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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The city of Lakeport has begun sending out administrative citation warning letters to property owners who haven’t abated weeds and other nuisance vegetation by the June 1 deadline.

The Lakeport City Council voted last week to adopt a resolution declaring the presence of dry weeds, brush and similar vegetation on lots in the city as a public nuisance and directed staff to move forward with the administrative citation process after attempts had been made to gain compliance from property owners.

The discussion begins at the 8:03 mark in the video above. The staff report is on page 33 of the agenda packet below.

In 2018, the council amended Lakeport Municipal Code to change the deadline for nuisance weed and vegetation abatement to June 1, consistent with Cal Fire recommendations. The date previously had been set on the first business day following the July 4 holiday.

Community Development Director Kevin Ingram’s written report to the council explained that beginning in the first week of May, the Lakeport Fire Protection District sent out a courtesy letter to several hundred property owners in the city “reminding them of the need to abate and control hazardous vegetation creating a fire hazard risk by the June 1st deadline.”

He said city staff followed up after the deadline by performing a citywide review, identifying properties where vegetation hadn’t yet been abated.

Ingram told the council that compliance has been better than it has been in the last couple of years, but there were still about 100 properties that hadn’t complied. He said the late rains also were a complicating factor, causing weeds to grow back after people made attempts to remove them.

Those receiving the notices have 10 days to abate the weeds. During that time frame they can file a protest and ask for a hearing, Ingram said. Afterward, if an appeal isn’t granted, the city can move forward with abatement.

Fines for not complying after the administrative citation warning letter range from an initial $100 fine to up to $500 for continued noncompliance, Ingram said.

He said the city had very good compliance last year and didn't have to do many administrative citations. However, last year's program was interrupted by the River fire.

Ingram said one of the biggest issues in the last couple of years is getting a company that can come out and abate weeds.

Councilman George Spurr asked if any of the people on the abatement list have been on past lists. Ingram said yes, for the most part.

Councilman Kenny Parlet moved to approve the resolution and direction to staff to send the warning letters, which the council approved 3-0. Councilwoman Stacey Mattina recused herself from the discussion and Councilwoman Mireya Turner was absent.

The final list of properties receiving the notices included 111 parcels totaling approximately 306 acres. Of those parcels, 50 are held by owners based by out of county, and of those, seven belong to out-of-state owners.

Ingram told Lake County News that the administrative citation warning letters went out to the property owners on Tuesday.

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.



061819 Lakeport City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – State and local firefighters were able to stop a wildland fire burning near the Cache Creek Dam on Monday afternoon.

The fire was first reported around 1 p.m. when the Mount Konocti Lookout reported seeing a quickly building column of gray smoke in the direction of the city of Clearlake.

Firefighters initially were unable to locate the source of the smoke. However, they soon tracked it down Dam Road and found it on private property near the Cache Creek Dam, according to Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta.

When firefighters first arrived on scene, it was estimated to be about three acres, with a slow to moderate rate of spread in heavy fuel, based on radio reports.

A total of seven engines from Lake County Fire and Cal Fire responded, along with two water tenders, a dozer, air attack and three company officers, Sapeta said. Copter 104 from Boggs Mountain Helitack also worked the fire.

Radio reports stated there were some high voltage power lines on fire, but no dropped lines. The lines later were deenergized.

The fire burned in the scars of the 2015 Rocky and 2016 Clayton fires and an afternoon west wind was pushing it, according to reports from the scene.

At the scene, Sapeta asked that Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, which owns and operates the dam, be contacted and respond.

Forward progress was reported stopped at 2:25 p.m. At that point it was 5-percent contained.

Sapeta said the burn size was about 5 acres at the time he left. A later radio report at around 7 p.m. gave a size estimate of nine acres.

Sapeta said there was no harm to structures or firefighters, and the cause and origin remain under investigation.

Also on Monday, at about 3 p.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 1400 block of Big Valley Road, where firefighters found smoke coming from the garage.

Radio reports stated that propane tanks were involved and high voltage lines were down briefly. Law enforcement was requested to come and close the road briefly while firefighters were at work.

The fire was knocked down quickly, with incident command reported to be clearing the scene shortly after 5 p.m.

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 Sheriff’s Office said it has updated the language it will use in notifying the community about evacuations and sheltering in case of wildland fires and other disasters.

Over the last few years, Lake County and many other jurisdictions have issued evacuation notices and warning to communities as a result of various emergencies.

The terminology used during these situations varied between agencies and jurisdictions, which resulted in confusion on occasion, according to Lt. Corey Paulich.

On March 4, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services convened a working group which has recommended a set of standardized terms for use in evacuation or shelter in place situations, Paulich said.

As the state enters what is anticipated to be another busy fire season, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Services will use the following standardized recommended terminology in our messaging.

The terminology is as follows:

Evacuation order: This terminology will be used when there is an immediate threat to life. This order is given pursuant to Penal Code Section 409.5, and is lawfully enforceable. When this terminology is used, you are legally required to leave the affected area and your life is in danger.

Evacuation warning: This terminology is used when there is a potential threat to life and/or property. Upon receipt of this notification, those with a need for additional time to evacuate are encouraged to do so. This is also the time for making last minute preparations to evacuate the area in the event an evacuation order is given.

Shelter in place: This terminology will be used in situations where evacuation is not needed. A shelter in place message may include direction for people to go indoors, shut and lock their doors and windows, and to prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.

Paulich said use of this standardized terminology will result in understanding between various responding agencies and jurisdictions during mutual aid calls, and will result in consistent messaging for our communities.

As the community proceeds into what has all the appearances of being another busy fire season, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Services encourage all residents to evaluate their readiness. Being prepared in advance will help us help you during a disaster.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council will consider what response the city may take in the event Pacific Gas and Electric implements public safety power shutoffs in response to weather conditions and wildland fire danger this summer.

The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

At the start of the meeting, new Police Officer Jesus Loera will take his oath and Clearlake Animal Control will present June’s adoptable dogs.

Under council business, the council will be asked to discuss and offer possible direction to staff regarding a city response to PG&E’s planned public safety power shutdowns.

City Manager Alan Flora’s report on the item explains that, with “PG&E’s infrastructure being identified as a cause of various wildfires within their territory over the past several years, the company has developed a plan to reduce the likelihood of future fires caused by electric utility infrastructure. One of the techniques identified and approved by the California Public Utility Commission is what is entitled a Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS).”

The shutdowns, based on weather information, would cause the company to shut off power “in an area determined to have a high probability of sparking a wildfire, primarily due to contact
between vegetation and electric transmission lines,” Flora wrote.

He said these types of power shutdowns have been used for several years by other utilities, but not by PG&E until 2018.

Flora said it’s important for the community to understand that the shutdowns are “highly likely” to occur, and could result in power being shut off for several days.

The shutdowns are not considered a natural disaster, and therefore are not eligible for funding normally provided by the federal and state governments, Flora said.

He said community members must be prepared, as the city cannot provide sheltering for thousands of people. “It is imperative that the community prepares a plan for their family and/or business and is not reliant on the City to provide a disaster like response.”

Flora said City Hall and the Clearlake Police station are equipped with an emergency generator and expect to be open for business as usual during a shutdown. City staff also are working to develop a plan “to maintain the highest level of core services during a potential PSPS and will provide resources and information to the community as it becomes available.”

He’s asking the council to discuss the shutoffs and provide staff “any direction on response as appropriate.”

In other business, the council will discuss the purchase of a street sweeper, which had come up during a May council discussion on road equipment.

Staff is bringing back several quotes for new and used equipment, ranging from $128,199 for a 2012 model up to $438,000 for a 2019 street sweeper, according to Public Works Superintendent Michael Baker’s report.

The council also will consider designating its voting delegates and alternate for the League of California Cities’ annual conference in October.

In addition, there is a closed session scheduled to discuss negotiations with the Clearlake Management/Confidential Employees, Clearlake Police Officer Association, Clearlake Municipal
Employees Association and Clearlake Middle Management Association, and conference with legal counsel regarding the city’s lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Corp. over the Sulphur fire.

On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are warrant registers; second reading of Ordinance No. 230-2019 requiring registration of vacant, abandoned or foreclosed commercial buildings; minutes of the April and May meetings; minutes of the May 8 Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; used oil payment program application by the county of Lake; consideration of updates to the city salary schedule; consideration of a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2017-34, adopting the Code Enforcement Division policy and procedure manual, Resolution No. 2019-31; consideration of Resolution 2019-32 to authorize the city manager to execute all master agreements, program supplemental agreements, fund exchange agreements, fund-transfer agreements and/or any amendments for federal and/or state-funded transportation projects.

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.



062719 Clearlake City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 9, to provide information and to seek input on the proposed Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project in Lake and Colusa counties.

The open house meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 15900 State Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks.

The 30-day public comment period for Walker Ridge wind energy project will end July 24.

The BLM will accept written public comments during the open-house meeting. Public input will help the BLM determine the size and scope of analysis needed, additional issues to study and a range of alternatives.

Colusa Wind LLC is requesting a right-of-way grant to build a Type III wind energy project and erect up to 42 wind turbines on approximately 2,270 acres of BLM-managed public land along Walker Ridge, within the Indian Valley Management Area.

The proponent is also requesting to widen Walker Ridge Road, construct a substation and overhead transmission line, and bury a collection line and tie-in to the existing Pacific Gas and Electric transmission line.

The BLM intends to prepare an environmental impact statement and a potential amendment to the 2006 Ukiah Resource Management Plan.

The 2006 Ukiah Resource Management Plan identified the Indian Valley Management Area as suitable for wind development.

Please submit written comments by the July 24 deadline. Written comments may be submitted at the public meeting, through the project Website at https://go.usa.gov/xmtGu , via hand-delivery, or by mail to the Ukiah Field Office, Attn: Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project, 2550 N. State Street, Suite 2, Ukiah, CA 95482.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.
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A map of the East fire in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. Courtesy of the Mendocino National Forest.


NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Mendocino National Forest officials reported that fire activity has slowed on the East fire as it continues to spread south toward the Middle Eel River in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness.

The fire is 405 acres and 20-percent contained, the forest reported on Monday.

To the southeast, lies the Haynes fire, which is 23 acres, 100-percent contained and in monitor status.

The fires are 23 miles northeast of Covelo in Trinity County.

Officials said every wildland fire receives a management response and decision on how to deal with it.

The East and the Haynes fires – while only one mile apart – are being managed under two different strategies.

The fires were first reported by the Anthony Peak Lookout June 17. The forest fire staff flew over the fires on June 18 and evaluated the likely growth over time, firefighter safety and potential areas of concern.

They discovered the East fire situated between Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge on the top of East Ridge.

Officials felt the location and the ridges provided an opportunity where firefighters could confine the fire and allow it to burn as naturally as possible in the wilderness.

On the other hand, the Haynes fire was located deeper downslope on Wrights Ridge, exposure and risk would have increased for firefighters and it would have taken a considerable amount of time and resources to manage it under a confinement strategy.

Due to these factors – firefighter safety, location, access and potential fire growth – officials decided that the best course of action was to suppress the Haynes fire as small as possible and confine the East fire within a designated 1,200-acre area to remove hazardous fuels and improve forest health.

There is a cooling trend expected early this week which will continue to slow fire activity. The forecast for Monday shows temperatures from 67 to 71 degrees and light northwest winds 5 to 8 miles per hour.

There are approximately 100 personnel working on the fires. Some of these resources will be released from the incident Monday and Tuesday due to the reduced fire activity.

Wilderness hikers are asked to avoid travel near Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge.

The East fire in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. Photo courtesy of the Mendocino National Forest.
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Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3), announced that his bipartisan Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019 has secured the 290 cosponsors necessary to receive a mandatory vote in the House of Representatives.

The bill will move to the Consensus Calendar, which hosts legislation that’s typically passed unanimously by the House.

“Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the Merchant Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country. The Merchant Marine suffered the highest per capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives, and another 12,000 were wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these Mariners who put their lives on the line were not even given veteran status until 1988,” Garamendi said.

“Last year, I got the chance to meet with three World War II Merchant Mariners: Charles Mills of Texas, age 97; Eugene Barner from Kansas, age 92; and Robert Weagant from Illinois, age 92,” Garamendi continued. “These mariners put their lives on the line for this country, braving German and Japanese submarines in their Liberty Ships as they delivered critical supplies to our servicemembers in the European and Pacific theaters. Unfortunately, their sacrifice is commonly overlooked. A Congressional Gold Medal would give them the recognition they deserve, and that’s why I’ve introduced this bill: to give these veterans and their families the honor and respect they are owed. I’m pleased that this bill will receive a vote in the full House of Representatives and is in an excellent position to become law,” Garamendi said.

“The time has come for our nation to provide a well-deserved thank you and honor the remaining Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII with a Congressional Gold Medal. This group of unsung heroes nobly served our country by operating the ships that transported critical supplies to front lines of the war, and in doing so suffered a casualty rate higher than any other branch of the military. In fact, one out of every 26 casualties during WWII was a volunteer Merchant Mariner. America would not be the great nation it is today without their valiant service of yesterday. I urge Congress to support this important bill and recognize this dwindling group of Merchant Marine Veterans from WWII that have served our nation so admirably,” said Christian Yuhas, vice president of American Merchant Marine Veterans and a Chief Engineer Merchant Marine.

The Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act was introduced in the Senate simultaneously by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Susan Brooks (R-IN) are the original cosponsors in the House of Representatives.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council has unanimously approved the new fiscal year budget, which carries with it a small deficit and seeks to finish major capital projects.

Finance Director Nick Walker presented the final recommended budget to the council last Tuesday night.

The budget presentation begins at the 19-minute mark in the video above. The budget report begins on page 43 of the agenda packet below.

The document places strong focus on public safety, roads, human capital, project execution, cost control and economic development.

The new fiscal year budget has $12.7 million in revenue and $16.3 million in expenditures.

Walker said the differences in those two numbers are reconciled by looking at items including $2.5 million in storm repair projects, for which the city already has received advance funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and insurance in prior years. Larger projects will be in line for reimbursement, such as the Library Park seawall.

The $16.3 million in expenditures breaks down as $5.6 million for personnel, $4.1 million for operations (materials, supplies, professional services), $1.6 million in debt service and $5 million in capital improvement projects, Walker said.

Going into the new fiscal year, Walker said there is a net change of half a full-time position, which is for the proposed assistant city manager’s job, which will only last half the year. City Manager Margaret Silveira said that position will be brought back in the year for approval.

Walker said the general fund is structurally balanced, with a $131,000 estimated deficit.

There are several projects to be carried over, including a public safety camera system, an SB1 project to upgrade Second Street, cement grinding for processing recycled asphalt and top-dressing Westside Community Park.

He said there are $1 million worth of one-time expenditures on capital projects in the general fund.

For the 2018-19 fiscal year, he said the city has an estimated $115,000 budget surplus, primarily from open positions, operational savings and unfinished projects. Overall, he said costs are up for personnel, pensions and health care.

He said the city’s water enterprise fund remains moderately stable, thanks to prior rate restructuring, with a small operating deficit of $26,000 that he said was partially due to pension costs.

The sewer enterprise fund is in a stable position, which Walker also attributed to rate increases.

Walker said the city receives $668,000 of the property taxes collected in the city, or about 14 percent of the entire assessment. The city gets a much larger piece of sales tax, $3.3 million, or 28.5 percent of the $11.8 million collected.

He said the only change made to the budget since the presentation he made to the council at its first meeting in June was that the Measure Z sales tax will cover costs for upgrading benches, trash receptacles and bike racks in Library Park and downtown.

Councilman George Spurr asked if there are plans for placing money back in reserve accounts that are being used to cover the deficit.

Silveira said they have to look at their reserves to make sure they are not too high, noting the city had put money into reserves last year.

Walker said the state says a 25 percent reserve is healthy; the city is at 60 percent.

Parlet moved to adopt the budget, which the council approved 4-0. Councilwoman Mireya Turner was absent for the meeting.

The council went on to unanimously approve the city’s $12,842,004 appropriations – or Gann – limit for Fiscal Year 2019-20.

The council also received a report on the Lakeport Dam Emergency Action Plan; approved the purchase of a $40,000 80-kilowatt generator for the Lakeport Boulevard lift station; approved a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2431 (2011) and designating the locations of two-hour limited parking zones in the city; and approved a list of properties with nuisance weeds and vegetation and directed staff to utilize the administrative citation procedures to abate the vegetation.

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.

061819 Lakeport City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – County staff will take to the Board of Supervisors a proposal to update county regulations regarding the placement of communications equipment such as cell towers.

The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 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 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.

In an untimed discussion continued from June 4, the board will consider amendments to Article 71 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance regarding regulations for the placement of communications towers and antennae.

“Staff is making a series of recommendations for your Board’s consideration regarding communications tower placement in the County of Lake,” County Counsel Anita Grant wrote in the staff report for the meeting. “The purpose of these recommendations is to establish guidelines for the siting of all wireless, cellular, and other telecommunications towers and antennae and to distinguish, where appropriate, between macro communications towers and small wireless facilities.”

Grant said the goal of the amendments includes encouraging the location of towers in non-residential areas; joint use of new and existing tower sites among service providers; location of macro communications towers and antennae in non-viewshed areas; design and construction of towers, antennae and wireless facilities to minimize visual impacts; and enhancing the abilities of telecommunications service providers to deliver services to the public effectively and efficiently.

In other untimed items, the board will consider a memorandum of understanding between the county of Lake and Lake Transit Authority for the establishment of a limited bus route on Mount Konocti.

Sitting as the Lake County Sanitation District Board of Directors, the supervisors also will consider the proposed agreement for construction of Anderson Springs Sewer Project between Lake County Sanitation District and Mercer-Fraser Co. of Eureka.

In an item timed for 9:15 a.m., the board will discuss county action in response to Pacific Gas and Electric’s decision to withdraw its license application for the Potter Valley Project, a hydroelectric project on Lake Pillsbury.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Approve leave of absence request for substance abuse counselor III, Leroy Fields, from June 14, 2019 through Sept. 15, 2019, and authorize the chair to sign.

5.2: Adopt resolution correcting Resolution 2019-80 establishing new classifications and amending the position allocation table for Fiscal Year 2019-20 to conform to the recommended budget.

5.3: Adopt a resolution approving Cooperative Agreement No. 19-0098-000-SA with the California Department of Food and Agriculture State Organic Program for the county of Lake.

5.4: Adopt a resolution approving Agreement No. 19-0205-000-SA with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to provide reimbursement for weighmaster program inspections for fiscal year July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.

5.5: Adopt a resolution adopting Agreement No. 18-0619-009 SF with the California Department of Food and Agriculture for compliance with the European Grapevine Moth Detection Program and authorization thereof.

5.6: Adopt resolution establishing 2019-2020 appropriations limit for the county of Lake and Special Districts governed by the Board of Supervisors.

5.7: Approve request to close Behavioral Health Services offices on Friday, June 28, from noon to 5 p.m. for summer all staff training meeting.

5.8: Approve Amendment No. 2 to the agreement between the county of Lake and Redwood Community Services Inc. Tule House for substance use disorder perinatal residential services for Fiscal Year 2018-19 for a new contract maximum of $270,000 and authorize the chair to sign the amendment.

5.9: Approve request to appoint Jack Smalley as interim chief building official at step one, retroactive to June 12, 2019.

5.10: Approve first amendment to the agreement for medical services in the Lake County Detention Facility, and authorize board chair to sign said amendment.

5.11: a) Adopt resolution authorizing the application for funding under the Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program for Hammond Park in Nice and authorize the Public Services director to sign the application, grant agreement and other necessary documents; b) adopt resolution authorizing the application for funding under the Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program for Kelseyville Community Park and authorize the Public Services director to sign the application, grant agreement and other necessary documents; c) adopt resolution authorizing the application for funding under the Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program for Hammond Park in Nice and authorize the Public Services director to sign the application, grant agreement and other necessary documents.

5.12: Approve Amendment No. 2 to agreement between the county of Lake and Helix Environmental Inc. (formerly Foothill Associates) for Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and community revitalization program support services in the amount of $57,125 and authorize the chair to sign.

5.13: Adopt resolution delegating to the county Public Works director the authority to negotiate and acquire a portion of certain parcels as required for Clayton Creek Road at Clayton Creek Bridge Replacement Project.

5.14: a) Waive the formal bidding process for the new excavators, per Ordinance #2406, Purchasing Code No. 38.4 Cooperative Purchases, with the determination Sourcewell meets the requirements of said purchasing code; and b) authorize the Public Works director/assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order not to exceed $187,023.44 for the John Deere 135G excavator and a purchase order not to exceed $89,664.38 for the John Deere 60G excavator to Pape Machinery Inc.

5.15: Approve memorandum of understanding between the county of Lake and the Mendocino - Lake Community College District for inmate programs and authorize the chair to sign.

5.16: Approve contract between the county of Lake and The Regents of the University of California for training services in the amount of $136,000 from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.

5.17: Approve the third amendment to the lease between the county of Lake Department of Social Services and Lillian Allen for the premises known as 1216, 1222 and 1228 South Main Street, Lakeport, for an annual amount of $18,950.40 from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.

5.18: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Family Resource Center for Cal-Learn Teen Parenting Services in the amount of $38,899, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, and authorize the chair to sign.

5.19: Approve contract between the county of Lake and JUMP Technology Services LLC for software in the amount of $9,504 per fiscal year, for a total of $28,512 from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022, and authorize the chair to sign.

5.20: Approve budget transfer of $200,000 from BU 5011 - Social Services Admin to BU 5121 General Welfare for foster care payments for the month of June 2019 and authorize the chair to sign.

TIMED ITEMS

6.2, 9:15 a.m.: Discussion and consideration of county action in response to PG&E's Decision to withdraw its license application for the Potter Valley Project.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Continued from June 18, consideration of an agreement between the city of Clearlake, city of Lakeport and the county of Lake Relative to Operation of a local public, educational, governmental, or PEG, cable television channel.

7.3: Continued from June 4, discussion and consideration of amendments to Article 71 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance, regulations for the placement of communications towers and antennae.

7.4: Consideration of changes to the Water Resources director recruitment.

7.5: Sitting as Lake County Sanitation District Board of Directors, consideration of proposed agreement for construction of Anderson Springs Sewer Project (Private Property Improvements) between Lake County Sanitation District (LACOSAN) and Mercer-Fraser Co. of Eureka.

7.6: Consideration of a memorandum of understanding between the county of Lake and Lake Transit Authority for the establishment of a limited bus route on Mount Konocti.

7.7: Consideration of contract between the county of Lake and Chabot-Las Positas Community College District for Title IV-E Training in the amount of $1,000,000 from July 2019 to June 2020 and authorize the chair to sign.

7.8: Consideration of the distribution of excess proceeds in the amount of $889,619.04 from tax defaulted land sale No. 155 held on June 9, 2017 (per R&T Code Section 4675).

CLOSED SESSION

8.1: Conference with legal counsel: Decision whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case.

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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MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Activity on the East fire burning in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness has slowed thanks to cooler temperatures, Mendocino National Forest officials said on Tuesday.

The East fire is 30-percent contained at 410 acres.

Activity on the East fire is expected to remain low while there is a cool weather system in place over Northern California.

On Monday, fire activity consisted of creeping and smoldering within the designated confinement area in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness, 23 miles northeast of Covelo in Trinity County.

There are 100 personnel assigned to the incident. Some of these resources are being released due to the low fire activity.

“We are prepared for the fire to slow down or speed up depending on the weather, terrain and fuels it moves into over the coming weeks. This is the expected natural process as the fire continues to spread within the designated confinement area between the East Ridge, Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge,” said Incident Commander Trainee Terry Nickerson.

“While activity is low now, we are prepared to manage this incident over the long-term with the proper size of organization to support the crews in the wilderness,” said Nickerson. “One way we can do that efficiently is to arrange for a pack train to start delivering supplies to the crews. We anticipate the pack train to start operating the beginning of July.”

Fire crews are patrolling and monitoring activity along Buck Ridge and East Ridge to the Middle Eel River.

Crews also are repairing camp sites, firelines and helispots by removing berms, dispersing slash, hauling trash and covering cut trees with limbs or slash.

Fire personnel can expect temperatures in the low 60s with winds out of the west from 6 to 10 miles per hour on Tuesday.

There are no closures associated with the East Fire, however, officials advise wilderness hikers avoid traveling near Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge.
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HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – A Hidden Valley Lake man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after he crashed his motorcycle into a car this weekend.

Josiah Fleenor, 22, suffered major injuries in the wreck, which occurred at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in Hidden Valley Lake, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office.

The CHP said Fleenor was driving a 2019 Kawasaki motorcycle northbound on Mountain Meadow just north of Gold Flat Court.

Due to Fleenor's level of intoxication, he allowed the Kawasaki to drift off the right side of the roadway and subsequently crashed into a parked vehicle, the CHP said.

The CHP said Fleenor – who was not using his safety equipment – was transported to Santa Rosa Memorial via air ambulance for treatment of his injuries.

Alcohol was determined to be a factor in this collision, and the CHP said he was arrested for DUI.

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 Association of Realtors reported that sales of single-family residences continue to hold steady with little gain or decline in the median price.

The median sales price for May was $265,000, up 1.94 percent from April’s median of $259,950 and down 1.12 percent from the May, 2018 median of $268,000.

In May there were 79 reported sales, a gain of 36 percent over April’s 58 sales. On a year-to-year basis May sales were 9.2 percent less than the 87 sales in May of 2018.

“The current market factors should help buyers,” said Mary Benson, 2019 Lake County Association of Realtors president. “A combination of interest rates being at their lowest level in nearly a year and a half, little or no pricing gains and more homes on the market are making homes more affordable in Lake County.”

For the month cash financing was used in 25.3 percent of the transactions, conventional loans accounted for 35.4 percent of the deals and FHA loans were used in 22.8 percent of the sales.

On a statewide basis the California Association of Realtors reported that the median sales price in California for May was $611,190, up 1.4 percent from April and up 1.7 percent from May of 2018.

Existing, single-family home sales total 406,960 in May on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 2.6 percent from April and down 0.6 percent from May, 2018.

The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 4.07 percent in May, down from 4.59 percent in May 2018, according to Freddie Mac.

The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate increased in May to an average of 3.65 percent from 3.79 in May 2018.

NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

May 2019
Median price: $265,000
Units sold: 79
Median days to sell: 48

April 2019
Median price: $259,950
Units sold: 58
Median days to sell: 56

May 2018
Median price: $268,000
Units sold: 87
Median days to sell: 41

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