The legislation included a provision authored by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) that will aid in the protection of thousands of acres of our nation’s shrinking agricultural lands and open space.

The provisions will allow landowners to get significant tax deductions if they place a conservation easement on their property.

These conservation easements allow property owners to continue using the land, while protecting the land from future development.

“Conservation easements make a big difference in our ability to preserve open spaces,” said Congressman Mike Thompson. “Since we improved this tax incentive two years ago, 535,000 more acres were put into trusts – that’s a 50-percent increase. Today’s vote means these incentives will be in place for another year, and I’ve introduced legislation to make these provisions permanent.”

When landowners donate a conservation easement, they maintain ownership and management of the land and can pass the land on to their heirs, while forgoing their rights to develop the land in the future.

Conservation easements have historically been an effective tool for protecting farmland and open space. The tax provisions allow property owners to get a deduction of up to 100 percent of their adjusted gross income for 15 years.

Congressman Thompson’s legislation to make these conservation easements permanent is H.R. 1831.

The bill currently has 262 cosponsors. This means the bill has the support of a majority of the House of Representatives – including majorities of both Democratic and Republican members.

Cosponsors are from every part of the country and from across the ideological spectrum, including a majority of both the Democratic and Republican members of the Ways and Means Committee.

The tax extenders package passed Wednesday by the House now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to be passed shortly and then signed into law by the president.

WALNUT CREEK – As temperatures are dropping, so are gas prices. According to the latest report from AAA Northern California, consumers all across the northern half of the state are seeing gas prices slowly fall along with the mercury.

In every single metro area where AAA tracks gas prices there has been a decrease in the average price compared to AAA’s last survey on November 10. Additionally, all but four of those metro areas now have an average price below the $3.00 a gallon mark.

“Overall, gasoline prices have been very stable since the end of October, and now, most prices have fallen by a few cents since the start of November,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “Given the roller coaster ride California consumers have faced in 2009, a modest, steady decline at the gas pump is a welcome change.”

Despite the decline in prices, California’s average gas price is still the third highest among all 50 states according to the latest report from AAA, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers. The Golden State’s average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $2.91, down 7 cents since last month’s report. For perspective, that’s $1.09 more than California’s average price on this date last year, when it was $1.82.

Northern California gas prices are now averaging $2.88, down 9 cents from last month. In the San Francisco Bay Area, motorists can expect to pay an average price of $2.99, an 11-cent drop. The national average price of $2.63 is down by 3 cents, which is 91 cents more than the national price on this date last year, when it was $1.72.

According to AAA analysts, the strength or weakness of the dollar is what is largely responsible for the gap between oil prices and retail gas prices.

Oil prices, which are directly influenced by dollar strength, respond daily to changes in the currency’s value. Retail gasoline prices, which are being cushioned by still very large supplies and relatively tepid demand, are not nearly as responsive to changes in the dollar’s value.

More specifically, figures from the federal government show that oil consumption is now around 19 million barrels a day, compared to a high in 2005, when consumption reached almost 21 million barrels a day.

The least expensive average price in Northern California can be found in Marysville where unleaded is $2.69.

Of all the metro areas in Northern California where gas prices are tracked by AAA, Tahoe City has the highest average price at $3.20, which is also the highest price in the lower 48 states.

The least expensive gasoline in the country is found in Casper, Wyoming where the average price of gas is $2.31. Wailuku, Hawaii, holds the dubious crown for the highest average price in the nation, with $3.73 per gallon.

COBB – Bottle Rock Power will host an open house and community meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

The tours will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Learn and gain understanding about how geothermal power is created.

Hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments will be provided.

A community meeting will take place at 6 p.m. The general public is welcome to attend.

Bottle Rock Power is located at 7385 High Valley Road, Cobb, telephone 707-928-4578.

From left, Division Commander Rich Thomas, Flotilla Vice Commander Gary Dromi, Flotilla Commander Dane R Hayward and past Division Captain Bob White at the change of watch ceremony in Kelseyville on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Courtesy photo.

KELSEYVILLE – The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 88 of Lake County held their change of watch, installing the new 2010 flotilla commander as well as staff officers at Zino’s Restaurant on Dec. 5.

Flotilla Commander Dane R. Hayward and Vice Commander Gary Dromi will be in charge of the flotilla activities on Clear Lake in 2010.

They are dedicated to providing safe boating, boating information as well as vessel exams for the upcoming 2010 season.

The membership of 38 community volunteers provide all the services of the regular Coast Guard except for law enforcement, which is done by the Lake County Sheriff’s Boat Patrol.

MIDDLETOWN – Tenae Stewart, a 16-year-old high school senior at Pathways Independent Charter School in Middletown, is putting on a World War II swing dance on Jan. 23, 2010, to benefit the United Services Organization (USO).

The event will include a live swing band by David Neft & Friends, a dessert buffet by Chic Le Chef, a 1940s costume contest and a swing dance contest.

Other sponsors include Lake Event Design and Party Rental and Military Antiques & Museum.

Middletown Florist & Gifts has single tickets available for $35 and couple's tickets available for $50.

Please call 707-987-9500 to pre-order or for more information.