Existing law, under the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, requires each city or county source reduction and recycling element to include an implementation schedule showing that a city or county must divert 50 percent of solid waste on and after Jan. 1, 2000.

The act also requires each city, county, or regional agency to annually submit a report to the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) summarizing its progress in reducing solid waste, and requires the report to contain certain information (e.g., calculations of annual disposal reduction, information on changes in waste generated or disposed, progress in diverting construction and demolition waste material).

Wiggins served as a member of the CIWMB after being termed out of the Assembly in 2004, and prior to being sworn in as a member of the State Senate in late 2006.

According to the CIWMB, Wiggins noted, "California diverted more than 46 million tons of solid waste away from landfills into recycling, composting and transformation programs in 2005, for an estimated statewide diversion rate of 52 percent. Diversion has increased nine-fold since the Integrated Waste Management Act was passed in 1989."

Wiggins added that her bill is “intended to focus on disposal reduction and enhanced program implementation efforts."

According to CIWMB, the benefits of moving to a disposal-based system include: increases timeliness and accuracy; streamlines review by allowing jurisdictions that are in compliance to be reviewed every four years instead of every two; and, maintains allowances for rural jurisdictions.

The specifics of the bill, SB 1016, are as follows:

• Requires that on and after Jan. 1, 2009, CIWMB will determine compliance with the diversion goals established by the 1989 act by comparing each jurisdiction's "per capita disposal rate" with the jurisdiction's "50 percent percent equivalent" per capital disposal rate on Jan. 1, 2007;

• Specifies that CIWMB consider the per capita disposal rate when determining compliance with the 1989 act, but that the rate is not the only factor in determining compliance (also requires CIWMB to evaluate the need for a review of a jurisdiction's program implementation should the rate exceed the 50 percent equivalent;

• Specifies how CIWMB determines the per capita disposal rate (total annual disposal divided by population);

• Authorizes CIWMB to use an alternative per capita factor for developing the per capita disposal rate if a representative rate cannot be determined using the specified factors;

• Specifies how CIWMB determines the 50 percent equivalent disposal rate using years 2003-07 waste generation information;

• Retains CIWMB's authority to establish an alternative per capita disposal rate for rural jurisdictions;

• Revises the 10 percent diversion "credit" for transformation to reflect the per capita disposal rate;

• Clarifies and consolidates the information required for the annual report submitted by jurisdictions to CIWMB, including an update of the jurisdiction's source reduction and recycling element and household hazardous waste element include any new or expanded programs, an update of the jurisdiction's non-disposal facility element to reflect any new or expanded non-disposal facilities, and disposal characterization studies or other studies showing the effectiveness of program implementation;

• Requires CIWMB staff to visit each jurisdiction at least annually to monitor the jurisdiction's implementation and maintenance of diversion programs.

SB 1016 also revises the requirements relating to CIWMB review of each jurisdiction as follows:

A. For jurisdictions meeting the 50 percent equivalent per capita disposal rate, permits CIWMB to complete a review of the jurisdiction not less than every four years, beginning Jan. 1, 2012, rather than every two years, as required by existing law.

B. For jurisdictions failing to meet the 50 percent equivalent per capita disposal rate or failing to make a "good faith effort" to do so, permits CIWMB to complete a review of the jurisdiction not less than every two years, beginning Jan. 1, 2010.

C. Establishes a sunset for this provision on Jan. 1, 2018.

Finally, the Wiggins bill makes conforming changes to the provisions requiring state agencies and large state facilities to divert 50 percent of all solid waste.

Wiggins represents California’s large 2nd Second District, which includes portions or all of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

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NORTH COAST – The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for Lake and Mendocino Counties will host community forums on long-term care issues as part of the 2006-09 Area Plan.

The plan sets forth goals and objectives to address needs of seniors and people with disabilities in Lake and Mendocino counties.

The AAA is interested in receiving input from older adults, persons with disabilities, family and volunteer caregivers, agencies and advocacy groups serving these individuals, and other interested community members.

AAA will also be sharing information about the services available to seniors throughout Lake and Mendocino counties.

The forums dates and locations are:

– Ukiah: Thursday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m., Valley View Skilled Nursing, 1162 S. Dora St.

– Lakeport: Friday, Oct. 17, 2 p.m., Lakeport Skilled Nursing, 625 16th St.

With all of the recent budget cuts to senior programs, this meeting will be helpful to both those who use the services and those who provide them.

For more information call AAA, 463-7923.

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From left to right, Valerie LaBonte, Linda Debolt and Kandee Stolesen participate in the 2007 Sponsoring Survivorship walk. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

LAKEPORT – The annual Sponsoring Survivorship walk and run to benefit breast cancer victims will be held Saturday.

The event will be held at the Bank of America, 500 N. Main St., in Lakeport.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m. Walk-in registrations will be accepted until the start of the event t 8:30 a.m. The cost is $20.

Participants can walk two or five kilometers, or do a five or 10 kilometer run. The event is not timed.

The proceeds benefit Lake County women in their battle against breast cancer.

Refreshments will be provided. Donations are gratefully accepted and may be tax-deductible. Raffle prizes will include an overnight stay at the Lakeport English Inn, a wine tasting trip for four to six people for six hours, and three one-hour Seadoo rentals from On the Waterfront.

For more information contact Shirley Crawford, 279-1364; Julie Kelley, 263-1094; Mary Kelley, 279-4967; or visit www.sponsoringsurvivorship.com.

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The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Loconoma High School, located on Washington Street.

Agenda items for the Thursday meeting include expanding Middletown underground utilities district boundaries; a presentation on the water ski lake development proposal by Gary Johnson and Ken Steil of Bona Vita Estates; nominations to the MATH board; and the District 1 supervisor’s report to MATH.

MATH meetings, which are open to the public, are subject to videotaping. Meeting proceedings may be available for viewing on public access television and/or the internet.

The group is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (includes HVL), Long Valley and Middletown.

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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.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– A highway widening project from Polk Jones Cattlepass to Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– Caltrans will continue routine maintenance from Ogden Road to Laurel Dell Drive. 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.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work 0.1 miles west of Mary Street on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Work hours are 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– A roadway realignment project from 1.4 miles east of the North Fork Cache Creek Bridge to 1.6 miles west of Walker Ridge Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

Highway 29

– A shoulder widening project from Hofacker Lane to 0.5 miles north of Hofacker Lane will continue. Work hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – North Bay Construction of Petaluma.

– Pavement repair will occur from Kelseyville Auto Sales to Cruikshank Road on Thursday, Oct. 9. Work hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

– Bridge rehabilitation from the Adobe Creek Bridge to the Park Way Overcrossing will continue. Work hours are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday night through Friday Morning. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – American Civil Constructors of Benicia.

– Installation of a changeable message sign and paving from Ackley Road to 0.2 miles south of Lakeport Boulevard will continue on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

Highway 53

– Modification of the traffic signal at the intersection of 40th Avenue/Lakeshore Boulevard will continue through Friday, Oct. 3. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – North Bay Construction, Incorporated of Petaluma.

Highway 175

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from the junction of Route 29/175 in Kelseyville to 0.8 miles east of Arroyo Vista on Friday, Oct. 3. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility work 0.1 miles south of Forestry Station Access Road. Work hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– A paving project from Main Street to the Brush Creek Bridge will continue through Friday, Oct. 3. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – North Bay Construction Inc. of Petaluma.

– A paving project from Walnut Street to Pudding Creek Road will continue. 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. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– The City of Fort Bragg has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to install a new sewer line between Elm Street and Airport Road. 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.

Highway 20

– A highway widening project from Old Willits Road to Gravel Pitt Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

Highway 101

– A pavement repair project from 0.1 miles north to 1.5 miles north of Comminsky Station Road will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– A paving project from Center Street to the junction of Route 101/253 will continue. Weekend work hours are 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., Friday evening through Sunday morning. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays. Weekday work hours are 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday morning. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Martin Brothers Construction of Sacramento.

– 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.

– Bridge deck rehabilitation on the South Willits Overhead will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel 24 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – American Civil Constructors of Benicia.

– Bridge deck rehabilitation on the Long Valley Creek Bridge will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel 24 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – American Civil Constructors of Benicia.

– A paving project from Long Valley Creek Bridge to Harmon Drive will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 12 midnight, weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Mercer Fraser of Eureka.

– A curve improvement project in Laytonville will continue through Friday, Oct. 3. Work hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

Highway 162

– Bridge deck rehabilitation on the Long Valley Creek Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday morning. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – American Civil Constructors of Benicia.

– A bridge widening project at Outlet Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Viking Construction Company, Incorporated of Rancho Cordova.

Highway 253

– A bridge widening project at Anderson Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Viking Construction Co. Inc. of Rancho Cordova.

– A bridge widening project at Soda Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Viking Construction Co. Inc. of Rancho Cordova.

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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The public is invited to pick up campaign material for all of the candidates endorsed by the Lake County Democratic party who are running to represent Lake County at the local level, in Sacramento and for the presidential campaign.

The group hopes to have the signs and material for Obama/Biden at this time. They will take reservations for that material, if it hasn't arrived by Friday.

Campaign literature outlining the the California State and Lake County Democratic Party's positions on the ballot propositions also will be available.

The office is located at 307 N. Main St., next to Watershed Books, telephone 263-4529.

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