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State Controller John Chiang has unveiled a new open data Web site that lists more than 13 million fields of financial data for cities and counties as part of his ongoing efforts to promote transparency in government.
The site, http://bythenumbers.sco.ca.gov , makes it easier for taxpayers to track revenues, expenditures, liabilities, assets, fund balances and even basic statistics about each city and county.
“We're moving government accountability and transparency out of the analog dark ages into the digital era where information about how much your city or county is spending and borrowing is available with a keystroke,” Chiang said. “By providing balance sheet details for every California municipality on one Web site and allowing users to slice and dice the information to spot trends and analyze spending, I hope to empower communities to become more involved in civic decision-making.”
The site's financial information currently covers an 11-year period – from fiscal year 2002-03 through 2012-13 – and was provided by California's 58 counties and more than 450 cities.
Depending on public interest, data for preceding decades will be incorporated into future upgrades to the Web site, Chiang's office said.
“The State Controller’s new open data Web site is a significant step in enhancing transparency in government at all levels. It provides the public with the tools to better understand and engage in our government process,” said Matt Cate, executive director of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC). “We applaud the Controller for utilizing state-of-the-art technology to develop a tool that puts valuable public information right at the fingertips of our residents.”
“The controller's announcement today of the ByTheNumbers Web site is an important and positive step forward in helping the public be more engaged in important policy decisions by their local governments,” said Chris McKenzie, Executive Director of the League of California Cities. “This new Web site will complement the open data and related transparency efforts of cities across the state. We commend the Controller for finding an effective way to make key city financial data much more accessible and useful to taxpayers and local agencies alike.”
As required by law, the Controller's Office has been collecting and publishing this data in seldom-used paper form since 1911.
The new Web site makes it easier for communities to look up data, download raw numbers, create charts and search for other financial data by offering dropdown menus that will allow users to drill into more specific financial information.
In significantly greater detail than offered in the previous paper reports, the new Web site covers funds received and spent by California's local governments, as well as property they own and amounts they owe.
The controller elected to construct the ByTheNumbers Web site using an “open data” format that allows information to be viewed, downloaded, converted into charts and shared.
The Web site will be updated annually with new information received from local governments.
Later this fall, the controller will introduce major upgrades to the Web site that will not only include additional tools and features based on user feedback over the coming months, but will also provide data for each of California's approximately 130 pension systems.
The pension data will include: assets and liabilities; additions to plan assets, such as employer and employee contributions; deductions to plan assets, such as benefit payments and administrative expenses; statistics on the number of active, inactive and retired members; net return on investments and actuarial funding.
In addition to http://bythenumbers.sco.ca.gov , the controller invites users to visit www.publicpay.ca.gov , which includes pay information for public employees, as well as www.trackprop30.ca.gov , which helps taxpayers track every dollar raised by Proposition 30 for public schools.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has four cats ready to go to new homes this week.
The three females and one male include tabbies, a calico and a gray cat.
In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .
The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).
Domestic short hair mix
This young domestic short hair mix is female.
She has a mostly gray coat with some white markings.
Information on her age and if she has been spayed was not posted.
She's in cat room kennel No. 43A, ID No. 599.
Domestic short hair mix
This young domestic short hair mix is female.
Her coat has gray tabby markings mixed with white.
Information on her age and if she has been spayed was not posted.
She's in cat room kennel No. 43B, ID No. 600.
'Bailey'
“Bailey” is a female domestic short hair mix.
She has calico markings and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 63, ID No. 586.
'Bob'
“Bob” is a 3-year-old orange tabby.
He has a short coat and gold eyes, and has been neutered. Staff said he would make a great outdoor cat.
He's in cat room kennel No. 66, ID No. 625.
Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .
Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The annual Clear Lake Splash In seaplane exhibition will be held Friday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Sept. 27, at Lakeport’s Natural High School on the northwest shore of Clear Lake.
This marks the 35th year that dozens of seaplanes from all over the western United States convene for the annual fly in that is marked by exciting aerial demonstrations, hot air balloon rides, a helicopter ambulance display, water bombing contests, arts and crafts booths, and more.
This year’s event is being spearheaded by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the county of Lake, the city of Lakeport and the Lakeport Main Street Association, as well as a committee of local airmen and aviation enthusiasts.
The big demonstration day is Saturday, Sept. 27, when all aerial demonstrations will take place and static airplane displays will be available to the public.
Natural High is located at 810 N. Main St., Lakeport.
Lake County Chamber executive director Melissa Fulton, who spearheaded the local committee formation, says that an extra effort has been mounted to make this year’s event very special.
“Not only did we want to showcase the 35th consecutive Splash In on Clear Lake,” Fulton commented, “but we wanted to take a big step in making the Splash In a signature Lake County event well into the future. We are going out of our way to pay special attention to the pilots and owners of these beautiful airplanes and let them know how lucky we feel that they continue to choose Clear Lake for their annual gathering.”
Gates open Saturday at 8 a.m. with a Lakeport Kiwanis pancake breakfast benefiting the Channel Cats Swim Team. Tickets for the breakfast, which lasts until 11 a.m., are $7 per person.
Admission to the airplane static displays and other attractions is $3 for adults or $10 for a family of four or more. Kids under age 10 are free.
In addition to the dozens of modern and vintage seaplanes, Will Bill Hill and his band of unique Amphicars will be on hand to demonstrate the Amphicar Model 770, that can operate as a car or a boat.
Also on display will be a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter. The local air medical transport company will have pilot and crew on hand to explain their service and show off their state-of-the-art medical transport helicopter.
Natural High classrooms will be used this year to stage a number of aviation and Clear Lake related educational seminars as well as displays by the Kelseyville Youth Rocket Club.
Printed programs will be available with a schedule of events, pictures, history and ads by local sponsors who are helping to underwrite this year’s event.
Local businesses wishing to advertise in the program should contact Tom Lincoln at 707-349-3210 for rates and requirements.
For more information visit www.ClearLakeSplashIn.com .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Sept. 22 marks the official end of summer. This is when the autumnal equinox occurs.
What’s an “equinox”?
An equinox is when the sun is directly over the Earth’s equator. Due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis, normally the sun shines to the north or south of the equator.
But twice a year, on March 20 (vernal equinox) and Sept. 22 (autumnal equinox), it is directly over the equator.
The effect of an equinox is for the days and nights to be the same length. Indeed, the word equinox is derived from the Latin words “aequus” meaning equal, and “nox” meaning night.
Directly overhead during September night skies is the Summer Triangle. This is a pattern of three bright stars, Vega, Deneb and Altair. Use our star chart to identify them.
Vega is the fifth brightest star in the sky, Altair the 12th, and Deneb the 19th. All three are relatively young stars which means they burn hotter than older stars, like our Sun.
Surprisingly, the term “Summer Triangle” did not originate until the 1900s.
Our star chart shows the “planet” Pluto to the south. We use the word planet in quotes because Pluto lost its planet status in 2006.
First discovered in 1930, Pluto was the ninth and smallest of the planets.
As our astronomical technology improved, we began discovering other objects similar in size to Pluto which were called minor planets.
As the number of these grew, maintaining Pluto’s planet status no longer made sense.
In July 2015 the “New Horizons” space probe will pass near Pluto giving us images and data nevr before seen.
You cannot see Pluto with the naked eye. If you have a telescope, Pluto is not a very rewarding object.
At magnitude 13.65, you would need at least a 6-inch scope, and with that Pluto would only resemble a tiny gray star.
As a point of interest, the name “Pluto” was adopted from a suggestion by an 11-year-old schoolgirl from England.
John Zimmerman is a resident of Lake County and has been an amateur astronomer for over 50 years. For more information about astronomy and local resources, visit his Web site at www.lakecountyskies.com .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Have you ever dreamed of taking home a stash of more 50 bottles of great wine?
Lake County resident Donna Rose not only dreamed about it, but she was able to do when her ticket was drawn in the 2014 Lake County Wine Adventure raffle.
The raffle, sponsored by the Lake County Winery Association, or LCWA, in partnership with Savings Bank of Mendocino raised $5,000 for Relay for Life, Lake County Chapter.
“We were honored to donate the proceeds of this year’s raffle to the Relay for Life,” said LCWA Director Terry Dereniuk. “Just about everyone has either been struck by the disease or has a friend or loved one who has battled some form of cancer. LCWA wanted to support the efforts of our local Relay chapter with a bit of 'wine for the cure'.”
All Lake County wineries open for the Wine Adventure donated two bottles of wine to create an “instant wine cellar” prize. Savings Bank of Mendocino added to the package with a wine refrigerator.
Relay for Life volunteers sold raffle tickets at a number of Wine Adventure stops. Sales were so successful at Moore Family Winery that the volunteers stayed for the evening Wonder Bread Five concert on Saturday evening.
LCWA works to promote the wines of Lake County’s high elevation region.
Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.
For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 707-357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control's kennel is filled this week with dogs of all sizes and ages that need loving homes.
The dogs include mixes of terrier, Labrador Retriever, hound, Chihuahua, pit bull, boxer and Rottweiler.
Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .
The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).
Male Manchester Terrier mix
This male Manchester Terrier mix is 10 years old.
He has a short black and brown coat, weighs 16 pounds and has been neutered.
He's in kennel No. 5, ID No. 556.
Female boxer mix
This female boxer mix is 9 months old.
She has a short black coat, weighs 34 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 559.
'Bella'
“Bella” is a female terrier mix.
She is small and has a multicolored, long coat.
She is in kennel No. 11, ID No. 561.
Male Rottweiler-hound mix
This male Rottweiler-hound mix is 8 months old.
He has a short black and tan coat. Shelter staff did not report if he has been neutered.
Find him in kennel No. 12, ID No. 559.
Female Chihuahua mix
This female Chihuahua mix has a short tan coat. Information was not posted on her age or if she has been altered.
She is in kennel No. 14a, ID No. 562.
Male Chihuahua mix
This male Chihuahua mix has a short black and white coat. Information was not posted on his age or if he has been altered.
He is in kennel No. 15, ID No. 565.
'Snap'
“Snap” is a 1-year-old male pit bull terrier-boxer mix.
He has a short white coat, weighs 67 pounds and has not been neutered.
Shelter staff said Snap has an excellent temperament, is well behaved, walks great on a leash, and gets along well with both and female dogs. He would be best in a home with no cats and with children age 10 and above.
He's in kennel No. 16, ID No. 567.
'Paco'
“Paco” is a 1-year-old male Chihuahua mix.
He has a short black and brown coat, and weighs 6 pounds. It was not reported if he has been neutered.
Shelter staff said Paco is a wonderful dog with no aggression issues. He gets along with cats, sits on command, and wants to cuddle and give kisses.
They suggest he will be good in any home.
Find him in kennel No. 17, ID No. 566.
'Aces'
“Aces” is a female pit bull terrier mix.
She has a short coat with beautiful markings.
Information was not posted on her age or if she has been altered.
She is in kennel No. 24, ID No. 573.
Male Labrador Retriever mix
This male Labrador Retriever mix is 3 years old.
He has a short black coat, weighs 71 pounds and has been neutered. Shelter staff said he is a dog with a wonderful temperament.
He's in kennel No. 27, ID No. 578.
Male Jack Russell Terrier mix
This male Jack Russell Terrier mix has a short tan coat.
Information was not posted on his age or if he has been altered.
He is in kennel No. 28, ID No. 568.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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