CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce got a taste of the future Saturday, Aug. 23, when it hosted its annual “Luau by the Lake” fundraising event at its anticipated location adjacent to Highlands Park in Clearlake.
The beach-front property complemented the performance of “Obsidian Butterfly,” which entertained guests with a spectacular, interactive fire-dancing show.
“This is beautiful and the fire dancers, with the lake and Mt. Konocti behind them, were spectacular,” Chamber President Alvaro Valencia said. “This is going to be the perfect location for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, right in the heart of our wonderful city.”
The chamber welcomed about 50 guests to the event, which featured pulled pork and pineapple, raffle prizes, a silent auction, cocktails and music by local DJ Andre Ari.
Obsidian Butterfly, a fire-dancing troupe from Sacramento, lit the stage with fiery fans, batons and mace-like balls of fire.
Sequoia, the troupe’s director, brought the show into the crowd, offering guests a chance to feel the fire up close and personal.
“We love performing here. Lake County provides the perfect ambiance for our shows,” Sequoia, who was accompanied by dancers Matt Sweeney and Lou Ann Melgar, said. “We can't wait to come back.”
The chamber anticipates the city's release of the request for proposals for renovations of the historic house located next to Highlands Park.
The site is expected to house not only the chamber of commerce, but a visitors' center as well.
Clearlake City Manager Joan Phillipe said the draft request for proposals is currently under development.
It will be released after requirements are met in the process to dissolve the redevelopment agency, through which the city acquired the property, Phillipe explained.
Phillipe said the request for proposals will include the demolition of the detached garage located on the property and renovations of the building.
The county of Lake has earmarked $100,000 for the project, which is to include a county visitors' center. The city has received $50,000 thus far.
Phillipe said the agreement with the county includes benchmarks that, when accomplished will result in two additional contributions of $25,000 apiece.
“The agreement is structured as a loan that will be forgiven if all formalities are met,” Phillipe said.
Phillipe said the city also anticipates the award of a planning and technical Community Development Block Grant expected in September to assist with the complete design of the property.
The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce consists of area business owners and professionals working toward the economic betterment of the community.
For membership information, call the chamber at 707-994-3600.
Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .