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A dragon built over the past month by volunteers is a highlight of the fine arts display at Fritch Hall at the Lake County Fair in Lakeport, Calif. The dragon is pictured on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair opened its doors to the community on Thursday night, offering a mix of competitions, amusements, races, shows and musical entertainment to the thousands of visitors expected to make their way to the grounds this week.

The fair runs until Sunday at 11 p.m.

Grand Marshal Dr. Brian L. Grey, riding in a Percheron horse-drawn wagon with the fair board and Chief Executive Officer Courtny Conkle, led the parade from Natural High School to the fairgrounds.

The parade included Clear Lake High cheerleaders and athletes, Chipper from the California Highway Patrol, and a variety of equestrians, among other participants, all of them escorted by the Lakeport Police Department and CHP.

At the fair entrance, the ribbon opening the event was cut and community members spilled into the gates, many of them going to the Blue Ribbon Dinner while others went to see the exhibits of photos and art, baked goods, flowers and plants, or visited the carnival midway.

Grand Marshal Dr. Brian Grey, left front, rode at the front of the Lake County Fair’s opening night parade on Thursday, August 29, 2019, in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

The Lake County Can collection took place as part of the fair’s opening night, bringing in donations of canned goods for county food pantries.

The opening night also saw visitors making their way to the livestock buildings, where cows, pigs, sheep, goals, rabbits and more were on display after their competitions.

Hundreds of people also watched the Sea Lion Splash show, with dozens lining up after the show to have their pictures taken with a friendly sea lion.

Fair hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Regular admission prices are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors 60 and older, $8 for children ages 6 to 11, and children age 5 and under attend for free.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online here.

The full schedule is published below.

FRIDAY, AUG. 30

Carnival Pay-One Price Day; the cost is $35. Purchase tickets in the carnival area.

Buildings close at 10 p.m.; the fair closes at 11 p.m.

Family Oasis in Fiesta Park: A great place for parents to relax with youngsters.

Daily features: Draft horse wagon rides, a climbing wall, Fill-Up the Strolling Balloon Sculptor, Skip Banks the Balloon Man, Magician Ken Garr and Tanna Banana.

Grandstand entertainment

7 p.m.: Mud Boggs, sponsored by Twin Pine Casino

Around the grounds

5, 7 and 9 p.m.: Sea Lion Splash, Fiesta Park

Free contests

5:30 p.m.: Make A Floral Splash Contest, Flower Hall. Participants bring a flower arrangement that best represents the contest theme. Must deliver prior to 5 p.m. Aug. 30. Prizes and ribbons for first through third places.

Rules:
1. All participants bringing their Make A Splash arrangement to the contest will receive free entry into the fair until 5 p.m. on the day of delivery.
2. Arrangement must be of portable size.
3. Judging will be based on arrangement that best meets theme of contest.
4. Pick up entries on Monday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5. Entries that are not picked up will be disposed of after Sept. 5.

Live music

6:30 and 8:30 p.m.: Matt Rothstein w/Dorian May Trio, jazz trio plus vocals and sax, Gazebo Stage

6, 7:45 and 9 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock and R&B, Main Stage

A trained sea lion from the Sea Lion Splash show waits to have its picture taken with visitors at the Lake County Fair in Lakeport, Calif., on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.


SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Carnival Pay-One Price Day; the cost is $35. Purchase tickets in the carnival area.

Buildings close at 10 p.m.; the fair closes at 11 p.m.

Family Oasis in Fiesta Park: A great place for parents to relax with youngsters.

Daily features: Draft horse wagon rides, a climbing wall, Fill-Up the Strolling Balloon Sculptor, Skip Banks the Balloon Man, Magician Ken Garr and Tanna Banana.

Grandstand entertainment

7 p.m.: Destruction Derby, sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital

Junior Livestock Auction

10:30 a.m.: Buyers Registration Brunch

Noon: Junior Livestock Auction, Baldwin Pavilion; major auction sponsor, American AgCredit

Livestock area

6 to 8 p.m.: Goat milking, Mather Barn

Around the grounds

1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.: Sea Lion Splash, Fiesta Park

Free contests

1 p.m.: Create a Splash-Themed Watercolor, Fritch Hall. No preregistration; just come to Fritch Hall. All materials provided. Ribbon awards for first, second and third place winners.

Live music

11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.: Michael Barrish, country soul, Gazebo Stage

Noon, 2 and 4 p.m.: Clean Sweep, R&B, funk, blues, and rock and jazz, Main Stage

2:30 and 3:45 p.m.: 2 Diamonds, 60s to 90s pop and rock, Gazebo Stage

5:15, 7 and 8:30 p.m.: American Lore, classic rock, Gazebo Stage

7 p.m.: Ranch House, country dance, Main Stage

A sheep in the livestock building at the Lake County Fair in Lakeport, Calif., on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.


SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

Carnival Pay-One Price Day; the cost is $35. Purchase tickets in the carnival area.

Buildings close at 10 p.m.; the fair closes at 11 p.m.

Family Oasis in Fiesta Park: A great place for parents to relax with youngsters.

Daily features: Draft horse wagon rides, a climbing wall, Fill-Up the Strolling Balloon Sculptor, Skip Banks the Balloon Man, Magician Ken Garr and Tanna Banana.

Grandstand entertainment

7 p.m.: Boat races, sponsored by Lake County Tribal Health TANF

Special attractions

Fiesta Latina Day, sponsored by Lake County Tribal Health Consortium

Livestock area

5 p.m.: 4-H and FFA Award ceremony, Baldwin Pavilion

Around the grounds

1, 3 and 7 p.m.: Sea Lion Splash, Fiesta Park

Free contests

1 p.m.: Decorate a Splashingly Delicious Cookie, Lewis Hall. No preregistration; just come to Lewis Hall. Participants are provided with all materials. Ribbon awards for first, second and third place winners.

Live music

Noon and 1:15 p.m.: Sara and Cory Cunningham w/Dorian May Trio, jazz trio plus vocals and trombone, Main Stage

12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Majide!, trio – standard jazz classics from the Great American Songbook, Gazebo Stage

3 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids, clogging, Gazebo Stage

5, 7 and 9 p.m.: Austin & Owens, The NeoFlamenco Duo, Gazebo Stage

Fair closes at 11 p.m. The 2020 Fair takes place Sept. 3 to 6.

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.
Flowers and plants are once again on display, featuring the talents of local gardeners at the Lake County Fair in Lakeport, Calif. The display is pictured on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Animal Control has two new dogs and many more waiting for adoption this week.

The kennels also have many dogs that need to be reunited with their owners. To find the lost/found pet section, click here.

The following dogs are ready for adoption.

“Bernard.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Bernard’

“Bernard” is a male Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix with a short brindle and white coat.

He already has been neutered.

He is No. 280.

“Cadbury.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Cadbury’

“Cadbury” is a female Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix with a smooth medium-length beige coat.

She is No. 1215.

“Chase.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Chase’

“Chase” is a male shepherd mix with a medium-length brindle coat.

He is dog No. 2618.

“Frank.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Frank’

“Frank” is a male American Staffordshire Terrier mix with a short black and white coat.

He is No. 2345.

“Goldie.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Goldie’

“Goldie” is a senior female pit bull terrier mix with a blonde and white coat.

She is No. 2173.

“Hamilton.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Hamilton’

“Hamilton” is a male German Shepherd with a medium-length brown and black coat.

He is No. 2177.

“Lana.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Lana’

“Lana” is a female shepherd mix puppy with a smooth black and brown coat and one blue and one brown eye.

She has been spayed.

She is No. 2659.

“Melonie.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Melonie’

“Melonie” is a female American Pit Bull Terrier mix with a short red and white coat.

She is No. 2428.

“Sturgill.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Sturgill’

“Sturgill” is a male Labrador Retriever mix with a medium-length yellow coat.

He is No. 2460.

“Tyson.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Tyson’

“Tyson” is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix with a medium-length gray and white coat.

He is No. 1863.

“Wiley.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Wiley’

“Wiley” is a male German Shepherd mix with a medium-length black and brindle coat.

He is dog No. 2451.

“Zack.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Zack’

“Zack” (also known as Dexter) is a male pit bull terrier mix wit a short red coat.

He is No. 2592.

Clearlake Animal Control’s shelter is located at 6820 Old Highway 53, off Airport Road.

Hours of operation area noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The shelter is closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays; the shelter offers appointments on the days it’s closed to accommodate people.

Call the Clearlake Animal Control shelter at 707-273-9440, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about adoptions.

Visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or at the city’s Web site.

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.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County health officials are offering guidelines for keeping pets and people safe while enjoying water recreation as the investigation into the cause of death of a dog playing in a county creek continues.

Accumulations of blue-green algae are a common and familiar sight in freshwater lakes, ponds and streams throughout the country, including Clear Lake.

Most frequently visible as green, soup-like water, oily-appearing surface scum or foamy mats, cyanobacteria tend to flourish or collect in sunny areas where water is shallow and undisturbed, or in locations where wind and currents cause surface blooms to collect.

Some blue-green algae produce toxins that can pose a range of health risks to people and animals when they are exposed to them in large enough quantities.

Water monitoring for cyanotoxins is regularly done by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and Elem Indian Colony. This valuable service helps facilitate safe lake use.

The most recent water testing results of Clearlake of 22 sites throughout the lake on Aug. 20 were all below the caution level, county officials reported.

Pets, such as dogs, are particularly at risk because they are not deterred by the disagreeable odors of decaying algal mats, they are prone to swallowing water while swimming, and they can ingest cyanobacteria while self-cleaning their coat following contact with the lake.

While a pet illness from cyanotoxins has not been confirmed, the recent death of a dog earlier this week has prompted local officials to remind residents and visitors to take precautions for the safe enjoyment of Clear Lake and other nearby water bodies.

The dog died earlier this week following a brief severe illness that began immediately after swimming in the Putah Creek area.

Although the cause of the illness is still being evaluated, Lake County Water Resources has obtained samples for testing of the water in the area where the dog and its owners were recreating.

Lake County Public Health has arranged for specialized testing at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Davis in order to determine if the illness was caused by cyanotoxins.

Symptoms in the pet are consistent with possible cyanotoxin exposure, including difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, and tongue and gums turning a bluish color. Humans recreating nearby have not reported illness.

There was a laboratory documented case of a cyanotoxin-related death of a dog in Lake County in 2013, and this case is an indication that caution might be needed even when algal accumulations do not appear as severe as in previous years.

County officials urge the community to use appropriate precautions while this scientific testing is completed to determine if any potential health risks associated with cyanobacteria exist.

Regardless of any eventual findings in this case, Scott De Leon, interim director of Lake County Water Resources, and Erin Gustafson, MD, MPH, Lake County public health officer, urge the public to observe important safeguards to avoid harmful effects of cyanobacteria.

These safeguards include:

• Avoid contact with water in areas with surface foam, scum, or a pea soup appearance. This is particularly important for small children and pets.
• Avoid generating aerosols (water skiing, jet skiing, etc.) in areas of the lake where there are signs of blue-green algae.
• After swimming, towel off properly. Even better, shower with fresh water. After pets swim, rinse with fresh water and towel them dry to prevent them from ingesting the blue-green algae while self-cleaning.
• Never drink untreated lake or other surface water. Boiling water does not guarantee that it is safe to drink.
• If unexplained illness develops following direct exposure to water in a lake, pond, or stream, see a doctor (or bring your pet to a veterinarian) promptly and be sure to mention the exposure that occurred.

For more information and resources, visit the following county cyanobacteria pages.

http://www.lakecountyca.gov/cyanobacteria/ 
http://www.lakecountyca.gov/cyanohealth/ 
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/f2d74c_444a13a73abe47b5ae90256d4f8085bb.pdf : Action levels for acute exposure for dogs for cyanotoxins.

For current cyanotoxin lab results, please visit the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians cyanotoxin monitoring website: https://www.bvrancheria.com/clearlakecyanotoxins .
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week accepted the resignation of the county’s Public Health officer and appointed an interim to fill the position through the end of the year or until a new candidate is hired.

Health Services Director Denise Pomeroy went to the board to ask it to accept Dr. Erin Gustafson’s resignation.

Gustafson’s resignation comes five months after the board appointed her Public Health officer on a permanent basis.

She was appointed deputy Public Health officer in November 2017 and served in that capacity until October, when she was made interim Public Health officer.

In her Aug. 6 resignation letter, Gustafson informed Pomeroy, County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson and the Board of Supervisors that she has accepted a position as a public health medical director in San Bernardino County and is leaving as of Aug. 30.

Pomeroy told the board that Gustafson accepted the new position to be closer to family in Southern California.

While the county begins a recruitment to find Gustafson’s successor, Pomeroy said she reached out to Dr. Gary Pace, who has previously served as interim Lake County Public Health officer, to ask him if he would once again take the position on a short-term basis.

Pomeroy said Pace has agreed to take the position while the county’s recruitment takes place. He couldn’t be at Tuesday’s meeting due to a commitment in Sonoma County.

Pace, a Sebastopol resident, has more than 20 years of experience in family practice, clinical practice, site director and medical director working with a wide range of health care facilities, according to Pomeroy’s report.

He served as interim Public Health officer for Lake County from December 2017 to January 2018, following the retirement of Dr. Karen Tait, and briefly filled the position last year after Dr. Sara Goldgraben resigned. He also has worked as Mendocino County’s Public Health officer.

According to his curriculum vitae, he holds doctor of medicine and public health degrees from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies and a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from the College of William and Mary.

Pace has a current valid California Medical License, is board certified in family medicine and certified with the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine.

The contract presented to the board begins Aug. 31 and ends on Jan. 1 or when a new permanent Public Health officer is hired. It also includes the provision for a one-time mutually agreed upon extension.

Pace’s compensation is not to exceed $45,000 during the agreement’s four-month term.

Pomeroy’s written report to the board said the county is required to appoint an interim Public Health officer until the permanent position is filled, to ensure compliance with regulation.

The state requires counties to have health officers in place to enforce local health orders and ordinances, and state regulations and statutes relating to public health. “The Health Officer is also responsible for providing public health leadership for the community, responding to public health emergencies, informing the Board of Supervisors of community health issues, and acting as the point of contact for community leaders who are seeking expert advice and opinion on medical and public health issues,” Pomeroy wrote.

She told the board on Tuesday that, based on a previous recruitment, it could take up to six months to fill the Public Health officer position.

However, the time frame could be much shorter. Huchingson said the board is tentatively scheduled to conduct interviews with the candidates in the current recruitment pool on Sept. 17.

Supervisor Bruno Sabatier moved to receive Gustafson’s resignation, which was seconded by Supervisor Moke Simon and approved unanimously by the board. Sabatier then moved to appoint Pace as interim Public Health officer, a motion which the board also approved 5-0.

This is the second full recruitment for a Public Health officer that the county has conducted in less than two years.

Following Tait’s retirement, the county hired Dr. Sara Goldgraben as Public Health officer, at the same time as Gustafson was hired as deputy Public Health officer.

Goldgraben left Lake County at the start of August 2018 and within a week of her resignation becoming effective was appointed Fresno County’s Public Health officer.

Pace was appointed interim Public Health Officer on July 24, 2018. Three months later, Gustafson was appointed as interim Lake County Public Health officer, serving in that capacity until her permanent appointment in March.

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.
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The 2018 Lake County Fair midway. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Livestock shows, the Ferris wheel, baking and arts competitions, and much more are in store as the Lake County Fair prepares to open its doors on Thursday.

This year’s fair theme is “Make a Splash!”

The fair runs from Thursday through Sunday night.

The fair is getting started with a variety of competitions on Thursday morning, to be followed by the fair parade early Thursday evening and the official fair opening ceremonies afterward.

Dr. Brian L. Grey, this year’s fair grand marshal, will lead the opening night parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at Natural High School on Main Street and then continues down Martin Street to the fairgrounds, where the opening ceremonies will take place.

Thousands of competition entries will be featured in the exhibit halls, with daily demonstrations. Home arts are located in Lewis Hall, fine arts in Fritch Hall, floral and agriculture in the Garden Building and clothing and textiles in the Little Theater.

Daily fair fun will include draft horse wagon rides, a climbing wall, Fill-Up the Strolling Balloon Sculptor, Skip Banks the Balloon Man, Magician Ken Garr and Tanna Banana.

Fair hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Regular admission prices apply each day of the fair with the exception of Kids Day on Thursday. Prices are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors 60 and older, $8 for children ages 6 to 11, and children age 5 and under attend for free.

For Kids Day on Thursday, the cost is $4 for ages 11 and under.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online here.

The full schedule is published below.



THURSDAY, AUG. 29

Special features

Special $4 admission for children age 11 and under.

Lake County CAN! takes place from 6 to 8 p.m.; free admission when you bring four canned food items.

Carnival Pay-One Price Day; the cost is $35. Purchase tickets in the carnival area.

Buildings close at 10 p.m.; the fair closes at 11 p.m.

Family Oasis in Fiesta Park: A great place for parents to relax with youngsters.

Livestock area

8 a.m.: Junior Rabbit and Cavy Show, Alexander Barn

8 a.m.: Junior Swine Show, Baldwin Pavilion

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

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

Opening ceremonies

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

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

Blue Ribbon Awards

6 p.m.: Blue Ribbon Dinner, Academy Park (KCA Park)

Around the grounds

7 and 9 p.m.: Sea Lion Splash, Fiesta Park

Live music

6:30 p.m.: Michael Barrish, Country Soul, Gazebo Stage

7 and 8:30 p.m.: The Fargo Brothers, Americana and Rock n’ Roll, Main Stage

8 p.m.: Clear Lake Clikkers, clogging, Gazebo Stage

FRIDAY, AUG. 30

Carnival Pay-One Price Day; the cost is $35. Purchase tickets in the carnival area.

Buildings close at 10 p.m.; the fair closes at 11 p.m.

Family Oasis in Fiesta Park: A great place for parents to relax with youngsters.

Grandstand entertainment

7 p.m.: Mud Boggs, sponsored by Twin Pine Casino

Around the grounds

5, 7 and 9 p.m.: Sea Lion Splash, Fiesta Park

Free contests

5:30 p.m.: Make A Floral Splash Contest, Flower Hall. Participants bring a flower arrangement that best represents the contest theme. Must deliver prior to 5 p.m. Aug. 30. Prizes and ribbons for first through third places.

Rules:
1. All participants bringing their Make A Splash arrangement to the contest will receive free entry into the fair until 5 p.m. on the day of delivery.
2. Arrangement must be of portable size.
3. Judging will be based on arrangement that best meets theme of contest.
4. Pick up entries on Monday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5. Entries that are not picked up will be disposed of after Sept. 5.

Live music

6:30 and 8:30 p.m.: Matt Rothstein w/Dorian May Trio, jazz trio plus vocals and sax, Gazebo Stage

6, 7:45 and 9 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock and R&B, Main Stage

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Carnival Pay-One Price Day; the cost is $35. Purchase tickets in the carnival area.

Buildings close at 10 p.m.; the fair closes at 11 p.m.

Family Oasis in Fiesta Park: A great place for parents to relax with youngsters.

Grandstand entertainment

7 p.m.: Destruction Derby, sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital

Junior Livestock Auction

10:30 a.m.: Buyers Registration Brunch

Noon: Junior Livestock Auction, Baldwin Pavilion; major auction sponsor, American AgCredit

Livestock area

6 to 8 p.m.: Goat milking, Mather Barn

Around the grounds

1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.: Sea Lion Splash, Fiesta Park

Free contests

1 p.m.: Create a Splash-Themed Watercolor, Fritch Hall. No preregistration; just come to Fritch Hall. All materials provided. Ribbon awards for first, second and third place winners.

Live music

11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.: Michael Barrish, country soul, Gazebo Stage

Noon, 2 and 4 p.m.: Clean Sweep, R&B, funk, blues, and rock and jazz, Main Stage

2:30 and 3:45 p.m.: 2 Diamonds, 60s to 90s pop and rock, Gazebo Stage

5:15, 7 and 8:30 p.m.: American Lore, classic rock, Gazebo Stage

7 p.m.: Ranch House, country dance, Main Stage

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

Carnival Pay-One Price Day; the cost is $35. Purchase tickets in the carnival area.

Buildings close at 10 p.m.; the fair closes at 11 p.m.

Family Oasis in Fiesta Park: A great place for parents to relax with youngsters.

Grandstand entertainment

7 p.m.: Boat races, sponsored by Lake County Tribal Health TANF

Special attractions

Fiesta Latina Day, sponsored by Lake County Tribal Health Consortium

Livestock area

5 p.m.: 4-H and FFA Award ceremony, Baldwin Pavilion

Around the grounds

1, 3 and 7 p.m.: Sea Lion Splash, Fiesta Park

Free contests

1:00 pm – Decorate a Splashingly Delicious Cookie, Lewis Hall. No preregistration; just come to Lewis Hall. Participants are provided with all materials. Ribbon awards for first, second and third place winners.

Live music

Noon and 1:15 p.m.: Sara and Cory Cunningham w/Dorian May Trio, jazz trio plus vocals and trombone, Main Stage

12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Majide!, trio – standard jazz classics from the Great American Songbook, Gazebo Stage

3 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids, clogging, Gazebo Stage

5:00, 7 and 9 p.m.: Austin & Owens, The NeoFlamenco Duo, Gazebo Stage

Fair closes at 11 p.m. The 2020 Fair takes place Sept. 3 to 6.

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.
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Mavrick William Fisher, 21, of Elko, Nevada, was booked into the Lake County Jail in Lakeport, Calif., on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, for the murder of Grant David Whitaker, 25, of Mackinaw, Illinois. Lake County Jail photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The suspect in the murder of an Illinois man whose body was found near Upper Lake this week has been booked into the Lake County Jail.

Mavrick William Fisher, 21, who has connections to Elko, Nevada, and Riverside, was booked into the jail shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday, about an hour after he was taken into custody by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, according to booking records.

Fisher is charged with the murder of 25-year-old Grant David Whitaker during an altercation that investigators believe occurred in Humboldt County, as Lake County News has reported.

The sheriff’s office said Fisher was found in Mexico this week and that authorities there assisted with arresting him.

Whitaker was reported missing in Illinois. On Saturday the sheriff’s office found a vehicle related to Whitaker at the Clearlake Oaks Dollar General store, and followed up on leads as they tried to locate Whitaker.

Authorities said Whitaker’s family had received information that he had been in an altercation at a Humboldt County campground with Fisher, with whom he had been traveling.

Over the weekend, authorities said they received information that Fisher had admitted to killing Whitaker, and also received leads as to where Whitaker’s body was located.

That led to the Monday service of a search warrant and the discovery of human remains in a remote area near the 7500 block of Scott’s Valley Road.

The remains, at that time, were believed to be those of Whitaker. On Wednesday, Sgt. John Gregore said an autopsy was performed on the remains and confirmed the body was indeed Whitaker’s.

The cause of Whitaker’s death has been determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, Gregore said.

Gregore said the investigation into the circumstances related to Whitaker’s death is continuing.

Fisher is being held without bail on a probable cause warrant, and is set to appear for arraignment in Lake County Superior Court on Friday, according to booking records.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Det. Richard Kreutzer at 707-262-4233 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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.
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Billy Dale Spear, 52, of Lakeport, Calif., has been ruled a sexually violent predator and sentenced to a state hospital. Lake County Jail photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Lakeport man with a record of crimes against women has been sentenced to a state hospital after a judge ruled last week that he is a sexually violent predator.

On Aug. 21, Billy Dale Spear, 52, was determined to be a sexually violent predator after a jury trial in Judge J. David Markham’s Department 3 courtroom in the Lake County Superior Court, according to District Attorney Susan Krones.

Trial began on Aug. 14 and ended Aug. 21 with the verdict.

Sexually violent predator proceedings are a form of civil commitment codified at Welfare and Institutions Code section 6600 et seq.

The District Attorney’s Office said all persons convicted of a crime of sexual violence are evaluated by the California Department of State Hospitals prior to their release on parole to determine if the inmate meets the criteria to be deemed a sexually violent predator.

If the examiners determine that the subject meets the criteria to be found a sexually violent predator, a referral is sent to the District Attorney’s Office in the county of the subject’s last prison commitment.

The Lake County District Attorney’s office filed a petition alleging that Spear was a sexually violent predator on Nov. 1, 2018.

At trial, to establish that a person is a sexually violent predator, the prosecution must show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the inmate has been convicted of committing sexually violent offenses against one or more victims; the inmate has a diagnosed mental disorder; as a result of that diagnosed mental disorder, the inmate is a danger to the health and safety of others because it is likely that he will engage in sexually violent predatory criminal behavior; and that is necessary to keep him in custody in a secure facility to ensure the health and safety of others.

Sexually violent predator proceedings are relatively uncommon; prior to Spear’s case, Lake County had not received a referral from the Department of State Hospitals in 10 years, the District Attorney’s Office said.

Spear’s qualifying conviction occurred in January 2010 in Santa Rosa. Evidence presented at trial established that Spear approached a young woman with whom he had no prior acquaintance and viciously assaulted her. He pushed her against a chain-link fence and sexually assaulted her.

Spear was arrested and convicted of sexual penetration with force, a sexually violent offense.

While in custody at the Sonoma County Jail awaiting resolution of the case, authorities said Spear deliberately exposed himself to several female correctional officers. Three of those officers testified at trial.

In that case, Spear was sentenced to three years in state prison, and after having completed his sentence, was civilly committed as a mentally disorder offender until his release on parole in July of 2014.

He was subsequently arrested and convicted of failure to register as a sex offender after release from incarceration. He was sentenced to three years in state prison for that offense.

Spear was paroled in January of 2016. Then, in April of that year, he was arrested in Lake County for false imprisonment by means of force.

In the Lake County case, Spear was on a Lake Transit bus when he approached a young woman, blocked her into a seat and attempted to kiss her.

Authorities noted that Spear is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed approximately 285 pounds at the time of the April 2016 offense. For that crime he received a sentence of four years in state prison, authorities said.

Because of his Sonoma County conviction for the January 2010 sexual assault, authorities said Spear was evaluated prior to his parole date by two psychologists to determine whether he was a sexually violent predator.

The District Attorney’s Office said those psychologists split, one finding that he fulfilled the criteria to be found a sexually violent predator, one finding that he did not. As a result of the split opinion, Spear was evaluated by two more psychologists who each found that Spear met the sexually violent predator definition.

All four psychologists testified at Spear’s trial this month. All four agreed that Spear suffers from the diagnosed mental disorder of schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

That condition may cause delusions; testimony established that Spear’s schizoaffective disorder initially manifested when he was 24 years old and a resident of Mendocino County. At that time, while delusional, he stabbed his family dog and his mother. He was charged with attempted murder, but was found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined to a state hospital for several years.

Spear also was convicted of battery with serious bodily injury in 2009 in San Francisco. Authorities said Spear savagely beat a homeless woman, again while delusional, for which he received probation. He was still on probation for that offense when he committed his qualifying offense, the sexual assault in Santa Rosa, in 2010.

The District Attorney’s Office said that, based upon their review of Spear’s record and clinical evaluation, three of the four psychologists testified at trial this month that as a result of his schizoaffective disorder, Spear would be a danger to the health and safety of others because it is likely that he will engage in sexually violent predatory criminal behavior if released.

The fourth psychologist testified that he thought it likely that Spear would reoffend, but he believed that if he did so that his offense would be sexually aggressive rather than sexually violent, the District Attorney’s Office said.

Testimony at trial established that Spear’s schizoaffective disorder both caused him to suffer delusions and resulted in significant impairment in self-control due to hyper-sexuality and poor impulse control, authorities said.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy D.A. Edward M. Borg while Spear was represented by Komnith Moth.

Judge Markham presided over the trial. On Aug. 21, as a result of the jury’s verdict, Judge Markham ordered Spear committed to the State Hospital at Coalinga for an indeterminate term.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Three years after the Board of Supervisors voted to create a separate Water Resources Department it has decided to reconsolidate the department with Public Works, a decision that county leaders said is meant to improve oversight and leadership.

The board’s decision on Tuesday followed a recommendation from an ad hoc committee – formed at the direction of Board Chair Tina Scott – that included Supervisor Rob Brown, Supervisor EJ Crandell, interim Water Resources Director Scott De Leon and County Administrative Office staff.

County Administrative Office Carol Huchingson told the board on Tuesday that the group reviewed past research conducted by the Public Works Department, surveyed the functions aligned under public works agencies in neighboring and comparable California counties.

She said more than half of the neighboring counties reviewed aligned water resources and/or Flood Control functions under their public works department.

The ad hoc committee’s report said the board acted on July 19, 2016, to separate the Public Works and Water Resources departments. The board also approved revisions to the Water Resources director classification description, “emphasizing the technical demands of the role, in recognition of the unique nature of Clear Lake as a large, species-dense and biologically diverse body of water.”

Huchingson said that move was encouraged by a former board member who had a vision of there being more scientific research. However, she said the former Water Resource director said there is less science and more compliance involved.

The ad hoc committee’s report said that, since 2016, “it has become clear that a stronger administrative and personnel and project management focus is needed to support the diverse demands of the Water Resources function in Lake County.”

In June, the board approved classification changes for the department, and the committee credited De Leon with offering “insight that many of the scientific functions are conducted by partner entities, such as the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake, local Tribal Nations, State agencies, and contractors.”

The report continued, “With Clear Lake as our defining feature, it is essential Lake County appropriately attends to scientific and other discipline-specific responsibilities when managing our Water Resources. Because this work is actually performed by numerous entities, administrative functions must be efficiently completed to ensure this important work can be appropriately prioritized and undertaken. Consolidation of Public Works and Water Resources historically brought efficiencies and opportunities for cross-training. Given the import of the functions of both departments, continuity and the capacity to respond to normal events, such as staff vacancies, is essential.”

As a result, the group recommended reconsolidating Water Resources and Public Works, but leaving the position structure as it is now, with Huchingson adding that Public Works will work on the candidate pool for a new deputy director to oversee Water Resources.

Crandell credited De Leon with guiding the two Water Resources directors that have served since 2016 – Phil Moy and David Cowan – and mentoring them.

“I really think you have the skills to take this on and the abilities to take this on,” Supervisor Bruno Sabatier told De Leon.

However, Sabatier questioned if De Leon had a succession plan in which deputy directors would be cross-trained to handle the department’s different functions.

De Leon said succession planning is on the forefront of his mind. His assistant Public Works director position has been vacant for a few years and it’s been difficult to recruit people.

“I’m hoping that as we move forward with class and compensation studies that our positions will be more attractive and we’ll be able to recruit some qualified folks,” De Leon said.

He said he wants to see the assistant Public Works director position filled as part of the succession planning.

That position also will oversee Water Resources, which de Leon said will continue to be its own department, not a division, as he said there is a lot of pride in the department’s staff and organization. “I don’t intend to change that.”

De Leon said bringing Water Resources into the Public Works Department is meant to help with fiscal and administrative functions, and to provide additional oversight and leadership.

Crandell moved to approve the consolidation of the Water Resources Department and Public Works, with Supervisor Moke Simon seconding and the board approving the motion 5-0.

De Leon told Lake County News on Wednesday that the process to proceed with the reconsolidation isn’t too involved, since he’s been the interim Water Resources director for a month.

“We’ll continue with the recruitment for a director for Water Resources using the candidates we have from the recent advertisement and hopefully we can find a good person to handle the day to day operations of the staff and programs,” he said.

The process, he said, is “basically immediate, and since we’ve already functioned with this structure, it doesn’t require any major changes in Public Works.”

Prior to taking on Water Resources, De Leon said his annual salary was $120,600. The board has since given him a 25-percent increase. “As far as I know, the increase will continue,” he said.

De Leon’s updated salary makes him one of the county’s highest-paid department heads.

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.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to move forward with forming the Big Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency, a move county leadership said is necessary to keep local control of the watershed.

The unanimous vote to adopt a resolution to form the new agency – in accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, which went into effect as part of California Water Code in January 2015 – followed a brief public hearing Tuesday morning.

Public Works Director Scott De Leon – who has been serving as interim Water Resources Department director and was appointed by the board to permanently oversee the department later in the meeting – took the agency formation to the supervisors, who were sitting jointly as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors.

The state has listed the Big Valley Watershed as a medium priority basin. As such, the 2014 Groundwater Sustainability Act requires the county to develop a groundwater sustainability plan or an alternative groundwater sustainability plan “in an effort to ensure that groundwater basins reach sustainability within 20 years of implementing a groundwater basin sustainability plan,” according to De Leon’s written report to the board.

De Leon’s report said the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act “provides local agencies a framework for managing groundwater basins in a sustainable manner and recognizes groundwater is most effectively managed at the local level.”

The Lake County Watershed Protection District submitted an alternative groundwater sustainability plan for the Big Valley groundwater basin to the state in December 2016, De Leon said. Because the county submitted the alternative plan, it also is required to submit annual reports, which it has done for 2017 and 2018.

In July, the California Department of Water Resources notified the Lake County Watershed Protection District that the Big Valley Groundwater Basin Alternative Sustainability Plan had not been accepted, as Lake County News has reported.

In the state’s notification letter to De Leon, it said the alternative plan wasn’t recommended for acceptance because it lacked sufficient information and data to assess if it would result in sustainable groundwater management as defined in state water code.

“In order to maintain local and sustainable management of the Big Valley groundwater basin, it is in the best interest for the County that the Board of Directors of the Lake County Watershed Protection District approve the resolution authorizing the District to form the Big Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). The formation of a GSA complies with State regulations and is necessary to obtain funding for the development of a Big Valley Groundwater Sustainability Plan,” De Leon wrote in his report.

In his report, De Leon suggested that the advisory group for the new agency include representation from the county, tribal governments, municipal water supplies, the Chi Council for the Clear Lake Hitch, domestic well owners and agricultural users.

At its Aug. 13 meeting, the board first considered forming the agency. Afterward, De Leon said the board reached consensus to move forward and over the past two weeks county staff did the required public noticing.

Supervisor Bruno Sabatier asked De Leon for clarification on the condition of the watershed, noting that at the meeting earlier this month there had been a lot of discussion about the basin having a plentiful supply at this time.

De Leon said the county has been monitoring the basin for 50 years at least. “The basin shows that it recovers.”

As the agricultural practices have changed in the basin from pears to other products, they are seeing a definite change in the availability and use of groundwater. “The basin is healthy,” De Leon said.

He added, “This really is an effort to maintain local control over the basin, as opposed to having the state come in and take it over, which I think we all agree is a good thing.”

De Leon said the county is working with constituents and stakeholders to submit more information to the state to reduce the basin from medium to low priority status. That, he added, is a parallel process to the required groundwater sustainability agency formation.

During the meeting De Leon also noted that the state mandates areas to have groundwater sustainability agencies in place in order to be eligible for different funding options.

During the brief public comment, Lake County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brenna Sullivan said the organization supported the resolution, and that it has submitted comments to the California Department of Water Resources to update agriculture-specific information that was wrong in the state’s files about the watershed.

She said the Farm Bureau similarly had given the state updated information about groundwater in Upper Lake that reduced that watershed to low priority.

Sullivan said they also wanted a strong agricultural voice on whatever advisory board is formed.

The final resolution the board approved unanimously included a seven-member advisory panel with two seats set aside for agriculture.

De Leon said that upon acceptance of the resolution, the county Water Resources Department will move forward in applying to the state to form the Big Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency.

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.
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HD Excavating of Lower Lake, Calif., works on demolishing a nuisance structure in Clearlake, Calif., on Thursday, August 22, 2019. Photo courtesy of the Clearlake Police Department.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake is continuing to move forward on cleaning up nuisance properties.

The Clearlake Police Department reported that, over the past week, four unsafe and nuisance properties within the city were abated and demolished.

Prior to the abatement of the properties, the Code Enforcement Bureau had active cases on all of the properties.

Due to a lack of property owner compliance, the Clearlake City Council ordered abatement of the properties.

Above, a nuisance trailer in Clearlake, Calif., on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Below, the property on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, after the property was cleared. Photo courtesy of the Clearlake Police Department.



Utilizing CalRecycle grant funding supplemented by city abatement funds, HD Excavating of Lower Lake was awarded the contract to complete the abatements, officials said.

The police department, which oversees Code Enforcement, said that this year the Code Enforcement Bureau has successfully abated 14 properties within the city. Once abated, the costs of said abatements become special assessments against each property.

“The City of Clearlake has zero tolerance for property owners who fail to abate hazard or nuisance properties. Those who continue to violate local, state or federal laws will receive fines and run the risk of having their property abated, with all costs becoming their responsibility,” the police department said in its report.

The agency added, “The Code Enforcement Bureau is dedicated to working with our community to provide solution oriented enforcement to promote and maintain clean, safe and prosperous conditions throughout the city.”

Another nuisance property in Clearlake, Calif., on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Below, the property on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, after the property was cleared. Photo courtesy of the Clearlake Police Department.

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – A woman arrested earlier this month for chaining her dog outside in the heat with no shelter or water is facing trial.

Champagne Delsie Leubner, 24, was held to answer to a charge of felony animal abuse at her Aug. 19 preliminary hearing, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.

On Tuesday, Leubner appeared in Lake County Superior Court for arraignment. Hinchcliff said she will return to court on Sept. 16, at which time it’s expected that her trial date will be set.

The Clearlake Police Department took Leubner into custody on Aug. 2, as Lake County News has reported.

On July 23, Clearlake Animal Control Officer John Moretz responded to a call regarding a dog that was tied outside in direct sun with no water.

He arrived at the scene to find the dog chained to a stationary object in a backyard, entangled in cable, with no water to drink and unable to get into shade, authorities said.

Moretz took the dog, which was suffering from heatstroke, to a veterinarian. The dog was unresponsive and its body temperature was so high that it was unreadable by a thermometer. It was subsequently euthanized, authorities said.

Police obtained a warrant for Leubner’s arrest and she was taken into custody at the Mobil gas station on Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

Leubner initially had been booked into the Lake County Jail with bail set at $35,000. She later posted the required percentage of bail and was released.

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.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The midweek weather forecast calls for the possibility of thunderstorms, with temperatures in the 90s expected for the rest of the week and over the Labor Day weekend.

The National Weather Service forecast for Lake County predicted isolated thunderstorms overnight and before 11 a.m. Wednesday, combined with temperatures in the mid 90s and winds into the low double digits.

Little or no precipitation is expected on Wednesday, based on the forecast.

Daytime temperatures throughout most of the county are expected to hover in the low 90s from Thursday and into the new week, including Labor Day. Nighttime temperatures are forecast to be in the mid 50s.

The Cobb area is expected to have cooler temperatures, with daytime highs in the low 80s and nighttime temperatures in the low 60s.

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.

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