In recognition of the great volume of water Californians could collectively save in their homes and backyards, Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. is urging residents to make July “Water Smart Month.”

“Conserving water is essential to our state’s future,” declared the governor. “This precious resource is the backbone to the success of the state’s economy, public health, and abundant wildlife.”

With triple-digit heat gripping parts of the state and reservoirs dropping to meet summer demand for water, the governor urged Californians to find ways to conserve daily.

“The snow packs are shrinking and the state will not see its reservoirs begin to fill again until fall,” wrote the governor in a commemorative letter. “Low consumption practices and technology will help keep water in the streams and lakes for all to enjoy. I invite all Californians to practice more sustainable water consumption, whether it be watering the lawn less frequently, constructing a drip irrigation system for the garden or upgrading existing systems with smart irrigation controllers.”

Landscape irrigation is the single largest use of water in urban areas, comprising nearly one-third of urban water use.

The California Department of Water Resources encourages all Californians to observe “Water Smart Month” by checking their sprinkler systems, upgrading to more efficient technologies, and being mindful of when and how they water landscaping.

“Typically outdoor water use peaks in July,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “Big water savings can be found outdoors, starting with your sprinkler system. Fix leaky sprinklers, don’t water in the heat of the day, and consider installing a weather-based controller. I installed one at home and it works great. Simple changes like these won’t crimp your daily life, but they will yield big rewards for our state.”  

For specific details on saving water, including advice on how long to run your sprinklers, visit the Save Our Water campaign Web site at www.saveourh2o.org .

The Web site includes a new “Sprinklers 101” section, a one-stop shop for homeowners and professional landscapers looking to learn more about outdoor water efficiency.

Created by a 2009 gubernatorial drought declaration, Save Our Water educates Californians about easy ways to conserve water, indoors and outdoors.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Calpine Visitor Center, located at 15500 Central Park Road in Middletown, will be closed from Thursday, July 4, through Saturday, July 6.

On Wednesday, July 10, the visitor center will resume the regularly scheduled hours of Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be free public tours offered on Friday, July 12. To sign up for an upcoming tour, please visit www.Geysers.com .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Chi Council for the Clear Lake Hitch is once again taking the summer off.

The group's next meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Lake County Agriculture Center, 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport.

For more information about the group, visit http://lakelive.info/chicouncil/ .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Konocti Lioness Club installed new officers at its meeting on Thursday, June 20.

Anna Jones was installed once again as president for 2013-14.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A caregiver support group for families dealing with memory loss or other cognitive impairments will meet on Thursday, July 4.

The group meets from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 3863 Country Club Lane, across from the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center.

Social worker Jenny Johnson is the facilitator.  

The groups are sponsored by Redwood Caregiver Resource Center (1-800-834-1636) and the Social Day Programs in Lake County.  

For more information call Jenny Johnson at 707-350-3030 or Caroline Denny at 707-263-9481.

Respite is provided by the centers at no charge.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Planning Commission’s July 2 regular meeting has been canceled.

The commission’s next regular meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.