Habitat for Humanity recently assisted the Lake County Youth Services Center when its cooling unit was stolen. Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Lake County.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – When the Lake County Youth Services Center recently had its cooling unit stolen, resulting in an electrical fire, Habitat for Humanity Lake County was there to help.

A group of volunteer laborers came together to replace the cooling unit and worked to repair the fire-damaged facility.

“This is the sort of project our organization likes to get involved in, the chance to give back to the community to help make our county stronger,” said Habitat for Humanity Lake County President Richard Birk. “We were glad to be able to help.”

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Habitat for Humanity at 707-994-1100, or come by the group's office at 16285A Main St., Lower Lake.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The commission will discuss and possibly offer a recommendation regarding future amendments to the Lakeport General Plan Transportation Element.

Commissioner Vincent Lechowick, center, with new CASA volunteer Harold Yee, right, and Jeremy Livingston, left. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Aug. 30, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA) of Mendocino County enjoyed the swearing in of its first volunteers for its long-awaited expansion into neighboring Lake County.

The ceremony, which took place at the Lake County Courthouse, was performed by Commissioner Vincent Lechowick and was witnessed by many of the attorneys and social workers who currently work with delinquent and dependent children in Lake County.

Prior to taking their oaths, the first class of volunteers completed the 30-hour CASA training program.

This comprehensive technical training is designed to provide CASA volunteers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enable them to work in the best interests of the children they will ultimately be assigned to serve.

The training covers, but is not limited to: the history of child abuse and neglect; the laws established for child protection, which include the structure and governance of California’s Child Protection System and Juvenile Justice; and, the factors that impact children and families whose lives have been affected by these courts. Cultural sensitivity is stressed as well as how to plan an investigation and manage a case, and the role and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer.

Currently there are more than 200 Lake County children living in out-of-home placement due either to abuse or neglect, or because they need more structure than can be provided for them in their family’s home.

These children lead uncertain lives; some are in foster care, others in group homes or shelters. Many of them are separated from their siblings and most don’t understand what has happened or why. CASA programs and their volunteers across the United States exist solely to help these vulnerable children.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, however they have one thing in common: they all have a strong commitment to stand up for these children in court, advocate for their best interests and seek to ensure that these children receive the services they need.

They strive to minimize the amount of time the children spend in placement before reaching permanency either with their biological or adoptive family; and that they are protected from any further risk of abuse. In short, CASA volunteers become an objective voice for the child in the court process as well as a consistent and caring person in the child's life.

The board and staff of CASA of Mendocino & Lake Counties congratulate its newest class of volunteers – it’s first class of Lake County advocates.

If you would like to request more information about the CASA program, please call 707-463-6503 or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Staff and volunteers at a previous Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum Living History Day. Courtesy photo.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lower Lake Historic School Preservation Committee invites the public to its “Living History Day” on Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum, 16435 Main St.

Museum staff, dressed in period costume, will be demonstrating Victorian era household items and playing the 1906 player piano.

Toys and games from the early 1900s will be available for the children, along with the viewing of 3-D pictures through a stereoscope.

This month introduces a new segment to the Living History Day, “A Moment in Time,” at 1 p.m. in the Weaver Auditorium.

Museum Curator Linda Lake will read from the letters of Evelyn Hertslet, a young Englishwoman who accompanied her husband to Burns Valley in 1885.

Take a step back in time and learn about local history.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and admission is free.

For information, please call the museum at 707-995-3565.

The Potter Valley Garden Club will host the gathering at Spotwood Estate, 11820 West Road.

Registration and coffee hour begin at 9:30 a.m., with the meeting starting at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be held at 12:30 p.m.

The program theme is “How clubs are making a difference in their communities.”

There will be a 50/50 state parks drawing and a plant sale table.

All club members and guests are welcome.

The cost to attend is $15. The reservation deadline is Oct. 22. Make checks payable to Jessica Kimball, PVGC Treasurer, P. O. Box 201, Potter Valley, CA 95469.

The California Garden Clubs Inc. promotes gardening, floral design, civic beautification, environmental responsibility and the exchange of information and ideas.

There are six garden clubs all within the Mendo-Lake District (www.mendolakedistrict.org). All the districts in California are under the California Garden Club Inc. (www.CaliforniaGardenClubs.org), then within the Pacific Region (www.PacificregionGardenClubs.org) and then the National Garden Clubs Inc. (www.gardenclub.org). These Web sites contain a wealth of information – check them out.

GinaBelle Smith is the Mendo-Lake District director. For further information check out any of the above Web sites or call 707-964-3798.

All are welcome to visit the garden clubs.

The district meets quarterly and the public is invited to attend any of the meetings. Watch for future announcements of meetings and activities.