LAKEPORT, Calif. – The second annual Californio Days will take place  at Rancho de la Fuente on June 28.

Festivities begin with the Fiesta of the Horse, a lively and entertaining show which begins at 10:30 a.m., followed at noon by more musical entertainment, wine, beverage and food sales, and opportunity to browse educational displays devoted to California history, agriculture, artwork and crafts.

Admission to this family-friendly event is free.

Event coordinator Deb Baumann has specialized in producing "edu-tainment" about early California history for 25 years, partnering with the Smithsonian Institute, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Santa Ynez Vaquero Show.

Her 1820-era mounted color guard carried the four national flags that have flown over California in numerous Old Spanish Days Parades in Santa Barbara.

Although taking its name from one era, Californio Days is intended to educate, honor and celebrate all aspects of our agrarian past, present and future, from the original native population to modern day market farmers and the organic, sustainable farming movement.

This year will enjoy participation by weavers, spinners, felt-makers and leather workers who will share their craftsmanship and answer questions about what is involved in carrying on these traditions. 

Last year’s debut event drew nearly 500 spectators and participants. As with any new event, there were learnings along the way, and Rancho de la Fuente's Frank and Rosanna Perez along with producer Baumann have been working hard to incorporate improvements such as more expansive shade for the audience as well as venue design that will create a real fiesta feel for one and all. Special accommodations are being made for handicap access.

Fiesta of the Horse features exotic breeds, dancing horses, drill teams, giant draft horses demonstrating horse-drawn farming techniques and implements, cowboy mounted shooting, and the wonderful Hooves & Wheels Miniature Horse Quadrille. There will be comedy and drama, pageantry and thrills, music and fun.

A very special treat is in store this year, welcoming one of Lake County’s newest equestrians: US Dressage Federation bronze and silver medalist Jessica Naten performing a Grand Prix freestyle. Naten is now headquartered in Lake County and accepting students and horses for training.

It is not too late to add additional acts to the show. Equestrians who wish to participate are encouraged to contact Baumann as soon as possible at 707-275-9234.

To add to the fun and enhance the ambiance, the public is invited to come wearing costume or clothing from their own favorite period of California history.

Parking begins at 9:45 a.m. and the Fiesta of the Horse starts at 10:30 a.m.

Rancho de la Fuente is located at 2290 Soda Bay Road, south of Lakeport.

Anyone interested in volunteering, participating, or contributing displays or expertise, please contact Baumann at 707-275-9234 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – During the month of June the SPCA of Clear Lake will be holding two volunteer orientations in an effort to better serve the community and the animals in their care.

The orientations will be held at the SPCA of Clear Lake, 8025 Highway 29, on Tuesday, June 16, and Saturday, June 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The orientations will focus on socializing the cats, as well as the dogs, dog walking, safely handling the animals and maintaining a healthy environment for both.

Other opportunities to contribute to the SPCA such as yard work, building maintenance, or staffing the phones are available and can be discussed further during the orientation.

If you have been considering volunteer work and enjoy working with the animals, this is a great time to get involved.

The minimum age requirement to be a volunteer is 16 years of age and minors must have parental consent.

Don’t forget that the SPCA is also your place to go for low cost spay or neuter, as well as vaccinations.  Contact staff regarding dates and times.

If you would like to adopt one of the adorable animals at the SPCA of Clear Lake, volunteer, or make a donation, the staff at the SPCA would love to hear from you.

The SPCA of Clear Lake is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call the SPCA at 707-279-1400.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Public Works Department reported that roadwork will take place on Lakeport Boulevard next week.

The work will occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 15, and Thursday, June 18.

One-way traffic will be in place while roadway repairs are under way.

Community members are asked to take alternate routes if possible, to be aware of workers and drive safely.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission/Parks and Recreation Committee, set for Tuesday, June 16, has been canceled.

The next scheduled meeting will be in July in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Pavement repairs from Manzanita Road to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
 
Highway 29

– Pavement repairs from Main Street in Kelseyville to the junction of Routes 29/175 near Lakeport will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– AT&T has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for utility repairs from Pacific Wood Road to just north of Robinson Reef Drive on Tuesday, June 16. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Highway repairs just north of Ocean Meadows Circle will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
Highway 1

– Caltrans will perform slide repairs near the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (near Frog Woman Rock). Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 101

– Highway construction from Casteel Lane to Reynolds Highway will continue. Intermittent one-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
Highway 128

– Culvert rehabilitation at various locations from Wendling Street to Philo School Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
Highway 162

– Culvert rehabilitation 1.6 miles south of the Bloody Run Creek Bridge will begin Monday, June 15. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
Highway 271

– Kiwanis of the Redwoods has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for the Redwood Run motorcycle rally from Friday, June 12, to Monday, June 15. Route 271 from the Reynolds Overcrossing to the Humboldt/Mendocino County line will be restricted to local traffic only.

Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.
 
The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Bill Dodd (D-Napa) has authored a resolution proclaiming June as Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness Month.

The resolution passed the Assembly with bipartisan support and is now scheduled to be heard in the state Senate.

“Seniors are unfortunately often targets for abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It’s critical that we provide our seniors with the resources and protection they need and deserve,” said Dodd. “We need to support and respect our seniors year round, and this resolution helps provide a statewide recognition of this issue and gives advocates around the state a perfect opportunity to work collaboratively to help end this abuse.”

Each year, millions of vulnerable and older adults are victims of physical and financial abuse and neglect.

One in 10 Americans over 60 years of age suffer abuse each year, and the National Center on Elder Abuse concluded in a recent study that 11 percent of all the elder abuse cases in America occur in California. Adults with developmental disabilities are also victimized at shocking levels. California also has the fastest growing senior population in the nation.

The designation of June as a month to reflect and take action to help end abuse coincides with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is June 15. 

“The state of California needs to do a better job serving and protecting seniors and vulnerable adults. Providing a better state for our residents is a top priority for me, and I will continue to work to address these problems.” Dodd said.
 
The passage of this resolution comes on the heels of the Assembly passing Assemblymember Dodd’s legislation that would identify better ways to help seniors access critical state resources.

Dodd also has been scheduling free fraud prevention town halls throughout his district in conjunction with the State Bar to provide constituents with practical tips to protect themselves and their families.

Dodd represents the Fourth Assembly District, which includes all or portions of Yolo, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Solano and Colusa counties.