LAKE COUNTY – This week, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Team DUI will be taking the fight against drinking and driving to local schools in a series of multimedia presentations.

The MADD Multimedia Broadband School Assemblies will take place at 10 local schools this week, according to Judy Thein, a Clearlake City Council member and founding member of Team DUI, a group of local officials working to stop underage drinking.

Thein said that at Team DUI's request, one of its members, Harriet Rogers – who also is the Konocti Unified School District's safety coordinator – contacted MADD about bringing the presentations to Lake County. Rogers was successful in obtaining 10 presentations – which normally require a fee – at no charge.

Presentations will take place at the following dates and times. Also included are the names of the Team DUI members who will introduce the programs.

Monday, May 19, 8:30 a.m.

East Lake Elementary School

East Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks

Team DUI: Michael Rupe, program director of Lake Family Resource Center's Tobacco Control Program.

Monday, May 19, 1 p.m.

Lower Lake Elementary School

9240 Lake St., Lower Lake

Team DUI: Harriet Rogers, safety coordinator Konocti Unified School District.

Tuesday, May 20, 8:30 a.m and 9:30 a.m.

Lower Lake High School

9430 Lake St., Lower Lake

Team DUI: Judy Thein, Clearlake City Council member

Tuesday, May 20, 10:30 a.m.

Carle Continuation High School

9345 Winchester St., Lower Lake

Team DUI: Judy Thein

Tuesday, May 20, 1 p.m.

Burns Valley Elementary School

3620 Pine St., Clearlake

Team DUI: Judy Thein

Wednesday, May 21, 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Oak Hill Middle School

South Center Drive, Clearlake

Team DUI: Harriet Rogers

Wednesday, May 21, 1 p.m.

Coyote Valley Elementary School

18950 Coyote Valley Road, Middletown

Team DUI: Harriet Rogers

Thursday, May 22, 9:30 a.m.

Riviera Elementary School

10505 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville

Team DUI: California Highway Patrol Officer Adam Garcia

Friday, May 23, 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Clear Lake High School

350 Lange St., Lakeport

Team DUI: Officer Adam Garcia

Friday, May 23, 1:30 p.m.

Terrace Middle School

250 Lange St., Lakeport

Team DUI: Crystal Martin, District Attorney's Office, Victim-Witness

Bringing MADD to Lake County is another in a series of achievements Team DUI has enjoyed this past year. The group has worked with the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake on underage drinking ordinances, visited nearly all area high schools and Juvenile Hall, and hosted a town hall in Lower Lake.

Team DUI has received awards this year for its efforts, including a Stars of Lake County Community Award in the best idea category.

Thein said the group also continues to grow as more agencies and individuals show interest in joining.

As children realize the negative impacts alcohol and drug use can have on their lives, a dialog has resulted between them and their parents, and even between young people and local law enforcement officials, said Thein.

“Because we do not judge them, but rather allow them to see for themselves that choices they make all have consequences, whether they are good or not so good, their lines of communication are opening in many areas,” she said. “That in itself is a major accomplishment.”

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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