Accidents and mishaps increase dramatically when children trick-or-treat. Cal Fire wants everyone to

enjoy a fire-safe Halloween by following these tips:

Costumes

• Purchase costumes made of flame resistant or retardant material. Fire resistant does not mean fireproof.

• Apply reflective tape to Halloween costumes.

• Masks can obstruct vision – consider using makeup instead.

• Avoid loose, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts.

• Keep hemlines short enough to prevent tripping.

Decorations

• Light jack-o-lanterns with a battery powered light – NEVER use candles.

• Instruct children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire.

Trick-or-treating

• An adult should accompany children when trick-or-treating. Pick well-lit streets. If driving, be sure to watch for trick-or-treaters who are too busy to watch for you.

• Do not allow children to carry sharp sticks or other objects that could cause injury to others.

• Keep your yard free of tripping hazards, such as tools, hoses, etc.

• Children should be instructed to eat their treats only after parents have inspected them.

• Discard any unwrapped treats. If in doubt, throw it out.

Cal Fire wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

For more Halloween safety ideas or other fire safety tips, visit www.fire.ca.gov .

The Kitchen Gallery, located at 301 N. Main St., will host the demonstration.

She will prepare French onion soup with Gruyeres croûtons, creamy artichoke heart soup with Parmesan bread twists, and pumpkin curry soup with a toasted coconut garnish, which class members will get to sample.

The class fee of $25 also includes complete recipes of each dish.

Advance reservations are required for the classes. Classes fill up fast so be sure you make your reservations early.

To make reservations or for more information, contact the Kitchen Gallery at 707-262-0422.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Lake County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Thursday, Nov. 4.

The monthly meeting will take place beginning at 7 p.m. at the Clearlake Oaks United Methodist Church Community Hall, 12487 The Plaza.

Agenda items include results of the November election, and reports from representatives for Congressman Mike Thompson, Assemblyman Wes Chesbro and state Sen. Patricia Wiggins.

Also on the agenda will be discussion of the committee's participation in the voter registration drive and success in registering new voters.

The committee will continue its voter registration efforts to make sure that citizens who wish to vote are prepared for future elections.

Chair Becky Curry encourages all Democrats to consider getting involved in Democratic Party activities.

Meetings are open to the public and committee membership is open to all registered Democrats.

The Lake County Democratic Central Committee is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in Lake County.

Contact the Democratic Party of Lake County at 707-277-0713 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The committee's Web site is www.lakecountydemocrats.org .

SACRAMENTO – Cal Fire officials are warning residents of a recent donation scam involving the department.

Earlier this week a resident of Santa Clara County received a call from a person requesting a monetary donation to pay for training for Cal Fire firefighters.

As a state agency, Cal Fire does not solicit donations. The training of Cal Fire's firefighters is funded through the department’s budget.

If someone receives a phone call soliciting funds for Cal Fire, please do not give them any money.

However, get as much information from them as possible and then report the call to Cal Fire law enforcement officers at 408-778-0930.

Every effort is being made to stop the individual or individuals responsible for making false claims and for attempting to take money from the public.

Remember this is not a valid fundraiser, it is a fraud, Cal Fire said.

“Residents need to know that Cal Fire never solicits funds in order to provide services to the communities we serve,” said Josh White, Cal Fire deputy chief of law enforcement. “We hope that by getting the word out early no one will give their money to these criminals and that if residents do get a call from a scammer, they will be prepared to gather pertinent information so we can put a stop to this.”

The “Boo Bash” will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 30, at Rob Roy Golf Club, 16451 Golf Road.

The free event will feature a hayride, pumpkin patch, games and crafts.

For more information call 707-928-0121.

The club will offer stew served family style with salad and bread.

Dress up for the costume contest and win a prize.

They will serve dinner and dessert at the club hall, 2817 E. Highway 20 in Nice.

The bar is open for socializing at 5 p.m. then dinner will be served at 6 p.m.

Enjoy dancing to music of Jim Williams, right after the meal.

All tickets are $15 at the door.

Everyone is welcome.

For information about this event or renting the hall for your own, call 707-263-1606.