Litter is an ongoing problem on state highways. Litter is not only ugly, it can lead to pollution.

Last year alone, Caltrans spent almost $50 million picking up trash on California State Highways. A total of more than 141,000 cubic yards of litter was removed last year, enough to fill 8,860 garbage trucks, or cover 87 acres of land one foot deep in trash.

Cigarette butts are the No. 1 item littered in California – they are discarded by the millions, often causing roadside fires, clogging storm drains, and threatening our water quality and wildlife.

In addition, motorists face the risk of accident, injury, and death as the result of trash and other debris fallen from vehicles hauling unsecured/untarped loads.

“During this time of limited public resources, Caltrans is spending millions of dollars every year cleaning up trash from California highways,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Charlie Fielder. “There are so many other uses for that money. We’re asking the public to help us reduce the trash problem – please Don’t Trash California.”

The dedicated volunteers who help clean our State Highways are a big part of the litter solution. In Caltrans District 1 (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, and Lake Counties), there are about 320 Adopt-A-Highway groups made up of approximately 1,500 volunteers.

“Adopt-A-Highway volunteers provide a considerable service helping Caltrans and CHP fight litter, lowering the cost of keeping California beautiful,” added Fielder. “I want to thank them for all their hard work.”

For more information on the Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway program, please call Wyatt Harris at 707-445-6625.

Benkelman was presented with a Penny Pines certificate.

CLTTGC participates in the Penny Pines program, which assist the National Forest Service in replanting areas damaged by fire, weather or insects with seedlings.

Each plantation which consists of a little less than one acre is planted with approximately 350 seedlings. The Forest Service provides a certificate in memory or honor of an individual or group.

CLTTGC sends donations to Mendocino National Forest, but any National Forest in California may be chosen.

At present our funds are used for the Spanish fire in the Grindstone Ranger District where 5,000 acres were destroyed in 2003.

Anyone interested in more information on participating in this program, contact Penny Pines Chairman Ann Blue at 707-263-5854.

Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club is a member of Mendo-Lake District, California Garden Club Inc., Pacific Region and National Garden Clubs Inc.

Entry forms can be found on the club Web site, www.earlyironofukiah.org .

The Early Iron of Ukiah Inc. Car Club is proud to announce that 2011 marks their 30th year as a Car Club and 21st year hosting the Fabulous Flashback Car Show, Sept. 16, 17 and 18.

The car show brings Ukiah great prestige among classic car collectors of several states and provides enjoyment for the entire community.

Proceeds from the event provide scholarships to local high school graduates continuing their education in an automotive related field.

Sign-in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the event ends at 5 p.m.

Breakfast and lunch will be available.

Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 presale.

The Bob Coats Band will provide live music.

Call Carole at 707-275-4979 for tickets or more information.

This year’s abundant snowfall and spring snowmelt will result in swift and cold river flows that can create treacherous conditions for all recreationists – waders, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, anglers and even hikers cooling off at the water’s edge.

The utility and state departments cautioned that the water content of California’s mountain snowpack was at 163 percent of normal as of April 1 – the highest amount since 1995.

As warmer weather and longer days begin melting snow in mountainous regions, water temperatures will continue to drop and flows will continue to rise in waterways and reservoirs.

Reservoir operators have begun increasing water releases in anticipation of filling later in the spring. Most PG&E reservoirs are expected to fill and water to flow over dam spillways in the May through July period.

“Those planning outings near mountain streams, rivers and reservoirs need to be extra vigilant and take appropriate safety measures,” said Alvin Thoma, director of PG&E’s power generation department. 'Water flows will fluctuate with the warming and cooling of the day so always be prepared for a change in conditions.”

“Even experienced swimmers can get caught in swift river flows,” said DBW’s Acting Director Lucia C. Becerra. “Stay safe by checking local conditions before taking a boating trip, wear a life jacket and avoid alcohol.”

“Spring is a wonderful time to visit our beautiful lakes and fast moving rivers,” said Ruth Coleman, director of California State Parks. “But please read the safety tips in this water safety warning because making a mistake could kill you or a loved one.”

Here are some safety tips:

Know the water

• Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the "gasp reflex" causing an involuntary inhalation of air or water. It can even trigger cardiac arrest, temporary paralysis, hypothermia and drowning. When faced with swift water, even the strongest swimmers may be easily overwhelmed.

• Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation. This may confuse swimmers, causing them to venture deeper into the water.

Know your limits

• Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool - people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.

• Cold water causes impairment leading to fatalities. It reduces body heat 25-30 times faster than air does at the same temperature.

• Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface. Swift water can make these obstacles even more treacherous.

Wear a life jacket

• Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming. Wearing a life jacket can increase survival time.

• A life jacket can provide some thermal protection against the onset of hypothermia and keep you afloat until someone else can rescue you.

Parental supervision

• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.

• Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

Know the law

• A 2010 boating law states that children under age 13 must wear a life jacket when on a moving vessel that is 26 feet or less in length.

• Every person on board a personal watercraft (popularly known as “jet skis”) and any person being towed behind a vessel must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

• It is against the law to operate a boat or water ski with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. You can be arrested even when your BAC is less than 0.08 percent if conditions are deemed to be unsafe.