Prevention in mental health involves reducing risk factors or stressors, building protective factors and skills and increasing support. Prevention promotes positive cognitive, social and emotional development and encourages a state of well-being that allows the individual to function well in the face of changing and sometimes challenging circumstances.

MHSA calls for an approach to prevention that is integrated, accessible, culturally competent, strengths-based, effective, and that targets investments with the aim of avoiding costs (in human suffering and resources) for treatment services.

Early intervention is directed toward individuals and families for whom a short-duration (usually less than one year), relatively low-intensity intervention is appropriate to measurably improve a mental health problem or concern very early in its manifestation, thereby avoiding the need for more extensive mental health treatment or services; or to prevent a mental health problem from getting worse.

For individuals participating in PEI programs, the early intervention element:

• Addresses a condition early in its manifestation.

• Is of relatively low intensity.

• Is of relatively short duration (usually less than one year).

• Has the goal of supporting well-being in major life domains and avoiding the need for more extensive mental health services.

• May include individual screening for confirmation of potential mental health needs.

PEI programs have the following characteristics:

• Consistent with MHSA transformational principles; potential program participants and their families are involved in planning; implementing and evaluating PEI programs.

• Programs are often designed and implemented in collaboration with other systems and/or organizations.

• Programs are generally delivered in a natural community setting.

• Programs link individual participants who are perceived to need assessment or extended treatment for mental illness or emotional disturbance to County Mental Health, the primary care provider or another appropriate mental health services provider. Programs help individuals navigate to obtain needed services.

• Programs recognize the underlying role of poverty and other environmental and social factors that impact individuals’ wellness, therefore programs also help link individuals and family members to other needed services provided by grassroots organizations and local agencies, particularly in the areas of substance abuse treatment; community, family or sexual violence prevention and intervention; and basic needs, such as food, housing and employment.

• Programs are consistent with non-supplant requirements, collaboration and leveraging principles and all MHSA statutory and regulatory requirements.

Meetings are scheduled:

• Monday, Dec. 1, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Robinson Rancheria Banquet Center in Nice;

• Tuesday, Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Clearlake Senior Center in Clearlake.

• Thursday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Calpine Geothermal Center in Middletown.

• Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Konocti Vista Casino Banquet Room in Lakeport.

For more information, call Holly at 263-4338, Extension 250.

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The group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Redbud Library Community Room,14785 Burns

Valley Road, Clearlake.

Meetings are open to the public and committee membership is open to all registered Democrats.

Contact the Democratic Party of Lake County at 707.263-4529 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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NORTH COAST – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

Many Caltrans crews observe the Thanksgiving holiday during the Nov. 27-30 time period. Caltrans wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– A highway widening project from Polk Jones Cattlepass to Nice-Lucerne Cutoff Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– A roadway realignment project from 1.4 miles east of the North Fork Cache Creek Bridge to 1.6 miles west of Walker Ridge Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

Highway 29

– A slide repair project from the Lupiyoma Creek Bridge to Bar X Ranch 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 – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

– Mohammed Hussain of Nice has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for paving at the junction of Route 20/29. 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.

Highway 281

– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from 0.9 miles west of Tenino Way to the junction of Route 29/281 beginning Friday, Nov. 21. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– PG&E of Eureka has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for tree trimming from Iversen Road to Stonebord Road on Monday, Nov. 24, and Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– AT&T of Fort Bragg has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for an aerial crossing between Philo Greenwood Road and the north limits of Elk. 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.

– Caltrans will continue geotechnical drilling at Ocean Meadows Circle (south). 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.

Highway 20

– A highway widening project from Old Willits Road to Gravel Pitt Road will continue. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays. Contractor – Argonaut Constructors of Santa Rosa.

Highway 101

– A pavement repair project from 0.1 miles north to 1.5 miles north of Comminsky Station Road will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Roadway repair due to pavement deterioration from 3.6 miles south of Ridgewood Ranch Road to 1.9 miles south of Ridgewood Ranch Road will continue. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

– Majajo LLC of Willits has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility installation between Oak Avenue and San Francisco Avenue through Friday, Nov. 21. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction of travel. Motorists may experience minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 162

– A bridge widening project at Outlet Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Viking Construction Co. Inc. of Rancho Cordova.

Highway 253

– A bridge widening project at Anderson Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Viking Construction Co. Inc. of Rancho Cordova.

– A bridge widening project at Soda Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary signal is in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Contractor – Viking Construction Co. Inc. of Rancho Cordova.

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On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Lake County Board of Supervisors will present a special proclamation to Community Care HIV/AIDS Project Drop In Center (CCHAP), designating "AIDS Awareness Week" in Lake County, from Dec. 1st through Dec. 6.

The proclamation also will honor the CCHAP clients and staff and community-wide support in making a successful, first-ever AIDSWalk Lake County this past September.

On Sunday, Dec. 7, AIDS Awareness Week will culminate with the first-ever “Lake County AIDS Service of Remembrance.” This special community event is a collaboration between CCHAP Drop In Center, the Stonewall Democratic Club and the Clearlake Oaks Community Methodist Church.

The special service begins at 2 p.m. and is located at the CLO Community Methodist Church, on The Plaza (in back of the Red and White Market).

The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Rick Schlosser and will be an open, community-wide event- where all are welcome.

The theme is to honor those who have gone before us and to encourage personal responsibility to keep the dialogue moving, all year-round, through individual efforts of leadership.

Stop AIDS. Keep The Promise. Empower. Deliver. Lead. Make a healthier Lake County. Please join in this this very special commemorative event.

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Habitat for Humanity Lake County President Richard Birk speaks to attendees at the Saw Shop event on Nov. 11, 2008. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY – The seventh annual Saw Shop Bistro Benefit Dinner and auction for Habitat for Humanity Lake County, held on the evening of Nov. 11 was a great success.

The attendees all had a great time.

“This Saw Shop annual benefit has raised more than $50,000.00 in the last seven years and is a major factor in our mission of eliminating substandard living conditions in our community,” President Richard Birk. “We give special thanks to owner Marie Beery and her staff for donating their time to producing this event and that the food and wine were also donated.”

Major contributors this year were Saw Shop Bistro; WestAmerica Bank; Dr. Keith Long, DDS; North Bay Association of Realtors; Physio and Massage Therapist for Humans and Horses, Carol Christie; Bank of the West; Twila Bechler Insurance Agency; Kelseyville Lumber; and Pacific Gas and Electric.

Two handmade quilts were auctioned off, one made by the Hidden Valley Lake Quilters and the other by volunteer Julie Nodine.

Those interested in supporting with funds and/or donating their time to Habitat for Humanity, Lake County, please telephone 994-1100 for further information.

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LAKEPORT – Take the opportunity to make a child’s dream come true.

Umpqua Bank is once again promoting the Christmas Wish Tree for children under the care of Child Protective Services in Lake County.

These children range in ages from 2 months to 17 years. There are approximately 150 names on the trees located at the Lakeport and Kelseyville branches of Umpqua Bank. Hurry to get your choice of tags!

The bank and its staff are reaching out to the community with the hope that you can join them to achieve the goal of giving a child their wish this Christmas season.

It is so easy to do. Simply come into either of the local Umpqua Banks, pick a child’s tag and sign the register. Then return your gift by Dec. 10, wrapped and with the tag on it. It’s very easy and so rewarding.

If you don’t have the time to purchase a gift, you can make a monetary donation and bank staff will be happy to do the shopping for you.

Umpqua Bank is located in Lakeport at 805 11th St., and in Kelseyville at 4280 Main St.

For more information call Umpqua Bank at 262-3342.

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