LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The county of Lake has partnered with Petdata Inc. to make it easier for Lake County residents to license their animals.

Under this arrangement, Petdata will administer all aspects of the county’s licensing program. As a result, residents will now be able to license their dog or cat either by mail or the Internet though Petdata.

Owners of currently licensed animals will receive renewal notifications directly from Petdata and all licensing fees may also be paid directly to Petdata. Petdata even provides the option of making payment with a credit card in most instances.

Petdata’s Web site also will provide additional resources tailored specifically to assist Lake County pet owners such as pertinent county ordinances and licensing requirements. Most importantly, using Petdata’s services will not result in an increase in the licensing fee paid by the pet owner.

Bill Davidson, acting Animal Care and Control director, stressed the importance of an effective licensing program.

“The purpose of animal licensing is to ensure that pet owners have vaccinated their pets against rabies,” Davidson said. “Other animal control agencies have consistently reported an increase in licensing compliance using Petdata’s services as well as positive customer feedback as a result of the convenience provided to pet owners.”

Licenses will still be sold over the counter at the animal shelter located at 4949 Helbush Drive in Lakeport (next to the county jail) or at Clearlake Vet Hospital in the City of Clearlake.

For more information, contact Petdata Directly at 1-866-923-1797 or visit their website at www.petdata.com.

Executive Director Richard Birk (left) presents Jose and Elizabeth Medina with the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity Home. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE – On a beautiful spring day, May 29, Habitat for Humanity Lake County held a warm house dedication and turned over the keys of its most recently completed home in Clearlake to the partner family.

Celebrated with food, camaraderie,and music provided by the Clearlake Methodist Church, Jose and Elizabeth Medina and their three children were welcomed into their new neighborhood by volunteers, family, friends and neighbors.

Grocery Outlet of Clearlake generously supplied the family with a substantial gift of kitchen and household items.

As the Medinas embark on their life as new homeowners, Habitat for Humanity Lake County has begun construction on its 15th home in the county.

Volunteers are always needed. To volunteer, or to find out if you are eligible for a Habitat for Humanity home, call 707-994-1100 or come by the office at 16285A Main Street, Lower Lake, Calif.

Larry Goldfarb, chief executive officer of LRG Capital, recently was elected to the Easter Seals Northern California Board of Directors.

“We are very pleased to have Larry Goldfarb on our board of directors,” stated Bob Duffield, board chair.

“He provides a great deal of investment banking, trading and legal experience that will enhance our board knowledge,” said Duffield. “Additionally, he has board experience working with a variety of non-profits and an interest in fundraising. But most importantly, he has a personal Easter Seals experience to share in the community.”

The 2009-10 board members also include Board Chair Bob Duffield, Vice Chair Michael Besselievre, Treasurer Jim Wooster, Secretary Greg Cornelius, Assistant Secretary Margaret Grover, Bob Burchit, Valerie Gonyea, Wayne K.D. McIntosh, and Craig King as president and chief executive officer.

“I am honored to be elected to the board of directors at Easter Seals Northern California,” said Goldfarb, “I have admired the organization for many years and they were instrumental in providing a support network when my son was diagnosed with autism. I look forward to helping the organization to continue to provide that support for so many other families with children with special needs.”

Goldfarb is a dedicated philanthropist who supports many local organizations and believes in helping worthy organizations in the community where he lives.

In addition to the recent board election, Mr. Goldfarb serves as a board member in several charitable and nonprofit foundations such as Youth Tennis Advantage and the Joe Toucan Diabetes Project. The American Diabetes Association honored him in February as Father of the Year.

He was president and chairman of the board for the nonprofit 142 Throckmorton Theatre and is a major contributor and sponsor to the Scleroderma Research Foundation, The Mill Valley Film Festival, Homeward Bound of Marin, Tipping Point, Harbor point charitable foundation and the Drug Policy Alliance.

Stemming from his love of aiding underprivileged youth, the arts, and technology, Goldfarb continues to be a major contributor to The Lower Eastside Girls Club, Blue Bear School of Music and FIRST – For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology.

Goldfarb also supports several organizations promoting knowledge, awareness and research of Autism such as Autism Speaks and Oak Hill School.

Easter Seals Northern California provides services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.

For more information visit www.noca.easterseals.com.

CLEARLAKE – The city of Clearlake's Independence Day festivities will take place this year on Saturday, July 3.

The fun kicks off with a parade at 11 a.m. from Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive, to Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Drive, where festivities will be held, including a street fair, kinetic sculpture racing, live music, car show, arts and crafts, barbecue, children's activities and more. The events are sponsored by the Lakeshore Lions Club.

Join the Clear Lake Chamber for Commerce for its 43rd Annual Worm Race Competition at Austin Park, held in conjunction with the Independence Day festivities.

The internationally recognized worm race competition has drawn competitors ranging from children to senators and congressmen. The event also has attracted the attention of Animal Planet, NBC and Bay Area Backroads.

Bring your own worm or you can pick out your racer from the worm stables.

There will be a fireworks display sponsored by Foods, Etc. following the day’s festivities at Austin Park at 9 p.m.

For more information, call the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce at 707-994-3600.

NICE – An open house celebration of the International Order of Sons of Italy's 105th anniversary will be held on Saturday, June 19.

Finger foods and refreshments will be served between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Sons of Italy club hall, 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

The event is free to the public. Everyone is welcome.

For information call 707-274-2244.

LAKE COUNTY – This Saturday KPFZ 88.1 FM's “The Law Show” will host longtime Lake County Registrar of Voters Diane Fridley.

On June 8, in the frenzy of election night, Lake County news media announced the final results of the hotly contested local races. As it turns out, they may have been a bit premature in doing so.

In the days following the election, we learned that more than 3,700 provisional and absentee ballots are not yet included in the tally.

Although the outcome of most races are not likely to change, the contest for Lake County district attorney could be affected.

With only a couple of hundred votes separating the candidates, it is possible that Doug Rhoades and Jon Hopkins could switch positions creating a very different runoff election in November.

To many the vote counting process is a mystery and hopefully some of the community's questions will be answered by Fridley, ho has been in charge of making sure that Lake County’s elections are fair and accurate year after year.

Join host Herb Gura on Saturday, June 19, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. as they delve into the inner workings of the electoral process in Lake County.

Phone in at 707-283-3435 and ask your own questions.