LAKEPORT, Calif. – The recently formed Camaro Owners of Lake County (COOLC) invites the community to come and meet the group at twice-a-month gatherings.

The club has a drop-in event from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Friday.

On the second Friday of the month they will meet at KFC on Highway 53 in Lower Lake and on the fourth Friday at KFC on Parallel Drive in Lakeport.

At the drop-in meetings people are invited to come and see cool Camaros and Firebirds, meet the club and even sign up.

Visit the club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camaro-Owners-of-Lake-County/270189973068944 and the Web site at http://www.windandfunkites.com/club/camaro.htm .

State Sen. Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) on Thursday applauded a key committee’s approval of AB 1478, a trailer bill on state park operations that will direct funding to parks previously slated for closure, provide a moratorium on park closures and strengthen the oversight of the department through the Parks and Recreation Commission.  

The bill was introduced in the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and co-authored by Senators Evans, Leno, Pavley and Simitian and Assemblymembers Gordon and Huffman.

“The public cherishes our state parks and wants a funding commitment and management structure that keeps them open,” said Evans whose district includes 20 parks that where slated for closure. “This bill amounts to a renewed social contract with the people of California and the parks we are obligated and impassioned to protect.”

AB 1478 provides assurances that money intended for parks goes to keep parks open, that parks will not face closures for at least the next two years and that the Parks and Recreation Commission will be empowered to provide needed oversight to guide parks decisions and regain public trust.  

Through this bill, the commission would be provided the authority to review all issues relating to parks, with specific authority to review the departments’ budget and infrastructure projects.

The bill provides for $30 million to keep all parks open and operating. Of that amount $20 million comes from the “found” money in the Parks and Recreation Fund which will allocate $10 million to keeping parks open and $10 million to match private and nonprofit donations.  

Another $10 million will come from the Proposition 84 fund to be allocated towards the $1.2 billion in differed maintenance projects that have stymied the operations of parks throughout the state for decades.

“This is a plan to “right” a “wrong”,” continued Evans. “As a representative of this government, it’s my job to find a solution to the problems that have plagued parks. The issues that have surrounded parks for the last few months have hurt a lot of people and broken a lot of promises. This is our opportunity to begin to rectify a bad situation and prevent any future reoccurrence.”

Evans represents the Second Senatorial District, including all or portions of the counties of Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma. She chairs the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Committee on Judiciary.

LAKEPORT – Lake County Fair officials announced the addition of up to $3,000 in added purse monies to winners in the demolition derby, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 p,m.

With the fair’s help, the winner will now receive $3,000. Before the addition, the purse for winning the whole derby was $1,500.

Additionally, the winner of each heat race will win an extra $500, in addition to the previously published purse of $100 for a heat race win.

The fair has extended the extra purse for up to three heat races. The derby is produced by Lakeport Speedway, and previously had total purses of $2,650.

Events in the grandstand arena include the Lake County Invitational Bomber Race on Thursday evening, a freestyle motorcycle high jump with mud drags on Friday evening, California State Finals of the WGAS Motorsports Tuff Truck and Buggy Races on Saturday evening, and the demolition derby on Sunday evening.

All grandstand shows start at 7:30 p.m. Local participants are also encouraged in the demo derby, mud drags and the tuff truck races, and entry forms are available at the fairgrounds office.

Live local entertainment occurs continuously on two stages. The Sutter Lakeside Hospital Main Stage will showcase national touring act Twice As Good on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Other local acts, including the Snake Alley Band, LC Diamonds, the Uncalled Four and the Mark Weston Band, will also play the main stage.

The Mediacom Stage will host a variety of acts including Travis Rinker, Short Stax, Village-Stone & Day, Jim Williams on acoustic guitar, and Barrish & Day. In addition, DJ Ken Steely will provide live karaoke on Saturday afternoon.

Regular admission prices for the 2012 Lake County Fair are unchanged from 2012.

Prices are $10 for a regular ticket, $6 for a senior over age 60, and $6 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free every day. Children through age 11 are admitted for $3 on Thursday, Aug. 30 only, for “Kid’s Day.”

A special admission program is in place for Friday, Aug. 30. Anyone who brings four cans of food to the gate between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. will receive free admission, with the food benefiting local food pantries through Lake County CAN.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital donated $3,000 to the American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties, on Aug. 13 in response to the Wye Fire that started the previous day east of Clearlake Oaks in Lake County.  

The donation was used to purchase supplies like food, water, medicine and clothing, and cover transportation expenses for Red Cross volunteers.

“Lake County is our home and when our neighbors are threatened by a disaster like this, Sutter Lakeside Hospital feels an enormous responsibility to step up and help in any way that we can,” said Sutter Lakeside Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Siri Nelson. “We have a long history of supporting the Lake County community and we’re privileged to be able to help again.”

“In addition to our donation, we’re working closely with the American Red Cross Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties to train our nurses so that they can volunteer in local Red Cross shelters in the future,” said Chief Nursing Executive, Teresa Campbell. “While our nurses play a vital role in patient care at Sutter Lakeside Hospital, they also understand the importance of volunteering their talents to meet emergency needs in our community.”

The Red Cross provided a safe place for displaced residents to stay in the Highlands Senior Center in Clearlake and they helped serve meals at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks.  

They worked with animal groups to ensure the safe and humane treatment of livestock, pets and other animals affected by the fire.

“We’re grateful to the many volunteers who worked around the clock to provide services to Lake County residents, who can begin to get their lives back again,” said Tim Miller, chief executive officer of American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties. “We’re also grateful to Sutter Lakeside and other donors, since the Red Cross in Lake County does not receive government financial support. We rely on donations and class fees to be able to provide free services to clients.”

Those who would like to help the American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties can visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  You may also send a gift of any denomination by mail to: American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties, 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

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

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

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Construction of a roundabout at the Route 20/Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road intersection will continue. Temporary all-way stop signs are in place. A shoulder closure will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area and may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road is closed at Route 20; a detour is available. Contractor – Granite Construction Inc. of Ukiah.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from Island Drive to Shady Lane. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Emergency guardrail repairs from the junction of Routes 20/53 to New Long Valley Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays.  One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from New Long Valley Road to just east of Gravel Plant Road Monday, Aug. 27, through Wednesday, Aug. 29. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 53

– Pavement repairs from Wilson Street to 40th Avenue will continue. Nighttime work hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday Morning. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists  should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

– Highway widening and rehabilitation from 40th Avenue to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. Work hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays.  Beginning Sunday, Aug. 26, nighttime work hours will be added. Work hours will be 10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday evening through Friday afternoon. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– Replacement of the Greenwood Creek Bridge 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. Contractor – Golden State Bridge Inc. of Martinez.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Simpson Road to Ocean Meadows Circle beginning Monday, Aug. 27. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 20

– A pavement repair project from 1.4 miles west of Little Lake Road to Three Chop Road will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays.  One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– Paulson Excavation of Albion has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for fuel spill cleanup 1.3 miles east of Three Chop Road. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– A pavement repair project from Road 300 to Three Chop Road will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

Highway 101

– 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.

– Caltrans will perform pavement testing 0.5 mile north of Nelson Road on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Work hours are 9 a.m. to noon. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Crosswalk improvements at Gregory Lane will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to noon, weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Cal Electro Inc. of Redding.

– PG&E of Eureka has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for tree trimming from Sherwood Road to Casteel Lane beginning Friday, Aug. 24. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 128

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Paul Dimmick State Park to Anderson Valley Way continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays.  One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists  should  anticipate  five-minute  delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility repairs from Philo Greenwood Road to Indian Creek. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Paving from Con Creek to Robinson Creek will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will  be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– Pavement repairs from 1.9 mile west of the Ornbaun Creek Bridge to 0.3 mile west of Elkhorn Creek will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – OC Jones and Sons of Berkeley.

Highway 253

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Singley Cattlepass to Stipp Lane will begin Monday, Aug. 27. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists  should  anticipate  five-minute  delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– Culvert repairs at various locations from Cattle Pass to 0.5 mile west of Slide Creek will begin Friday, Aug. 24. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Team Ghilotti of Petaluma.

– Slipout repairs about 5.6 miles west of Butler Ranch 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. Contractor – Mendocino Construction Services of Willits.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from 3.3 miles to 1.6 miles south of Butler Ranch beginning Friday, Aug. 24. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Work on all these projects is weather permitting and subject to change. 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.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

SACRAMENTO – Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and construction industry contractors are calling on all Californians for their help in the ongoing effort to make highway work zones safer for workers by moving over one lane, if it’s safe to do so, or slowing down when passing a
maintenance or construction crew or emergency personnel stopped on the side of the freeway.

In July alone, six motorists and contracted workers were killed – including three by drunk drivers – and multiple others injured in highway work zones.

“Every day, highway workers put their lives in danger just by going to work,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “These tragic incidents are sobering reminders that motorists must never drink and drive, and we all must do everything we can to keep our highways safe.”

“Highway workers and emergency personnel risk their lives every day while helping to make our roads safer,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “We will continue to work with Caltrans to make highway work zones as safe as possible. However, even with appropriate safety precautions, we need the public’s help to exercise common sense when driving and to refrain from driving impaired, speeding and other distracting behaviors that can lead to driver error.”

Caltrans meets regularly with contractors to discuss mutual safety concerns to make work zones safer, and Caltrans and the CHP work together to test the effectiveness of having multiple CHP vehicles in construction zones to monitor driver safety and enforce the speed limit and the Move Over Law.

When feasible, Caltrans allows an extra buffer lane between workers and vehicles in specific construction zones, so that workers previously separated only by orange cones have more space between themselves and oncoming vehicles.

“Over 700,000 men and women make their living in California’s construction industry. Their livelihoods should never be a life or death proposition,” said Tom Holsman, chief executive officer for the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC). “AGC has always been a strong and proud partner with public agencies as they deliver the much needed transportation projects the public demands. We need, more than ever, to work with our partners and have an informed traveling public to keep drunk drivers off our highways and out of work zones,” Holsman added.

Among those killed include:

– Regan Johnson, a 24-year-old Caltrans contractor’s employee, was killed July 11 by a suspected drunk driver while working on Highway 99 in Fresno.

– A motorcyclist died on July 18 when he clipped a “road closed” sign near a work zone on Highway 49 in Tuolumne County, causing him to veer off the highway directly into a telephone pole.

– Two contract workers, 56-year-old Ramon Lopez and 58-year-old Ricardo Zamora, died July 22 when they were both struck by the same vehicle following a collision between two suspected drunk drivers in separate vehicles in a highway work zone on Interstate 405 in Torrance.

– A minivan struck a contractor’s truck as it was picking up cones in a construction zone on Interstate 10 in El Monte on July 24, killing the van’s driver and his dog. Both of the Caltrans contract workers in the truck were injured.

– A truck driver failed to slow down in a construction zone on Highway 99 in Bakersfield on July 25 and was killed after colliding with a dump truck.

In Redding, Caltrans tested temporary rumble strips in the areas leading up to work zones, and the results are encouraging: 46 percent of traffic slowed down. The tests are now expanding statewide.

Highway construction and maintenance work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Since the 1920s, 178 Caltrans employees have died while on the job.