CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce got a taste of the future Saturday, Aug. 23, when it hosted its annual “Luau by the Lake” fundraising event at its anticipated location adjacent to Highlands Park in Clearlake.

The beach-front property complemented the performance of “Obsidian Butterfly,” which entertained guests with a spectacular, interactive fire-dancing show.

“This is beautiful and the fire dancers, with the lake and Mt. Konocti behind them, were spectacular,” Chamber President Alvaro Valencia said. “This is going to be the perfect location for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, right in the heart of our wonderful city.”

The chamber welcomed about 50 guests to the event, which featured pulled pork and pineapple, raffle prizes, a silent auction, cocktails and music by local DJ Andre Ari.

Obsidian Butterfly, a fire-dancing troupe from Sacramento, lit the stage with fiery fans, batons and mace-like balls of fire.

Sequoia, the troupe’s director, brought the show into the crowd, offering guests a chance to feel the fire up close and personal.

“We love performing here. Lake County provides the perfect ambiance for our shows,” Sequoia, who was accompanied by dancers Matt Sweeney and Lou Ann Melgar, said. “We can't wait to come back.”

The chamber anticipates the city's release of the request for proposals for renovations of the historic house located next to Highlands Park.

The site is expected to house not only the chamber of commerce, but a visitors' center as well.

Clearlake City Manager Joan Phillipe said the draft request for proposals is currently under development.

It will be released after requirements are met in the process to dissolve the redevelopment agency, through which the city acquired the property, Phillipe explained.

Phillipe said the request for proposals will include the demolition of the detached garage located on the property and renovations of the building.

The county of Lake has earmarked $100,000 for the project, which is to include a county visitors' center. The city has received $50,000 thus far.

Phillipe said the agreement with the county includes benchmarks that, when accomplished will result in two additional contributions of $25,000 apiece.

“The agreement is structured as a loan that will be forgiven if all formalities are met,” Phillipe said.

Phillipe said the city also anticipates the award of a planning and technical Community Development Block Grant expected in September to assist with the complete design of the property.

The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce consists of area business owners and professionals working toward the economic betterment of the community.

For membership information, call the chamber at 707-994-3600.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Music fans are in for a treat on Labor Day evening Sept. 1 as the acoustic blues trio The Hound Kings open for the virtuoso blues guitarist and vocalist Daniel Castro and his Band at the annual Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Extravaganza.

“With the Lake County Fair over and guests gone home, a little quality music in a relaxing setting is a great way to end the Labor Day weekend,” said Blue Wing owner Bernie Butcher.

The venue is the tree shaded garden between the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Restaurant in Upper Lake.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts in the cool of the evening at 6:30 p.m. The price of admission ($50 plus tax) includes the two bands plus a gourmet barbeque dinner.

“Anthony Paule is a great guitarist who’s played at the Blue Wing several times,” commented Butcher. “We’re happy to welcome his acoustic trio, the Hound Kings, to open the show on Labor Day.”

Leading on vocals is the dynamic Alabama Mike Benjamin, who grew up in Talladega, Alabama in a gospel singing family and moved to California in 1983. Multi-instrumentalist Scot Benton and guitarist Anthony Paule round out the trio. Their recent CD Unleashed was nominated for Acoustic Album in the Year in 2013.

Daniel Castro is one of the top blues guitarists in the world today. Castro grew up on blues music in Los Angeles and moved to the Bay Area in 1995. Forming his own band, he released the first of many original CDs in 1999.

“Daniel and his band are back again after putting on tremendous shows at our Festivals in 2010 and again in 2012,” said Butcher. “You can’t find a finer gentleman or better musician in the business today.”

Backing Daniel will be his long-time band mates Johnny Yu on bass and David Perper on drums. The great blues sax player Nancy Wright will also be there to make a guest appearance.

Tickets for the Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Extravaganza may be purchased by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0. The Web site is www.BlueWingSaloon.com/concerts .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The community is invited to come and check out the annual EcoArts Lake County Sculpture Walk, entering the final weeks of this year's exhibit.

The sculpture walk, now in its 12th year, is located at Middletown Trailside Park. It combines art and nature into a unique experience.

The exhibit is free and open everyday from dawn to dusk through Oct. 13.

Professional sculptors and local artists and craftspeople have produced works that speak to the natural surroundings of the park either by the use of natural or repurposed materials, or through an environmental message.

While you’ll find a variety of concepts and themes expressed by the artists, the prevailing message is to consider how delicate nature is and how we can preserve and protect our environment.

From the moment visitors start on the trail, they are reminded of the regenerative aspect of nature in Renata Jaworska’s “Force,” a giant chrome heart; wounded it would seem, but caught in the midst of beating regardless.

They encounter nature sprites, such as Mary Mattlage’s “Trickster,” a feathered imp peeking from a tree, and deceptively whimsical, and delicate “GMOs” by Terry Church.

Lisa Kaplan’s powerfully expressive “Who Will Be Our Leaders,” made primarily from earth and straw, depicts a child leading an adult into the future.

Additional works from natural materials include Laura Kennedy's complex “Points of Connection,” created from fallen limbs and branches gleaned from the park; the simply elegant, perfectly serpentine lines created by Chuck Williams in his “Playful Pickets”; and “Gourd Flower Tree,” stretching towards the skies by Sherry Harris, among others.

Unlike a conventional art exhibit, viewers can physically interact with some of the works. Two pieces that literally resonate are Don Speed's, “Earth Echoes,” an unconventional gong awaiting your strike; and Diego Harris' astounding, “Giant Serpent Horn,” a gigantic musical instrument that you can sing or shout through.

There is much more great work to see. Take “the walk” and delight in this year’s EcoArts Lake County Sculpture Walk.

The Middletown County Trailside Park is located approximately a mile and half from downtown Middletown off Highway 175 and Dry Creek Cutoff.

The sculpture walk is along the center trail and is approximately a quarter-mile long. There is a free guide-book at the entrance to the trail. 

Pack a lunch or dinner and take advantage of the many benches and picnic tables scattered throughout this beautiful 107-acre park.

Additional work by Eco Artists will be exhibited during the month of September at the Life Gallery in Middletown, 21037 Calistoga Road, open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The exhibit opening will be Sept. 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and the public is invited.

EcoArts of Lake County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts, visual art education and ecological stewardship for artists, residents, and visitors to Lake County.

For more information visit www.EcoArtsofLakeCounty.org , contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 707-809-5398 or find them on Facebook.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, local officials wish to remind those who spend time outdoors that it is still important to prevent mosquito bites.

People can become infected with West Nile virus (WNV) when bitten by a mosquito after it has been bitten by an infected bird, the reservoir for the virus.

Symptoms of the mild form of WNV include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches and swollen lymph glands.

While the illness may last only a few days, some people have reported being sick for several weeks. The severe form of West Nile virus can be fatal.

It only takes one bite to get West Nile virus from an infected mosquito and anyone of any age can get this disease.

Contracting the virus is largely preventable by taking simple, but very important precautions.

- Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes cannot begin their life without water.
- Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, or para-menthane-diol. For more information about effective mosquito repellents, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html .
- Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
- Report neglected swimming pools by calling 707-263-4770 or visiting www.lcvcd.org . Anonymous calls are accepted. Just one neglected pool can produce more than one million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.

According to Dr. Karen Tait, Lake County’s health officer, one case of West Nile Virus in a Lake County resident has been reported so far in 2014 and the last one was in 2012.

“Although the number of reported human cases is small, mild illness often goes undiagnosed and the actual number is likely to be greater,” Tait said. “Since there is no specific treatment for the virus, the best approach is to avoid exposure to mosquito bites.”

So far this year in Lake County, 14 dead birds have tested positive for WNV – twice the number that were positive in all of 2013.

Sixty-one mosquito samples have tested positive in 2014 compared to 46 at this time last year. The number of sentinel chickens testing positive are similar for both years. WNV activity in mosquitoes and dead birds has been widely distributed throughout Lake County.

Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District, expects that local WNV activity will continue for another six weeks or so.

“The risk of picking up West Nile virus from a mosquito bite is highest in the late summer and early fall because many of the mosquitoes are older – they’ve fed on several different hosts, and have had more chances to pick up West Nile virus and pass it along to the next host they bite,” explained Scott. “Overall, 2014 has been a busy WNV season, and we expect that the total WNV indicators for 2014 will exceed last year’s numbers.”

Residents are encouraged to bring along mosquito repellent if they attend an outdoor event after 5 p.m.

“We enjoy being outside in the early evening because of the pleasant temperatures, but so do the mosquitoes,” explained Scott. “The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active near sunset, and using an effective mosquito repellent will help protect you from mosquito bites.”

“I’m often asked ‘what is the best repellent?’” said Scott. “The best repellent is the one that you will use, and happily, there are several good choices now available as sprays, lotions, or wipes.”

The US EPA has registered five different active ingredients in mosquito repellents that are proven effective: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, IR3535, and para-menthane-diol (PMD), Scott explained.

“But they only work if you apply them,” she said. “And always read the label and follow the directions.”

The active ingredient is shown in boldface print and usually appears on the front near the bottom edge of the container.

West Nile virus has been detected in 36 California counties so far this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds. Ninety-three human cases in 18 California counties have been reported during 2014, including four fatalities.

The Lake County Vector Control District is a public health agency that protects Lake County residents and visitors from mosquitoes and other vectors of diseases. Residents are encouraged to contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or to fill out a service request online at www.lcvcd.org to report neglected pools or request service for mosquito problems. Anonymous reports are accepted.

Free mosquito-eating fish can be picked up at their office (located at 410 Esplanade in Lakeport) weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for ornamental ponds, horse troughs or out-of-service swimming pools.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As the country readies for Labor Day weekend, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding motorists to employ lifesaving measures on the roadway.

The final three-day weekend of the summer travel season is a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

In anticipation of the holiday, the CHP is preparing for its annual Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP), which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, and continues through
11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2.

The Labor Day MEP also coincides with the ongoing national drunk driving enforcement crackdown, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

If your Labor Day celebration involves alcohol, ensure those plans also include a designated driver.

“While many people will spend the long weekend celebrating with their friends and family, the law enforcement community will be on patrol working to keep the highways hazard free,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Our main goal through this high-visibility enforcement effort is to prevent tragedies from occurring.”

Last year during the Labor Day MEP, 49 people were killed in collisions on California roadways, which was a 40 percent increase from the same period in 2012.

Tragically, more than 70 percent of those killed in collisions within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.

“Help us make the holiday weekend safe for yourself and everyone by thinking about safety,” added Commissioner Farrow. “Buckle up, drive at a safe and legal speed, avoid distractions, and designate a driver.”

Last year, CHP officers made more than 1,200 arrests for driving under the influence. If you see
a suspected drunk driver, call 9-1-1.

Be prepared to assist the dispatcher by giving a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel.

Before you call, be aware of your surroundings, especially streets, highways, directions, city or nearest town within which you are calling. That phone call may help save someone’s life.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security to the people of California.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The governing boards for the Upper Lake Union Elementary School District and Upper Lake Union High School District will hold a special meeting Tuesday evening to look at the issue of unification.

The informational meeting will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, in Room 6 at Upper Lake Middle School, 725 Old Lucerne Road.

The main item on the agenda's open session is the unification issue.

In January, both the high school and elementary school boards voted unanimously to begin studying the unification process, as Lake County News has reported.

If the two districts were to approve moving forward with unification, the process would require the involvement of the Lake County Office of Education and the California Department of Education, according to state guidelines.

A district reorganization can take place in a variety of ways, with one of the options being that the process is initiated by a majority of the governing boards of the schools involved. In that case, an election isn't required.

The procedures for unification also include reviews by the county superintendent of schools, notice to the Local Agency Formation Commission and public hearings.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Members of the Lake County Symphony Association – formerly known as Clear Lake Performing Arts – are urged to attend the group’s annual meeting, which takes place on Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport.

The theater, which serves as the concert hall for the symphony orchestra, generously waives its normal fees to accommodate the meeting.

In appreciation for the association’s support, members of the symphony will present a free concert by its chamber group.

John Parkinson, music director and conductor of the orchestra, will conduct a program featuring baroque music by Handel, Mozart, Telemann and others.

Special recognition also will go to the orchestra’s principal violist Jeff Ives on the introduction of an orchestral piece written for bassoonist Ann Hubbard.

Ives reports that Hubbard was facing surgery she feared might end her music career, and had asked him to write a concerto for bassoon, to assist her in her recovery.

The operation was a success, and so was Ives’ composition, which he entitled simply “Concerto for Bassoon and Small Orchestra.”

The composition will be presented for the first time at the annual meeting program, with the “Small Orchestra” being violinists John Konigsmark, Tammie Dyer, Holly Fagan and Linda Marks; violas, Ives and Paula Mulligan; cellos, Joel Cohen and Clovice Lewis; bass, Larry Ames; flute, Patricia Jeckel; clarinet, Nick Biondo; and bassoon, of course, Ann Hubbard, now fully recovered and playing better than ever.

The orchestra goes under the name “La Voce del Verito” – “Voice of the Wind” in Italian.

Ives has been a musician since he was 10 years old, studying violin at Boston’s New England Conservatory and earning his bachelor of arts degre at Tufts University. He will teach string classes in the LCSA program next year.

Hubbard also started her music career at age 10, and soon moved into the California Youth Symphony and later on a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music.

After graduation she returned to California to join the Monterey and San Jose symphonies. She currently plays with not only the Lake County Symphony but also the Ukiah and Redwoods symphonies.

After the music a few items of business will be conducted, mainly the confirmation of election of officers to the LCSA board of directors.

Those attending will enjoy not only the free concert, but also delicious desserts prepared by LCSA members, as well as complimentary wines offered by Kelseyville’s popular Smiling Dog ranch.

The meeting will start promptly at 3 p.m., and while reservations are not mandatory they will be much appreciated.

LCSA members are encouraged to bring prospective new members, too.

To confirm attendance please call 707-277-7076, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Thompson Harbor boat launching facilities at Redbud Park in Clearlake are partially closed.

Three of six launching sites are in accessible because of low water levels.
 
Additionally, the filling station that serves area water collection trucks also has been closed.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause,” Clearlake Public Works Director Doug Herren said. “All we can hope for is a good, wet winter to bring our lake level up.”

Herren said the two left boarding floats – or docks – which are affixed to adjustable pilings, cannot be lowered any farther and remain too high out of the water for safe use.

Three of the launching facilities will remain open as long as lake levels allow.

Herren said boaters should use those facilities at their own risk.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

California’s Assembly today approved a first-in-the-nation online privacy measure, authored by Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg, which prohibits uses of student personal information for profit. 

Senate Bill 1177, the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA), passed unanimously on a 71-0 vote and heads back to the Senate for concurrence.

“My goal is to encourage technological innovation while protecting kids’ privacy and this bill doesn’t trade one goal for another, it achieves both,” said Steinberg (D-Sacramento). “The industry currently operates without restriction except for the ones that they unilaterally deem appropriate and that is unacceptable. Kids are in the classroom to learn.”

Companies providing online services to aide classroom teaching often require students to create accounts that capture contact data and personal academic information such as grades, disciplinary history, and chat-records.

In some instances, companies are mining data from schoolchildren beyond the needs of the classroom, including how many rooms a student had in their home and how many parents they lived with.

Some Apps marketed to teachers and kids could track a child’s physical location.

SOPIPA would end targeted advertising on K-12 websites, services and applications. It also prohibits operators from using any information gained from the use of their K-12 site to target advertising on any other site, service, or application.

The bill also prohibits creating a profile on a student, unless that profile is used for clear educational purposes. It also prevents companies from selling student data and limits disclosure of student personal information in common sense ways.

The only current restrictions on the use of student data by online educational technology products are contained in the privacy policies that they themselves deem appropriate.

Surveys of these privacy polices reveal provisions that remove a company’s liability for misuse of data, tell users that policies are subject to change at any time, and that companies are allowed to disclose data however they want.

This bill encourages continued innovation in education-technology and is supported by parents, administrators, school employees, scholastic publishers and teachers.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Thousands of people are expected to visit the Lake County Fairgrounds this week as the county's summer fair returns for another year.

The Lake County Fair will be held this year from Thursday through Sunday, with this year's theme being “Hot August Family Fun!”

The fair parade kicks off the annual four-day event at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Grand Marshals Phil and Toni Scully will lead the fair parade as it travels south from Natural High on N. Main Street to the fairgrounds' main gate at 401 Martin St.

The Scullys will cut the ribbon and declare the Lake County Fair open during a ceremony at the fair entrance. Everyone who enters the parade with a float will receive free entry to the Fair.

Also on Thursday, children ages 6 through 11 will be admitted for $3 as part of the fair's “Kid's Day.”

Among the special features at this year's fair is the return of the Lake County CAN food drive, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.

Anyone bringing four nonperishable food items will be granted free admission to the fair at that time.

The fair is partnering with local churches to stock food pantries around the lake with the proceeds of the drive, which last year collected more than 300 cases of food through contributions from approximately 2,210 people, Lake County CAN reported.
 
Another of the fair's notable events is the annual Junior Livestock Auction, which takes place beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Baldwin Pavilion and offers the chance to bid on the prize-winning livestock raised and exhibited by local youth.

Various livestock species are displayed throughout the fair, including swine, beef, sheep, goat and horse exhibits from local 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Small animals are represented as well, with chickens, turkeys, rabbits and cavies all residing in the barn areas.

Also in the Baldwin Pavilion, the annual round robin contests pit the best exhibitors in each species against each other to be named the best showperson of the fair.

The round robin takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, immediately following the Livestock Auction.

Fair officials reported a notable change in the schedule with the cancellation of the appearance of “A Walk on the Wild Side,” which was scheduled to bring a tiger, bobcat and several other exotic animal species to the fair.

When the staff and animals were leaving Seattle on Tuesday morning they were involved in a vehicle wreck. They're OK – although bruised and sore – but the incident means they will not be able to participate in the fair.

After a mad scramble on Tuesday, staff at the Lake County Fair located a replacement exhibit to take over the 6,000 square feet of the Alexander Barn.

Wild Science consists of dozens of highly interactive and entertaining exhibits and activities. Children and adults get to use their hands and minds to explore the amazing world of science and technology.

Fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons received a call about the crash first thing Tuesday, then fair staff contacted every county fair and fair entertainer on the West Coast through the Western Fairs Association, looking for any exhibit that could give the public a fun and educational experience similar to the Wild Side exhibit, according to incoming Fair Chief E Debbie Strickler.

Strickler said that by 4 p.m. Tuesday the fair booked the Wild Science displays. “Pam Shultz of Wild Science saw a Facebook posting, and called to say she would send one of her traveling shows up from San Diego. It’s pretty amazing that we found such a great replacement on Labor Day weekend.”
 
Wild Science has proved to be extremely popular with families and schools, and has been featured for three years in a row at the California State Fair. When exit surveys were conducted, they showed that Wild Science was both the most highly attended attraction and the highest rated attraction at the State Fair.
 
The Wild Science attraction was created so that families and children could experience the mysterious and entertaining aspects of science and technology in a casual environment without having to sift through written information. Learning occurs through hands-on interaction with the various exhibits, rather than through signage and information.

Adults and children alike have great fun participating in activities such as manipulating the robotic arm, creating man-sized soap bubbles, using radar to measure their pitching speed, taking the "sense of smell" challenge, dancing in the "wall of light", creating high-tech music, exploring the "Rube Goldberg" machine and much more.

Wild Science can be found each day of the Lake County Fair in the Alexander Barn, near the goat displays.

In other fair news, Midway of Fun will return for another year to provide rides, games and attractions. It will bring rides including the Century Wheel – twice the height of other Ferris wheels – as well as the Zipper, Tilt A Whirl and Tornado, and a number of carousel and less intense rides for all ages.

This year there are more than 3,500 exhibits entered in various competitions throughout the fair's buildings and grounds.

The fair's many displays – including fine arts, home arts and crafts, photography, amateur wine and beer, many types of agriculture and floriculture – are made, grown, or raised for entry by talented Lake County residents.

Walk on contests this year include a car hop competition, a “hot tamale” contest, a “cool shades” contest, and a “best dressed flip flops” contest. Horse and wagon rides will be provided free of charge.

Fairgoers also can expect appearances by a variety of local musical acts and attractions, as well as clowns, magicians and other strolling performers.

Live local entertainment occurs continuously on two stages.

The Lake County News Stage will showcase national touring act Twice As Good on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Other local acts, including the LC Diamonds, The Funky Dozen and the Fargo Brothers also will play the main stage, which will be the location of the annual Lake County Talent Competition – presented by Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino – on Saturday evening.

Fiesta Latina activities will take place on the Lake County News Stage area on Sunday.

The Mediacom Stage will host a variety of acts including Travis Rinker, Michael Barrish and the Cherry Road Gang.
 
A special appearance by the Air Force Band will occur on Sunday, Aug. 31, with sets at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Events in the grandstand arena include the Lake County BMX Bicycle stunt show and UTV races on Thursday, the Mendo Lake Mudd Bog Nationals race on Friday, the WGAS Cal State Tuff Truck Finals on Saturday and the Lakeport/Ukiah Bomber Series Finale on Sunday.

All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m.

Local participants are also encouraged on all nights.

Fair officials said regular admission prices for this year's fair remain unchanged from 2011.

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, with Thursday's “Kid's Day” event granting reduced admission of $3 per child through age 11.

Visit the fair online at www.lakecountyfair.com or follow the fair on Facebook.
 
The full fair schedule follows. Fair officials said the schedule is subject to change without notice.


THURSDAY, AUG. 28: Gates open at 6 p.m.

Special attractions
 
- Kid’s Day, Children 11 and under: $3 admission.
- Wild Science in the Alexander Barn.
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall and mechanical bull, all at the Donley Barn.
- The Clothing and Textile display is open in the Theatre Building.
- Aunt Mary’s Art Center, in Fiesta Park, look for posted times.
- Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill–up and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds, plus much more.
 
Daily schedule

8 a.m.: Junior Rabbit & Cavy Show – Baldwin Pavilion; Junior Swine Show – Baldwin Pavilion

1 p.m.: Junior Sheep Show – Baldwin Pavilion  

3 p.m.: Junior Meat Goat Show – Baldwin Pavilion

5:30 p.m.: Parade begins on Main Street

6 p.m.: Opening ceremonies at front entrance gate

6:30 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer–songwriter; Mediacom Stage; Blue Ribbon Dinner – Academy Park

7 p.m.: LC Diamonds – Lake County News Stage

7:30 p.m.: LC BMX Stunt Show and UTV Races presented by St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake – Main Grandstands

8 p.m.: Clear Lake Clikkers – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

9 p.m.: LC Diamonds – Lake County News Stage
 
10 p.m.: Buildings close

11 p.m.: Fair closes
 

FRIDAY, AUG. 29: Gates open at 4 p.m.
 
Special attractions

- Carnival Pay-One-Price Day: $30, purchase in the carnival.
- Wild Science in the Alexander Barn.
- Walk on contests take place at various times throughout the day; visit the exhibit buildings to join the fun.
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall and mechanical bull, all at the Donley Barn.
- Aunt Mary’s Art Center in Fiesta Park, look for posted times.
- Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill–up and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds, plus much more.
 
Daily schedule

8 a.m.: Junior Poultry & Turkey Show – Baldwin Pavilion

9 a.m.: Open Dairy Goat Show – Alexander Barn Arena; Junior Beef and Dairy Cattle Show – Baldwin Pavilion

12 p.m.: Junior Goat Show – Baldwin Pavilion
  
4 p.m.: Gates open
  
4:30 p.m.: Cherry Road Gang – Mediacom Gazebo Stage
 
5 p.m.: The Funky Dozen – Lake County News Stage
 
5:30 p.m.: “Hot August Family Fun” Plant Contest – Floriculture Hall
  
6:30 p.m.: Cherry Road Gang – Mediacom Gazebo Stage
 
7:30 p.m.: MendoLake Mudd Bogg Nationals presented by Twin Pine Casino and Hotel, Main Grandstands
 
8 p.m.: The Funky Dozen – Lake County News Stage
 
8:30 p.m.: Cherry Road Gang – Mediacom Gazebo Stage
 
10 p.m.: Buildings close

11 p.m.: Fair closes
 
 
SATURDAY, AUG. 30: Gates open at 11 a.m.

Special attractions

- Junior Livestock Auction & Barbecue held in the Baldwin Pavilion, starting at 10:30 a.m.; auction at 1 p.m.; round robin showmanship an hour and a half after the end of the Livestock Auction.
- Carnival Pay-One-Price Day: $30, purchase in the carnival.
- Wild Science in the Alexander Barn.
- Walk on contests take place at various times throughout the day; visit the exhibit buildings to join the fun.
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall and mechanical bull, all at the Donley Barn.
- Aunt Mary’s Art Center in Fiesta Park, look for posted times.
- Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill–up and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds, plus much more.
 
Daily schedule

10:30 a.m.: Junior Livestock Buyers Registration & Luncheon – Baldwin Pavilion

11 a.m.: Gates open

11:30 a.m.: Travis Rinker, Acoustic Guitar – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

12 p.m.: The Fargo Brothers – Lake County News Stage

1 p.m.: Junior Livestock Auction – Baldwin Pavilion   

1:30 p.m.: Travis Rinker, Acoustic Guitar – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

2 p.m.: The Fargo Brothers – Lake County News Stage

3 p.m.: Travis Rinker, Acoustic Guitar – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

4 p.m.: The Fargo Brothers – Lake County News Stage

5 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter – Mediacom Stage

6:30 p.m.: Amateur Talent Contest – Lake County News Stage

7 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter – Mediacom Stage

7:30 p.m.: California State Finals Tuff Truck, Buggy & ATV Racing presented by Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino, Main Grandstands

8 p.m.: Twice As Good – Lake County News Stage

9 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter – Mediacom Stage

10 p.m.: Buildings close      

11 p.m.: Fair closes
 
 
SUNDAY, AUG. 31: Gates open at 11 a.m.

Special attractions

- The Clothing and Textile display is open in the Theatre Building.
- Carnival Pay-One-Price Day: $30, purchase in the carnival.
- Wild Science in the Alexander Barn.
- Walk on contests take place at various times throughout the day; visit the exhibit buildings to join the fun.
- Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall and mechanical bull, all at the Donley Barn.
- Aunt Mary’s Art Center in Fiesta Park, look for posted times.
- Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill–up and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds, plus much more.
 
Daily schedule

11 a.m.: Gates open

11:30 a.m.: Air Force Band – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

12 p.m.: The Cherry Road Gang – Lake County News Stage
   
1:30 p.m.: Air Force Band – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

2 p.m.: The Cherry Road Gang – Lake County News Stage

3 p.m.: Fiesta Latina starts – Lake County News Stage; Konocti Klogging Kids – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

4 p.m.: 4–H & FFA Award Ceremony – Baldwin Pavilion

5 p.m.: Travis Rinker, Acoustic Guitar – Mediacom Gazebo Stage
 
5:30 p.m.: Nuevos Abentureros – Lake County News Stage
 
7:30 p.m.: Lakeport/Ukiah Bomber Challenge Series Finale, presented by Lake County Tribal Health in the Main Grandstands

7:30 p.m.: Travis Rinker, Acoustic Guitar – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

8 p.m.: Banda Sangre Azteca – Lake County News Stage

9 p.m.: Travis Rinker, Acoustic Guitar – Mediacom Gazebo Stage

10 p.m.: Buildings close

11 p.m.: Fair closes for 2014

The California Transportation Commission last week approved transportation allocations totaling approximately $5,528,000 for projects in Clearlake and Lakeport.

In total, the commission adopted 148 biking and walking projects, collectively valued at more than $430 million, in the state’s 2014 Active Transportation Program (ATP), making it the nation’s largest.

The CTC will allocate nearly $221 million to the projects at its future meetings.

The allocations under the ATP include $564,000 for Class II bicycle lanes and roadway rehabilitation on Phillips Avenue in Clearlake.

Other significant projects around the region that were adopted under the new active transportation program include $3.1 million in funding for the Humboldt Bay Trail, Arcata Rail with Trail Project; the Eureka Waterfront Trail received about $2.5 million in funding; and $259,000 went to the Chestnut St. Multi-Use Facility and Safe Routes to School in Fort Bragg.
 
“We started the Active Transportation Program to establish California as a national leader in developing bike and pedestrian facilities,” said California State Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Kelly. “This program adopted today is the nation’s largest state commitment to bicycling, walking and other forms of active transportation. This program will increase transportation options for all Californians while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving public health and safety.”
 
“Today’s transportation system is more than just highways,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Our Active Transportation Program supports a healthy, active lifestyle that also helps achieve California’s safety, mobility and greenhouse gas reduction goals.”
 
Last year, Gov. Brown signed legislation (Senate Bill 99, Chapter 359 and Assembly Bill 101, Chapter 354) creating the ATP. The new program replaced a patchwork of small grant programs with a comprehensive program.

The adopted projects comprise two components: the Statewide Program, $183.8 million for 126 projects, and the Small Urban/Rural Program, $37.3 million for 22 projects.

Nearly 87 percent, or $191.5 million, of the funds for these components are directed at 130 projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.

“Making it easier and more convenient to walk and bike is a direct investment in our health,” said Mary D. Nichols, chairman of the California Air Resources Board. “This funding will help cities and counties throughout California take steps to fight air pollution and reduce greenhouse gases.”

Caltrans received approximately 770 applications from cities and counties across California, totaling nearly $1 billion in project requests, an excess in demand of three-to-one.

Separate round of allocations targets infrastructure

Continuing the drive to rebuild California’s transportation infrastructure, the commission also allocated nearly $706 million in funding to 125 transportation projects that will improve and maintain the state’s vital transportation system.

More than $552 million of the funding will pay for “fix it first” projects that will repair bumpy pavement, preserve roads in good condition to prevent them from deteriorating, upgrade aging bridges and make roads safer for all.
 
“To get the most bang for the buck for taxpayers, Caltrans targets dollars where they are most effective – pavement preservation,” said Dougherty. “Every $1 spent on preventive pavement maintenance saves Californians $8 that would have been spent on expensive pavement repairs.”

Lake County received $4.9 million to rehabilitate 19.8 lane miles of roadway on Highway 29 near Lakeport.

The Lake County City Area Planning Council also received $64,000 for planning, programming and monitoring.

Other notable projects around the region receiving funding are the rehabilitation of 83 lane miles of roadway at three locations near Ukiah and Laytonville in Mendocino County, $22 million; $3.8 million to rehabilitate 10 lane miles of roadway on US Highway 101 near Klamath in Del Norte County; and $5.5 million to rehabilitate 14 lane miles of roadway on Route 299 near Blue Lake in Humboldt County.

The allocations also include nearly $21 million from Proposition 1B, a transportation bond approved by voters in 2006.

To date, more than $17 billion in Proposition 1B funds have been put to work statewide for transportation purposes.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Midway of Fun, the provider of the carnival at the Lake County Fair, will return to the event this week.

The fair takes place Thursday, Aug. 28, through Sunday, Aug. 31. This year's theme is “Hot August Family Fun!”

Midway of Fun has been providing the rides, games, and attractions to Lake County Fair since 2009, and was signed to a five-year contract beginning in 2012.
 
According to Fair Chief Executive Officer Richard Persons, the most spectacular ride expected for the fair is a huge Ferris wheel called the Century Wheel.

“We've had Ferris wheels before, but the Century Wheel is twice as high as the normal wheels, and it's got gondola cars that allow a family group to all ride together. It's 70 feet tall, so people will be able to see everything on the fairgrounds, in Lakeport, and across the lake to Nice and Lucerne.”

Rides to be offered this year include Superslide, Raiders, Convoy, Carousel, Dizzy Dragons, Motor Cycles, 4x4 Jeeps, Flying Elephants, Dizzy Dragons, Bumper Cars, Ranger, Zipper, Tornado, WipeOut, Tilt-A-Whirl, House of Horror, Monkey Business, Clown Around, Tea Cups, Train, Jeeps, Lady Bug, Boats, Elephants and Vertigo.

Carnival goers who love to challenge the “vomit comets” will find several rides to test their intestinal fortitude, including the Wipeout, Tilt A Whirl, Tornado, Phoenix, Ranger and the Vertigo.
 
Less intense rides will include a carousel and the extremely popular giant slide.

A variety of kiddie rides, like the tea cups and the kiddie jeeps will also be found in the kiddie carnival area.

“Our lots usually have room for 25 to 30 rides,” said Persons. “How many depends on how they fit into the spaces.”
 
Events in the grandstand arena include the Lake County BMX Bicycle stunt show and UTV races on Thursday, the Mendo Lake Mudd Bog Nationals race on Friday, the WGAS Cal State Tuff Truck Finals on Saturday, and the Lakeport/Ukiah Bomber Series Finale on Sunday.

All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m.

Local participants are also encouraged on all nights. Sponsors include St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Twin Pine Casino and Hotel, Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino and the Lake County Tribal Health Consortium.
 
Live local entertainment occurs continuously on two stages. The Lake County News Stage will showcase national touring act Twice As Good on Saturday at 8pm. Other local acts, including the LC Diamonds, The Funky Dozen, and the Fargo Brothers will also play the main stage. The Mediacom Stage will host a variety of acts including Travis Rinker, Michael Barrish, and the Cherry Road Gang. The annual Lake County Talent Competition will take place on Saturday evening, and is presented by Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino.
 
A special appearance by the Air Force Band will occur on Sunday, Aug. 31, with sets at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Regular admission prices for the 2014 Lake County Fair are unchanged from 2011.

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. 28, only, for “Kid's Day.”
 
A special admission program is in place for Sunday, Aug. 31. Anyone who brings four cans of food to the gate between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. will receive free admission, with the food benefiting local food pantries through Lake County CAN.

Visit the fair online at www.lakecountyfair.com or follow them on Facebook.