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The California Legislature has approved a measure from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, in partnership with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, that would add consumer protections for people investing in annuities, including many vulnerable seniors, to ensure they are not misled or steered into inappropriate products by unscrupulous insurance agents.

“My bill is about doing what’s right for people who can least afford to be ripped off,” said Sen. Dodd. “Annuities can be important investment tools but too often, there is incentive for abuse or exploitation. That’s why I’m glad to partner with Commissioner Ricardo Lara on my latest consumer protection bill, which requires insurance agents to put the best interests of their clients first — ahead of any sales incentives they might make. If they know an annuity is a bad fit, they will not be able to sell it.”

Senate Bill 263 is the latest consumer protection proposal from Sen. Dodd. Sen. Dodd is also authoring SB 278, which would hold financial institutions accountable for not protecting seniors when they are victims of fraud.

Also last year he introduced SB 478, which would outlaw hidden fees in an array of transactions, including banking.

In his continuing effort to protect our state’s most vulnerable, Sen. Dodd introduced SB 263, which would require insurance producers and insurance companies to strengthen suitability standards for the sale of annuities.

The bill would ensure California meets federal and national model standards, while providing additional consumer protections. The goal is to prevent the sale of these financial products to people who do not understand them or would not benefit from them.

The bill is sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Lara and supported by consumer advocates. It heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.

“Consumers’ best interests must always come ahead of insurance company sales,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, who is sponsoring SB 263. “SB 263 will protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations like our seniors, by requiring all sales of annuities be based first and foremost on the facts of their individual insurance needs, financial situation and goals. I commend Sen. Dodd for authoring this common-sense consumer protection bill.”

Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The State Water Board hosted two public workshops in February to support compliance with the Clear Lake Information Order that has been sent to 1,300 county property owners.

The workshop presentation can be viewed here, Clear Lake Information Order Compliance Workshop, and on the Clear Lake Information Order website.

As a reminder, Feb. 29 is the certification deadline.

For help with certification, contact State Water Board Staff at 916-341-5355 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. — Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
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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. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌ (1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

Route 1 (7.7/9) – Electrical work south of Gallaway at Signal Port Creek Road will occur on Wednesday, February 28. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1FA

Route 1 (43.1/43.7) – Electrical work in Albion from the Salmon Creek Bridge to the Albion River Bridge will occur on Sunday, February 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1FA

Route 1 (44.2/45.6) – Emergency work at Frog Pond Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1FA

Route 1 (75.4/76.1) – Emergency work south of Westport from the Blues Beach Trailhead to the Overlook will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1TA

Route 1 (101/101.2) – Emergency work west of Leggett continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1XA

Route 1 (104.9/105.5) – Emergency work in Leggett from Jct Route 271 to the South Fork Eel River Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1UA

Route 20 (39.6/44.1) – Utility work form the Cold Creek Bridge to the Lake County Line continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20OA

U.S. 101 (33.7/43.2) – Road work south of Willits from Route 20 to Uva Drive in Redwood Valley will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#M101QD

Route 162 (11/12.6) – Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162IA

Del Norte County

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (8.3/8.6) – Bridge work near Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101KB

U.S. 101 (12.5/13.4) – Construction near Wilson Creek Road in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. A southbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C101OB

U.S. 101 (13.4/23.9) – Emergency work in the Last Chance Grade area has begun. Expect up to 30-minute delays. LC#T101AA

U.S. 101 (25.5/25.9) – Sewer work between Citizens Dock Road and Sunset Circle in Crescent City will continue. A northbound lane closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101EB

U.S. 101 (35.8/36.5) – Construction at the Dr. Fine Bridge near Smith River will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101WA

U.S. 199 (20/31.1) – Emergency work from east of Gasquet to the Collier Tunnel Rest Area will continue. One-way traffic is scheduled weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to one-hour delays. LC#C199HA

Humboldt County

Highway 36

Route 36 (0/0.6)) – Construction near the 101 junction has resumed. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (11/11.5) – Bridge work from Pamplin Grove to Redwood House Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (25.3/25.4) – Bridge work at Little Larabee Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (35.8/35.9) – Work near South Fork Eel River Bridge 4-119 is scheduled to conclude on Friday, February 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C36DA

Route 36 (37.2/37.4) – Slipout repair near Burr Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C36DA

Route 96 (27/27.6) – Construction work near Bluff Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96LA

Route 96 (29.9) – Bridge work at Slate Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C96KA

U.S. 101 (78.3/78.7) – Road work in Eureka from C Street to J Street will continue. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101HD

U.S. 101 (88.3) – Work at the 299 interchange in Arcata will continue. The northbound onramp to Route 299 will be fully closed. Motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C101KD

Route 211 (77.2/78.6) – Weather-dependent, Fernbridge is scheduled to close for 40 hours beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 23. If all goes according to plan, the bridge could reopen by noon on Sunday, February 25. Motorists should use an alternate route and follow Caltrans District 1 on social media for updates. LC#C211CA

Route 254 (3.2/4.3) – Bridge construction near Fish Creek Road will continue. A full closure will be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route. LC#C254CA

Route 254 (4.3/4.8) – Road work north of Fish Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C254DA

Route 254 (18.4/18.6) – Emergency work in Weott has begun. A full closure is in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route. LC#T254AA

Route 254 (41.1/41.5) – Emergency work north of Redcrest has begun. A full closure is in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route. LC#T254AA

Route 299 (0/5.7) – Work from Arcata to Blue Lake will continue. Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C299HA

Route 299 (11/11.4) – Construction east of Blue Lake near North Fork Mad River Bridge 4-194 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C299FA

Route 299 (21.5/22.2) - Emergency work west of Chezem Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (24.3/24.7) - Emergency work near Chezem Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (32.1/32.5) - Construction work near East Fork Campground will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299LA
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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — The Kelseyville Father-Daughter Dance Committee announced the triumphant conclusion of its 20th anniversary celebration, held on Saturday, Feb. 17.

This milestone event, open to participants of all ages, surpassed expectations and provided an enchanting evening dedicated to fostering and celebrating the cherished bonds between generations.

A Valentine's themed extravaganza turns memorable

The dance was adorned with the theme of love, friendship, and hearts — Valentines, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.

Attendees reveled in the night filled with music, laughter and the creation of unforgettable memories.

The event featured dozens of prizes generously donated by local businesses, with Lake's Limos and Polka Dot Yogurt Shoppe (formerly known as Tutti Frutti) sponsoring a spectacular limo ride and frozen yogurt adventure for one lucky grand prize winner and seven of her friends.

Admission included a carnation flower for each child, a professional photo shoot with a souvenir photo, and a lavish box of sweet treats and refreshments. Tickets were in high demand and sold out quickly as eager participants secured their spots for this heartwarming celebration.

For those who missed this unforgettable event, mark your calendars now for the 2025 event on Feb. 15.

The Lake County Father-Daughter Dance takes place on the first Saturday of every Valentine's Day month. If you missed this year's celebration, make sure to catch us next year for another enchanting evening filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Giving back to the community

The Father-Daughter Dance team is proud to share that 100% of the proceeds from this remarkable event will contribute to post-high school scholarships for students in Lake County. For inquiries or to make a donation, please contact Allison Panella at 707-483-2383.

The committee extends its heartfelt gratitude to the community for 20 years of unwavering support, making the 20th annual Lake County Father-Daughter Dance a resounding success.

They look forward to creating many more cherished memories over the decades to come.
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SACRAMENTO — State Treasurer Fiona Ma is sponsoring Senate Bill 1362 (SB 1362), authored by Senator Josh Newman (D-29), which would allow the California Achieving a Better Life Experience, or CalABLE, board to deposit $250 to each new CalABLE savings account for individuals with disabilities.

The bill would also allow CalABLE to make additional financial incentives available. Both provisions are subject to appropriation by the Legislature.

“SB 1262 would help boost a program that has already shown the ability to significantly impact the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities, helping many avoid living in poverty. That’s a good deal for California,” said Treasurer Ma, chair of the CalABLE board. “Giving CalABLE the ability to incentivize accounts brings it in line with other state-sponsored savings programs and positions it for continued growth. I am thankful for Senator Newman authoring this important legislation.”

CalABLE is California’s savings and investment program for individuals with disabilities. Participants save for disability-related expenses by putting money in tax-advantaged investments, while protecting their eligibility for means-tested public benefits programs. After-tax contributions allow earnings to grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals, when used for a broad range of Qualified Disability Expenses, are federal and state tax-free.

“SB 1362 will encourage eligible Californians with qualifying disabilities to fully utilize the savings accounts to which they’re entitled.

This bill will encourage and assist disabled Californians to open a CalABLE account as a first step toward ensuring their long-term financial security.

By better ensuring the financial well-being of individuals with disabilities, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous California,” explains Senator Newman.

CalABLE currently has more than 10,000 accounts, with approximately $127 million in assets under management.

While these numbers are significant, it is estimated that it only represents less than 1% of the state’s eligible disabled population.

With passage of SB 1362, California could exponentially increase participation and empower millions of Californians with a path to financial security. It could also establish CalABLE as the most competitive choice for Californians, compared to out of state ABLE programs.

CalABLE is already poised to see significant growth as a result of state and federal legislation to expand eligibility for ABLE programs. Starting in 2026, the age of onset of disability will be raised from before age 26 to before age 46.

This expansion is believed to make an additional 6-8 million Americans eligible for ABLE programs nationwide, including 1 million military veterans. More Californians will be able to benefit from this savings program thanks to Treasurer Ma working continuously with the legislature.
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At its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources.

The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento, with an option for the public to join via Zoom.

The commission elected Commissioner Samantha Murray as president and re-elected Commissioner Erika Zavaleta as vice president, marking the second time in its history that commission leadership is two women; the first time was in 2022 when Murray and Zavaleta served in the same roles.

Commissioners accepted committee assignments. Commissioners Eric Sklar and Murray will co-chair the Marine Resources Committee. Commissioners Zavaleta and Darius Anderson will co-chair the Wildlife Resources Committee. Commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin and Anderson will co-chair the Tribal Committee.

The commission unanimously voted to reduce the bag and possession limit for California halibut to two fish north of Point Sur.

The commission unanimously voted to extend the unlimited recreational take of purple sea urchins at Caspar Cove, Mendocino County to continue to gather data and assess the efficacy of community-led kelp restoration efforts at this location.

The commission unanimously voted to approve an experimental fishing permit, or EFP, to test alternative gear in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery and approved several modifications to an existing EFP to test alternative fishing gear in the California commercial Dungeness crab and hagfish fisheries.

The commission unanimously voted to notify interested parties of its intent to amend Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations related to fall-run Chinook salmon.

Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt amendments to regulations for lands owned or managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or CDFW.

The numerous new site-specific regulations improve public safety, increase recreational opportunities, and provide resource protection.

Additionally, two properties were designated (one as a wildlife area and the other as an ecological reserve) and a new regulation was created to prohibit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on CDFW lands.

The commission received one-year status review reports on the petitions to list Mohave desert tortoise and southern California steelhead under the California Endangered Species Act. The commission will consider whether to list each species at its April meeting.

Commission Vice President Erika Zavaleta and commissioners Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson were present for the full meeting. This was Anderson’s first meeting.

Commission President Samantha Murray was present on the first day and part of the second day. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was present on the second day.

The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online.

The full commission has a teleconference scheduled for March 26. The next meeting is scheduled for April 17 and 18 in San Jose.

The California Fish and Game Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.

Upcoming Calendar

5May
05.05.2024
Cinco de Mayo
6May
05.06.2024 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Senior Summit
8May
05.08.2024 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Fire preparedness town hall
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day
27May
05.27.2024
Memorial Day
14Jun
06.14.2024
Flag Day
16Jun
06.16.2024
Father's Day
19Jun
06.19.2024
Juneteenth
4Jul
07.04.2024
Independence Day

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