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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As the nation reacted to the Tuesday verdict in the trial of the Minneapolis Police officer charged with the death of George Floyd, local leaders shared their thoughts on the impact of the case right here in Lake County.

Former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Chauvin knelt on the neck of a handcuffed and prone Floyd for nine minutes on 29 seconds on May 25.

Floyd’s death sparked protests and demonstrations not just nationwide but around the world. A series of peaceful gatherings were held in Lake County last summer.

It also has led to calls for policing reforms that are resulting in new legislation impacting law enforcement at all levels. More than 300 bills related to policing are reported to be making their way through the California Legislature this year.

Clearlake resident Rick Mayo, longtime president of the Lake County chapter of the NAACP, said the family of George Floyd got the right jury verdict and some closure for their loss of a father, son, brother, uncle and cousin. Mayo called Chauvin a “rogue officer” who murdered Floyd.

“People of all races in communities across this nation and around the world witnessed this brutality with rage in voice and protest,” Mayo said. “Hopefully as a result of officer Chauvin’s court conviction, our communities can find some healing and open the doors to constructive dialogue with government and law enforcement agencies. People all over the world are witnessing what justice looks like for people of color in America.”

Sheriff Brian Martin said the case has been tragic not just for Floyd’s family but for people everywhere and that Tuesday wasn’t a proud day for law enforcement.

“It was a pretty predictable and correct verdict that was reached today,” Martin said in a Tuesday afternoon interview with Lake County News, in the hours after the verdict was handed down.

Martin said the case already has had an impact on law enforcement, explaining the changes to policies and practices, and increased awareness. He also pointed to use of force legislation passed in California and across the nation prohibiting choke holds.

“It’s sad that somebody lost their life. It’s sad for the profession that Derek Chauvin did what he did,” Martin said, adding, “That’s not who we are,” and not what the overwhelming majority of law enforcement represent.

Martin said one of the many challenges in law enforcement is that a seemingly innocuous situation can turn deadly in a second.

While he said a use of force presence is necessary to keep violence from happening, in the Floyd case, with so many officers on the scene, there was no need for Chauvin to kneel on Floyd for nine minutes.

Mayo said continued lobbying pressure is needed on legislators so they’ll pass the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act, introduced in June by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37).

Bass’ office reported that it would ban chokeholds, end racial and religious profiling, eliminate qualified immunity for law enforcement, establish national standard for the operation of police departments, mandate data collection on police encounters, reprogram existing funds to invest in transformative community-based policing programs and streamline federal law to prosecute excessive force and establish independent prosecutors for police investigations.

It passed the House in June and was sent to the Senate, where no action has been taken. A newer version was introduced in February and passed by the House in March, and again is sitting in the Senate.

On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris urged the Senate to pass the new version of the bill.

“As historical as this conviction is, we still have many other black and brown families that haven’t received any closure or accountability for the loss of their family members at the hands of oppressive rogue officers,” Mayo said.

He added, “Bless the law enforcement officers who told the truth regarding use of force policies, respect for the rule of law, respect the rights and dignity of all black and brown citizens.”

Mayo emphasized the importance of people being considered innocent until proven guilty, while the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution and equal protection under law are respected.

Martin said there has been some anticipation of civil unrest and disturbances regardless of the verdict, but in sharing information with other agencies around the region, he said his office doesn’t have any indication that Lake County will have any issues.

Other government leaders who represent Lake County also shared their thoughts on the case outcome on Tuesday.

State Sen. Mike McGuire called the jury’s decision “swift and just, based off of overwhelming evidence.”

He said the verdict “doesn’t take away the injustice and pain so many have experienced over the years. There’s so much work that still needs to be done.”

Lake County’s two members of Congress also weighed in on the Tuesday verdict.

Congressman John Garamendi said Floyd “deserved his breath, his life, his dignity and his voice. Instead, he was left calling for his mother while the life escaped his body.”

While there is much more work to be done, the charges against Chauvin “represent a step in our journey towards healing,” Garamendi said.

“Being Black should not be a death sentence in our nation and police officers who violate their oath must be held to account. Justice will not be served until we dismantle systemic racism and hold all perpetrators to account,” he said.

Congressman Mike Thompson called the Chauvin guilty verdict “an important moment of accountability.”

“Though nothing can bring back George Floyd, I hope that today’s guilty verdict can bring his family and friends some peace,” Thompson said Tuesday. “And I hope that this measure of accountability for his tragic death can help our nation heal. As we mark this verdict, may we also recommit to the work that must be done to fix the historic and systemic racism that led to George’s death and the unwarranted deaths of many Black Americans and people of color. No one is above the law and we must work to ensure full equality for all.

“Together as a community, let us pray for George Floyd’s family and loved ones as they continue to mourn his loss. We must continue our peaceful protests as we work toward justice and equality for all Black Americans and people of color facing racism and discrimination day in and day out. We can and must build a better nation together,” Thompson said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also spoke about the verdict.

“The hard truth is that, if George Floyd looked like me, he'd still be alive today,” said Newsom on Tuesday. “No conviction can repair the harm done to George Floyd and his family, but today’s verdict provides some accountability as we work to root out the racial injustice that haunts our society. We must continue the work of fighting systemic racism and excessive use of force.”

This article has been updated relating to a new version of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.


Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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A fire on Sunday, April 18, 2021, destroyed two homes in Clearlake Oaks, California. Photo by Christina Drukala.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities are still investigating the cause of a Sunday afternoon fire in Clearlake Oaks that destroyed two homes.

Northshore Fire Battalion Chief Doyle Head said the fire, located in the 12400 block of Cerrito Drive, was dispatched at 3:15 p.m. Sunday.

When firefighters arrived, the first house, where the fire started, was fully involved, and a second home also was on fire, Head said.

“We also had some spread to the vegetation as well,” he said.

Head said about a dozen units from Northshore Fire, Cal Fire, Lake County Fire and Kelseyville Fire responded to the scene. The Clearlake Oaks County Water District also came to assist.

Cal Fire brought a hand crew and an engine to work on the fire in the vegetation, he said.

The fire was contained in about two hours but it took hours longer for mop up. Head said he was on the scene until 9 p.m. Sunday.

Both homes were destroyed, Head said.

He said the first home was unoccupied when the fire started. The second house’s residents were at home but got out safely with no injuries.

Head said the fire’s cause remains under investigation. Fire personnel were at the scene continuing their work to investigate the cause on Monday.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Sonoma County on Monday morning was felt around Lake County, a large part of Northern California and even the southern part of the state as well as Nevada.

The US Geological Survey said the quake occurred at 11:50 a.m. Monday.

It was centered 4.7 miles south of Cobb, 12.7 miles northeast of Healdsburg and 14.9 miles south-southwest of Clearlake.

A US Geological Survey map showed the quake occurred just inside the Sonoma County at the Lake-Sonoma line near Ridge Road.

It was recorded at a depth of 1.2 miles, the survey reported.

Within a few hours of the quake’s occurrence, 655 reports from people who felt it were submitted to the US Geological Survey.

Those quake reports came from zip codes around Lake County, the North Coast, the Bay Area and as far away as La Mesa, Oceanside and Salinas, as well as Glenbrook, Nevada.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Planning Commission will discuss several projects this week, including a number of cannabis-related proposals, with two in particular – one near Lampson Field, the other next to Hidden Valley Lake – causing significant concerns for neighbors.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 22, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The agenda is here.

To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.

The webinar ID is 943 4957 9788, the passcode is 692165.

To participate by phone, dial +1 669 900 6833 or use one-tap mobile, +16699006833,,94349579788#,,,,*692165# US.

To submit a written comment on any agenda item visit https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and click on the eComment feature linked to the meeting date.

At 9:20 a.m., the commission will hold a public hearing for a major use permit sought by Gustafson Farms LLC for property at 4440, 4460, 4520 and 4550 George Road in Lakeport owned by Walter Stryker. The property is located near Lampson Field.

Gustafson Farms is applying for 111,620 square feet of canopy area – 89,620 square feet outdoor and 22,000 square feet mixed-light – within a total of 237,220 square feet of cultivation area and facilities including 50,000 square feet processing facility, 24,000 square feet of greenhouse for nursery, 50,000 square feet for drying facility, three storage sheds, and 23,000 square feet of greenhouse structures for mixed-light canopy.

The Community Development Department has received letters from neighbors along with a petition against the project citing issues with road access and traffic, air quality, aesthetics, odor management and groundskeeping requirements, to name a few.

Agricultural Commission Steve Hajik sent an email to county staff in February on the project.

“I oppose any outdoor grow of cannabis in this area of Lake County because of the proximity to active wine grapes and walnut production,” Hajik wrote, also raising issues of outdoor cannabis creating problems due to possible pesticide drift.

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce has submitted a letter to the commission, dated April 20, noting that it can’t support the use permit.

“Over the past few years, our ordinance has evolved to accommodate the cannabis industry while also being careful to address the concerns of neighboring traditional farmers,” wrote Chamber President Bobby Dutcher. “This resulted in areas of the County which required cannabis cultivation to be inside buildings or mixed light greenhouses with filtration systems. Outdoor cultivation is clearly not allowed at this location. This property is not isolated from traditional farming enough to warrant an exception to this rule. It is also directly upwind from the Lampson Airport. Our members operating businesses there have serious concerns with possible odor issues.”

Neighbor Diane Deuchar also submitted a letter noting the impact on local residents and reporting that the applicant is not making attempts to comply with regulations. She said they started the permitting process in March 2020 and subsequently planted cannabis plants and added hoop houses.

“There was no notification by the owners to any existing neighbors in person or by mail,” Deuchar wrote. “One might think a small grow on a few ag acres would have no impact, but that would be incorrect. The impact last year was huge, negative and inescapable. The smell was so bad it made outdoor activities untenable. Ironically we were instructed to congregate with family outside and maintain social distancing due to the pandemic, but our outdoors was unusable for months. The additional proposals which include 150,000 sq ft of buildings would be inconceivable in impact and irreversible once implemented.”

In a public hearing scheduled for 9:35 a.m., the commission will discuss a mitigated negative declaration for the proposal from Zarina Otchkova and WeGrow LLC for a 309-acre project located at 16750 Herrington Road, 17610 Sandy Road and 19678 Stinson Road in Middletown, next to the Hidden Valley Lake subdivision.

The applicant is seeking 15 A-Type 3B mixed-light commercial cannabis cultivation licenses, one A-Type 1C “specialty cottage” or greenhouse license and one A-Type 13 “self-distribution” license.

The proposal is for 30 greenhouses measuring 90 feet by 125 feet, one 90-foot by 112-foot greenhouse, four 90-foot by 125-foot nursery greenhouses, four 50-foot by 100-foot drying buildings, a 200-square-foot shed, four 2,500-gallon water tanks and fencing. Total cultivation area will cover nine acres, according to county documents.

The county has received numerous letters and messages raising concerns or stating opposition to the plan, citing impacts on nearby residences, water usage, allegations of unpermitted construction and cannabis growing, and a host of other concerns.

The staff report, from Community Development Director Scott De Leon and Deputy Director Toccarra Thomas, notes that the cultivation site is outside of the 1,000-foot required setback from the Hidden Valley Lake boundaries and that it’s consistent with land uses in the vicinity, along with being in compliance with the Lake County General Plan, Middletown Area Plan and the applicable Zoning Ordinance standards and criteria for a commercial cannabis cultivation operation.

Staff recommends approval based on numerous mitigations including for aesthetics, biological resources, air quality, noise, water and energy.

Other items on the Thursday agenda are as follows.

9:05 a.m.: Public hearing to consider a major use permit (UP 19-47). Owner/applicant: Work Right Building LLC. Proposed project: One Type 6 “Non-Volatile Cannabis Manufacturing License,” one Cannabis Processor License and one Type 11 Cannabis Distributor License consisting of 48,100 square feet of processing area, 690 square feet of manufacturing area and 1,810 square feet of distribution area located within an existing 60,000 square foot building. Location: 4615 Work Right Circle, Lakeport; APN: 008-032-51. Environmental evaluation: Categorical exemption (CE 21-06).

9:10 a.m.: Public hearing to consider major use permit (UP 19-46). Applicant/owner: Stuart Spivack. Proposed project: Applicant is applying for a total of 28,012 square feet canopy area within a total of 28,252 square feet of cultivation area and facilities including two 120 square feet accessory structures and water tanks. Location: 1027 Watertrough Road, Clearlake Oaks; APN(s): 628-100-10. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration (IS 19-65).

9:15 a.m. Public hearing to consider major use permit (UP 20-03). Applicant: Freddie Alvarez. Owner: Alvarez Ignacio Trustee. Proposed project: Applicant is applying for 131,000 square feet of outdoor canopy area and 500 square feet indoor canopy within a 600 square feet metal building. It will take place over four site locations totaling up to 3.6 acres of cultivation area within the property. Location: 12990 Spruce Grove Road, Lower Lake; APN: 012-067-40. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration (IS 20-33).

9:25 a.m. Public hearing to consider a rezone (RZ 19-02) and general plan amendment (GPAP 19-02) to change the zoning of a property from R-3 High Density Residential to R1 Low Density Residential; to change the general plan designation of a property from high density residential to low density residential, and consideration of a mitigated negative declaration (IS 19-41). Applicant/owner: Richard Siri. Proposed project: Rezone and general plan amendment on a property presently zoned R3. Location: 4436 Lakeshore Boulevard, Lakeport; APN: 029-141-22. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration.

9:30 a.m.: Public hearing to consider major use permit (UP 19-08). Applicant/Owner: Golden State Herb. Proposed project: One A Type 3 (medium outdoor) commercial cannabis cultivation license; four A-Type 2 small outdoor commercial cannabis licenses and one A-Type 13 ‘self-distribution’ license. Location: 8550 Highway 175, Kelseyville; APN: 011-055-06. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration (IS 19-14).

9:40 a.m. Continued from April 8. Public hearing to consider a major use permit (UP 19-40) to consider approval of a commercial cannabis cultivation project on a 77-plus acre property, and consideration of adopting a mitigated negative declaration (IS 19-59). Applicant/owner: CUA Enterprises. Proposed project: Three A-Type 3 medium outdoor cannabis cultivation licenses requesting 104,800 square feet of cannabis cultivation area and one one A-Type 13 self-distribution license. Location: 25252, 25322, 25372 and 25312 Jerusalem Grade Road, Middletown; APNs: 013-017-92, 013-017-74, 013-017-36 and 013-017-31. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration.

9:45 a.m. Continued from PC Meeting April 8th, 2021. Public Hearing to consider a Major Use Permit (UP 19-31) to consider approval of a commercial cannabis cultivation project on a 333+ acre property, and consideration of adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS 19-39) on Thursday April 22, 2021, 9:45 a.m., in the Board of Supervisors’ Chambers, 255 N. Forbes Street, Lakeport, California. Applicant / Owner: Badlands LLC. Proposed Project: Twelve (12) A-Type 3 medium outdoor cannabis cultivation licenses requesting 529,560 sq. ft. of cannabis cultivation area and one (1) A-Type 13 self-distribution license. Location: 21518 Bartlett Springs Road, Lucerne, CA; APN: 016-032-01. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Partnership HealthPlan of California reported that it will receive more than $36 million from the state of California to boost the integration of behavioral health services with other health care services, with a large portion of those funds set to come to Lake County.

PHC, which administers Medi-Cal benefits for more than 590,000 members in 14 Northern California counties, will then disburse the funds to 30 grantee organizations within its provider network.

“We are proud and delighted that our providers have undertaken a broad array of innovative projects to improve care to our members,” CEO Elizabeth Gibboney said. “Especially during this time, when behavioral health needs have intensified, we welcome the ability to improve and extend the quality and quantity of our behavioral health services.”

Of the organizations to receive funds, Adventist Health Clear Lake will receive the largest amount, $11 million.

“We are very excited about this grant award,” Adventist spokesperson Laurie Allen told Lake County News.

Allen said the funding will be used to reduce disparities and increase access to behavioral health care for rural pediatric, adolescent and adult Medi-Cal patients in Lake, Mendocino and Napa counties by increasing mental health screenings, providing care navigation services, improving appointment times and availability, and expanding whole-person behavioral health services.

Sutter Health in Lake County will receive $418,552.

Bright Heart Health, which serves all 14 of PHC’s member counties, will receive $1,058,928.

The Behavioral Health Integration grants are funded with revenues from Proposition 56, a 2016 measure to support Medi-Cal through tobacco taxes.

The state Department of Health Care Services, or DHCS, announced the program in late 2019 as a way to incentivize improvement of physical and behavioral health outcomes, care delivery efficiency and patient experience.

PHC encouraged all eligible providers to apply, and 41 organizations – including clinics, hospitals, substance use providers, telehealth, counties, and mental health providers – submitted applications.

DHCS selected 30 organizations from that group and determined the funding amounts. The Behavioral Health Integration projects were scheduled to begin in April 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DHCS delayed the start until January 2021.

The funded projects address the following categories: basic behavioral health integration; maternal access to mental health and substance use treatment; medication management for co-occurring chronic medical and behavioral diagnoses; diabetes screening and treatment for those with serious mental illness; improving follow-up after hospitalization for mental illness; and improving followup after emergency visits for behavioral health diagnoses.

Additionally, several providers will be part of a reallocation of funds available as a result of one grantee not accepting its award due to COVID-related priorities.
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The county of Lake has rescheduled this meeting from April 29 to May 6.

LAKE COUNTY, Cali. – The county of Lake and the Lake County Risk Reduction Authority will host a virtual town hall this month to discuss the upcoming fire season and how community members can be ready for it.

“Preparing for Fire Season” will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 6.

The webinar will be held via Zoom. The webinar ID is 961 2932 4601, passcode is 999999.

The meeting also can be joined by one tap mobile at +16699006833,,96129324601#,,,,*999999# US (San Jose) or by landline or mobile phone by dialing 669-900-6833 and enter the webinar ID and passcode above.

This town hall can also be viewed via, Lake County PEG TV (Mediacom Channel 8), Facebook and the county's Youtube Channel.

On Friday, portions of Lake County were under elevated fire weather conditions. Dry fuel conditions typically seen later in the year are already present, meaning hardening our homes and communities against wildfire is an urgent need.

“Essentially all of us in Lake County have been personally affected by wildfire,”said District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska, a member of the Lake County Risk Reduction Authority, or LCRRA, Board of Directors. “Each of the past six years has brought evacuations, and many, including my family, have lost homes. This has taught us that all residents must embrace Firewise practices to keep our families, friends and neighbors safe. It is especially critical in an unusually dry year like this one.”

To help the community prepare, Pyska, LCRRA colleague and District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon, the county of Lake and the authority are hosting the webinar.

Questions will be taken during the live meeting via Zoom Chat. You can also email questions ahead, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“We have an awesome panel, and this is going to be an amazing event,” said Simon. “Each of the presenters is a true expert, and participants will learn about their individual responsibilities to harden their properties, and Firewise practices for everything from Defensible Space and Hazardous Vegetation Abatement to smarter Landscaping. There will even be a virtual raffle.”

“We look forward to seeing you in Zoom,” said Pyska. “Keeping our communities safe from wildfire requires every one of us doing our part, and this is a great event to get to know some of the basics, and find out where to learn more.”

The meeting agenda is below.


'Preparing for Fire Season': A Virtual Town Hall Meeting
Presented by the county of Lake and Lake County Risk Reduction Authority
Thursday, April 29, 6 p.m.

6 p.m.: Welcome: Supervisors Pyska and Simon

6:05 p.m.: Cal Fire Defensible Space: Chief Paul Duncan

6:15 p.m.: County Planning Department, Hazardous Vegetation Abatement Ordinance: Michael Herringshaw

6:25 p.m.: Master Gardeners, Fire Safe Landscape: Louise Pagone

6:35 p.m.: Firewise Communities and Practices: Magdalena Valderrama

6:45 p.m.: FireSafeLake.org Website: Cindy Leonard

6:55 p.m.: LakeCoAlerts: Sheriff Brian Martin

7 p.m.: Questions taken via Zoom chat, Drawing for prizes

7:25 p.m.: Closing, Simon and Pyska: How you can get involved; Firewise, Fire Safe Council, LCRRA
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On the eve of Earth Day and President Biden’s climate leaders summit, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has joined a bipartisan group of 12 governors from across the country calling for the Biden Administration to build on its early action to tackle climate change by creating a path to ensure that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. will be zero-emission in the near future, and by amplifying states’ investments in ZEV charging and fueling infrastructure.

“By establishing a clear regulatory path to ensuring that all vehicles sold in the United States are zero-emission, we can finally clear the air and create high-road jobs. Moving quickly towards a zero-emission transportation future will protect the health of all communities,” wrote the governors in a joint letter. “With bold federal leadership, American workers will lead the way in designing, building and driving clean and affordable vehicles.”

A copy of the letter can be read below.

The letter – signed by Gov. Newsom and the governors of Connecticut, Hawaiʻi, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington – calls on the Administration to bolster the clean vehicle transition’s growing momentum nationwide by setting standards to require all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold to be zero-emission by 2035 and all new medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles sold to be zero-emission by 2045.

Recognizing that a growing number of automakers are pledging to produce exclusively zero-emission vehicles, the governors underscored the importance of strong federal support to capitalize on the opportunity for the nation to lead in the global ZEV marketplace while creating good jobs for American workers. ZEVs are California’s top export and the industry has created 70,000 jobs in the state.

The governors highlighted how American Jobs Plan investments could be used to support the growing market through scaling up the development of ZEV charging and fueling infrastructure, enhancing the investments already made by states. They also requested expanded tax credits to support the manufacturing of zero-emissions trucks, buses and charging stations and funding to promote equitable access to ZEVs and transportation electrification at the local level.

The letter outlines the states’ ambitious ZEV commitments and progress toward transportation electrification, including California’s order requiring all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035. The governors called on the Biden Administration to quickly restore scientifically-based vehicle emission standards challenged by the prior administration and reaffirm that states can opt to follow California’s standards.

As part of U.S. Climate Action Week, Gov. Newsom – co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance – will deliver remarks on Wednesday in a virtual event with National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy and other leaders highlighting the importance of state-federal collaboration to advance a sustainable and equitable green economy.

4.21.21 Multi State Governors ZEV Letter by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Fair Foundation is hosting a cleanup event at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 16.

The cleanup will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fair, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport.

The group will perform general cleanup of the grounds.

Participants are asked to bring their gardening tools – rakes, shovels, pruning shears, wheelbarrows, weed eaters and work gloves.

COVID restrictions such as mask-wearing and social distancing will be observed.

The Lake County Fair Foundation will provide lunch to all volunteers.

In order to plan the appropriate amount of food to prepare, and to assign different groups to separate sections of the grounds so that they can maintain social distancing for pods of volunteers, organizers ask that people RSVP to participate no later than Monday, May 3.

There are two options to RSVP, through Survey Monkey or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Those who RSVP by email are asked to include their name, email address, phone number, the number of people coming with them (family, friends) and what organization they are affiliated with, such a 4-H or a local high school. Students who are doing community service hours should remember to bring their community service sheet for a signature.

For more information about the foundation, visit https://www.lakecountyfairfoundation.com/.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider appointing members to a visioning forum committee, interview candidates for the Public Health officer job and consider extending a use permit for a cell tower project.

The‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌will‌ ‌begin‌ ‌at‌ ‌9‌ ‌a.m.‌ ‌Tuesday,‌ ‌April 20, 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 ‌at‌ ‌9‌ ‌a.m.‌ ‌

The‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌ID‌ ‌is‌ 918 2458 2947,‌ ‌passcode 099460.‌ ‌The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,91824582947#,,,,*099460# US.

All interested members of the public that do not have internet access or a Mediacom cable subscription are encouraged to call 669-900-6833, and enter the Zoom meeting ID and passcode information above.

To‌ ‌submit‌ ‌a‌ ‌written‌ ‌comment‌ ‌on‌ ‌any‌ ‌agenda‌ ‌item‌ ‌please‌ ‌visit‌ ‌https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx‌‌ and‌ ‌click‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌eComment‌ ‌feature‌ ‌linked‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌date.‌ ‌If‌ ‌a‌ ‌comment‌ ‌is‌ ‌submitted‌ ‌after‌ ‌the‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌begins,‌ ‌it‌ ‌may‌ ‌not‌ ‌be‌ ‌read‌ ‌during‌ ‌the‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌but‌ ‌will‌ ‌become‌ ‌a‌ ‌part‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌record.‌ ‌

On Tuesday’s consent agenda, the board is expected to approve advisory board appointments to the Community Visioning Forum Planning Committee.

The city of Clearlake’s representative will be Mayor Dirk Slooten and Councilwoman Mireya Turner will represent the city of Lakeport.

Staff reviewed the applicants with the board and finalized its recommendations, which include appointing tribal representatives, Sally Peterson of Middletown Rancheria and Beniakem Cromwell of Robinson Rancheria, and general members Angela Cuellar-Marroquin, Delores Farrell, JoAnn Saccato and Sue Williams.

The group is to be tasked with planning community visioning forums focused on promoting tolerance, respect, equity and inclusion in Lake County.

At 9:05 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing to consider extending a use permit for a cell tower project at 9475 Mojave Trail, Kelseyville.

Horizon Tower Limited LLC is requesting a one-year extension for the use permit, which allows an 85-foot-tall “tree pole tower.” The Lake County Planning Commission approved the project in January 2019 and the Board of Supervisors denied a project appeal in April 2019. The permit is valid for two years and set to expire on April 23.

Also on Tuesday, during closed session, the board will conduct an interview with Public Health officer candidates and may announce an appointment, based on the text of the agenda.

Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace is leaving his post with the county at the end of the month.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Second reading of ordinance amendment to commercial cannabis cultivation for those impacted by the Farmland Protection Zone Chapter 21, Section 27.13 (at) 1 (vi).

5.2: Approve in concept, amendment to the Uniform and Clothing Purchase Policy and Exhibit A, and direct the Human Resources director to conduct the meet and confer process with our labor representatives.

5.3: Adopt resolution to request approval of agreement with the Regents of the University of California to do a statewide survey for invasive shot-hole borers in the amount of $21,526 for the period March 31, 2021, through March 31, 2022.

5.4: Approve Addendum No. 2 to the commercial lease agreement between the county of Lake and Big Oak Center LLC to allow for adjustment of lease payment for property at 13340 E. Highway 20, No. 0, Clearlake Oaks, California and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.5: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Crisis Support Services of Alameda County for crisis support services for Fiscal Year 2021-22 for a contract maximum of $72,624 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.6: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve agreement between the county of Lake and I.D.E.A. Consulting for professional consulting services for FY 2021-22 for a contract maximum of $40,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.7: (a) Waive the formal bidding process pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve amendment one to the agreement between the county of Lake and Sutter Center for psychiatry for acute inpatient psychiatric hospital services and professional services associated with acute inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations for Fiscal Year 2020-21 for a reduction in contract maximum from $250,000 to $100,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.8: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve amendment one to the agreement between the county of Lake and Davis Guest Home for adult residential support services and specialty mental health services for Fiscal Year 2020-21 for a reduction in the contract maximum to $200,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the amendment.

5.9: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve agreement between the county of Lake and Mother-Wise Program (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 for a contract maximum of $125,000 and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.10: Approve advisory board appointments to the Community Visioning Forum Planning Committee.

5.11: Approve amendment three to the agreement between the county of Lake and the Kelseyville Motel for COVID-19 emergency isolation housing and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.12: Adopt resolution authorizing the Lake County Watershed Protection District to file a grant application for the Boating Safety & Enforcement Equipment Grant Program.

5.13: Adopt resolution amending resolution 2020-134, Sheriff/Coroner 2201 position allocation to add one deputy sheriff sergeant due to a pending industrial disability retirement.

5.14: (a) Waive the normal sealed bid process under Ordinance No. 2406, Section 38.2 as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of the goods; (b) adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2020-133 to amend the adopted budget for FY 2020-21 by appropriating unanticipated revenue in Budget Unit 2301 – Sheriff/Jail Facilities, (c) approve purchase replacement tasers and (d) authorize the sheriff or his designee to issue a purchase order to Axom Enterprises in the amount of $119,868.10.

5.15: Approve the retirement of sheriff's drug K-9 Dozer to his handler Sgt. Dennis Keithly for the cost of $1 per the DSA MOU section 2.6.5.

TIMED ITEMS

6.2, 9:06 a.m.: Public hearing, continued from April 13, 2021 - discussion and consideration of use permit extension, File No. UPX 21-01 and CE 21-01, Extends UP 18-01; located at 9475 Mojave Trail, Kelseyville, APN No. 009-004-21.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: (a) Consideration of the purchase of communications equipment to be installed at various repeater sites in the amount of $21,502.52 and (b) authorize the sheriff or his designee to issue purchase orders to Daniel’s Electronics and L3 Harris.

CLOSED SESSION

8.1: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9 (d)(2), (e)(1) – One potential case.

8.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(1) -Center for Biological Diversity v. County of Lake, et al.

8.3: Conference with legal counsel: Existing Litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(1) – California Native Plant Society v. County of Lake, et al.

8.4: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): (a) Interviews of Public Health officer (b) appointment of Public Health officer.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating an apparent homicide in the community of Nice that occurred on Tuesday evening.

Lt. Corey Paulich said that at 7 p.m. Lake County Sheriff’s Central Dispatch received a call from a male subject living in the 3400 block of Boggs Ave. who said he had killed his wife and was going to take his own life.

Paulich said sheriff’s deputies responded to the residence and found a male and female who were both suffering from gunshot wounds.

The female was determined to be deceased and the male was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital where he was airlifted to an out-of-area hospital for treatment, Paulich said.

Paulich said detectives with the sheriff’s Major Crimes unit were requested and responded to take over the investigation.

“At this time the incident appears to be as reported and there are no outstanding suspects,” Paulich said in a Tuesday night report.

The names of the man and woman have so far not been released.

Paulich said more information will be released when it is available.
Posted On

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Firefighters are continuing their work to contain a wildland fire burning near Boonville in Mendocino County that began over the weekend.

The Turnout fire began shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday southwest of Ukiah and northeast of Boonville on Boonville Road/Highway 253, Cal Fire reported.

Cal Fire said Monday night that the fire was up to 200 acres, burning in steep and rugged terrain, with difficult access.

Containment on Monday night was at 20 percent. Cal Fire said no structures are threatened.

There is so far no estimated date for containment.

Cal Fire said five engines, two water tenders, one helicopter, four hand crews and one dozer are assigned, along with 73 personnel.

Officials said personnel will remain at scene throughout the night working to strengthen containment and extinguish hotspots.

Cal Fire said the cause remains under investigation.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council is set to discuss allowing summertime events to resume as the city and the rest of the county work on reopening safely.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 20.

The meeting will be by teleconference only. The city council chambers will not be open to the public.

The agenda can be found here.

To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling toll-free 669-900-9128 or 346-248-7799. The webinar ID is 973 6820 1787, access code is 477973; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.

Comments can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To give the City Clerk adequate time to print out comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit written comments prior to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20.

Indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that read to the council will be subject to the three-minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council prior to the meeting.

On Tuesday, the council and staff will discuss resuming summer community events that were canceled last year due to the pandemic.

City Manager Kevin Ingram is seeking council direction from the council in processing and scheduling events using public areas in Lakeport in the coming months.

With Lake County moving into the orange tier on the governor’s COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, restrictions on gatherings were eased beginning this week with additional reductions
anticipated in June, Ingram said.

Ingram said limitations remain in place for indoor events, while outdoor events appear to be permitted with the incorporation of masking and social distancing best practices. Outdoor
concerts and performances are still subject to greater restraints.

“Staff has met with Lake County Public Health to discuss the allowance of summer community events. Public Health has agreed to continue reviewing each event’s COVID-19 Mitigation Plan. Staff will require review of the mitigation plans to be completed prior to submission to the City Council,” Ingram said.

He said current state guidance does not clearly address non-ticketed, non-seated events and most Lakeport events fall into this category. “However, in general, Public Health believes that outdoor community events can be conducted safely with proper masking, adherence to social distancing best practices, and the inclusion of hand-washing stations.”

Noting that state guidance is subject to change, “staff is hopeful that vaccination efforts will prevent the reinstitution of increased restrictions,” said Ingram. “The state has indicated that on June 15, California will fully open its economy based upon vaccine availability and a consistently low burden of disease.”

Ingram also will ask for direction to process summer event applications in collaboration with the Lake County Public Health Department and approve Application 2021-005, with staff recommendations, for the Library Park Farmers’ Market beginning May 4.

Staff also is asking for the go-ahead to participate in Fourth of July activities incorporating proposed mitigation measures. Part of that discussion will include seeking approval for Ingram to sign a contract for a 2021 fireworks production for an amount not to exceed $22,000.

In other business, Administrative Services Director Kelly Buendia will present a resolution authorizing participation in the California Intergovernmental Risk Authority Worker’s Compensation Program effective July 1, 2021.

Police Chief Brad Rasmussen will seek authorization to purchase a new 2021 Dodge Charger patrol vehicle. The estimated cost to purchase and outfit the vehicle is $35,000.

Public Works Director Doug Grider will ask the council to approve a resolution approving the city of Lakeport’s SB 1 Project List for fiscal year 2021-22 and direct staff to submit to the California Transportation Commission.

Community Development Director Jenni Byers will present a draft resolution authorizing the city manager to sign the statement of assurances and submit an application for the State Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Rounds 2 and 3.

On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances, minutes of the regular council meeting on April 6, the April 12 warrant register, confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, approval of the event application 2021-007, with staff recommendations, for the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Unit to utilize the Fifth Street parking lot on May 7, and receive and file the annual Housing Element report.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

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