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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – In May, Lake County’s jobless rate dropped to its lowest level in 29 years, according to the latest state unemployment report.

The California Employment Development Department’s report showed that Lake County registered a 4.2-percent unemployment rate in May, the lowest recorded rate since 1990, as shown in Employment Development Department data.

The previous three-decade low was 4.5 percent, recorded last May and September.

California’s overall unemployment rate for May was 4.2 percent in May, down from 4.3 percent in April and tying the May 2018 rate, the report said.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said the nationwide unemployment rate in May was 3.6 percent, the same as April, but improved from the year-ago rate of 3.8 percent.

The Employment Development Department said California’s employers added 19,400 nonfarm payroll jobs in May, which accounted for 26 percent of the nation’s total 75,000 job gain for the month.

California has now gained 3,235,900 jobs since the economic expansion began in February 2010. The state’s 111-month employment expansion is the second-longest on record behind the 113-month long expansion of the 1960s, the report said.

California payroll jobs totaled 17,425,500 in May 2019, up 19,400 from April and up 282,700 from May of last year.

The report said the number of Californians holding jobs in May was 18,653,000, a decrease of 39,400 from April and up 130,000 from the employment total in May of last year.

At the same time, the number of unemployed Californians was 826,000 in May, a decrease of 10,400 over the month and up by 6,400 compared with May of last year, the report said.

The California Employment Development Department said seven of California’s 11 major industry sectors gained jobs in May. The biggest increase of 12,800 jobs came in construction, reflecting an increase in home building. That’s followed by a gain of 4,500 jobs in leisure and hospitality on the strength of the state’s tourism industry, and a 1,800 job gain in government.

The lowest unemployment rate registered statewide was in San Mateo County, at 1.7 percent, while Imperial had the highest, 16.4 percent.

Lake County was ranked No. 34. Neighboring county jobless rates and rankings are Colusa, 10.4 percent, No. 57; Glenn, 5.6 percent, No. 45; Mendocino, 3.2 percent, No. 20; Napa, 2.3 percent, No. 5; Sonoma, 2.3 percent, No. 5; and Yolo, 3.4 percent, No. 26, the report said.

In Lake County, with the agricultural season in full swing, total farm jobs increased by 24.2 percent in May and had an 8.8-percent year-over increase, while total nonfarm was up 1.6 percent for the month and 2.3 percent for the year.

The top five job subcategories showing changes included state government, 10.5 percent; transportation, warehousing and utilities, 9.6 percent; federal government, 6.7 percent; mining, logging and construction, 6 percent; and leisure and hospitality, 3.4 percent.

The only local category showing decline was information, -10 percent.

Lake County’s labor force in May totaled 29,200 people, compared to 28,920 in April and 29,070 in May 2018. Unemployed totaled 1,220 in May, down from 1,490 in April and 1,300 the previous year.

In other employment data, the state said there were 321,372 people receiving unemployment insurance benefits during the survey week in May compared to 364,431 in April and 337,974 people in May 2018.

Concurrently, 38,396 people filed new claims in May which was a month-over decrease of 5,635, the state said.

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. – A local elementary school student has won state and regional awards for her artwork and will be featured at the state fair this month.

The National Garden Clubs Inc. and the National Forest Service partner each year to sponsor the Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl poster contest.

First through fifth grade students are invited to show their understanding of fire prevention and basic environmental conservation principles through original drawings of Smokey Bear or Woodsy Owl.

This year is a celebration of Smokey’s 75th birthday so the contest only featured Smokey.

Each year the Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club in Lakeport reaches out to area schools to get children involved in the contest.

This year 14 posters were received and two were chosen to be sent to the California poster chairman to be judged.

Sawyer Shucart, a fourth grade student at Lakeport Elementary, received a first place at the state level.

The poster then went on to win first place in the Pacific Region, which is made up of garden clubs from eight Western states of the National Garden Clubs Inc. Her poster has been sent on to compete at the National level.

Smokey Bear made a special appearance on Friday to present Sawyer with an engraved plaque from the Mendocino National Forest Service office in Upper Lake. She also received certificates and a check for $25 from the state.

Sawyer will be honored at the California State Fair in July.

Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club thanked several individuals for making the contest possible, including Brenda Allen of Lakeport Elementary for working with the children to create the posters; Marilyn Guenther, retired teacher and liaison to the garden club who also worked with the children; and Linda Waterstraat, Smokey Bear/Woodsy Owl poster chair for Clear Lake Trowel and Trellis Garden Club.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This Independence Day holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol will be working to keep the roadways safe during its maximum enforcement period, or MEP.

The CHP’s MEP will begin at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, and conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.

Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

“Do not lose your freedom while celebrating our country’s independence this weekend by making a bad choice. Driving impaired comes with consequences that can be deadly,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Driving sober, fastening seat belts, and avoiding distractions will help everyone stay safe on the roadway.”

Impaired driving does not just mean alcohol. It is also illegal to drive while impaired by drugs, regardless if they are legal or illegal.

Have a plan. If you are going to drink, designate a sober driver, use a taxi, or use a ride-share service.

If hosting an event, have plenty of non-alcoholic choices available. Be responsible, stop serving alcohol before the end of your party, and remind guests to have a plan to get home safely.

During the Independence Day MEP in 2018, which was one and a quarter days, at least 18 people were killed in collisions on California roads.

Within CHP jurisdiction, four vehicle occupants who died were not wearing seat belts.

The CHP also made 389 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during last year’s Independence Day MEP.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control continues to offer many kittens and adult cats during this buy kitten season.

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption.

Domestic short hair

This female domestic short hair cat has a tortoiseshell coat and green eyes.

She is in cat room kennel No. 3, ID No. 12415.

Brown tabby kitten

This brown tabby kitten has a short coat and green eyes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 43a, ID No. 12332.

Brown tabby kitten

This male tabby kitten has a short brown and black coat and gold eyes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 43b, ID No. 12333.

Gray tabby kitten

This male gray tabby kitten has a short coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 43c, ID No. 12338.

Domestic medium hair kitten

This male domestic medium hair kitten has an all-black coat and gold eyes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 79b, ID No. 12379.

Domestic medium hair kitten

This female domestic medium hair kitten has an all-black coat and gold eyes.

She is in cat room kennel No. 79c, ID No. 12380.

Domestic medium hair kitten

This male domestic medium hair kitten has an all-black coat and gold eyes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 79d, ID No. 12381.

Domestic medium hair kitten

This female domestic medium hair kitten has an all-black coat and gold eyes.

She is in cat room kennel No. 79e, ID No. 12382.

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

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.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – It’s that time of year again in Lake County, when worms race, duct tape boats take to the water and fireworks festoon the night sky.

Lake County’s communities are planning several Independence Day celebrations this week.

A roundup of events is featured below.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

CLEARLAKE

Midway of Fun

The Midway of Fun Carnival will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. at Austin Park’s beach, 14077 Lakeshore Drive. Advance all-day passes are available at Tatonka Trading for $20 up until July 3.

CLEARLAKE OAKS

Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks

The 2019 Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks display will be held at dusk on Wednesday, July 3, at Widgeon Bay.

The fireworks are launched from a barge on the lake near the Clearlake Oaks public launch ramp beginning at dusk. The best (and most fun) viewing area is from a boat, anchored east of Rattlesnake Island. If you don’t have a boat, the next best viewing area is from Clarks Island.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

CLEARLAKE

Midway of Fun

The Midway of Fun Carnival will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. at Austin Park’s beach, 14077 Lakeshore Drive. Advance all-day passes are available at Tatonka Trading for $20 up until July 3.

LAKEPORT

City of Lakeport Independence Day Celebration

The city will hold its Independence Day celebration on Thursday, July 4.

There will be a street fair from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in and around Library Park, featuring food, arts and crafts booths, music in the Library Park Gazebo, and the Cardboard and Duct Tape Regatta (see additional information below).

The city’s fireworks show will take place after dark.

The Lakeport Police Department will also have a command post set up in the chambers at City Hall, 225 Park St., during the event for those who wish to stop by or have questions.

Cardboard and Duct Tape Regatta

A part of the Lakeport Independence Day celebration, the 14th annual Cardboard and Duct Tape Regatta will take place between 10 a.m. and noon at Library Park and First Street, sponsored by the Lakeport Yacht Club. There is no fee to enter.

Build your own boat using cardboard and duct tape. Boats can be any size or dimension, and paddles can be made of any material. Life jackets must be worn by all participants.

Preregistration starts at 10 a.m. with races at 11 a.m. There are three classes: ages 6 to 12, 13 to 19, and 19 and above.

Boats will race on an easy-to-navigate figure eight course.

Trophies are awarded to the first three finishers in each division, with a best of show trophy to also be given.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

CLEARLAKE

Midway of Fun

The Midway of Fun Carnival will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. at Austin Park’s beach, 14077 Lakeshore Drive. Advance all-day passes are available at Tatonka Trading for $20 up until July 3.

CLEARLAKE OAKS

Clear Lake Keys Property Owners Association Boat Parade

The Clear Lake Keys Property Owners Association Boat Parade will hold its annual boat parade from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 5.

The lineup starts at 9:30 a.m. at M&M Campground, 13050 Island Drive.

This year’s theme is “Wildlife in the Keys.”

Prizes are $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place.

No water balloons or other hard objects are allowed, but squirt guns are OK.

For sign ups and boat number, call Heidi Aragon at 707-998-9439.

The annual picnic hosted by the Clearlake Oaks Keys Club, for members and their guests, will follow at noon.

LAKEPORT

Konocti Vista fireworks display

Konocti Vista Casino and Twin Pine Casino will host their annual fireworks display on Friday, July 5, just after dark.

The display will take place at Konocti Vista Casino Hotel and Marina, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, Lakeport.

The family friendly event is free.

Lakeport Speedway racing and fireworks

The Lakeport Speedway will host its annual fireworks display at the conclusion of the night’s racing.

The evening’s racing action will include BCRA midgets, bombers, modifieds, vintage midgets and sprint cars.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m. Admission prices have been reduced in 2019 to $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6 to 11. Children age 5 and under get in free.

For more information on the 2019 racing season, visit the NCRA – Lakeport Speedway Facebook page or call the business office at 707-274-1662.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

CLEARLAKE

Redbud Parade and Festival

The Lakeshore Lions Club of Clearlake is sponsoring its 62nd annual Redbud Parade and Festival, including its fireworks display.

The parade will start at Redbud Park at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, and will proceed down Lakeshore Drive to Austin Park.

The theme of this year's parade is “Lake County Roots.”

This year the parade will feature local marchers, decorated floats, vintage cars, parade and show horses, fire and police vehicles, and much more.

The Lakeshore Lions Club will also sponsor the firework display at dark.

Come on down to Austin Park and enjoy an assortment of food, cold drinks and beer.

There also will be the 20th annual Show and Shine Car Show, arts and craft vendors, games and entertainment for all.

The Clearlake Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the 51st annual International Worm Races.

The Midway of Fun Carnival will run from July 3 to 7 at Austin Park’s beach, 14077 Lakeshore Drive. Advance all-day passes are available at Tatonka Land for $20 up until July 3. It will be open from noon to midnight July 6.

Anyone who wishes to enter the parade or car show can pick up an entry form at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce office, Bob's Vacuum, Clearlake Automotive, Kevin Ness Jewelers and Tatonka Land.

Any and all arts and craft vendors interested in booths, please call Bob Kiel at 707-994-9752.

For more information about the parade, please call 707-994-3070 and for the car show call Kevin Ness at 707-994-2307.

SUNDAY, JULY 7

CLEARLAKE

Midway of Fun

The Midway of Fun Carnival will be open from noon to 10 p.m. at Austin Park’s beach, 14077 Lakeshore Drive. Advance all-day passes are available at Tatonka Trading for $20 up until July 3.

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE

Hidden Valley Lake Association Independence Day Celebration

The Hidden Valley Lake Association will wrap up the Independence Day week events with its own annual celebration on Sunday, July 7.

The association’s All American Barbecue will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greenview’s barbecue area.

Join them for live music by Juke Box Money along with a food zone barbecue as well as a kid zone, which will include tug of war, gunny sack races, egg and spoon race, pie eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, free snow cones, face painting, tie dye and more.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The driver of a pickup was seriously injured in a solo-vehicle rollover near Lower Lake on Saturday night.

The crash in the area of Point Lakeview Road near Gregory Graham Winery was first dispatched by Cal Fire dispatch just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

The vehicle, described as a silver Chevrolet pickup, went an estimated 150 feet down an embankment and landed on its roof, according to reports from the scene.

Firefighters arriving at the crash site reported difficult access, with additional units from Lake County Fire, Kelseyville Fire and South Lake County Fire called to assist with extricating the driver and cutting through brush to help with the recovery, based on radio reports.

A woman was reported to be trapped inside the vehicle, and had major injuries. It took close to an hour to extricate the woman and get her to Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital.

At the hospital, a REACH air ambulance picked her up and transported her to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, lifting off shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, according to scanner traffic.

Additional information will be published as it is made available.

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.