CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Time Bank of Thrive Lake County will hold a “Time Bank Orientation Brunch” on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Clearlake Methodist Church on 14521 Pearl Ave in Clearlake.

This fun and educational event is open to members and potential members of the time bank.

The agenda includes an introduction to the concept of time banking, a time for questions and answers, and an activity designed to get participants started in time banking.

All ages are welcome. Admission is free, and you can earn hours from the time bank from this event in the following ways: One hour will be provided for anybody who brings a breakfast or brunch food item to share with eight other people; one hour will be provided for anybody who brings a friend to the event; one hour will be provided to anyone who stays for the entire event and completes the orientation.

The Time Bank of Thrive Lake County helps Lake County residents get necessary services through allowing the exchange of time instead of cash.

To find out more about the Time Bank of Thrive Lake County or for more information about this event, visit the Thrive Lake County Web site at http://thrivelakecounty.org/time-bank.html , send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 707-413-0220.

The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the American Red Cross, a move that builds on a continuing effort to boost emergency response capabilities and the availability of critical resources in times of emergency.

“Our private partners play a critical role in emergency response,” said Cal EMA Secretary Mark Ghilarducci. “Having organizations such as the American Red Cross who are willing and able to help provide emergency assistance and resources to affected communities in times of need is a benefit to all Californians. These partnerships increase our resources, help us better coordinate and deliver the services our residents will need during times of emergency, and they help our local communities get back on their feet.”      

The MOU formalizes the American Red Cross’ partnership in emergency response, increasing their ability to monitor disaster events and effectively provide necessary resources as a component of the state’s Standardized Emergency Management System.

The agreement recognizes the American Red Cross’ work with Cal EMA and key state agencies such as the California Department of Social Services, lead state agency for care and shelter, as well as other business partners, to ensure resources are efficiently provided through coordination with Cal EMA.

The American Red Cross will also have representation at the State Operations Center at Cal EMA Headquarters during emergency activations to allow for direct coordination with Cal EMA and other private business partners.

“Partnerships with Cal EMA and other emergency response organizations create an important framework through which we may deliver the most effective response and recovery services in times of need,” said American Red Cross, West Area Director of Disaster Services Lisa Bennett. “When disaster strikes, coordination and communication amongst responders is an integral part of ensuring resources are in place and the needs of the public are met. The Red Cross is proud of the ongoing partnership with the State of California and is happy to be taking this next step forward.”

In an effort to enhance the role of the private sector in California’s ability to respond and recover from emergencies, Cal EMA has worked to incorporate the private sector into the state’s disaster response system. As part of these efforts, Cal EMA has actively pursued key partnerships with private industry.

To date, Cal EMA has signed MOUs with private sector partners such as Sears, Wells Fargo; Bank of America; Time Warner Cable; Walmart Stores, Inc.; Gap, Inc.; California Grocers Association; Target Corporation; Home Depot; California Utilities Emergency Association; and several others.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The fourth annual ‘Syncing Around the World’ celebrity lip sync competition will take place Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre in Lakeport.

There are 21 acts this year plus a finale that includes all the cast members.  

Many new faces have joined lip sync this year. Some of this years’ actors are: members of the Lakeport Senior Center as they do “I’m Too Sexy” with Executive Director Jonathon Crooks singing the lead; “Gangnam Style” is being done by the Lake County Association of Realtors; “Chica, Chica, Boom” with Lyle Coburn as Carmen Miranda; the Lakeport Rotary Club is doing “Macarena” with some help from their Kelseyville Sunrise Rotary friends.

Clear Lake High algebra and pre-calculus teacher John Magee will appear as Barry Manilow singing “CopaCabana” as he is pursued by English and drama teacher Pam Bradley among others; Sandy Robertson from NorCoast Insurance is performing “Lonely Goatherd”, and rumor has it this one may include a live goat.

There also will be appearances by The Three Stooges and returning from the first year will be The Three Tenors, both groups attempting to crash various acts.

With almost 80 actors in this lip sync, the public is sure to recognize someone they know. Lip sync is a fundraising production of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.  

All seats are reserved and tickets are $25/person for this two hour show. Each year audience members’ only complaint is how much their faces hurt from laughing so much.   

With performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, everyone has a chance to enjoy the red carpet arrival of the stars of lip sync as they drive up in classic autos and a myriad of Corvettes.
 
Tickets may be purchased online at www.soperreesetheater.com ; at The Travel Center in Lakeport, telephone 707-263-3095; or at the Lake County Chamber office, 875 Lakeport Blvd., in Lakeport.  

For more information, call the chamber at 707-263-5092.

NORTH COAST – 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.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 29

– Traffic signal head replacement at the junction of Routes 29/175 in Middletown and at Wardlaw Street will begin Monday, April 8. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns. Contractor – Mike Brown Electric Co. of Cotati.

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Bell Hill Road to the Kelsey Creek Bridge through Friday, April 5. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

Highway 53

– Highway widening and rehabilitation from 40th Avenue to the junction of Routes 20/53 will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Teichert Construction of Davis.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for filming near Lighthouse Road on Tuesday, April 9, and Wednesday, April 10. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Intermittent full road closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for filming near Windly Hollow Road through Friday, April 5. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans encroachment permit for filming near Mountain View Road on Tuesday, April 9, and Wednesday, April 10. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Replacement of the Greenwood Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Golden State Bridge Inc. of Martinez.

– Slipout repairs 1.6 miles south of Navarro Bluff Road will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Green Right O'Way Constructors of Willits.

– Bridge painting at the Salmon Creek Bridge and the Albion River Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. , weekdays. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Jeffco Painting and Coating of Vallejo.

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from Albion to the Hardy Creek Bridge will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

Highway 20

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from the Broaddus Creek Bridge to the railroad crossing will begin Monday, April 8. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

– Metal beam guardrail repair at various locations from the south junction of Routes 20/101 to the Cold Creek Bridge No. 5 will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. , weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays. Contractor – Coral Construction of Wilsonville.

Highway 101

– Caltrans will perform slide repairs near the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge (near Frog Woman Rock). Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Vegetation removal from about 1.0 mile south of the Haehl Overhead Bridge to the Haehl Overhead Bridge will begin Monday, April 8. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. Intermittent one-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – DeSilva Gates Construction of Dublin.

– PG&E of Eureka has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for tree trimming 1.1 miles north of Huntsman Way beginning Monday, April 8. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 128

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for filming about 1.5 miles west of Paul M Dimmick Park beginning Monday, April 8. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for filming near Flynn Creek Road beginning Tuesday, April 2. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for filming from the Soda Creek Bridge to 1.5 miles west of Cattle Pass on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7. Work hours are 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for filming from Cattle Pass to Butler Ranch beginning Thursday, April 11. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– NFS Productions of Universal City has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for filming from 1.5 miles west of Cattle Pass to 2.3 miles east of Butler Ranch on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. A full road closure will be in effect. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.

– PG&E of Eureka has been issued a Caltrans Encroachment permit for tree trimming from 0.2 mile west of Slide Creek to 0.6 mile west of Stipp Lane beginning Monday, April 8. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Work on all these projects is weather permitting and subject to change. 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 above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club hosted its annual “Daffodil Tea” on Tuesday, March 26, at the Bachelor Valley Grange in Upper Lake.

This event is one that is eagerly looked forward to every spring by both members and guests lucky enough to be invited.

More than a dozen club members each decorated a table with a different theme, complete with lovely fresh flower decorations and coordinated place settings that showcased members’ creativity and hostess skills.

The Grange was transformed by garden club members into a lush springtime garden featuring seven foot tall floral displays of local Forsythia and hundreds of daffodils.

In addition to pots of steaming fragrant tea, guests were treated to traditional tea sandwiches and deserts.

Upon being seated, the fun began with each table competing to name the botanical parts of a daffodil.

Mistress of Ceremonies Carol Dobusch read William Wadsworth’s poem, “Daffodils” and every guest and member went home with a door prize.

The Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club meets at noon on the third Tuesday of the month, except July and August, at the Scott’s Valley Women’s Clubhouse, 2298 Hendricks Road, Lakeport.

The club is a member of the Mendo-Lake District, California Garden Club Inc., Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.

New members are welcome. For more information, call President Leanne Harvey at 707-263-0850.

LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lake County Democratic Club meeting on Saturday, April 13, has been canceled.

Regular meetings will resume at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center.

Contract the Democratic Party of Lake County at 707-533-4885 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .