LAKEPORT, Calif. – When Marvelle Ivey began volunteering for Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s Family Birth Center, she had no idea that nurses still spoke of her infamous story.

Despite diligent prenatal care and an uneventful pregnancy, Ivey felt unusual back pain four months before her due date and rushed to Sutter Lakeside’s emergency department out of concern for her unborn twins.

The Ob-Gyn and Family Birth Center staff confirmed her fear: she was in labor four months too early. Shortly after admission, staff identified that Ivey was fully dilated.

“We administered medication to slow her contractions,” said Jackie Rad, RN, Family Birth Center nurse manager. “We put her in a position to minimize pressure on the amniotic sac and began coordinating with UCSF’s neonatal team to get them on site for delivery, and ensure that she and her babies had the best care possible.”

Because of the gestational age of the twins, a Cesarean section provided the safest option for delivery.

By the time Ivey went into the operating room, two transport teams from UCSF were on site at Sutter Lakeside.

“They were the size of baking potatoes when they were born,” Ivey said of her sons.

Jesse and James, born at 23 weeks and weighing less than 2 pounds each, were transported to the Neonatal Intensive Unit, or NICU, at UCSF.

“The nurses kept a journal about caring for the boys,” said Ivey. “I spoke with them every day and they gave me hope.”

The complications from premature birth multiplied: Jesse had heart surgery two weeks after birth to correct a valve, and James couldn’t breathe on his own while in the NICU.

“The doctor in San Francisco didn’t think James would make it,” said Ivey. “I ignored her because I knew he was strong. The last month before they came home, the boys were transferred to Santa Rosa Memorial. I knew they would be OK.”

After months in the NICU, the boys came home in February – just in time for their own baby shower.

The boys grew into rambunctious toddlers and are now normal preteens.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Both had motor skill issues, but otherwise were normal kids, getting into everything,” said Ivey. “Now they’re 12 and they love sports, they bicker – they’re such fun.”

Now, Ivey is giving back.

“When I volunteered, I didn’t know I’d be in the Birth Center,” said Ivey. “I haven’t been here in 12 years. When they told me my story is still circulating this hospital I thought ‘No way!’ They see it all – I’m sure they get a lot of difficult cases. If I knew they were still talking about it, I would have brought pictures in sooner!”

“We were so excited to find out that Marvelle, who is something of a living legend, was volunteering,” said Rad. “We’ve made such strides since she delivered here 12 years ago. We now offer neonatal telemedicine in partnership with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, so a specialist is available at all times.”

Rad added, ““We’re proud to have been part of such an extraordinary story.”

To find out more about the Family Birth Center or how to volunteer, please visit www.sutterlakeside.org or call the Family Birth Center at 707-262-5087.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Anderson Marsh State Historic Park holds guided nature walks on the second Saturday of nearly every month. 

The last guided walk this summer is Saturday morning, Aug. 13.

Led by Certified California Naturalist and Park Docent Billy Gear, this walk will cover the Cache Creek Nature Trail. 

Along with a general history and description of the park, come and view the birds, dragonflies, butterflies and other wildlife and wildflowers that can be found in the park this time of year. 

Bring your binoculars and meet in front of the Ranch House at 8:15 a.m. for time to experience the early morning wildlife to be found in the Ranch House and Barn complex yard. The walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

There is no fee for those attending.

There will not be a guided tour of the Ranch House after the August walk.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is located on Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake. 

For more information about the walks, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-995-2658.

For more information about the park, you may also visit www.andersonmarsh.org and click on “Park Brochure” on the home page.

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SACRAMENTO – The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board and the California State Parks are urging swimmers, boaters and recreational users to avoid direct contact with, or use of, waters containing blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) now blooming in San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay located in Merced County on the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley.

Due to the potential health risks, the San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay are now posted with health advisories.

Water samples collected by the Department of Water Resources on July 11 and July 25 exceeded the trigger levels for the protection of human health from the California Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom Network’s Voluntary Guidance. 

Cyanotoxins in samples from San Luis Reservoir near Dinosaur Point Boat Ramp exceed the danger action trigger and samples from the O-Neill Forebay exceed the caution action trigger.

Samples taken at the O’Neill Forebay North Beach swim area had toxin levels less than the caution action trigger level. However, the public is still urged to use caution when recreating in this area as bloom conditions can change rapidly.

For more information on the status of recreational activities at the San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay, the public should contact the San Luis Reservoir’s State Parks Service at 209-826-1197.

Officials urge people to choose safe activities when visiting San Luis Reservoir and O’Neill Forebay and recommend that people and their pets avoid contact with water, including swallowing or inhaling water spray, in areas with algae blooms. Children and pets are particularly at risk.

The map above shows the location of the Dinosaur Park Boat Ramp in the San Luis Reservoir where toxin levels tested above the danger action trigger.

Danger signs are posted at this location and water contact recreation is prohibited. The North Beach Swim Area in the O’Neill Forebay has Caution signs posted limiting water contact.

San Luis Reservoir, part of the California State Water Project, provides drinking water to many parts of California.

The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water is communicating with drinking water systems that pull water from the project, and is not aware of any drinking water impacts from the current algae blooms.

The algae bloom appears bright green in the water and scum or mats that float on the water’s surface have accumulated along the shoreline and boat ramp area in San Luis Reservoir. The blooms also appear as blue-green, white or brown foam.

Recreational exposure to toxic blue-green algae can cause eye irritation, allergic skin rash, mouth ulcers, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold and flu-like symptoms. Liver failure, nerve damage and death have occurred in rare situations where large amounts of contaminated water were directly ingested.

Pets can be especially susceptible since they tend to drink the water and lick their fur after going in the water.

The Statewide Guidance on Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Blooms recommends the following for blue-green algae impacted waters:

– Take care that pets and livestock do not drink the water, swim through algae, scums or mats, or lick their fur after going in the water. Rinse pets in clean water to remove algae from fur.
– Avoid wading, swimming, or jet or water skiing in water containing algae blooms or scums or mats.
– Do not drink, cook or wash dishes with untreated surface water from these areas under any circumstances; common water purification techniques (e.g., camping filters, tablets and boiling) do not remove toxins.
– People should not eat mussels or other bivalves collected from these areas. Limit or avoid eating fish from these areas; if fish are consumed, remove guts and liver, and rinse filets in clean drinking water.
– Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to alert the medical professional to the possible contact with blue-green algae.

For more information visit the following:

– California Department of Public Health: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/environhealth/water/Pages/Bluegreenalgae.aspx ;

– State Water Resources Control Board - California CyanoHAB Network: http://www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/monitoring_council/cyanohab_network/index.html ;

– California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, information on microcystin: http://oehha.ca.gov/ecotoxicology/general-info/information-microcystins ;

– US Environmental Protection Agency CyanoHAB Web site: https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/cyanohabs ;

– US Environmental Protection Agency, Anatoxin-a report: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/anatoxin-a-report-2015.pdf .

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Soroptimist International of Clearlake installed officers for the 2016-17 term at its recent Fiesta Party at the home of Jim and Olga Martin Steele.

Fawn Williams was the installing officer for new officers including President Olga Martin Steele, Vice President Brenda Crandall and Secretary Ami Landrum, all serving a second term in their respective positions. 

Other officers include Assistant Treasurer Arlene Grimes, Public Relations Director Wanda Harris and Sally Munger, the immediate past president serving her second term as director.

One of the projects that Soroptimist International of Clear Lake is currently supporting is The Nest, a long-term residential program for homeless pregnant and parenting youth ages 18 to 21.

The services offered are designed to help young people who are homeless make a successful transition to self-sufficient living and successful parenting. Redwood Community Services has primary oversight of The Nest.

Young parents face overwhelming challenges on the road to independence. This is especially true in Lake County, where a lack of affordable housing and jobs is reaching crisis proportions. Young parents must locate housing, find work and sustain themselves as adults, all while trying to raise health and happy children.

Lake County recognizes that our youth need housing and supportive concrete services, delivered in a real-life environment, to prepare them for what’s ahead.

The youth in The Nest program receive life skills training, parenting education, community mentors and are encouraged to participate in service learning programs.

Staff provide case management, transportation and support to the parents and their children seven days a week.

Soroptimist contributes to The Nest in many ways. We have helped to re-establish a community garden and taught cooking skills, contributing cookware when needed.

The donation of a sewing machine was sought from the community and provided to The Nest, along with a sewing lesson.

When residents at The Nest have given birth, Soroptimist has made sure that the mothers and children had the necessary items, throwing them baby showers. A shower is planned for a new mother later this month.

Soroptimist is an international organization for women who volunteer to work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities in the world.

More than 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community based and international projects to benefit women and girls.

The group meets for lunch on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month in Clearlake.

To learn more about SICL contact Membership Chair Wanda Harris 707-225-5800 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or President Steele at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , telephone 916-849-8170.

SACRAMENTO – State Sen. Mike McGuire, chairman of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture, will convene a special hearing on Aug. 10 at the State Capitol to receive a progress report on the 2015-16 crab season, the federal disaster declaration, ocean conditions and Domoic acid levels along with new potential rules and guidelines which are responding to this year’s disastrous season.

“This year’s crab season was devastating for the thousands of Californians who are dependent on a healthy crab harvest for their livelihood and the true impacts are now hitting home. We’ve invited the top scientific experts along with government and industry leaders to next week’s hearing to provide an update on algal bloom and Domoic acid levels, they’ll be outlining new rules and guidelines that will be put into place responding to this year’s season and we’ll be hearing from fishery and industry experts about the California crab population,” McGuire said.

The hearing – Progress Reports on 2015-16 Crab Season and Domoic Acid – will feature testimony from fisheries experts, marine scientists, along with state agency representatives and fishermen.

The hearing is a followup to previous Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture hearings and will focus on the 2015-16 California crab season closures and subsequent openings, emphasizing lessons learned and preparedness for future Domoic acid episodes.

Panels of experts will provide progress reports on: the results of the season, pending federal disaster declarations, current and predicted ocean conditions, what was learned and implemented from this season, and what needs to be addressed prior to the 2016-17 season kicking off.

The hearing will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the State Capitol in Room 3191.

The hearing will be streamed live at www.senate.ca.gov . The public is welcome to attend.

The partial list of speakers includes:

– Dr. Craig Shuman, Marine Region manager, California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
– Deborah Halberstadt, Ocean Protection Council executive director/deputy secretary for Oceans and Coastal Policy, California Natural Resources Agency.
– Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, vice president, California Fish and Game Commission.
– Dr. Raphael Kudela, Lynn Professor of Ocean Health, University of California Santa Cruz.
– Sonke Mastrup, senior environmental specialist, California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
– Jennifer Phillips, program manager, California Natural Resources Agency.
– Errin Ramanujam, senior scientist, Ocean Science Trust.
– Rachelle Fisher, administrative team, California Dungeness Crab Task Force.
– Tim Sloane, executive director, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations.
– Rick Gutierrez, partner/owner, Santa Barbara Seafood Station.
– Mike Lucas, president, North Coast Fisheries Inc.
 
For more information about the fisheries hearing visit the committee Web site at http://fisheries.legislature.ca.gov/ .

Recently a couple of writers have offered their opinions on the timing of the improvements to downtown Lakeport and/or to whether they should even be done.

I am certain that businesses have been effected but I don’t know whether or not it is to the extent these writers claim. I hope it does not turn out to be as dire as they predict.

My real issue with the previous writers is their claim that the city (i assume they mean the council and staff) do not care about our business community.

I know all of the council members and most of the city staff. They do care about the businesses here and the people who own them. This seems an unfair claim to make of these people based upon this redevelopment project.

The complaint about the timing of the construction to occur between mid-May and mid-September is a valid concern. But, what was the alternative?

The schedule calls for at least four months to complete. If the work was to begin in mid-September it would not finish until at least mid-January. That puts it into the rainy season.

The average rainfall is close to 18 inches during those four months. What impact would that have of this type of construction? What would be the consequences of delays in street paving, for example?

Many factors went into the planning process for this project that is utilizing locally generated redevelopment funds to complete. The result will be an improved look to this section of downtown.

I do hope that all of the businesses are there to enjoy it. Let us all show our support for those businesses by shopping in them.

Dennis A. Rollins lives in Lakeport, Calif.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – At 10 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2016, with his wife and daughter by his side at home, the world lost a great man. Juan Erquiaga, 86, slipped away peacefully in his sleep with a set of driving lines in his hands.

Juan was born in Denio, Nev., on Feb. 5, 1930, to Modesto and Mollie Erquiaga.

He attended Palo Alto Military Academy as a boy and later moved to Lake County with his mother, graduating from Kelseyville High School in 1949. He joined the Air Force and was stationed in Las Vegas for the next 4 years.

In 1955, Juan married Mary Carol Innes of Lakeport and they moved to his ranch in Kelseyville. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College, later obtained his General Engineering Contractor License and started his business in heavy equipment earth moving construction.

Horses were always his passion. He was a beloved friend and mentor to countless people in the horse community.

Juan is survived by his wife, Carol; sister, Alice (Richard) Baumsteiger; son, Mark (Jeanine) Erquiaga; daughter, Kate Erquiaga; grandsons, Justin (Misty) Newton, Marcus Erquiaga, Johnathon (Dreamer) Newton, Ryan Erquiaga and Kenny Henninger; great grandsons, Justin Newton Jr., Connor Newton and one more on the way.

A memorial service will be held at Cole Creek Equestrian Center (Narley Dude Ranch) at 4965 Steelhead Lane in Kelseyville at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.

Donations can be made in Juan's memory to the Lake County Passion Play, c/o Father Ryan, 2955 Bell Hill Road, Kelseyville, CA 95451.

For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The Mendocino National Forest invites the public to a community conversation to discuss the proposed Four Beetles Forest Health and Habitat Improvement Project on the Grindstone Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest.

This is an opportunity for forest personnel to hear from the public about the current tree mortality situation on the forest brought on by years of drought, beetles, disease and tree competition.

The community conversation will be held in the Westside Room at the Red Bluff Community/Senior Center, 1500 South Jackson Street, Red Bluff, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16.
 
There will be more opportunities coming in September to engage with the forest in discussions about forest health.

On Sept. 7 and 8, the public is invited to a Firescape Mendocino Workshop. The workshop will consist of a one-day field trip and a one-day indoor discussion. FireScape Mendocino is a voluntary collaborative effort to shape the future of fire-prone landscapes in and near the Mendocino National Forest.
 
Then, on Sept. 9, the Forest Service will host a field trip to the proposed Four Beetles project area. The dates and locations of these events follow:

· Tuesday, Aug. 16: Community conversation, Red Bluff Community/Senior Center.

· Wednesday, Sept. 7: Field trip to the Four Beetles Project area to view tree mortality and tree density, hosted by Firescape Mendocino.  The field trip will leave at 9 a.m. from the Paskenta Community Hall, 13140 Toomes, Camp Road, Paskenta. The field trip will last until 4:30 p.m.

· Thursday, Sept. 8: Indoor workshop and discussion related to forest health, climate change and wildfire will be held at the Paskenta Community Hall led by Firescape Mendocino from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
· Friday, Sept. 9: Additional field trip to the Four Beetles Project area hosted by the Forest Service. The field trip will leave at 9 a.m. from the Paskenta Community Hall. The field trip will last until 4:30 p.m.  

If you are interested in participating in the Firescape Workshop Sept. 7 or 8, or in attending the field trip on Sept. 9, please contact Jeanette Williams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 530-934-1148 by Aug. 16.

There also will be an opportunity to sign up for the workshop and/or field trips at the community conversation Aug. 16.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College in Clearlake is offering advanced water distribution and advanced water treatment classes for the fall semester starting on Aug. 15.

These classes are part of the Water/Wastewater Certificate program offered at the college, and are designed for students that have taken the entry level classes. There will be an advanced wastewater treatment course offered for the spring semester as well.

If you are interested in working for a water or wastewater utility, and have been wondering how to break into the field, all six classes for the certificate course will be offered again with beginner classes in the fall semester of 2017 and advanced classes in the spring of 2017.

If you have questions please contact program instruct John Hamner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the main office at 707-995-7900. 

For more information about Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College visit http://lcc.yccd.edu .