Equipment such as traffic-counting hoses will be set up at selected locations throughout the county.

In addition to automated equipment, some of the traffic counts will be performed by staff.

These traffic counts are being undertaken as part of a traffic modeling project in partnership with the Lake County/City Area Planning Council.

The data collected will be used to help model current and future roadway conditions, and to evaluate proposed improvement projects.

Caltrans asks that motorists drive with caution through all areas where road crews are present.

For more information, please contact Senior Transportation Planner Rex Jackman at 707-445-6412.

The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16.

There will be more categories to enter than ever before. The contests will start at 2:30 p.m. at the PumpkinFest Children’s Stage at the corner of School and Standley streets.

Dog owners can sign up to enter the contests and races at the Blue Ribbon Pets booth at the corner of School and Standley streets only during PumpkinFest until 2 p.m. on Oct. 16. Absolutely no sign ups will be accepted after 2 p.m. Sign-ups will only be accepted from the dog’s owner.

Start sewing those cute little costumes for your canine friends and come join the fun.

For more information, please call 707-463-6231 or 707-272-7311.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) have told members of the Senate Banking Committee that their legislation, the Helping Responsible Homeowners Act, would boost economic growth and keep more Americans in their homes by helping up to two million nondelinquent homeowners refinance their mortgages at historically low interest rates.

Testifying before the Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development on Wednesday, Boxer and Isakson said their bill, S.170, reduces barriers to refinancing for the millions of responsible homeowners who are current on their payments, but “underwater” on their homes because the value of their home is now less than the amount they owe on the home.

According to CoreLogic, 22.7 percent of all American homeowners with a mortgage are underwater.

The legislation would save American families thousands of dollars and result in up to 54,000 fewer defaults, producing a net savings of up to $100 million for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Interest rates for 30-year home mortgages are currently at 4.12 percent, the lowest rate in 60 years. Yet of the 27.5 million mortgages guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, more than 8 million still carry an interest rate at or above 6 percent.

Senator Boxer said, “This bipartisan bill will help millions of Americans who are stuck in higher interest-rate mortgages to refinance at today’s historically low rates. The economic turnaround is being slowed by the housing crisis and helping responsible homeowners to refinance will save borrowers thousands of dollars, strengthen our economy and keep families in their homes.”

“I am pleased to join Senator Boxer in supporting this legislation because it rewards responsible homeowners who are current on their mortgage but whose homes are ‘underwater’ because of the lagging economy,” said Senator Isakson, who has more than three decades of experience in the housing industry. “By removing the barriers that have kept these responsible homeowners trapped in higher interest rate loans, it would put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of struggling families and have a direct impact on the housing market.”

President Obama outlined a similar proposal in his jobs speech before Congress last week. Following the President’s speech, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that it will work to identify and reduce barriers to refinancing for millions of American homeowners who are current on their mortgage payments but underwater on their homes.

For more information on the Helping Responsible Homeowners Act, see http://boxer.senate.gov/en/press/releases/071211.cfm.

The committee meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

Agenda items will include a report on current projects with ADA components, and discussion and action regarding recommendations for locations of ramps.

Carl Stewart performing prior to his illness. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Friday, Sept. 16, the Soper Reese Theatre and friends of Carl Stewart will host a benefit for Carl Stewart and his family.

Stewart is a local musician and educator undergoing a health challenge. He gives the community the precious gift of music and passionate performances.

udience members fortunate enough to have seen Stewart perform in Blue Collar, Without A Net or with the Lake County Symphony, know firsthand the gift he shares with the people of Lake County.

For years Stewart has donated his talent and musical skills to numerous fundraisers and educational events in and around the county.

He has performed for such causes as AIDS, Little League, NAACP, Kelseyville Education Fund, recovery centers, memorial fundraisers, political campaigns and numerous Lake County citizens in need.

Stewart has been an advocate for youth and has toured his band Blue Collar to all Konocti Unified Schools educating young people on the positive role music plays in life.

The community has the opportunity to give back during the Stewart family's time of need.

Carl Stewart is undergoing treatment for cancer and is currently unable to work.

He and his family and friends are optimistic and have a positive outlook as he undertakes the healing process.

Unfortunately, there are numerous medical expenses which is why the Sept. 16 Third Friday Live Concert is being dedicated to Stewart.

Andy Kong, EarReverence and Without A Net will perform. Without a Net, the classic rock and roll band will get everyone up and dancing in the style Carl loves.

Silent auction items will be available to generate funds.

Anyone interested in donating an auction item can contact Kathy Windrem at 707-279-4387 or Pamela Bordisso at 707-279-0923.

People wishing to make a monetary donation for Carl’s family may do so at Umpqua Bank to the Carl Stewart Medical Fund.

Soper Reese, your community theater is pleased to provide this opportunity. Tickets are available at the box office on Thursdays and Fridays, at 707-263-0577 or online at www.soperreesetheatre.com.

The benefit will support Stewart in getting back on his feet and once again sharing his gifts with the community.