HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – Cindy Leonard, who works with local schools on their Farm to School programs, will be the speaker at the Monday, Aug. 11, meeting of the Hidden Valley Lake Garden Club.

She will discuss United States Department of Agriculture programs in California and specifically what is happening locally in the Middletown Unified School District.

An increasing number of schools and districts such as the Middletown Unified School District have begun to source more foods locally and to provide educational activities to students that emphasize food, farming and nutrition.

Meetings of the Hidden Valley Lake Garden Club are free and open to the public on the second Monday of each month with a social gathering at 9:30 a.m. followed by the business meeting and program at 10 a.m.

The meetings are held in the Activities Room of the Administration Building of the HVL Association, 18174 Hidden Valley Road.

For further information, contact club President Inge Rankin at 707-987-6010 or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – As the nation’s biggest celebration, Independence Day is commemorated across the country with neighborhood parades, barbecues, family gatherings and the consumption of alcohol.

If excessive alcohol consumption becomes part of the festivities, AAA Northern California will take you and your car home for free.

The AAA Tipsy Tow program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service to the community.

AAA will offer the service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on Friday, July 4, to 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.

Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to 10 miles. Just tell the AAA operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” and a truck will be on its way.

“Many people enjoy getting into the spirit of The Fourth of July, which tends to involve plenty of celebrating,” said Buck Lucas, VP Automotive Services, AAA Northern California. “If you’ve been drinking alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel. Give AAA a call and we’ll make sure you get home safely.”

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver’s home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver’s home as long as there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation for this service.

According to 2012 statistics from the California Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 802 drunk-driving fatalities involving drivers with blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08. This represents 28 percent of all traffic deaths that year. As little as one drink can impair vision, steering, braking, judgment and reaction time.

Nationally, more than 1.2 million drivers were arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of one for every 165 licensed drivers in the U.S.

AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction in California can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expenses. You can’t put a price tag on a crash that causes an injury or death.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

Caltrans will suspend work on Northern California highways from Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6, in observance of Independence Day.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans Maintenance forces to respond to emergency situations.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– AT&T of Fort Bragg has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work from 0.3 miles north of Lakeshore Drive to just north of Rancho Vista Drive. Work hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– AT&T of Fort Bragg has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work near Pacific Wood Road beginning Monday, July 7. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays.

– Culvert rehabilitation at various locations from Collins Viaduct to Irish Beach Drive will begin Monday, July 7. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Replacement of the Greenwood Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Guardrail installation and paving along the Navarro Grade will begin Monday, July 7. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– The city of Fort Bragg has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to hold the 4th of July Fireworks from the junction of Routes 1/20 to South Street on Saturday, July 5, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Turns onto Ocean View Drive will be restricted. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Sidewalk enhancements near the junction of Routes 1/20 will continue. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Bridge repairs at the Blue Slide Gulch Bridge will begin Monday, July 7. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays.

Highway 20

– Sidewalk enhancements from the junction of Routes 1/20 and Boatyard Drive will continue. Work hours are 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Culvert rehabilitation about 1.2 miles east of Road 200 will begin Monday, July 7. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Pavement repairs from the West Broaddus Creek Bridge to the east Broaddus Creek Bridge will begin Tuesday, July 8. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 101

– Caltrans will perform slide repairs near the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (near Frog Woman Rock). Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– PG&E of Ukiah has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for utility work 2 miles north of the Hopland CAL FIRE station on Thursday, July 10. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Ramp improvements from the junction of Routes 101/253 and North State Street will continue. Nighttime work hours are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday evening through Friday morning. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel, and motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Intermittent ramp closures will be in effect at South State Street/Route 253 (Exit 546), Talmage Road/Route 222 (Exit 548A), Gobbi Street (Exit 548B), Perkins Street (Exit 549), and North State Street (Exit 551). No two consecutive ramp will be closed at a time. Motorists will be advised to seek an alternate route.

– Northern Aggregates Inc. of Willits has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit to add turn lanes just south of Black Bart Drive. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– The city of Willits has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit to hold the Frontier Days Parade between Route 20 and Commercial Street on Friday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A full road closure will be in effect. A detour will be provided.

Highway 128

– Guardrail repairs at the junction of Routes 1/128 will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Vegetation removal in preparation for culvert rehabilitation at various locations from Philo Greenwood Road to the Sonoma County line will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Bridge rehabilitation at the Russian River Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The grand opening of the Lakeport Senior Center's “Accessory” gift shop was well attended on Tuesday, July 1.

“It seems everyone was anxious to get outfitted for our upcoming Hot August Nites dinner-dance.  Poodle skirts Just few off the racks, as did cinch belts and neck scarves,” said sales clerk Tammie Mandeville.

The purpose of the temporary shop is to bring attention to and enhance the fun of the upcoming '50s event, to be held Friday, Aug. 15, at the Lakeport Senior Activity Center, 527 Konocti Ave.

“Accessory” also is a benefit for Meals on Wheels of Lakeport and Kelseyville, so that no senior goes hungry.

Prices are very reasonable, many starting at $1. Supplies are limited, but quite varied, from fuzzy dice to men’s and women’s clothing, souvenir glassware, jewelry and more.

“If you want to get something new for out '50s dance, we are the place to shop,” said sales clerk Sandy Baroni.

“Accessory” is located at the Lakeport Senior Activity Center.

Shop hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

The shop will also be open until 9 p.m. Aug. 15.

For additional information call 707-263-4218.

UKIAH, Calif. – Organizers for the Sept. 20 Gala fundraiser at Mendocino College are thrilled to announce that Coro Mendocino has agreed to provide wine stations for the wine and appetizer hour.

Awardwinning Mendocino County wines from this year’s Mendocino County Fairs Wine Competition will be served during the Gala’s formal dinner.
 
“This year’s Gala promises to be one of our most exciting, with both Coro Mendocino and our recent award winning wines from Mendocino County being poured during one event. I am not aware of any other event where so many of our premier wines will be available to guests,” said Diane Daubeneck, foundation director and special events chair.

Wine and appetizer stations will be placed around the stunning student plaza overlooking beautiful vineyards.

Coro producers include Brutocao Cellars, Claudia Springs, Fetzer Vineyards, Golden Vineyards, McFadden, McNab Ridge, Mendocino Vineyards, Parducci Wine C ellars, Philo Ridge Vineyards and Ray’s Station.

Every Coro wine is a signature blend, individually crafted in Mendocino County from 100 percent Mendocino County grapes, in strict accordance with the Consortium Mendocino Bylaws. Each Coro wine must lead with 40 to 70 percent Zinfandel and may be blended with up to nine named varietals, honoring the “Old Italian” field blends of Mendocino.

After guests enjoy the wine and appetizer hour, a sit down dinner will be prepared by the Mendocino College Culinary Arts Program and served by students from the Mendocino College MESA (math, engineering, science achievement) program.

Awardwinning wines from the 2014 Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition will be served exclusively following the wine and appetizer hour.

The wine competition scheduled for Friday, Aug. 1, at Mendocino College in Ukiah determines the best of the best wines from Mendocino County’s standard-bearers and newest groundbreakers.

The competition, one of the oldest wine judgings in the State, is open to all wines crafted from Mendocino County grapes.
 
“The Wine Competition partnered with the Mendocino College Foundation to provide a donation to their scholarship fund for students in Mendocino County pursuing an education in agriculture, stated Aubrey Rawlins, Wine Competition organizer.

Gala seating is limited, and event organizers predict a sold out event.  Seats may be purchased at www.mcfgala.com .

For more information about the Mendocino College Foundation or the 2014 Gala, call 707-467-1018 or visit http://foundation.mendocino.edu/ .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee is issuing a call for submissions for the 21st Annual Quilt and Textile Arts Exhibition.

The exhibition takes place from Aug. 2 through 30 in the Weaver Auditorium.

The public is invited to bring quilts and fiber artwork for display.  

Items will be accepted at the museum during regular business hours, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

The Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum is located at 16435 Main St.

For more information call 707-995-3565.