LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — After two years of zoom meetings and limited activity due to the COVID pandemic, Soroptimist International of Clear Lake is again fully operational.

Through the “Live Your Dream” Program, two local women will each receive cash awards of $1,000.

The club’s mission is to help women and girls achieve economic empowerment through education and training.

One way it fulfills its mission is through the Live Your Dream program.

Under the program, women can receive cash awards to offset costs associated with their continuing education.

To qualify, applicants must be the primary source of financial support for themselves and/or families, have a financial need and be enrolled in or accepted for a high school equivalency program, vocational skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.

The application deadline is Nov. 15. To apply, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The program is a favorite of current President Sally Munger, a 35-year member of the Clear Lake Soroptimist Club and Tina Scott, a seven-year member who led the club prior to and throughout the pandemic.

“Sally is a powerhouse, I’m so pleased she stepped up to lead our club this year,” Scott said. “We lost some momentum during the pandemic but as we begin a new budget year, it warms my heart to know the Live Your Dream program is a top priority in 2022.”

In addition to Live Your Dream, the Club is resuming support of “The Nest,” a local residential program for new moms and their families.

“Supporting young moms in their transition from the nurturing and supportive learning environment at The Nest to their own homes is extremely rewarding,” Munger said. “It’s a defining endeavor I would recommend to anyone.”

Munger knows first-hand the value of these programs. Many years ago, when she was a struggling young mom, the Soroptimists helped her achieve her goal to become a nurse.

“Becoming a nurse opened the door to self-sufficiency and today I’m living the dream, right here in Lake County,” Munger said. “I encourage women who need help to apply for a Live Your Dream award. It made a difference in my life; it can make a difference in theirs.”

Munger added that under Scott’s leadership, the Live Your Dream and Nest programs thrived.

“Tina worked hands on to ensure the success of these programs. She made a difference in the lives of many and we are grateful,” she said.

On Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m., the club’s next meeting will be held at The Ripe Choice in Lakeport where owners Mark and Tammy Lip will cater dinner.

By changing the time and location, the club hopes to entice new members. Everyone is welcome for dinner and socializing.

Contact President Sally Munger at 707-485-2132 to make a reservation or for more information about what it means to be a Soroptimist.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — The 2022 KXBX 98.3 Lakeport Summer Concert Series wrapped up on Aug. 19 with the ZZ Top tribute band Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers.

Bicoastal Media, the producer of the concert series, presented the Lakeport Rotary with a check for $1,500 to be used for the restoration and repair of the gazebo in Library Park.

Bicoastal Media General Manager Paul Thomas presented the check at the intermission to members of the Lakeport Rotary including President Laura Sammel, District Governor Jennifer Strong and Rotary Area Assistant Governor David Moon-Wainwright.

Also on hand were Lakeport City Council Member Michael Froio and Lakeport Main Street Director Marie Schrader.

“The Lakeport Summer Concert Series has been a part of this community for almost 30 years,” said Thomas. “Every summer, for 10 weeks we gather around the gazebo to spend time with friends and family and to listen to great music. Bicoastal Media would like to give back to the City of Lakeport and help restore and renovate the stage where so many fun memories have been made.”

Thomas said Bicoastal Media wanted to recognize and thank the many local businesses whose continued support helps to continue to provide free family entertainment to the community every summer.

“And, we would like to thank the City of Lakeport for our continued partnership, and the Lakeport Rotary for taking on the Gazebo Restoration Project,” Thomas said.

In addition to organizing and completing the project, the Lakeport Rotary has agreed to match Bicoastal Media’s $1,500 donation.

VALLEJO, Calif. — The USDA Forest Service is accepting applications for the new Community Wildfire Defense Grant, or CWDG, program until Oct. 7, 2022.

While there are many initiatives on reducing wildfire risk to federal lands, the CWDG program is focused on non-federal lands and will provide funding to communities, Indian tribes, state forestry agencies, and nonprofit organizations that will be critical partners in helping communities reduce their wildfire risk and become more fire adapted.  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law authorized the CWDG program with an investment of $1 billion over five years, starting in Fiscal Year 2022, with about $160 million allotted for its first year.

The program's primary purpose is to develop and revise Community Wildfire Protection Plans and implement projects described in those plans.

The Act prioritizes at-risk communities in an area identified as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential, are low-income, and/or have been impacted by a severe disaster.

The CWDG helps communities in the wildland urban interface implement the three goals of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy:

• Restore and maintain Landscapes: Landscapes across all jurisdictions are resilient to fire-related disturbances, in accordance with management objectives.
• Create fire adapted communities: Human populations and infrastructure can better withstand a wildfire without loss of life and property.
• Improve wildfire response: All jurisdictions participate in making and implementing safe, effective, efficient risk-based wildfire management decisions.

More information and applications are available at the Community Wildfire Defense Grants webpage, and questions can be referred to Barb Geringer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 202-577-4827.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hospice Services of Lake County is beginning another series of meetings to help adults who have experienced the death of a significant person, either recently or in the past.

Recognizing there is not just a single way through grief, Hospice Services’ bereavement program will present “The Journey of Grief,” a free, educational series.

The grief and loss group will meet once a week for eight weeks starting Sept. 8.

Hospice Services invites interested individuals to attend in person from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the Redbud Public Library in Clearlake located at 14785 Burns Valley Road.

To register for the group meetings or obtain additional information, call Jennifer Nystrom at 707-263-6222, Extension 130, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Group sessions are structured with combined instruction and discussion in a safe environment, facilitated by Bereavement Services Manager Kathleen Bradley and Bereavement Counselor Jennifer Nystrom.

“In our world today, we are being challenged by losses of all kinds. Many of us are trying to also navigate grief due to the death of a loved one. In our groups, we companion and support each other as we attempt to find our footing and a new normal,” said Bradley. “During the weekly group sessions, education will be provided about grief, mourning, and what is ‘normal’ as well as support toward healing.”

Weekly topics are presented in a meaningful sequence, so attendance at all sessions is encouraged.

Examples of topics covered in groups include setting intention to heal, dispelling misconceptions about grief, exploring personal feelings of loss, seeking resolution, and self-care.

Hospice Services reminds individuals they do not have to navigate grief and loss alone.

“Often, when we lose a loved one, we don’t know where to turn for emotional support,” said Bradley. “Additionally, during these uncertain times, Lake County residents are coping with multiple losses and stress related to natural disasters and COVID-19. The ‘Journey of Grief’ sessions are designed to help individuals through the loss.”

Hospice Services of Lake County provides high quality medical, emotional and spiritual care to help patients and their families navigate their end-of-life journeys. For more information, call Hospice Services of Lake County, 707-263-6222. Visit the organization’s website at www.lakecountyhospice.org.

Janine Smith-Citron is director of development for Hospice Services of Lake County.

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. —‌ Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
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Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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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. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

Caltrans will suspend most work on Northern California highways from Friday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of Labor Day weekend. However, in the case of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary for Caltrans crews to respond to emergency situations

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

LAKE‌‌ ‌‌COUNTY‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

Highway 20

— Road work near Saratoga Spring Road will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 29

— Road work at Route 281 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

— Bridge work at Robinson Rancheria Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 175

— Bridge work in Cobb at Estates Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 20

— Utility work east of Fort Bragg will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Road work at James Creek continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

— Construction near the North Calpella Overcrossing continues. One-way traffic control will run from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Slide removal at Pieta Creek Bridge continues. Northbound lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to five-minute delays.

— Bridge work at the Crawford Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Bridge work near Henry Station Road will begin on Thursday, Sept. 1. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Road work continues in Ukiah at Route 222. Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Fence work in Ukiah at the East Perkins Street Overcrossing continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Bridge work in Ukiah from the Presswood Overhead Bridge to the Hensley Creek Undercrossing continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Road work in Calpella at Route 20 continues. A full closure of the northbound offramp will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Southbound work along the Willits Bypass will occur. A lane closure will be in effect. Expect minor slowdowns.

— Culvert work near Ryan Creek Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Culvert work near Sherwood Road will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

Highway 162

— Bridge work at Crawford Creek continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 271

— Culvert work in Leggett south of Drive Thru Tree Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Slide removal continues south of Piercy near Reynolds State Park Road. A full lane closure is in effect and motorists should use an alternate route.

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

— Bridge work on the Hunter and Panther bridges will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Construction in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 25-minute delays at all hours.

— Emergency work just south of Crescent City will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m.to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Roadway excavation from Parkway Drive to Wilson & Burtchell will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Utility work near Dr. Fine Bridge will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 7. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 199

— Construction work near Kings Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Guardrail work from National Forest Monument to USFS Road will begin on Tuesday, September 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect at rotating locations from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Paving work near Hardscrabble Creek Bridge will occur on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday. September 8. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Culvert work between Monkey Creek Road and Oregon Mountain Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

— Construction work from Johnson Lane to Hely Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

— Utility work from Alderpoint Road to Cottrell Ranch Road will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

— Utility work from Larabee Valley Road to South Fork Van Duzen River will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 6. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 96

— Guardrail work north of Orleans from the Pearch Creek Bridge to south of the Siskiyou County Line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. A northbound onramp closure will also be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route.

— Bridge work near Myers Flat will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. A full on ramp closure will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Bridge work near Pepperwood will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Drainage cleaning between southbound Route 221 and the Seventh Street Overcrossing will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. A full southbound off ramp closure at Route 255 will also be in effect nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through the morning of Thursday, Sept. 1. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Construction and paving work from Murray Road Overcrossing to Georgia Pacific Road will continue. One-way traffic control and lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Full on and off ramp closures will be in effect weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations: Route 299/101 Interchange, all southbound ramps, Crannel Road Overcrossing, all on and off ramps, Westhaven Drive Undercrossing, both northbound ramps and the southbound on ramp, Sixth Street Overcrossing, all on and off ramps. Motorists should follow signage and use an alternate route when necessary.

Highway 255

— Permitted utility work between Peninsula Drive and Jackson Ranch Road will continue. One-way traffic control and lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 299

— Construction near Route 200 will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor traffic slowdowns.

— Emergency work from Redwood Creek Bridge to Vista Point will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m.to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

— Construction from Willow Creek to Old Three Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hospice Services of Lake County has announced the retirement of Executive Director Cindy Sobel after seven years of dedicated service to the agency and community.

“Since she joined Hospice Services in 2015, Sobel has demonstrated strong, genuine leadership,” said Don Hubbard, president of the Hospice Services of Lake County Board of Directors. “Under her leadership, Hospice Services has made tremendous strides in building a talented clinical team serving patients and families with skill and compassion. Cindy’s leadership maintained our role as an anchor health care provider in the community; and successfully navigated the remarkable challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“It’s been my personal mission to care for people who are transitioning into the next phase of their life,” said Sobel. “I feel so fortunate to have been part of the hospice industry which provides medical, emotional, and spiritual support to those facing the challenges associated with a serious health condition. I am leaving an extraordinary team of professionals to carry on this sacred calling.”

Hubbard added, “On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are incredibly grateful for the time Cindy has devoted to Hospice Services, and we wish her the very best in retirement. The board is deeply committed to conducting a thoughtful, extensive search and selecting an executive director that will continue to position Hospice Services as a regionally recognized, community-oriented health organization providing quality care for Lake County residents.”

As the board conducts the search process for the next executive director, Hospice Services, under a competent leadership team, will continue to deliver on its mission to provide high quality, patient-centered care to its diverse community members.

Hospice Services is a nonprofit health care organization serving Lake County residents for over 44 years.

The core of hospice service is to provide patient-and family-centered symptom management ensuring the highest level of comfort.

Services are available for individuals with an anticipated life expectancy of 6 months or less and their caregivers wherever they call home.

Services are paid for 100% by Medicare, Medi-Cal and the Veterans Administration. Many private health insurances also cover hospice care.

Community members are encouraged to learn how our compassionate team can assist you and your loved ones … sooner is better.

Call 707-263-6222 or visit Hospice Services at 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport.



Additional information is also available on Hospice Services of Lake County’s website, www.lakecountyhospice.org.


Janine Smith-Citron is director of development for 
Hospice Services of Lake County

.