CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Clear Lake and Citizens Caring for Clearlake were out Tuesday planting flowers and putting the final touches on the long-awaited visitors center and Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce building located in Highlands Park.

The ribbon cutting celebrating the completion of the building will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10.

Mayor Russ Perdock and board members of both the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce are expected to be there and the general public is welcome to attend.

The county of Lake has contributed $100,000 to the rehabilitation of the building and the city of Clearlake has provided additional funding and personnel to work on the rehabilitation.

However, this was really a community project that succeeded due to the efforts of volunteers and donations.

“The community really stepped up with this project, most especially Mike Vandiver who put in hundreds, if not thousands of volunteer hours on this project,” said City Manager Greg Folsom. “We are extremely appreciative of his efforts, as well as the other local businesses, craftspeople, and volunteers who made contributions of time or resources.

Folsom added, “Public Works Director Doug Herren also deserves a lot of credit for coordinating this project and working with Mike Vandiver on his own time to make this project happen.”

“The completion of the visitor’s center has been long in coming, but I think everyone will be pleased with it,” Mayor Russ Perdock said. “The original hardwood floors have been beautifully refinished and stained thanks to Rotarian Mike Anderson. There is a kitchen with granite counters and just an amazing view of the lake from the back meeting room. Thanks to all who were a part of this special place.”

Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce President Denise Loustalot was excited to show off the new building.

“This is a great achievement for the chamber and is just the beginning of the things we are planning,” said Loustalot. “Come out and see our new building and join us as we take the chamber to a new level.”