CALIFORNIA
A new invader threatens California water supplies
Wearing a collar and a tongue-lolling grin, Allee, a Belgian Malinois, sniffed along the glittering hull of a bass boat at an inspection station in Butte County.
The dog’s handler, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Mark Rose, pointed at the outboard motor and the dog delicately nosed the propellers. She stretched up on her hind legs to get a good whiff of the port side before Rose led her away. She yawned. Nothing here.
The dog was searching for any hint of the thimble-sized mussels hidden in the nooks and crannies of boats headed to Lake Oroville, the state’s second-largest reservoir, or two smaller reservoirs nearby. Her human counterparts at the Department of Water Resources’ inspection station combed the boat’s interior for standing water that could harbor larvae.
Mandatory boat inspections are among the few weapons in California’s arsenal for protecting its thousands of lakes and reservoirs from the invasion. The mussels’ prolific growth and voracious appetites can upend entire ecosystems, encrust underwater surfaces, choke off water supplies and damage dams and power plants.
“We have been on high alert,” said Tanya Veldhuizen, special projects section manager in the California Department of Water Resources’ environmental assessment branch, which operates the state’s water delivery system. “It’s not just on our doorstep, it’s in our house.”
State water managers made the alarming discovery last October that golden mussels, which are native to China and Southeast Asia, had invaded the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta — the core of California’s massive water delivery systems. It marked the first detection in North America.
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LAKE COUNTY
Guided Walk at Kuulanapo Wetland Preserve Saturday
Newly cleared tree-shaded levee trail to explore. We will also head out to the shoreline and enjoy the taking a break on one of the benches at our viewing platforms.
- Limited parking
- Binoculars are a good idea to spot the waterfowl and wildlife.
- Bring a hat and water
- Sturdy shoes, long sleeves and pants and bug spray recommended
- Temporary restroom facility on-site
For more information on this guided walk, visit: https://www.lakecountylandtrust.org/lands/guided-walks or email us at lclt@lakecountylandtrust.org
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SACRAMENTO
California’s Senate Energy Committee eliminates anti-solar measures from crucial bill
The California Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications committee on Tuesday approved AB 942 with major amendments that removed all anti-solar provisions. At the committee hearing, legislators amended to remove any language that would undermine rooftop solar and storage adoption. In its initial version, the bill would have retroactively changed the solar contracts for nearly two million people with their utility, and eliminated the utility bill credit, called the ‘climate credit’ for solar customers.
Chairman Josh Becker and committee members responded to the more than 100 environmental, consumer, housing and education groups and businesses who opposed the anti-solar amendments as well as the thousands of people who called and emailed their state senators to express outrage about the bill.
In response, Environment California State Director Laura Deehan released the following statement:
“This action means that California will continue to be a beacon of hope for clean energy, with leaders such as Sen. Josh Becker shining a light on the benefits of solar. Protecting the environment and consumers will ensure a better future for all.”
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LAKEPORT
Moon Alice Benefit Concert on July 27
Presented by Lake County Community Radio, KPFZ
Sunday, July 27, 2025. 6:30 pm. Open Seating. Nightclub style,
$25 in advance $30 at the door
Moon Alice is back doing our KPFZ Ron Green Memorial Benefit Concert. This Moonalice Show will include Lester and Dyan Chambers along with the T-sisters and their allstar band. A great band, a great space, and a great cause so get your tickets asap.
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