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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and the city of Clearlake will be present a State of the City presentation on Wednesday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Clearlake Community Center, located at 3245 Bowers Ave.

The program will begin at 5 p.m. with an open house featuring the opportunity to interact with and ask questions to the Police Department, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Finance, Building Department, City Clerk, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, PEG TV and more.

The formal presentation by the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and the city of Clearlake will begin at 6 p.m.

According to Joyce Overton, director of the Highlands Senior Service Center, “We are happy to announce that appetizers will be provided by Chatterbox Catering.”

“The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce is excited to be working with the city of Clearlake to help inform the local business community about the positive changes being
made,” said Chamber President Denise Loustalot.

“This is our third annual State of the City meeting. We have accomplished a lot and have a lot more in the planning stages and we want the community to know all that is happening,” said City Manager Greg Folsom.

“It’s a great time to be mayor of Clearlake,” said Mayor Bruno Sabatier. “The city of Clearlake is clearly improving and we are starting to see exciting changes for the better happening.”

The public is invited to attend and is encouraged to come early in order to have time to interact with the different departments to find out what programs are being offered and to get questions answered.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Official nomination papers are now available for candidates who are interested in running for the Lakeport City Council.

There are two seats available, each for a four-year term.

Those two seats currently are held by Stacey Mattina and Mireya Turner.

Interested candidates must be registered to vote and reside within the Lakeport city limits.

The deadline to file nomination papers for the seats is Friday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m.

Each candidate must be nominated by not less than 20 nor more than 30 registered voters; therefore, it is recommended that you pick up your nomination papers well in advance of the deadline for filing to allow time to gather signatures.

If you are interested in running for Lakeport City Council, please contact City Clerk Kelly Buendia at 707-263-5615, Extension 101, or Deputy City Clerk Hilary Britton at 707-263-5615, Extension 102, for further information and to set up an appointment to pick up and go over the nomination packet.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake reported that it has received a half a million dollar grant to assist it with its cleanup efforts.

Making Clearlake a visibly cleaner city is one of the priorities of the Clearlake City Council as identified in the Clearlake Strategic Plan and the Code Enforcement Division is a major factor in making those visual improvements to blighted properties, according to City Manager Greg Folsom.

Thanks to the Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, program, Code Enforcement will continue to make a positive impact on the community, Folsom said.

Folsom said that on Monday the city received written notification that the California Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded the city a $500,000 CDBG grant to continue Code Enforcement activities.

“Obtaining this grant to continue supporting our Code Enforcement is critical to achieving our goal to make Clearlake a cleaner city,” said Mayor Bruno Sabatier.

“We are extremely excited to be awarded $500,000 in CDBG funds for Code Enforcement,” added Folsom. “We have recently reorganized Code Enforcement to be under the supervision of the police department to give our Code Enforcement Officers even more tools in combating blight in our city. These funds will go a long way toward our Code Enforcement efforts over the next several years.”
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance with an attempted murder case.

On Tuesday at around 11:15 p.m. the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office received a report of a shooting in the 3000 Block of Sol Lane, just off of Lake Mendocino Drive, in Ukiah, according to Lt. Shannon Barney.

Barney said deputies responded to the area and found an 18-year-old adult male who suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to an out-of-county hospital for treatment. Barney did not have an update on the man’s condition.

Deputies were advised there may have been a subject seen fleeing the area on foot, Barney said.

Barney said the identity of the subject wasn’t yet known.

If anyone has information related to this case, or if anyone saw any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area before or after the incident, they are encouraged to call the Mendocino County Sheriff's Communication Center at 707-463-4083 or the Sheriff's Tip Line at 707-234-2100.
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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol will offer a free “Start Smart” traffic safety class for soon to-be-licensed, newly licensed, and teenage drivers and their parents or guardians on Wednesday, July 25.

The class will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Clear Lake Area CHP office, located at 5700 Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville.

The CHP said a teenager is killed in a traffic collision every four hours nationwide. That equates to more than 1,870 teenagers killed each year. Another 184,000 teenagers are injured in traffic collisions.

These deaths and injuries can be substantially reduced or prevented by eliminating high-risk driving behaviors through education, and the CHP said its “Start Smart” program can help prevent these tragedies.

The Start Smart program focuses on providing comprehensive traffic safety education classes for teenagers and their parents.

Start Smart employs innovative techniques to capture the attention of teenagers and parents, providing a lasting experience.

The curriculum includes information on collision statistics, teen driver and passenger behaviors, graduated driver’s license laws, cultural changes in today’s society and the need for stronger parental involvement in a teenager’s driving experience.

Space is limited for this class. For more information or reservations, call Officer Kory Reynolds at the CHP office, 707-279-0103, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council will hold a special meeting this week to award pavement rehabilitation contracts and accept state funding for cleanup projects.

The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

On the agenda is consideration of awarding two pavement rehabilitation projects to Granite Construction, one for Pine Street in the amount of $198,816 and the second for the Country Club/Kings Lane area, for a total of $311,436.

The council separately will consider executing a contract with Green Valley Consulting Engineers for an amount not to exceed $68,572, with up to 10 percent in future contract amendments, for the inspection and materials testing for the Country Club/Kings Lane and Pine Street pavement projects.

Council members also will consider a letter of support for Councilwoman Joyce Overton who has indicated she would like to represent the Redwood Empire Division of the League of California Cities as a state league director.

In other business, staff is asking the council to amend the fiscal year 2018-19 adopted budget in the amount of $214,030 to include funding from CalRecycle for cleanup and abatement of blighted properties throughout the city.

The council also will consider submitting a letter of authorization for the Regional Used OIl Payment Program to the county of Lake.

Following the open portion of the meeting, the council will hold a closed session to discuss property negotiations for 14130 Tuli Lane.

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 on Tuesday voted against placing before voters this fall a ballot measure to ban the sale of safe and sane fireworks in the city.

City staff and Mayor Mireya Turner said they had brought forward the discussion after receiving complaints from community members concerned about the sale and use of such fireworks – which are only legal to purchase in Lakeport, where they can be discharged during a four-day window each July – due to fire danger in the wake of the county’s devastating wildland fires.

Earlier in the day, the Board of Supervisors had discussed the fireworks ban proposal at length, with four of them signing a letter to the council saying about the selling of fireworks, “we feel strongly that such practice should end, in light of all the wildfires past and present, and extreme risk of more.”

The council agenda packet also included letters or messages of support for the ban from Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta and Northshore Fire Protection District. While the Lakeport Fire Protection District didn’t take a formal position, in an email to the Turner, Chief Doug Hutchison noted, “the potential for a large scale incident, or multiple incidents cannot be overstated given our climate and vegetation.”

A previous council had banned the sales of safe and sane fireworks in early 2009. Later that year, a successful ballot measure, Measure C, made the sales legal once again. They can only be sold annually by four local nonprofits.

Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said that it’s not uncommon to get fireworks-related complaints, usually concerning people taking them into the unincorporated county where they are not allowed. “That's kind of the common theme over the last few years.”

In response to those concerns, Rasmussen said his agency started increasing its public notices and education, from social media and outreach to posting signs at the city’s four major exits reminding people that fireworks aren’t legal outside of the city limits.

Despite the concerns, Rasmussen said the city hasn’t had major fires related to fireworks, only a few small fires in dumpsters and garbage cans.

At the same time, the city has taken a zero-tolerance approach to illegal fireworks, he said.

When it comes to people's concerns about fireworks and fire danger, “The only thing I can really do is educate,” he said.

Rasmussen said his lieutenant meets with the groups that sell fireworks to share information with them about the laws. He said the groups are very good about handing out that information to their fireworks customers.

He said many people are very diligent and follow the law. At the same time, there are a lot of people who don’t care about the law, don’t read it or follow it. “Those are the folks I worry about,” he said.

Turner explained her reasons for putting the discussion on the agenda, saying that she and staff had been getting contacts, as had county supervisors and fire district staff.

“There are a lot of really compelling reasons on both sides of the issue,” she said.

Turner acknowledged the efforts of the Channel Cats, a group which has for decades hosted swimming lessons for local children and is among the groups that sell fireworks annually, as well as the city’s fireworks-related traditions.

She said that the conversation was not about which side is more important. Rather, it was whether or not the matter needed to be put back in front of voters.

During public comment, the council heard from 12 speakers, all but one of them supporting the fireworks sales and asking for the resolution not to be placed before voters.

Among them was Supervisor Tina Scott, who represents District 4 on the Board of Supervisors.

Scott, who did not sign or support the board’s letter to the council, said they needed to look at evidence and not govern by fear, adding there is no evidence that safe and sane fireworks have started any fires. Rather, she said more effort needed to be placed on stopping the bad actors.

Jennifer Hanson of the Channel Cats said half of the group’s annual $40,000 budget comes in from fireworks, with none of their other fundraising efforts even coming close.

She said they are the only group that continues to teach children to swim, an effort that is increasingly expensive.

Dennis Revell, speaking on behalf of TNT fireworks, said nothing is stopping illegal fireworks and the state of California is not taking action against importation of them.

Revell encouraged the council members to consider if putting the matter on the ballot ultimately would achieve their end goals, specifically, stopping fires. He emphasized the risk will come from illegal fireworks, not safe and sane. He also asked them to keep faith with the nonprofits that have delivered on their commitments to the city.

Racheal Harmon of the Clear Lake High School Boosters said they sell an average of $31,000 worth of fireworks over four days. It’s their top fundraiser, with the money raised going to uses like sports teams transportation, class supplies, leadership workshops and more.

The only city resident who spoke in favor of the ban was Stan Jones, who questioned whether they would sit around and wait until there was a fire that destroyed part of the city. Jones said he appreciated the work of the community groups, and suggested coming up with other ways of supporting them.

“If we can prevent it, why not take a chance and prevent it,” he said of fire concerns.

Councilman George Spurr pointed out that the current city ordinance allows for the city council to cancel safe and sane fireworks sales through a unanimous vote during a calendar year in which a fire-related state of emergency has been declared.

Councilman Kenny Parlet said than putting such a ban before voters wouldn’t stop illegal fireworks. He said if people wanted to put it on the ballot, they should gather signatures and do it themselves, that the city shouldn’t take the action.

Councilwoman Stacey Mattina said she understood the concerns, adding, “Making decisions based on fear is not the best policy for us.”

Councilman Tim Barnes said he didn’t see the harm in safe and sane fireworks. He said the conversation should be about how to stop illegal fireworks.

Turner said she appreciated the council’s position, and knew it was going to be a heavy item when she considered putting it on the agenda. She also knew it could give rise to personal attack and conflict.

“The day I'm going to avoid that is the day I really need to get away from public service in the first place,” she said.

Barnes replied that the council appreciated her bringing the subject forward.

Parlet moved to not put the ballot measure before voters, with Barnes seconding and the council voting 5-0.

In other business on Tuesday, the council approved a resolution granting consent to the county of Lake to establish the Lake County Tourism Improvement District, held a public hearing and adopted a resolution ordering the Community Development director to abate properties where nuisance weeds, rubbish, refuse and dirt have been identified, and approved a general plan amendment and zone change for the Pacific West Communities housing project at 1255 Martin St.

Councilmembers also voted to accept an agreement with Lake County Broadband Solutions for the Library Park and Downtown Wi-Fi Project, conditionally canceled the regular meeting on Aug. 7 and approved the participation of the city of Lakeport in the National Night Out event, and received a check for more than $9,300 from the Lake County Chamber of Commerce to go toward the city’s annual July 4 fireworks display.

The council also heard from residents of the Esplanade Street neighborhood who support giving a raise to the city’s police officers – now in labor negotiations with the city – thanks to their successful efforts to reduce crime.

There was no reportable action out of closed session on those labor talks or negotiations between the city and the Lakeport Unified School District regarding property at 800 N. Main St.

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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The California Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that pertussis, better known as whooping cough, claimed the life of a San Bernardino County infant.

The agency said this is the first confirmed infant death from the disease since 2016, when two deaths occurred.

“This baby’s death is a tragedy for the family and for California as a community, as this is a preventable disease,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH director and state public health officer. "This serves as a grim reminder that whooping cough is always present in our communities, and immunizations are the first line of defense."

Each year, 50 to 200 California infants are hospitalized with pertussis, CDPH reported.

CDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that expectant mothers receive the whooping cough booster shot – also called Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine – at the earliest opportunity between 27 and 36 weeks of every pregnancy, even if previously immunized.

Getting immunized during pregnancy boosts a mother’s immunity and passes on protective antibodies directly to their babies before birth.

This helps protect newborns until they are old enough to begin receiving their own whooping cough immunizations at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

“No baby should have to be hospitalized due to a vaccine-preventable disease, and certainly no baby should die,” said Dr. Smith. “To give babies the best protection, I urge all pregnant women to get vaccinated against whooping cough as early as possible during the third trimester of every pregnancy.”

To avoid the spread of whooping cough, CDPH also recommends that:

· Parents immunize their babies against whooping cough as soon as possible. The first dose is recommended at two months of age, but can be given as early as six weeks of age.
· California 7th grade students receive the whooping cough booster, Tdap.
· Adults receive a whooping cough booster once in their lives.

The symptoms of whooping cough vary by age. For children, whooping cough typically starts with a runny nose and cough for one to two weeks. The cough then worsens and often results in rapid coughing spells that end with a whooping sound. Young infants may not have typical whooping cough symptoms and may have no apparent cough. Parents may describe episodes in which breathing briefly stops and the infant’s face turns red or purple.

For adults, whooping cough may be a cough illness that lasts for several weeks.

Most health plans cover Tdap immunizations, and many pharmacies offer it. Medi-Cal members may be able to get their Tdap shots at the pharmacy where they usually pick up their prescriptions.

Call your health plan to learn more. If you do not have health insurance, call your local health department to find a low- or no-cost location.

More information about pertussis is available on CDPH’s Web site.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee this week will discuss business survey results and city projects.

The committee, or LEDAC, will meet from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The meeting is open to the public.

As part of the Lakeport Economic Development Strategic Plan 2017-2022, Chair Wilda Shock said the committee on Wednesday will review results from the Business Walk surveys and discuss the report to the Lakeport City Council, scheduled for Aug. 21.

In addition, LEDAC members will begin a discussion of the Economic Development Element of the City’s General Plan.

There also will be an update on city projects.

Following the Wednesday meeting, the next LEDAC meeting will take place on Sept. 12.

LEDAC advocates for a strong and positive Lakeport business community and acts as a conduit between the city and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.

Members are Chair Wilda Shock and Vice Chair Denise Combs, Secretary Terre Logsdon, Candy De Los Santos, Bill Eaton, Melissa Fulton, Pam Harpster, Judith Kanavle, Andy Lucas, Dan Peterson and Panette Talia. City staff who are members include City Manager Margaret Silveira and Community Development Director Kevin Ingram.

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 city of Clearlake reported that it is beginning a major road construction project later this month.

During the Clayton fire evacuation, it became clear that the east side of the city, known as the Avenues, has a need for additional means of egress during times of emergency, according to City Manager Greg Folsom.

Folsom said the Dam Road Extension project will provide an additional exit route by creating a new roadway connecting the Avenues to Dam Road.

The city of Clearlake recently awarded a construction contract to Granite Construction to build a new public road from Dam Road/Center Drive intersection to 18th Avenue/Phillips Avenue, Folsom said.

He explained that the project will include a two-lane roadway, new guardrail, and improvements to the intersections and the storm drain system.

Construction is anticipated to begin July 30 and continue through Oct. 1, Folsom said.

“This is one of the most important projects that the city has undertaken in many years and I think the residents of the east side of Clearlake are going to be very pleased with the improved access to the schools, Walmart, and the new Tractor Supply and Big 5,” Folsom said.

“This is the first new road that the city has built since I’ve been here,” said Public Works Director Doug Herren. “Not only will this project make the Avenues safer during an emergency, but it will take a lot of traffic off Highway 53 that now goes to Walmart, Woodland College and the Konocti Education Center, and reduce gridlock on Highway 53 and Dam Road during peak hours.”

The project cost is $1,024,000 and is being primarily funded by the City’s Series A Redevelopment Bond fund, Folsom reported.

The Dam Road Extension construction project area in Clearlake, Calif. Image courtesy of the city of Clearlake.
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The case of “As You Like It” rehearsing for the July 2018 performances. Courtesy photo.


LAKEPORT, Calif. – Library Park will soon be transformed into a far out, psychedelic scene thanks to the set design and building team of Shakespeare at the Lake's third production, “As You Like It.”

The production will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29.

Set painter Adam Garrett is a master with a can of spray paint and has created the grooviest trees and skyscrapers you've ever seen.

In addition to these permanent fixtures, eight plywood boxes, painted differently on each side, are moved around the set. In one scene they may represent a gate, in the next a throne, in the next a campfire, and in the next a wedding altar.

The set itself is a multi-leveled 20-foot by 32-foot platform upon which the actors skillfully bring the Shakespearean comedy to life.

From the dynamic set to the actors' colorful threads to the breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Konocti and Clear Lake, “As You Like It” will truly be a feast for the eyes.

Thanks to an incredible cast – and some new sound equipment – this play should be a feast for the ears as well. You may even hear some of your favorite 60s tunes, and they won't mind if you sing along.

The play is completely free of charge and is brought to the community by Mendocino College and the Lake County Theatre Co., in association with the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College and the city of Lakeport.

Food and beverages will be available for sale to benefit scholarships for theater students.

The psychedelic set paintings for Shakespeare at the Lake's third production, “As You Like It.” Courtesy photo.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council is set this week to discuss a proposed ballot measure that would ban fireworks and consider supporting the county’s formation and operation of a tourism improvement district.

The council will meet in closed session beginning at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 17, to discuss negotiations with the Lakeport Unified School District for property at 800 N. Main St. and conference with labor negotiator regarding the Lakeport Police Officers Association before the open portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

On Tuesday’s agenda is a proposal to place before city residents in November a ballot measure “to prohibit the use, discharge and explosion of all fireworks, including the ‘safe and sane’ fireworks.”

Lakeport voters adopted Measure C in 2009, which amended the Lakeport Municipal Code to allow for the sale and use of California state fire marshal approved safe and sane fireworks within the city of Lakeport.

The sale of the fireworks are conducted by four local non-profit groups in accordance with the ordinance adopted by Measure C.

“Over the years, residents have lodged complaints about the sale and use of fireworks, including County residents outside of the incorporated area of Lakeport. With the devastating wildland fires occurring in Lake County, the number of protests has continued to rise,” said City Clerk Kelly Buendia in her report to the council.

She said that, in response to those protests, the city’s Public Works and police departments began public education campaigns which included placement of signs at the city limits warning passersby that fireworks were illegal beyond the city limit.

“The Police Chief conducted outreaches via social media regarding the law and providing safety precautions for legally purchased fireworks. Finally, communication was provided reminding residents about Measure C adopted by voters in 2009,” Buendia wrote. “Regardless of these efforts, public outcry has continued; prompting the item to be placed on the agenda for discussion.”

On Tuesday morning, the Board of Supervisors will consider offering a letter in support of the proposed ballot measure to ban fireworks.

The council on Tuesday also is scheduled to consider a resolution granting consent to the county of Lake to establish the Lake County Tourism Improvement District.

There also will be a public hearing as part of the proposed adoption of a resolution ordering Community Development Director Kevin Ingram to abate properties where nuisance weeds, rubbish, refuse and dirt have been identified.

In other business, the council will hold a public hearing to consider a general plan amendment and zone change to revise the existing general plan and zoning land use classification for the Pacific West Communities housing project at 1255 Martin St.

Finance Director Nick Walker will take to the council a proposal for the city manager to enter into an agreement with Lake County Broadband Solutions for the Library Park and Downtown Wi-Fi Project, and Police Chief Brad Rasmussen will seek authorization for staff to conditionally cancel the council’s regular meeting on Aug. 7 and approve the participation of the city of Lakeport in the National Night Out event, with street closures and the gazebo in Library Park reserved for the event.

Also on Tuesday, the Lake County Chamber of Commerce will present a donation for the annual July 4 fireworks show in Library Park.

On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the council’s regular meeting on June 19 and hte special meeting on June 26; the July 10 warrant register; rejection of Claim No. 2018-005, filed by Mario and Lyann Williams, as recommended by REMIF; approval and authorization for the city manager to execute a 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 JJACPA for independent auditing services; authorization for the city manager to sign a contract with West Consultants Inc. not to exceed $35,541 for the preparation of reservoir inundation maps and an EAP for the dam serving CLMSD’s wastewater reservoir; adoption of the proposed resolution electing to have delinquent water and sewer user charges, fees, and penalties for fiscal year 2017-2018 collected on the tax roll, and set a public hearing for Aug. 7 at 5:15 p.m.

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

071718 Lakeport City Council meeting agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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