The statewide campaign to put the world’s most beloved beagle on an official California license plate has been under way eight months, and is helping generate needed funds for the state’s museums at the same time.

Since late January, more than 4,300 Californians have pre-ordered an official Snoopy license plate—which is 56 percent of the 7,500 applications required by the state before the new plates go into production.

The license plate features a reproduction of an iconic original Snoopy drawing by Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz and the phrase “museums are for everyone.”

“The outpouring of interest and support has been fantastic,” said Celeste DeWald, executive director of the California Association of Museums. “Although we still have time to sell 3,300, we would like to reach the required number of pre-sold plates as soon as possible. The sooner we reach that number, the sooner DMV will start producing Snoopy plates and California museums will have a new funding source.”

Snoopy was chosen as an ambassador for museums because his well-rounded life and interests exemplify the kind of life-long learning that museums make possible.

Snoopy’s multiple guises in the strip (e.g. WWI Flying Ace, “Joe Cool”, Olympic athlete, scout leader, writer, the first dog to fly solo across the Atlantic) often relate to 20th century history and culture, a key subject in many museums.

Snoopy is also a real life mascot for aviation and space, with a lunar module in the United States Apollo space program named after him.

The Snoopy plate also is an opportunity to commemorate Santa Rosa cartoonist and cultural icon Charles Schulz. Jean Schulz, the widow of Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz and founder of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, the Schulz family, and Peanuts Worldwide are generously allowing access to the original drawing for this special license plate.

Proceeds from sales of the Snoopy license plate will establish a competitive grant program to support California museums.

California has more than 1,400 museums devoted to history, art, science and natural history, in addition to zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums.

The program will be administered by the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE), a state entity tasked with preserving and protecting California’s cultural heritage.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will begin issuing the Snoopy license plates upon receipt of 7,500 paid applications.

If the Snoopy plate does not receive 7,500 pre-paid orders by late January 2015, the CCHE will either fully refund plate orders or, with the permission of the plate purchasers, retain funds to extend the campaign for a second year.

Snoopy license plates are $50 initially and then $40 per year to renew. Purchasers also may choose to have the plate personalized for $98 the first year and $78 to renew. A portion may be considered a charitable contribution that is tax deductible.

Snoopy and museums fans are encouraged to visit www.snoopyplate.com to pre-order their Snoopy license plates and support California’s museums.

The California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) was established in 2003. CCHE grants have helped to preserve the many historic treasures that are California's cultural legacy.

Current funding for CCHE projects is from voter-approved Proposition 40 bonds from the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002.

Approximately $122 million was appropriated to CCHE to distribute competitively for the acquisition, restoration, preservation and interpretation of historical and cultural resources. http://resources.ca.gov/cche/ .

The California Association of Museums (CAM) is a nonprofit service organization representing the interests of California’s 1,400 museums, including art and history museums, aquariums, natural history museums, science centers, children's museums, zoos, cultural centers and botanical gardens.

CAM assists California museums in fulfilling their missions as educational and research institutions that interpret and preserve art and cultural and scientific collections for public benefit.

Visit the association online at www.calmuseums.org .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair Board will meet on Monday, Sept. 22.

The meeting will begin at 4:45 p.m. at the administration office at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport.

Action items include consideration of the refund of entry fees, totaling $25, to Amy Trapani; the approval of the delegation of authority to incoming fair Chief Executive Officer Debbie Strickler to sign contracts and checks valued up to $15,000; designate the fair CEO position as elector to the California Fair Services Authority; and authorization for Strickler to be the program administrator for the CalCard program.

Fair board directors include President Marcia Chauvin, Vice President Doug Rhoades, Janeane Bogner, Carol Brandt, Sham Cochrane, Annette Hopkins, Meyo Marrufo and Jerry McQueen.

For more information call the fair office at 707-263-6181 or visit the fair online at www.lakecountyfair.com .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Community Seventh-day Adventist Church will present a depression seminar based on Neil Nedley's Depression Recovery Program.

This is a holistic approach to overcoming depression.

The introductory meeting will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, in the Fellowship Hall.

The church is located at the corner of Park and Hill, at the Hill Road exit of Highway 29.

The program will run eight weeks and be facilitated by Dr. Alan Sampson and other local doctors.

For reservations please call the church at 707-263-6002.

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 29

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from the junction of Routes 29/281 and Kelseyville Auto Sales beginning Monday, Sept. 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
MENDOCINO COUNTY
 
Highway 1

– PG&E has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for utility repairs from Ocean View Drive to just south of Camp 1 Tenmile Road beginning Monday, Sept. 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
Highway 20

– Culvert rehabilitation from near Two Rock Lookout to Willits Cemetery Road will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-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 1.0 mile south of the Haehl Overhead Bridge to the Haehl Overhead Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Highway construction from 0.8 to miles south of the North Willits Railroad Crossing to Reynolds Highway will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Pavement repairs from the Mignon "Minnie" Stoddard Lilley Memorial Bridge to Piercy will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.
 
Highway 128

– Culvert rehabilitation at various locations from the Mill Creek Bridge to the Mendocino/Sonoma County line 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.
 
– Pavement repairs from Philo School Road to Road 150B will take place. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.
 
Highway 253

– Culvert rehabilitation at various locations from 0.5 mile south to 3.4 miles north of Cattle Pass will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

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).

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Adult Day Center/Respite Program will hold an all-you-can-eat pizza fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The dinner will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at DJ’s Pizza 16135 Main St. in Lower Lake.
 
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $8.

There will be pizza, lots of fun, a 50/50 raffle and a drawing at 7:15 p.m. (need not be present to win).
 
The ADC program specializes in helping adults with cognitive impairments. 

Meetings take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clearlake from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The participants are given a light breakfast snack, and then have activities during the program consisting of exercise, social interaction, crafts, games and music. 

Volunteers from the community assist the three staff members in making each day fun for the participants. 

This program allows the caregiver of our attendees six hours of respite knowing their loved one is in good hands and having fun at the program.
 
The objective of this fundraiser is to raise money to provide scholarships to people who cannot afford to pay for the program. 

Eight tickets sold will provide one day of program time and a day of respite for the caregiver as well.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Democratic Central Committee will hold its annual Democratic Legislator’s BBQ on Sunday, Oct. 5.

Honored speakers are Congressman Mike Thompson; Congressman John Garamendi; candidate for Board of Equalization, Speaker Pro Tem Emeritus Fiona Ma; State Senator Noreen Evans; and Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada.

Also addressing the guests will be Assembly District 4 candidate Bill Dodd and Mike McGuire, candidate for State Senate.

The barbecue takes place at the Highlands Senior Center, 3245 Bowers Ave. in Clearlake from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Enjoy tri-tip, tempting side dishes, homemade desserts and Lake County wine.

Lake County favorite, David Neft, will provide the music.

Bid on gifts and goods from local businesses in the silent auction.

Come join the fun and mingle with like-minded people. Enjoy the music,food and wine. Visit with your local legislators and candidates.

Early union sponsors include the California Teachers Association; Plumbers Union Local 38; Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Building and Trades Council; California United Health Care Workers; North Bay Labor Council; Operating Engineers Local No. 3; SEIU 1021; and Teamsters Local 665.

The wine sponsors this year are Chacewater Wine Co., Don Angel Cellars, Langtry Estates & Vineyards, Laujor Estate Winery,  Rosa D’Oro Vinyards and Six Sigma Ranch & Winery.

Tickets cost $25 per person for seniors, 55 and older, $35 for general admission and $20 for students. Children under 5 may attend for free.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/lakedembbq2014 .

All tickets are held at the door. Walk-ins welcome.

The Lake County Democratic Central Committee is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in Lake County.

Contact the Democratic Party of Lake County at 707-533-4885 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The group's Web site can be found at www.lakecountydemocrats.org .