Terror is generated by “random” acts of violence. It comes from the unpredictability of that violence.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has dedicated thousands of hours patrolling our bridges, ports, refineries and waterways. The USCG Auxiliary has been the eyes and ears of the Waterway Watch program. A program similar to the Neighborhood Watch program.

“The America’s Waterway Watch program just makes good sense,” said Robert Nelson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “People who spend much of their time on or near the water already know what is normal and what is not – just like they do when it comes to their own backyard, and they are well suited to notice suspicious activities, including activities possibly indicating threats to our nation's homeland security.”

Lake County boaters have as much a role in this program as other folks throughout our nation. When we consider the impact of a suicide bombing and that individuals access to public areas, it isn’t hard to imagine how a small vessel could be the bearer of terror within the recreational waters we enjoy.

The Bay Area is some of the most beautiful boating waters in the world. We protect ourselves, our loved ones and our country by simply staying alert. For more information about the America’s Waterway Watch program visit www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.

Learn more about boating safely in a boating class on July 19. Contact Betty Strach, Flotilla staff officer for public education at 928-9811. For information about the local Auxiliary call Rich Thomas at 489-0466.

As the uniformed, civilian component of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has the primary responsibility for America’s Waterway Watch outreach to the recreational boating community. For more information about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary visit www.cgaux.org.

Betty Strach is commander and staff officer for public education for Flotilla 11N0808 Lake County.

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The commission supports programs serving expectant mothers and children ages birth to 5.

The four main goals of the commission are increased access to quality, developmentally appropriate childcare which meets the economic, cultural and developmental needs of all children and families of Lake County; increased access to parent education and support services to meet the diverse needs of Lake County parents; improved access to health and therapeutic services for the children and families of Lake County; and improved parent access to services and programs which will increase their opportunity to sustain and support the full and healthy growth and development of their children.

An overarching goal of the commission is school readiness.

Funding for these efforts totals more than $500,000 each year and comes via revenues from Proposition 10, which is the tobacco tax that was passed by the voters in 1998.

The Lake County Commission is recruiting to fill one vacancy. The commission is comprised of nine members, four of which are mandated and the remaining five are generally categorized to represent a cross-section of countywide individuals who have demonstrated experience and an interest in the four main goals areas as defined above.

Interested applicants must be prepared to volunteer their time preparing for and attending monthly meetings, participating in occasional regional and state meetings and conferences, and actively representing the commission of Lake County.

All interested candidates are invited to request an application by contacting the commission at 263-6169, or you can stop by the commission office, located in the Lake County Career Center, 55 First Street, Suite 222 (second floor), in Lakeport.

Further background information on the First 5 Commissions may be found by visiting the First 5 California Web site at http://ccfc.ca.gov or the First 5 Association’s Web site at http://f5ac.org.

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The Clear Lake Scullers club is offering rowing classes and activities this summer. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – This summer the Clear Lake Scullers club is offering rowing activities for both students and adults.

A free rowing camp for all high school students will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21 through Saturday, June 28. The weeklong camp will introduce athletes to the sport. There will be rowing in eight-person shells and some sculling.

Classes will be held at the Clear Lake Scullers boat yard located at Natural High School on Main Street in Lakeport.

For adults interested in rowing, a one-week camp will be held from Monday, June 23 through Saturday, June 28. Times will be 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the Saturday schedule to be announced.

The club will host open houses and learn to row days on every Saturday in June from 8 a.m. to noon.

On July 26 the club will host the Clear Lake Rowing and Paddling Championships for club members to compete.

Summer membership are $100; the annual fee is $200.

For more information call Mike Sullivan, 349-9779, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit the Clear Lake Scullers Web site at www.clearlakescullers.org.

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The recreational league serves boys and girls, ages 5 through 16, said Steve Mayfield, the league's board president.

League play takes place from the first week of September to the first week of November. All games are held at the Middletown High School soccer complex on Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Look for the league's booth at this weekend's Middletown Days.

Mayfield said the league is unique in the entire state because it's primarily recreational rather than competitive.

Teams are mixed, with boys and girls playing together, Mayfield said.

Last year, 47 teams and nearly 450 children participated, he said.

Monday, June 30, is the last possible day to register.

Registration fees are due at the time of registration. Cost is $65 for the first child in a family, $60 for the second and $55 for each additional child.

The fee includes a team trophy and a uniform shirt, shorts and socks (but not the required cleats or shin

guards). Please bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate at time of registration.

Any late registrations will require a non-refundable $25 late processing fee (per child) and will not guarantee placement on a team.

Registrations sent by mail must be received by the June 30 deadline, or include the late processing fee. Applications should be sent to the Clearlake Youth Soccer League, P.O. Box 3737, Clearlake, CA 95422.

Forms can be downloaded at the league's Web site, www.clearlakeysl.org.

The league also has vacancies on its board of directors, and welcomes financial support for its programs.

For more information call 206-6118.

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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 annual Maxine Sherman Memorial Fireworks show in Clearlake Oaks, the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa fireworks display that follows a concert, 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.

Lakeport Independence Day Festivities, Lakeport

Friday, July 4

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. 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. 707-263-5092, www.lakeportchamber.com.

Fireworks Cruise, Clear Lake

Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5

Watch the fireworks from the decks of the Clear Lake Queen while feasting on barbecued chicken. On Friday, cruise up to Lakeport, on Saturday, cruise down to Clearlake. Board at the Ferndale Resort, 6190 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville. Admission for each cruise is $55 per person; children 11 years old and younger are half price. Reservations required. 707-994-5432, www.paddlewheel.com.

City of Clearlake Independence Day Festivities, Clearlake

Saturday, July 5

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 kicks off event at 11:00 a.m. from Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive, to Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Drive, where festivities will be held. Fireworks over Clear Lake follow event at dusk. Admission is free. 707-994-3600, 707-994-3070.

Clearlake International Worm Races, Clearlake

Saturday, July 5

Thirty-eighth-annual worm race competition 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.

Tulip Hill Winery's Red, White and Blush Wine and Food Pairing, Nice

Saturday, July 5

Sample savory summer fare paired to perfection with select Tulip Hill wines perfect for summer sipping. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., $5 for the general public; complimentary to Wine Club members. For more information call 707-274-9373.

Tulip Hill Winery's Third Concert in the Gardens, Nice

Saturday, July 5

Immediately following the Red, White and Blush Wine and Food Pairing, the third Concerts in the Gardens series will begin featuring David Neft on piano. Bring a picnic, lounge on the lawn and dance the evening away! 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., $10 for the general public; complimentary to Wine Club members. For more information call 707-274-9373.

For visitor information, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com.

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