UKIAH, Calif. – Do you want a few tips on managing your garden this summer? Which plants can you grow to produce food but do not need a lot of water? Are you wondering how to keep your landscape alive during this drought?

Mendocino College and the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District (MCRCD) are holding a series of free workshops that address water conservation strategies for families and residential water users.

According to Agriculture Sciences instructor Jim Xerogeanes, “Home gardening and landscape upkeep is going to be a challenge this summer. With some preparation and a few tips, you can have a food garden and beautiful landscaping without wasting water.”

Workshops this summer will cover graywater designs, uses, and permit requirements (June 14) and home interior conservation (July 12).

“The workshop series was developed to help families through the current drought and beyond,” says Joe Scriven of the MCRCD. “Even with the recent rains, we are still well below normal rainfall. We want our communities to be prepared.”

All the workshops are free of charge, and everyone is invited. No pre-registration is required. Funding for the workshops comes from the California Department of Water Resources - Proposition 84.

For more information, call Joe Scriven of the MCRCD at 462-3664 ext. 104 or visit the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District Web site at
www.mcrcd.org/drought-water-conservation-resources .

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Lower Lake Daze Parade and BBQ will held on Sunday, May 25, starting at 11 a.m. on Main Street in Lower Lake.

Come enjoy “The Best Little Parade Around” and cheer on the creative community organizations and individuals participating in the parade.

Many rare and antique cars from the car clubs will be on show.

After the parade there will be an old time barbecue with ribs, chicken and all the fixings and other food and drink available in the park. There will be live music and crafters selling their wares.

This event benefits the community of Lower Lake and provides scholarships for graduating students from Lower Lake High School. It's sponsored by the Lower Lake Community Action Group and the Lakeshore Lions.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The regular meeting of the Lake County Flying Saucer Club will take place this Sunday, May 25.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the group's usual location.

Contact Chip Saucer at 707-263-3391 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need to know the location of the meeting.

Meeting is pot luck so bring something to share with other members.

Bring you experiences to share. All are welcome.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Fancy Paws Pet Grooming will host an animal adoption event with the SPCA of Clear Lake this Sunday, May 25.

It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the Lower Lake Memorial Day festivities.

Visit the shop at 16205 Main St. and see the animals available for adoption.

They will offer a free, for-donation-only nail trimming. No other grooming services will be available.

One hundred percent of all proceeds will be donated to SPCA of Clear Lake.

LAKEPORT, Calif – The Lake County First 5 Lake Commission will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 28.

The meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Child Welfare Services conference room, 1222 S. Main St. in Lakeport.

Agenda items include reappointment of commissioners, a public hearing for the fiscal year 2014-15 annual budget, the executive director's report, commissioners' reports, public comment and announcements.

For more information call the Lake County First 5 Lake Commission at 707-263-6169 or visit www.firstfivelake.org .

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Clear Lake State Park will hold a summer nature talk focused on invasive mussels prevention at 1 p.m. this Saturday, May 24.

Carolyn Ruttan, the Invasive Species Program Coordinator for the County of Lake, will give a one-hour talk on the Quagga Mussel Prevention Program as well as the effects of the drought on the cyanobacteria and aquatic plants in Clear Lake.

This will be a good opportunity to learn more about these serious issues confronting everyone in the county as well as Ruttan’s proposal for a Clear Lake Environmental Research Center.

Clear Lake State Park is located at 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, and entry into the park is free for those attending the presentation at the Visitor Center.

Anyone having special needs should contact the Clear Lake State Park Sector office Tuesday through Thursday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 707-279-2267.