LAKEPORT, Calif. – After a scheduling conflict prevented their participation last year, the beautiful and exotic Gypsy horses are returning to Fiesta of the Horse on Sunday, July 27.

For centuries, the nomadic people known as gypsies traveled the roads of Europe and the UK in beautifully decorated wagons.  

They created an extraordinary breed of horse, with enough endurance and strength to pull a heavy wagon all day, the ability to subsist on whatever grazing it could find on the side of the road, and an extremely calm temperament, since a moment’s panic could quite literally result in the destruction of its master's home.  

Hundreds of years of selective breeding created the beautiful, powerful and supremely gentle gypsy horse.

Judy Bennett of Kelseyville fulfilled a dream when she acquired her first Gypsy, a mare imported from Britain. The mare was in foal when Judy bought her, and gave birth to a filly (daughter).

Now, the two Gypsy horses perform as a beautifully matched set, ridden by Judy's daughters Joy and Jocelyn Bennett.

For two years, Lake County audiences have enjoyed watching their friends and neighbors put on a lively and entertaining show, Fiesta of the Horse, at Rancho de la Fuente.

This year, the horse show is serving as cornerstone of a new event, Californio Days, a celebration of California's agriculture and history from the Spanish period to modern day.

Admission is free for this family-friendly event.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a farmers' market including displays about history and heritage livestock conservation.

The fiesta show begins at 10:30 a.m.

Afterward there will be food, wine and other beverages for sale at the barn, a barefoot hoof trimming demonstration, and live musical entertainment courtesy of Irma Lopez and Rancho de la Fuente.

Irma Lopez, a well-known traditional Mexican singer, has participated in events such as The Rising Stars Competition, the annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration in Lake and Mendocino County, The Music Winter-fest, Relay for Life, and the Lake County Fair.

Lopez's musical passion has helped her gain recognition throughout her years in Lake County; her undeniable versatility has become popular among the general public, and will thrive for the years to come.

Californio Days/Fiesta of the Horse is offered free of charge as a gift to the Lake County community.

Attendees are encouraged to wear costume from their own favorite period of California history.

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

For more information, visit www.californio.us or call 707-275-9234.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Tire Amnesty Program has ended due to the end of the grant funding which provided Lake County residents the ability to drop off up to nine passenger tires to select locations around the lake for the past two years.

Public Services staff is working on grants such as the tire amnesty grant all the time to bring Lake County residents options for recycling responsibly.

A press release will be sent out when programs such as this are available.

Tires can still be taken to Lake County Waste Solutions or South Lake Refuse and Recycling for a small fee.

Please contact the Public Services Department Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 707-262-1618 for more information.

LUCERNE, Calif. – Fosters Freeze in Lucerne is teaming up with Dream Car Conceptz to host a free car show celebrating Fosters Freeze's 50th year in Lake County.

Bring the family and join Fosters Freeze from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at 6252 E. Highway 20 in Lucerne.

To celebrate, they will roll their ice cream cone prices back to 1964 – cones will cost $0.29, $0.39 or $0.49.

The car show will be across the street at the park.

They also will have a clown, a puppet show and a free raffle.

Fosters Freeze originally opened its doors here in Lake County in 1964.

In 1977 John and Therese Ornellas bought the business and operated it until they sold it in 1982 to their son, Ken Ornellas, and his wife Becky.

Ken and Becky are hoping to eventually retire and sell the business to their daughter Kristy Ornellas and son Billy Claunch.

The family is proud to have four generations in the business, with Kristy's two daughters – Jessie and Kaya – already being trained to work in the restaurant.

If you wish to RSVP a car for the show please call 707-502-2226 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LUCERNE, Calif. – Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is hosting its monthly Open Mic Lucerne on Saturday, July 26, from 6 to 11 p.m.

This is the First Year Gala Celebration for this monthly event.

Performers are on stage with house band FOGG starting the evening at 6 p.m., with classic, heavy metal rock and roll with original numbers and covers of your favorites.

FOGG and other entertainers will wrap up the evening by 11 p.m. Assistance is available with amplification.  

Bands and individuals already are signing up. The past events have seen full venues, so sign up early. Call 707-245-4612 or 707-274-8779 for your reserved time or come and sign up beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday night. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your talent.

Lake County talent abounds. Open Mic Lucerne sees many exciting performances. Being a member of the audience is great fun and free.

For performers, this is a great free opportunity to show off talent. Music, comedy, mime, readings, and any other activity that is family-oriented is appreciated. Room is also available for dancing and relaxing. There is no charge for attending or performing.

Bring the whole family to this child-friendly event.

A spaghetti feed is offered with traditional and vegetarian full meals available for $5.

All proceeds benefit the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, a not-for-profit serving Northshore senior populations with onsite lunches, Meals on Wheels and personal advocacy.

The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center is located at 3985 Country Club Drive.

For more information about services or OML, call Lucerne Alpine Senior Center at 707-274-8779.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A Lucerne family is seeking information about its family dog that went missing.

Chewy, an unaltered male, was last seen on Second Street in Lucerne about a month ago.

Mike Anderson said he's hoping the community can help find Chewy, who his children really miss.

Anderson said he will pay a reward for the dog's return.

If you've seen Chewy, please call Anderson at 707-262-2666.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake Historic School Preservation Committee is pleased to host its 21st annual Quilt and Textile Exhibition from Aug. 2 through Aug. 30.

It will be held in the Weaver Auditorium of the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum, 16435 Main St., Lower Lake.

Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be an artists’ reception on Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 2 p.m.

Come by and meet the artists and enjoy some light refreshments.

Spinning will be demonstrated by the Sheep Thrills Guild members, and weaving will be demonstrated by Sheila O'Hara and her students.

The show will feature artists from the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, the Konocti Quilters, and weaver Sheila O'Hara and her students, Janis Eckert, Pam Perry, Suzanne Britz, Ellen Hardenburger, Sylvia Anderson, Hana Musgrove, Lorna Rochman-McEntire, Goldie Pitre, Shellie Taylor and Nancy Nestegard.

Works on display will include quilts, weavings and tapestries that range from soft and subtle pastels to bold colors and textures.

For more information, call the museum at 707-995-3565 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .