LAKEPORT, Calif. – One goal of Californio Days is to celebrate and encourage the preservation of rare livestock breeds.

Come to Rancho de la Fuente on June 28 to see the magnificent stallion Angus, a Shire, which is considered an endangered horse breed.

Angus will be part of this year's Fiesta of the Horse, which begins at 10:30 a.m.

Most people associate the term “endangered” with species of wild animals. The Livestock Conservancy (TLC) has been working since 1977 to raise awareness and promote the need to preserve rare old livestock bloodlines.

These breeds sustained the United States for hundreds of years, but they are in danger of extinction, victims of the industrialized factory farm system.

TLC maintains a conservation priority list that divides endangered breeds of horses, asses, sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits, pigs and poultry into five categories based on population numbers and historical interest.

TLC currently has 3,000 members nationwide, and serves as a liaison to put breeds of rare livestock in touch with each other.

Basic biological science informs us of the value of genetic diversity, but our industrialized food system relies on monocultures. This is where the small farmer or rancher (or 4-H or FFA) can play a key role in preserving America's food and fiber future.

Even if you are not a farmer by profession, your “hobby farm” could play a role in the preservation effort. Visit www.livestockconservancy.org for more information and to see lists of heritage livestock breeds.

Endangered horse breeds include the American Cream Draft Horse, Hackney, Cleveland Bay, Colonial Spanish, Lipizzan, Shire and Suffolk. Recovering from endangered status is the Belgian.

These animals are part of our nation's heritage, connections to our past whose DNA could make valuable contributions to our future. Preserving them for future generations is important for many reasons.

They are also highly marketable, as meat from heritage livestock commands premium prices. With the Bay Area and its high-end "foodie" culture so close by, Lake County farmers are ideally located to raise heritage meat for that market.

In future years, Californio Days plans to offer scholarships and incentives to local farmers and youth who participate in raising heritage livestock. Come to the event on June 28 to learn more.

Parking begins at 9:45 a.m. and the Fiesta of the Horse starts at 10:30 a.m. The show ends around noon, followed by food and drink available for purchase, as well as live music and dancing.

Admission is free.

Rancho de la Fuente is located at 2290 Soda Bay Road, south of Lakeport.

For more information, contact Deb Baumann at 707-275-9234 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The 1958 Academy Award-nominated drama, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” screens at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport on Tuesday, July 14, with show times at 1 and 6 p.m.

The story about a dying Southern millionaire and his money grubbing family is adapted from Tennessee Williams’ stage triumph, but the performances are the thing in this film, with Burl Ives repeating his stage role like a force of nature. Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman are at the height of their Hollywood heartthrob careers. 

The movie is sponsored by Savings Bank of Mendocino County.

Entry to the film is by donation.

The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-0577, www.soperreesetheatre.com .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Cal Fire's Mendocino Unit announced the resumption of firewood permit sales on Jackson Demonstration State Forest beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, June 29.

Firewood areas will open to firewood permit holders on June 29 and are tentatively scheduled to close on Sept. 30, or until wood supply is gone, a significant rain event or other resource constraints force closure – whichever occurs first.

Firewood permits will be limited to two cords per household at a cost of $20 per permit.

After Aug. 17, depending upon firewood supply, one additional permit may be sold to an individual household for a maximum of four cords.

Firewood permits and information on how to safely engage in collecting firewood are available at the Cal Fire Fort Bragg office located at 802 North Main St., telephone 707-964-5674.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.), Monday through Friday.

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

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

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– PG&E has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for utility repairs 0.5 mile west of Saratoga Spring Road on Tuesday, June 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs from Manzanita Road to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 29

– Middletown Central Park Association has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for the annual Middletown Days Parade on Saturday, June 20. A full road closure will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A detour will be provided, and motorists may experience minor delays.

– Pavement repairs from Main Street in Kelseyville to the junction of Routes 29/175 near Lakeport will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday morning. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.
 
Highway 175

– Middletown Central Park Association has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for the annual Middletown Days Parade on Saturday, June 20. A full road closure will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A detour will be provided, and motorists may experience minor delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– PG&E has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for tree trimming from just north of Robinson Reef Drive to just north of the Collins Viaduct beginning Monday, June 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– North Coast Rodders of Fort Bragg has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for the Fort Bragg Car Show near Laurel Street on Saturday, June 20. Event hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Turns onto Laurel Street will be restricted. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area and may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Highway repairs just north of Ocean Meadows Circle 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.
 
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.

– Highway construction from Casteel Lane to Reynolds Highway will continue. Intermittent one-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Black Oak Ranch of Laytonville has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to allow access for the Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival to be held 4.5 miles north of Laytonville Thursday, June 25, through Sunday, June 28. Motorists are advised to drive with caution through the area and may experience five-minute delays.
 
Highway 128

– Culvert rehabilitation at various locations from Wendling Street to Philo School Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C128CA

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.

LUCERNE, Calif. – Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is having a contest for a new logo featuring its new role as a community center.

The contest will be accepting entries through July 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Submission can be any size and should feature the colors of yellow and blue.

Work can either be dropped off at 3985 Country Club Drive, Lucerne or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the deadline.

Prizes will include $50, a $50 gift certificate for the thrift store, and a plaque. 

The center and thrift store are also actively recruiting volunteers to work mornings or afternoons Mondays through Saturdays. Training available.

For more information about the logo contest or to volunteer, call Lucerne Alpine Senior Center at 707-274-8779.

All artists and talented individuals are encouraged to participate by entering their work.

The decision on the logo will be made by the board of directors at the July 15 board meeting.

LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lucerne Friends for Locally Owned Water – or FLOW – will meet Saturday, June 20.

The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive.

Agenda topics will include summer schedules, and upcoming elections for board members and officers.