SACRAMENTO – Caltrans announced that the California Transportation Commission has allocated emergency funding to continue installing smart sprinklers on state property, technology that automatically adjusts to weather conditions, soil moisture or broken pipes, and has already helped cut water use 50 percent where installed.

“Caltrans districts have significantly curbed irrigation, modernized equipment and halted many landscaping projects across California,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “These efforts have saved billions of gallons of water, but as this State of Emergency continues in California we must work even harder – and keep leading the way on this critical issue.”

As one of the State’s largest departments, responsible for landscaping that stretches the size of 22,600 football fields, Caltrans’ conservation efforts contribute significant water savings. Conservation efforts, including the following, have helped the department reduce water consumption by an estimated 30 percent:

· Invested $47 million in Caltrans emergency funding to upgrade or repair 1,250 irrigation systems statewide – approximately 25 percent of the state’s system – including smart sprinklers that cut water use at least 50 percent by automatically adjusting water usage based on weather conditions, soil moisture or broken pipes.

· Postponed 34 landscaping projects, which include 26 projects that would have gotten underway this year.

· Invested $8 million in four major water recycling projects in San Luis Obispo, Shasta and San Diego.

· Canceled any turf or grass watering, including all state rest stops, unless recycled water is used.

Caltrans has shut off irrigation entirely in areas of the state with the most severe drought conditions, and will continue to do so.

Any essential landscaping to prevent water pollution or erosion uses only inert ground covers, such as mulch or gravel, or drought-tolerant native or non-thirsty plants.

Caltrans has received nearly $1 million in local water conservation rebates for its efforts to reduce water use and upgrade equipment.

Meanwhile, Caltrans is continuing to pursue its goal of reaching a 50 percent statewide cut in water use.

Caltrans has partnered with the California Transportation Commission to authorize an additional $28 million in emergency funding to update more irrigation systems with smart sprinklers – which are proven technology shown to cut water use at least 50 percent where installed. As these new systems continue to come online, Caltrans will strengthen conservation training for all department water managers and landscape architects.

“The California Transportation Commission is supporting these investments in water-saving technology because every drop of water matters during this emergency drought,” said Commission Chair Lucy Dunn.

In a further response to the official Continued State of Emergency in California due to the severe drought, Caltrans will also be posting the following message on hundreds of electronic highway signs across the state:

SEVERE DROUGHT!
LIMIT OUTDOOR
WATERING

These electronic highway message signs will be activated so long as there is no highway emergency, traffic safety message or Amber Alert.

Caltrans asks motorists to report any water waste along its 50,000 lane miles of state highway, such as broken water pipes or leaking irrigation systems, by going to the Caltrans Web site, www.dot.ca.gov/ and clicking the “Be A Water Watcher” icon to submit a maintenance service request.

“This summer is likely to be severely harsh so the state is taking action by halting irrigation altogether or drastically cutting consumption while keeping plants alive when necessary to curb water pollution and erosion,” said Dougherty. “The department is taking these steps – and is planning more – because the historic drought threatens all Californians with a critically dry summer, and protecting the public and water supply is a top priority.”

Californians can learn more ways to help cut water use during California’s Continued State of Emergency by visiting www.saveourwater.com .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A flag-raising ceremony planned for Tuesday morning at Austin Park in Clearlake has been postponed due to the rain in the forecast.

City officials currently are working to reschedule the event.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Konocti Senior Support is seeking volunteers to help it in its mission of providing much-needed services to the community.

The organization explains that there are benefits of working for free before working for pay.

It can be frustrating to feel like you are working toward a goal if you don't see results materializing; and, at first glance, volunteering can seem like a waste of time.

However, here are benefits to volunteering in the mental health field.

Those include having the opportunity to learn about prospective workplaces and seeing if it's the kind of work you want to do, and the chance to develop your peer support skills in a real-life setting with real people.

There also is the advantage of having recent work experience in your chosen field of work, hearing about possible opportunities for employment and finding out who might be looking for an up-and-coming peer specialist to hire.

Showing enthusiasm and interest in your field is always a plus with potential employers, along with experiencing the rewards of serving our community and making Lake County a great place to live.

Come join Konocti Senior Support Inc. programs and find out how others are enjoying this process and succeeding in their pursuits by serving as a Friendly Visitors and Senior Peer Counselors.

Elders often request counseling after hearing about our programs. The organization provides resource information and emotional assistance with issues of loss and grieving, isolation, difficult transitions and more.

Each senior meeting is confidential and provided by volunteer visitors or peer counselors who receive on-going training and guidance from the program directors to best assist their clients.

Volunteers visit elders in their homes and/or staff drop-in sessions at local Senior and Cultural Wellness Centers.

If you have questions, want to attend workshops on issues of aging, would like to volunteer, or know someone 55-plus who might benefit from our services, please call our office at 707-995-1417 or visit our Web site for dates,times, location and other helpful information at www.konoctiseniorsupport.com .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Carrying on a 15-year tradition, three members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 88 of Lake County, traveled to the Noyo River USCG station on March 18 to prepare a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon for the Coast Guard personnel and their families stationed there.

Seven members from Flotilla 87 of Mendocino County joined in to help with the barbecue.

In lieu of corned beef and cabbage, the menu was tri-tip steaks which were barbecued and served with baked potatoes, green salad, homemade bread and vegetables provided by Flotilla 88.

Soft drinks and a special cake commemorating St. Patrick’s Day with a message of “Thank You for your Service” were provided by Flotilla 87.

The flotilla members were thanked profusely by the service personnel for the delicious meal.

In return, the flotillas thanked these young men and women for their tireless efforts in keeping the public safe on the water and protecting our shores.

Dorothy De Lope is public affairs officer for Flotilla 88 of Lake County, Calif.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – When the earth starts shaking, it may be too late.

Don’t let another month go by without taking the basic steps needed to prepare your family for a major earthquake.

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month and AAA Northern California reminds residents that the best way to recover from a quake is to plan for it in advance.

“One of the most important steps homeowners can take is to document their belongings before tragedy strikes,” advised AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “Take the time to do an inventory of your home, either with photographs or a video camera. Then, store those records in an off-site location like a safe deposit box.”

AAA earthquake safety tips

– Create an earthquake survival kit. This is one of the most important steps you can take. The kit should include canned goods and can opener, two to four quarts of water per person per day, battery operated or hand crank radio, sanitary supplies, a camp stove, portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries, and tools to turn off utilities.

– Know how to shut off your home’s gas, water and electricity. You should also make sure your water heater is securely fastened to a wall or post with two metal straps.

– Conduct family earthquake drills. Make sure everyone knows which areas in a room are the safest. This may be underneath a table or against a wall. Stay away from windows, fireplaces and tall furniture.

– Decide where your family will reunite if you're separated. Choose a friend or relative you can call after an earthquake to let them know your location and condition. Phone lines are often overloaded or damaged in an earthquake and specifying one point of contact for your entire family will help avoid a strain on the system.

– Childproof your cabinet doors. It may seem like an annoyance initially, but installing latches on your cabinet doors can prevent them from flying open in an earthquake. By properly securing the doors you can keep precious belongings from spilling out and breaking.

– Check your insurance for earthquake coverage. Knowing what coverage you have can help speed up your recovery after a big quake. Most homeowners policies do NOT cover damage resulting from an earthquake, and in most cases a separate earthquake endorsement or policy is needed. You can find out more at www.AAA.com/insurance .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A fresh new look, superb merchandise and credit card payment capabilities await new and returning customers at St. John’s Episcopal Church thrift shop.

The store reopened March 31 following a month’s closure for renovations, including new laminate flooring and fresh paint.

“We’re proud to offer customers a friendly and up-to-date shopping experience,” said thrift shop manager Nancy Carter, Lakeport. “We thank our dedicated volunteers who did the renovations, with special appreciation to project manager Keith Smith, Kelseyville; Susan McCarty, Upper Lake; and Sarah Scott, Lucerne.

“The renovation was made possible by a generous financial donation from our beloved parish priest Fr. Leo Joseph before his death in January,” Carter said.

“I’m really excited about the renovations,” said volunteer Naomi Cooksey, Lakeport. “I enjoy helping with our food pantry and the work we do here for the community.”

St. John’s food pantry offers emergency nonperishable food for families and single adults. The food pantry operates during store hours.

The food pantry remained open in the parish hall during construction operated by volunteers Ron and Eileen Martin, Kelseyville.

The church thrift shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of Clearlake Avenue and North Forbes Street in Lakeport.

To volunteer at the shop, call manager Nancy Carter at 707-900-1777.