LAKEPORT, Calif. — The pandemic canceled the Lake County Fair in 2020, but on Thursday it returned for another year, and Public Health is using the event to raise awareness, offer vaccinations and guidance on staying healthy.
Between now and Sunday, many thousands of people per day will stream through the fairgrounds, and Public Health officials said they want people to safely enjoy this important event.
The county of Lake and OPTUM are partnering to provide a mobile vaccination van on-site, each day of this year’s Lake County Fair.
Dr. Gary Pace, the county’s former Public Health officer who continues to assist on matters related to COVID-19, was on hand with staff in front of the fair on the opening night on Thursday evening to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations.
Lake County residents that get newly vaccinated against COVID-19 earn free admission to the Fair.
The vaccination van will be set up near the front fairgrounds gate from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
While getting vaccinated between now and Sunday will not offer protection while you are at the Fair, Public Health said it will significantly limit the likelihood you will have severe complications, should you be exposed to COVID in the future.
Looking ahead to what will be another fall and winter where people will wonder whether their runny nose is due to a cold or COVID, you will want to ensure you are protected, officials reported.
“The evidence is clear: for almost everyone, getting vaccinated is safe, and offers significant protection against severe illness and death. If you have concerns, simply waiting does nothing to limit your risk. Talk to your doctor today, and get your questions answered,” Pace said in a Thursday statement.
If you attend the fair, masking, even while outdoors, is strongly recommended. Physical distancing should additionally be practiced whenever possible. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently; think about this before using your hands to eat, for example, and if you have come in physical contact with other people.
Particularly if you are unvaccinated and/or have other significant medical conditions or other factors that impair your immune system and general health, you will want to strongly consider the risks associated with being around thousands of people from other households. Attending the fair may not be the right choice for everyone this year, in light of COVID-19, Public Health said.
Though many activities have resumed, COVID-19 remains highly prevalent in Lake County communities.
The most recent case rate reported by the state for Lake County is 43.6, more than four times the expanded Purple Tier threshold used in the latter phases of the State’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” framework.
“We have now lost 77 residents to COVID-related illness, and 14 since July 1 — just after the Delta Variant was identified in Lake County. Unvaccinated individuals were seven times more likely to contract COVID-19 in Lake County in the period from Aug. 1 to 15. The vast majority of those recently hospitalized with severe complications have also been unvaccinated,” Public Health reported.
While enjoying the Fair between now and Sunday, please take care. Other Northern California counties have attributed increases in cases and hospitalization to large events since the state’s reopening, including fairs.
Frequently asked questions and further opportunities to get vaccinated in Lake County are also available here. If mobility issues or other barriers are keeping you from getting vaccinated, call 707-263-8174.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Clearlake Animal Control continues to have a full house of big dogs waiting for homes.
The City of Clearlake Animal Association also is seeking fosters for the animals waiting to be adopted.
Another way to help is through donations. A wish list has been posted at Amazon and on Chewy. For those who wish to shop local and drop off items, call 707-273-9440 to schedule a delivery or donate at the association’s Facebook page.
Here are this week’s adoptable dogs.
The newest dog is at the top.
“Sammy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Sammy’
“Sammy” is a female American pit bull mix with a short black and white coat.
She is dog No. 5143.
“Bear.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Bear’
“Bear” is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix with a short brown coat.
“Mara.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Mara’
“Mara” is a female Rottweiler mix.
She has a short black and tan coat.
He is house-trained.
She is dog No. 4628.
“Mary J.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Mary J’
“Mary J” is a female pit bull terrier mix.
She has a white and tan coat.
She is house-trained.
She is dog No. 4927.
“Mitzy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Mitzy’
“Mitzy” is a female shepherd mix with a medium-length black and white coat.
She is dog No. 4648.
“Petey.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Petey’
“Petey” is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix with a black and white coat.
He is dog No. 4963.
“Sassy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Sassy’
“Sassy” is a female American bully mix with a short black coat.
She has been spayed.
She is dog No. 4602.
“Sissy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Sissy’
“Sissy” is a female American Staffordshire terrier mix with a black coat.
She is dog No. 4964.
“Tanisha.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Tanisha’
“Tanisha” is a female shepherd mix with a short orange and white coat.
She is dog No. 4647.
“Terry.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Terry’
“Terry” is a male Dutch shepherd mix with a smooth brindle coat.
He is dog No. 4880.
“Yule.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Yule’
“Yule” is a male husky with a medium-length black and white coat.
He is dog No. 4432.
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 and schedule a visit to the shelter.
Visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or on the city’s website.
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.
Clearlake Police officers and firefighters work at the scene of a fatal vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on the night of Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Photo courtesy of Clearlake Police Chief Andrew White. LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Clearlake Police Department said a pedestrian died on Wednesday night after he was struck by a vehicle.
The crash occurred shortly before 8:45 p.m. at Highway 53 and Dam Road, according to radio traffic.
Police Chief Andrew White told Lake County News that a 29-year-old Clearlake man died following the crash.
Based on the initial information police had on Wednesday night, the pedestrian was crossing the roadway in the crosswalk, wearing dark clothing, when he was hit, White said.
White said the female driver told police she had the green light and tried to swerve when she saw the man, but was unable to react quickly enough.
The driver has been cooperative with the investigation, White said.
Police closed down the southbound lane of Highway 53 at Dam Road from just before 9:30 p.m. to shortly before 11 p.m. while the investigation took place, and asked motorists to take an alternate route from Dam Road Extension to Lake Street to exit the city.
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.
A Lakeport Public Works crew in Lakeport, California, demolishes an old sidewalk at the side of the Lakefront Park. Photo courtesy of the city of Lakeport. LAKEPORT, Calif. — The city of Lakeport is continuing the work to prepare for construction of its new downtown Lakefront Park.
The 6.9-acre park will be built at 800 N. Main St.
It’s being funded by a $5.9 million grant the city received from the California Department of Parks and Recreation in 2020.
The next phase of work began this week and included the demolition of the old sidewalk along the North Main Street frontage of the future park.
New concrete sidewalks will be installed soon after the demolition work is complete, officials said.
The public is asked to drive with caution in the construction zone area.
An alternative pedestrian access on the east side of North Main Street will be provided in the evenings and on weekends when there are no construction activities.
Construction plans for the new park are nearing completion.
The Lakeport Public Works Department expects to solicit construction bids no later than December 2021.
Sidewalk replacement work takes place at the site of the new Lakefront Park in Lakeport Park in Lakeport, California. Photo courtesy of the city of Lakeport.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Lake County Behavioral Health Services invites you to help spread awareness of what is a leading cause of death in the United States, and ensure we all know how to discuss suicide and help our loved ones in need.
Since the pandemic started, people seem to have become increasingly comfortable talking about their mental health.
Yet, the topic of suicide — when it comes up — is still scary to think about.
Some may fear that checking in with someone they suspect is having suicidal thoughts might put the idea in their head, or even push the individual to take their life.
Those who want to help may also worry they won’t know what to say or do if the person says, “Yes, I am thinking about suicide.”
We can all help prevent suicide.
“Suicidal ideation, although common, should not be considered normal, and can point to more serious mental health issues,” said Todd Metcalf, director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
Each one of us must consider our mental health. Especially during these unusual and challenging times, it’s important to take a deeper look into what someone may be experiencing, and seek help together.
As we learn more about the causes of suicide and the ways people can help prevent it, and what resources are out there, we can empower our communities to appropriately respond.
There are many simple activities one can do to encourage wellness and reduce stress during difficult times.
Do what works, and do not be afraid to try something new.
Here are some self-care activities one can practice to help focus on well-being:
· Set goals each day and create a daily routine; · Develop a gratitude list; · Express feelings; · Get plenty of sleep and rest; · Ask for help; · Watch a favorite show or movie; · Create a safe and comfortable living space.
Please join Lake County Behavioral Health Services in helping to raise public awareness of this stigmatized and often taboo subject.
Suicide can stem from untreated mental health conditions, and help is available, right here in Lake County.
For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090.
If in crisis, please call 800-900-2075 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
Quagga mussels clogging a pipe. Photo courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. California agencies combating the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels are reminding boaters to remain cautious over Labor Day weekend.
Quagga and zebra mussels are invasive freshwater mussels native to Europe and Asia.
They multiply quickly, encrust watercraft and infrastructure, alter water quality and the aquatic food web and ultimately impact native and sport fish communities.
These mussels spread from one waterbody to another by attaching to watercraft, equipment and nearly anything that has been in an infested waterbody.
To prevent the spread of these mussels and other aquatic invasive species, people launching vessels at any waterbody are subject to watercraft inspections and are strongly encouraged to clean, drain and dry their motorized and non-motorized boats, including personal watercraft, and any equipment that contacts the water before and after use.
“Adult quagga mussels were discovered in Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County in August 2021. This detection is a reminder of how important it is to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and equipment after every use to avoid spreading invasive species and help conserve California’s irreplaceable plant, fish and wildlife resources,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife Invasive Species Program Manager Martha Volkoff.
Take the following steps both before traveling to and before leaving a waterbody to prevent spreading invasive mussels, improve the efficiency of your inspection experience, and safeguard California waterways:
Clean: Inspect exposed surfaces and remove all plants and organisms. Drain: All water, including water contained in lower outboard units, live-wells and bait buckets; and Dry: Allow the watercraft to thoroughly dry between launches. Watercraft should be kept dry for at least five days in warm weather and up to 30 days in cool weather.
CDFW has developed a brief video demonstrating the ease of implementing the clean, drain and dry prevention method. Additional information is available on the Division of Boating and Waterways website.
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