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On Wednesday the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection adopted policy that will allow the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) to help prevent the continued spread of the Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB).

The policy will allow Cal Fire to enter into agreements with both public and private landowners and governmental agencies, including the federal government, for the purpose of controlling or eradicating forest insects, specifically the GSOB, or plant diseases that damage or threaten destruction to timber or forest growth.

The GSOB was first identified in 2002 in San Diego County and thus far does not appear to have expanded its occupation elsewhere in the state.

The insect is causing mortality in healthy, mature coast live oak, canyon live oak and California black oak trees.

Believed to have been transported into the San Diego County area on firewood, the GSOB continues to spread within the county causing significant devastation to the area.

"This invasive pest is particularly important, as our native oaks are much less resistant to it than those in Arizona, its point of origin”, said George Gentry, executive officer to the board.

To date, the GSOB is responsible for killing 80,000 trees throughout San Diego County, and if they continue to spread beyond the county, mortality rates will increase.

“The implications for financial loss are quite high,” said Gentry.

There are several recommended prevention and suppression steps that can be taken to help reduce the spread of such invasive insects that include:

  • Firewood and cut wood should not be moved outside the county.
  • Covering cut oak with plastic tarpaulins can contain insects.
  • Removing infested trees, and properly managing the woods disposal, can reduce localized infestation and help minimize the spread.
  • Mulching, soil aerations, and fertilizing may increase oak health and delay tree mortality.

For more information on the Goldspotted Oak Borer and the new policy adopted by the board, visit the website at www.bof.fire.ca.gov .

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville Community Food Bank, a collaborative effort of the Kelseyville United Methodist Church, the Unitarian Universalist Community and Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, will be open this Tuesday, April 10.

The food bank will be open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, located on Main Street in Kelseyville.

Still interested in helping? There will be a short meeting at 3 p.m. that day, before the food bank opens. They look forward to seeing you.

If you have questions, please contact Julie at 707-279-1104.

Donations are gladly accepted daily from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church or on Sunday mornings at any of the participating churches.

NORTH COAST – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– PG&E of Eureka has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for utility repairs near Paradise Cove through Friday, April 6. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Replacement of the Greenwood Creek Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Golden Gate Bridge Inc. of Martinez.

Highway 128

– Peter Hanelt of Yorkville has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit to install a driveway 0.3 mile west of the Maple Creek Bridge on Tuesday, April 10. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 162

– Slipout repairs 1.6 miles east of the Rodeo Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Mendocino Construction Services of Willits.

Work on all these projects is weather permitting and subject to change. Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Calpine will host the annual community Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 14, at the Calpine Visitors Center in Middletown.

Local organizations and businesses are invited to participate with a booth at the event.

There is no fee, but an application must be submitted for approval.

The Calpine Visitors Center is located at 15500 Central Park Road, Middletown.

For more information or to obtain an application please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-987-4270.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Patriots Around the Lake will hold a Tax Day Rally on Saturday, April 14.

The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the courthouse square on Main Street in Lakeport.

Patriots Around the Lake meets on the third Monday of every month at Sutton Associates, 290 N. Main St., Lakeport. The study group begins at 5 p.m. and the meetings at 6 p.m.

Join them as they learn more about the U.S. Constitution and join in some lively discussion and points of action.

Visit the group's Web site at www.patriotsaroundthelake.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/268927764560/ .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeside Family Fun Center will hold an Easter egg hunt for children ages 8 and under on Saturday, April 8.

The hunt, egg dying and other crafts will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center, located at 872 Lakeport Blvd. in Lakeport.

Normal Funtown prices apply, but the event is free for members.

There will be a lazer light Easter egg hunt for children ages 9-17 at noon.

The child with the most eggs get a free game of lazer tag with three friends.

Come dressed in your Sunday best for the chance to win the best dressed contest prize, and get $1 off any activity when dressed up from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information call Lakeside Family Fun Center, 707-263-4828.

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