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- Written by: Lake County News reports
WASHINGTON – On Thursday the House of Representatives voted to pass HR 2881, the House Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization.
The bill requires airlines and airports to have emergency contingency plans to take care of passengers who are involved in long flight and tarmac delays, including plans on deplaning after a lengthy delay.
These plans must account for the provision of food, water, clean restrooms and medical care for passengers. The Department of Transportation can fine those who fail to develop or comply with these plans.
“Today, the House sent a clear message to the flying public: everyone has a right to be treated decently and fairly while on a plane or in an airport, especially during excessive delays,” Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), who authored the bill, said in a written statement.
“For too long, we’ve heard story after story of paying customers being subjected to uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe conditions when flights are delayed or canceled,” Thompson said. “Right now, airline passengers aren’t guaranteed access to clean drinking water, food, bathrooms or medical care. They can also be held on a plane for hours on end against their will.”
Thompson said he found those conditions unacceptable, which is why he introduced the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights (HR 1303) in March. That bill requires airlines to provide passengers with the basic necessities during delays and allows passengers to get off the plane when delays became excessive.
Thursday's House vote on those key provisions in the FAA Reauthorization bill is a big step toward securing passenger rights, Thompson reported.
“The inclusion of passenger rights in the FAA Reauthorization bill is a big win,” Thompson stated. “However, we must make sure this legislation not only becomes law, but also does the job. We’ll be keeping a close watch on whether the airlines use this as opportunity to improve the way they treat passengers.”
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
In addition, the legislation includes another provision from Thompson’s bill, which will require airlines to provide passengers with food, clean drinking water, usable bathrooms, proper ventilation and medical care during delays.
“This is a tremendous victory for everyone who flies,” said Thompson. “Right now, passengers have no assurance that they’ll be given basic necessities when planes are delayed. They could be kept on planes against their will for hours and hours. I introduced the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights because I believe passengers deserve to be treated decently and fairly when they fly, especially when there are excessive delays. The language in the FAA Reauthorization is a huge step toward making that happen.”
Since Thompson introduced HR 1303 in March, excessive airplane delays have continued and the public’s outrage has grown. With the help of the Coalition for an Airline Passenger Bill of Rights, Thompson has added 49 Members of the House as co-sponsors to his bill.
Inclusion of HR 1303’s key provisions in the FAA Reauthorization demonstrates Congress’ determination to improve the airlines’ treatment of passengers, and it is a victory for the flying public.
“Millions of Americans depend on the airlines for work and pleasure, and we want to make sure they can continue to serve us,” added Thompson. “I think this bill will help the airlines by providing an industry standard for the treatment of passengers.”
A manager’s amendment to the FAA Reauthorization requires the airlines and airports to submit their plans for handling delays to the Department of Transportation (DOT); however, the DOT may establish minimum standards for the plans. Within nine months of the date of enactment, the Secretary of the DOT shall review, approve or require modifications to the plans. If the airlines or airports do not follow their plans, the DOT can impose civil penalties.
“I thank the thousands of people who have joined our effort to create a Passengers Bill of Rights, especially the Coalition for an Airline Passengers Bill of Rights,” said Thompson. “We now need to focus on getting these critical provisions through the House and Senate conference and onto the president’s desk.”
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
Not only will a value-added reseller for the the world's largest and oldest digital signage company be dazzling the crowd with a multimedia presentation, but a representative for the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be on hand to talk about InfraGard.
What is InfraGard? InfraGard is an FBI program that began in the Cleveland Field Office in 1996. It was a local effort to gain support from the information technology industry and academia for the FBI’s investigative efforts in the cyber arena.
The program expanded to other FBI field offices, and in 1998 the FBI assigned national program responsibility for InfraGard to the former National Infrastructure Protection Center and to the Cyber Division in 2003. InfraGard and the FBI have developed a relationship of trust and credibility in the exchange of information concerning various terrorism, intelligence, criminal and security matters.
In addition, there will be local MABA-member vendors present – including Fergusson Cutlery, Middletown Florist and Gifts, Star Gardens Nursery and Hidden Valley Community Church, among others.
For those who missed the Hot August MABA Mixer last month at the Langtry Estate Tasting Room there will be information available on The Foundation Center, Open Road TV and the Tri-Counties Bank's e-Cash Program. Information on the town's Christmas in Middletown festivities and MABA itself will also be available.
As with any MABA Mixer, admission is free and open to the general public. Mixers are always held on the third Thursday of the month, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The local of the mixer varies from one month to the next. Food and refreshments will be provided. There will also be a door-prize drawing (with door prizes provided ONLY by MABA members and special guest vendors).
It is requested that all those planning to attend this mixer RSVP. This helps in MABA's planning and execution of the mixer.
To RSVP, simply visit the Web site www.squidoo.com/MABA and click on the link to the Evite invitation. Then, simply follow the online instructions.
If you have any questions about the event, please call Lamar Morgan at 707-709-8605.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Shannon Ridge, one of the High Valley appellation’s pioneering wineries, is owned by longtime grape grower and vineyard consultant Clay Shannon and his wife, Margarita.
Prior to joining Shannon Ridge, Wood was employed by Langtry Estate & Vineyards for the past 22 years. Most recently he worked as the brand’s winemaker for its California wine line for the last seven years.
Before that, Wood was the production manager for more than 10 years, and served as assistant winemaker at Langtry Estate & Vineyards.
Additionally, he had worked as the winemaker for Mount St. Helena Vineyards and Winery in Middletown for the past six years.
Wood is also the winemaker for his own wine label, Shed Horn Cellars, also located in Middletown.
A longtime resident of Lake County, Wood he lives in Cobb Mountain with his wife Adawn, also an employee at Shannon Ridge, and their two daughters.
“We are happy to welcome Mike to the Shannon Ridge team,” said Clay Shannon. “I am confident that he will be a strong addition to our winemaking family. His expertise in the Lake County wine region will prove to be a valuable attribute.”
In 1995, Clay and Margarita Shannon purchased the mountain property in the High Valley appellation that today is known as Shannon Ridge. They began planting vineyards along the steep volcanic ridges and now have 390 acres of prime vineyards on the ranch. Shannon Ridge released its first wines, made by winemaker Robert Pepi, in 2004.
Wine Business Monthly named Shannon Ridge one of the hottest new wine brands in 2006. The winery currently makes Cabernet Sauvignon (High Valley), Syrah (High Valley), Zinfandel (Lake County), Petite Sirah (Lake County), Barbera (High Valley), Sauvignon Blanc (Lake County) and Viognier (Lake County).
Built in 2004, the Shannon Ridge tasting room is located in an old one-room school house on Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks, adding to the family-owned business authenticity for which the winery prides itself.
For more information, please visit www.shannonridge.com or call 707-998-9656.
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