SANTA ROSA, Calif. – Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is celebrating its 35th birthday – that's 245 in dog years – at “Bone Appétit – A Celebration of Great Pairings” on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jean and Charles Schulz Campus in Santa Rosa.

This year's event features local wine and food pairings, a live and silent auction, puppies, celebrities and music from local sensation Wonder Bread 5, all showing their support to raise awareness for CCI.

CCI provides highly-trained assistance dogs to adults and children with disabilities free of charge, this fundraiser is a critical component to help us continue our work.

For more information call 1-800-572-BARK (2275).

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. – With more than six million California students heading back to school, AAA Northern California is warning drivers about the dangers these excited young students, and newly licensed teenage drivers, add to the roadways.

“At the beginning of a new school year, children are often distracted by new books and friends, instead of paying attention to their surroundings,” cautioned AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “It’s important for motorists to pay extra attention when driving through school zones and residential areas.”

Although school zones legally require a reduced speed for motorists, simply following posted signs is not enough; paying attention to one’s surroundings while on the road is equally as important. Many youngsters have trouble making accurate judgments about traffic speed and distance, so drivers have to be particularly aware.

AAA urges motorists to abide by the following guidelines when driving near schools and in areas where children may be present:

• Slow down near schools and in residential areas. Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.

• Look for clues that children are in the area, such as AAA School Safety Patrollers, crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds.

• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children might dart into the road.

• Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students. It is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.

• Leave a little early so you are not rushed as you travel to work or school. Back to school often means increased congestion and longer commute times.

• Practice extra caution in bad weather. Drive with your headlights on, so children and other drivers can see you.

• Drive without distractions. Don’t use cell phones, eat, or attend to personal grooming.

• Be aware of teen drivers. Newly licensed drivers are not accustomed to driving in congested areas such as school zones. Watch out for unexpected driving behaviors like sudden stops or abrupt changes in speed.

For more information on school zone safety visit www.aaa.com/saferdriving.

UPPER LAKE – The Northshore Dive Team will meet this Friday, Aug. 13.

The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Northshore Fire Protection District's Station 90 in Upper Lake.

All interested personnel are encouraged to attend.

The training will follow.

The team, which operates through community donations, also is seeking help in updating its dive gear. Donations can be sent to the team at P.O. Box 61, Upper Lake, CA 95485.

For more information, call team leader Capt. John Rodriguez at 707-275-9007 or 707-349-3367, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the team's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Upper-Lake-CA/Northshore-Dive-Team/289897949089?ref=ts.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The contestants in the upcoming Miss Lake County Scholarship Program pageant will have a car wash and bake sale at the Grocery Outlet in Lakeport this Saturday, Aug. 14.

The fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kathi (formerly of Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa) will be giving chair massages.

All donations will go toward the scholarship fund. For information call 707-277-0707 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Girlfriends Salon in Clearlake will hold a benefit drawing this Friday, Aug. 13.

The winner will receive a purse filled with goodies.

Susan Ann Thompson has a 3-year-old granddaughter who was brutally beaten one month ago. The money raised will go to help her family.

Girlfriends Salon is located at 14510 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-994-6303.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The committee to elect Don Anderson for District Attorney invites everyone to attend the official launching of the campaign to elect Don Anderson as Lake County’s next district attorney.

The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at the Lodge at Blue Lakes, 5135 W. Highway 20, Upper Lake.

Anderson will present his plan to restore the confidence of the people of Lake County.

The free event is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about Anderson, supporters and those who might want to get involved with the campaign.

Complimentary appetizers will be served.

There also will be music and some low key fundraising activities for those who wish to support Anderson's campaign in that way.

Anyone who has questions of Anderson may contact him at 707-263-1775 or visit his Web site at www.donandersonfordistrictattorney.com.