Stec will speak from 10 a.m. to noon in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, Clearlake.

Lake County Community Co-op members and the general public are invited to meet author and chef, Laura Stec, and learn important ways on how to change our “global warming diet” to “cool cuisine.” The best part is, as you move to a diet that counters the biggest environmental problem of our time, you'll also enjoy better health and get more pleasure out of food.

Stec is an author and chef, trained at the Culinary Institute of America, the School of Natural Cookery and the Vega Macrobiotic Study Center.

She is culinary health educator for Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers, former chef for Kaiser’s organic farmer’s market and consulting chef at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California.

This is a fabulous opportunity to meet Stec and hear ways about how you can make meaningful steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Her book will also be available for purchase. For more information, call 707-994-1618

Celebrating more than one year in existence, the Lake County Community C0-op Envisions cultivating an evolving community by nurturing values of social, economic and environmental responsibility.

The co-op wishes to support our local farmers and producers and provide a forum for community activities. For more information or to become a member of the LCCC, follow the links at http://lakeco-op.org or call Lori Patotzka at 707-993-4270.

West skits and much more.

The 16th-annual Wild West Day, held in downtown Upper Lake on June 6, is a Western-themed street festival and wearing costume is encouraged. With Old West skits, a parade, pancake breakfast, tri-tip barbecue, wagon rides, and country music, Wild West Day is a family-friendly event and all ages can enter and enjoy the contests for best beard, bonnet, and costume.

Established in 1854, the town of Upper Lake is home to a former stagecoach stop along the route from Sacramento to Mendocino, which now includes the restored Tallman Hotel, which is listed on the California Register of Historic Resources as a Point of Historical Interest, as well as a re-created Blue Wing Saloon & Café next door, and a former livery, is now home to an antique plumbing business.

Also along Upper Lake’s Main Street, visitors will find a local wine tasting bar, antiques and collectibles from all over the world, local crafts, and fine art from throughout Northern California, as well as household necessities, pet care items, gifts, and home décor.

On June 19, 20 and 21, Middletown Days, a nearly half-century tradition for 48 years, returns for three days of family fun and features a ranch rodeo, live music, craft and food booths, children’s activities and more. Saturday begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and ends with a dance, which starts at 8:30 p.m. Sunday features the gymkhana.

Established in 1870, Middletown, midway between Lower Lake and Calistoga, is surrounded by outlying ranches, vineyards, and The Geysers, the largest geothermal energy source in the world. Middletown balances Old West charm and forward-thinking businesses with a vision for a sustainable world, including Harbin Hot Springs, one of the oldest operating hot springs resorts in California, Hardester’s Market and Boar’s Breath Restaurant, and more.

For a blend of Old and New West, a multi-day stay at Cowboy Hideaway Ranch gives visitors a true “horseshoes and corkscrews” experience on the Wine County Trail Ride. Cowboy Hideaway Ranch is a 750-acre ranch studded with woods, vineyards, wildlife, and exceptional views of Clear Lake from a newly built log cabin lodge.

On three- to six-day guided tours, guests ride gaited Rocky Mountain horses through the dramatic scenery of Lake County including vineyards, along shorelines, through back country, much more. Guests enjoy local and regional cuisine, including private tours and tastings of award-winning wines in Lake, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.

Wild West Day in Upper Lake is sponsored by the Upper Lake Community Council for community projects and the Northshore Fire Protection District. Admission is free. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Street; 707-275-2000, www.upperlakeca.org .

Middletown Days is held at Middletown Central Park, Central Park Road. Admission is free; small fee for dance on Saturday night. Steer Ropin’ on Friday begins at 5 p.m., parade on Saturday begins at 10 a.m., and gymkhana at 900 a.m. on Sunday; 707-994-1954.

Reservations are required for a three- to six-day stay at Cowboy Hideaway Ranch; 707-295-7110, www.cowboyhideawayranch.com .

For information about guided trail rides, the 80th-annual Lake County Rodeo on July 10 and 11, and other equestrian activities, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or www.lakecounty.com .

Cutest cowpoke contestants are being sought for this year's Lake County Rodeo. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – The 80th annual Lake County Rodeo is coming on July 10 and 11 at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

This old time traditional all-professional rodeo will feature many exciting activities for all ages.

A very popular event is the Cutest Cowpoke Contest, open to boys and girls, ages 4 to 8.

The competition will be held on Saturday, June 27. Winners will be introduced on Friday, July 10, at the Lake County Rodeo.

Each winner will receive passes to the Friday night performance and be awarded a silver buckle that evening in the arena.

Deadline for entries is Friday, June 26.

For more information or an application, visit www.lakecountyrodeo.com or contact Melissa Fulton at 707-245 7431.

Applications are available at the office of the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeport Blvd. In Lakeport at Vista Point Visitor Center.

The rodeo also still has a limited number of openings for the Mutton Bustin' competition on Friday and Saturday nights. This event is sponsored by CJS Ranch Supply in Middletown. Applications for this are also available online and at the chamber office.

Competition is open to boys and girls 8 years old or younger and there is a $10 entry fee.

All riders must be no more than 50 pounds (each child will be weighed as they check in at the rodeo), they must wear a properly fitted helmet, long pants, long-sleeved shirt and sturdy boots or shoes.

This competition fills up quickly; please contact Mutton Bustin' Chair Amanda Kane at 707-245-5320 for further information.

Winners will be awarded a special Belt Buckle and all riders receive a Mutton Bustin t-shirt.

The annual Mutton Bustin' competition is still open for hopeful competitors. Courtesy photo.

NORTH COAST – 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

– A highway widening project from Polk Jones Cattlepass to Lucerne Cutoff Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

Highway 29

– Bridge deck repairs at Robinson Creek Bridge will occur on Tuesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 3. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate

15-minute delays. Contractor – DeBruin Construction Inc. of Stockton.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– PG&E of Eureka has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for tree trimming from Manchester to Crispin Road. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Construction of a retaining wall about three miles north of Elk 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 10-minute delays. Contractor – Granite Construction of Ukiah.

– Replacement of Ten Mile River Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Golden State Bridge of Martinez.

– Baile Oakes of Westport has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to pave a road approach 1.5 miles north of Blue Slide Gulch. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 1

– Storm damage repair about nine miles north of Hardy 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 – Maggiora and Ghilotti Inc. of San Rafael.

Highway 20

– Bridge deck repairs at the Redwood Valley Undercrossing will begin Wednesday, June 3. Work hours are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays. Contractor – DeBruin Construction Inc. of Stockton.

Highway 101

– Storm damage repair from 0.6 miles to 0.8 miles north of Comminsky Station Road will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may

experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Mendocino Construction Services of Willits.

– Roadway repair due to pavement deterioration from 3.6 miles south of Ridgewood Ranch Road to 1.9 miles south of Ridgewood Ranch Road will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each

direction of travel 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 162

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from 0.8 miles east of the Outlet Creek Bridge to 0.3 miles east of the Corral Creek Bridge on Monday, June 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from 0.8 miles east of the Corral Creek Bridge to 0.2 miles west of the South Fork Eel River Bridge on Thursday, June 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Bridge deck repairs at the Russian River Bridge will occur on Tuesday, June 2. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Contractor – DeBruin Construction Inc. of Stockton.

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).

This is the group's second year participating and they now have two huge trophies on display in the P.A.C.K. Community Arts Academy's community center.

These trophies represent the fact that the group took first place in all categories and this year they were awarded the best youth group award as well.

Congratulations goes to the entire squad including the four flag girls that performed for their first time in their first parade. The squads hard work and dedication shows in their routine and on their faces. Come in and take a look at the new trophy sitting proudly on the shelf.

The majorettes and flag girls will be performing in three more upcoming events, Middletown Days, The Lake County Fair and the Kelseyville Pear Festival. Come out to one of their performances to cheer them on and support the P.A.C.K. Community Arts Center.

The center extended its thanks to those P.A.C.K. families that have supported them thus far.

The P.A.C.K. Community Arts Academy and Middletown Dance Alliance are located at 21055 Bush St., Middletown, telephone 707-987-8230 or visit them online at www.packcaa.org .

The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakeport Yacht Club, located next to the Fifth Street launch ramp in Lakeport.

The boating season officially began Memorial Day weekend and continues through Labor Day weekend. On the agenda will be safety patrol assignments, vessel inspection sites, boating safety classes and participation in local activities to promote boating safety.

Flotilla 88 has numerous areas of interest and invites any persons interested in becoming a member of this active group to attend the meeting and learn how they, too, can become one of America's Volunteer Lifesavers.

For more information, please call the Flotilla's information line, 707-513-5122.