Chic Le Chef will host the class on gourmet Christmas gifts. Fifteen percent of class proceeds will go to feeding the hungry in Lake County.

In October more than 700 people received food through the Rural Food Project program.

Class will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. the Sunday after Thanksgiving and advance sign-ups are required.

Chef Esther Oertel will lead the class in making gourmet mixes for spice blends, coffee drinks, soup, cookies and granola, all packaged beautifully and ready to give away.

Gift packaging and decorative extras are included in the class fee of $45.

Chic Le Chef is located in the Hidden Valley Plaza next to Hardester's Market.

To sign up for the class, visit www.chiclechef.com or call 707-987-9664.

To find out more about the Rural Food Project, contact Hedy Montoya at 707-987-8139.

The Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce and the city of Ukiah welcomes you to the Small Town Christmas event at the Alex R. Thomas Plaza in downtown Ukiah.

The Christmas celebration will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Enjoy cookies, juice, and a free photo with Santa under the pavilion from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The evening is complete with music, vendors and tree lighting, and will be followed by the Truckers Light Parade.

For more information call the Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce at 707-462-4705 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

The dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Burns Valley School multipurpose room, 3620 Pine St., Clearlake.

On the menu will be ham, cranberry sauce, yams, pumpkin pie, egg nog, tea and coffee.

Rotary's special guest, Santa Claus, also will make an appearance.

Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. In particular, check the antifreeze, tire pressure and tread, brakes, windshield wipers, heater, defroster, and exhaust system.

When traveling to snow country, motorists should carry tire chains that are the proper type and size, and are in good condition. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels, so make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.

Other useful items to take are a flashlight, chain repair links, ice scraper or spray deicer, and a shovel. Taking along water, food, warm blankets, and extra clothing will make you more comfortable if you experience a lengthy delay.

And before you leave, put an extra door key in your pocket; a number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains.

“A prepared motorist is a safer motorist to themselves, other travelers, and our highway workers,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Charlie Fielder.

In addition to being prepared, motorists should use caution as well as common sense.

Don’t be rushed; get an early start to allow more time to reach your destination safely. Let someone know your travel plans, the route you plan to take and when you expect to arrive, and update them if

things change.

Keep your fuel tank full in case it’s necessary to change routes or you get caught in a traffic delay.

And, above all, be more observant and slow down. A highway speed of 55 or 65 miles an hour may be

safe in dry weather, but is an invitation for trouble on snow or ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

“Many collisions are caused by driving too fast for current conditions, especially during winter storms,” said Adam Jäger, California Highway Patrol Garberville Area Lieutenant Commander.

Before traveling and during your trip, be sure to check current road conditions.

Call the California Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623, or go online to www.dot.ca.gov .