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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday chose not to move forward with a proposed urgency ordinance meant to enforce an existing Public Health order requiring masking and social distancing to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Following more than two hours of discussion between board members, with numerous community members weighing in during the virtual meeting, none of the supervisors were willing to make a motion to bring the draft ordinance to a vote.

As an urgency ordinance, it needed four of five supervisors to approve it.

The proposal had emerged during last week’s board meeting, when it was added as a special item, ultimately leading to the board’s direction to County Counsel Anita Grant that a draft ordinance be brought back.

The document’s key provisions included assigning county Code Enforcement Division staff to assist Public Health staff in education and outreach to businesses and the public and, if necessary, to administer fines for noncompliance.

The document can be seen below.

“This is a very rough draft ordinance,” Grant told the board, explaining that it was meant to use Code Enforcement to educate business and public to ensure compliance and provide a procedure for administrative fines.

During the meeting, there were sharp disagreements between board members, in particular, Board Chair Moke Simon, who asked that the matter be agendized, and Rob Brown, who listed his own objections with the proposal, from entering private property to what the actual fine amounts could be.

Brown has been vocal in his concerns over the ongoing negative impacts of county actions on local businesses.

He said the county is kicking people when they’re down. “They’ve been down for months because of our actions,” which he said were illegitimate in the first place.

Supervisor Bruno Sabatier said he’s gotten a lot of emails about the proposal, more for it than against. He said the county needed to find more ways to support business rather than knocking them down when they’re trying to get back up.

He said he felt Code Enforcement had more important duties – including vegetation management – and pointed out that some of the complaints about businesses the county has received have been bogus.

The county’s COVID-19 case numbers – at 34 on Tuesday – was for Sabatier a sign that the county is doing a good job in controlling the virus’ spread.

“Until those numbers reflect something more concerning, I just don’t think this is a viable option for us,” he said.

Supervisor Tina Scott said the draft ordinance was an attempt to keep ahead of a case surge.

“It’s looking like we’re going to have to have an outbreak in our community for people to wake up and maybe want to come back to this ordinance to be able to do the right thing. Maybe it’s just not real for people,” Scott said.

She said her husband has lost two family members who live on the East Coast to COVID-19. “It’s real to me.”

However, she said she didn’t want to vote on it Tuesday, explaining that she visited Mendocino County over the weekend and was shocked to see how differently people are behaving there than in Lake County.

“It’s just almost like we just don’t get it here, and it’s sad to see that,” Scott said.

Sabatier agreed that the timing wasn’t right, and that he would feel otherwise if the county had out-of-control deaths and hospitalizations.

“We have been led by being afraid of what could happen,” Sabatier said, adding that what is happening in New York isn’t what is happening in Lake County.

Brown, on the other hand, pushed for the board to vote on the document. “We need to make damn sure we kill this thing today.”

Simon, in response, said the proposed urgency ordinance was brought forward to protect public health and safety.

He said that over the next six to nine months the county will see the real impact of the pandemic. “Time will tell on the direction we’re moving.”

Simon added, “The ultimate goal is to be open and to stay open.”

Public divided over proposed ordinance

The board received numerous letters from the public in response to the draft documents. In addition, during public comment, the board heard input from people with a range of experiences, including those in the medical field to business people, arguing for and against the urgency ordinance.

Stephanie Pawha, a respiratory care practitioner, told the board, “The simplest damn thing is wearing a mask,” explaining the protective equipment she needs to wear every day to protect herself.

Lakeport resident Michael Green said by not approving the ordinance the board would be trampling on the rights of at-risk people and rewarding scofflaws, and that a reasonable enforcement process is needed.

Teresa Harborth said at her business, Pasquinelli’s Italian Deli and Coffee Shop in Lower Lake, they’re constantly washing their hands and using proper protocols, but they don’t require masking. She said that such punitive measures are economic sabotage and pushing the economy backward.

Big O Tires owner Denise Loustalot, the former mayor of Clearlake, told the board, “We have decisions to make because we have lives to save and business to save in our communities.”

Loustalot said she thought the ordinance is rough on businesses. While her business is enforcing masking and social distancing, she said some customers have pushed back and been rude. Getting fined for what customers won’t agree to do is “really, really tough.”

Brown pushed the board to vote on the ordinance, saying the public needed to know how the board felt about it. He suggested that Simon, who brought it to the board, could pass the gavel and make the motion himself.

But Simon demurred, saying he thought it was important for the board to have the discussion. “Do I think there needs to be some type of enforcement at some point? Yes.”

Supervisor EJ Crandell said passing the ordinance in rough draft form didn’t seem to be favorable and it would need a lot more work.

“Does that mean it’s coming back?” Brown asked.

Crandell said he would only be looking for changes to the rough draft as a deterrent to closing businesses, with no other board members offering additional comments on the topic before the discussion ended.

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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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council is set to discuss selling a property it originally purchased for a corporation yard and animal shelter.

The council will meet virtually at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18.

Because of the county’s shelter in place order, Clearlake City Hall remains closed to the public, however, the virtual meeting will be broadcast live on Lake County PEG TV’s YouTube Channel.

Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You can also visit the city’s new town hall site and submit written comments at https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/327/Issue_9055 . Identify the subject you wish to comment on in your email’s subject line or in your town hall submission.

To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments prior to 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 18.

Each public comment emailed to the city clerk will be read aloud by the mayor or a member of staff for up to three minutes or will be displayed on a screen. Public comment emails and town hall public comment submissions that are received after the beginning of the meeting will not be included in the record.

On the agenda is a discussion of selling the 21.25-acre city-owned parcel at 2185 Ogulin Canyon Road to Kim Gardner.

City Manager Alan Flora’s report to the council said the city purchased the property in 2016 with the intention of locating a Public Works corporation yard and animal shelter facility there.

However, in February, an analysis by city staff presented to the council concluded that the property isn’t an acceptable location either for the corporation yard or animal shelter, as Lake County News has reported.

“The City is currently under construction for new and upgraded Animal Shelter facilities and is undertaking planning to locate the Public Works Yard near the Lake County Sanitation District’s Southeast Treatment Plant. The City has no current need for the 21.25-acre property on Ogulin Canyon,” Flora reported.

He said the property was listed for sale a few weeks ago for $398,000 and a full price offer has been received. He said the buyer would like a 90-day escrow period.

If the council gives authorization to sign the agreement, Flora said staff will proceed with taking the proposed sale to the Clearlake Planning Commission for review of general plan consistency, and close of escrow would be contingent on this determination.

“Other than the 90-day period for due diligence no other contingencies have been requested by the buyer,” Flora reported.

The council also will consider adopting its new fiscal year budget, get updates to the management classification and benefits plan and city salary schedule and get a presentation on the city’s adoptable dogs.

On the meeting's consent agenda – items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote – are warrant registers; consideration of continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on Oct. 9, 2017, and ratified by council action Oct. 12, 2017, in response to the Sulphur fire; consideration of continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on March 14, 2020, and Ratified by Council Action March 19, 2020; minutes of the April and May meetings; minutes of the May 13, 2020 LC Vector Control District Board meeting; consideration of Resolution No. 2020-29, approving a temporary street closure for the 63rd annual July 4th celebration; Adoption of Resolution 2020-30 authoring the application for and receipt of Local Early Action Planning Grant Program funds; acceptance of easement deed from Highlands Mutual Water Co. for property located at 14580 Lakeshore Drive; acceptance of right of way dedication from Clearlake Paper-Janitorial Supply for property located at 14802 Lakeshore Drive; purchase of emergency items with funds from the 2019 CalOES Grant.

Following the public portion of the meeting, the council will go to closed session to discuss existing litigation against Pacific Gas and Electric Co., negotiations for the sale of city-owned property at 2185 Ogulin Canyon Road and a potential case of litigation.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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Fireworks like these seen in the July 2019 display will once again appear over the city of Clearlake for the 2020 Independence Day celebration. Lake County News photo by Elizabeth Larson.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of many annual events, the city of Clearlake’s July 4 celebration will take place in a modified format that will include its popular fireworks display.

The Lakeshore Lions Club plans and organizes the annual July 4 celebration for Clearlake and has done so for decades, and will present the 63rd annual event next month.

At the Clearlake City Council on June 4, City Manager Alan Flora told the council that the Lions Club was working to move forward on its plans for a celebration.

Then, this past week, the Lions Club announced that it is moving ahead with a modified version of the event.

The Clearlake fireworks show will take place beginning at dusk, but other key aspects of the event, such as the annual parade, carnival and classic car show, won’t be held because the Lions Club said the typical format “just wasn't feasible given the current situation.”

It promises to be the only major public fireworks display for Lake County this year, as the pandemic has led to the cancellation of the displays in Lakeport and Clearlake Oaks.

The Lions Club said this year’s event will offer food vendors from 4 to 8 p.m.

Those who wish to participate in the celebration can expect two elements, the Lions Club said.

The two elements include a "drive in" experience for those with vehicles and a "picnic in the park" experience for those walking in. The club will be welcoming a $10 donation to park vehicles in an effort to make up for a lack of fundraising opportunities so far this year.

Families driving in can park their vehicle and enjoy the fireworks display just as they would enjoy a drive-in movie. “Vehicles will be parked with adequate space between them to adhere to social distancing,” the Lions Club said.

“The ‘picnic in the park’ experience will allow those on foot to come and sit on the grass in designated areas, again adhering to social distancing guidelines,” the club reported.

The Lions Club is encouraging social distancing and the wearing of masks when people are away from your designated area or vehicle. Restrooms and handwashing stations also will be available.

Separately, Flora told Lake County News that there are plans to livestream the fireworks show for those who prefer to watch them at home.

“We plan to have Austin Park open for the weekend. We will also do a small ceremony for the raising of the flag, which has been delayed this year, but I don’t have all the details on this yet,” Flora said.

At its meeting on Thursday, the Clearlake City Council is expected to approve the Lakeshore Lions Club’s special event application, including its request to close down several streets – Lakeshore Drive from Olympic Drive to Division Avenue, Austin Road from Lakeshore Drive to Pine Street, and Olympic from Pine Street to Division Avenue – from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.

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. – A Ukiah man died Monday following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 175 near Hopland.

The name of the 32-year-old man who died was not released by the California Highway Patrol’s Ukiah Area office in its Tuesday report on the wreck.

The CHP said that at approximately 11:36 a.m. Monday Justin Jimenez, 20, of Willits was driving eastbound on Highway 175 east of Harrison Street at an unknown speed in a 1999 Ford F-250 pickup.

The report said Jimenez let the Ford veer to the right shoulder, where it went out of control and crossed over the solid double yellow lines and collided with the Ukiah man’s 2002 Honda Civic, which was traveling westbound.

Following the crash, the Ford rolled over and came to rest on its wheels in the middle of Highway 175, facing an easterly direction. The CHP said the Honda also came to rest on its wheels, up against a grass embankment, facing a northwesterly direction.

The CHP said the driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene.

His passenger, 34-year-old Ruben Tinajero of Ukiah, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, the CHP said.

Jimenez had moderate injuries and also was airlifted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, according to the CHP’s report.

The CHP said the crash remains under investigation.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Health officials on Monday confirmed that two more Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

The two new cases bring the total COVID-19 caseload for Lake County to 34.

Lake County Public Health did not immediately release any details about the cases.

Of Lake County’s total cases, four are active and 30 have recovered. There are no current hospitalizations, according to the Lake County Public Health COVID-19 dashboard.

Approximately 3,459 of Lake County’s more than 64,000 residents have been tested for COVID-19, with 149 of those test results still pending, Public Health reported.

As of Monday night, more than 155,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 5,100 deaths had been reported in California, according to data provided by county health departments statewide.

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 Board of Supervisors has directed staff to bring back a proposed urgency ordinance that will give local officials enforcement options – including administrative penalties – when businesses and members of the public do not comply with county Public Health orders.

The draft ordinance, discussed in concept last week, will be discussed as an untimed item during the board’s meeting this Tuesday. It will apply in the unincorporated county.

It can be seen below.

The ordinance temporarily designates county Code Enforcement officers as compliance officers who “shall offer training, information, and other assistance to local businesses and members of the public as necessary in order to foster compliance with state and local public health orders and the County’s reopening plan during this period of the gradual reopening of the County of Lake.”

The document states, “In those rare situations where members of the public and/or local businesses reject offers of assistance and refuse to take corrective action to attain compliance with state and local public health orders and the County’s reopening plan, Compliance Officers may issue citations assessing administrative fines or penalties as described hereinbelow.”

The draft ordinance gives the Public Health officer the authority to determine whether a violation of the ordinance, state and local public health orders, and/or the county’s reopening plan exists and the authority to take appropriate action to gain compliance. It also gives the Public Health officer the power to issue notices of violation, the power to assess and collect civil fines and penalties, and the power to enter and inspect public and private property.

It would allow the Public Health officer and compliance officers the ability to impose administrative fines up to the maximum fine or penalty amounts for infractions set forth in subdivision of California Government Code section 25132.

That code section sets a first violation fine of $100, $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation and up to $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation.

The document also includes an administrative appeal process for anyone served a notice of violation.

Proposal raised at last week’s meeting

The discussion that gave rise to the draft ordinance was not on the board’s original agenda last week and was added as an extra item over the objections of Supervisor Rob Brown, who countered that it did not meet the parameters for adding an item to the agenda.

Board Chair Moke Simon and Supervisor EJ Crandell said the proposal came from a “reopening committee” of local officials. The timing also was said to be connected to the next phase of reopening that began on Friday.

Simon said the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport have similar ordinances in place allowing enforcement. “Enforcement, at some point, needs to be put into place.”

Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said the proposal is not about penalizing people for not opening their business, but enforcing proper and safe behavior that allows the county to move forward in a good way.

He said they’re not trying to fund their department through citation funds.

Supervisor Bruno Sabatier opposed taking punitive measures against businesses, offering instead that the county needs to talk about masks and lead by example. He said for businesses, some customers are more difficult than others.

“In my opinion, we should be finding ways to help our businesses, not ways to push them in a corner to make sure that they’re following the rules,” he said, noting that he’s observed that the majority are following the rules and regulations for reopening.

“There’s different ways to make this happen. I’m not in favor of penalizing. I’m in favor of continuing the conversations,” he said.

Crandell said that his concerns about rules arose from finding out that some local vacation rentals are continuing to be rented in violation of the county health order.

“As of Friday, that’s a moot point,” Sabatier replied, referring to the next phase of reopening that will include tourism amenities like vacation rentals to reopen.

Simon said the issue wasn’t just with masking but with social distancing and large gatherings. “Education is No. 1,” but Simon said there needed to be a conversation about the next step if there is noncompliance.

“The majority of our businesses are doing the right thing,” said Supervisor Tina Scott.

Scott said she wanted to see businesses requiring employees to wear masks, but she wouldn’t agree to penalizing businesses for the behavior of their customers.

Brown said he didn’t think they needed to have the conversation, as he maintained the county can’t enforce requirements like masking.

“It’s more wasted time and pretending that we’re doing something that’s going to make a difference,” Brown said, adding that they needed to trust people to run their own businesses.

So far, complaints submitted to the county about businesses or other organizations and their lack of adherence to county public health orders have been forwarded to board members, who in turn have reached out to educate businesses.

Sabatier said he wasn’t sure what other board members’ experiences were, but noted of the complaints, “There’s a strangeness to almost a majority of them,” with personal issues attached to the general issues of noncompliance. He said people have complained about coworkers and in one case an individual complained about their church.

“I wouldn’t want to see staff wasting their time on this,” Sabatier said.

He said Lake County has an elderly and medically fragile population whose members had to be careful about where they went and what they did before the pandemic, and will continue to have to do so for quite some time.

Unless the county starts to see a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Sabatier said they shouldn’t be having a discussion about penalizing businesses. “We need to reopen the economy, not open ‘em so we can slap them.”

County Counsel Anita Grant asked if the board wanted monetary sanctions included in the draft. Simon said he wanted staff to return to the board with an enforcement document that includes penalties.

“An ordinance without teeth isn’t an ordinance,” said County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson.

Crandell said all of the entities on the reopening committee wanted to see a document with teeth.

During public comment, the board heard a mixture of reactions.

Lakeport resident Michael Green suggested they should focus on flagrant and repeat offenders and that it didn’t need to be punitive. “What nobody wants to do is close this county down again.”

Business owner Amy Crook said she worried about a blanket policy for all businesses, explaining that one size doesn’t always fit all, especially in the small business world.

Cathleen McCarthy told the board that she feels like continuing with masks is the best thing to do to protect businesses from closing again. She said she’d like for businesses to stay open and make progress and recover, and suggested the best way to ensure that is for people to wear masks.

There were three board members – Crandell, Scott and Simon – who supported bringing back the matter for further discussion.

However, Grant said the board ultimately will need to have four of its members vote in support of the urgency ordinance to have it go into effect.

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.

Urgency Ordinance Covid-19 ... by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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The California Department of Transportation and the California Highway Patrol today announced a statewide effort to resume litter removal on the state highways.

Roadside litter cleanup has been limited since March due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

“Litter increases the risk of fire, pollutes our waterways, threatens wildlife and costs taxpayers millions of dollars to remove,” said Toks Omishakin, Caltrans director. “We ask all Californians to be part of the solution, dispose of trash responsibly and secure cargo loads before getting on the road.”

Caltrans maintenance workers and partnering programs are adhering to recommendations developed in consultation with licensed industrial hygienists to ensure safe working environments while conducting litter removal efforts during the current health crisis.

Crews will continue to wear personal protective equipment such as facemasks and gloves and practice physical distancing in accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

California needs your help to prevent trash from ever making it to the highways. Money spent on cleaning up trash diverts crews away from filling potholes, fixing guardrails, and performing other essential maintenance activities.

Motorists can be part of the solution by following a few basic travel behaviors:

– Stow a litter bag in your vehicle and always dispose of trash appropriately;
– Properly extinguish cigarettes and cigars; never throw any item, particularly one that is lit, from a vehicle.
– Always cover and properly secure cargo or materials hauled in passenger trucks and pick-ups to prevent items from falling off the vehicle.
– Volunteer to adopt a California highway and remove litter.

Litter removal was limited to protect the health and safety of Caltrans crews during the current health crisis.

Due to the accumulation of trash on the state highways with traffic beginning to increase as the state reopens, Caltrans crews and volunteers with the Adopt-A-Highway program are picking up garbage statewide and removing items abandoned on the side of the road.

The CHP actively enforces California’s anti-littering laws, ticketing motorists seen littering highways or driving with unsecured cargo loads.

Last year, CHP officers issued more than 3,100 citations for littering, and roughly one-third of those violations involved a lit cigarette.

“Not only is littering illegal, but there can be devastating consequences resulting from these senseless actions,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “A lit cigarette carelessly tossed from a window can start a brush fire, an unsecured cargo load can result in a collision, and the safety of a highway worker cleaning up the mess is at great risk.”

Caltrans collected 287,000 cubic yards of litter in 2019 alone – enough to fill 18,000 garbage trucks.

Of that total, 35 percent resulted from efforts by the department’s community volunteer programs, saving California millions of dollars and untold associated environmental costs.

Caltrans collaborates with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and advocacy groups to provide occupational mentoring and temporary employment to parolees and veterans.

Participants are trained in litter abatement, and the program has grown from eight crews in 2009 to 55 crews operating in the state today.

The Adopt-A-Highway program provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to help maintain sections of the state highways.

Since its start in 1989, Adopt-a Highway volunteers have removed litter from more than 15,000 miles of roadway shoulders and helped maintain 36 acres of wildflowers, 1,540 acres of vegetation management, and 111 acres of tree planting.

More information on becoming an Adopt-a-Highway volunteer may be found on the Caltrans website at http://dot.ca.gov .
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has more new cats and kittens available for adoption this week.

The following cats at the shelter have been cleared for adoption.

Call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278 or visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm for information on visiting or adopting.

This young female domestic short hair cat in cat room kennel No. 15c, ID No. 13733. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair cat

This young female domestic short hair cat has gold eyes and a black coat.

She is in cat room kennel No. 15c, ID No. 13733.

This adult male domestic short hair cat is in cat room kennel No. 74, ID No. 13719. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male domestic short hair

This adult male domestic short hair cat has lynx point coloring and blue eyes.

He has been neutered.

He is in cat room kennel No. 74, ID No. 13719.

“Foozy Ball” is a female domestic long hair cat in cat room kennel No. 108, ID No. 13729. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Foozy Ball’

“Foozy Ball” is a female domestic long hair cat with a calico coat and gold eyes.

She has been spayed.

She is in cat room kennel No. 108, ID No. 13729.

“Buffy” is a female domestic short hair in cat room kennel No. 111, ID No. 13730. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Buffy’

“Buffy” is a female domestic short hair with gold eyes and a black coat.

She is in cat room kennel No. 111, ID No. 13730.

This male domestic medium hair kitten is in cat room kennel No. 129a, ID No. 13688. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic medium hair kitten

This male domestic medium hair kitten has a white coat and blue eyes.

He has been neutered.

He is in cat room kennel No. 129a, ID No. 13688.

This male domestic short hair kitten is in cat room kennel No. 129c, ID No. 13690. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male domestic short hair kitten

This male domestic short hair kitten has a white coat with black markings and blue eyes.

He has been neutered.

He is in cat room kennel No. 129c, ID No. 13690.

This male domestic short hair cat is in kennel No. 138, ID No. 13701. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Domestic short hair cat

This male domestic short hair cat has a brown tabby coat.

He has been neutered.

He is in kennel No. 138, ID No. 13701.

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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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council this week will consider awarding the design contract for the new lakefront park and get an update on police policies.

The meeting will take place via webinar beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 16.

The agenda can be found here.

To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling 213-929-4221 or toll-free, 877-309-2074. The access code is 723-557-820; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.

Comments can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To give the City Clerk adequate time to print out comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit written comments prior to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16.

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

A closed session will be held at 5:30 p.m. to discuss labor negotiations with the city manager and with unrepresented employees.

During the meeting, the council will present a proclamation honoring Chief Building Official Tom Carlton on his retirement from the city after 20 years of dedicated service to the community.

On Tuesday, staff will ask the council to authorize City Manager Margaret Silveira to execute a professional services agreement with SSA Landscape Architects Inc. for the planning, design, engineering and project management of the seven-acre lakefront park project, located at the former Natural High School property on North Main Street.

Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram’s report to the council explained that the city received 13 proposals and ultimately chose SSA, which a selection committee determined to be the most qualified firm.

“Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate costs and select a firm for the design of the Lakefront Park,” Ingram wrote in his report.

In other business, Police Chief Brad Rasmussen will present a report regarding his agency’s policies and procedures that’s being provided in light of current national events, and Ingram will offer a resolution declaring dry weeds, brush and similar vegetation creating a fire hazard upon lands throughout the city to constitute a public nuisance in order for staff to be able to use the administrative citation procedures outlined in Chapter 8.30 of the Lakeport Municipal Code to abate said public nuisance weeds.

Also on Tuesday, the council will consider adopting a resolution and authorize the city manager to submit the Local Early Action Planning Grant, will consider authorizing the city manager to develop, maintain and revise a Lakeport Community Center Facility Rental Policy and adopt a resolution approving use and rental fees for the Lakeport Community Center, and discuss classification and salary schedule updates relating to the classifications for Public Works superintendent and building inspector, and revising of the master pay schedule.

On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular meeting of June 2 and the special meeting of June 9; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the October 2019 public safety power shutoff; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the COVID-19 public health emergency; the June 9 warrant register; adoption of a resolution
accepting construction of the Library Park Seawall Replacement Project by West Coast Contractors Inc. and authorize the filing of the notice of completion; approval and authorization for the city manager to execute the professional services agreement with Polestar Computers for the provision of IT support services; approval and authorization for the city manager to execute the professional services agreement with NHA Advisors LLC; approval and authorization for the city manager to execute the professional services; rejection of all bids for the 2020 Sewer Main Replacement Project because doing so best serves the interests of the city; introduce the proposed ordinance to the Lakeport Municipal Code and schedule a
public hearing for July 14, 2020; and adoption of a resolution approving the Compensation and Benefits Program for the City of Lakeport Unrepresented Employees for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.

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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In trying times, many Californians have turned to the fishing rod for relief.

National Go Fishing Day arrives Thursday, June 18, providing yet another opportunity for veteran anglers and newcomers alike to get outside, renew, recharge and soak up California’s outdoors.

California has issued more fishing licenses in 2020 than the state issued through this same time last year.

Annual resident sport fishing license sales are up 10 percent so far in 2020. Overall, California sport fishing licenses – which include resident, nonresident, annual, short-term and lifetime licenses among others – are up 3 percent in 2020.

Californians have discovered that fishing can provide a safe and healthy physical distancing activity and offers physical and mental relief in stressful times.

Fishing can supplement a family's diet with heart-healthy, low-fat sustainable protein. Fishing remains one of the limited entertainment options currently available to many Californians amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Go Fishing Day arrives as California's fishing seasons are in full swing statewide following some COVID-19 related delays to the start of ocean salmon seasons and the general trout opener.

From offshore tuna out of San Diego to high mountain trout in the Eastern Sierra and black bass and sunfish in neighborhood parks and ponds across the state, California anglers have nearly unlimited fishing options available to them this time of year.

The surge in 2020 California fishing licenses supports anecdotal observations pouring in for months. Bait, tackle, fly fishing shops and other outdoor retailers have reported brisk business in selling fishing equipment.

CDFW wildlife officers in the field noticed an uptick in fishing activity where it was available in the early days of shelter-in-place mandates.

CDFW's fish hatcheries have continued to stock catchable trout and salmon smolts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to provide current and future fishing opportunities to California anglers.

Those 16 and older are required to have a valid California fishing license in their possession while fishing. CDFW offers several fishing license options – from the traditional, annual license to one- and two-day licenses to lifetime licenses that are valid even if the holder moves out of state. Licenses can be purchased online or at participating retail sales agents.

CDFW provides a number of online resources to anglers at its R3 webpages to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters and anglers in California.

CDFW reminds anglers to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non-essential travel and physical distancing. Staying home in order to stay healthy is still the best way to keep yourself and others safe.

Anglers are also advised to check with local authorities on the status of access points as many site closures and access restrictions exist and may change daily.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Friday, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a proposal by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to create cost-effective microgrids to reduce the number of customers affected by public safety power shutoff events and mitigate the impacts to those who remain affected.

Lake County was impacted by several of PSPS events last year, which PG&E used in response to severe weather conditions that it said threatened the electric system and could have resulted in wildland fires.

PG&E said its Community Wildfire Safety Program includes short-, medium- and long-term plans to make its electric system safer. These plans include installing new grid technology, hardening the electric system, and performing enhanced vegetation management, all with the goal of making PSPS events smaller in size, shorter in length, and smarter for customers. Microgrids are one tool in these efforts.

PG&E spokeswoman Deanna Contreras told Lake County News that the company is preparing 63 substations across 19 counties, with eight of them in Lake County in locations including Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Hidden Valley Lake, Kelseyville and Lakeport.

By preparing these substations, PG&E will be able to more quickly and efficiently interconnect generation during PSPS events, Contreras said.

On Wednesday, June 17, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., PG&E will hold a webinar for Lake and Mendocino counties on its ongoing safety work to prevent and mitigate the serious risk of catastrophic wildfires and to keep them healthy and safe.

For information or to join the webinar visit here.

Plans for grid resilience

For 2020, PG&E’s microgrid solutions focus primarily on building grid resilience and keeping the power on for customers in communities that have a high likelihood of experiencing a future PSPS event.

To that end, PG&E has reserved more than 450 megawatts of temporary mobile generation to be deployed in four ways detailed below, each with a unique objective:

– Substation microgrids: PG&E will use temporary generation at safe-to-energize substations to support safe-to-energize customers and communities affected by transmission line outages during PSPS events. PG&E is preparing 63 substations to be ready to connect temporary generators as need arises during PSPS events, subject to operational logistics and generator availability. In addition to temporary generation, in certain instances, PG&E will leverage existing local, permanent generation sources to power safe-to-energize substations and customers during PSPS events, including PG&E’s Humboldt Bay Generating Station and a third-party owned natural gas plant in Red Bluff.

– Temporary microgrids: PG&E will serve designated areas like “main street” corridors by rapidly isolating them from the wider grid and re-energizing them using temporary generation during an outage. These temporary microgrids will be used in selected communities where PG&E can safely provide electricity to centrally located resources such as medical facilities and pharmacies, police and fire stations, gas stations, and banks. Construction is underway at four temporary microgrid generation sites, and PG&E anticipates having 10 sites ready to energize by the end of 2020.

– Backup power support: PG&E will deploy temporary generation on an as-needed basis to critical customers for whom the failure of existing backup power would directly or indirectly affect public safety. Deployment would be dependent on generator availability and subject to operational considerations. Additionally, PG&E has worked closely with the California Hospital Association and Hospital Council of Northern and Central California to identify hospitals supporting the COVID-19 response effort that have a higher likelihood of experiencing a PSPS event. PG&E is developing grid-based solutions where possible and supporting hospital readiness and resiliency planning, to ensure that those hospitals remain energized in a PSPS event.

– Community resource centers: PG&E will provide Community Resource Centers to support customers and communities affected by PSPS events. Some of these facilities may need temporary generation in order to give customers a climate-controlled location where they can charge devices and receive refreshments. PG&E remains flexible with CRC deployment plans to adjust to the COVID-19 restrictions and best practices.

Community Microgrid Enablement Program

On Friday, the CPUC also approved PG&E’s new Community Microgrid Enablement Program in which PG&E will partner with local communities to identify and build multi-customer microgrids serving local critical facilities and/or customers with disabilities or functional needs that are not already served by other microgrid solutions offered by PG&E.

The program will help communities design microgrids by providing enhanced technical support, improved access to relevant utility information, financial support for qualifying projects, and tariffs to support the accounting for the flows of services, energy, and costs among the parties.

PG&E will refine the eligibility criteria and other program requirements through consultation with local governments and communities, with a goal of full program implementation and projects in development by November.

PG&E intends to model future community microgrid projects on the Redwood Coast Airport Renewable Energy Microgrid project, a collaboration between PG&E, the Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Schatz Energy Research Center at Humboldt State University, Humboldt County, and Tesla, Inc., among others.

This front-of-the-meter, multi-customer microgrid project featuring PV solar paired with battery energy storage is on schedule for commissioning and full operation in December 2020.

The Redwood Coast microgrid will provide renewable energy for 18 customer accounts, including the Arcata-Eureka Airport and the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, and serve as a lifeline for Humboldt County in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

The microgrid will be capable of disconnecting from the broader grid (island mode) and operating as an independent, PG&E-operated grid segment during a power outage.

Learn more about PG&E’s wildfire safety and PSPS mitigation efforts by visiting www.pge.com/wildfiresafety .
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors will consider measures to enforce compliance with public health rules, discuss the coming fiscal year budget and the draft housing element this week.

The board will meet virtually beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.

Because the meeting will be held virtually, members of the public are asked to submit comments on items to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Please note the agenda item number addressed.

In an untimed item that is the result of a discussion from last week’s meeting, the board will consider an urgency ordinance to establish temporary compliance officers to assist local businesses and members of the public in the gradual reopening of Lake County during the continuing public health emergency.

That ordinance will include assessing administrative fines for those who violate state and local public health orders.

At 11 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing to consider the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Recommended Budget.

In other business, at 10 a.m. the board will consider the draft Lake County Housing Element and at 10:30 a.m. will hold a public hearing to consider a proposed two year extension to the Valley Oaks Subdivision vesting tentative subdivision map.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Approve addition of special meeting to the board’s annual meeting calendar for 2020.

5.2: Approve to waive the 900 hour extra help limit for Samuel Euston, senior videographer, for Fiscal Year 2019-20.

5.3: Adopt resolution establishing 2020-2021 appropriations limit for the county of Lake and Special Districts governed by the Board of Supervisors.

5.4: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to the Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Hardeep Singh, MD to fulfill the responsibilities of the substance use disorder medical director for Fiscal Year 2020-21 for a contract maximum of $90,000 and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.5: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the state of emergency: and (b) approve first amendment to the agreement between the county of Lake and CrackerJack Cleaning LLC for the cleaning of the Child Support office at 3980 Gard St., Kelseyville, for Fiscal Year 20-21 for a maximum increase of $26,400 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.6: Approve resolution of the city council of the city of lakeport calling for and providing for and giving notice of the general municipal election to be held in the city of Lakeport, county of Lake, state of California, on the third day of November, 2020, for the purpose of electing three (3) city council members, each to hold office for a term of four years, or until their successors are elected and qualified, requesting consolidation of that election with the state general election and requesting approval of the Lake County Board of Supervisors for election services to be provided by the Lake County Registrar of Voters.

5.7: Adopt resolution approving the AIDS Drug Assistance Program site enrollment agreement between the California Department of Public Health and the county of Lake Health Services department for Fiscal Years 2020-2023 and authorize the Health Services director to sign.

5.8: Approve contract between the county of Lake Health Services and Sheila McCarthy for occupational therapy services in support of the California Children’s Services Program and the Medical Therapy Program for a term starting July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, and a maximum amount of $33,436.80; and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.9: Approve agreement amendment between the county of Lake Health Services Department and Sheila McCarthy, occupational therapist to increase total hours worked and total compensation for contracted occupational therapy services in support of the California Children’s Services Program and the Medical Therapy Program and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.10: Approve the continuation of local health emergency related to the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) as proclaimed by the Lake County Public Health office.

5.11: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Mendocino Complex Fire Incident (River and Ranch fires).

5.12: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Pawnee fire Incident.

5.13: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to COVID-19.

5.14: (a) Approve rental agreement between the county of Lake and Paul and Shery Loewen for Hangar No. 1 at Lampson Field for the Monthly Amount of $300, and authorize the chair to sign; and (b) approve the rental agreement between the county of Lake and Paul and Shery Loewen for Hangar No. 2 at Lampson Field for the monthly amount of $500 and authorize the chair to sign.

5.15: Adopt resolution to amend the Adopted Budget for FY 2019/2020 Fund 168 Budget Unit 5011 Social Services Administration by appropriating unanticipated revenue in the amount of $100,000 awarded to Lake County for COVID-19 non congregate sheltering and authorizing the Social Services director to sign award related documents.

5.16: (a) Approval of agreement with International Business Information Technologies Inc; (b) waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services and (c) authorize the sheriff/coroner or his designee to sign the agreement.

TIMED ITEMS

6.1, 9:01 a.m.: Public input.

6.2, 9:02 a.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.

6.3, 9:45 a.m.: Consideration of continuation of a local health emergency and order prohibiting the endangerment of the community through the unsafe removal, transportation, and disposal of fire debris for the Mendocino Complex fire.

6.4, 10 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of the Draft Lake County Housing Element as an interim housing element to bring Lake County back into compliance with state regulations.

6.5, 10:30 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of Valley Oaks Subdivision Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map Extension, SDX 19-02.

6.6, 11 a.m.: Public hearing, a) consideration of the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Recommended Budget; b) consideration of the proposed resolution amending the position allocation chart for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 to conform to the recommended budget; and c) consideration of authorization for affected department heads to proceed with purchasing selected capital assets prior to the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Final Recommended Budget.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Consideration of update to return to work protocol.

7.3: Consideration of a resolution amending Resolution No. 2020-32, revising and extending the county of Lake COVID-19 interim policy for working remotely.

7.4: Consideration of urgency ordinance establishing temporary compliance officers to assist local businesses and members of the public in the gradual reopening of Lake County during the continuing public health emergency and to provide a process for the assessment of administrative fines for violators of state and local public health orders.

7.5: Consideration of resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the county of Lake, state of California, authorizing the Konocti Unified School District to Issue its Konocti Unified School District general obligation bonds, election of 2016, Series 2020.

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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