Wednesday, 27 November 2024

Register

News

Posted On

Hours at the Middletown Library in Middletown, California, are increasing. Photo credit Lake County Library.


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Thanks to additional funding from the Board of Supervisors, effective June 1, the Middletown and Clearlake branches of the Lake County Library will have expanded hours.

The Middletown Library will expand hours to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Redbud Library in Clearlake will be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays will remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours at the Lakeport Library and the Upper Lake Library will remain the same. All Library branches are closed Sunday and Monday.

New funding from the Lake County Board of Supervisors made this increase in hours possible.

During a meeting in early February, the board voted to provide funding for additional staff and library materials through the County’s Cannabis grant program.

“Access to the library has grown increasingly important throughout the hardships of this past year,” said County Librarian Christopher Veach. “It’s wonderful to be able to expand access to the library at this time.”

Earlier this year, the library provided all services via contactless delivery and was closed for in-person services.

The library reopened so patrons could come inside the library in late March.

The grant also funded more than 1,800 new children’s books at all four branches of the library.

There are new nonfiction books for almost every subject, covering history, math, science and more.

To help children develop a love of reading there are also new picture books for families to check out and read together.

The library is also planning on offering more children’s events for the community.

Due to COVID-19, many children’s programs moved to a digital format. As it becomes safer and the weather warms up the library is planning to offer more outdoor story times.

Residents can check with their local branch or go online to sign up for email notifications of new events.

Visit the Lake County Library website at http://library.lakecountyca.gov.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors this week received an update on the project to improve Clear Lake’s health through restoring wetlands, an effort that is at a critical moment due to the requirements of state grant funding.

On Tuesday, Deputy Water Resources Director Marina Deligiannis and Peter Windrem of the Middle Creek Restoration Coalition gave the board a progress report on the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project.

The goals for the project include removing failing levees built between 1918 and 1933 and returning 1,650 acres of farmland between the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff and Upper Lake to Clear Lake to improve the watershed and water quality.

Reducing sedimentation and phosphorus loading is key to improving Clear Lake’s health. All by itself, the project would reduce an estimated 28 percent of the 40 percent of phosphorus that needs to be reduced in Clear Lake, Windrem said during the discussion.

The project’s initial phase began in 1995, when the county requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate flood risk and improve water quality in Clear Lake.

During the meeting, the board unanimously approved sending a letter to Colonel James J. Handura of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project’s federal sponsor, seeking his assistance in obtaining congressional funding for the project’s design and construction “at the earliest possible time.”

That letter reports that by summer’s end, three-quarters of the 1650 acres in the project zone will have been acquired.

As of April, the Lake County Watershed Protection District has acquired 40 parcels from willing sellers by securing grant funds in 2003 and most recently in 2018, when the board approved a resolution to accept a $15 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources. Assemblywoman Cecelia Aguiar-Curry was credited during the meeting with helping to make that grant possible.

However, challenges in acquiring the remaining properties — which total just under 50 — means the county is facing a looming deadline with the state that could have serious impacts not just on the Middle Creek project but other grant opportunities, Windrem warned.

A long road ahead

Board Chair Bruno Sabatier said the project has been an “arduous” one for the county to pursue, but it’s important due to the benefits it offers the lake, water quality and the economy.

Deligiannis said the Scotts Creek and Middle Creek watersheds make up half of the Clear Lake watershed, draining through the Rodman Slough adjacent to the project area.

Those creeks make up 57 percent of inflow and 71 percent of the phosphorus that goes into Clear Lake, she said.

Deligiannis said the county is working on extending the Department of Water Resources grant deadline, which goes through the end of 2022.

She said the Water Resources Department's highest priority is land acquisition. In 2020, the county used $997,000 to acquire two priority properties and she said she will be coming back to the board over the course of the next few months with four more proposed property purchases from willing sellers totaling $2 million.

She said the project has many moving parts, adding, “We have a long road ahead of us.”

Windrem noted he was last before the board nearly two years ago to discuss the project.

On Tuesday, as he had two years previously, Windrem spoke directly to the board about the need to complete the work, but this time he focused on what the county needs to do in order to keep moving forward.

“There’s a real tendency for us to want to paint the most positive picture of every situation that we encounter,” he said.

Windrem said the county’s situation with regard to the project is grave, with a need for more support in order to overcome bureaucratic inertia.

“Our failure to perform this contract as promised on our part would have a devastating effect to the reputation and credibility of county government to administer further grant funds,” he said, adding it’s imperative to succeed.

“We’re understaffed and we don’t have money behind this project from you all,” Windrem said, explaining that of the 49 parcels needed, only two have been purchased, with only about $2 million of the $15 million spent.

He said the deadline to complete purchase contracts is March 31, 2022, with all funds needed to be expended by Dec. 31, 2022.

Windrem supported seeking an extension from the state because otherwise the county can’t meet the deadline.

His ask of the board was “that you own this project.”

Windrem said the project needs a full-time manager that answers directly to the board. In his estimation, county staff requires $1 million a year to do everything needed to complete the work.

There will be a challenge getting federal funding for the project, and Windrem — hearkening to a suggestion Congressman John Garamendi made during a tour of the area — suggested that a dedicated project manager could work with the state on taking the project over from the Army Corps. He said the California Department of Water Resources already has spent $27 million on the Middle Creek project.

“We’ll get it done but we need to get it done sooner rather than later,” he said.

It was also noted during the discussion that the county is using two consultants, Paragon Partners Ltd and Paramount Inc., for appraisals, land acquisition and relocation.

Windrem faulted Paramount for its performance and said the company has put the county in a very precarious position.

Supervisor Tina Scott said the board needed to bring the matter back for further discussion.

“It is definitely a project that we need to complete for the health and welfare of our lake,” Scott said.

Supervisor Jessica Pyska suggested that if the board can come up with an action that it can take for developing capacity, it would make for a stronger request for help from other government agencies.

Sabatier said they also need to speak with state Sen. Mike McGuire about assistance.

Supervisor Moke Simon said he supported the letter, but as for the estimate of needing $1 million a year, he said they needed to break it down and have a better conversation.

Simon said throwing money at a problem doesn’t solve it, adding that they’ve paid for services and need to get the product.

Victoria Brandon, a member of the Sierra Club and the Middle Creek Restoration Coalition, said she thinks it will be difficult for the county to get the extension from the state Department of Water Resources.

Instead, she suggested the county needed to put the project in high gear because if it doesn’t succeed, the county is less likely to get money for this and other projects.

Sabatier said the board would bring the project back for more discussion at its meeting on Tuesday, June 8.

Supervisor EJ Crandell moved to approve the letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Scott seconded and the board approved the motion 5-0.

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 super blood moon eclipse took place over the course of several hours early Wednesday.

The heavenly show was also the first lunar eclipse of 2021.

The picture above was taken by Lake County News Editor and Publisher Elizabeth Larson at 4:08 a.m. from Lucerne.

The next lunar eclipse, a partial one, will take place in November and will be visible from parts of the world including North America.

Photo settings: one second exposure, 1600 ISO speed rating. Equipment: Sony A6000 camera with a 1,400 millimeter lens.
Blog Left ad
Posted On

As the official start of summer arrives this week, Cal Fire is urging Californians to be extra cautious this Memorial Day weekend and take steps to help prevent wildfire, drownings and other accidents.

Since Jan. 1, Cal Fire has responded to 2,265 wildfires and more than 195,000 other incidents.

“Approximately 95% of all wildfires in California are caused by human activity, and each year we see disasters that could have been prevented,” said Chief Thom Porter, Cal Fire director. “The dry conditions and increased temperatures throughout the state have created a situation where a fire could easily spark, so we ask everyone to be cautious as they enjoy their time outdoors.”

If you plan on driving to your holiday destination:

• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained with nothing dragging on the ground, which can cause a spark and potentially a wildfire.
• When towing, make sure trailer chains are properly secured.
• Never drive or pull over into dry grass, which can start a wildfire.

If you are staying around your home:
• If using equipment, check that spark arresters and equipment are in good working condition. Use it before 10 a.m. and avoid yard work on hot, dry and windy days.
• Make sure you use the right tool for the job — lawn mowers are for cutting grass only.
• If grilling, never leave the grill unattended and always watch what you grill.

If you plan on going camping:
• Make sure to obtain a campfire permit and check for local fire restrictions.
• If you plan on having a campfire, make sure it is legal to do so. Clear grass, leaves and other debris within a 10-foot perimeter of the ring.
• Make sure all campfires are completely extinguished before leaving.
• Buy your firewood where you burn it, that way you are not spreading dangerous insects and diseases.

Water drownings increase dramatically during Memorial Day weekend.
• Never swim alone and if you are not a strong swimmer, always wear a life jacket.
• Children should always wear a life jacket in or around water and be supervised by a responsible adult within arm’s reach.
• Be particularly cautious of rivers and waterways with rapid currents and never underestimate calm water.
• Drinking while boating/swimming is just as dangerous as drinking and driving on the roadways.

For more ways to be safe this holiday, visit www.fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyforWildfire.org.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hope Rising has announced a virtual launch to celebrate the progress of the Smart Start Bright Future Initiative.

The launch will take place at noon on Friday, June 4.

The event is free and open to the public.

To attend, follow the Event Brite link or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

State Sen. Mike McGuire and Lisa Wittke Schaffner, executive director of the John Jordan Foundation, will host the Smart Start Bright Future celebration.

The program focuses on four pillars of impact to improve the future of Lake County
Youth:

1. Smart Start Eligibility Wizard.
2. Lake Family Resource Center Navigator.
3. After school programs in partnership with Konocti Unified.
4. College success for high school graduates (10,000 Degrees Platform).

Event sponsors include Founder’s Circle: Adventist Health Clearlake, John Jordan Foundation and Redwood Credit Union.

Other sponsors include Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Calpine, with support from the city of Clearlake, the Lake County Board of Supervisors and the county of Lake.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — At the end of a special meeting on Tuesday evening, the Lakeport City Council overturned the appeal of the owner of two dogs that have been deemed vicious after numerous complaints and the killing of pets over a 15-month period.

Maria Anderson filed an appeal with the city over the decision made by Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen and Lake County Animal Care and Control Director Jonathan Armas to declare her dogs “Bane” and “Bandit” as vicious and require her to follow 10 requirements as part of a vicious animal abatement order.

The vicious animal abatement order, which is in effect for three years, was issued on May 10 for Bane, a 3-year-old neutered male German shepherd mix, and Bandit, a 1-year-old neutered male pit bull mix.

That was three days after Animal Care and Control received the last complaint of the two dogs attacking ducks on a property where they had previously killed a rabbit and attacked chickens.

On the same day as the order was issued, the dogs were impounded from their Second Street home and are being held at the Animal Care and Control shelter in Lakeport.

The order’s conditions include Anderson having public liability insurance; posting “beware of dogs” signs at her home; obtaining and keeping current dog licenses and rabies vaccinations; constructing a 10-foot by 10-foot chain link kennel with a cement floor, padlocking gate and solid roof; keeping the dogs at the property except for veterinary visits; photographing them and notifying police of moving them to new ownership or a new residence within 10 days.

During the hour-and-a-half-long meeting, the council heard testimony from Animal Care and Control staff, neighbors whose animals had been killed and Anderson herself.

Deputy Animal Care and Control Director Jessica Leishman told the council that there were 11 instances of the dogs running loose and attacking animals from Feb. 19, 2020, until the date of their impoundment earlier this month.

She said her agency received calls about the dogs killing rabbits, chickens and cats.

Anderson, who adopted Bandit from Animal Care and Control late last year, previously had another dog, “Cissy,” who Animal Care and Control also had received complaints about until she was hit and killed by a car on 11th Street while running loose in July.

Animal Care and Control Officer Hailey Del Fiorentino went over the numerous complaints with the council. She said they had received three complaints for Cissy, seven for Bane and three for Bandit.

Julianna Bisaccio, offering testimony via Zoom, was shown a picture of the dogs and identified Bane and Bandit as having been responsible for killing her 8-year-old daughter’s young cat at her home on Second Street. She said the dogs wouldn’t leave the cat alone despite an attempt by the neighbor to squirt them with water to make them leave.

Bisaccio said she saw the dogs attack another cat along with a chicken. She said they are very aggressive, and with so many children in her neighborhood, she said she was concerned they would attack a child.

Stephanie Del Bosco said the dogs attacked her cat, “Bones,” nearly a year ago, in an incident on Oak Crest Drive near her home.

Bones survived the attack but the veterinary care to save his injured leg cost Del Bosco nearly $1,400. “We’re grateful he survived it,” she said of the attack.

Michelle Dollosso, who lives on 11th Street with her family, identified the dogs in a video of them carrying off her son’s pet rabbit, which they had killed. She said they broke into her rabbit hutch as well as the chicken coop.

“They’ve come in the yard more times than I could count,” she said, noting they had to chase them off. “It was traumatizing for our children.”

Owner apologetic; wants opportunity for dogs to be trained

A tearful Anderson, who was present in the council chambers, apologized to the women whose pets had been killed or injured.

“They’re our family,” she said of the dogs, noting that she’d had them since they were babies and they play with her children and live with other pets every day.

“I feel horrible that when they get out they are killing other animals but they are not mean dogs,” she said, adding that Bane loves to be free and run, and it’s a game for him to get away.

Anderson said she has gotten the vicious animal insurance and constructed the 10-foot by 10-foot enclosure on her property that’s required as part of the abatement order.

She said she had appealed the order because it doesn’t allow for them to be taken from her property unless it’s for vet care, and she wants to take them to a trainer as well as other places, like her father’s property and on trips to the ocean, as well as to allow for her children to walk them.

“All the things that you do when you have dogs, we wouldn't be able to do,” she said.

During the discussion, Anderson said they also have reinforced their gates and fences, installed latches and purchased electric fencing.

Councilman Michael Green asked if staff had considered another alternative — having the dogs euthanized.

“Ordering a destruction, I believe, would be a high level order, one that I don't take lightly,” said Armas.

The council also asked about the possibility of success with following the abatement order.

“If the appellant can follow these 10 conditions as outlined, then the dogs can be safely kept on her property,” Rasmussen said.

Armas noted that in his five years with Animal Care and Control, he’s only had one person fail an abatement, and he said his department is in the middle of a hearing on that matter right now.

The vicious dog determination would remain in effect for 36 months under California Food and Agriculture code. At the end of that time, that determination can be removed, said Armas.

Anderson also must complete all of the steps outlined in the order before the dogs will be released to her. While they are impounded, Anderson must cover their costs.

Councilwoman Stacey Mattina said she believed the order’s conditions are reasonable considering the amount of time the police and neighbors have chased the dogs, as well as the heartache of people losing their pets.

“They appear to be a threat to the neighborhood if they do get away,” she said.

Councilwoman Mireya Turner agreed with Mattina and said she appreciated Anderson’s attempts to follow the order and the fact that she expressed regret for her dogs’ actions.

While Turner said she understood that the dogs are different when they are with Anderson’s family, when they get out of the home, they are no longer family dogs. “They’re pack dogs,” and are roaming more than a mile away from their home while causing damage and trauma to people and other animals.

Based on his assessment of the dogs’ conduct, Green suggested that the council should order Bane’s humane destruction. He questioned if it’s humane to keep dogs caged up in the backyard.

Mattina moved to deny the appeal with Turner seconding and the council approving the motion 5-0.

Following the meeting, Rasmussen told Lake County News that he believes Anderson should be done implementing the conditions of the order and ready to call for an inspection within a few days, which will allow the dogs to be released to her.

Rasmussen said this is the first vicious abatement hearing he recalls during his nearly 10 years as chief, explaining that the hearing was the result of the appeal being filed.

He said the last vicious animal case his department dealt with happened in July 2019 and involved a dog that was impounded, held for a long time and ultimately destroyed after the owner failed to comply with the abatement conditions.

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

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched “Vax for the Win,” a new multi-faceted vaccine incentive program designed to motivate Californians to get their vaccination leading up to the state’s reopening on June 15.

The incentives aim to give an extra nudge to those who still need to get vaccinated against COVID-19, especially those in hard-to-reach communities, while also thanking everyone who has already been vaccinated.

“Getting every eligible Californian vaccinated is how we bring our state roaring back from this pandemic,” said Gov. Newsom. “California has already made incredible progress in the fight against COVID-19, with the lowest case rates in the country, while administering millions more vaccines than any other state. But we aren’t stopping there, we’re doing everything it takes to get Californians vaccinated as we approach June 15 to help us fully reopen safely.”

More than 62.8 percent of Californians aged 12 and older are at least partially vaccinated, but an estimated 12 million people who are eligible still have not gotten a vaccine to protect their health and the well-being of their communities.

“Some Californians weren’t ready to get their COVID-19 vaccine on day one, and that’s OK. This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California Department of Public Health director and State Public Health officer. “The state will work closely with our partners at local health departments and community-based organizations to ensure the program reaches families living in communities with the lowest vaccination rates, who might face language barriers and other obstacles.”

All Californians aged 12 and older who are at least partially vaccinated are automatically eligible for the cash prize drawings taking place in June.

Thirty winners in total will be selected for the “$50,000 Fridays” cash prize drawings on June 4 and June 11, totaling $1.5 million.

On June 15, $1.5 million will be awarded to 10 lucky Californians – for a grand total of $15 million in cash prizes.

Winners must complete their vaccination in order to claim their prize. If someone under 18 wins, the cash will be put in a savings account for them until they turn 18.

Beginning on May 27, the next two million people who begin and complete their COVID-19 vaccination will automatically be eligible to receive a $50 prepaid or grocery card, worth a total of $100 million. It gives them the option to select from a $50 virtual prepaid card (which can be spent online, in-store where major debit cards are accepted, or added to a mobile wallet to be used to shop in stores that accept mobile wallets), or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger (which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.) or Albertsons (which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico's Community Markets), while supplies last.

Californians will receive a text message with an electronic prepaid card redemption code sent to their mobile phone or email address seven to 10 days after their two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna, or single dose of Johnson and Johnson.

An incentive card will be held for those who start their vaccination at the launch of the program. Those who do not have a mobile phone or email address can receive a physical card by calling 1-833-993-3873, seven to 10 days after receiving their final dose. Those without a permanent address can also call to coordinate delivery.

For more information, visit www.COVID19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win. To schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit www.MyTurn.ca.gov or call the CA COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255.
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Memorial Day is the traditional start to the summer travel season, and this weekend California’s roadways will likely be bustling with activity.

To help ensure the safety of motorists throughout the holiday, the California Highway Patrol will conduct a maximum enforcement period, or MEP.

The Memorial Day MEP will run from 6 p.m. Friday, May 28, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 31, and focus on properly using seat belts.

During the MEP, all available CHP officers will be out enforcing traffic safety laws throughout the state.

Officer Joel Skeen of the Clear Lake Area CHP office in Kelseyville said the local office also will be running heavier staffing for the weekend.

Officers will be watching carefully for distracted drivers and those who are impaired by drugs or alcohol.

“Seat belts save lives every day, yet some people still don’t buckle up,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Start the holiday weekend off right by making sure you and your passengers are properly restrained.”

Approximately 78 percent of people killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction during the 2020 Memorial Day MEP were not wearing a seat belt. Statewide, at least 31 people died in a crash during the holiday weekend.

In addition, CHP officers made 854 arrests for impaired driving during the 78-hour traffic safety campaign.

Motorists are also reminded to protect child passengers through the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.

The law requires that, whenever possible, children under age 8 ride in the back seat and that a child under 2 is always secured in a rear-facing car seat.

To reinforce the importance of seat belt usage, the CHP also is participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ongoing “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which runs May 17 to June 6.
Posted On

David Hubbard, Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College welding instructor. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College is honoring its long-time welding instructor who is retiring this week.

David Hubbard is retiring on Thursday, May 27, after teaching part-time at the college for 36 years.

He also worked full-time for Homestake Mining for 15 years and at Lower Lake High School as wood and metal shop teacher for 14 years.

Hubbard was born in Riverton, Wyoming, graduating from the University of Wyoming in education and industrial arts and began his teaching career in the 1970s.

He moved his family to Lake County in 1984 to work for Homestake Mining.

While working for Homestake, Dave asked the mining company if they would build a welding shop at the Clearlake College for the county.

Homestake gladly built the shop to hire students who took the welding class. Hubbard was hired to teach the class and has continued to this day.

For the past two years, Hubbard has helped with renovating the new welding classroom and shop for future students and teachers.

He also taught home maintenance and repair at Lake County Tribal Health and admired the student’s willingness to learn and find jobs in their community.

Hubbard has been the Lake County Toys for Tots distributor for 13 years working under the United States Marines and closely with community businesses to assure no child goes without having a new toy during the Holidays.

He and his wife, Pat, are relocating to Idaho Falls, Idaho to be closer to family members.

If you would like to contact Hubbard, please write to him at 1925 Eagle Drive, Ammon, Idaho 83406. He would enjoy hearing from past students and friends he has known throughout his career in Lake County.

The college offered its best wishes to Hubbard. “Congratulations Dave, ‘Catch the BIG one!’”

College officials thanked Hubbard for his dedication and service to students, staff, faculty and administration.

“You are a true role model and leader, your legacy will continue with the renovation completion of Building 500, the Welding Building at the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College,” the college said.
Posted On

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Clearlake Animal Control has another new dog to offer for adoption this week.

The following dogs are ready for adoption or foster. The newest dog is listed at the beginning of the list.

“Sheldon.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Sheldon’

“Sheldon” is a male German shepherd mix with a short black and tan coat.

He is dog No. 4868.

“Bear.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Bear’

“Bear” is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix with a short brown coat.

He has been neutered.

He is dog No. 3476.

“Cleo.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Cleo’

“Cleo” is a female Doberman pinscher mix with a short gray coat who is new to the shelter.

She has been spayed.

She is dog No. 4865.

“Dorito.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Dorito’

“Dorito” is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix with a short white and gray coat.

He has been neutered and is house trained.

He is dog No. 4576.

“Dusty.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Dusty’

“Dusty” is a male American Pit Bull Terrier with a tan and white coat.

He is dog No. 4750.

“Inky.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Inky’

“Inky” is a male corgi and collie mix with a long black coat.

He has been neutered and is house-trained.

He is dog No. 4324.

“Sassy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Sassy’

“Sassy” is a female Labrador retriever and pit bull mix with a short black with white markings.

She is house-trained.

She is dog No. 4602.

“Toby.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.


‘Toby’

“Toby” is a friendly senior male boxer mix.

He has a short tan and white coat.

Toby is house trained and neutered.

He is dog No. 4389.

Call the Clearlake Animal Control shelter at 707-273-9440, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about adoptions and schedule a visit to the shelter.

Visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or on the city’s website.

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

Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which serves more than 16 million Californians, is paying property taxes and franchise fees of over $406 million this spring to the 50 counties, 246 local cities and one district where it owns and operates gas and electric infrastructure.

On April 12, PG&E paid property taxes of more than $268 million to the 50 counties in which it owns property.

The payment covers the period from January 1 to June 30, 2021. Total payments for the tax year of July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 are more than $537 million.

Lake County received $961,632.

Neighboring counties received the following amounts: Colusa, $4,137,638; Glenn, $1,002,342; Mendocino, $1,824,242; Napa, $3,369,198; Sonoma, $8,764,068; and Yolo, $2,917,664.

PG&E pays franchise fees to cities and counties for the use of public streets for its gas and electric facilities. The energy company is submitting the fees by April 15.

PG&E’s franchise fee payments totaled more than $138 million – more than $42 million for natural gas and nearly $96 million for electric service.

In 2020, PG&E invested about $7 billion to enhance and upgrade its gas and electrical infrastructure for safety, reliability and wildfire mitigation across Northern and Central California, and the increase in property tax payments reflect those continuing investments.

The full list of county payments follows.

PG&E’s second installment of property taxes paid on April 12, 2021

Alameda — $32,404,709
Alpine — $80,538
Amador — $1,108,032
Butte — $5,667,359
Calaveras — $1,191,644
Colusa — $4,137,638
Contra Costa — $21,497,366
El Dorado — $1,740,390
Fresno — $18,276,652
Glenn — $1,002,342
Humboldt — $4,106,763
Kern — $9,771,985
Kings — $1,706,582
Lake — $961,632
Lassen — $51,276
Madera — $2,510,612
Marin — $4,750,923
Mariposa — $318,727
Mendocino — $1,824,242
Merced — $3,967,492
Modoc — $214,875
Monterey — $4,022,424
Napa — $3,369,198
Nevada — $1,357,769
Placer — $6,606,295
Plumas — $2,565,430
Sacramento — $7,024,199
San Benito — $877,418
San Bernardino — $1,450,867
San Diego — $6,446
San Francisco — $14,835,825
San Joaquin — $13,167,723
San Luis Obispo — $10,392,451
San Mateo — $15,317,959
Santa Barbara — $1,180,653
Santa Clara — $33,320,405
Santa Cruz — $2,016,295
Shasta — $6,227,812
Sierra — $124,531
Siskiyou — $100,917
Solano — $6,654,033
Sonoma — $8,764,068
Stanislaus — $2,904,283
Sutter — $1,415,569
Tehama — $1,551,202
Trinity — $181,612
Tulare — $610,668
Tuolumne — $910,615
Yolo — $2,917,664
Yuba — $1,474,638
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Planning Commission this week will continue its consideration of a cannabis project near Lakeport that it held over from last month’s meeting due to concerns about unresolved state violations.

The discussion regarding the project proposed by Joseph Gustafson of Gustafson Farms LLC will be held during the commission’s regular meeting beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 27, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.

The webinar ID is 920 6904 9979, the passcode is 101201.

The commission is scheduled to hear Gustafson’s request for a major use permit at 9:20 a.m.

Gustafson is seeking the permit for property at 4440, 4460, 4520 and 4550 George Road, not far from Lampson field and next to numerous homes.

His project is for 111,620 square feet of canopy area, including 89,620 square feet of outdoor growing area for which the agriculture commissioner and the Lake County Farm Bureau said he never should have received approval to do.

Gustafson also plans to have a total of 237,220 square feet of cultivation area and facilities including 50,000 square feet processing facility, 24,000 square feet of greenhouse for nursery, 50,000 square feet for drying facility, three storage sheds, and 23,000 square feet of greenhouse structures for mixed-light canopy.

At the commission’s April 22 hearing, neighbors raised numerous issues with Gustafson’s operations so far, among them, excessive traffic around the clock on George Road, which is a county-maintained dead-end road. That traffic also has led to dust and garbage issues.

Residents spoke about their concerns about the traffic impacts in their neighborhood, where people like to walk and children play and ride their bikes, and faulted him with not following the rules.

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter saying it opposes the project. Brenna Sullivan of the Lake County Farm Bureau said the project shouldn’t be allowed as proposed.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Hajik said Gustafson should not have received early activation approval from the county last year for his project, noting it’s within the farmland protection zone and therefore was required to be an indoor, not an outdoor, grow.

Hajik said Gustafson holds no state CalCannabis licensing and reported the state water board also had problems with the operation. He also raised issues with Gustafson’s performance in the county’s hemp program in 2019, when low-grade cannabis — not hemp — was found during testing at a Lower Lake site run by Gustafson.

In response to Hajik’s comments last month, Gustafson told Lake County News, “All genetics of hemp can spike above the limit of THC and you never know what a genetic will do until grown.”

The issue for the commission came down to Gustafson having outstanding violations at that point on his property with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Rather than deny the project, the commission agreed to hold off on a decision until this month’s meeting in order to let Gustafson try to fully resolve the matters.

Gustafson told Lake County News that he had violations for undersized culverts on his property. He said those violations have now been addressed and he has a state permit for work.

He said the property is also a vineyard which has 30 acres of grapes and 40 acres of vines he plans to replant.

“Ultimately I plan to run a successful operation that boosts the local economy and try to mimic my neighbor Kendall Jackson with beautiful rows of grapes and an amazing processing center,” he said.

Other items on the commission’s agenda are as follows:

9:05 a.m.: Public hearing, major use permit (UP 20-85). Applicant/owner: Kushmen & Bakefield Enterprises Inc. Proposed project: Applicant is applying for one Type 6 “Non-Volatile Cannabis Manufacturing License” and one Type 11 “Cannabis Distributor License” to occur within an existing 11,000 square foot building. Location: 11270 Clayton Creek Road, Lower Lake; APN: 049-300-15. Environmental Evaluation: Categorical exemption (CE 21-12).

9:10 a.m.: Public hearing, major use permit (UP 19-32). Applicant/owner: Patrick Smythe. Proposed project: Applicant is applying for a total of 41,796 square feet canopy (32,076 square feet of outdoor cultivation and 9,720 square feet of mixed-light cultivation) area within a total of 44,121 square feet of cultivation area and facilities including three 30-foot by 108-foot greenhouses, one 1,800 square foot processing facility, one 525 square foot, one 1,225 square foot concrete pad to hold to hold nine 1,500-gallon water storage tanks and three 3,500-gallon water storage tanks. Location: 19697 and 19713 East Road, Lower Lake; APNs: 012-049-17 and 012-049-18.

9:15 a.m.: Public hearing to consider rezone (RZ 20-02) and general plan amendment (GPAP 20-02). Applicant/owner: Greg Hanson. Proposed project: The applicant is requesting a split rezone of approximately +/- 7 acres from “A” Agriculture to “A-M2” Agriculture-Heavy Industrial, and general plan amendment from “A” Agriculture” to “A-I” Agriculture-Industrial of undeveloped land on two parcels under one legal lot. Location: 3555 and 3445 Big Valley Road, Kelseyville,; APNs: 008-038-17 and 008-038-44. Environmental evaluation: Negative declaration (IS 20-91).

9:25 a.m. Public hearing to consider a major use permit (UP 19-13) to consider approval of a commercial cannabis cultivation project on a 230-plus acre property, and consideration of adopting a mitigated negative declaration (IS 19-25). Applicant/owner: Tiffany Devitt. Proposed project: Twelve A-Type 3 medium outdoor cannabis cultivation licenses requesting 650,000 square feet of cannabis cultivation area and one A-Type 13 self-distribution license. Location: 2800 Manning Road, Lakeport; APN: 008-009-03. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration.

9:30 a.m. Public Hearing to consider a major use permit (UP 19-15) to consider approval of a commercial cannabis cultivation project on a 41-plus acre property, and consideration of adopting a mitigated negative declaration (IS 19-27). Applicant/owner: Legendary Farms LLC. Proposed project: One A-Type 3 medium outdoor cannabis cultivation licenses requesting 43,560 square feet of cannabis canopy area and one A-Type 13 self-distribution license. Location: 2290 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport; APN: 008-010-29. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration.

9:35 a.m. Public Hearing to consider a major use permit (UP 20-01) to consider approval of a commercial cannabis cultivation project on a 20-plus acre property, and consideration of adopting a mitigated negative declaration (IS 20-01). Applicant/owner: Stella Green Farms LLC. Proposed project: One A-Type 3 medium outdoor cannabis cultivation licenses requesting 43,560 square feet of cannabis canopy area and one A-Type 13 self-distribution license. Location: 5808 Highland Springs Road, Lakeport; APN: 008-044-24. Environmental evaluation: Mitigated negative declaration.

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