The effort seeks to provide warm clothes, food and tents to the area's homeless.

The giveaway will take place at the old senior center building on Golf and Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

They will give away coats, clothing and blankets to those in need.

Donations will be taken through January. They still need coats, gloves, hats, tarps and blankets.

For more information call Clearlake City Council member Joyce Overton at 707-350-2898.

SAN FRANCISCO – Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) has launched its annual Winter Gas Savings Program, where all eligible customers who reduce their cumulative gas usage during January and February will receive an automatic bill credit.

Customers who reduce usage up to 10 percent will receive an equal percentage credit on their spring gas bill.

For example, a customer who reduces their usage by 2 percent will receive a 2 percent credit.

Customers who reduce their gas usage by 10 percent or more will automatically receive a 20 percent credit.

Last year, more than 2.3 million customers reduced their gas usage and earned bill credits totaling $59 million.

Customers can take simple steps to reduce their gas consumption:

• Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees during the daytime (health permitting);

• Set the water heater to 120 degrees or the “normal” setting;

• Wash clothes in cold water versus hot;

• Open blinds and drapes on sunny days;

• Microwave small amounts of food instead of heating them up in the oven.

Customers can find informative tips, tools and resources to help conserve gas by visiting, www.pge.com/wintergassavings .

Customers can also calculate their savings and send an “Appliance-Gram” to family and friends to help them discover ways to save natural gas and money this winter.

The bird identification program is a great way to learn about the common and not-so-common birds of Lake County, especially if you are planning to participate in the Bird Count.

Even if you are not, however, learning about common birds is very fun and gratifying, noted Redbud Audubon’s president, Marilyn Waits.

Brad Barnwell will be presenting an updated presentation with new photographs of many of Lake County’s birds.

The program emphasizes the field characteristics of birds likely to be seen during the count.

The meeting is open to the public, including people who do not wish to participate in the bird count.

For more information about Redbud Audubon, go to www.redbudaudubon.org .

They currently are seeking four members from Lake County and four from Mendocino County.

The council shall advise the governing board on issues such as developing the area four-year plan and development and coordination of community policies and programs throughout both counties, dealing with issues important to older adults.

Council members must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be an older adult person 60 years or older;

• An advocate of older persons;

• A representative of a health care agency or organization serving older adults;

• A person providing leadership in the private and/or volunteer sectors;

• A local elected official; or

• A member of the general public residing in Lake or Mendocino County.

Fifty percent of the membership shall be older persons.

Anyone interested in serving on the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council should contact the AAA at 707-463-7775 in order to receive an application for membership.

Applications must be submitted by Dec. 31, 2009.

The starting point to pick up ballot and treats is 18771 Deer Hollow Rd. There will be gift baskets for the top three winners.

Please bring nonperishable food items to the starting point for the Spirit of the Season. They will collect and deliver all donations.