LAKEPORT, Calif. – Summer is rapidly approaching and the Lakeport Police Department would like to remind you of some important safety tips and general information.

Traffic safety will be extremely important this summer as pedestrian and vehicular traffic increase.

The summer concert series and Independence Day celebration at Library Park bring heavy traffic flow through the downtown area. Please take extra care to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists as you drive about Lakeport.

The Lakeport Police Department will do its best to enforce this, and all other traffic laws, but will also be counting on the public to be mindful of the risks to drivers and pedestrians alike.

Within the past few weeks the police department has received calls regarding children left unattended inside vehicles.

Children are often innocent victims when left in vehicles during the summer months and the police department reminds community members that leaving children in a vehicle is very dangerous and could lead to criminal prosecution. Vehicles can very easily become ovens even with the windows down.

Additionally, and for similar reasons, pets should not be left in vehicles. Always be prepared with water if your animal is traveling with you.

For those with pick up trucks, please remember that even though the animal is in the open air, the bed of the truck can become extremely hot. Always have a bed or platform that your animal can lay or sit on to protect their feet from the heat.

Summer is garage sale season and we want to remind you that the city of Lakeport has an ordinance prohibiting the posting of any type of handbill or advertising on any public property in the city of Lakeport.

The ordinance is designed to keep public areas free from clutter and resulting litter when the signs fall down. In addition, signs can obstruct the view of motorists therefore; signs should only be posted on private property and, only after obtaining permission, from the property owner.

The police department will be monitoring compliance with this ordinance.

The Lakeport Police Department team is always happy to hear from the community, and wishes everyone a great summer.

The agency invites community members to call them with questions and concerns. Visit the department’s Web site or Facebook page, or call 707-263-5491.