Monday, 25 November 2024

Register

News

Posted On

Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed statewide in vehicle crashes caused by distracted drivers.

To combat this issue, the California Highway Patrol received the Adult Distracted Drivers (ADD) XII grant to keep California roads safe through education and enforcement.

“Distracted driving is a serious issue that is 100 percent preventable,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “We are encouraging drivers to make a conscious choice to not drive distracted. This simple decision can have a tremendous positive impact on the safety of California’s roadways.”

Drivers who choose to drive distracted exponentially increase the odds of being involved in a vehicle crash.

According to data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, in 2019 there were nearly 19,000 crashes where driver inattention played a role.

Of the 9,371 drivers involved in a fatal or injury distracted driving crash that year, nearly 10 percent cited cellphone use as the source of inattention.

Though there are numerous distractions for a driver, cellphones are the most prevalent. Handheld cellphone use while driving is not only illegal in California, it is an unsafe activity behind the wheel.

In California, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cellphone while driving for any reason, including hands-free devices.

“Driving safely requires complete attention, so it is best to stay focused on the road. Distraction behind the wheel jeopardizes your safety, your passengers’ safety, and the well-being of those around you,” Commissioner Ray added.

Funds from the ADD grant will help support the CHP’s completion of at least 400 traffic safety presentations statewide and a minimum of 80 distracted driving enforcement operations between Oct. 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2022.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Posted On

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced that California has signed on to a global agreement bringing together nations, states and regions, vehicle manufacturers, businesses, investors and other partners dedicated to rapidly accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles.

Launched by the UK COP presidency, the COP26 Declaration on Zero-Emission Cars and Vans aims to achieve 100% zero emission vehicle sales by 2035 in leading markets, and no later than 2040 globally.

The governor provided pre-recorded remarks for COP26 Transport Day on Wednesday lauding the agreement and lifting up California’s world-leading policies to usher in a clean transportation future.

California last month surpassed one million zero-emission vehicle sales, a top export for the state.

In Glasgow, California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph participated in the launch of the joint declaration on Wednesday.

“California is proud to be leading the way along with so many global partners to build a clean transportation future,” said Gov. Newsom. “This is the most impactful step we can take to fight climate change and it will take partners working together across all sectors of society to accelerate the transition. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California will continue to use our market power to push zero-emission vehicle innovation and drive down costs for everyone as we clean the air and create a healthier future for our children and the planet.”

California is home to more than 485,000 clean energy jobs and the state’s renewable energy and clean vehicle industries lead the nation in growth.

Since taking office, the governor has taken action to eliminate harmful emissions from the transportation sector and drive the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Newsom made a historic commitment to require that sales of all new passenger vehicles be zero-emission by 2035 and aggressively decarbonize heavy-duty vehicles such as trains, trucks and buses.

The state has targeted emissions from the heavy-duty sector with bold action to reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities.

The California Comeback Plan includes a $3.9 billion package to accelerate its zero-emission vehicle, or ZEV, goals, including funding for clean vehicle infrastructure and to help drive consumer adoption of ZEVs.

Earlier this year, Gov. Newsom joined a bipartisan group of 12 governors from across the country calling for the Biden Administration to create a path with the states to ensure that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. will be zero-emission in the near future and amplify states’ investments in ZEV charging and fueling infrastructure.

California on Wednesday also assumed leadership of the Transportation Decarbonisation Alliance, a unique collaboration bringing together countries, cities or regions and companies as the major drivers in sustainable, low-carbon mobility, and unveiled a Call to Action on Zero-Emission Infrastructure developed in partnership with the Netherlands to support public-private collaboration on the deployment of charging infrastructure.

Led by Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, California’s delegation at COP26 last week highlighted the state’s groundbreaking policies to combat the intensifying climate crisis and joined with international partners, top U.S. climate officials and representatives from other states and regions to discuss efforts to enhance collaboration on a wide array of climate action.

Kounalakis participated in events with White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, among others, and signed on to Scotland’s Edinburgh Declaration, making California the first U.S. state to join this global network of governments pledging action to protect biodiversity.

California’s delegation of state lawmakers and environmental leaders continued to participate in COP26 events this week.
Posted On

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Area Town Hall this week will discuss a resort project that’s now tied up in litigation and take nominations for its 2022 board.

MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public.

To join the Zoom meeting click on this link; the meeting ID is 832 1989 2440. Call in at 669-900-6833.

At 7:25 p.m., Kirsty Shelton, a representative of the Maha Guenoc Valley resort, will give the group an update.

The Maha project is the focus of a lawsuit filed against the county of Lake by the Center for Biological Diversity and the California Native Plant Society, with intervention and support from the Attorney General’s Office. Arguments in the case took place over the past two weeks.

In other business, at 7:40 p.m., Tracy Craig of Pacific Gas and Electric will give an update on the sequestration site and Board member Lisa Kaplan will discuss the Clean California Caltrans grant at 7:55 p.m.

At 8:15 p.m., nomination will be taken for the MATH Board of Directors.

There also is a discussion set for 8:40 p.m. regarding returning to in-person meetings.

Other timed items include Supervisor Moke Simon’s monthly report to MATH at 7:10 p.m., public comment at 8:25 p.m. and discussion of agenda items for the December meeting at 8:45 p.m.

MATH’s last meeting of the year will take place on Thursday, Dec. 9.

The MATH Board includes Chair Rosemary Córdova, Vice Chair Monica Rosenthal, Secretary Lisa Kaplan, and Ken Gonzales and Paul Baker.

MATH — established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 — is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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.
Blog Left ad
Posted On

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — A narrow majority of the Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees voted Wednesday night to pause the recruitment for a new permanent chancellor.

Following a lengthy discussion, the board approved a motion offered by Trustee Bill Roderick — whose coverage area includes Lake County — to direct Associate Vice Chancellor Jake Hurley to present an adjusted timeline to the board to extend the chancellor’s search six to 12 months.

That additional time, Roderick said, is to allow the district to deal with human resources and fiscal issues. He clarified that it isn’t restarting the process, but that the intention is, “We hit pause.”

Chancellor Douglas Houston left at the end of April, and in June the board appointed Dr. James Houpis interim chancellor, effective July 1.

Houpis’ contract calls for him to serve through June 30, 2022. That was to allow for the recruitment for a permanent chancellor. According to statements at Wednesday’s meeting, Houpis’ contract precludes him from applying for the job on a permanent basis.

Since he joined the district, Houpis has earned praise from classified staff and faculty for the way he has worked with them and addressed the district’s problems.

It’s a particularly challenging time for the district, which is facing dropping enrollment — exacerbated by the pandemic — and the accompanying financial challenges.

In October, the board received a report from the state’s Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, or FCMAT, that pointed to the potential for the district to face a “fiscal cliff” in the 2024-25 academic year should it not be able to increase enrollment across the district.

Board members raise concerns about timing

During public comment, before the discussion on the chancellor’s search, Jennifer Hanson, professor of economics at the college as well as a governing board member of the Lakeport Unified School District, encouraged the board to take its time selecting the next chancellor.

She recounted how Lakeport Unified had an interim superintendent for a year and a half. “I hope you don’t rush this search. It’s really important,” she said.

Hanson added, “Waiting is sometimes a very good thing. It worked well for us.”

The board also heard from search committee members Olga Nevarez and Marcia Stranix, both of whom felt the recruitment should move forward.

“We have a process that is set up that is thoughtful and timely,” said Nevarez, explaining that the district can always reopen the recruitment if it doesn’t find the right person.

Houpis, who attended the meeting via Zoom, recused himself from the chancellor’s search discussion.

Hurley said the board had asked for discussion of the process during a special board meeting on Oct. 27.

Trustee Jesse Ortiz, who supported continuing the search, said one of the concerns had been about the timeline. He asked if the timeline was doable, and Guy Lease of PPL Inc., the firm conducting the search, said it absolutely was.

Lease said the recruitment has been progressing right on schedule and was on track to open for applications on Nov. 15.

The district’s timeline includes two months to accept applications, with the deadline set for Jan. 14. The following week, PPL was scheduled to review applications for minimum qualifications, with a ranking summary due to be completed on Feb. 22.

The 23-member screening committee formed to be a part of the interview process would hold the first interviews in the middle of March, with the first board interviews with candidates at the start of April, in order to have a new chancellor in place by July 1.

Lease said that there had been an issue raised at the Oct. 27 meeting regarding time conflicts for the screening committee, but he said having time conflicts for such a large group isn’t unusual.

He said they’ve already begun conversations with people within California and from out of state who they think would be good candidates.

The next step was for the board to approve the position announcement, another item on the Wednesday night agenda.

If the board chose to stop, Lease said the firm would be ready to work with the district in the future. He said they didn’t see the timeline as being rushed or there being a need to stop.

Lease said now is the prime time for the recruitment process in order to get candidates looking to start a new job in July or August. He said they risked losing great candidates to other districts that get ahead of them.

Trustee Richard Teagarden, who chairs the steering committee, said they had already gone through a lengthy process and there was 100% participation from the committee. He recommended staying on track, adding the board could extend or revise the schedule in the future if necessary.

Two 500-pound gorillas

Roderick explained that two 500-pound gorillas — human resources issues that have been uncovered and are being cleaned up by Dr. Houpis and Hurley, and the FCMAT findings regarding the district’s financial position — are what brought the discussion forward.

He said it would be a disservice to bring in a new chancellor in the middle of the situation while, at the same time, losing the momentum that Houpis and Hurley have developed in working with staff and addressing the financial challenges.

Roderick said he wanted to give Houpis a chance to clean house and set up a new chancellor for long-term success.

Trustee David Wheeler said the board’s primary duty is to hire a chancellor, and he saw it as an abdication of duty not to move forward.

“It is the chancellor who is going to lead us out of our problems,” Wheeler said, suggesting the board was overstepping and changing policy by not actively recruiting a long-term chancellor.

“Since we’ve started this process, a lot has been uncovered,” said Trustee Dennise Burbank, referring to the human resources issues and the FCMAT report. She said she was supportive of waiting as long as a year to continue the recruitment.

Board President Susan Alves asked Hurley about what significant functions and challenges the district has now that would make it not the best time to bring in a new chancellor.

Hurley said there are concerns around the FCMAT report and addressing structural concerns in the district’s finances that the report raises. There also are ongoing issues with COVID-19, including board policies going into effect in December requiring staff to be vaccinated or tested and a similar requirement for students that begins in January.

There also are labor negotiations with the district’s four bargaining units in January, Hurley said.

“This is an incredibly busy time for the district, and I don't think there would be much disagreement about that,” Hurley said.

Ortiz said it was because of the district’s issues that it needed a permanent chancellor sooner rather than later, in order for that individual to be involved in creating the solutions.

“We have the authority to stop this search at any time,” Ortiz said, adding that it could be halted if they didn’t get the quality of candidates they wanted.

He offered a compromise that the board ultimately rejected that would have allowed the recruitment to go forward, revisiting the status of the search at the Feb. 10 meeting.

Alves said she had “a major concern” about waiting that long, and allowing people to put the work into an application process that could be suddenly halted. She felt the decision needed to be made immediately.

“This is one of the most important jobs that we have as a board,” and if it takes time, that’s fine, said Alves.

Alves said so much work needs to be done to get the district on the right footing fiscally, and she also was concerned about bringing a new chancellor into the middle of the process, losing momentum and impacting students and the district as a whole.

Board splits over action

Trustee Juan Delgado offered a motion to restart the search at a future date. Ortiz then offered an amendment to revisit the search at the board’s Feb. 10 meeting, which the board voted down.

Delgado then withdrew his motion, and Roderick offered a new motion to have Hurley present a timeline adjusted by six months to a year.

“I am totally against this motion and what we’re doing in terms of stopping this search from going forward,” said Wheeler.

He said it seemed like there was another agenda beyond FCMAT and he wanted to know what it was.

Ortiz said he also opposed it, adding that believing problems will go away if they waited another year is a misrepresentation of how education works today.

Teagarden said he also was against the motion, adding that if Houpis is doing a good job, his contract could be revised and he could apply for the job, which would offer continuity.

Delgado said staff is finally working as a team under the current leadership and employees are being allowed to do their jobs. “I really strongly feel this is the right path for all of us.”

Wheeler suggested that Roderick’s motion put Hurley in charge of running the district, and that they were creating a transparency issue, with a hidden agenda at work.

“It is absolutely outrageous. I am totally opposed to this. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves,” Wheeler said.

Alves replied by asking Wheeler not to make comments pointed at other trustees.

In the vote that followed, Roderick, Burbank, Delgado and Alves voted yes, with Ortiz, Teagarden and Wheeler voting no. Student representatives Maria Ornelas and Donovan Hutchins cast no votes, but their votes are only advisory.

Later in the meeting, the board unanimously approved the chancellor’s job announcement, which has no dates in it. Ortiz moved to approve it just before Roderick moved to table it.

Ultimately, the entire board agreed to honor the work of the committees so far and approve the document. Ortiz said that, when the district gets serious about recruiting a new chancellor, they will have to review the announcement.

Burbank said she wanted to see the current and previous recruitment announcements side by side at some point.

Correction: The student representatives cast no votes, not yes votes, for the final motion to pause the search.

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.

YCCD Chancellor Position Announcement — DRAFT for Board Approval by LakeCoNews on Scribd

Posted On

A new report released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau shows almost one-half of veterans (46.7%) received some sort of military service-related cash or noncash benefit in 2017.

In that year, there were over 19.9 million veterans, which represented 6.2% of the overall population in the United States.

The report, “Benefits Received by Veterans and Their Survivors, discusses the benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs” provides, in conjunction with other federal government programs, to those who leave military service.

This report uses data from the 2018 Survey of Income and Program Participation, or SIPP, a nationally representative panel survey that collects information on the short-term dynamics of employment, income, household composition, and eligibility and participation in government assistance programs in calendar year 2017.

Highlights from the report:

• Nearly all veterans had health insurance in every month (94.9%) with coverage through a variety of public and private health insurance sources.
• Among veterans with a mortgage, about one-third (32.1%) have a loan secured through the VA.
• The median monthly value of school-related expenses covered by the GI Bill was $1,547.
Nearly 3.9 million veterans (19.5%) received disability compensation payments, almost 1.5 million veterans (7.3%) received military retirement benefits and more than 600,000 veterans received pension payments.
• There were some 450,000 “survivor” households receiving VA or military benefits in SIPP — meaning a household without a veteran that received benefits. Recipients of survivor benefits can include a veteran’s spouse, children or parents.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Using cell phones, eating or drinking, adjusting a radio, or simply talking with friends are all activities teens engage in every day, but these activities become life-threatening hazards while driving.

Unfortunately, many of these distractions will lead to crashes resulting in an injury or death.

To address these concerns, the California Highway Patrol is partnering with traffic safety organizations promoting safe driving behaviors for teens.

The grant-funded Teen Distracted Drivers campaign consists of an education component that will allow for CHP officers and traffic safety partners to make appearances at schools and community events throughout the state.

Distracted driving enforcement operations for this grant began Oct. 1, 2021, and will continue through Sept. 30, 2022.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there are nearly 750,000 licensed teenage drivers in California.

Data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicated that in 2019 there were nearly 44,000 crashes involving teen drivers between 15 to 19 years of age, including 231 fatal crashes.

Although preliminary figures for 2020 indicated a drop in total crashes involving teen drivers in California, the number of teen driver-involved fatal crashes increased to 258.

“The combination of inattention and inexperience behind the wheel can lead to tragedy,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “This grant will assist our officers in keeping California’s roads safe, while addressing California’s distracted driving crisis among the state’s teens.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach others about the true value of freedom as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.

This gathering of volunteers and patriots takes place in local, state, and national cemeteries in all 50 states — including Hartley Cemetery, Kelseyville Cemetery, Upper Lake Cemetery, Lower Lake Cemetery, Middletown and St. Mary’s Lakeport Cemeteries.

This year, National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 18. The event is free and open to the public.

The observance will begin at 9 a.m. all the cemeteries noted above in Lake County.

In 2020, approximately 1.7 million veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 2,557 participating locations around the country in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with each name said out loud.

“Wreaths Across America volunteers work year-round to ensure military laid to rest are remembered, their families and living veterans are honored, and the next generation is taught about the value of freedom,” said Toni Funderburg, site coordinator for Hartley Cemetery. “Each year a new theme is chosen to help volunteers and supporters focus their messaging and outreach in their own communities. The theme for 2021 Wreaths Across America is ‘Live Up to Their Legacy.’”

The inspiration for this year’s theme came from a statement made by United States Army Chief of Staff General James C. McConville, in an interview with Chris Wallace on ‘Fox News Sunday’ in November 2020.

General McConville was speaking on behalf of the United States Army and the opening of the National Museum of the United States Army.

In the discussion, he said, “We stand on the shoulders of heroes that have gone before us, and really what we strive to do is live up to their legacy.”

His message was heard by Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester, and many others, and resonated deeply.

“Listening to this man, who is a hero in his own right, spoke about what and who motivates him is inspiring,” said Worcester. “It is the men and women who serve, everyday people, giving of themselves for their country and communities. I urge everyone to look to the people and the families that have made these sacrifices to keep this country free and live up to their legacy.”

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992.

The organization’s mission — “Remember, Honor, Teach” — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

Boy Scout Troop 42 in Lakeport, Girl Scouts and Big Valley 4-H in Kelseyville, the Lake County 4-H Group in Lower Lake and FFA in Upper Lake and Middletown will be accepting donations for wreaths until Nov. 29.

It is the goal of each sponsoring group to place a holiday wreath on each veteran gravesite at the cemeteries listed. To do this, they need your help.

Individual sponsorships cost $15 for one wreath and the family option costs $60 for four wreaths.

Small businesses can fund 10 wreaths for $150 and corporations can sponsor 100 or more wreaths for $1,500 or any amount can be sponsored for $15 per wreath.

Funderburg said sponsorship forms can be picked up at Lakeport Tire & Auto Service, 1901 S. Main St. Lakeport or you can call 707-263-5422 and they will fax or email you a sponsorship form.

The last day to sponsor wreaths is Monday, Nov. 29.

People can register to volunteer or sponsor a wreath at Hartley Cemetery by visiting https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0090P or choose another cemetery in Lake County or sponsor a group in Lake County by visiting this website.

There is no better time to express appreciation for our veterans than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Everyone knows or has known a veteran.

Join them by sponsoring a wreath to be placed in honor of a veteran this December. The group will ensure that the sacrifice of veterans is remembered yet again and passed on to a new generation of Americans.
Posted On

Megan Grant. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Tuesday, Congressman John Garamendi honored 44 women from the Third Congressional District of California who are leaders and visionaries in their communities.

Among the honorees is Megan Grant of Upper Lake, who serves as assistant principal at Lucerne Elementary School.

She is part of a group of women who Garamendi said have all made significant contributions to society through public service, business, education and local advocacy.

“Every year I have the honor of recognizing the achievements and service of these distinguished women,” Garamendi said. “These leaders come from a variety of backgrounds, but every one of them has made a real difference to their communities and the people around them. It’s a privilege to be able to honor them.”

Last year’s Women of the Year event was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year, thanks to the transformational work by many of our honorees as well as policies like the American Rescue Plan, we can once again gather in person with family and friends to honor the incredible work these women have done on behalf of our community,” Garamendi said.

The group gathered in Woodland for the award ceremony.

“The service and dedication each honoree has shown their community is deserving of recognition, and by receiving this award, their work will be commemorated and chronicled at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C,” Garamendi added

Grant, who was not able to attend the in-person event, was nominated for the honor by Lucerne Elementary Principal-Superintendent Mike Brown.

As an educator, she has dedicated her career to the education and well-being of her students. Since the beginning of her career, Grant “has worked tirelessly to improve lives and learning outcomes for her students,” according to her nomination.

Throughout her 15 years with the Lucerne Elementary School District, Grant is credited with having been a champion for educators and students alike. In a community faced with high levels of poverty she has worked tirelessly to improve learning conditions and outcomes for students in her care.

After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of schools, Grant devoted countless hours toward designing a reopening plan that would protect the safety of students and faculty while allowing classrooms to reopen for in-person instruction.

This hard work not only benefited her students, but also enabled many families facing economic hardship to get back to work while their children returned to school.

“Though Megan faced the same difficulties and challenges that so many did working through a
pandemic, it never shook her resolve and only fueled her desire to do all she could for her students. This determination and compassionate mindset has enabled her to make a positive impact on the lives of countless,” the nomination said.

The full list of 2021 Women of the Year Honorees is included below.

Lake County

Megan Grant, Upper Lake

Glenn County

Dorothy Tefelski, Orland

Solano County

Audrey Calder, Vacaville
Susan Clark, Rio Vista
Col. Erin C. Cook, Travis Air Force Base
Birgitta Corsello, Vacaville
Karstin Feinhandler, Dixon
Col. Gwendolyn Foster, Travis Air Force Base
Lavona Hamilton, Vacaville,
Rochele Henderson, Suisun City
Deanna Hurn, Fairfield
Mary Jameson, Dixon
Cheryl Johnson, Fairfield
Lakethia Lake-Pascua, Fairfield
Alicia Minyen, Vacaville
Ana Petero, Fairfield
Candie Rodriquez-Selden, Suisun City
Steiphanie Tarter, Vacaville
Edith Thomas, Suisun City
Kathy Walsh, Dixon
Jeanie White, Vacaville
Wanda Williams, Suisun City
Lori Wilson, Suisun City

Yolo County

Tess Boyd, Woodland
Gena Bravo, Woodland
Joy Cohan, Davis
Sara Gavin, Davis
Autumn Labbe-Renault, Davis
Petrea Marchand, Davis
Elodia Ortega-Lampkin, Woodland
Carol Scianna, Winters
Tessa Smith, Woodland
Carol Souza Cole, Woodland
Susie Stocking, Winters
Rachel Warren, Davis

Yuba/ Sutter counties

María Arvizu-Espinoza, Marysville
Lisa Buschmann-Kirchner, Yuba City
Diana Langley, Yuba City
Rose McIsaac, Yuba City
Debbie Procayo, Yuba City
Nicole Rubio, Yuba City
Lisa Shelton, Yuba City
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A solo-vehicle wreck on Highway 20 on Monday claimed the life of a Clearlake Oaks man.

Lloyd Kendall Minor, 67, died in the crash, according to Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office said the wreck occurred at 4:54 p.m. Monday.

Minor was driving a silver 2011 Mini Cooper westbound on Highway 20, west of Ravens Landing and east of Clearlake Oaks, when the car ran off the road, the CHP said.

The CHP said the Mini Cooper came to rest in a drainage ditch to the south of the roadway with minor collision damage. No lanes were blocked during the incident.

CHP Officer Brooks Faraco arrived on scene and began CPR on Minor, and fire personnel arrived and took over medical treatment to no avail, the CHP said.

Radio reports indicated that Minor was declared dead at the scene less than an hour after the crash occurred.

Evidence located at the scene indicates a possible medical condition contributed to the cause of this crash, the CHP said.

Minor was wearing his seat belt, the CHP’s report noted.

The CHP said Officer Faraco is continuing to investigate the crash.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lakeport Police Department said it has received several reports of theft through false pretenses involving rental properties.

An individual has been reported as posing as a landlord at properties in the city, informing victims that they have been approved to rent and that they need to provide them with security deposit money.

The victims are then instructed to give the suspect money online via a cash app.

One of the recently reported victims of this scam reported that they were scammed out of over $2,000, the agency said.

“We are releasing this information in the hopes that it will serve as a warning to reduce the growing number of victims of this scam. Do not let yourself or your loved ones become a victim,” the department said.

Police said it is never a good idea to provide someone, under these or similar circumstances, with money online.

If you have not been to the rental in person, met the manager/landlord in person first, or signed any sort of legitimate legal documentation for the rental you should be wary of making any online transfers of money.

If you have been a victim of a similar scam in the City of Lakeport or have any tips that may help us identify and prosecute the suspect(s) in this case please contact Officer Katie Hutchins at 707-263-5491, Extension 118 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You can also send us a private message on our Facebook page @LakeportPolice or send us an anonymous message through Nixle on your cellular telephone by texting the words TIP LAKEPORT followed by your message to 888777.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Joined by its newest member, the Clearlake Planning Commission on Tuesday evening approved a new cannabis project on a property formerly owned by the city.

At the start of the 40-minute meeting, the oath of office was administered to Terry‌ ‌Stewart‌, who the Clearlake City Council appointed to the commission last week.

Stewart was selected to succeed Chair Kathryn Davis, whose term runs until March 2025. She resigned in September.

The commission then voted unanimously to select Lisa Wilson as the new chair, with Vice Chair Robert Coker to remain in his position. ‌

Besides seating its new member and updating its leadership, the commission’s main item of business on Tuesday was consideration of conditional use permit applications, a mitigated negative declaration and development agreement for Ogulin Hills Holdings LLC’s commercial cannabis operation at 2185 Ogulin Canyon Road.

The city had owned the property for some time, intending to use it for a new corporation yard. However, in February 2020 staff updated the Clearlake City Council on the property and concluded it was not an ideal site, leading to the city’s decision later last year to sell it.

The new owners propose to use the 21.25-acre site for manufacturing, cultivation, distribution and a retail dispensary with delivery only.

They intend to build two 5,000 square foot buildings for manufacturing and processing; a 3,000 square foot building for distribution, retail delivery only and office space; 10 greenhouses with a total of 18,750 square feet; five water storage tanks, with the size to be determined; and a 225 square foot trash enclosure, according to city records.

Planner Mark Roberts said the applicant provided a water report that showed there is an existing well that is 375 feet deep with a yield of 80 gallons per minute and a water capacity in excess of 9.9 million gallons per year.

He said the report notes that the project has an adequate water supply. Annual water usage is estimated at 450,000 gallons for cultivation irrigation and 132,000 gallons annually for the light industry, warehouse and distribution operations.

The project will use water meters, daily consumption logs, drip emitters, mulch and soil moisture meters to use water in the most efficient manner. Roberts said there also will be daily individual inspections and immediate equipment repairs.

Robert said all of the potential impacts have been reduced to less than significant levels. There was no public comment on the project, which had an initial study period of 36 days; the minimum is 30 days.

Comments from state and local agencies were incorporated into the project conditions and Roberts said staff suggested approval.

Planning consultant Richard Knoll, speaking on behalf of the owners of Ogulin Hills Holdings LLC, told the commission, “We’ve been at this project about a year, maybe a little more.”

He said a number of professionals have been working on it, including a civil engineer, building designer, a water resources engineer, a traffic engineer, an archaeologist and a biologist, and fire and police officials.

“We think we’ve addressed all the issues that have surfaced and we hope that you’ll agree in improving the project tonight,” Knoll said.

He quickly went through a presentation that covered the project’s highlights, showing maps of the property and mock-ups of the greenhouses and other buildings.

Knoll acknowledged there are residential properties near the project site, but the closest is 1,000 feet away.

They may not need to remove trees — the property has primarily oaks and pines — but if they do, Knoll said it would be done at a two-to-one or three-to-one ratio.

Commissioner Fawn Williams said she was able to get her questions answered through the project’s water reporting.

Knoll noted that the county of Lake is now requiring water reports such as the one done for this project on every proposal, which he said is an outgrowth of drought concerns.

No public comments were offered during the hearing and commissioners had no additional questions before approving two separate motions, for resolutions recommending approval of a mitigated negative declaration based on initial study and the conditional use permits, in 4-0 votes.

Commissioner Erin McCarrick recused herself due to the project’s distance from her property.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — More rain fell across Lake County and the North Coast region on Monday, as forecasters predicted more rain on Tuesday before warmer, drier conditions arrive.

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for northwest California due to the forecast for moderate to occasionally heavy rain across the region on Monday evening.

The agency had said to expect rainfall amounts of one half inch to one and a half inches.

As of 2 a.m. Tuesday, rainfall totals, in inches, recorded around Lake County at National Weather Service observation stations were as follows:

• Bartlett Springs: 1.17.
• County line (at Colusa side): 0.31.
• Hidden Valley Lake: 0.62.
• High Glade Lookout: 0.64.
• Kelseyville: 0.77.
• Knoxville Creek: 0.66.
• Lower Lake: 0.45.
• Lyons Valley: 0.50.
• Middletown: 0.98.
• Soda Creek: 1.53.
• Upper Lake: 0.93.
• Whispering Pines: 0.76.

Showers from a strong front that crossed the region are forecast to continue to bring showers to most of Lake County on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, another quick-moving storm system will bring lighter precipitation to Lake County’s northern portion.

Conditions are forecast to begin clearing on Wednesday, with clear and sunny conditions anticipated into next week, the National Weather Service said

The National Weather Service reported that temperatures at night through early next week will range from the high 40s to low 50s, and from the high 50s to high 60s during the day.

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.

LCNews

Responsible local journalism on the shores of Clear Lake.

 

Memberships:

 

Search