LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program in Lake County is planning orientation meetings for the 2023 Master Gardener training class.

For the class of 2023, the format will be primarily online learning and readings from the Master Gardener Handbook.

The first class will be in person at the Agricultural Center in the last week in January.

The precise date and time of this in person class will be determined following discussions during the Orientations.

The date for the first orientation meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. The meeting will be held in the conference room of the Agricultural Center, 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport.

The date for the second orientation meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 5:30 p.m., also in the conference room of the Agricultural Center.

Please RSVP for one of these meetings by calling 707-263-6838 or by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This meeting will provide an overview of the UCCE Master Gardener Program and what is expected of a UC Master Gardener volunteer.

The information will be presented by current UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator Louise Pagone. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period.

To become eligible for the training, it is mandatory to attend an orientation meeting.

If you are unable to attend this meeting, please let them know when in December or January you would be able to attend a meeting. They will schedule another one, based on the incoming responses.

If you are unable to attend any meeting in December or January, please call the program at 707-263-6838 so they can arrange for a private meeting with the coordinator.

LAKEPORT, Calif. -- The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians has commenced work on a new water treament plant.

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians held a ground breaking Ceremony for their new Water Treatment Plant November 29-2022 at 11.00 AM at the Tribal Site located at 1135 Soda Bay Road.

Breaking the ground during the ground breaking ceremoney. Photo - John Giichuki Director of Public Works | Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.

The grant funded project estimated at $7.23 million is funding from several donors including USDA, USEPA, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and Indian Health Service (IHS).

Construction of a new water treatment facility with upgraded water treatment technology and processes to meet regulatory requirements and provide safe drinking water.

Expanded storage with a 260,000-gallon tank capacity for drinking water and fire suppression.

New water delivery intertie pipeline that connects the Tribes two public water systems together in order to provide all Tribal users with safe water and reliable quantities. Once completed, the new system will support Tribal water needs for housing and economic development in the coming 30 years and beyond.

An opening prayer was conducted by Elder Lucille “Jojo” Gomez, who also blessed the ground, while Phillip C. Gomez provided the welcome and introduction.

A luncheon at the Community Centre took place after the ground breaking ceremony.

 

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. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

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

LAKE‌‌ ‌‌COUNTY‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

Highway 29

— Road work continues in Kelseyville at the Kelsey Creek Bridge from Bell Hill Road to Stahli Road. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Paving work at Robinson Rancheria Road will conclude on Tuesday, Dec. 13. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 175

— Tree work near Diener Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— 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.

— Road work near Old Lower Lake Road will begin on Monday, Dec. 12. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

— Tree work will begin on Monday, Dec. 12, from Iversen Road to the Mendocino County line. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 20

— Road work near Road 10 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.

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 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Bridge work near Henry Station Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Fence work in Ukiah at the East Perkins Street Overcrossing continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4 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 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns through the area.

— Road work will begin in Willits near Water Plant Road on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Lane closures in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays.

— Road work south of Willits continues. A lane closure will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area.

— Utility work north of Willits near Ryan Creek Road will conclude on Monday, Dec. 12. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

— Drainage work south of the Moss Cove Safety Rest Area continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays.

— Irvine Lodge Safety Rest Area will be closed through January 2023.

Highway 162

— Bridge work at the Outlet Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-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.

— Tree work in Covelo from the Covelo Ranger Station to Short Creek Road will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 13. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect up to five-minute delays.

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

— Construction in the Last Chance Grade area. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 25-minute delays.

— Utility work near Dr. Fine Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 199

— Tree work near Parkway Drive will continue. A full road closure will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should use an alternative route.

— Tree work near Walker Road will occur on Friday, Dec. 16. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

— Electrical work near the Collier Tunnel Rest Area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 96

— Utility work from Hostler Field Road to north of Hoopa will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Bridge work near Myers Flat will continue. Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Repair work at the Pesla Road Overcrossing will occur Monday, Dec. 12, through Wednesday, Dec. 14. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Excavation and concrete work from St. Louis Road Overcrossing to Georgia Pacific Road will continue. One-way traffic control and lane closures will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Lane closures from the St. Louis Road Overcrossing to Mad River Bridge will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Emergency work from Fish Hatchery Road to Prairie Creek Park Undercrossing will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 14. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 169

— Utility work west of Weitchpec will occur on Tuesday, Dec. 13. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 254

— Utility work north of Phillipsville will begin on Monday, Dec. 12. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 255

— Utility work between ‘K’ and ‘J’ Streets will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A full overnight closure will be in effect weekdays between 8 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. Motorists should choose an alternate route.

Highway 299

— Falsework installation from Route 200 to Route 101 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

— Emergency work 1.9 miles east from Chezem Road will begin on Monday, Dec. 12. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-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. — When you think of gift giving, think of giving See’s candy. Not only are you giving a wonderful gift of chocolate but you are supporting our Lake County communities.

Delta Iota Tau, a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, a worldwide philanthropic organization, sells See’s Candy year-round at North Lake Medical Pharmacy in the Bruno’s Shopping Center in Lakeport.

North Lake Pharmacy has accommodated the Sorority’s fundraising efforts for over 20 years.

Thanks to the Pharmacy’s generosity many thousands of dollars have been raised over these many years.

For several years on special holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas, the Sorority has set up a table at Bruno’s Shop Smart in Lakeport for several days prior to the holidays.

Bruno’s has been extremely generous for all these years and the Sorority is very grateful for that generosity.

This year, the Sisters of Delta Iota Tau will be selling at Bruno’s Shop Smart starting Monday, Dec. 19, through Friday, Dec. 23, or until the candy runs out.

Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This women’s group donates back 100% to our communities.

During the 2021/2022 years, Delta Iota Tau donated to Clear Lake High and Kelseyville High School scholarships, gifts to senior citizens, Toys for Tots, Sponsoring Survivorship walk for breast cancer, Wreaths Across America, Hospice, West Side Community Park and many more worthwhile causes.

When you purchase gifts for those special people in your life, you are supporting many worthwhile community needs. The Sisters of Delta Iota Tau appreciate your patronage.

If you would like us to prepare an order for you please call Maura Anderson at 707-483-5659.

As families begin decking the halls, Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers ways to make the holiday season more energy efficient.

“When combined with cold weather, shortened daylight hours and holiday lights, the demand for energy often increases this time of year. We are helping customers identify ways to be more energy efficient and save money on their monthly energy statement during the holiday season,” said Aaron August, PG&E Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation.

Simple product substitutions and new habits give customers the power to reduce costs without sacrificing holiday spirit.

Here are easy ways to save energy this holiday season:

Set thermostat for savings. Save 2% of your heating bill for each degree the thermostat is lowered. (If the turndown lasts a good part of the day or night). Turning down the thermostat from 70 degrees to 65 degrees, saves about 10%.

Upgrade lighting. LEDs use at least 75% less energy and can last up to 40 holiday seasons. Use a timer to turn off lights before going to bed.

Insulate electric water heater. The average household spends more than $250 per year on water heating. It’s the second largest energy expense behind heating and cooling.

Stop drafts in their tracks. Save up to 10% on annual energy bills by reducing drafts and saving energy by sealing holes around pipes, wiring, vents, or recessed lights with spray foam.

Microwave and save. Reheating leftovers in a microwave takes less time and uses up to 80% less energy than a standard oven.

PG&E encourages customers to put these tips into action as winter approaches in hopes of forming life-long habits the entire family can keep year-round. To find out how much energy goes to heating, hot water, appliances, and other uses take PG&E’s 5-minute Home Energy Checkup.

For more easy tips for cold weather savings, visit www.pge.com/winter.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Once again, the Konocti Women’s Service Club members are busy selling raffle tickets for your chance to win one or more beautiful gift baskets.

Each of the eight baskets offered are overflowing with wonderful and surprising items for men, women, children, Christmas joy, a gardener's delight, a fun basket and even a pet gift basket.

All monies raised from the raffle will go towards scholarships for graduating students from Kelseyville, Clearlake and Lower Lake high schools.

Raffle tickets are continuing to be sold at the front of the Riviera Market in Clearlake Riviera (weather permitting) on Dec. 7, 10 and 11.

The winning tickets will be drawn on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m.

You need not be present for the drawing and will be contacted by phone.

In the past six years, the Konocti Women’s Service Club whose motto is “For Kid’s Sake” has presented over $20,000 in scholarships.

The club urges everyone to purchase tickets and help our young high school students in their quest for higher education.