Tuesday, 11 February 2025

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The former Natural High School property in Lakeport, California, where the city of Lakeport wants to build the Lakefront Park project. The city has received a $5.9 million state grant to acquire the property and develop it into a park. File photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The California Department of Parks and Recreation has awarded the city of Lakeport a multimillion-dollar grant to build a new lakeside park at the former Natural High School site.

The state announced that it has awarded Lakeport $5,947,621 for the Lakefront Park project.

The funds will cover the city’s purchase of the 6.9-acre property located at 800 N. Main St. in Lakeport from the Lakeport Unified School District, as well as the construction of a new skate park, splash pad, basketball court, amphitheater, exercise circuit, five picnic areas with shade, concessions/restroom building, parking lot, public art with landscaping and lighting throughout the park, and the renovation of an existing boat ramp.

“We’re thrilled,” said Lakeport Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram.

“It was quite a process and it will be quite a bit of work going forward, for sure,” Ingram added.

He noted that it’s a huge award for the city, adding that the grant is about the same amount as the city’s general fund for one year.

Lakeport’s new park is among 62 projects selected to receive $254,942,000 in Proposition 68 funding in the Statewide Park Program’s third round of awards.

The state reported that it received 478 applications requesting $2.3 billion for the available $254.9 million in this round. The average grant request statewide was $4.8 million, and the average grant amount was $4.1 million.

City followed extensive public input process

California voters approved Proposition 68, the Parks and Water Bond Act of 2018, which authorizes $4 billion in general obligation bonds meant for projects that extend from local and state parks to flood protection, water infrastructure, environmental protection and habitat restoration.

Last year, the city of Lakeport and the county of Lake applied for Proposition 68 funds for park projects. Lakeport’s grant award is the only one in Lake County in the newly announced round of awards.

The city of Lakeport held a series of five public meetings over the course of four months last year, which Ingram said was a key component of the grant.

At those meetings, city staff and the consultants gathered information to create the plan that ultimately was submitted to the state by the August deadline. Part of the public input process also included an online survey offered in both English and Spanish.

He said the grant proposal also built on the lakefront revitalization plan that the city created in 2017 and the council approved in September of that year.

One of the chief complaints from community members about the lakefront revitalization plan, said Ingram, was that at first there was no clear way to fund it.

However, by having the lakefront revitalization plan ready, Ingram said the city was able to pursue the funding when it became available. “You gotta have your homework done.”

Public Health Advocates Inc., a Davis-based nonprofit that helped write the Proposition 68 bond funding language, approached the city to help it with pursuing the grant. Ingram credited the firm with its work for making the grant award a possibility.

The city and the Lakeport Unified School District have discussed the city’s purchase of the property several times over the years, and even if it hadn’t won the grant, Ingram said, “The council’s been committed to continuing with the school district on the acquisitions, regardless.”

At the same time as the grant was being prepared and submitted last year, the Lakeport Unified School District began the process required under state education code to sell the property.

That included convening a 7-11 Committee, also known as a District Advisory Committee, according to the California Department of Education.

The state said a 7-11 Committee – so named due to the state legislative requirements to have at least seven members but no more than 11 – gathers facts when the district considers closing a school or, in this case, selling a property.

Lakeport Unified School District Superintendent Jill Falconer said the district’s 7-11 Committee submitted a report and recommendations last year and the school board declared the property surplus at its Sept. 11 meeting.

Falconer said the school board also directed the administration to begin the Education Code priority offer process for surplus school district real property.

She said the district and city are currently in discussions regarding the site and they have a meeting planned on Wednesday during which they will continue the discussions.

Ingram separately confirmed that Falconer and City Manager Margaret Silveira are set to discuss the property on Wednesday.

“Further board action may be necessary to complete any sale of the surplus property,” Falconer said.

A quick turnaround

As for the next steps for the city, in addition to completing the property acquisition from the school district, Ingram said the city already has started on the required environmental study, which it needs to have completed by the summer.

He said he expects it will take some time for the state Department of Parks and Recreation to get its contract in place to disburse the money, and then there will need to be council action to accept the funds and agree to the contract terms.

Then the city will need to get engineering plans and put the project out to bid in order to have it constructed in time, Ingram said.

The park will need to be open to the public in 2022, which Ingram said is a “really tight deadline” and a very quick turnaround for a government project.

Ingram called the Natural High property a “really, really awesome location.” It’s been important to the community for a long time and is “a big piece to a lot of our other efforts,” including a lakeside promenade.

It’s also located just down the street from the former Bank of America building, which was donated to the city of Lakeport last year. The city is turning the former bank into a community center.

Ingram said receiving the grant is a great win in itself, but is positive for both residents and visitors alike.

He envisioned what the park will offer the community in the years to come. Just one example – future productions of Shakespeare in the Park in the new amphitheater slated to be built there.

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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NORTH COAST, Calif. – Firefighters are making progress on a wildland fire burning on the Mendocino National Forest’s Covelo Ranger District.

The Baseball fire began at noon on Tuesday and by nightfall had reached 60 acres, with 5 percent containment, the Mendocino National Forest reported.

Officials said the Baseball fire is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Covelo near Atchison campground.

Firefighters have determined that the fire’s origin was previous pile burning on the Baseball prescribed fire project.

About 55 personnel are assigned to the incident including one crew, three engines, one water tender and a helicopter. The forest’s report on the incident said an additional crew has been ordered.

Conditions reported at the fire are light wind, 70 degrees and a low to moderate rate of spread.

Forest officials said there are no immediate threats to property or structures.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – City of Clearlake city staffers have submitted numerous grant applications to make improvements to city infrastructure and address needs, like housing and preparation for public safety power shutoffs, with the city already getting word that it’s been successful in some of those requests.

At the Clearlake City Council’s Thursday meeting, City Manager Alan Flora gave a report that included updates on efforts to pursue a wide variety of grants.

Flora said staff has been informed that the city has received a $268,500 grant from the California Office of Emergency Services to prepare for public safety power shutoff impacts.

He thanked City Clerk-Administrative Services Director Melissa Swanson and Police Chief Andrew White for doing most of the work on the application while he was on vacation.

The city also has preliminary approval for $160,000 in SB 2 planning grants for the purposes of increasing housing. Flora said uses include updating the zoning ordinance and new permitting software for the Community Development Department.

Flora said the city also is in line for at least $200,000 in noncompetitive Proposition 68 Per Capita Parks Grant funding. He said those funds will be used to upgrade the bathrooms at Austin Park.

Other funding the city is pursuing includes Community Development Block Grant disaster funding related to the Sulphur fire. Flora said the grant must be spent in the Clearlake zip code and it offers up to $1.1 million for multifamily housing.

He said the city has submitted the Hope Center project for consideration, and also is working on a proposal with the county for a veterans housing project on county-owned property behind Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital.

Flora said there is another round of funding the city wants to apply for from the same Community Development Block Grant funding source for the 2018 wildland fires. He said 80 percent of $1 billion has to be spent in four counties – Lake, Butte, Los Angeles and Shasta. Rules for that funding are pending as input is being taken, he said.

He said officials are set to visit the city this week to discuss the eligible programs for the 2018 fire grants. The grant proposals have to be focused on housing, but Flora said the city will try to argue for being able to spend the funds on economic development-related projects.

On Thursday, the city also submitted an application to GoBiz and Housing and Urban Development, Flora said.

Flora said the city has been working with Lake County Economic Development Corp. on the application for the grant which covers technical assistance for opportunity zone, housing tax credit programs and researching enhanced infrastructure financing districts.

The city has a good chance of getting those funds, he said.

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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Sheli Wright. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair Board of Directors announced that it has selected Sheli Wright as the new chief executive officer of the fair, also known as the 49th District Agricultural Association.

She succeeds Courtny Conkle, who left in September to take over as Wyoming State Fair manager, as Lake County News has reported.

Wright will officially begin her duties as the Lake County Fair CEO on March 16.

The fair board said Wright, who is excited about leading the fair into the 2020s, believes the fair is the heart of the rural community.

Wright is a long-term community member who grew up showing animals, participating in events and cheering in the grandstands of the Lake County Fair.

She previously worked as manager for the State Council on Developmental Disabilities’ North Coast Region Office, serving individuals in Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

“I am confident Ms. Wright will be an excellent addition to the Lake County Fair,” said Fair Board President Tom Turner. “She is sharp, community-minded, and organized with a desire to preserve the fairgrounds and the District Agriculture Association not only for the state of California but, more importantly, for the community of Lake County.”

The fair board lauded Mendocino Fair CEO Jim Brown for doing a great job of serving as the interim CEO since Conkle’s departure in the fall.

The fair board thanked Brown for stepping in to support the fair while juggling his own duties in Mendocino County.

In addition to being enthusiastic about Wright’s education and profession experience, the committee and Fair Board of Directors found her to be a business-minded individual with an ability to plan, organize, market, promote transparency and create goal-oriented objectives in order to successfully lead the fair into a sustainable business model for the enjoyment of the public for years to come.

The fairgrounds hosts year-round events and activities including NCRA auto racing, Paradise Skate, the Lake County Rodeo and the upcoming third annual Lake County Ag & Natural Resource Day occurring on March 28.

The Lake County Fair, which is traditionally held on Labor Day Weekend, will begin on Sept. 3. The 2020 theme is “Racing to Lake County Fair.”

For more information about how you can support the Lake County Fairgrounds and get involved in the fair, please contact the fair at 707-263-6181.
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MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest officials said firefighters are working to contain a wildfire burning on the Covelo Ranger District.

The Baseball fire started at noon on Tuesday, forest officials reported.

The fire is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Covelo and is estimated at 40 acres.

Forest officials said firefighting personnel have arrived at the incident and additional resources have been ordered to help contain the fire.

There is a light wind, temperatures are in the mid-70s and a low to moderate rate of spread is reported at the fire.

There are no immediate threats to property or structures. More information will be provided as it becomes available, the forest said.
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COBB, Calif. – Cobb Mountain Elementary School and Mountain Lions Club are hosting a traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner with live music by local bluegrass band The Cobb Stompers on Saturday, March 14.

The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Cobb, located at 15780 Bottle Rock Road.

The dinner benefits Cobb Mountain Elementary School and its PTO’s goal to achieve nonprofit status.

Keeping with past tradition, there will be a silent auction, dessert auction and a raffle.

The silent auction will feature handmade items crafted by students and local artisans, themed classroom baskets and donations from local businesses.

The dessert auction will showcase decadent desserts made by community members.

Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. There is limited ticket availability. The event is for ages 21 and over.

The ticket price includes traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner, live music, a raffle ticket and more. A vegetarian option is available. Appetizers are served before dinner. The Lions Club will provide a no-host bar.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Live music begins at approximately 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at Cobb Mountain Elementary School’s office and Mountain High Coffee & Books in Cobb during business hours, or may be purchased online (includes a small processing fee) here.

Cobb Mountain Elementary School is an anchor of the Cobb community and has provided stability during its many transitions throughout the years.

Everyone is invited to attend the event and support Cobb School and its programs.

If you cannot attend and would like to show your support, call, text or email Kristen Callahan to find out how, 707-791-9952, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Don Adam West, 29, of Clearlake, California, was arrested on Sunday, February 23, 2020, on numerous felony charges including domestic violence, burglary, vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon/firearm, shooting at an occupied vehicle, personally shooting from a vehicle and assault on a person with a semiautomatic firearm. Lake County Jail photo.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported drive-by shooting on Sunday morning and have taken a Clearlake man into custody in connection to the incident.

Don Adam West, 29, was arrested on Sunday afternoon, according to Lt. Rich Ward.

Ward said that on Sunday at approximately 11:16 a.m. the Clearlake Police Department requested the Lake County Sheriff’s Office respond to the 15000 block of Lakeshore Boulevard in Clearlake for two separate incidents that occurred within the unincorporated area of Lower Lake.

Deputies learned that at 10:30 a.m. that day West was alleged to have driven to a residence located in the 17000 block of Morgan Valley Road and assaulted a victim with whom he previously had a dating relationship, Ward said.

West broke through the front door of the residence and damaged property valued in excess of $500 before fleeing the location in a 2003 black Chevrolet pickup truck, Ward reported.

Ward said a resident of the home called Jose Tapia and Jose Tapia Jr. and requested they respond to assist with West.

The Tapias were driving on Main Street near Lake Street in Lower Lake when they saw West driving his truck. Ward said they flagged down West on Lake Street and pulled their 2013 black Chevrolet pickup truck along the driver’s side of West’s truck.

Ward said the Tapias reported that West brandished a black semiautomatic handgun from the open driver’s side window. The Tapias accelerated their truck away from West’s truck and heard what they believed to be two gunshots.

West was reported to have followed the Tapias through Lower Lake and into the city of Clearlake where the Tapias were able to flag down a Clearlake Police officer near the area of 40th Avenue in Clearlake, Ward said.

Approximately 15 minutes later, the Clearlake Police Department conducted an enforcement stop on West’s truck and detained West on Lakeshore Boulevard, Ward said.

Ward said deputies responded to that scene to assist with the investigation. No firearms, ammunition or spent casings were located within West’s truck.

While conducting interviews, deputies on scene learned the Tapias located what was believed to be a bullet hole within the rear passenger side quarter panel of their truck. Ward said the Tapias also provided deputies with a spent bullet casing from where they confronted West in Lower Lake. The casing was collected as evidence.

Ward said the deputies also obtained evidence that was consistent with the allegations and believed the Tapias had been shot at in Lower Lake.

As of Tuesday, no firearm has been located and the investigation is ongoing, Ward said.

Ward said that, based on statements from the parties involved and evidence collected, West was placed under arrest for felony charges of domestic violence, burglary, vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon/firearm, shooting at an occupied vehicle, personally shooting from a vehicle and assault on a person with a semiautomatic firearm.

West, who was set for arraignment this week, remained in custody on Wednesday with his bail set at $300,000. He is due to return to court on March 3, according to his booking records.

If anyone has additional information about this case or surveillance footage of this incident, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office would encourage citizens to contact Deputy Andres Fernandez at 707-262-4200 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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The general location for the gateway near Perry’s Deli in Middletown, California. Courtesy photo.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Area Merchants Association is seeking concept sketches for a gateway to Middletown.

The gateway will span 15 to 20 feet wide and be about 12 to 18 feet tall.

It will be installed on the east side of Highway 29 in the open space near Perry’s Deli. This is not an arch over a road as much as it is an artful welcome to Middletown.

Design motifs or elements should include, or be inspired by one or several of the following: Mountains, trees, rustic, rural lifestyle, expansive skies and stars.

Materials should be sturdy and durable including metal or stone, with the possibility of a stone or concrete base for planters, or planters built into the design.

The committee is open to any combination of durable materials and design elements.

The gateway or arch should say “Middletown” or “Welcome to Middletown.” The design should also include a feature to hang banners from to inform the public of what’s happening in Middletown.

For this preliminary phase and call for work, a hand-rendered conceptual sketch or thumbnail is requested. Two or three submitted sketches will be selected by the MAMA Board and MAMA Beautification Committee to move on to the next phase.

In phase two, a small stipend will be provided to flush out selected designs, in a preliminary fashion, for community input and fundraising.

In phase three, the selected design concepts will be reworked, developed and engineered for safety and longevity.

Preliminary concept sketches are due no later than Saturday, March 14, via email or US post.

Please send scanned sketches or photos of sketches to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mail to P.O. Box 1616, Middletown, CA 95461.

For questions, email is the same, or call 707-809-8118 and someone will return your call.
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California Attorney General Xavier Becerra on Monday announced a DNA technology advancement that will enable the California Department of Justice to increase its ability to successfully identify unknown persons.

The department is the first accredited state crime lab in North America to begin fully sequencing mitochondrial DNA, which makes it easier to test degraded evidence samples that have been subjected to harsh environmental conditions.

This advancement is particularly important for being able to process DNA involving unknown human remains and help families find closure regarding loved ones who have gone missing.

“Anything we can do to help families find closure is critical,” said Attorney General Becerra. “We’re proud of the work our scientists and technicians do every day at our Bureau of Forensic Services to help protect Californians, including our work with local law enforcement to help families locate their missing loved ones. This breakthrough will help make a direct difference in people’s lives.”

When biological evidence has been exposed to harsh environmental conditions, DNA may be broken down into small pieces. This makes it more difficult to successfully obtain information about the DNA that can be used to identify an unknown person.

Given the high prevalence of degradation of DNA in human remains that have been outdoors for extended periods of time, scientists at crime laboratories often turn to mitochondrial DNA since it is generally present in far greater quantities than standard nuclear DNA.

While nuclear DNA is typically more informative, sometimes mitochondrial DNA is all that is available. Mitochondrial DNA is found in mitochondria, which are organelles inside human cells.

Organelles have various functions; mitochondria are involved in biochemical processes used for respiration and energy production in the body. Organelles exist outside of the cell’s nucleus, where human DNA is packaged, and are found in every human cell. Mitochondrial DNA only contains DNA information that is passed along maternally.

Taking advantage of massive parallel sequencing technology, the Department’s Bureau of Forensic Services has now validated a process for sequencing the entirety of mitochondrial DNA.

Previously, only a portion of the control region of mitochondrial DNA, approximately 5 percent of the genome, was analyzed in cases involving unknown persons.

By sequencing the entire genome, the department is able to significantly increase the proportion of unique results known as haplotypes.

This, in turn, increases the ability to successfully identify unknown persons by allowing scientists to eliminate results that have some shared characteristics with greater certainty.

As with all areas of science, advances are constantly made through discoveries and technological developments. Rapidly evolving technology has helped make sequencing entire genomes more feasible.

Officials said the advancement announced Monday will be used to compare mitochondrial DNA provided by families to biological evidence found in cases involving unknown human remains.

General information on the Department’s Bureau of Forensic Services is available here.

Last year, 42,454 adults and 76,696 children were reported missing by California law enforcement.

More information on missing persons is available here.

If you think you know the whereabouts of any missing person, before taking any action, please contact the law enforcement agency listed in the missing person record, your local law enforcement agency, or the California Department of Justice at 1-800-222-FIND (24-hour nationwide toll-free hotline) or (916) 210-3119 or email the Department of Justice at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Behavioral Health Services has announced the opening of its newest Peer Support Center in Middletown.

Christened the “Family Support Center,” by students at Middletown High School, the facility provides resources, referrals and support for families involved with the county mental health system or that need more information on available community resources.

The center is located at 21389 Stewart St., Suite E.

Some of the groups that we are expecting to start soon include The Parent Café, Art Group, Nurturing Families Groups and Homework Clubs for youth in the community.

The LCBHS Parent Partner will be housed at the Family Support Center. The Parent Partner will provide peer-to-peer understanding, support parents in navigating the services system, and advocate for their needs.

The Parent Partner also brings nonclinical insights on how to seek appropriate services and communicate with service providers.

The center is a safe, comfortable environment in which to learn more about behavioral health services in our community, get connected to appropriate services/programs, and socialize with others in the community.

The grand opening was held on Feb. 14. The event offered the community the chance to tour the center and meet the staff. If you missed the grand opening, please stop by anytime Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and say hello or give the center a call at 707-987-9601.

Community members also can visit other Peer Support Centers listed below.

The Big Oak Peer Support Center
13340 E. Hwy 20, Suite O
Clearlake Oaks, CA 94523
707-998-0310
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Circle of Native Minds Cultural Center
845 Bevins St.
Lakeport, CA 95453
707-263-4880
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Harbor on Main
154 S. Main St.
Lakeport, CA 95453
707-994-5486
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

La Voz de la Esperanza Centro Latino
14585 Suite B Olympic Drive
Clearlake, CA 95422
707-994-4261
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090.
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A portion of the sidewalk to be replaced in Library Park as part of a contract the Lakeport City Council awarded to Granite Construction on Monday, February 24, 2020. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – In a special Monday evening meeting, the Lakeport City Council approved a contract for a new sidewalk in Library Park.

In a 4-0 vote, the council approved awarding the Library Park Sidewalk Replacement Project to Granite Construction, which submitted the lowest of three bids staff opened last week. Councilman Kenny Parlet was absent for the meeting.

The project will remove and replace the sidewalk along the promenade that lines the lakeshore that was damaged, along with the seawall, in the 2017 and 2019 storms. West Coast Contractors is currently replacing the original damaged cinder block seawall with a sheet pile wall.

Public Works Director Doug Grider’s written report to the council said other aspects of the project will include installing trench drain and features, pipe sleeves, modification of existing light pole bases and relocation of existing light poles.

Because the storms triggered federal disaster declarations, Grider and his staff successfully pursued funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to build the new seawall and sidewalks.

Grider said Granite Construction was the lowest of three bidders at $399,495.

Grider said the other bidders were Mendocino Construction, $429,986, and Darren Taylor, $479,066.01.

The city engineer’s estimate for this project was $435,811.25, Grider said.

“We're very happy with these bids. We think they were very competitive,” Grider said.

Councilwoman Stacey Mattina asked when the work on the sidewalks will begin.

Grider said it will depend on when the seawall work is done, which it’s hoped will be completed by the end of March in order for the sidewalk work to start at the beginning of April.

In the meantime, Grider said it’s possible that they could do the center promenade which leads to the Carnegie Library.

West Coast Contractors is building a new sheet pile seawall at Library Park in Lakeport, California. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

Grider said the goal is to have the seawall and sidewalks done by Memorial Day weekend, with the rest of the finishing touches to the park – including placement of tables – to be completed by July 4.

City Manager Margaret Silveira told the council that the annual Wood and Glory show, which features classic boats and cars, has expressed interest in returning to Lakeport. That event takes place the week after Memorial Day.

Councilwoman Mireya Turner moved to approve the contract, with Mattina seconding and the council voting 4-0.

Grider told Lake County News after the meeting that the sidewalk work is expected to take three weeks to a month to complete.

The promenade area along the lakeshore will be 10 feet wide, with the middle 8-foot-wide section having a wood pattern stamped on the concrete and a 1-foot-wide unstamped plain concrete border on each side. That design, recommended by the Lakeport Parks and Recreation Committee, was approved by the council at its last meeting in December.

The other portion of the sidewalk work will extend in a t-shape from the lakeside to the fountain behind the Carnegie Library, said Grider. The fountain will remain in place.

That portion extending to the library fountain will be plain, unstamped concrete, so as to match the look of the other concrete around it, Grider said.

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.


022420 Lakeport City Council special meeting agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council is looking for a new location for a Public Works corporation yard, and the district county supervisor has suggested a possible solution.

On Thursday, the council discussed a possible relocation of the corporation yard – currently located on the city-owned Pearce Field airport property, which the city is considering selling for commercial development – to another city-owned property on Ogulin Canyon Road.

David Swartz, the city’s consulting engineer, presented an analysis of two sites on the 21-acre property on Thursday night. His report is on 40 of the agenda packet published below.

However, Swartz’s conclusion on both sites – one on top of a hill, the other at the base of a hill – was that they are too small to be usable on a long term basis.

For the hilltop location, Swartz said there would need to be a lot of earthmoving, which would be made more difficult by his assessment that the hilltop is rock.

There also was the matter of a 12-foot-wide access road that has a 12- to 15-percent grade, which Swartz said could be a “recipe for disaster” when trying to move large equipment to the site.

At the bottom of the hill, Swartz said there is a flat-enough area to develop a yard, but some of that flat area is on an adjacent parcel not owned by the city. He said it’s possible that the adjacent site could be purchased.

“The usability of the site, I think, presents some challenges,” Swartz said.

The city’s current Public Works corporation yard is being shared with the city’s Animal Control department, with a lot of workspace being taken up by kennels, he said.

Swartz said Public Works’ staff and needs are expanding. He said the city could relocate the yard to the Ogulin Canyon Road site and it would be sufficient for the current staff, but he didn’t think it would suffice for the future.

“And I’m just being honest,” he said, explaining that in a dozen years, the city will probably have a larger Public Works staff “by quite a bit.”

Swartz said that in the next decade, the city will be presented with another dilemma, open a second corporation yard or move the current one.

In response to questions from Vice Mayor Dirk Slooten, Swartz said the property has no setback issues, isn’t in the flood zone, and has no water or sewer service.

During the ensuing discussion, council members agreed with Swartz’s assessment and didn’t like the idea of moving to a new site that wouldn’t be adequate long term.

Councilman Phil Harris noted his concerns with the prospect of city staff having to cross Highway 53 with equipment every time they left the site. He said he’d prefer a location within the city.

“It’s not an ideal location,” said Mayor Russ Cremer, adding he would like to look for a more suitable location, which may require buying new property and selling the Ogulin Canyon Road site.

Councilman Russ Perdock said the city has other properties including one 30-acre site acquired through redevelopment that can be accessed off of Old Highway 53. He said the city had considered putting a park there.

City Manager Alan Flora said staff had looked at city-owned sites and the Ogulin Canyon Road location was the only one other than the airport with size.

“The frustration here is, the city’s been talking about doing this for several years. We've made very little, if any, progress,” Flora said.

He said the city needs a solution as soon as possible, as he anticipates significant pressure and interest in developing at the airport property in the next few years.

Flora said it may be feasible to sell the Ogulin Canyon Road site. He said he’s not sure of what it could be used for, noting it’s in a cannabis combining district and also would make a nice home site.

The $600,000 budgeted for the new corporation yard is probably not enough to build at the Ogulin Canyon Road site, with Flora noting that it puts the city in a bind, both timing-wise and financially.

Perdock asked Swartz how big of a site the city needs for a new corporation yard. Swartz said four to five acres.

During public comment, District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier offered a brand new option.

Sabatier said he texted Lake County Special Districts Administrator Jan Coppinger about the matter and said she is open to a conversation about locating the corporation yard at the county-owned sewer pond facility on Pond Road. The site also has a solar installation.

Flora said the city and county had previously talked about locating Clearlake Animal Control there.

Council members liked the idea and said they wanted to explore it further. Cremer thanked Sabatier for suggesting the Pond Road site.

The council reached a consensus to consider the Pond Road site further.

During the meeting, Flora showed the council a map of a 490-acre parcel within the city limit owned by the Lake County Sanitation District.

Sabatier later confirmed to Lake County News that the city and county plan to move forward with discussing the site.

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.



022020 Clearlake City Council meeting agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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