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.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Hooves and Wheels Driving Club drill team will be performing at the Fiesta of the Horse again this year.

About a half dozen members of the club have been practicing for the last few weeks with their mini horses and ponies at Argonaut Farm in Lakeport.

They meet weekly, practicing a routine they have jointly created and then have paired with music.

Learning and practicing the drill is fun and teaches drivers and their ponies many skills.

Last year's routine was well received by the crowd and they are looking forward to performing their new routine this year at the event.

The Hooves and Wheels Driving Club is a horse driving club here in Lake County that meets monthly, offering clinics and hosting drives and other events.

Members drive everything from draft horses down to miniature horses and our events are open all equestrians, ridden or driven.

The Fiesta of the Horse will be part of Californio Days, being held at Rancho de la Fuente on Sunday, July 27.

The event celebrates history and agricultural heritage with music, food, arts and crafts.

The horse show has free admission and will begin at 10:30 a.m.

For more information about Californio Days and how to participate call 707-275-9234.

For more information about Hooves and Wheels Driving Club call 707-357-3009.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Californians are ready to celebrate their freedom this Independence Day by taking the first summer holiday of the year.

According to the latest AAA travel survey, just over 4.6 million Californians plan to journey at least 50 miles or more from home this upcoming holiday. This represents a 1.5-percent increase from 2013.

“Consumer confidence and steady economic improvement continue to be major factors for the overall increase in travel this year,” said Pablo O’Brien, VP Travel Products AAA Northern California. “With the Fourth of July weekend being the busiest summer travel holiday, we can expect increased airport congestion, highway backups and higher travel expenditures.”

AAA projects approximately 3.7 million Californians will drive to reach their holiday destinations. That’s a 2-percent increase when compared to travel figures from 2013.

Air travel will decrease by 0. 2 percent with more than 545,000 travelers expected to take to the skies. More than 400,000 state residents plan to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, bus and watercraft. This represents a decrease of 0.6 percent when compared to travel figures from last year.

Nationally, AAA forecasts more than 41 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, representing a 1.9 percent increase compared to last year.

Independence Day holiday weekend airfares are expected to decline by 5 percent with the lowest round-trip rate averaging $215 per ticket to the top 40 U.S. air routes, according to the AAA Leisure Travel Index.

Hotel rates at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are increasing by 9 percent this year, averaging $178 per night.

Weekend car rentals are expected to remain at last year’s rates, with an average weekend rate of $58.

AAA recommends the following Road Trip Prep Guide for summer travel to help ensure safety, security and peace of mind.

AAA Before-You-Go Checklists:

• Emergency supplies: Make sure you keep a flashlight, batteries, first-aid-kit, bumper cables and a basic tool kit in your trunk.
• Cell phone and charger: Always pack a charger and load up your phone with emergency phone numbers you will need for your trip.
• Extra blanket and warm clothing: Always a good idea to keep extra clothing items in the trunk should you get stranded on the road in evening hours, or need extra warmth in vehicle.
• Travel itinerary: It is important that others know where you will be and when to expect you home, in case of any unexpected emergency.
• Secure your home: Make your house look lived-in while you are away.

AAA Safe-Breakdown-Behavior Tips:

• Move your vehicle off the road safely away from traffic.
• Stay inside your vehicle and make sure all passengers stay inside. Keep doors locked and roll down the window only enough to ask a passerby to call police, if needed.
• If you can’t move your vehicle off the road, ask all passengers to exit the vehicle when it is safe to do so, and stand away from traffic.
• If you must walk to a phone, keep your group together.
• Warn other drivers by raising the vehicle’s hood, tying a white cloth to a door handle, or using reflective triangles or flares. Warning devices should be placed far enough away from the vehicle to give oncoming traffic time to react.

AAA Safety-Behind-The-Wheel Tips:

• Stay alert: Avoid driving while tired.
• Belt it: Always wear seat belts and make sure children are buckled up in proper safety seats.
• Put down the phone: Focus on driving. Phone calls and texts can wait.
• Don’t stray: Stay on main roads and highways.
• Take a Break: When stopping to rest, always lock vehicles doors, even if you are gone for a few minutes. Keep valuables in the trunk.
• Call a Pro: Do not stop to help a disabled vehicle. It can be dangerous to be out on the road in traffic. Instead, call AAA for emergency road service.

The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance.

Members using the iPad version can access interactive Top Destinations travel guides at www.AAA.com/mobile . On AAA.com, travelers can find thousands of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner guides at www.AAA.com/travel .