CLEARLAKE— Administrative Services and Recreation and Events Coordinator for the City of Clearlake Tina Viramontes talked about upcoming events in Clearlake at this week’s Judge’s Breakfast. She addressed the summer concert series, youth programs and the soon to open youth and daycare center.
City Manager Alan Flora introduced Viramontes explaining, “A year ago we decided to create a recreation department in the city and Tina had already been doing these types of events and enjoyed that work so we moved her into her current position.”
Viramontes first described a youth program called “Junior Giants” where kids can sign up and learn to play in baseball teams. As part of a grant the program provides all the necessary equipment, uniforms and gloves. All coaching, umpire and other positions are filled by volunteers and all ages are welcome to apply. There are several volunteers still needed and all are welcome to apply. “If you know any high school juniors and seniors who are looking for community service hours send them over because I need coaches,” she said. Viramontes further explained how despite reaching out via radio, Facebook, and visiting local businesses, they are still short a few coaches. Flora added, “It’s fun, our kids did it and you get lots of cool free stuff then you get invited to go to Oracle Park and the kids get to walk the field, it’s a really great experience.”
The program starts this week with a kickoff event at 10 a.m. at the baseball field in Redbud Park and has almost 60 kids enrolled but registration will also be available on site. Viramontes shared her excitement for the program stating, “If this can get some kids into baseball then that would be goal.” In terms of the ratio of girls to boys, Viramontes said that there is a softball team but it is not limited by gender and both boys and girls are allowed to play either baseball or softball.
Also beginning this weekend is the first of the Clearlake Summer Concert Series. The first concert will be a battle of the bands Saturday at Austin Park. For this date the city has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to co-host their car show at the same time. The winner of the battle will open for another band later in the series. There are five total concerts every Saturday from June 10 to August 26. Viramontes also noted that there will be movies in the park, although dates are not yet finalized.
The city recently completed a project that installed a bubble and aeration system in the lake that should help keep algae from overgrowing in popular beach areas which officials hope will make it safer and cleaner for people to swim. In another partnership with Rent.Fun, the city installed rentable kayak kiosks that are completely self-serve via the Rent.Fun app. Kayaks and paddle boards are available for daily rentals anytime and if the demand is high, they will add additional kayaks and paddle boards. Flora said, “It’s $25 to rent and check this out, annual memberships for $50 dollars.”
The presentation also touched on the new youth center that will double as a day care for city and Konocti Unified School District Staff opening in the Fall school semester. The Recreation Department’s offices will also be located at this center, offering youth classes in arts and crafts, camping, and fishing. The intention of the day care is purely fueled by staff retention as both the city and KUSD have faced issues holding onto employees long term. Becky Solato KUSD Superintendent said, “What I heard from teachers is we’re here at school until six or seven at night because there’s nothing else for kids to do and no safe place for them” She expressed her gratitude saying, “KUSD, as long as I’m here, will always support it.”
The Judge’s Breakfast is held every Thursday Morning at 7 a.m. at the Clearlake Senior Center and is open to the public. A full breakfast is available for purchase but not necessary to participate. Next week’s guest speaker is Jessica Hooten sharing what the city plans to do to provide experiences for local youth on Clear Lake they would otherwise miss. On June 22 the forum will host Fire Chief for Lake County Fire Protection District Willie Sapeta. More information is available on the Thursday Morning Judge’s Breakfast Facebook page.
