LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission will meet on Thursday, Dec. 20.

The meeting will take place from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room C on the third floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The commission meets on the third Thursday of the month.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Soper-Reese Community Theatre has set the schedule for its Classic Movie Series in 2013.

The films are shown at the theater, 275 St. Main St. in Lakeport, on the second Tuesday of the month.

The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the film starting at 6 p.m. A $5 donation per person is gratefully accepted.

The 2013 schedule is below.

• Jan. 8: “Treasure Island”
• Feb. 12: “Pillow Talk”
• March 12: “To Catch A Thief”
• April 9: “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court”
• May 14: “His Girl Friday”
• June 11: “Goldfinger”
• July 9: “Fancy Pants”
• Aug. 13: “ Sabrina”
• Sept. 10: “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”
• Oct. 8: “Dracula”
• Nov. 12: “Operation Petticoat”
• Dec. 10: “Babes in Toyland”

Visit the theater online at www.soperreesetheatre.com or call 707-263-0577 for more information.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The annual Anderson Marsh State Historic Park Christmas Open House, presented by the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association (AMIA) was a huge success this year with more than 300 people stopping by during the event to listen to local musicians playing Christmas carols, visit with Santa, and enjoy delicious home-baked goodies, hot coffee and hot apple cider.

This is a traditional event and seems always to be enjoyed by those who attend, but this year the crowd was impressive.

“We think there is a renewed interest in the park since it was revealed it was in danger of closing. Also, local publicity was fantastic. All in all it was a big success,” noted board treasurer Henry Bornstein.

Local musicians who participated were Don Coffin, Anna McAtee, Gae Henry, Henry Bornstein, Harry Lyons, Rick McCann, David Neft, Joan Moss, Dennis Hadley and Tom Nixon.

Volunteers who were very much appreciated for helping to serve refreshments and set up were: Lisa Wilson, Chelsea Michaels, Victoria Brandon, Barbara Harris, Dan Martin, Marilyn Martin, Carol Carroti, Frank and Anna McAtee and Tom McFarling.

Many thanks as well, to Santa Claus for stopping by for the day.

For information about AMIA, go to www.andersonmarsh.org call 707-995-2658 or like them on Facebook.

Consumer optimism is offsetting unresolved financial issues as millions of Californians help propel this year’s holiday travel season into the highest number of travelers ever recorded, according to the latest travel survey from AAA Northern California.

AAA predicts an estimated 11.7 million Californians will travel during the end-of-the-year holiday season, representing an overall increase of 1.8 percent compared to 2011.

“For the fourth consecutive year, California has seen a slow to steady increase in travel volume,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “This season we are experiencing the highest number of travelers as Californians kick-start the New Year with a holiday vacation.”

AAA estimates that more than 10 million Californians traveling during Christmas and New Year’s will choose to drive to reach their holiday destinations, representing a 1.4 percent increase compared to last year.

The air travel industry will also experience an increase of 4.4 percent this year as more than 950,000 Californians are expected to fly.

Approximately 398,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents an increase of 7.4 percent compared to last year.

Nationally, AAA projects that more than 93 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday festivities. That’s a 1.6 percent increase compared to last year.

Family travel constitutes 32 percent of total travelers during the year-end holidays. An average West Coast family of four will save money by staying with friends and family, spending an average of $1,048 on their trip. An average West Coast road trip will consist of approximately 838 miles.

AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase by two percent, costing on average $129 per night, while AAA Two Diamond lodgings are expected to charge an average of $95, a three percent increase from last year. Weekend car rental rates will average $56 per rental, compared to $40 last year.

Californians who take to the skies during this holiday season will pay an average price of $203 per round trip ticket for the top U.S. air routes. This represents a decrease of three percent from last year. On a national level, air travel is expected to increase 4.5 percent as 5.6 million travelers will take to the skies.                        

According to AAA’s latest travel survey, the most popular activities for West Coast families this holiday season will be dining, visiting family and friends, sightseeing, nightlife, and going to beach/waterfront areas.               

AAA winter travel survival tips

• Pack a cellular phone and car charger. Have emergency numbers available. Carry your AAA card for help in an emergency. For members who become stranded, AAA can be reached by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357).
• If you become snowbound, stay with your vehicle. It is an excellent shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Stay focused. Avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone and adjusting the radio or other electronic devices.

AAA air travel tips

• Hit the Web before the airport. Check in online up to 24 hours before flying and print your boarding pass at home. Many airlines offer discounts for prepaying during online check-in.
• Pack light. Avoid checked bag fees and bring carry-on luggage only. Check with your airline on the maximum size of bags allowed in overhead bins. TSA regulations require the name on your airline ticket/boarding pass to exactly match your name as it is printed on your government-issued identification.
• Make reservations for accommodations and rental cars ahead of time so prices can be locked in. Air fares are typically cheaper if arrangements are made early.
• Liquids and gel carry-ons will only be allowed in containers no larger than three ounces and must be placed in a quart-size Ziploc clear plastic bag.

AAA’s projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades.

AAA Travel is the nation’s largest leisure travel organization. AAA Travel offers trips, cruises, tours, and vacation packages throughout the world.

Call 888-937-5523 for more information or visit us at your local AAA Travel office or online at www.aaa.com/travel .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Soper-Reese Community Theatre will host its annual New Year's Party on Monday, Dec. 31.

The fun will take place from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s morning.
 
The Lake County Diamonds will perform live.
 
The cost is $50 for table seats and $40 for loge seats. The price includes appetizers by Bellisimo Catering and a glass of champagne at midnight.

Table seating is limited. Purchase your tickets early.
 
Come celebrate New Year’s in this beautiful community theater.

Your ticket will help maintain the theater as a valuable community asset.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://app.ticketturtle.com/index.php?ticketing=srct .

The Soper-Reese Community Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A caregiver support group for families dealing with memory loss or other cognitive impairments will meet on Thursday, Dec. 20.

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

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.