UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Lake County Wine Studio is hosting a wine release party and artist show event with winemaker Scott Simkover of Smiling Dogs Ranch and Santa Rosa artist Randall Jahn featuring his "Gravity" series of space art on Friday, Sept. 5, 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 6, 4 to 7 p.m.
 
The $12.50 ($10/per person for studio club members) wine sampler and appetizers will showcase Smiling Dogs Sauvignon Blanc with melon drizzled with a lemon and verbena syrup, rose of Zinfandel with jalapeño and cherry cream cheese spread, Zinfandel with pork tenderloin and cherry pan sauce, Cabernet Sauvignon with gruyére and red walnut on a dried plum and a bonus taste of Smiling Dogs Fushion Red Blend wine.
 
Fine Art painter, muralist, Faux and outdoor landscaping artist, Randall Jahn is a California native from Chico, now residing in Santa Rosa.

Jahn minored in biology and majored in art at Butte College in Oroville. In the beginning of his artistic endeavors, he worked with colored pencils creating scenes of wildlife. 

His medium changed over the years to painting so that he could explore his ability to capture depth and color.  Jahn's works have been shown at Wyland and Lawrence Galleries, the Marin Maui Expo, the L.A. Art Expo, Las Vegas Art Expo, New York Art Expo. 

In 1994 his images earned the distinguished Sadie Award for Advertising Art and his images of the Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic were on the cover of the Great Western Directory consecutively for three years. 

Most recently, Jahn's latest works of art have been shown at the new Krug Tuscan Event Center in Healdsburg, where the artist himself also painted their walls and ceilings in the faux art style.
 
Smiling Dogs Ranch Winery & Vineyard is a boutique operation located in Kelseyville. 

Winemaker and longtime supporter of the health and arts of Lake County, Scott Simkover recently transitioned from award winning home winemaker to commercial winemaking. 

The wines are made from Lake County fruit grown in the Big Valley, Kelsey Bench and Red Hills AVA’s.
 
Lake County Wine Studio is a gallery for display of arts and a tasting room, wine bar and retail shop for the fine wines of Lake County.

Artists' shows are held on a monthly basis with art and wine receptions held the first Friday and subsequent Saturday of each month. 
 
The gallery is located at 9505 Main St. in Upper Lake.

It is open Monday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Friday from 1 to 8 p.m.

The Jahn art show will be on display for the full month of September. 

For more information call Lake County Wine Studio at 707-275-8030.

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) warned constituents to be aware of scams and fraud in the wake of the recent earthquake.

“Please be aware of scams and fraudulent phone calls, and watch out for suspicious activity and potential fraud,” said Thompson. “Make sure you ask to see a license, and if you suspect a scam call the authorities.”

According to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Those who suspect fraud should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, a magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck the Napa, Solano and Sonoma County area at approximately 3:20 a.m. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter was three miles from American Canyon, six miles from Napa, and eight miles from Sonoma.

The earthquake was the largest to hit the Bay Area in 25 years. Governor Brown has declared a State of Emergency.

Congressman Mike Thompson represents California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The regular meeting of the Clearlake Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, has been canceled.

The commission is next scheduled to meet Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – SAFER North Counties Horse Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rehoming displaced horses and educating the public concerning horse welfare, manages a Hay Assistance Program in Lake and Mendocino counties.

This program offers temporary assistance to horse owners who find themselves in a financial crisis, unable to provide adequate feed for their horses. 

The drought has left pastures bare and the cost of hay continues to sky rocket. Horse owners are finding it increasingly difficult to hang on to the family horses. 

With few viable options, these horses often end up at the auction yard and are then sent to Mexico slaughter houses. 

Many local family horses may be lost forever. 

The Hay Assistance Program, currently funded by an ASPCA Grant, can help a family through hard times. 

Guidelines and application forms for the Hay Assistance Program can be found on the home page www.saferhorse.com . 

WILLITS, Calif. – Want to hone up your solar skills? Gain hands on experience installing solar PV by volunteering with GRID Alternatives.

GRID is a nonprofit solar organization making renewable energy accessible to low-income families in our area.

Weekly installs in Mendocino and Lake counties, volunteer orientations monthly.

Next orientation is Monday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Willits Library.

No experience is necessary.

Give GRID a call at 707-202-6421 to get involved.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – “LC Diamonds plays the best 50s music!”

“That statement was heard over and over last Friday night by dancers of all ages,” said Jonathan Crooks, director of the Lakeport Senior Activity Center.

The center's “Hot August Nites” dinner-dance, car and motorcycle show was sold out with standing room only, and the crowd was delighted just to be there.

“These decorations are over the top – just love them,” said Evelyn, one of the 1950s dancers.

The night started with local impersonators, Pat Skoog, Flipper and the Crickettes, Charlie Linker and Shari’s Lake County Line Dancers.

LC Diamonds took over at 5 p.m., only stopping long enough for Martin Scheel, the evening's master of ceremonies, to call the raffle prize numbers.

The “fan favorite” classic car award was won by Bill Hillman of Mt. Konocti Antique Auto Club with his white 1957 Chevy.

Dave Terrell was “fan favorite” with his cool motorcycle.

Both Hillman and Terrell were given beautiful wood and brass plaques donated by the Lakeport Senior Activity Center and created at Lee’s Sporting Goods.

Burgers, dogs and fries at the Doo-Wop Diner, milkshakes at the Lakeport Lions Club booth, souvenir photographs, a full bar and continuous music filled out the night.

Many raffle items, donated by local merchants, as well as a silent auction were well received by the guests.

The door prize, a loveseat glider, donated by Mendo Mill, Lakeport, was the most wanted prize of the evening, and announced last – just as the band wrapped up the evening.

The date for Hot August Nites 2015 was announced during a rare band break, and cheered by all.

Taking place on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, it will be an all-day event.

“This will be an annual event – we will have fun, but with a purpose,” said Crooks. “And that purpose is to raise money for Meals on Wheels in the Lakeport-Kelseyville-Clear Lake Riviera areas – so no senior goes hungry.”