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Lake County Redevelopment Agency officials said Upper Lake's improvements began this past week.
Redevelopment agency funds are paying for the $1.3 million project, which will make improvements to both sides of Main Street from the intersection at Highway 20 to the intersection at Second Street.
Officials said the scope of the project includes under-grounding of utilities; curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements with bulb-out intersections formed from decorative stamped concrete; installation of decorative streetlights; reconstruction of Main Street; and the installation of a welcoming gateway arch across Main Street at the entrance from Highway 20.
While contractor Argonaut Constructors carries out the four-month-long project, it will still be business as usual for local shops, which will keep their doors open, redevelopment officials said.
Full closure of Main Street will encompass just 12 days of the project, according to the redevelopment agency. Traffic control on Main Street will begin on Monday, June 29, and will remain in effect over the course of the project.
The agency said it will issue updates regarding the timing of street closures and alternative parking locations will be made available as the project progresses.
“Once this project is completed, Upper Lake will still have its pioneer charm, but it will be more visible from the highway and the shops will be more accessible to customers and business owners,” said Kelly Cox, the county's administrative officer and executive director of its redevelopment agency.
Cox said the project will make the town “a great place to go for a stroll and enjoy shopping, dining and special events.”
Businesswoman Debbie Hablutzel, president of the Upper Lake Community Council, said they're very excited about the project, which will beautify Upper Lake, draw attention to downtown and light it up with blocks of new streetlights.
She said the council began talking about streetlights 15 years ago, and tried to raise money to do the project on their own.
The lights – which will extend over Main Street and feature small wagon wheels – were folded into the larger project, which she said went through design review in 2002, when the community worked on planning what they wanted.
It was in 2002 that the arch – which will have concrete pillars and a steel structure that passes over Main Street – was designed. Hablutzel said the arch will help draw people to the main part of town and let them know there is actually a town center.
Some people didn't feel the arch was necessary, said Hablutzel. Many people wanted to put it over Highway 20, just as Willits' arch passes over the highway, but Caltrans wasn't open to the proposal.
Despite criticism of the arch, “We weren't going to take it out,” said Hablutzel. “I think once it's done everyone is going to like it.”
The intersection of past and present
Upper Lake, founded as “Upper Clear Lake” in 1854, has always had its own distinctive look and feel – arising from both its twin ranching and timber heritages.
In the past century and a half, the little town has had to be resilient as it has passed through good times and bad.
A new set of historical plaques now grace the town, highlighting interesting facts in the town's fascinating history.
Upper Lake had its first post office in 1858. Other milestones include construction of the original Tallman Hotel in 1866; arrival of the first telegraph lines – stretching from Colusa County to Upper Lake – in 1874; and construction of the Odd Fellows Hall in 1898.
By the 1870s, schools, churches, the grange and the Odd Fellows had arrived. Also in the 1870s, Upper Lake served as the terminus for both the Cloverdale and Clear Lake stage lines, which brought visitors to nearby resorts – Witter Springs and Saratoga Springs, and Le Trianon at Blue Lakes.
But it may have been the many lumber mills in the area that had the greatest impact on the town. A plaque on the building that now houses Gracious Ladies on Main Street explains that by 1870 lumber mills were being built in the nearby Mendocino National Forest. At one time, as many as 42 such mills were in the forest.
Other important industries for the area were dairy farming, with a cheese factory at one point located on Sabini Street, and the Blue Lakes green bean cannery, which started business in 1896.
At one point, Upper Lake had all manner of shops – from dry goods to bakeries to ice cream parlors.
The town had its share of troubles. In 1895 the Tallman House Hotel burned down and later was rebuilt and later renamed for Hank Riffe, the son-in-law of the building's owner, Rufus Tallman, according to a history of the building at www.tallmanhotel.com .
But perhaps the greatest blow to the town was dealt in 1924, when a fire swept through Upper Lake, destroying much of it.
However, one portion of town at First and Main survived – the fire spared the rebuilt Riffe's Hotel and the livery stable next door, the Odd Fellow's Hall, the Bank of Upper Lake and the old ice house across the street. A few blocks away, the Harriet Lee Hammond Library also made it through.
The town rebuilt, and continued to be vibrant for decades. County Deputy Redevelopment Director Eric Seely, who grew up in Upper Lake, said his grandparents came to the area in the 1950s. “At that time Upper Lake was much more vibrant,” he said. “Timber was still a going concern.”
But in the 1970s Upper Lake began to face serious economic challenges, due in part to the depletion of the local timber stands.
“When the timber shut down, a lot of folks retired,” said Seely, and with that properties began to change hands, Main Street businesses closed and many like Seely watched the town go into a slow decline.
Remaining business owners in the 1970s worked to keep it looking look good with new awnings, said Seely. In the late 1980s, Main Street was reconstructed and repaved after the new sewer system was installed. Before that, the streets had been layer upon layer of chip seal.
Seely said he began to see improvements in the town in the 1990s.
Since then new property owners and business people, such as Tony Oliveira, who owns Oliveira's Antiques, and Linda Powell of Powell's Antiques, arrived and began renovating the downtown.
The town took another blow when it suffered a flood on New Year's Eve of 2005. Much of the downtown saw several feet of water flowing through businesses and homes. Once again, the town picked itself up, dusted itself off and got back to work.
Seely credits the town's residents for their work to rejuvenate Upper Lake. “The agency's goals are certainly to assist and partner,” he said.
Rebirth of a historical district
The town's future is closely tied to its past.
In fact, the redevelopment project now getting under way expanded thanks, in part, to investment in that historic core of buildings that survived the 1924 fire.
As business owners began bringing new shops to line the downtown, redevelopment was encouraging renovation of the historical buildings that anchored the far end of town.
Several years ago Sheldon Steinberg purchased and renovated the livery stable, which in the 1880s had been one of three such stables serving the bustling town, according to the new historical plaque gracing the building.
Today, the livery stable houses “The Elegant Bowl,” an antique plumbing fixture business open by appointment and during special occasions such as the recent Wild West Day. A visit inside reveals dozens of ornate clawfoot tubs, delicate porcelain sinks and many a fancy water closet.
Next door to the livery stable had sat the empty Riffe's Hotel. After being purchased at a tax lien sale, the building sat empty for 40 years, looking like a fragile storefront from the set of “Gunsmoke.”
Then Lynne and Bernard Butcher came to the rescue, undertaking a painstaking but ultimately magnificent restoration and expansion. Next door, they built the Blue Wing Saloon & Tavern where once a similarly named establishment was located.
The Tallman Hotel was added to the California Register of Historical Resources as a point of historical interest in 2007. It's widely considered to be one of the Northshore redevelopment area's triumphs.
Across the street, Tom Carter took the old Bank of Upper Lake and renovated it. Today, it is home to Olivia's Organic's, a health food store. On the roof of the building sits a jaunty iron rooster.
The original conceptual plans for Upper Lake's redevelopment project go back several years, said Seely. Those plans stretched from Highway 20 down to Washington Street and included the planned archway at Main Street's entrance into town from the highway.
In 2006, after Deputy Redevelopment Director Andy Peterson retired, Cox and other members of the county's administrative office toured the town and evaluated the project's existing scope, Seely said.
Looking at the investment and improvements by Steinberg, the Butchers and Carter, Seely said county officials decided to add to the project in order to support the community's investment.
“Because of the capital investment the business and property owners were making, we felt it was appropriate to expand the project so that the public and private efforts had a greater synergistic effect than either one by themselves,” said Seely.
Seely credited the Butchers with making a tremendous investment in their property and, as a result, drawing a lot of business to the downtown.
As the project ties the livery stable, Tallman and Blue Wing into the rest of town, it will include better sidewalks and pedestrian access, as well as improvements to parking.
In another tip of the Stetson to the town's heritage, community members asked for the rustic wooden sidewalk in front of the saloon and hotel to remain, and so they were incorporated into the plan design, said Seely.
Argonaut Constructors also will construct samples of sidewalk finish treatments which Seely said community members will help select during the course of the project. Choices will range from concrete that's stamped and dyed to look like wood to use of a weathering technique to make new sidewalks blend in with the older ones that will remain.
Seely said he expects the project will move quickly, as paving will become more challenging as fall and winter arrive.
At the Lake County Wine Studio, across from the Tallman and Blue Wing, proprietor Susan Feiler said she thinks the redevelopment project will help the town. Upper Lake is a great area for business, and she said she hopes to see more shops locating there.
“I have high hopes for this area,” she said. “I really do.”
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
The event provided home winemakers a forum in which to show off their hobby, and also gives local wineries a place to offer tastings of their products.
The festival is the largest annual fundraiser for CLPA, which promotes music education, community concerts and student scholarships in Lake County.
This year's festival was well-attended, with people from all areas of Northern California including Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Yuba, Colusa and other counties.
The festival was open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the offerings from home brewers, small wineries and some of the larger local wineries, there was food, live music, and arts and crafts available.
There were several raffles and a silent auction held throughout the event, along with ribbons awarded to the brewers and winemakers. Local businesses were open throughout the event including Focused On Wine, Rosa D’Oro, and Wildhurst tasting rooms.
The competition's results follow.
People’s Choice Awards:
Best Booth – Two Dude Brew
Best Beer – Two Dude Brew
Best Wine – David Pretari for Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Best Label – Paul Lew for Dark Horse Stout
Beer Awards:
Best in Show – Ron Chips, Irish Ale
Ale: First, tie – Ron Chips and Two Dude Brew; Second – Paul Lew
Porter/Stout: First – Paul Lew
Wheats: First – Two Dude Brew; Second – Paul Lew
IPA: First – Two Dude Brew
Wine Awards – Reds:
Best in Show Red Wine: Greg and Jeff Conley, Gamay 2006
Gamay: Gold – Greg and Jeff Conley, Conley Winery 2006
Merlot: Gold – John Bristow, Garden Hill Winery 2007; Silver – Dennis Koenig, Koenig Winery 2007; Bronze – Ed Bublitz, Full Moon Rising 2007
Malbec: Gold – Danny Morrow, Eastside Winery 2003; Silver – Danny Morrow, Eastside Winery 2004
Cabernet Sauvignon: Gold – Kirk DeAlba, Tres Amigos 2006; Silver – Kyle Mahoney and Nick Wolfe, Wolfe Mahoney Winery 2007; Bronze – Greg and Jeff Conley, Conley Winery 2007
Cabernet Franc: Gold – Kyle Mahoney and Nick Wolfe, Wolfe Mahoney Winery 2007; Bronze – Conn and June Murray, Muritage Winery 2006
Zinfandel: Gold – Kyle Mahoney and Nick Wolfe, Wolfe Mahoney Winery 2007; Bronze – Tom and Nancy Harty, Mother Mountain Winery 2007
Syrah/Petite Sirah: Gold – John Bristow, Garden Hill Winery 2007; Silver – Ron Chips, Ron Chips Winery 2006; Bronze – Danny Morrow, Eastside Winery 2006
Red Blend: Gold – Scott and Sue Simkover, Smiling Dogs Ranch 2008; Silver – Paul Spillane and Troy Shankels, Panty Dropper 2004; Bronze, tie – Tom and Nancy Harty, Mother Mountain Winery 2008 and Danny Morrow, Eastside Winery 2004.
Sangiovese: Gold – Clear Lake Performing Arts Wine Group 2006; Silver – Conn and June Murray, Muritage Winery 2006
Wine Awards – Whites:
Sauvignon Blanc: Gold – Conn anad June Murray, Muritage Winery 2006; Silver – Leo D’Agostino, D’Agostino Winery 2005.
Wine Awards – Fruit wines:
Best in Show and Gold – Bruce and Cindy Lightfoot, Lightfoot Pear Wine 2008
Wine Awards – Dessert wines:
Best in Show and Gold – Greg and Jeff Conley, Conley Winery, Zinfandel Port 2005.
Providing tastings were:
Cobb Mountain Brewing Co. – Wheat beer, brown, stout;
Dusinberre – Napa Valley Champagne;
Full Moon Rising – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot;
Steele Winery – Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Zinfandel, Viognier;
Potter’s Honeycut – Merlot;
Bell Hill – Merlot;
Mother Mountain Wine – Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon;
Muritage – Sauvignon Bland and Musque blend, Cab Franc, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon;
Ron and Cheryn Chips – Irish Red Ale, California Ale;
Cesar Toxqui Cellars – Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir;
Ployez Winery – Zinfandel;
Hidden Oaks Estate – Cabernet Sauvignon;
Barn Owl Winery – Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon;
David Petrari – Cabernet Sauvignon;
Garden Hill Winery – Syrah, Merlot;
High Valley Wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Fume Blanc;
Luna-Lake Syrah – Syrah;
Party Dropper Wines – California Red, Cabernet Sauvignon;
Wildhurst – Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Reserve Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Reserve Zinfandel, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon;
Six Sigma – Rose, Sauvignon Blanc;
Triangle – Meritage;
D’Agostino Vineyard and Winery – Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah;
Wolfe Mahoney – Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel;
The Lightfoots – Pear Wine, Cabernet/Syrah, Syrah/Cabernet;
Bill and Leanne Gilbert – Cabernet Sauvignon;
Shed Horn Cellars – Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc;
Conley Wines – Zinfandel Port, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay;
Tres Amigos – Cabernet Sauvignon;
Eastside Winery – Red Wine Blend, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah;
Rosa D’Oro – Barbera, Syrah, Primitivo, Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli;
Koenig Family Cellars – Merlot;
Tulip Hill – Reserve Chardonnay, Zinfandel, White Mirage Rose;
Sommelier Stephanie Green of Focused on Wine was pouring – Amber Knolls Vineyard, Six Sigma “Piquenique,” and Girls on the Vineyard Cabernet.
If you would like to learn more about the Clear Lake Performing Arts, you can visit them online at www.clearlakeperformingarts.org or contact them at Clear Lake Performing Arts, P.O. Box 974, Lakeport, CA 95453.
Ross A. Christensen writes about food and wine for Lake County News.
BACHELOR VALLEY – This weekend, the first-ever Rainbow Bridge Festival is taking place on a hilltop overlooking nearby Bachelor Valley and Clear Lake.
The festival, which began Friday, continues through Sunday evening.
Offerings include music, vendors, yoga, meditation, drumming circles and a small electric car display.
Organizers also are honoring the late peace activist Marla Ruzicka, who was raised in Lake County and died in Iraq in 2005 as the result of a car bomb. Her mother, Nancy, and brother, Mark, spoke Friday at the dedication of the festival's peace garden.
On Saturday afternoon, as children played in an improvised swimming pool made from hay bales and a tarp, adults sat in the shade and listened to speakers including solar expert Harvey Wasserman.
Nearby, natural builder Massey Burke and a small group of volunteers toiled on a round “tea house” structure being built with earth, straw and bamboo.
Another full slate of events is planned for Sunday, including a talk by Kevin Danaher, a friend of Marla Ruzicka's, who will speak about her life at 10 a.m. on the festival's main stage. Wasserman also will will again on Sunday, discussing election protection and US history at 11 a.m.
Activities throughout the day will include yoga, nature hikes for children and plenty of music. A closing prayer and gratitude circle at the main stage will close the event at 10 p.m.
For a full schedule and driving directions, visit www.rainbowbridgefest.com/activities.html .
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
Here are July's events to enjoy.
July 2
– First Thursday featuring Asian flair at Focused On Wine, 3940 Main St., Kelseyville. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy Asian style appetizers with saketinis and wines with Stephanie Cruz-Green. $12 at the door $10 in advance. Telephone, 707-279-2112.
July 3
– Art Show & Wine Reception, Lake County Wine Studio, 9505 Main St., Upper Lake. Art show and discussion, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., wine and appetizer reception, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bronze sculptor Rolf Kriken will be featured, as well as Jim and Diane Fore of Fore Family Vineyards. Sample their wines and gourmet cheeses, appetizers, chocolate and more. $10 for wine tasting. Telephone, 707-275-8030.
– First Friday Fling, Lake County Arts Council's Main Street Gallery, 325 N. Main St., Lakeport, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wildhurst will pour their wines before the concert in the park. Telephone, 707-263-6658, or online, www.lakecountyartscouncil.com .
– Meet the Winemaker, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eric Stine will pour Langtry Estate wines. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
– Clearlake Oaks fireworks display, Clearlake Oaks public boat launch, 12684 Island Drive, approximately 9:30 p.m. (dark).
July 4
– Lakeport Independence Day festivities and fireworks display, Library Park, 200 Park St., Lakeport. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with fireworks at dusk. All day street fair with arts and crafts, music, food and beverages. Free admission. Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, telephone 707-263-5092, online at www.lakeportchamber.com .
– Clearlake Independence Day festivities, at Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake. Activities include the annual International Worm Races, kinetic sculpture race, live music, car show, arts and crafts, barbecue, children’s activities and more. Daytime events begin at 11 a.m.; the fireworks display in Austin Park, approximately 9:30 p.m. (dark). Free admissions. Clearlake Chamber of Commerce, telephone 707-994-3600, online at www.clearlakechamber.com .
July 5
– Sunday Brunch in the Garden, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. George Husaruk Trio performs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 6
– Monday Blues, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bill Noteman & The Rockets will perform. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 7
– Sunday Brunch in the Garden, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Michael Barrish and Scott Sommers on guitar & vocals, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 10
– Fondue Fridays, Lake County Wine Studio, 9505 Main St., Upper Lake. Takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cheese fondue available with wine. Telephone, 707-275-8030
July 12
– Sunday Brunch in the Garden, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sax-O-Rama saxophone quartet performs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 13
– Monday Blues, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Side of Blues will perform. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 14
– Winemakers Dinner, The Saw Shop Gallery Bistro, 3825 Main St., Kelseyville. 6 p.m. Enjoy a five-course dinner with five wines by Wildhurst winery. $60 per person. RSVP to the Saw Shop, 707-279-0129.
July 16
– Winemakers Dinner, Zino’s Ristorante, 6330 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville. 6 p.m. Enjoy a six-course dinner with six wines by Robledo family winery. $60 per person. RSVP at Zino’s, 707-279-1620.
July 17
– Fondue Fridays, Lake County Wine Studio, 9505 Main St., Upper Lake. Takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cheese fondue available with wine. Telephone, 707-275-8030.
July 19
– Sunday Brunch in the Garden, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blind Spot guitar trio performs 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 20
– Monday Blues, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Soul Doubt will perform. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 24
– Fondue Fridays, Lake County Wine Studio, 9505 Main St., Upper Lake. Takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cheese fondue available with wine. Telephone, 707-275-8030.
July 25
– Lake County Wine Adventure, day one. Participating wineries and tasting rooms around the County. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $30 includes a glass, wristband and admittance to nearly all of Lake County’s wineries for tasting and food pairings. For information and to purchase tickets: www.lakecountywineries.org .
– Concert in the Vineyard Series, Moore Family Winery, 11990 Bottle Rock Road, Kelseyville. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 per person. Music featuring the Lake County All Stars. Food, wine and other beverages available for purchase. Telephone, 707-279-9279, or online at http://moorefamilywinery.com/ .
July 26
– Lake County Wine Adventure, day two. Participating wineries and tasting rooms around the county. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $30 includes a glass, wristband and admittance to nearly all of Lake County’s wineries for tasting and food pairings. For information and to purchase tickets: www.lakecountywineries.org .
– Sunday Brunch in the Garden, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Brunch served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m .MisDemeanors of Jazz perform from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 27
– Monday Blues, The Blue Wing Saloon & Cafe, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Will Siegel & Friends will perform. Telephone, 707-275-2244, or online, www.bluewingsaloon.com .
July 31
– Fondue Fridays, Lake County Wine Studio, 9505 Main St., Upper Lake. Takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Cheese fondue available with wine. Telephone, 707-275-8030.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
The New Cool at Konocti Harbor featuring David Neft: Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa hosts “The Piano Man” David Neft, playing the grand piano from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in the relaunched dining room. Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, 8727 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville. Telephone 800-660-LAKE, or online at www.konoctiharbor.com .
Certified Farmers Market, Steele Winery, 4350 Thomas Drive at Highway 29, Kelseyville. A variety of produce grown in the area as well as flowers, coffee, pastries and bread, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Saturdays, 8 a.m. until noon, May through October. Telephone, 707-279-9475, or online at www.steelewines.com/ .
Langtry Estate and Vineyard Tours: Langtry Estate and Vineyard is offering exciting and innovative tour programs. Guests ride in battery-operated Global Electric Motorcars. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday. The Tephra Vineyard Lunch Tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $40 per person includes lunch and wine tasting. Reservations required 24 hours in advance. 21000 Butts Canyon Road, Middletown. Telephone, 707-987-2385, or online, www.guenoc.com .
Tuscan Village Friday Concert Series: Main Street, Lower Lake. Live music, food, wine tasting. Presented by 2Goombas and Terrill Cellars. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Telephone, 707-994-3354.
A Taste of Lake County Wine Tours, countywide: Spend the day sipping fine wine, enjoying a gourmet picnic amongst the vines, taking in the rustic beauty of Lake County. Tour includes picnic lunch and tasting fees. Perfect for small groups. Tours of Napa also available. Telephone, 707-987-1920, or online, www.aeroshuttleservice.com .
Beer Master Dinner Series: Molly Brennan’s 175 N. Main St., Lakeport. Second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Different brewery featured each month, with beers paired with each course of a five-course meal including dessert. Advance reservations required. Telephone, 707-262-1600.
Lake County Wine Tours, countywide. Experience the “Undiscovered Wine Country” that is Lake County. Taste award-winning premier wines at friendly tasting rooms and in stunning vineyards. Knowledgeable guide, all tasting fees and a gourmet picnic lunch included. Telephone, 707-998-4471, or online, www.lakecountywinetours.com .
If you have a food or wine related event and would like to have it listed in the coming months, please call Ross Christensen at 707-998-9550.
Ross A. Christensen is an award-winning gardener and gourmet cook. He is the author of "Sushi A to Z, The Ultimate Guide" and is currently working on a new book. He has been a public speaker for many years and enjoys being involved in the community.
The city of Lakeport hosts its Independence Day fireworks show following a lighted boat parade. Other fireworks shows include the City of Clearlake fireworks display, the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa fireworks display that follows a concert, the fireworks show at Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino, and more.
The following is a sampling of fireworks shows and festivals. For a complete listing, call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743.
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Maxine Sherman Memorial Fireworks Show, Clearlake Oaks
For a spectacular show, the best viewing area for the Maxine Sherman Memorial Fireworks display is on the water, anchored east of Rattlesnake Island, where the fireworks twinkle overhead and reflect off the waters of Clear Lake. From the shore, Clearlake Oaks Beach on Island Drive is a great spot. Show begins as dusk. Admission is free. 707-998-9563, www.clearlakeoaks.org
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Lakeport Independence Day Festivities, Lakeport
An all-day street fair featuring vendors selling arts and crafts, food and beverages. The night ends with a lighted boat parade around 9 p.m. followed by fireworks over Clear Lake. Sponsored by the Lakeport
Main Street Association and the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce. Library Park, between First and Third streets. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. Admission is free. 866-525-3767, 707-263-5092,
www.lakeportmainstreet.com , www.lakeportchamber.com
City of Clearlake Independence Day Festivities, Clearlake
Street fair, kinetic sculpture racing, live music, car show, arts and crafts, barbecue, children’s activities, and more. Sponsored by the Lakeshore Lions Club and the City of Clearlake. Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive, and ends at Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Drive, where festivities will be held. Fireworks over Clear Lake with Americana music provided by BiCoastal Media, will begin at 9 p.m. Admission is free. 707-994-3600, www.clearlakechamber.com
Clearlake International Worm Races, Clearlake
Forty-second-annual worm race competition at Austin Park with competitors ranging from children to senators and congressmen. This internationally recognized event has attracted the attention of Animal
Planet, NBC and Bay Area Backroads. Held in conjunction with the city of Clearlake Independence Day Festivities and sponsored by the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce. Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Drive. 707-994-3600, www.clearlakechamber.com
Tulip Hill Winery’s Red, White, Blush & Blues and Wine and Food Pairing, Nice
Sample savory summer fare paired to perfection with select wines perfect for summer sipping. The all-star band, Dr. Rocket, featuring Ms. Taylor P. Collins, Levi Lloyd, Randy McGowan, Joost Vink and Pamela Arthur provide the musical backdrop for a festive fourth. Doors open at 3 p.m., music from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $10 per person includes limited wine tasting and food pairing. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Wine available for purchase by the glass and bottle. 4900 Bartlett Springs Road. 707-274-9373, www.tuliphillwinery.com
Judge Arthur Mann issued the bench warrant for Justin Force Lazard, 42, late last month.
Lazard was due to show up in Lake County Superior Court on May 26 for trial on misdemeanor charges of indecent exposure, disorderly conduct and annoying or molesting a child under age 18, according to court documents.
Prosecutor Ed Borg confirmed to Lake County News that those are the current charges against Lazard.
Lakeport Police arrested Lazard in Library Park on July 4, 2006, after three officers on foot patrol encountered him allegedly sitting on the railing with his genitals exposed, according to police reports. During the arrest he allegedly began fighting the officers, who used a Taser on him.
The annoying/molesting a child charge was lodged against Lazard because officials alleged that a young girl had been in the area and had seen him exposing himself.
Last fall, Lazard donated playground equipment to the city of Lakeport for placement in Library Park, near where the incident occurred, as Lake County News has reported.
On May 26, Lazard didn't appear in court, but his attorney, Paul Swanson of Lakeport, asked for another continuance in the case, which has had several since it began, according to court documents.
Borg said Judge Mann found there was no good cause for Lazard's non-appearance. Once Lazard didn't appear, Mann issued an arrest warrant he already had prepared before the trial date.
Swanson did not return calls seeking comment on the case.
The current charges would carry a maximum sentence of a year in the county jail; Borg said in a previous interview that it would be rare for Lazard to receive that jail time, and that probation would be more likely since Lazard had no criminal record previous to 2006.
If convicted, however, Lazard would be required to register as a sex offender in California and, possibly, in his state of residence, New York.
On May 30 Lazard sent a letter to Mann, which the court received on June 2.
“I am doing everything I can to turn my life around and live as a descent (sic), upstanding Christian man,” wrote Lazard. “I realize I had a lapse of sanity and reason and behaved in an inappropriate manner. I am sorry. Truly.”
Lazard explained to Mann that his 4-month-old daughter suffers from Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome, a genetic disorder that includes cleft palate, cardiac defects and a characteristic facial appearance, according to the Web site for the Upper Midwest VCFS/DGS Community.
He said his baby daughter is between heart surgeries. In addition, he stated that he's worried for his wife, model Shannon Fluet, noting “my legal problems in California” have weighed heavily on her.
“If there is anything I can do to not have to register as a sex offender for the sin I have committed, I would really appreciate it,” Lazard's letter to Mann said. “I don't think any of us would be able to handle it.”
He added, “I'm sorry I wasn't able to make it out for the hearing, but I had to put my family first. I hope you can understand that.”
Mann has not rescinded the $25,000 warrant for Lazard, who lives in New York.
“After a warrant issues, if someone in law enforcement has some idea of where the subject of a warrant might be, then typically there will be some effort to locate the subject,” said Borg. “Here, Mr. Lazard has no local ties, so that is not an option.”
The case has been subject to repeated continuances. Court documents report that Lazard has been in and out of psychiatric wards – in St. Helena, Massachusetts and France – since the 2006 arrest.
He had been scheduled to go to trial earlier this year, but received a continuance when his wife was suffering health issues during the final stages of her pregnancy, which he had blamed on media coverage of the case.
Court proceedings also have been delayed due to legal actions to place Lazard in a conservatorship. Local attorney Steve Brookes, who was involved in that process, did not return a call seeking comment.
Borg said an additional misdemeanor charge for failure to appear could be filed in the case, but added, “at this point I cannot comment as to whether this office is contemplating doing that.”
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