SACRAMENTO – California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura today announced the retirement of California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer after 26 years at CDFA. His retirement is effective Sept. 30.

“Dr. Breitmeyer leaves state service as one of the most respected animal health authorities in the nation,” said Secretary Kawamura. “His leadership in public policy is highly valued by governments and veterinary organizations alike. I want to thank him for his tireless commitment to public service. We owe him a monumental debt of gratitude.”

Dr. Breitmeyer joined CDFA in 1984 as a veterinary medical officer and has served as state veterinarian since 1993, under three governors.

In that role, Dr. Breitmeyer served at the executive level as California’s state, national and international representative on all animal health issues affecting California and the nation, and was the principal advisor to the agriculture secretary for all food safety and animal health issues affecting California.

Among Dr. Breitmeyer’s national leadership positions is a current term as president of the United States Animal Health Association.

Effective immediately, Secretary Kawamura has named Dr. Annette Whiteford to replace Dr. Breitmeyer as state veterinarian.

Dr. Whiteford has been with CDFA since 2001 and has served as director of the division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services since 2004. In 2002-03, she served as area and incident commander for California's successful fight to eradicate exotic Newcastle disease.

The response involved multiple local, state and federal agencies with up-to 1,500 people on the ground at one time. Dr. Whiteford will assume the duties of state veterinarian while retaining the director position.

Dr. Whiteford received her veterinary degree in 1998 from UC Davis and spent three years in private practice before joining the Department. She also spent eight years working for business firms in the private sector before choosing to enter veterinary school.

“Dr. Whiteford has more than demonstrated that she has the talent and experience to excel as State Veterinarian,” said Secretary Kawamura. “I look forward to working with her and have confidence that she will distinguish herself in the position for many years to come.”

SACRAMENTO – The State Senate has approved a bill by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) that allows the State Lands Commission to fine those who build or own unlawful structures on state lands.

AB 2664 awaits action by the governor. The bill also includes a six-month amnesty period to allow violators to comply with the law.

“Many of these illegal structures built impede public access to state lands,” Chesbro said. “Examples of this include fences into lakes and in some cases across state parks. The State Lands Commission often has to enter into costly litigation to battle those who build on public lands without proper permits.”

AB 2664 would allow the State Lands Commission to directly impose administrative penalties on violators.

The penalties would be capped at no more than $1,000 per day or 60 percent more than the fair market rent for the land each day a permit is violated. Currently, the commission’s only option is to sue. This is costly and ties up resources of the Attorney General’s Office.

“This legislation would act as a deterrent and save the state money,” Chesbro said. “New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington already do this. There are safeguards built into the legislation that allow those being fined a hearing within 30 days and a six month amnesty period to allow offenders to get into compliance without being penalized.”

The State Lands Commission oversees Public Trust waterways for navigation, fishing, boating, natural habitat protection and other waterway activities.

The governor has until Sept. 30 to take action on the bill.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Don Anderson, Lake County attorney and candidate for the office of district attorney, has released his first book, “408 Lakeport,” about the killing of a Lake County Sheriff's sergeant.

On May 1, 1981, Sgt. Richard Helbush of the Lake County Sheriff's Office was gunned down while stopping to help two people with a flat tire.

Unbeknownst to Sgt. Helbush, the people he stopped to help were both drug addicts fleeing from law enforcement after killing a merchant in Stockton the day before.

Anderson apprehended the two suspects outside of Middletown after a gun battle between the killers and law enforcement officers.

One of Helbush’s killers is Annika Deasy, a native of Sweden. In some parts of Sweden, Deasy is considered a martyr and she has the distinction of being in prison longer than anyone in Sweden’s recorded history.

Recently, in a prisoner exchange between California and Sweden, Deasy was returned to her native country. She is scheduled to be released from custody in May of 2011.

The book documents Deasy’s life, the murder in Stockton and the killing of Sgt. Helbush. The book also documents how the officers were affected by the murder of their friend, Sgt. Helbush, and the subsequent shootout with his killers.

The book has been in the making for 11 years. “This story is a part of Lake County history that most people do not know, but should,” said Anderson.

The will be available at Anderson’s booth at the Lake County Fair.

LAKEPORT – The annual “Seniors Day” at Lake County Fair is no more.

Starting in 2010, every day is “Seniors Day,” with a special $6 admission every day for anyone over the age of 60.

"Today's seniors are active and involved, and participate in activities throughout the Lake County Fair on a daily basis," said fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons. "The new pricing structure for anyone over 60 reflects that."

Regular admission prices for the 2010 Lake County Fair are $9 for a regular ticket, $6 for a senior over age 60, and $5 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free everyday.

The Lake County Fair traditionally occurs Labor Day weekend each year at the fairgrounds in Lakeport. The 2010 fair dates are Thursday, Sept. 2, through Sunday, Sept. 5.

The fair is one of Lake County's favorite summertime events, and is enjoyed by more than 37,000 people each year. It features a variety of entertainment, food, exhibits, a carnival, and livestock shows.

The Fair theme for 2010 is "Fun for the Whole Herd!"

NORTH COAST – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place during the coming week.

There is no major roadwork scheduled for Lake County from Friday, Sept. 3, through Thursday, Sept. 9.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

Caltrans is suspending work on Northern California highways from Friday, Sept. 3, through Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of the Labor Day holiday weekend. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans Maintenance forces to respond to emergency situations.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– PG&E of Ukiah has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility maintenance near Fish Rock Road on Wednesday, Sept. 8. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

– California Department of Parks and Recreation has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for sewer line repairs 0.3 mile south of Larkin Road. Work hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. Intermittent one-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. On Tuesday, Sept. 7, turns onto Lancing Street will be restricted, and motorists are advised to use an alternate route.

– The city of Fort Bragg has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to hold the Paul Bunyan Days Labor Day Parade between Madrone Avenue and Elm Street on Monday, Sept. 6. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A full road closure will be in effect. A detour will be available.

Highway 101

– A metal beam guardrail repair project at various locations from 0.1 mile north of the Mendocino/ Sonoma County line to 0.3 mile south of the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. Nighttime 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 – Wahlund Construction of Eureka.

– A pavement repair project from the Robinson Creek Overcrossing to the Forsyth Creek Bridge will continue. Work hours are 5 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. Contractor – Granite Construction Inc. of Ukiah.

– Pavement repairs from Steel Lane to 0.6 mile south of Rattlesnake Summit will begin Tuesday, Sept. 7. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel in four-lane sections, and one-way traffic control will be in effect in two-lane sections. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Mercer-Fraser Company of Eureka.

Highway 162

– Storm damage repair east of Sand Bank Creek will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

Highway 222

– Replacement of the Russian River Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays during work hours and five-minute delays at other times. Contractor – CC Myers of Rancho Cordova.

Highway 271

– Culvert repair near Piercy will continue. 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 – Van Meter Logging Inc. of Garberville.

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).