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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will review the Community Development Department’s ongoing budget deficit and loan repayment plan, consider an additional $1 million funding for sewage spill recovery and discuss Behavioral Health contracts of more than $25 million.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 865 3354 4962, pass code 726865. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,86533544962#,,,,*726865#. The meeting can also be accessed via phone at 669 900 6833.
At 1:30 p.m., the Community Development Department will return to the board to report on its historical revenue, department expenses including salaries and benefits, and to discuss department operations and a plan to pay back a loan.
This is the fourth time the item has come back since the department first reported a deficit in November – just two months after a “balanced” final budget was approved – and requested a $390,000 loan to make payroll.
Director Mireya Turner at the time attributed the shortfall to a “significant drop in building permits.”
It was later revealed in Dec. 9’s board meeting that the department’s Building Division – funded primarily by building permit fees – had effectively used its reserve to subsidize the Planning and Code Enforcement divisions for multiple years, until the reserve was depleted.
Deputy County Administrative Officer Casey Moreno said more than $1 million had been internally transferred to cover salaries in the receiving divisions.
Over the past three meetings, questions about the legality of the internal fund transfers and the use of future permitting fees to repay past loans have remained unanswered, despite being raised multiple times.
The proposed loan repayment period was also extended from one fiscal year to three as discussions progressed.
In untimed items, the board will consider adding an additional $1 million for cleanup and recovery efforts following a massive sewage spill that began Sunday, Jan. 11, after the rupture of a 16-inch force main on Robin Lane.
The force main is operated by the Lake County Sanitation District, which is overseen by Lake County Special Districts.
A local emergency was declared by the city of Clearlake on Jan. 12 and by the county on Jan. 13.
With $750,000 approved at the board’s special meeting on Jan. 21 to assist with response efforts, total appropriations to Lake County Special Districts would reach $1,750,000 if the board approves the additional funding to support “mid- and long-term solutions to ensure community members have access to safe water,” according to the staff memo.
The Board of Supervisors will also consider three Behavioral Health items totaling approximately $25.1 million in contracts and amendments, focused on homelessness and specialty mental health services, according to the staff memos.
The first is a $527,625.96, 27-month agreement with North Coast Opportunities to provide Housing First rapid rehousing services through June 30, 2027, serving at least 40 people using state and federal homelessness grants.
The second is Amendment No. 5 to the county’s contract with Community Behavioral Health, shifting from a flat-rate compensation structure to a fee-for-service Medi-Cal reimbursement model effective Sept. 1, 2025, and increasing the contract maximum by $9 million to $24.6 million to reflect current demand.
The third is approval of a Transitional Rent Provider Agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California, effective Jan. 1, 2026, allowing Lake County Behavioral Health Services to provide up to six months of Medi-Cal-funded rental assistance for eligible residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with no impact to the county’s general fund.
On Jun. 17, the board approved authorizing a $2 million loan to Behavioral Health requiring repayment within 90 days – a deadline the department ultimately missed.
County documents showed that it was due to cash flow constraints tied to the Medi-Cal intergovernmental transfer process and timing of reimbursements.
On Sep. 16, Behavioral Health Director Elise Jones requested a 180-day extension for their repayment. The board approved it 4-1 with Supervisor Sabatier the sole dissenting vote.
In the closed session, the board will conduct public employee evaluations of County Administrative Officer Susan Parker and Water Resources Director Pawan Upadhyay.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1, Approve letter of support for Northern Rural Energy Network business plan application to expand energy efficiency programs.
5.2, Adopt proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month and celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
5.3, Approve continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in the County of Lake.
5.4, Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.5, Approve continuation of proclamation declaring a Clear Lake Hitch emergency.
5.6, Approve continuation of proclamation of a local health emergency for the Clearlake sewage spill.
5.7, Approve continuation of local emergency due to the 2026 Robin Lane sewer spill (City of Clearlake).
5.8, Adopt resolution approving Agreement No. 25-0557-000-SA with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for the Apiary Protection Program, Jan. 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, for $6,831.36.
5.9, Approve travel exceeding 1,500 miles for Assistant Auditor-Controller Dakhota Hockett to attend annual comprehensive financial reporting training in Chicago, Illinois.
5.10, Approve amendment No. 2 to agreement with Redwood Community Services, Inc., Phoenix House Residential Treatment Facility for FY 2025–26, with no change to contract maximum, and authorize the Chair to sign.
5.11, Approve amendment No. 1 to agreement with Redwood Community Services Inc. for WRAP, Foster Care and ISFC programs for FY 2025–26, revising Medi-Cal reimbursement terms effective Jan. 1, 2026, and authorize the Chair to sign.
5.12, Approve Board of Supervisors meeting minutes of Jan. 6, 2026, and Feb. 3, 2026.
5.13, Approve Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care certification statement and authorize the Chair to sign.
5.14, Award bid for the Live Oak Drive water main replacement project.
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 9:02 a.m.: Public input.
6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the week.
6.3, 9:05 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month and celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
6.4, 9:30 a.m.: Presentation on update and relaunch of 211 Lake County.
6.5, 1:30 p.m.: (a) Presentation of Community Development Department historical revenue and expense analysis; and (b) request for board direction regarding department operations and loan repayment plan.
NON-TIMED ITEMS
7.1, Supervisors’ weekly calendar, travel and reports.
7.2, Consideration of agreement with North Coast Opportunities, Inc. for rapid rehousing services for FYs 2025–26 and 2026–27.
7.3, Consideration of amendment No. 5 to agreement with Community Behavioral Health for specialty mental health services for FYs 2023–24 through 2025–26.
7.4, Consideration of transitional rent provider agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California effective Jan. 1, 2026, with no impact to the county General Fund.
7.5, Consideration of advisory board appointments: Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee; Middletown Area Town Hall.
7.6, Consideration of request for board direction regarding regulations for short-term rentals and low-impact camping.
7.7, Consideration of request to close Health Services offices April 9, Aug. 13 and Oct. 15, 2026, for all-staff training.
7.8, Consideration of resolution increasing reserve cancellation related to the Robin Lane sewage release response.
7.9, Addendum—Consideration of authorization to use the county seal for a plaque celebrating 250 years of America.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1, 10 a.m.: Conference with legal counsel—Significant exposure to litigation, three potential cases.
8.2, Public employee evaluation: County Administrative Officer.
8.3, Public employee evaluation: Water Resources Director.
8.4, Conference with labor negotiator: Deputy County Counsel Association.
Lingzi Chen is a staff reporter at Lake County News and a 2024-2026 California Local News Fellow. Email her at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Registrar of Voters Office said the nomination and filing period is now open for county, state and federal offices that will be on the ballot for the June 2 Statewide Direct Primary Election.
The filing period is Feb. 9 through March 6.
If an incumbent fails to file during this period, candidate filing will extend for any candidate except the incumbent until March 11 by 5 p.m.
All candidates for elective office must file nomination papers and declaration of candidacy, as well as pay a nonrefundable filing fee to have their name printed on the ballot. Judicial candidates pay when filing the declaration of intention.
Eligible voters can file for candidacy for the following offices:
Federal/state offices:
• Governor;
• Lieutenant governor;
• Secretary of state;
• Controller;
• Treasurer;
• Attorney general;
• Insurance commissioner;
• Member, State Board of Equalization, District 2;
• State Superintendent of Public Instruction;
• U.S. Representative in Congress, Districts 1 and 4;
• State Senate, District 2;
• State Assembly, District 4.
County offices:
• Judge of the Superior Court, Department 2;
• County Superintendent of Schools;
• County Supervisor (Districts 2 and 3);
• Assessor-Recorder;
• County Clerk-Auditor;
• Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Voters desiring information regarding any of the offices listed above may contact the Registrar of Voters Office.
The Registrar of Voters Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding county holidays, to assist both candidates and voters.
The Registrar of Voter’s office will be closed Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents Day.
For additional Information call the elections office at 707-263-2372, toll-free at 888-235-6730, or email
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council has approved a construction contract for the sodium hypochlorite upgrade project at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, an infrastructure improvement focused on enhancing employee safety and strengthening day-to-day operational reliability.
The approved project replaces the facility’s existing chlorine gas disinfection system with a liquid sodium hypochlorite system, reducing the risks associated with storing and handling pressurized chemicals.
Liquid systems also allow for more consistent and reliable disinfection operations and reduce operational constraints associated with gas-based systems.
The city awarded the construction contract to Piazza Construction, the lowest responsible bidder, in an amount not to exceed $970,200, which includes a contingency for unforeseen conditions.
Construction is expected to begin in March and conclude by August.
“This upgrade represents an important investment in employee safety and essential infrastructure,” said Utilities Director Paul Harris. “Transitioning to a liquid disinfection system improves operational reliability while reducing potential hazards at the treatment facility.”
The project is fully budgeted within the city’s sewer operations and maintenance fund.
Officials said it qualifies for a California Environmental Quality Act categorical exemption as a minor alteration and replacement of an existing public utility system with no expansion of treatment capacity.
The city’s announcement on the project said it supports City Council priorities related to public safety, fiscal stability and capital infrastructure maintenance.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting this week.
The committee, or LEDAC, will meet in person only from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
LEDAC’s meetings are open to the public.
On the agenda is a special gathering of LEDAC’s Business Outreach Working Group.
They will get the annual performance reports on the housing element and general plan as part of the land use academy, discuss the vacant commercial buildings inventory, receive the Community Development Department’s quarterly activity report and consider the business wall presentation to the Lakeport City Council.
The committee will next meet on March 11.
LEDAC advocates for a strong and positive Lakeport business community and acts as a conduit between the city and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.
Members are Chair Wilda Shock, Vice Chair Laura Sammel, Secretary Pam Harpster, Bonnie Darling, Candy De Los Santos, Pam Harpster, Lissette Hayes, Alondra Herrera, Drew Jacoby, Vivian McCloud, Euline Olinger, Marie Schrader and Tim Stephens. City staff who are members include City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Department Director Joey Hejnowicz, Associate Planner Victor Fernandez and Chief Building Officer Bethany Moss Childers.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Clear Lake has long been the crown jewel of California’s bass fishing scene, but while the largemouths often steal the spotlight, a "silver rush" is quietly taking over.
The black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) population has seen an explosion in both numbers and size over the last five years.
Local buzz is reaching a fever pitch, with many suggesting the state record already held by a Clear Lake local might be shattered again any day now.
Black crappie aren't actually native to these waters; they were introduced in 1908, arriving by rail from Meredosia, Illinois.
In the century since, they have done more than just survive; they have established a thriving, dominant population that rivals any panfish fishery in the country.
The benchmark for excellence was set on Feb. 17, 2021, by David Burruss, owner of Clear Lake Outdoors.
Burruss landed a “mega slab” weighing 4 pounds, 5 ounces. Measuring 17.75 inches long with a massive 17-inch girth, the fish shattered a 46-year-old state record.
Burruss found the monster in 26 feet of water off the point at Shag Rock. "I spotted a three-pack on my Garmin Forward Facing Sonar," Burruss recalled.
He was using a baitcaster with 15-pound test, a half-ounce Cool Baits Underspin, and a 4-inch Keitech Easy Shiner. Last month marked the five-year anniversary of that historic catch.
To bag "Clear Lake Silver," you have to follow the water and the weather. Local veterans keep a close eye on the Rumsey Gage, established in 1873 by Lakeport cattle driver DeWitt Clinton Rumsey.
Currently, the lake sits just a foot below "full pull" (the official full mark of 7.56 feet). One more atmospheric river should be enough to top it off for a spectacular season.
Winter crappie congregate in the deep waters of the Rattlesnake Arm. Look for the "armada" of boats near Rattlesnake Island, where fish hold in 25 to 35 feet of water.
During spring (March–April): As temperatures rise, the fish move shallow to spawn. They often take over existing bass beds, making the Lakeshore Boulevard area in Lakeport a primary target for spring action.
Modern technology is fundamentally changing how we hunt crappie. Forward-facing sonar (like Garmin Livescope) allows anglers to target schools that appear as distinct clusters of dots on the screen.
Because a crappie's eyes are positioned on the top of its head, they feed upward; always present your bait slightly above the school.
“Strolling” or slow-rolling a jighead minnow through a school is incredibly effective for tempting big bites. Experienced anglers prefer tungsten jigheads over lead; the denser material provides a much sharper return on sonar, making it easier to track your lures in relation to the fish.
Success often comes down to the details. Specialized 10-to-15-foot rods, such as the ACC Crappie Scopin Stix, allow for precise lure placement. Top-performing soft plastics include the Bobby Garland 2-inch baby shad (in Purple Monkey, Key Lime Pie, or Ice Out) and the 6th Sense Panorama “Ghost Pro Shad” on a Cyclops jighead for a "dying-fall" presentation.
When the artificial bite is tough, often due to the lake's abundant natural forage of threadfin shad and Mississippi silversides nothing beats a live minnow. You can pick these up at local bait and tackle shops like Clearlake Outdoors, Lakeport Tackle, Clearlake Bait & Tackle and The Konocti Bait Shack.
The proof is in the livewell. Recently, Nate and Michelle Hilligoss of Kelseyville showed just how productive the lake can be, landing a 15-plus pound five-fish limit. Nate’s biggest weighed in at 3.7 lbs, while Michelle contributed a 3.1 lb beauty, both caught on 1/16 oz jigheads and 3” Yamamoto Scope Shads.
Other notable catches include Marlene Healey, who landed a 3.3-pound slab on a Gratt Rocker Minnow and Arnold Valerio Jr., who pulled a 3-pound fish using a "double jig rig" (a dropshot-style setup with a jighead at the bottom and a loop-knotted jighead above).
For those without a boat, Clear Lake offers excellent public access. The pier at Lucerne Harbor is a prime venue for groups, and various parks around the lake offer dock access perfect for a simple jig-and-bobber setup.
If you’re looking for a guided "Masterclass," Ed Legan of “Fishing With Ed” is the resident expert. His pontoon boat is a common sight in the winter months, consistently finding the schools when others can't.
Clear Lake may be famous for its bass, but for those who have experienced the "Silver Rush," the real treasure is the slab of a lifetime waiting just beneath the surface.
Craig Nelson is a former professional golfer who fell in love with tournament bass fishing 20 years ago. He found Lake County after fishing an FLW Stren Series event and never left. He’s the back-to-back winner of the Konocti Classic and runner up in the inaugural WON Bass Clear Lake Open.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has more new dogs waiting to be adopted this week.
The dogs available for adoption this week include mixes of Australian shepherd, cattle dog, German shepherd, husky, Labrador retriever, mastiff, pit bull terrier, poodle, Rottweiler and shepherd.
Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
Those animals shown on this page at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption.
Call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278 or visit the shelter online for information on visiting or adopting.
The shelter is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
