Lake County board accepts $20,000 Calpine donation for America 250 drone shows

The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to accept a $20,000 donation from Calpine Corporation to sponsor a drone show as part of America 250 celebrations.

A board member introduced agenda item 6.3b, saying the county planned two drone shows—one in the south part of the county and one in the north—to give residents more opportunities to celebrate the 250th anniversary. "They immediately, right away, agreed to sponsor $20,000 to sponsor the show in the South County area," the presenter said. The board member said other donor outreach for the second show was unsuccessful and that supervisors agreed to share the $20,000 cost so the county could still host two shows.

Lake County policy requires full board approval for donations larger than $10,000; the board approved the acceptance of Calpine's gift by a 4-0 vote. Supervisor Swati moved to accept the donation; the motion carried after the clerk called for the vote.

County staff said the Clear Lake show is slated for Aug. 8 and the Lakeport show for Aug. 7, and that times will be at "dark time, just like the fireworks." The board said it would confirm the Lakeport site later the same day and issue a collaborative press release once locations were finalized.

Trevor Mokel, the county public information officer, read a prepared statement that included a quote from Amy Blaine, senior vice president for Calpine's geothermal region: "Lake County has been the home of the geysers for generations, so we are proud to support an event that brings neighbors, families, and friends together to celebrate in a safe, innovative way while fostering connections and making our community strong."