SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has issued a consumer alert with tips on how Californians can protect their personal information from identity theft when shopping online during this holiday season.

1. Consider investing in antivirus and anti-spyware software. If you already have antivirus software, be sure to download the latest security updates, as there are new viruses and malicious programs every day.

2. Use a credit card instead of a debit card. A stolen debit card gives an identity thief a direct line to your bank account, whereas credit cards offer added protection from fraudulent transactions. To be safe, don't store your credit card numbers online, and review your credit card bills monthly for unauthorized charges.

3. Make purchases through Web sites that offer secure connections. When shopping online, choose Web sites or e-merchants that offer heightened SSL (Secure Socket Layer) security to protect your personal information. Before inputting your phone or credit card number, check your browser's status bar for an unbroken “padlock” icon, which indicates the site uses SSL. Also, because most email accounts are not secure, it's best not to send payment information in an email.

4. Watch what you post online. The Internet has made it easy to store and share information, but we should be careful when sharing personal information online. Avoid posting addresses and phone numbers on social networking sites, or storing credit card information and passwords in your email account.

5. Strengthen all your passwords and PINs. With so many passwords and personal identification numbers to remember these days, it's tempting to use a birthday, child's name, consecutive numbers, or other predictable passwords or PINs. Use a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols to protect your shopping and email accounts with the strongest possible passwords.

6. Talk to your kids about the dangers of online shopping. Children are often so comfortable and confident online they don't think they need to take special precautions. And identity thieves know this; kids are among their prime targets. Supervise your kids' online shopping and talk to them about keeping their information secure.

7. Shop at trusted Web sites. Everyone wants to find the best deals when shopping online, but be cautious when using unfamiliar Web sites. When shopping at a site that is new or unfamiliar, review customer reviews and Better Business Bureau listings to check the site's legitimacy.

8. Be wary of fake online stores. Many online scammers steal personal information by redirecting shoppers to fake web pages that look like the checkout pages of legitimate shopping sites. To avoid these traps, be careful what links you click. Set your browser to block pop-up windows, and make sure you type in the store's web address into your browser window instead of clicking links from email or other Web sites.

9. Guard your Social Security number. There's no reason for an online shopping site to request your Social Security number to make a routine purchase.

For more information about identity theft, visit: http://ag.ca.gov/idtheft/index.php.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol want to remind motorists to prepare for winter storms.

If you must travel during winter storms, be prepared and use caution as well as common sense.

Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. In particular, check the antifreeze, tire pressure and tread, brakes, windshield wipers, heater, defroster and exhaust system.

When traveling through snow country, motorists should carry tire chains that are the proper type and size, and are in good condition.

Chains must be installed on the drive wheels, so make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.

Other useful items to take are a flashlight, chain repair links, ice scraper or spray deicer, and a shovel.

Taking along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing will make you more comfortable if you experience a lengthy delay.

Before you leave, put an extra door key in your pocket; a number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains.

“A prepared motorist is a safer motorist to themselves, other travelers, and our highway workers,” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 Director.

Don’t be rushed; get an early start to allow more time to reach your destination safely.

Let someone know your travel plans, your planned route and when you expect to arrive. Make sure to let them know if plans change.

Keep your fuel tank full in case it’s necessary to change routes or you get caught in a traffic delay.

A highway speed of 55 or 65 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather, but is an invitation for trouble in winter weather.

“Be more observant, attentive and slow down. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead,” said CHP Officer Paul Dahlen.

Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not, so remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

If you encounter fog, make sure to slow down and drive with your lights on low beam. Don’t stop on a highway, unless it’s an emergency.

Keep a close watch on your speed and don’t forget the law that requires you to have your headlights on anytime you have your windshield wipers on continuously.

Officer Dahlen said, “Remember to always wear your seat belt, don’t drink and drive and reduce your speed when on slick pavement.”

Before traveling and during your trip, be sure to check current road conditions by calling the California Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623, visiting www.dot.ca.gov, or by monitoring the local media.

The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline has been answering consumer questions related to holiday meals for over 25 years. They get the usual questions about buying, thawing and roasting a turkey. But they also get some of the same not-so-typical questions each year.

How long will it take to cook two turkeys at the same time?

The cooking time is determined by the weight of one bird – not the combined weight. Use the weight of the smaller bird to determine cooking time.

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the smaller bird first and then check the second bird.

A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

When cooking two turkeys at the same time make sure there is enough oven space for proper heat circulation.

How long will it take to cook a turkey weighing over 25 pounds?

To cook a large turkey use the timetables for turkey roasting for an unstuffed turkey.

Add 10 minutes per pound for turkeys over 24 pounds. Stuffing a turkey over 24 pounds is not recommended.

Make sure you have a heavy pan large enough to hold the turkey. Be sure to make sure there is enough space in the oven for proper heat circulation.

If a turkey has a “pop-up” temperature indicator do I still need to use a thermometer?

Pop-up temperature indicators are constructed from a food-approved nylon. The indicator pops up when the food has reached the final temperature for safety and doneness.

Pop-up temperature indicators have been produced since 1965 and are reliable to within 1 to 2 °F if accurately placed in the product.

But it is also suggested that the temperature be checked with a conventional food thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast to ensure safety.

Is it safe to cook a turkey from the frozen state?

Yes, it is safe to cook a turkey from the frozen state. The cooking time will take at least 50 percent longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey.

Remember to remove the giblet packages during the cooking time. Remove the packages carefully with tongs or a fork.

Can I call the Meat & Poultry Hotline on Thanksgiving Day?

Yes. The hotline will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thanksgiving Day. Call them toll-free at 1-888-674-6854. Usual hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastern Time. You can also ask a question in English or Spanish at www.AskKaren.gov, available 24 hours a day.

Diane Van is food safety education staff deputy director, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Normal operating hours at the Visitor Center are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

For more information or to make a reservation to tour The Geysers please visit www.Geysers.com or call 707-987-4270.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Sons of Norway Vikings of the Lake Lodge No. 6-166 will host its Scandinavian Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 4.

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Galilee Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 8860 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.

There will be Scandinavian Christmas decor with assorted delicacies to enjoy including lefse, Swedish pancakes, Danish aebleskiver, krumcake, open-faced sandwiches and much more.

 

Guest vendors will be Vikki Bjerk Mullenbach with her wonderful Norwegian favorites and other Nordic gifts. Also Larson's Industries with Scandinavian baking equipment, instruction and demonstration of lefse baking by Lorraine Larson (come taste her wonderful samples).

The Swedish Santa Lucia Pageant will begin at 12:30 p.m., with singing carols around the Christmas tree at 1 p.m.

Norwegian and Swedish calendars will be on sale for $12.

 

There will be a viking raffle to benefit the group's adopt-a-school program in Lake County.

Ellen Aasen is designing and making a queen size quilt to be raffled. This is another scholarship benefit for our heritage members to attend Camp Troll Fjell Language and Heritage Camp at Camp Norge. Tickets can be purchased at this meeting.

For more information call Mary Beth at 707-987-2404 or visit www.vikingsoflakelodge.org.

NICE, Calif. – Come enjoy a holiday dinner and dance Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Sons of Italy.

The group will serve slow baked ham, veggies, salad, mashed potatoes and dessert.

The bar is open for socializing at 5 p.m. then dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Enjoy dancing to music of Jim Williams, right after the meal.

All tickets cost $17 at the door. Everyone is welcome.

The club is located at 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

For information about this event or renting the hall for your own, call 707-263-1606.