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, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
‌‌‌ ‌
Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌‌prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
‌‌‌ ‌
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 ‌‌20

— Road work will begin on Thursday, Jan. 20, west of Upper Lake near Route 29. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 11 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Paving work west of Upper Lake near Saratoga Springs Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Bridge work will continue west of Upper Lake at Middle Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Utility work will occur on Saturday, Jan. 22, in Lucerne from 15th to 17th Street. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work continues at Cache Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 29

— Bridge work continues south of Hidden Valley at Putah Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Road work will continue south of Spruce Grove Road to Hofacker Lane. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Bridge work continues south of Lower Lake near the Siegler Creek Bridge. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work near the Lakeport Boulevard Overcrossing continues weeknights. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work continues north of Lakeport near the Park Way Overcrossing. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Bridge work continues south of Upper Lake near Robinson Rancheria Road. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.

— Bridge work will continue south of Upper Lake near Scotts Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 53

— Bridge work continues south of Clear Lake at Cache Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 175

— Tree work continues north of Cobb near Evergreen Drive. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Bridge work will continue in Cobb near Humboldt Road. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 20

— Emergency work continues south of Willits at the Jct 20/101 Bridge. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.

— Tree work will continue east of Calpella near the East Fork Russian River. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 15-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Slide removal at Pieta Creek Bridge will continue. Northbound Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Emergency work in Hopland from Route 175 to North Center Drive. Northbound lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to midnight. Motorists should expect minor delays.

— Moss Cove Safety Rest Area will be closed through March 2022.

— Empire Camp Safety Rest Area will be closed through March 2022.

Highway 162

— Tree work south of Covelo will begin on Monday, Jan. 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253

— Utility work east of Boonville will start on Monday, Jan. 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

— Bridge work north of Klamath near Old Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

— Emergency work and construction in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. Motorists should anticipate 30-minute delays at all hours.

— Shoulder work near Ocean World in Crescent City will begin Monday, Jan. 24. Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays.

— Utility work near the Dr. Fine Bridge and Route 197 junction will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 199

— Maintenance work between Hiouchi and Gasquet will occur on Tuesday, Jan. 25. One-way traffic will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 60-minute delays.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

— Utility work is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 26, in Carlotta near Corbett Ranch Lane. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

— Storm prep is scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 24, east of Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Tree work near Dinsmore is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

Highway 96

— Emergency work near Willow Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect at all hours. Motorists should expect 20-minute delays.

Highway 101

— Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. Lane closures will be in effect weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. A northbound onramp closure will also be in effect. Motorists should use an alternate route.

— Work will continue from the Hookton Road Overcrossing to the old Kmart entrance in Eureka. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect minor traffic slowdowns.

— Maintenance work north of O Street in Eureka will begin on Monday, Jan. 24. A southbound lane restriction will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect minor delays.

— Sign work in Eureka near Target is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 23. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor delays.

— Work north of the Arcata Overhead Bridge will continue. A northbound lane closure will occur between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor slowdowns.

— A shoulder closure will continue near the Del Norte County Line. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns at all hours.

Highway 211

— Utility work is scheduled in Ferndale near the high school on Friday, Jan. 28. One-way traffic control in effect between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Motorists should expect five-minute delays.

— Utility work near Manila will continue. One-way traffic will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays.

Highway 299

— Emergency repairs from east of the Lord Ellis Summit near Bair Road to the Trinity County line continue. One-way traffic control in effect 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect 15-minute delays.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council will hold its first meeting of the year on Monday, Jan. 24.

The group will meet at 5 p.m. via Zoom.

The meeting ID is 986 2616 1748, pass code is 173031. The meeting also can be accessed via phone at 1-669-900-6833 or +16699006833,,98626161748#,,,,*173031# for one tap mobile.

On the agenda is an open forum to share concerns and ideas with District 4 Supervisor Tina Scott and old business, including an update on a request to clear a portion of Scotts Creek.

Under new business, they will discuss new use permits, and hear updates from the Scotts Valley Firewise Committee and the Scotts Valley Groundwater Protection Committee.

The group will next meet on Feb. 28.

Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation today that would help control California’s growing wild pig population, reducing damage caused by the invasive species to the environment, private property and agriculture.

“Unfortunately, swelling numbers of wild pigs have become a scourge on California wildlands, endangering sensitive habitats, farms and other animals,” Dodd said. “They also present a major public health risk and have been linked to outbreaks of food-borne illness. My bill will increase opportunities to hunt them and do so more economically so that we may bring our pig population under control.”

California’s wild pig numbers have soared since various non-native boar and pig breeds were introduced centuries ago. They now can be found in 56 of the 58 counties.

Numerous environmental and public health problems are associated with wild pigs and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife allows year-round pig hunting.

Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Senate Bill 856, would lift remaining hunting restrictions allowing for better population control and habitat management.

Sen. Dodd’s bill has support from wildlife officials and farmers, among others.

"Feral pigs are an invasive species and the cause of significant damage in our state to the environment, private property, agriculture and other wildlife," said Eric Sklar, member of the California Fish and Game Commission. "We need to do everything we can to stop them and I applaud Sen. Dodd's effort to address this problem."

“The feral pig population in Sonoma County has gotten to an alarming number,” said Jennifer Beretta, president of Sonoma County Farm Bureau. “These unmanageable herds are tearing up working lands, competing with less aggressive wildlife for food, and rutting the landscape to the point of degraded water quality. We would never advocate for eradicating an animal population, but the ability to manage the population through science-based management practices is advantageous for farming and open space.”

Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Jan. 9, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, District 11N Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County held its yearly change of watch ceremony at Angel’s Mexican Restaurant in Finley.

This ceremony held each year installs the new flotilla commander, vice commander and the staff officers.

The COVID-19 virus has limited the activities of the Lake County Flotilla.

Following the United States Coast Guard virus guidelines, it has maintained its position in safety patrols on the lake, recruiting new members, training and offering free vessel safety checks.

The yearly free life jacket giveaway for children has been deferred to a later date because of the virus.

Once the restrictions of the USCG have been lifted, the lifejacket project will be scheduled.

If you are interested in joining the Flotilla, please call 707-570-8860 or visit the group’s Facebook page.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Sierra Club Lake Group will host Sally Peterson, chair of Lake County Climate Action Network, also known as Lake Co CAN, at its next community meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m.

The presentation and discussion will be held via Zoom video conference and live-streamed on Facebook. The meeting is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required to attend via Zoom.

Peterson, who is a newly elected Sierra Club Lake Group executive committee member, will introduce Lake Co CAN, one of over 1,500 civil society organizations in over 130 countries driving collective and sustainable action to fight the climate crisis and to achieve social and racial justice.

“We are organizing local residents interested in the impacts and mitigation of human caused climate change,” said Peterson, who recently completed the international Climate Leadership Corps training.

She will share the latest and most up-to-date climate and mobilization information, including positive developments and ways individuals can make a difference.

The Climate Action Network says, "The political will to change the world will come through local communities and grassroots movements fighting together in solidarity to bring about a climate just and equitable world. CAN aspires to strengthen our regional and national civil society networks to ensure that all global advocacy and strategies are informed from the bottom-up."

“Fending off climate catastrophe will require the efforts of the whole community, starting right here at the grassroots. We all need to pull together to figure out how best to protect the planet. We're glad to be part of the local movement,” said Sierra Club Lake Group Conservation Chair Victoria Brandon.”

To register for the event, visit the Lake Group’s online calendar. Registrants will receive access information upon registration and a confirmation reminder the morning of the event. Zoom space is limited, so the event will also be live-streamed via the Lake Group's Facebook page.

The Sierra Club Lake Group represents more than 400 Sierra Club members living in Lake County and is part of the Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club that represents the northwest region of California.

The group works to preserve Lake County's wild heritage; protect and restore Clear Lake and its watershed; and promote smart growth, sustainable practices and environmentally friendly development. It also fosters a meaningful connection to the environment for the community to value and enjoy through guided hikes and community events. (Note: guided hikes and in person community events are on hold due to COVID-19 concerns.)

For more information about the Sierra Club Lake Group, visit www.sierraclub.org/redwood/lake or call 707-994-1931.

Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. With more than three and a half million members and supporters, their charge is to defend everyone’s right to a healthy world. Through activism, education and outdoor activities, the Sierra Club plays an important role in influencing conservation policy and environmental history.

For more information on the Sierra Club, visit www.sierraclub.org.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — End of year generosity brought joy to many of Lake County’s most isolated seniors.

Reusable cloth bags stuffed high with gifts provided by the Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Kelseyville Rotary Club were delivered this year to isolated seniors throughout the county.

Additionally, the Meals on Wheels drivers, who made the deliveries, received a cash gift from the Lake County Silver Foundation.

The gift bags are the brainchild of Cathleen Mondfrans, a Sutter Lakeside Emergency Department nurse.

Since learning about the Silver Foundation at a Kelseyville Rotary Club meeting four years ago,

Mondfrans has organized a holiday gift bag drive at Sutter Lakeside Hospital for Lake County’s most isolated seniors.

Mondfrans explained that this year, Sutter Lakeside employees and the Kelseyville Rotary Club members raised $1,000 toward the purchase of gifts.

The Rotary members stuffed 50 bags. An additional 26 bags were stuffed by individual hospital staff from various departments including the emergency room, outpatient care services, laboratory and radiology.

“I am amazed and thankful for the combined generosity of our Hospital staff and members of the Kelseyville Rotary Club,” Mondfrans said.

The Silver Foundation, a local nonprofit that advocates for seniors, provides the bags and coordinates delivery through the local senior centers. Ultimately, it is the Meals on Wheels drivers that ensure delivery to isolated seniors.

“Because the COVID pandemic posed significant risk to seniors our Board of Directors decided not to host the Annual Senior Summit event in 2020 and 2021,” said Silver Foundation President Jim Steele. “We had several hundred bags pre-purchased for these events. Thanks to the good folks at Sutter Lakeside and the Kelseyville Rotary Club, the bags are going to good use.”

The bags were stuffed full of everything from blankets, robes, mittens and beanie hats to toiletries, snacks and other goodies.

Steele went on to explain that last year the foundation gave $50 gift cards to the drivers who deliver meals throughout Lake County all year long. This year, the foundation board authorized $100 for each of the regular drivers.

“Especially throughout the pandemic the individuals who deliver meals, and check in on seniors, have made heroic efforts to make sure isolated seniors are not forgotten. They deserve our thanks for their extraordinary service,” Steele said.

“I don’t know what we would do without our drivers,” said Lori Tourville, who manages the Middletown Senior Center. “Meals on Wheels drivers are an important link to seniors — many of whom live in relative isolation,” she said. “They deserve to be recognized and supported, we want to thank the Sutter Lakeside Hospital, the Kelseyville Rotary Club and the Silver Foundation.”

The Silver Foundation is supported by organizations and individuals including Calpine, the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino, the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, the Law Offices of Mary Heare Amodio, Konocti Computers, Benmore Valley Ranch Project, Sam Euston Productions, Jackie Riche and Carol and Steve Schepper.

The special project, “Help a Senior Save a Pet” continues to provide financial assistance to low- and fixed-income seniors with their pet care needs from funds donated specifically for that purpose by 100+ Women Strong.

A new memorial fund, established in honor of inaugural Silver Foundation Board member, Gene Paleno, has begun receiving donations from individuals.

For more information about the memorial fund and the Silver Foundation, visit the website at www.lakecountysilverfoundation.com or contact Jim Steele at 707-295-6198.