Celebrate 175 years of statehood with California State Parks at birthday block party in front of State Capitol
Get ready for a celebration 175 years in the making.
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, California State Parks is throwing a birthday block party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento to celebrate the historic anniversary of California becoming America’s 31st state in 1850.
From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a laser display 30 minutes after sunset as Californians come together to celebrate this historic milestone.
Partygoers can enjoy free food truck fare, birthday cake, and California-grown treats (while supplies last).
“As we come together to protect rights and safeguard California’s future, we also do so to celebrate the past 175 years that have made this state the global leader that it is today,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom
“As we celebrate 175 years of California, we honor the generations who shaped this great state and nurtured a culture of building dreams, innovating, and daring to imagine something better — for all of us! I’m filled with pride in California’s legacy and the enduring promise that our people and our spirit will continue to lead and inspire the world,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
State Parks staff and volunteers will be dressed in period attire and will engage with partygoers as they interpret the history of the Capitol Building, Admission Day and the state’s rich and diverse past.
There will also be opportunities to learn more about California history through hands-on activities from the California State Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, the State Indian Museum State Historic Park and the Sacramento History Museum.
The block party will showcase the natural and cultural treasures and living history found in California’s 280 state parks, inspiring visitors throughout this 175th year of statehood and beyond. Additional state agencies and departments are expected to participate.
“At California State Parks, we help preserve and celebrate everything that makes the Golden State truly golden,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Throughout this 175th year of California statehood, I invite all Californians to explore the abundant and diverse places that make up the nation’s largest state park system. It’s all waiting just for you to foster a deep connection with nature, ignite a spirit of exploration, and inspire a passion for California’s shared landscapes, rich histories and enduring legacy.”
Find more events celebrating 175 golden years of statehood at Celebrate.ca.gov.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
PG&E plans virtual North Coast Customer Town Hall Sept. 4
NORTH COAST, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is hosting an interactive virtual town hall for customers in the North Coast Region on Thursday, Sept. 4.
The town hall will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The event can be accessed via the below link, by phone or through PG&E’s website, pge.com/webinars.
The link is https://bit.ly/4nzVg36 or dial in at +1 888-810-3952; the conference ID is 1345040#.
The event will be geared toward residents in Lake, Humboldt, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma and Trinity counties.
PG&E said it will share more about what it is doing to reduce wildfire risk and make its system safer.
During the meeting, the company will provide the latest updates on local wildfire safety work and safety resources available to customers.
PG&E said this is also an opportunity for participants to ask questions, share feedback and connect with their local PG&E leaders, including North Coast Regional Vice President Dave Canny.
American Sign Language interpretation will be available, along with dial-in numbers for those who aren’t able to join online. For the full virtual events schedule, additional information on how to join and recordings and presentation materials from past events, visit pge.com/webinars.
Customers can find opportunities to engage with PG&E representatives in the area by visiting pge.com/openlines.
More information and resources to help you and your family prepare for and stay safe in the event of an emergency can be found at safetyactioncenter.pge.com.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Clearlake City Council to consider revised rental registration ordinance
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council this week will once again consider an updated version of the city’s rental registration and inspection ordinance following revisions that arose from city staff’s discussion with local Realtors.
The council will meet for a workshop at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, before the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
The agenda can be found here.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel.
Community members also can participate via Zoom. Register in advance for the meeting here; after registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The council will start off with a workshop for an update on city projects before the meeting begins.
During the regular meeting, the council will present a proclamation declaring September 2025 as Senior Center Month.
On the agenda is a public hearing on an updated version of the city’s residential rental registration and inspection ordinance.
The staff report from Associate Planner Michael Taylor explains that the ordinance originally was introduced for its first reading at the council’s March 20 meeting and reintroduced on June 5.
“At both meetings, the City Council continued the item at the request of the Lake County Association of Realtors Task Force, which asked for additional time to review the proposed amendments and provide input. In response, the City Council granted the continuances to support meaningful engagement,” Taylor said.
Taylor said city staff has reviewed revisions from the task force and also met with its members, most recently on Aug. 19, “during which staff and Realtor representatives discussed the revised draft, clarified points of concern, and reached consensus on changes to be incorporated, as well as provisions acceptable to remain unchanged.”
His report added, “Staff are now returning the revised ordinance to the City Council for reconsideration of the first reading, with changes that reflect input received from the Realtor Task Force while maintaining consistency with the City's policy objectives.”
Under council business, they will discuss and consider the Lake County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and its incorporation into the city’s general plan safety element.
The council also will consider awarding a contract for the Arrowhead Rd/Huntington Ave Drainage Project.
On the meeting’s consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; minutes; approval of the contract with OpenGov for software services; second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 282-2025, an amendment to Section 3-5.6 of the Clearlake Municipal Code regarding the collection of fire mitigation impact fees; the continuation of the director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for winter storms; continuation of the director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for the Boyles fire; and a report on the California redistricting special election and its impact on Clearlake.
The council also will hold a closed session to discuss a case of potential litigation and liability claims against the city by Wendy Torres and John Hayes.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Big Valley Small Farms Tour showcases local agriculture Sept. 13
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The biannual Big Valley Small Farms Tour is back this fall, inviting the community to explore and celebrate local agriculture.
The tour will take place Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The tour is made up of six small family farms raising several kinds of crops, including blackberries, raspberries, olives for olive oil, saffron, flowers, pears and all kinds of vegetables and melons.
Visitors will have the chance to meet the farmers, tour their land and enjoy a variety of unique farm experiences.
The self-guided tour includes unique activities, tastings and demonstrations. They include:
• Valley Long Farm (Lakeport): Visitors can sample fresh walnut oil from the farm’s orchard and browse a variety of vegetables in the market garden.
• Edenberry Farm (Lakeport): Specializing in organic raspberries and blackberries, the farm will offer preserves, vinegars, and seasonal heirloom produce.
• The Ripe Choice Farm (Lakeport): The event will feature U-pick apples, fresh-pressed juice, baked goods, and a cooking demonstration by Chef Tammy.
• Campodonico Olive Farm (Lakeport): Guests can enjoy olive oil tastings and tours of the organic orchard while learning about olive cultivation and processing.
• Peace & Plenty Farm (Kelseyville): Known for regenerative farming practices, this farm grows vegetables, saffron, lavender, and cut flowers. Guided tours will be available throughout the day.
• Panella Orchards (Kelseyville): Making its debut on the tour, Panella Orchards will host hayrides and pear tastings at its century-old pear farm, along with farm stand goods.
Organizers say the event highlights both the diversity and sustainability of local farming practices, while fostering connections between growers and the community.
For more information, contact 
.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Purrfect Pals: New kittens
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Animal Care and Control has kittens ready to meet their new people.
The kittens and cats at the shelter that are shown on this page have been cleared for adoption.
Call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278 or visit the shelter online for information on visiting or adopting.
The shelter is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
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