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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Businesses in Lake and many other counties around the region are eligible for federal loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration due to a disaster declaration due to COVID-19.

On Monday, the U.S. Small Business Administration declared the primary counties of Alameda, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Sonoma and Tuolumne and the contiguous counties of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Imperial, Kern, Lake, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Napa, Orange, Placer, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Ventura and Yolo a disaster area.

This declaration is a result of economic impacts caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 beginning Jan. 31 and continuing.

The assistance is made available through SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Small, nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply.

Small businesses include those that do business directly with the growers, such as truckers and suppliers of agricultural equipment or services.

The deadline to apply for business economic injury is Dec. 16, 2020.

For more information visit https://www.sba.gov/ .
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While health leaders and policymakers race to limit the spread of COVID-19, the emerging crisis is having a dramatic impact on millions of healthy Americans — in restaurants, offices, taxicabs, classrooms and other places where they work.

On Monday, six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area issued a shelter-in-place order, effectively closing all non-essential enterprises.

In the Bay Area and beyond, employees are being assigned to work remotely, using technology to stay connected to their work and co-workers.

But others — in restaurants and service industries, for example — have to be on the job in person. Those vulnerable workers may face slowdowns or shutdowns with little or no access to sick pay or unemployment insurance. Those who fall ill may be confronted with an impossible choice between their income and their health.

The workplace is a defining focus for many Americans, a place where they spend much of their lives earning an income, exercising creativity and connecting with colleagues and customers. This health emergency is sending shock waves across the working world, an impact with no precedent in modern times and no quick end in sight.

For those reasons, UC Berkeley experts said, an extended campaign against COVID-19 amounts to a vast experiment, undertaken in conditions of extreme uncertainty, that could bring temporary and permanent changes, large and small, to American working life.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure last week to provide broad new support to workers affected by the health crisis. Some food and restaurant companies already have reversed longstanding practices and now are providing paid sick leave for their workers, said Saru Jayaraman, director of Berkeley’s Food Labor Research Center.

Still, millions of workers are “absolutely nervous” about their income, their families and their health, she said. “They’re not making enough money to stay home, even if they got minimum wage for every hour that they’re off sick,” she explained. “It’s not enough to pay rent and bills.”

For white-collar workers, orders to work from home will raise a host of questions about motivation, productivity and the impact of isolation. But it may also inspire workplace innovation, said Clark Kellogg, a lecturer at the Haas School of Business.

“As it goes on longer and longer, there will be a rush to do workarounds,” Kellogg said. “When what we usually do doesn’t work anymore, we invent something new. And that innovation is usually done by line workers who just have to get the job done. They get out the proverbial baling wire and duct tape and make something happen.”

Service workers, knowledge workers: a troubling divide

At many workplaces, the reality of the crisis has only begun to hit home in recent days, as the number of infections rises and health experts promote social distancing to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This is forcing owners, managers and staff to fundamentally re-evaluate what works at work. And it has created a jarring new perspective on the gap between the working poor and workers in more secure positions.

Service workers are essential to the economy: They cook in restaurants, take care of our children, drive sick people to medical appointments and deliver food from farms to distributors. If they can’t they get sick, or if they are laid off, their families struggle, and so do their companies. If too many can’t work, the whole economy suffers.

Jayaraman said there are 14 million restaurant workers in the United States and another 10 million to 15 million in retail. “You’re talking about at least a third of the working population,” she said. “That’s low-wage workers, working full-time and living in poverty.”

Many are working poor, some holding down two jobs. In California, they have at least three sick days, but in other states they may have none. Often they lack health insurance. They can’t afford to be sick, and if they are, they often go to work anyway. But if they’re cooking or providing childcare while ill, they risk transmitting illness.

A teacher can work from home, said Jesse Rothstein, director of Berkeley’s Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, or IRLE, and formerly chief economist at the U.S. Department of Labor.

“But you can’t tell the store cashier to work from home. You can’t tell the food service worker to work from home,” he said. “It’s disproportionately the lowest income people, and they can’t live for a couple months without income.”

In a March 10 op-ed in the Washington Post, Rothstein and co-author Jared Bernstein warned that “avoidance, social distancing and panic may have enormous economic consequences,” especially for low-income workers. They proposed a solution: a temporary program under which employers would continue to pay idled employees, with reimbursement from the federal government.

Days after the op-ed was published, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a coronavirus-response measure that Rothstein described as “very similar” to what he and Bernstein proposed. It would provide two weeks of paid leave to people who get sick or quarantined, and to those caring for a sick family member or for kids whose schools are closed. If that runs out, the measure would pay up to three months of family or medical leave. Employers would pay those benefits but would be reimbursed by the government. The U.S. Senate is expected to consider the bill as early as this week.

Jayaraman urged even broader support for low-wage workers. Paid sick leave and long-term disability leave will be essential to get through the crisis, she said. But such workers also need higher wages and health insurance, to assure that they can stay home and get care if they get ill.

“This crisis should tell us that it doesn’t work to have some people with access (to health care) and some people who don’t,” she said.

Navigating risk in a white-collar world

For workers in technology and communication fields, the idea of working remotely is well-established. But the coronavirus crisis forces further change, said Don A. Moore, the Lorraine Tyson Mitchell Chair in Leadership and Communication at Berkeley Haas.

Tools such as video conferencing are already in place to support the shift. But a basic question remains hard to assess: What will the impact be on productivity for individual employees, or whole workforces when they’re suddenly moved to the digital realm?

“You can imagine that, for some jobs, that facilitates people’s productivity, but it undermines productivity in other ways,” said Moore. “Tech workplaces like Pixar, for instance, where its facilities (in Emeryville, California) were specifically designed to facilitate face-to-face interaction — that gets lost when people are collaborating online, each one working from the café or from home or the vacation spot where they’re most comfortable. … The magic of collaboration is sometimes lost.”

Isolation brings other risks, both to the employee and to the business or organization, said Cristina Banks, director of Berkeley’s Interdisciplinary Center for Healthy Workplaces.

“One of the basic human needs is the need to belong, to have social connections,” Banks said. “What we’ve done through social distancing is break those social connections and basically scattered people to the wind. … It could lead to people caring less about their connection to the institution.”

In Banks’ view, the leaders of a business or organization must respond with strategies to preserve connection and esprit de corps. “The operative principle here is certainty and predictability, making conscious efforts to connect people and maintain those connections,” she said. “Management just has to make it happen with great diligence, with great discipline.”

What if this lasts awhile?

Opinions are divided on the impact of extended social distancing. Experts predominantly believe that as governments act to restrict peoples’ movement, as they have in China and Italy, that might effectively slow the advance of COVID-19; others worry about the cost to businesses, workers and the larger economy. At Berkeley, some say that changes imposed by the crisis could spark lasting innovation.

This may be a black swan event; the future, even a few months away, is unpredictable. But Kellogg expressed a cautious hope for the innovation that arises from American workplaces. “How creatively can we think in responding to this?” he asked. “What opportunities does this hand us for thinking differently for teaching and for building communities of learning and living life?”

Edward Lempinen writes for the UC Berkeley News Center.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – After several days of cold temperatures, rain and – in some locations – snow, the National Weather Service is forecasting more rain through the middle of the week, as well as chances of showers over the weekend.

The National Weather Service’s observation stations around Lake County have recorded the following rainfall totals, in inches, over the 72-hour period ending at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday:

– Bartlett Springs: 0.83;
– Hidden Valley Lake: 0.41;
– High Glade Lookout:0.27;
– Indian Valley: 0.29;
– Kelseyville: 0.76;
– Lakeport: 0.56;
– Lower Lake: 0.40;
– Lyons Valley: 0.32;
– Middletown: 0.87;
– Soda Creek: 1.07;
– Whispering Pines: 0.44.

The forecast calls for rain and cooler temperatures countywide on Tuesday and Wednesday, with light winds both days. Temperatures will range from the high 40s to low 50s during the day and from the low to high 30s at night.

There is a break in the weather and sunnier conditions expected on Thursday and Friday. For those two days, temperatures will be in the mid-50s during the day and the high 30s to low 40s at night.

On Saturday, the National Weather Service is predicting chances of showers from Saturday through Monday.

During that three-day period, temperatures during the day will hover in the mid-50s and drop to around 40 degrees at night.

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. – Lake County Public Health Officer Gary Pace has issued a "shelter in place" order to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2020.

The full order is below.

Taking further steps to protect the community from coronavirus

March 18, 2020

The situation with this outbreak continues to rapidly change. We recognize the significant hardships many people have experienced with the restrictions that have already been put into place – school closures, limiting group activities, closing of bars and tasting rooms, and canceling events.

Due to the increased spread of the infection in the Bay Area, I am issuing orders that go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020, telling everyone to stay at home with their families, except for essential activities.

Taking these steps means a big change in lifestyle for most people. Several Bay Area counties, including Sonoma and Mendocino, have adopted these “shelter in place” actions in recent days. The goal is to take whatever steps possible to slow the entrance and spread of the virus in the community.

At this point, no known cases have been identified in Lake County, and we have been able to test a few dozen people. Accessing testing continues to be a problem throughout California. We are pushing for more laboratory capacity in the region, and for more testing supplies. Due to shortages, there is a need to prioritize who can actually receive the test. Local medical providers have been trying hard to provide testing for people that meet the criteria. Unfortunately, there simply is not capacity for everyone who wants a test to get one.

The intent of this order is to limit the mixing of people, so the virus has less of an opportunity to spread. The countries in Europe and Asia that adopted more stringent limits on people’s movement and gatherings have been the ones best able to control the spread. Basically, all non-essential activity is being curtailed. Staying with your family group is the best way to avoid infection. Most businesses will be closed, unless they are considered “essential business or governmental services.” Travel will be limited to essential activities.

Essential activities include:

Tasks for health and safety (i.e., doctor visits)
Necessary food and supplies
Outdoor activity/exercise
Essential business operations (defined below)
Caring for family members and dependents.

Essential business operations include.

Healthcare
Food growing, delivery, preparation
Infrastructure – utilities, transport
Finances
Services for necessities of life
Fuel and transport maintenance
Sanitation
Education – providing support for distance learning
Childcare for essential workers
Delivery and shipping

Essential government functions will continue.

Homeless people are exempted, but the warming center is open at this point, and attempts are being made to locate more options.

If you go outside the home, maintain a 6-foot distance.

The order will continue through April 10, 2020. We will know a lot more by then about the spread through the area, but it is very possible these restrictions will need to continue longer. The economic impacts, the disruption of life, and the real suffering that may result from all of the changes are truly heartbreaking. We do feel the possibility of a devastating outbreak to the community is real, and these steps are being taken to protect our most vulnerable community members. While all of us will be sharing in the discomfort, some will be hit harder than others. We encourage compliance with the orders, and we also need everyone to be looking out for neighbors that are isolated and don’t have family to check on them by phone or other means.

Please do not call the Sheriff’s Department, Local law enforcement, or 911 for non-emergency information regarding coronavirus.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the virus please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Public Health Office Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m. to noon.

If you call after hours please leave a message and someone will call you back the next business day.

If you need information, you can also go the Health Department website, http://health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus.htm .

Thank you,
Gary Pace, MD, MPH
County of Lake Health Officer

031820 LC Shelter in Place Order by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday announced that he has placed the California National Guard on alert as part of a commitment to mobilize state personnel and assets to protect local communities and fight the spread of COVID-19.

The National Guard has been directed by the governor to be prepared to perform humanitarian missions across the state including food distribution, ensuring resiliency of supply lines, as well as supporting public safety as required.

“As Californians make sacrifices over the coming weeks and stay home, we are immensely grateful for medical providers, first-responders and National Guard personnel who are assisting those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Gov. Newsom.

Tuesday’s announcement, made in the governor’s capacity as the commander-in-chief of the California National Guard, is consistent with duties routinely performed by the California National Guard during natural disasters and other emergencies within the state.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said he has issued two health orders to protect the county from the spread of COVID-19.

Pace said that, as of Monday, no cases of COVID-19 – the illness caused by the novel coronavirus – have been confirmed in Lake County.

“However, given the exponential spread of the coronavirus in the Bay Area, I am recommending strong measures to protect the health of our community. These steps will include closing schools, preventing large group gatherings, and generally discouraging commingling of people in public,” Pace said in a statement issued by the Public Health Department.

Pace said neighboring counties are seeing sharp rises in cases, and in response, many area schools and universities are already closing, large corporations are recommending telecommuting to prevent the spread of the virus in workplaces, sporting events have been canceled, and leisure activities severely limited.

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on March 4. He also announced significant recommendations on March 15 for people 65 and over to self-isolate, for bars and tasting rooms to close, for restaurants to minimize social gathering, and to improve services for homeless people.

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on March 13.

Last week, Pace declared a local health emergency, ratified by the Board of Supervisors on March 10.

Sheriff Brian Martin declared a local emergency on March 13, and the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport declared local emergencies on Friday.

The Lake County school superintendents decided to close all public schools for four weeks – which for some schools includes spring break – from March 16 to April 10.

The local health and emergency declarations will allow the ability to access staffing, supplies, and funds from state and federal sources if needed, Pace said.

As to why such disruptive steps should be taken, Pace explained that part of the strategy involves trying to slow the entrance and spread of the virus before it gets a firm foothold in the community.

“Most of the medical community is convinced that even if we haven’t proven the presence of a case yet, it is probably here or coming soon. From a prevention point of view, it is wiser to try to initiate these safety measures before people start getting sick, and health care facilities get overburdened,” Pace said.

When watching how things have unfolded in China and Italy, Pace said it becomes clear that a huge part of the problem is that there were too many patients needing help over a short period of time.

He said the staff was overwhelmed, the beds were full and patients were turned away, and there were inadequate numbers of mechanical ventilators – particularly important for very sick people to help them breathe through the worst phase of the illness.

“In our rural county, we have a dedicated, professional health care workforce, and our hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities are diligently preparing for the possibility of a ‘surge,’” Pace said. “In reality, though, we have a limited number of ventilators and perpetual challenges maintaining sufficient numbers of health care and medical workers.”

He added, “If this virus continues to escalate, the regional hospitals will be impacted in terms of beds and staffing, and our two Critical Access hospitals will likely need to manage primarily with local resources. We also have a population that is older and with more underlying medical problems than in other parts of the state. Preventing the surges, if possible, is an important strategy.”

Pace said taking strong preventive measures is in the best interest of the health of the Lake County community.

“These steps we are ordering will be a hardship for many, and some of the people whose lives are most disrupted may not be the ones who will benefit. For example, young people who are unable to attend school and have to study from home are not the ones most at risk from the virus. Closing schools minimizes the risk of students bringing the virus home to vulnerable family and community members,” he said.

Pace said Public Health supports all measures that limit group gatherings in the community.

While the state guidelines recommend groups no larger than 250, Pace’s Public Health Order number c20-2 prohibits groups larger than 100. It also requires groups between 25 and 100 people to implement all of the COVID-19 mitigation measures as listed in the order.

These conditions include excluding sick people, keeping 6 feet of “social distance” when with non-family, and restricting group size to less than 10 for vulnerable populations, like seniors or people with underlying medical conditions.

As to what this looks like in practice, Pace offered the following guidance:

· Schools: Pace said he supports the change in operation of schools for an indefinite period. See Public Health Order No. c20-1.

· Non-essential group activities: recommend canceling until further notice, see Public Health Order No. c20-2.

· Senior centers (serving some of the most vulnerable community members): Cancel group activities of more than 10 people. Keep 6 feet distance between people. Have clients and staff that are sick stay home. If possible, provide meals on a “take-home” basis.

· Long-term care facilities: Eliminate visitation, except for families of dying residents. Eliminate group activities and dining, unless in small groups with adequate social distance.

· Theatres, Movies, restaurants: limit number of patrons, keep 6 feet social distance between non-family members, increase cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces.

· Bars and tasting rooms: recommend to close immediately as per the governor.

· Workplaces: Encourage telecommuting, sick workers stay home until well and establish liberal sick leave policies, minimize group activities, cancel travel, encourage video-conferencing.

· Hospitals: Discontinue visiting except for families of dying patients; continue planning for prevention of contagion and preparing for possible surges. Increase testing capabilities as soon as possible (the limitation currently is at the state level). Public Health recommends taking significant steps to protect the health care workforce. This includes shifting all possible non-urgent care visits to virtual visits.

Pace acknowledged that these measures may seem overly harsh and difficult to manage.

“Certainly, we are asking people to drastically change the way they live for the coming weeks. We suspect what we are seeing in Europe is a look into what we may be seeing here in a few weeks. Just two days ago, Spain and France closed almost all businesses – except for groceries, pharmacies, health care, gas stations and banks – and essentially told people they needed to stay home. In watching the situation in Asia – especially Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan – the places that took quicker and more decisive actions did better in the long run,” Pace said.

“In Lake County, we know how to do this. Almost everyone has learned that following Sheriff Martin’s orders for a quick evacuation is a good thing. Taking the time to clear brush and make the preparations that the Fire Chiefs recommend can be life-saving. We are asking for the same kind of recognition that changing the normal routine of your family may save the lives of some of the more vulnerable,” Pace said.

He concluded, “Of course, it is possible that these steps are going to be unnecessary or counter-productive. If the virus passes by without significant impact, feel free to come and tell me that I over-reacted. However, the evidence points to the need for decisive action now. Thank you for your cooperation.”
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County’s Public Health officer said Tuesday that testing for COVID-19 remains limited not just in Lake County but everywhere in the United States, and should the illness hit locally, it could overwhelm the capacity of health care facilities.

Dr. Gary Pace went to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday morning to update county leaders about developments in the efforts to protect the community against COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

He acknowledged the hardship for everyone, from financial challenges to children being out of school in the wake of a countywide public school closure that went into effect on Monday and continues through April 10.

“I think it’s going to be challenging for everybody,” he said.

Pace said he doesn’t know how long the situation will continue, and hopefully the illness will pass by the community. “It’s a sobering time.”

Globally, he said the situation is continuing to unfold. There is starting to be a real rise in the number of US cases, which led to the president calling for a national emergency.

He said Bay Area counties are clamping down and encouraging people to shelter at home, as are Lake’s neighboring counties. On Monday, Pace issued two public health orders, one relating to the school closures and the other for limiting groups.

“We’re seeing this thing exponentially move,” and he said he’s taking a cue and watching what is going on in the Bay Area in order to try to stay a step ahead of things.

Pace said “a couple dozen” people in Lake County have been tested for the virus, although so far none of that testing has yielded a confirmed case.

“The testing issues are huge. And it’s not a county issue,” he said, explaining that, statewide and nationally, there have been issues with testing capacity.

Testing has been done through regional public health labs and private companies, he said.

Pace reported that the private lab company used by Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital rejected samples sent to them by the hospital for testing because they don’t have the capacity and are overwhelmed by testing demand.

“We’re helping them find other routes,” Pace said of the hospital.

He said another private testing company has a capacity to do 1,200 tests a week for the western region but has a seven-day turnaround time, which he said is a nightmare from a doctor’s point of view.

The public health lab in Santa Rosa is now running 40 tests a day for three counties – Sonoma, Mendo and Lake. However, Pace said that testing requires the patients to meet very specific criteria, such as having had contact with a sick person or being very sick themselves, including being on a ventilator.

Pace said Lake County Public Health is getting questions about testing all day long. “There’s no good answer.”

If only about 20 people have been tested, how can we know it’s not in Lake County, Pace asked. Then, answering his own question, he said, “We have not seen a surge in illnesses or things that would make us concerned about that, but it’s certainly possible.”

He added, “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it’s in the community.”

Pace said he wants to do surveillance for the illness as has been done in places like Marin and Sonoma counties, where cases have been found.

He said he is trying to get the testing capability for surveillance and he’s in communication with the regional lab, which also is having trouble with its capacity.

The California Office of Emergency Services may be able to help with drive-through testing. “We’re still very early in that conversation,” Pace said.

On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state has made arrangements to start drive-through testing. Pace said that testing is starting at two sites, one in San Mateo County and another in Santa Clara County, which are in the hotbeds of the outbreak.

Pace said testing – from a clinical and outbreak management point of view – is the biggest problem, and it’s a problem everywhere.

The situation is very confusing and changing all the time. Pace said he hopes to have good news next week about expanded testing capacity.

The longer the infection can be kept out of Lake County and its spread minimized, the better off the community will be, Pace said.

He said his biggest concern relates to the local hospitals. “Our health care facilities are vulnerable.”

The two hospitals have a total of eight ventilators for a population of 65,000 people. Pace said that’s a concern because COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, especially in the more severe cases. Ventilators allow the more serious patients to survive, but they need to stay on the machines for a few weeks.

Pace said the Public Health strategy is to slow down the illness before it gets into Lake County, so if it does get here, it will be at a manageable level.

The places that have been most successful in stopping the illness, he said, have put a blanket on social interaction, done testing and quickly gotten sick people into quarantine.

Later on Tuesday, county officials reported that Pace is preparing to issue a shelter in place order for Lake County. That order could come as soon as Wednesday.

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. – Lake County residents on Tuesday evening were told to prepare for the issuance of a shelter in place order within the next 24 to 36 hours due to the threat of COVID-19.

Officials said Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace is preparing to issue the order.

The news of the potential order, issued just after 5:30 p.m., came within half an hour of the county of Sonoma ordering its residents to shelter in place beginning at 12 a.m. Wednesday, March 18. That health order in Sonoma County – where there are confirmed cases – will be in place for three weeks, until April 7.

Dr. Pace confirmed to Lake County News on Tuesday evening that no COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Lake County so far.

However, he had told the Board of Supervisors during a Tuesday morning update that about two dozen county residents have been tested for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

Sheriff Brian Martin said in a Tuesday evening message on social media that neighboring counties are doing shelter in place orders, which appears to be one of the most effective ways of spreading COVId-19’s spread.

Martin said plans for the shelter in place order for Lake County came about as the result of some observations that were made in the community, specifically, residents from Bay Area counties – where sheltering in place has been ordered – are coming to Lake

“It doesn’t make sense that we don’t respond in kind as well,” he said.

That issue also was raised during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, when Supervisor Rob Brown pointed out that, “When the Bay Area shuts down, the people come to Lake County.”

Brown added, “That’s the concern I have.”

Martin told the board that he was seeing that in his own neighborhood, where Bay Area residents with vacation homes in Lake County are showing up. “This is already happening.”

In his Tuesday evening message, Martin said he wanted to let residents know what a shelter in place order will look like, and that local leaders are working together to tailor it for Lake County.

What it isn’t, said Martin, is locking people in their homes.

He said it is enforceable. “It does carry the weight of law with it.”

However, there will be a list of exceptions.

The list of activities that will be allowed under the order include attending medical and veterinary appointments; traveling to essential businesses such as grocery and hardware stores, pharmacies and restaurants for pickup/delivery; compliance with court orders such as child exchange; conducting business with banks; gas stations for fuel; outside activities with immediate family while adhering to social distancing; picking up school lunches; and private patrol operators working for planned communities such as Hidden Valley Lake.

He said it also won’t stop people from going outside to exercise.

Martin said it also won’t apply to the homeless, who are encouraged to find shelter. “Obviously, you can’t shelter in place if you don’t have a home.”

He said it isn’t applicable on tribal lands and won’t apply to essential workers such as those in government, health care, firefighters, police officers and deputy sheriffs, and banks.

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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On Monday evening California officials issued guidance regarding retail food, beverage and other service venues. These venues bring people from multiple communities into close contact with each other and have the potential to increase the transmission of COVID-19.

“These are aggressive, but necessary actions to protect our communities,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “We all have a role to play when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. These establishments that are remaining open should think creatively about how they can continue to provide services to the community. Shifting operations to focus on pick up and delivery options should be prioritized.”

The guidance will protect individuals attending and working at these venues and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance page.

Retail beverage service venues

· Bars, wineries, breweries and pubs should be closed, except for venues that are currently authorized to provide off sale beer and wine to be consumed off premises are allowed.

· This guidance is not intended to affect production of beer and wine.

· Bars, breweries, pubs and wineries that include meals provided by a full kitchen should follow the restaurant guidance below if they provide delivery or pick-up options.

Restaurants/cafeterias

· Restaurants should be closed for in-restaurant seated dining and should be open only to drive-through or other pick-up/delivery options.

· Remind employees of best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

· Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing per CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection guidance of all hard surfaces, including tables and countertops that are being utilized by employees and patrons during pickup/delivery options.

Food trucks

· Increase frequency of cleaning of menus, cash registers, receipt trays, condiment holders, writing instruments and other non-food contact surfaces frequently touched by patrons and employees.

· Ensure that social distancing of 6 feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate together, stand in line together, etc.

· Limiting the number of people in lines.

· Increase frequency of cleaning and sanitizing per CDC Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection guidance of all hard surfaces.

· Remind employees of best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Grocery stores and charitable food distribution sites

· The food distribution chain is critical to the public’s health.

· Grocery stores and charitable food distribution sites should remain fully open and operational.

As with other settings, ensure that social distancing of 6 feet per person for nonfamily members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.

· Social distancing of six feet per person, particularly between individuals who have come together on a one-time or rare basis.

· Limiting the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.

· Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.

· Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

· Additional opportunities throughout the venue for persons to reduce the spread of the virus through hand washing or sanitizing stations.

· Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.

· Stores that have online ordering with outside pick-up or delivery options should encourage use of these when possible in lieu of indoor shopping.

Certified farmers’ markets

· Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.

· Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.

· Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.

· Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.

· Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

· Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.

· Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.

· Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.

· Suspend sampling activities.

· Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.

· Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.

· At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.

· If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council this week will discuss the ratification of a COVID-19 emergency proclamation and discuss a letter of intent to purchase the property that formerly was the location of Austin Resort.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

The meeting will be livestreamed on PEG TV’s YouTube channel.

On March 12, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-25-20, which allows council members to attend city council meetings telephonically.

Community members may observe the meeting in person, but given the health risks associated with COVID-19, the city said people can submit comments and questions in writing for the council’s consideration by sending them to the City Clerk Melissa Swanson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

To give the City Council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments prior to 4 p.m. Thursday, March 19.

Those who have traveled internationally, who may have been exposed or who have symptoms are asked not to attend in person.

On the agenda is the ratification of a proclamation of a state of emergency in the city due to the threat of COVID-19, which as of Wednesday had no confirmed cases in Lake County.

City Manager Alan Flora, who also serves as the city’s director of emergency services, issued the proclamation on Friday, the same day that similar actions were taken by the city of Lakeport and the county of Lake, as Lake County News has reported.

If approved, the proclamation will next be considered during the council’s regular meeting on April 2.

Also on Thursday, the council will discuss a proposal to purchase the Austin Resort property, located across from City Hall on Lakeshore Drive.

Flora is seeking the council’s authorization to sign the proposed letter of intent with Bailey Building and Loans.

In other business, the council will consider awarding a construction contract for the Pearl/Emory/Mullen Avenue Pavement Rehabilitation Project to Lamon Construction. The bid award is for $1,164,209.26, with the authorization for the city manager to approve up to 10 percent for additional unforeseen contract amendments.

On the meeting's consent agenda – items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote – are warrant registers and the annual housing element progress report.

The council also is set to hold a closed session about a potential case of litigation.

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.



031920 Clearlake City Council agenda by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Superior Court is implementing a two-week closure beginning on Wednesday in order to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Court Executive Officer Krista LeVier said the closure will last from Wednesday, March 18, through Wednesday, April 1.

The last time the local courts were closed was in August 2018, when California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye granted an emergency order to shut the courts in Lakeport due to the Ranch fire, which caused a mandatory evacuation of the city.

The courts had managed to stay open during the fall’s public safety power shutoffs thanks to generators purchased for the courthouse.

No cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, have so far been confirmed in Lake County. LeVier said the closure is out of “an abundance of caution to help limit the spread of the virus.”

LeVier also cited Gov. Gavin Newsom’s March 12 executive order that mandates compliance with state and local public health officials regarding measures to control the virus’ spread.

Then, on Monday, Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace issued Order No. c20-2 which prohibits any gatherings over 100 people and recommends that gatherings of less than 100 people be canceled. The order also requires that gatherings of 35 or more people comply with strict COVID-19 risk mitigation measures, including social distancing.

LeVier said that, in order to comply with Dr. Pace’s order and to protect court users and staff from the spread of COVID-19, the court has decided to implement the closure.

She said the court will consult with Dr. Pace to determine when it is safe to resume normal operations, resume limited operations or remain closed.

There is a “delicate balance between public safety and the timely administration of justice,” and court officials said that under Government Code Section 68115, the court has received an emergency order from Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye to extend statutory timeframes and declare March 18 through April 1 court holidays.

During the two-week court closure, LeVier said the court will only handle in-custody arraignments, juvenile detentions and preliminary hearings in which time has not been waived.

Court clerk’s offices will be closed and the Self-Help Center will be closed, LeVier said.

She said all regular court calendars will be rescheduled. Notice of the new date will be sent to people or to their attorneys.

Jurors scheduled to appear will be rescheduled and sent a new notice, any restraining order currently in effect will be extended to the new hearing date and any family law temporary emergency orders will be extended and remain in effect until the new hearing date, LeVier reported.

Over the last several weeks, the Lake County Superior Court also has been consulting with the Judicial Council of California, which reported that it is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and sharing information with all courts.

The Judicial Council said it has advised courts to follow the guidance provided by the Department of Public Health, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit the spread of the virus.

LeVier told Lake County News that in the lead up to the decision, the local judges – under the leadership of Presiding Judge Michael Lunas – had met to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on court operations.

They had met with Dr. Pace and taken a number of measures, including widely distributing hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes and antibacterial cleaning spray in both its Clearlake and Lakeport locations, she said.

Court janitorial staff were directed to increase the nightly routine to disinfect and sanitize high use surfaces and public restrooms. She said the court also has N95 masks for individuals who appeared in court and seemed to be ill. The court also had planned to make masks available at the screening station in Lakeport.

On Monday, the Mendocino County Superior Court announced that it was limiting access to the courthouses in Fort Bragg and Ukiah. The court there is practicing social distancing, rescheduling some case appearances and vacating jury trials through the end of the month. Normal operations are due to resume there on Monday, April 6.

LeVier said the Lake County Superior Court will update the community on the quickly evolving situation with posts that can be found on its website.

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

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Catfish Derby Committee and the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association have decided to postpone the annual Catfish Derby scheduled for May 15, 16 and 17 in Clearlake Oaks.

“Continuing concerns about the risks associated with the spread of the COVID (coronavirus), especially with large crowds and the fact that most of our volunteers are seniors, have informed our decision,” said Derby organizer Dennis Locke.

Sponsored by the Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, the derby will be rescheduled.

The new dates are Aug. 21, 22 and 23. The location and times will remain the same.

“Our Board of Directors, in consultation with Dennis Locke, were unanimous in the decision to postpone the derby to later in the year when we hope the threats are better understood and the virus is contained,” said Association President Camille Gouldberg.

“Registrations had begun coming in,” said Locke. “We have already begun the process of contacting each registrant.”

The Catfish Derby is an annual event and the largest of its kind west of the Mississippi.

“We usually see from 900 to 1,000 registered anglers plus their families and friends,” said Locke. “It’s an important boost to our local economy and countywide; planning for a later event is well underway.”

For the latest updates on the derby, other events and association meetings, please check our website at www.clearlakeoaks.org and Facebook pages at Catfish Derby at the Oaks and Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association.

Please call the derby phone, 707-596-0548, if you have any questions.

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