LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Twelve community leaders from a wide range of positions have been selected to participate in the third year of the popular AgVenture program.

Members of the 2012 class include: Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown; Bernie Butcher, owner, Tallman Hotel; Judy Cortesi, retired small business owner; Linda Hedstrom, Housing and Economic Development Manager; Lori Holmes, Renal Dietician and School Board member; and Tibor Major, attorney.

The class also includes Stacey Mattina, owner, Konocti Realty and mayor of Lakeport; Gary Olson, Broker/Owner, Big Valley Properties; Matt Perry, interim county administrative officer, Lake County; Fr. Ron Serban, pastor, St. Mary Immaculate Parish; Rebecca Southwick, development/public relations officer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital; and Claudia Street, executive director, Lake County Farm Bureau.

AgVenture is an innovative concept in agricultural education designed for non-farming community leaders and others who wish to understand more fully the workings of the local agricultural industry.

Modeled after successful programs in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, AgVenture is in its third year and consists of day-long seminars that meet once a month.

Each session focuses on a different major commercial crop grown in Lake County, and features speakers and site tours.

This year, a fourth day has been added to the program that will include presentations on olives and livestock production.

The sessions will again cover such topics as economics, labor, history, marketing, water and land use, agritourism, and sustainability. Class members will gain a broad knowledge about agriculture and farming in general, and more specifically about the heritage, culture, economy, and business of local agriculture.

Community leaders were invited to participate and the members of the class were selected based on their interest in the program, professional position in the community, and ability to help maintain a viable agricultural industry in Lake County.

The first session on Aug. 24 will focus on the pear industry in Lake County with orchard and packing house tours. Speakers will include Deputy County Administrative Officer Debra Sommerfield for Economic Development and a graduate of AgVenture 2010. She will discuss the importance of agriculture in Lake County’s economy.

Broc Zoller, The Pear Doctor, will focus on private, government, and university research and the County’s abandoned tree ordinance.

Myron Holdenried, owner of Wildhurst Vineyards, will discuss the history and evolution of agriculture in Lake County.

Jack King, retired manager of the National Affairs Division of the California Farm Bureau Federation, will address immigration and labor issues affecting agriculture.

Diane Henderson of Henderson Orchards, Kelseyville, will provide a tour and discuss cultural practices, integrated pest management and sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the challenges faced by pear growers.

Toni Scully of Scully Packing Co., Finley, will talk about issues faced within the pear industry and provide an escorted tour of a packing house in full operation.

Pat Scully, general manager of Scully Packing, will describe marketing methods, how the grower and packer derive their income, and working with foreign markets.

The second session on Sept. 21 will focus on the wine grape industry and include presentations by Kris Eutenier, deputy Lake County Agricultural Commissioner; Scott DeLeon, director of Lake County Department of Public Works and a graduate of AgVenture 2010; Glenn McGourty, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor for Lake and Mendocino counties; Eric Seely, Deputy County Administrative Officer – Special Projects; Randy Krag, viticulturist with Beckstoffer Vineyards; and Shannon Gunier, President of the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

The day will include a luncheon at Vigilance Vineyards and a tour of the Gregory Graham Winery to demonstrate a small winery operation and compliance with regulations.

The third session on Oct. 19 will focus on the walnut industry in Lake County. Marc Hooper, Pest Control Advisor with AgUnlimited will address cultivation of both conventional and organic crops in Lake County. Paula Bryant, Vice President and commercial relationship manager for Umpqua Bank, will cover crop financing and lending practices.

Lake County Community Development Director Rick Coel will review land use issues, the ag element of the county’s general plan, urban/ag interface, the Right to Farm ordinance and value-added agricultural uses.

A tour of the Suchan Farm and Nursery, Upper Lake, and an overview of the walnut industry, including nursery, orchards and dehydrator operations by Alex Suchan will conclude the day’s session.

The final AgVenture session for 2012 will be held on Nov. 9. Sen. Noreen Evans will address the class and talk about the legislative perspective on agriculture in California and the impact of invasive pests.

Other presenters for this session will include Emilo dela Cruz, mill master for Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill in Kelseyville, and Jennifer Keithly of Keithly Ranches, Kelseyville.

The fourth day will conclude with a graduation presentation by each class member sharing the experiences that they will remember from the program.

Generous sponsors for the 2012 series of seminars include the Lake County Winegrape Commission, Adobe Creek Packing, Scully Packing Company, Umpqua Bank, the Lake County Farm Bureau, the Lake County Winery Association, and the Lake County Marketing and Economic Development Program.

Additional support has been provided by Saw Shop Gallery and Bistro, Tallman Hotel, Gregory Graham Winery, Chacewater Wine and Olive Mill, Vigilance Vineyards, Lake Parts, Lakeport Tire & Auto, Broc and Sharon Zoller, Mark Dellinger, Margaret Silveira and Terry Dereniuk.

Transportation for the field trips and site visits is being provided by the Military Funeral Honors Team van with support from the Kelseyville Olive Festival.

The AgVenture program coordinator is Terry Dereniuk, a graduate of the 2010 AgVenture program. Members of her steering committee are Annette Hopkins, President of the Lake County Chapter, California Women for Agriculture, Paula Bryant, Shannon Gunier, Toni Scully, Diane Henderson, and Michelle Scully.

More information about California Women for Agriculture is available by writing to P.O. Box 279, Finley, CA 95435 or visiting them on Facebook at Lake County California Women for Agriculture.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital donated $3,000 to the American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties, on Aug. 13 in response to the Wye Fire that started the previous day east of Clearlake Oaks in Lake County.  

The donation was used to purchase supplies like food, water, medicine and clothing, and cover transportation expenses for Red Cross volunteers.

“Lake County is our home and when our neighbors are threatened by a disaster like this, Sutter Lakeside Hospital feels an enormous responsibility to step up and help in any way that we can,” said Sutter Lakeside Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Siri Nelson. “We have a long history of supporting the Lake County community and we’re privileged to be able to help again.”

“In addition to our donation, we’re working closely with the American Red Cross Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties to train our nurses so that they can volunteer in local Red Cross shelters in the future,” said Chief Nursing Executive, Teresa Campbell. “While our nurses play a vital role in patient care at Sutter Lakeside Hospital, they also understand the importance of volunteering their talents to meet emergency needs in our community.”

The Red Cross provided a safe place for displaced residents to stay in the Highlands Senior Center in Clearlake and they helped serve meals at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks.  

They worked with animal groups to ensure the safe and humane treatment of livestock, pets and other animals affected by the fire.

“We’re grateful to the many volunteers who worked around the clock to provide services to Lake County residents, who can begin to get their lives back again,” said Tim Miller, chief executive officer of American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties. “We’re also grateful to Sutter Lakeside and other donors, since the Red Cross in Lake County does not receive government financial support. We rely on donations and class fees to be able to provide free services to clients.”

Those who would like to help the American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties can visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  You may also send a gift of any denomination by mail to: American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties, 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – 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

– Construction of a roundabout at the Route 20/Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road intersection will continue. Temporary all-way stop signs are in place. A shoulder closure will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area and may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road is closed at Route 20; a detour is available. Contractor – Granite Construction Inc. of Ukiah.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from Island Drive to Shady Lane. 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.

– Emergency guardrail repairs from the junction of Routes 20/53 to New Long Valley 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 five-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from New Long Valley Road to just east of Gravel Plant Road Monday, Aug. 27, through Wednesday, Aug. 29. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 53

– Pavement repairs from Wilson Street to 40th Avenue will continue. Nighttime work hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday Morning. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists  should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

– Highway widening and rehabilitation from 40th Avenue to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. Work hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays.  Beginning Sunday, Aug. 26, nighttime work hours will be added. Work hours will be 10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Replacement of the Greenwood Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Golden State Bridge Inc. of Martinez.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Simpson Road to Ocean Meadows Circle beginning Monday, Aug. 27. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 20

– A pavement repair project from 1.4 miles west of Little Lake Road to Three Chop Road will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays.  One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– Paulson Excavation of Albion has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for fuel spill cleanup 1.3 miles east of Three Chop Road. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– A pavement repair project from Road 300 to Three Chop Road will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

Highway 101

– Caltrans will perform slide repairs near the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (near Frog Woman Rock). Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Caltrans will perform pavement testing 0.5 mile north of Nelson Road on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Work hours are 9 a.m. to noon. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Crosswalk improvements at Gregory Lane will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to noon, weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Cal Electro Inc. of Redding.

– PG&E of Eureka has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for tree trimming from Sherwood Road to Casteel Lane beginning Friday, Aug. 24. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 128

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Paul Dimmick State Park to Anderson Valley Way continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays.  One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists  should  anticipate  five-minute  delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility repairs from Philo Greenwood Road to Indian Creek. 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.

– Paving from Con Creek to Robinson Creek will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will  be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– Pavement repairs from 1.9 mile west of the Ornbaun Creek Bridge to 0.3 mile west of Elkhorn Creek will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – OC Jones and Sons of Berkeley.

Highway 253

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Singley Cattlepass to Stipp Lane will begin Monday, Aug. 27. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists  should  anticipate  five-minute  delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– Culvert repairs at various locations from Cattle Pass to 0.5 mile west of Slide Creek will begin Friday, Aug. 24. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Team Ghilotti of Petaluma.

– Slipout repairs about 5.6 miles west of Butler Ranch will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Mendocino Construction Services of Willits.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from 3.3 miles to 1.6 miles south of Butler Ranch beginning Friday, Aug. 24. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Work on all these projects is weather permitting and subject to change. 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 above.

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).

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The recently formed Camaro Owners of Lake County (COOLC) invites the community to come and meet the group at twice-a-month gatherings.

The club has a drop-in event from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Friday.

On the second Friday of the month they will meet at KFC on Highway 53 in Lower Lake and on the fourth Friday at KFC on Parallel Drive in Lakeport.

At the drop-in meetings people are invited to come and see cool Camaros and Firebirds, meet the club and even sign up.

Visit the club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camaro-Owners-of-Lake-County/270189973068944 and the Web site at http://www.windandfunkites.com/club/camaro.htm .

State Sen. Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) on Thursday applauded a key committee’s approval of AB 1478, a trailer bill on state park operations that will direct funding to parks previously slated for closure, provide a moratorium on park closures and strengthen the oversight of the department through the Parks and Recreation Commission.  

The bill was introduced in the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and co-authored by Senators Evans, Leno, Pavley and Simitian and Assemblymembers Gordon and Huffman.

“The public cherishes our state parks and wants a funding commitment and management structure that keeps them open,” said Evans whose district includes 20 parks that where slated for closure. “This bill amounts to a renewed social contract with the people of California and the parks we are obligated and impassioned to protect.”

AB 1478 provides assurances that money intended for parks goes to keep parks open, that parks will not face closures for at least the next two years and that the Parks and Recreation Commission will be empowered to provide needed oversight to guide parks decisions and regain public trust.  

Through this bill, the commission would be provided the authority to review all issues relating to parks, with specific authority to review the departments’ budget and infrastructure projects.

The bill provides for $30 million to keep all parks open and operating. Of that amount $20 million comes from the “found” money in the Parks and Recreation Fund which will allocate $10 million to keeping parks open and $10 million to match private and nonprofit donations.  

Another $10 million will come from the Proposition 84 fund to be allocated towards the $1.2 billion in differed maintenance projects that have stymied the operations of parks throughout the state for decades.

“This is a plan to “right” a “wrong”,” continued Evans. “As a representative of this government, it’s my job to find a solution to the problems that have plagued parks. The issues that have surrounded parks for the last few months have hurt a lot of people and broken a lot of promises. This is our opportunity to begin to rectify a bad situation and prevent any future reoccurrence.”

Evans represents the Second Senatorial District, including all or portions of the counties of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma. She chairs the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Committee on Judiciary.

LAKEPORT – Lake County Fair officials announced the addition of up to $3,000 in added purse monies to winners in the demolition derby, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 p,m.

With the fair’s help, the winner will now receive $3,000. Before the addition, the purse for winning the whole derby was $1,500.

Additionally, the winner of each heat race will win an extra $500, in addition to the previously published purse of $100 for a heat race win.

The fair has extended the extra purse for up to three heat races. The derby is produced by Lakeport Speedway, and previously had total purses of $2,650.

Events in the grandstand arena include the Lake County Invitational Bomber Race on Thursday evening, a freestyle motorcycle high jump with mud drags on Friday evening, California State Finals of the WGAS Motorsports Tuff Truck and Buggy Races on Saturday evening, and the demolition derby on Sunday evening.

All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m. Local participants are also encouraged in the demo derby, mud drags and the tuff truck races, and entry forms are available at the fairgrounds office.

Live local entertainment occurs continuously on two stages. The Sutter Lakeside Hospital Main Stage will showcase national touring act Twice As Good on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Other local acts, including the Snake Alley Band, LC Diamonds, the Uncalled Four and the Mark Weston Band, will also play the main stage.

The Mediacom Stage will host a variety of acts including Travis Rinker, Short Stax, Village-Stone & Day, Jim Williams on acoustic guitar, and Barrish & Day. In addition, DJ Ken Steely will provide live karaoke on Saturday afternoon.

Regular admission prices for the 2012 Lake County Fair are unchanged from 2012.

Prices are $10 for a regular ticket, $6 for a senior over age 60, and $6 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free every day. Children through age 11 are admitted for $3 on Thursday, Aug. 30 only, for “Kid’s Day.”

A special admission program is in place for Friday, Aug. 30. Anyone who brings four cans of food to the gate between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. will receive free admission, with the food benefiting local food pantries through Lake County CAN.