SACRAMENTO COUNTY
‘Given these extreme threats, our union is supporting a statewide ballot initiative on redistricting in California planned for this November.’
On August 13, the California Teachers Association (CTA) President David B. Goldberg issued the following statement in response to the threats on our democracy and public education:
“Over the past several months, we have seen the Trump administration freeze funds for critical education programs, cut healthcare for millions of our students and their families, attempt to dismantle the Department of Education, and pass a new voucher program designed to destroy public education entirely. There have also been unprecedented attacks on our immigrant communities and our LGBTQIA+ students and families.
“It is clear that we are also now facing an unprecedented power grab by Texas and other states to steal congressional seats and rig the 2026 election in favor of the current federal administration. This is a direct and urgent attack on our democracy.
“If this power grab goes unchecked, we will only see more drastic cuts to public education, healthcare, and other critical services and a further erosion of basic civil and human rights in our communities. Given these extreme threats, our union is supporting a statewide ballot initiative on redistricting in California planned for this November. This initiative is designed to counter the redistricting plan being led by Texas and other states and stop this blatant consolidation of power.
“Every member of Congress who would be impacted by redistricting in our state has repeatedly sided with corporations and billionaires over our students and communities. Several of them lied directly to our members when we visited their offices this Spring to demand they vote against draconian cuts to our schools. They’ve made their priorities clear. California union educators will fight back against any and all attacks on our democracy and public education.”
—Submitted
KELSEYVILLE
Preserving and interpreting the past for the benefit of the future
Ely Stage Stop Museum 2025 Popcorn Lecture Series
Learn about Lake County’s past while munching on popcorn in the Ely Museum’s Red Barn (9921 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville). Lectures are every other month on the second Saturday. Talks begin at 2 p.m.
Lectures are free to Historical Society members or $10 at the door for non-members. Join as a member at the door and get into the year’s lectures free.
September 13: A Walk Through Time
Emmy Award Winning documentary about the history of Anderson Marsh, the Koi Tribe, and how it became a State Park.
Archaeologist and co-producer Dr. John Parker will introduce and show the documentary and talk about its making and answer questions.
The film received the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2015, and the Northern California Television Emmy for best cultural documentary in 2017.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
Three sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this week.
The chickens are part of a flock of sentinel chickens near Upper Lake.
What is a Sentinel Chicken?
A sentinel chicken is a chicken used for the early detection of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. Any breed of chicken can be a sentinel chicken. These chickens are housed in coops in various locations and serve as an early warning for West Nile, St. Louis encephalitis, and western equine encephalomyelitis viruses. Unlike humans and other animals, chickens do not get sick from West Nile virus can be infected with these viruses without getting sick, making them ideal for monitoring.
“West Nile virus shows up every year throughout California, including Lake County,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., District Manager and Research Director for the Lake County Vector Control District. “It’s shown up a little later than usual this year, likely because of the relatively mild summer temperatures we’ve had so far.”
Dr. Scott recommends that people protect themselves from mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered mosquito repellent, especially if you are out at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. She recommends visiting the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Repellents page to learn more about repellents and find the one that is right for you at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
Vector Control encourages residents to protect themselves with these steps:
Eliminate mosquito habitat: Empty and clean any containers that hold water, such as tires, buckets, and planters.
Maintain swimming pools. Just one neglected swimming pool can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.
Consider mosquito fish: For water sources that cannot be drained, such as ornamental ponds or unmaintained swimming pools, the LCVCD offers free mosquito fish to help control mosquito larvae.
Use insect repellent: Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent according to label instructions whenever outdoors.
Wear protective clothing: When outside during peak mosquito biting times (dawn and dusk), wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Report dead birds to the toll-free state hotline: 1-877-968-2473 or online at https://westnile.ca.gov/report.
“West Nile virus is a serious threat, but by taking these simple precautions, residents can significantly reduce their risk of infection,” Dr. Scott concluded.
No other West Nile virus has been detected in Lake County in 2025. Statewide, 27 California counties have detected WNV this year in mosquitoes, dead birds, or sentinel chickens. Nine Californians have been sickened by West Nile virus this year, including one resident who died from the infection.
The Lake County Vector Control District provides mosquito control services to our community. If you need help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, or have an in-ground yellowjacket nest on your property that you want treated, please contact the Lake County Vector Control District at (707) 263-4770 (Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-4:00 PM) or submit a service request on their website at www.lcvcd.org.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit https://westnile.ca.gov/. Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/.
—Submitted
