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Last year, Rep. Thompson was the first member of Congress to introduce passenger rights legislation.
“We need to ensure that when passengers set foot on a plane, they will be treated fairly and humanely,” said Congressman Thompson. “This bill will also help airlines develop standards so that they can have a plan in place to deal with extended tarmac delays. Obviously preventing extended delays by improving airport infrastructure and upgrading the air traffic control system needs to happen. But no matter what, we need to make sure that passengers will not be held in uncomfortable and unsafe conditions.”
Congressman Thompson’s bill, the companion to legislation introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), would require:
Airlines to provide passengers with food, potable water, comfortable cabin temperature and ventilation, and adequate restrooms while a plane is delayed on the ground.
Passengers be offered the option to safely deplane after sitting on the ground for three hours. This option would be provided every three hours, should the plane continue to sit on the ground.
The creation of a consumer complaint hotline run by the Department of Transportation (DOT) so that passengers can alert the agency about delays.
DOT to review and approve contingency plans developed by the airlines. DOT would also be allowed to fine air carriers and airports that do not submit or comply with contingency plans.
Last Congress, the Passenger Bill of Rights introduced by Congressman Thompson was included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization passed by the House of Representatives.
Similar legislation was included in the Senate version of the FAA reauthorization, but was blocked on the Senate floor.
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UPPER LAKE – Lynne and Bernie Butcher, owners of the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Saloon & Café in Upper Lake, are pleased to announce the addition of two experienced managers to their staff.
Travis Lipscomb joins as hotel general manager while Teresa Lynn Cook is director of dining and events at both the saloon and hotel.
“We’ve got a great hotel and restaurant here,” said Bernie Butcher, “but Travis and Teresa, together with chef Mark Linback, will definitely take us to the next level of quality and service.”
A Hidden Valley resident since 1989, Teresa Cook is well known in Lake County culinary circles. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in hospitality and food and beverage management and completed the Saga Corp. Management Training Program.
She managed the service staff at the Hidden Valley Golf Club before becoming food service director at Robinson Rancheria in 2005.
“Robinson is a big operation and I’m proud of what we did there,” she said. “But the unique facilities and great staff at the Blue Wing and Tallman are second to none in the county. I’m really excited about what we can offer our customers here.”
To help them get started, the Butchers originally employed a management company, but the business has been independently managed since the middle of last year.
Bernie Butcher said that the need for a general manager arose when their long-time operations officer Megan Robnett decided to move to Sacramento.
“Megan did a great job,” he said, “and we were fortunate that Travis was available just at the right time to assume on-site leadership. He’s exactly the systems-oriented general manager we were looking for.”
Lipscomb lives a block from the hotel in Upper Lake with his wife Shalean Smith and their young children. Smith also works part-time at the hotel as marketing manager.
Lipscomb's diverse experience includes food service in the military, commercial real estate with CPS Country Air and Coldwell Banker in Lakeport, and – most recently – he has been managing the Players Club at Robinson Rancheria. He’s very familiar with all sorts of computer and management systems.
“The Tallman and Blue Wing are both top quality,” noted Lipscomb, “and so far I really like the challenge of continuing to build the reputation of the business throughout the county and the country.”
The Tallman Hotel is located at 9550 Main St., Upper Lake; telephone, 707-275-2244; e-mail,
The Blue Wing Saloon and Café is located next door at 9520 Main St.; telephone, 707-275-2233; e-mail,
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The task force will act as liaison between the industry and the department in matters relating to equine health and economic data.
“California’s equine industry touches every part of this state – from companion and competition horses to working equines and rodeos,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “This task force will assist the department in addressing important issues impacting the equine industry.”
The Equine Advisory Task Force is a 12-member committee established by the secretary following a recommendation from the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
The task force is intended to increase the collaboration between the industry and department on equine issues. Members receive no compensation.
“We look forward to hearing from the task force as it works with the department in addressing some of the key issues facing the equine industry,” said Al Montna, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “The social and economic value of this industry is an important component of California agriculture.”
Members of the Equine Advisory Task Force:
Sandy Arledge, Sandy Arledge Quarter Horses Inc.;
Dr. Jerry Black, Pioneer Equine Hospital, Inc.;
Mike Boitano, California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association;
Don Burt, Equestrian Consultants Inc.;
Dr. Greg Ferraro, University of California, Davis, Center for Equine Health;
Bob Fox, industry consultant;
Vince Genco, Pacific Airlift Inc.;
Ruth Gerson, Recreation and Equestrian Coalition;
Ross Jenkins, California Cattlemen’s Association;
Christopher Korby, California Authority of Racing Fairs;
Frank Vessels, Vessels Stallion Farm LLC;
Johnny Zamrzla, Showdown Rodeo Inc.
CDFA’s Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division provides services to protect public health and protect the health of California’s livestock and poultry.
The department’s equine programs regulate the interstate movement of horses into California; establish controls for domestic and foreign disease concerns; and deter the misuse of drugs in show and sale horses.
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CLEARLAKE – The Lake County Marketing Department has contracted with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce to facilitate the Lake County booth at the Bay Area Travel Show held in Santa Clara this month.
The show will take place Jan. 24 and 25.
The chamber will be running an hourly raffle at the booth to encourage attendees to fully check out Lake County information.
They are looking for the following suggested items: local wine and accessories, local giftables, prepackaged walnut and pear edibles, fishing and sport, gift certificates, rock hound, birding, framed Lake County photos or art and local lore. The chamber would like items that showcase Lake County .
If you or your business would like to donate items to be used for the raffle, please contact the Clear Lake Chamber at 994-3600.
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