News

MCLAUGHLIN RESERVE – The UC Davis-McLaughlin Reserve's next science lecture will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21 and explore the issues surrounding genetically engineered (GE) foods.

Dr. Peggy Lemaux, Cooperative Extension specialist with the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, will present “Genes, Genomes and Genetics: Our Plants and Foods Past, Present, Future” from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Genes are sets of instructions that determine an organism’s characteristics, like the size of the fruit or the shape of the seed. Together all of the instructions make up the genome, and the study of these instructions – how they change and how they are inherited from generation to generation – is known as genetics.

Plants and their genes have changed over centuries through modifications in their genetic information (mutations) and by classical breeding and selection. More recently genetic engineering has been used to introduce genes.

In 2007, commercialized GE varieties were planted on over 280 million acres worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. For many farmers and consumers worldwide, planting and eating GE crops and their products are acceptable and even welcomed; for others they raise issues related to food and environmental safety and social and economic impacts.

Understanding how these crops are created, their usefulness in addressing research and agricultural problems, and the potential positive and negative consequences of their use can provide perspective in deciding on their utility in today’s agricultural systems.

Research in the laboratory of Dr. Peggy Lemaux has focused on using genetic engineering and genomic technologies to understand and improve crops. These efforts include creation of barley grain with improved starch characteristics for brewing, a hypoallergenic wheat for consumers with wheat allergies and, most recently, nutritional enhancement of sorghum for Africa with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Besides research, her position involves talking with the public about issues relating to plants, agriculture, food production and new genetic technologies.

Dr. Lemaux is active in researching and addressing both the potential positive and negative impacts of growing and consuming GE crops and foods. Her background allows her to approach both scientific and societal implications with a broad perspective.

Attend Dr. Lemaux's presentation to learn more about the science of genetic engineering and how scientists address issues related to use of new agricultural technologies.

The UC Davis-McLaughlin Reserve is located at 26775 Morgan Valley Road, 13 miles east of Lower Lake.

For more information contact Cathy Koehler or Paul Aigner, reserve managers, at 995-9005, e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or visit the reserve online at http://nrs.ucdavis.edu/mclaughlin.html.

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Written by: Editor

Published: 12 February 2009

CLEARLAKE – KPFZ 88.1 FM, Lake County Community Radio, will present a live broadcast of the Clearlake City Council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

The Clearlake City Council will hold a public hearing to take public input on the proposal that it certify the Provinsalia development project's environmental impact report and amend the city's general plan to change the nearly 300 acres of the proposed project's site from resource protection to specific plan status.

The project calls for 565 single family homes, 100 condominiums and a nine-hole golf course.

Herb Gura will offer commentary from the City Council Chambers while Steve Elias mans the anchor desk at KPFZ's Lakeport studios.

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Written by: Editor

Published: 11 February 2009

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.

Caltrans will suspend work on Northern California highways from Friday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of the President’s Day weekend. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans Maintenance forces to respond to emergency situations.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– The county of Lake has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for sidewalk upgrades from Fourth Street to Sixth Street beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 29

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Bar X Ranch to Hofacker Lane Road beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Caltrans will continue routine maintenance from Cole Creek Bridge to Hill Creek Bridge. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Roadway repair due to pavement deterioration from 3.6 miles south of Ridgewood Ranch Road to 1.9 miles south of Ridgewood Ranch Road will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 101

– Brian Shuster of Willits has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work at California Street. Work hours are 7 a.m. To 5 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 128

– PG&E of Santa Rosa has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work 0.3 miles east of Nash Mill Road on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. Intermittent full road closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– AT&T of Walnut Creek has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work from 1.4 to 2.6 miles east of Dry Creek Bridge beginning Tuesday, Feb. 17. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– A storm damage repair project near the Mendocino/Sonoma County line will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Work hours are 7:30 a.m. To 3:30 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Fedco Construction of Santa Rosa.

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).

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Written by: Editor

Published: 11 February 2009