directors is strong, well-versed and well-trained in monitoring and oversight,” she said.

Eight nonprofit health-sector executives were recognized with The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) Sabbatical Program Award at an October luncheon ceremony in San Francisco. The leadership support program – now in its eighth year – provides eight organizations with grants of $35,000 each to cover salary and other expenses during their executive directors’ sabbaticals, which last a minimum of three months.

The eight executives who received the 2010 sabbatical award are David Ashby, New Morning Youth and Family Services in Placerville; Joan Benoît, Native American AIDS Project in San Francisco; Paula Cohen, Mendocino Coast Clinics in Fort Bragg; Margaret Diaz, Victor Valley Domestic Violence, Inc./“A Better Way” in Victorville; Gloria Flaherty, Lake Family Resource Center in Lake County; Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Community Coalition in Los Angeles; Abdi Mohamoud, Horn of Africa Community in San Diego; and Clare Mounteer, Monterey County Rape Crisis Center in Monterey.

“Executive directors at nonprofit health and human service organizations in California continue to face difficult challenges to meet ever-increasing demands for services in a funding environment that has been deeply impacted by the economic recession,” said Gary L. Yates, TCWF president and chief executive officer.

“The foundation developed the sabbatical program to prevent burnout, promote the health of these executives and provide an opportunity to strengthen these organizations,” Yates said. “We are pleased to recognize these eight dedicated individuals.”

The program was created to support nonprofit leaders and seeks to improve the long-term effectiveness of health-focused nonprofits by providing their executives with the rest they need to continue to direct their organizations’ missions.

Each organization receives $30,000 to cover its leader’s salary during the sabbatical, plus an additional $5,000 to cover expenses related to the professional development of managers and staff who will assume extra responsibilities during their leader’s absence.

Each of the 2010 sabbatical honorees has served in the nonprofit sector for at least 12 years, and most have worked in their current roles as lead executives of health-focused organizations for many years without a significant break.

“These executives have worked selflessly for years in the nonprofit health sector, with little time for rest, reflection or rejuvenation,” said Sandra J. Martínez, TCWF program director. “By recognizing their leadership and supporting their organizations during the sabbaticals, the foundation is helping the safety net improve the health of diverse California communities, now and in the future.”

The California Wellness Foundation is a private independent foundation created in 1992 with a mission to improve the health of the people of California by making grants for health promotion, wellness education and disease prevention.

The foundation prioritizes eight issues for funding: diversity in the health professions, environmental health, healthy aging, mental health, teenage pregnancy prevention, violence prevention, women’s health, and work and health. It also responds to timely issues and special projects outside the funding priorities.

Since its founding in 1992, TCWF has awarded 5,828 grants totaling more than $735 million.

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Ellie Rilla, co-author of "Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California," spoke about agritourism across Europe at the "Growing Agritourism" workshop in Ukiah, Calif., on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Photo by Terre Logsdon.

UKIAH, Calif. – With cutting-edge policies in place to support small family farmers and tourism, Lake County was held up as the agritourism model for the neighboring counties of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte at the recent “Growing Agritourism” workshop.

Sponsored by the University of California Small Farm Program and the University of California Cooperative Extension, the workshop was held in Ukiah on Wednesday, Feb. 16, and drew participants and presenters from across the North Coast region of Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

Agritourism is defined as the, “business conducted by farmers or ranchers on their working agricultural, horticultural, or agribusiness operations for the enjoyment and education of visitors,” that is intended to promote farm products and to generate additional farm income, according to Ellie Rilla, co-author of “Agritourism and Nature Tourism in California,” a book that is practically required reading for any ag operator considering welcoming the public to their farm and presenter at the workshop.

Rillia also was a speaker at the event, discussing agritourism across Europe.

“You don't need a carnival,” explained Karen Bates of the Philo Apple Farm, “just let people see what you do in your daily life on the farm – that's what they want,” and they are willing to pay to participate, she added.

Bates further explained that co-marketing with other area businesses – talking up a nearby hotel, bed and breakfast, or restaurant, and then having them refer guests to you – is a key to success in rural areas that welcome urban tourists who are passionate about knowing and meeting local farmers.

She also cautioned participants to find their balance in maintaining enthusiasm – both for farming and the educating the public.

“If you lose your enthusiasm,” Bates noted, “you have nothing to sell,” and nearby urban areas have thousands – if not millions – of residents who care about local foods from small and sustainable family farms who are willing to buy an experience that you have to offer.

Richard Strom, director of Tourism Development for Visit Mendocino County, said that more than 70 percent of visitors to Mendocino County want locally grown food and many want an on-farm experience.

While exact statistics for tourism to Lake County cannot be generated due in part to a lack of a tracking mechanism – Mendocino County has a partnership between the Mendocino County Promotional Alliance and the Mendocino County Lodging Association that formed Visit Mendocino County, with representative board members and staff, to promote and track tourism to Mendocino County – urban visitors to Lake County should have similar desires.

That's because of the nationwide growth in interest of locally grown food, including the United States Department of Agriculture's launch of the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative.

With a long tradition in agriculture and cutting-edge polices that support agritourism operations, combined with the cleanest air in California, world-renowned Lake County Mountain Pears and walnuts, a rising reputation for award-winning wines, numerous farmers' markets, and two online ordering systems for locally grown foods (www.lakecountygrown.com and www.lakeco-op.org), Lake County is poised to expand agritourism operations as the enthusiasm for local food grows.

Speaking to the challenges of beginning an agritourism operation, Dan Desmond of Perini Ranch and Joey Luiz of Vigilance Winery, both in Lower Lake, noted that startup capital and managing urban visitors expectations to a rural area can be a challenge that requires planning.

Lake County Community Development Director Richard Coel spoke about proposed changes to the Lake County zoning ordinance which would benefit agritourism operators.

The benefits would come in the form of allowing wine tasting on 10-acre or larger vineyard sites without developing an on-site winery with approval of a minor use permit, allowing wine-related special events as part of winery or tasting room entitlement with approval of a minor use permit, relaxing permit requirements for commercial stables on 10-acre and larger parcels with equestrian-oriented special events, and simplifying the farmers' market permit process by allowing a market with a zoning permit at developed commercial and ag sites that have a permitted winery or another agricultural service establishment in operation.

The importance of social media for engaging the public in agritourism venues was presented by Christian Ahlmann of Six Sigma Ranch and Vineyards in Lower Lake.

Ahlmann gave participants statistics on why Facebook is an important tool to use – more than 500 million users, 50 percent of users log in each day, how to use it effectively and more.

He also noted that by connecting and commenting – or co-marketing – on other nearby venues and businesses, it entices your followers to plan their next vacation near you.

The “Growing Agritourism” workshop had more than 30 farmers or ranchers considering agritourism registered, as well as many tourism professionals, current agritourism operators looking for new ideas, and educators in attendance.

The local food movement – also referred to as “regional food” or “food patriotism” – is a “collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies – one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental, and social health of a particular place,” according to Dr. Gail Feenstra, food systems analyst at the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program and the Agricultural Sustainability Institute.

Feenstra offered that definition in “Creating space for sustainable food systems: lessons from the field.” She presented at the“Growing Our Local Food Economy,” in Lakeport, as reported by Lake County News, in October, 2010.

The combination of the passion for local food, tourism, and the stunning natural beauty in Lake County can be an economic benefit to all of Lake County – residents and visitors alike.

For residents, it can mean an increase in food available locally, and for tourists, visiting a Lake County farm can mean an educational experience that can last a lifetime.

In full disclosure, this reporter presented on agritourism Web sites and the importance of listing events and information.

A list of Web sites is included below, where you can learn more about Lake County and other agritourism venues, events, farms and gardens.

www.lakecounty.com/things/Farms.htm

www.lakecounty.com/things/Wines/Wineries.htm

www.lakecounty.com/Accommodations/Type/farm.htm

www.visitredwoodcoast.com

www.calagtour.org

www.sleepinthehay.com

www.sleepinthehay.com

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Early Thursday at about 3 a.m., sheriff’s deputies were conducting a business check of the Konocti Vista Casino in Lakeport when they contacted 30-year-old Jeremy Lee White of Santa Rosa, according to Capt. James Bauman of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

White drew the attention of deputies by exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence, Bauman said.

Bauman said that, subsequent to his detention, White was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Incident to his arrest, deputies seized a 200,000 volt Taser from White’s jacket pocket and suspected methamphetamine from his pants pocket. Bauman said that a subsequent search of White’s vehicle parked outside of the casino revealed several items of stolen property.

A GPS unit, a laptop computer, and a leather laptop bag allegedly found in White's car had all been reported as stolen to the Clearlake Police Department on Feb. 14, Bauman said.

White was booked at the Lake County Jail on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, and misdemeanor charges of being a felon in possession of a stun-gun and being under the influence of a controlled substance, Bauman said.

White was out on bail at the time of his arrest and already had several open felony cases pending adjudication in both Lake and Sonoma counties, according to Bauman's report.

Due to White's alleged continued commission of felonies while out of custody on bond, a bail enhancement of $250,000 was granted for Thursday morning’s arrest and he remains in custody at the Lake County Jail.

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Forecasters warn that Lake County should prepare for another winter storm later Wednesday with snow accumulations expected again down to lake level and more snow at higher elevations.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of Lake County – and much of Northern California – with unusually low snow levels below 1,000 feet beginning late Wednesday through sunrise on Friday morning.

The watch this time includes Lakeport, which during the last week's storms only received a light dusting of snow for a short time, while Clearlake, also at the level of Clear Lake, received several inches of snow with some locations in Clearlake reporting nearly a foot.

San Francisco forecasters also are calling for the chance of snow within the Lakeport city limits, with accumulations in the surrounding hills.

Winds also will be strong – up to 20 miles per hour – with stronger gusts locally, making for more hazardous travel conditions around Lake County with blowing snow.

Wednesday's high temperature will top out near 50 degrees, with temperatures dropping below freezing and increasing chances of precipitation.

Thursday's high temperatures are not expected to climb out of the 30s, with an 80 percent chance of rain and snow and overnight temperatures in the 20s.

Friday is forecast to be even cooler, with snow showers predicted before 10 a.m., but returning overnight into Saturday.

For up-to-the-minute weather information, visit the Lake County News homepage and be sure to sign up for breaking news alerts.

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NICE, Calif. – Two men were arrested late Monday morning for felony burglary within hours of committing the crime at a Kelseyville business.

Taken into custody were Craig Allen Snyder, 50, and Dennis James Blaine, 57, both of Nice, according to a report from Capt. James Bauman of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

At about 7:21 a.m. Monday a hired security guard at the Ag Unlimited business on Finley East Road in Kelseyville called sheriff’s dispatch and reported two men had entered an adjacent warehouse and were stealing property, Bauman said.

Bauman said the suspects fled the area in a white Lincoln sedan before deputies arrived.

When the deputies got to the scene a short time later, Bauman said they learned that the two men had entered the closed business through a gap in the surrounding fence and had allegedly stolen numerous items from inside the business.

While deputies spent the next several hours looking for the suspect vehicle, the investigation revealed that one of the suspects was likely Snyder, Bauman said.

Deputies checked for Snyder’s vehicle at his residence in Nice periodically throughout the morning and, at about 11:30 a.m., they found it parked in front of his house, according to Bauman.

The deputies contacted Snyder and Blaine, and found Snyder’s car was loaded with property allegedly taken from the warehouse, Bauman said.

In addition, Bauman said items stolen from the Ag Unlimited business office were allegedly recovered from inside of Snyder's home.

Both Snyder and Blaine were arrested without incident, Bauman reported.

Both were booked at the Lake County Jail on felony charges of first degree burglary, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

As of late Monday afternoon, both men remained in custody on $25,000 bail each.

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The storms that began on Thursday, February 17, 2011, damaged power equipment, such as this downed pole located near Cobb Mountain Elementary School in Cobb, Calif. Photo by Jennifer McConlogue.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Pacific Gas & Electric company crews were continuing to work through the weekend to restore power to customers who have been without electricity since late last week due to the winter storms.

PG&E spokesman J.D. Guidi said late Saturday that 2,630 customers in Lower Lake, Cobb, Hidden Valley and Middletown still had no power.

Guidi said the majority of the customers waiting for power were in Middletown.

Most of the customers involved had not had power since about 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, Guidi said.

Accessing equipment due to terrain and snow remains an issue, Guidi said.

The company had mobilized crews to make repairs in Lake County, bringing them in from less impacted areas of the state.

“Crews will continue to work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” Guidi said.

He added, “At this time it looks like we expect a majority – if not all – to be restored by Sunday evening at the latest.”

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Lake County on Sunday, warning of low temperatures in the days ahead, but no snow or rain until the middle of the week, when chances of showers return.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews , on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/LakeCoNews .