MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Funds are now available to help Lake County residents who are behind one month on their rent or up to three months behind on utility bills.

Funds also are available for residents in need of move-in costs, such as security deposit, related to a move to new permanent housing.

Catholic Charities is administering the Federal Emergency Shelter Grant (FESG) funds, and applicants must qualify and meet state and federal guidelines.

Needs and residency also will be verified.

To see if you qualify, go to www.srcharities.org/services and click on “Lake County services” to find FESG information.

You may also call 707-528-8712, Extension 126 or pick up an application at Catholic Charities Lake County Office, 21085 Bush St., Middletown.

Federal Emergency Shelter Grant for Lake County is funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), via CA Department of Housing & Community Development.

SACRAMENTO – Those who want to watch a broadcast of the 38th Annual Legislative Fisheries Forum, held Wednesday Feb. 16 at the State Capitol can view an archived video posted on the California Channel.

Go to www.calchannel.com. On the lower right of Cal Channel’s homepage, look for the broadcast under the “Recent Videos” tab. Because of the length of the Forum, about four hours and 45 minutes, the archive is posted in two parts.

“I urge anybody involved in fishing in California who was not able to attend or view the live broadcast to watch the archived video,” said Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast), who, in his capacity as chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture, directed the Forum.

“The forum is unique to all other types of hearings held in Sacramento and, I believe, is unique to the nation. It is a special hearing set aside one day each year for fishing men and women, including tribal members, fishery scientists and conservationists and agencies, to come together to discuss the pressing issues facing our fish and fisheries,” said Chesbro.

The Fisheries Forum dates back to the 1970s and was started by former North Coast legislator Barry Keene. Many of the aquaculture and marine laws that protect California’s fisheries originated from testimony at the Forum.

“Fishing is America’s oldest industry,” Chesbro added. “Fish here along our coast were the mainstay of the diet of native peoples for over 10,000 years and played an important role in feeding the miners headed for the gold fields. Fisheries remain a significant part of our state’s history, culture and economy.”

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 88 of Lake County, will meet at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 5, at the Lakeport Yacht Club located at the Fifth Street boat ramp in Lakeport.

The flotilla is actively seeking new members and a flotilla member is available as guest speaker at organizations and clubs.

Anyone interested in joining this active group is encouraged to attend the meeting and learn how you, too, can become one of America's Volunteer Lifesavers.

For additional information, please call the flotilla's information line at 707-513-5122.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Yuba Community College District's Clear Lake Campus will celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of prominent African Americans who have enriched the lives of all fellow Americans from all walks of life.

The campus will host Pastor Voris Brumfield, who will reenact the Martin Luther King “I Have A Dream” speech at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22.

The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend this cultural event.

There will be a chance to ask questions about black history as well as any questions about the continuing struggle for justice and equality in this country.

Aroma's restaurant will also be attending the event, selling some wonderfully tasty food.

In case you missed seeing Pastor Brumfield during the Martin Luther King birthday celebration then you won't want to miss out on this event.

There will be no campus parking fees on this day.

The Clear Lake Campus is located at 15880 Dam Road Extension, Clearlake.

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The Acme Foundation will be celebrating its 13th anniversary on Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. in the Greenview Room at Hidden Valley Lake with a book signing event.

Author Bobbi Lippe Mallace will talk about her latest children’s book, “Fluffy, Muffy and Tuffy’s Great Search,” written for children 4 to 8 years old.

Mallace also will be available to sell autographed copies of her book giving a generous portion of the proceeds to The Acme Foundation.

Children are welcome but, due to limited seating, RSVPs are required by March 1. Call 707-928-5200 to RSVP.

Refreshments will be available and there will be a raffle for a dinner for four at the Greenview Room.

There is no fee to attend, although donations are appreciated to help the foundation continue helping the community’s seniors and disabled with the veterinary costs of their seriously ill cats and dogs.

The event is sponsored by the Hidden Valley Lake Association, Patricia Meyer & Associates and Jon “The Tax Man.”

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Historical Society will enjoy its general membership meeting on Sunday, Feb. 27, at the Highland Senior Services Center, 3245 Bowers Ave., in Clearlake.

Join the group at 1 p.m. to relax and enjoy listening to the meeting's speaker, retired District 1 Supervisor Ed Robey.

Robey will provide a historical perspective on the founding and growth of the city of Clearlake.

He has been intimately involved with Clearlake. Residents called on him in 1980 to help found the new city, and they elected him to the first Clearlake City Council.

Robey served three terms on the Clearlake City Council and two terms as mayor. He went on to serve eight years on the Lake County Planning Commission and was elected a county supervisor in 1996. He retired from the Board of Supervisors in 2008 having served three terms representing District 1.

Refreshments will be available. Donated cookies and cake to share would be appreciated.

If you have any questions please call President Phil Smoley at 707-349-1008.