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Molok Luyuk, also known as Walker Ridge, in Lake County, California. Photo courtesy of the Yocha Dehe Tribe.

Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) and the chairman of the Yocha Dehe Tribe of Capay Valley on Tuesday testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands on his bill, the “Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act” (H.R.6366).

The legislation, which Garamendi introduced with Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA), would expand the existing Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include approximately 3,925 acres of adjacent public land administered by the federal Bureau of Land Management in Lake County, known previously as the “Walker Ridge” tract. The legislation would not impact privately owned, state, tribal, or non-federal land in any way.

“Conserving California’s special places has been a lifelong passion throughout my tenure in the state legislature, as deputy secretary of the Interior to President Clinton, and now as a member of Congress representing Lake County. Walker Ridge is one of those special places, and I am thrilled to continue working in Congress to conserve this unique landscape for future generations of Californians to enjoy,” Garamendi said.

“My ‘Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act’ also ensures that federally recognized tribes are consulted throughout the process to ensure Native American voices play an active role in protecting public lands,” Garamendi continued.

“Thank you to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands for allowing me to testify on this critically important legislation, and thank you to my colleague, Congressman Mike Thompson, for partnering with me to introduce the ‘Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act.’ We will both work tirelessly to ensure this legislation becomes law,” Garamendi concluded.

Yocha Dehe Tribal Chairman Anthony Roberts also testified on Tuesday before Congress on behalf of protections for the Lake County area currently known as Walker Ridge.

Additionally, H.R. 6366 calls for Walker Ridge to be renamed “Molok Luyuk” (pronounced: `Mo.loke `Loy.uke) which means “Condor Ridge” in Yocha Dehe’s traditional Patwin language.

“With our long history in this area, we have a unique perspective on how this land should be managed, and we are willing to apply our historical practices with modern technologies to ensure that Molok Luyuk is preserved and healthy, a place for all to enjoy,” Chairman Roberts noted in his testimony.

California condors were once a common sight above the ridge and, according to Chairman Roberts, with proper environmental protections they could be reintroduced to the area.

Molok Luyuk is also home to endangered wildlife such as bald and golden eagles, badgers, ringtails, and peregrine falcons. In addition, the area is a recognized wildlife migration pathway for a multitude of species, including deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, and bobcat.

“Proper management is necessary to preserve these unique lands and protect cultural resources, while also ensuring the availability of recreational opportunities for sightseers, mountain bikers, hikers, off-highway vehicle users, campers, and equestrians,” Roberts said.

Specifically, the “Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act” (H.R.6366) would:

• Modify the boundary of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Lake County portion of Walker Ridge.

• Require a map of the National Monument expansion to be publicly available on BLM website.

• Direct the secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to complete the management plan within 1 year of enactment. To date, the management planning is still unfinished since the designation of the National Monument in 2015.

• Require federal land management agencies to consult with federally recognized tribes in developing the management plan and its implementation.

• Outline parameters for continued, meaningful engagement with federally recognized tribes for implementation of the management plan.

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From left, Lauren Alkire, Water Resources engineer, California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit; Nick Ellis, associate electrical engineer, DWR Statewide Monitoring Network Unit; and Sean de Guzman, manager of the DWR Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit, conduct the third media snow survey of the 2022 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo taken Tuesday, March 1, 2022, by Florence Low/California Department of Water Resources.

After a strong start to the water year, California’s snowpack has fallen well behind the seasonal average, state officials reported.

The Department of Water Resources conducted the third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station on Tuesday.

Following a January and February that will enter records as the driest documented in state history, the manual survey recorded 35 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 16 inches, which is 68% of average for this location for March.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide, the snowpack is 63% of average for this date.

“With only one month left in California’s wet season and no major storms in the forecast, Californians should plan for a third year of drought conditions,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “A significantly below-average snowpack combined with already low reservoir levels make it critical that all Californians step up and conserve water every day to help the state meet the challenges of severe drought.”

Although early season storms helped alleviate some drought impacts, a lack of storms in January and February heightens the need for conservation.

The governor has asked all Californians to cut back water use at least 15% compared to 2020 levels.

Regionally, the Northern, Central and Southern Sierra snowpacks are all standing just above 59% to 66% of average for this date, impacting watersheds across the state.

Snow melts into a creek that flows into the South Fork American River, near the site of the California Department of Water Resources third media snow survey of the 2022 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo taken Tuesday, March 1, 2022, by Ken James/California Department of Water Resources.


DWR has increased its efforts to improve climate and runoff forecasting by strengthening its collaborations with partner agencies investing in proven technologies to improve data collection and hydrologic modeling.

This includes efforts at the Central Sierra Snow Lab where DWR and its partners regularly test new equipment and sensors to maximize performance when measuring the state’s snowpack.
Forecast improvements and monitoring enhancements increase the reliability of data used to inform water managers about flood risks, allowing opportunities to create more storage in reservoirs ahead of big storms while also ensuring water supply reliability in periods of dry or drought conditions.

“As the world continues to warm, precipitation is pushing toward extremes. Even when we see large storms producing a lot of snow early in the season, all it takes is a few dry weeks to put us below average,” said Jeremy Hill, manager of DWR’s Hydrology and Flood Operations Branch. “This new pattern challenges forecasting efforts that have relied on historical patterns, so DWR has led the charge to adopt new technologies and utilize the best available science to manage water in real time and use forecasts that give us time to make decisions to get the most benefits and minimize the hazards.”

Current water conditions are now available in real time at California Water Watch, a new website launched by DWR.

This website will help Californians see their local hydrological conditions, forecasts, and water conditions down to their address or their local watershed. The site presents data from a variety of sources and allows the public to obtain a quick snapshot of local and statewide water conditions.

“With below average precipitation and snowpack up until this point, our latest statewide snowmelt forecasts are only 66% of average,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit. “That is not enough to fill up our reservoirs. Without any significant storms on the horizon, it’s safe to say we’ll end this year dry and extend this drought a third year.”

Snow melts into a creek that flows into the South Fork American River, near the site of the California Department of Water Resources third media snow survey of the 2022 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo taken Tuesday, March 1, 2022, by Ken James/California Department of Water Resources.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. — Mendocino College organized a series of events to promote CalFresh Outreach Week Feb. 22 to 24 to increase awareness about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and the food insecurities college students and the community face.

On Wednesday, February 23, MC staff handed out DIY food kits to students so they could prepare a healthy and easy Quinoa Bowl dish at home. The recipe, provided by MC Culinary Arts Instructor, Nicholas Petti, went along with the meal and a demo video was posted to the college website.

On Thursday, February 24, cars lined up as MC staff and volunteers from MC athletic programs helped distribute food to students and the community at the Ukiah campus. The food was generously provided by the Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) and included a variety of grocery items such as fruit, vegetables, rice, lentils, milk, peanut butter, pork loin, bread, cereal, diapers, and more.

“We are grateful for the support from our partners at the Center for Healthy Communities at Chico State and the REFB that allows us to provide opportunities like this to our students and the community,” says MC Director of Community Relations & Communication, Janelle Meyers. “CalFresh is such a great resource for those looking to supplement their food budget, especially with the rising cost of goods. We look forward to hosting more events in the future that address local food insecurities.”

2022 is the first year the Center for Healthy Communities at Chico State has cultivated an intersegmental partnership effort for CalFresh Outreach Week. Campuses from all three segments of public higher education hosted in person and virtual events, along with posting tips and facts on social media using the hashtag #CalFreshWeek.

Mendocino College student Dylan says, “CalFresh is truly outstanding with what security they provide; giving assistance to students who may not have access to the food they need. Many people may see these as simple programs, when in reality they’re saving lives.”

Megan, a California State University student who received CalFresh Food explained, “I was working three jobs to pay all my bills... I didn’t think I would qualify, but I did! [I'm] able to have freedom to buy enough food and not worry about how I'm going to make breakfast.”

Students who are eligible for CalFresh are able to receive a maximum of $250 each month to purchase groceries at the grocery store, Farmers’ Markets, and online. Those who the county approves to receive benefits can focus on their studies to ensure they are successful in the classroom while having the ability to purchase nourishing food.

To apply, visit www.mendocino.edu/calfresh or call 707-468-1081 for application assistance.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Clearlake Animal Control has a diverse group of dogs waiting to be adopted.

The City of Clearlake Animal Association also is seeking fosters for the animals waiting to be adopted.

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.

The following dogs are available for adoption.

“Terry.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Terry’

“Terry” is a male shepherd mix with a short brindle coat.

He is dog No. 48443693.

“Snowball.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Snowball’

“Snowball” is a male American Staffordshire mix terrier with a white coat.

He has been neutered.

He is dog No. 49159168.

“Sassy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Sassy’

“Sassy” is a female American pit bull mix with a short black coat.

She has been spayed.

She is dog No. 48443128.

“Priscilla.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Priscilla’

“Priscilla” is a female Brittany spaniel mix with a white and copper coat.

She is dog No. 49089138.

“Fritz.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Fritz’

“Fritz” is a male Australian shepherd mix with a black and white coat.

He is dog No. 49278179.

“Ebenezer.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Ebenezer’

“Ebenezer” is a male American pit bull terrier mix with a short tan and white coat.

He is dog No. 49191651.

“Claire.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Claire’

“Claire” is a female border collie mix with a short black and white coat.

She has been spayed.

Claire is dog No. 49397880.

“Chai.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Chai’

“Chai” is a female Alaskan husky mix with a gray and white coat.

She has been spayed.

She is dog No. 49279552.

“Bear No. 2.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Bear No. 2’

“Bear No. 2” is a male American pit bull mix with a short tan coat.

He has been neutered.

He is dog No. 48731556.

“Bear.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Bear’

“Bear” is a male Labrador retriever-American pit bull mix with a short charcoal and fawn coat.

He has been neutered.

He is dog No. 48443153.

“Andy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control.

‘Andy’

“Andy” is a male American pit bull mix with a short gray and white coat.

He is dog No. 48995415.

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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Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) said he is continuing his efforts to ensure that the Californians who did the right thing and installed solar panels do not face an increased tax on them.

The California Public Utilities Commission has proposed to significantly cut the net metering rate and apply a new tax on solar panels, leading to an average of a $90 per month increase while decreasing the financial returns from selling excess energy.

“Climate change continues to be one of the most pressing issues our communities are facing, and many Californians have taken a smart step and installed solar panels on their homes to transition towards clean energy,” said Thompson. “However, the combination of decreasing the net metering rate and raising taxes on solar panels would disincentivize the installation of solar panels and penalize Californians who are doing the right thing for our climate. CPUC must reevaluate these proposed changes to protect the solar panel industry and ensure the financial benefits remain for those who transition to solar energy.”

Congressman Thompson led a letter to the CPUC that 25 members of the California delegation signed calling for a reevaluation of the proposed changes.

The text of the letter can be found below.


Dear President Reynolds:

We are writing to share the concerns we have heard from our constituents, small businesses, and many others, regarding the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) proposed decision to significantly reduce the financial benefits of rooftop solar in California. We applaud your decision to postpone this proposal and ask you to use the time to look at options that do not harm existing residential solar adopters while achieving an equitable solution for future adopters as well as all customers.

We are proud that California leads the nation in rooftop solar installations. Net energy metering has made it possible for Californians to plan for and install solar systems based on a known return on investment. One of our main concerns regards changing the rules of the program that many of our constituents planned on when committing to a solar system. The proposed decision would upend the fundamental calculations upon which contracts were presented to our constituents, which were based on regulations the state had in place at the time to incentivize clean energy adoption. Retroactively altering these assumptions would change the expected benefit of installing solar and represent a breach of trust between the state and residents who opted to do the right thing for the environment.

We appreciate that net metering should be updated to reflect new market conditions and state policy goals. However, imposing a tax on solar panels and reducing the rate of solar power exports by as much as 80 percent will label California as a climate straggler, not a climate leader.

We are making great strides in Congress to address the climate crisis by accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies. As you know, in November the House of Representatives passed legislation that included a 10-year extension of the federal tax credits for solar energy and storage to maximize deployment over the next decade. We are concerned that the proposed decision runs counter to this policy objective and would reportedly cut California’s rooftop solar market in half by 2024.

We do support the CPUC’s efforts to expand the benefits of solar to more Californians, especially those in disadvantaged communities and communities of color; however, any policy that severely impacts the rooftop solar market will not achieve that policy objective. We are confident that there are better policies to keep solar growing while making it more accessible to underserved communities.

We urge you to consider options that do not harm existing solar users while achieving a forward-looking solution for future adopters and all customers. We look forward to the CPUC issuing a dramatically revised policy that supports rapid renewable deployment and California’s continued climate leadership.
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Moving to support the Ukrainian people and protect the interests of Californians, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday sent a letter to the leaders of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, California State Teachers’ Retirement System and the University of California retirement system calling for the state to leverage its sizable global investment portfolio to sanction the Russian government.

“Russia’s brazen and lawless military assault on Ukraine demands our support for the Ukrainian people and exacting an immediate and severe cost upon the Russian government,” the Governor wrote. “The California Constitution is explicit in the fiduciary duties that are required of us on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Californians who have invested in these systems. These fiduciary obligations and our moral imperative before these atrocities demand that you act to address Russia’s aggressions and immediately restrict Russian access to California’s capital and investments.”

The combined assets of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, or CalPERS, California State Teachers’ Retirement System, or CalSTRS, and the UC retirement system amount to $970 billion — equivalent to 60% of Russia’s gross domestic product last year.

Over $1.5 billion of these California investments are held in various financial instruments linked to Russia’s financial markets.

The governor called for the funds to halt the flow of money from the state to Russia, ban the purchase of Russian debt and conduct an assessment to ensure their actions protect the interests of current and future retirees.

Newsom also requested recommendations from CalPERS, CalSTRS and the UC on additional measures that can be implemented to protect the state’s investments amid global financial sanctions on Russia.

The text of the letter is published below.


February 28, 2022

Theresa Taylor Cecilia Estolano
Chair, CalPERS Chair, University of California Regents
400 Q St. 1111 Franklin St.,12th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95811 Oakland, CA 94607

Harry Keiley
Chair, CalSTRS
100 Waterfront Pl.
West Sacramento, CA 95605

Dear Chairs:

Russia’s brazen and lawless military assault on Ukraine demands our support for the Ukrainian people and exacting an immediate and severe cost upon the Russian government in response to its continuing aggression. California has a unique and powerful position of influence given the state’s substantial global investment portfolio.

Alone, our Public Employees’ Retirement System holds roughly $480 billion in assets. In addition, our Teachers’ Retirement System holds $320 billion in assets, and the University of California’s Retirement System another $170 billion. This combined amount, $970 billion, is equivalent to 60 percent of Russia’s entire gross domestic product last year.

Of these California investments, over $1.5 billion are held in a variety of financial instruments — including stock of multinational corporations, private equity and real asset investments, and debt — that have some nexus or relation to Russia’s financial markets.

The California Constitution is explicit in the fiduciary duties that are required of us on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of Californians who have invested in these systems. These fiduciary obligations and our moral imperative before these atrocities demand that you act to address Russia’s aggressions and immediately restrict Russian access to California’s capital and investments. Given heightened financial risks, no fund shall purchase Russian debt and no money shall flow from the state of California to Russia. Furthermore, the funds should immediately assess risk to the retirees of our state and ensure that the actions you take protect the interests of your current and future retirees.

In addition to taking these actions, I would appreciate your recommendations of any additional safeguards that can be put in place to protect California’s investments as the U.S. and the world continue to implement financial sanctions on Russia. Please advise me of the steps that you are taking in this effort within 10 days.

I stand ready to work with you to further this important effort.

Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The day after the Middletown Unified School Board voted to accept the resignation of its superintendent, detectives served a search warrant on an individual who is suspected of having recorded a conversation with that school official without his knowledge.

Tim Gill submitted his resignation as superintendent of Middletown Unified on Monday, with Tuesday being his last day, as Lake County News has reported.

On Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that it had become aware on Tuesday of an incident involving a parent upset about a school policy who allegedly recorded a private conversation between themselves and the school superintendent without the superintendent’s consent.

Lauren Berlinn, the sheriff’s public information officer, confirmed to Lake County News that the situation involved Middletown Unified.

Authorities said an investigation was initiated and resulted in the issuance of a search warrant that was served on Wednesday.

“Pursuant to the search warrant, several items were seized and will be examined to determine whether or not a crime has been committed,” the sheriff’s office said.

Under California law, “eavesdropping” — recording someone without their knowledge — is illegal, with exceptions for law enforcement investigations.

California Penal Code Section 632, which is part of the Invasion of Privacy Act, states: “A person who, intentionally and without the consent of all parties to a confidential communication, uses an electronic amplifying or recording device to eavesdrop upon or record the confidential communication, whether the communication is carried on among the parties in the presence of one another or by means of a telegraph, telephone, or other device, except a radio, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) per violation, or imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or in the state prison, or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

Convictions for previous violations can result in a fine of up to $10,000 per violation, imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or in the state prison, or by both that fine and imprisonment, the Penal Code states.

Such cases may be prosecuted either as a misdemeanor or as a felony.

Gill, a veteran educator, had been with the district for only four months when he abruptly resigned this week.

At a special Tuesday night meeting — during which the Middletown Unified School Board voted to accept his resignation — community members and teachers were unanimous in lamenting his departure and lauding him for his work with the district.

While Gill has so far declined to explain why he left his job, speakers at the Tuesday night meeting attributed his resignation to a politically charged, divided and at times abusive environment that has developed in the district, focused primarily on mandates related to COVID-19.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing, and, “as with any allegation of criminal activity, there is always a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.”

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Nate Newton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-262-4200.

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. — Just four months after he took on the job, the superintendent of the Middletown Unified School District abruptly resigned this week.

Tim Gill, a veteran educator who the district board hired at the end of October, confirmed to Lake County News that he resigned effective Tuesday.

“At this time I don't have any comment regarding my reasons for resigning,” Gill said.

Board President Misha Grothe said Gill submitted the letter of resignation to the board on Monday.

“No reason was given in his letter of resignation and I don’t feel it is my place nor the community’s to speculate,” she said.

“It was my absolute honor to have been able to work with Tim Gill in his short tenure as Middletown USD’s superintendent. His passion for education and dedication to bettering the district while here was unparalleled and he will be sorely missed. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Grothe said.

The Middletown Unified School Board held a special Tuesday night meeting to discuss the matter. It met in closed session and then held an open session, during which it took public comment before voting to accept Gill’s resignation.

While neither Gill nor the district gave reasons for his sudden departure, speakers at the Tuesday night meeting attributed his leaving directly to an escalating political divide that has formed in the district around COVID-19 mandates.

Over the past several months, the district board meetings have been filled with parents and community members arguing against masking and vaccinations.

In the fall, two board members — LaTrease Walker and Thad Owens — resigned their seats, with Walker opposing COVID-19 mandates and Owens giving no reason.

At the same time, Gill’s selection as the new superintendent had appeared to promise some stability to the district, which at that point had three superintendents in two years.

Then, in December, the board selected Annette Lee — a college professor with a doctorate in educational administration — and Allison Berlogar to fill the seats of Walker and Owens, respectively.

When, at her first board meeting two weeks later, Lee suggested alternate wording to a proposed resolution against mandates, she became the target of a petition — whose proponents included Walker — opposing her provisional appointment.

Enough signatures were gathered and Lee’s provisional appointment ended in January. At the same time, Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg called a special election to fill Walker’s seat that is expected to cost the district tens of thousands of dollars and leave the board’s fifth seat vacant until the June election, which will be combined with the state primary.

District starting ‘to crack and now crumble’

Despite the deep differences that have developed in the district, the teachers and community members who spoke to the board on Tuesday universally praised Gill and expressed regret at his departure.

Coyote Valley Elementary Principal Matt Coit, wearing a t-shirt with the words “Be Kind” on it, referred to all of the district’s issues in speaking to the board on Tuesday night.

Himself a graduate of district schools, Coit said Middletown has always been an amazing district. However, over the past year, and especially in the past five months, “I’ve seen our district start to crack and now crumble.”

Coit said he’s sat through meetings watching teachers be called child abusers, and compared to Nazis and those who enforced apartheid in South Africa. “We’re in this business because we genuinely love students. So to be called these things is absolutely soul-crushing.”

He added, “This sustained hate-filled hyperbolic rhetoric is destroying our community and the district that we love with it.”

Coit said he’s seen teachers bullied online and in person, and qualified members pushed off the board. “I’ve now seen the best superintendent of my career pushed over the edge.”

He said he’s afraid for the district and its students. “If this hate and vitriol continue unchecked I fear that soon there may be no district left.”

Coit issued a plea to the silent majority in the middle of the political spectrum, asking them to help combat hate with love and say enough is enough.

He quoted Martin Luther King Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Middletown High teacher Jennifer Pyzer, a previous county educator of the year, thanked Gill and the board for finding him, and said she hopes they can find another good superintendent.

“These last few months have been the most productive months our school district has had in three years,” she said, adding they have more work to do.

She said people are willing to step up and help carry the workload. “We want to see our district succeed,” and not to lose its momentum.

“I really want to focus on how great we are,” said Pyzer. “We have some great things going on here.”

Allisun Moore, a fourth grade teacher at Coyote Valley Elementary, read the board a letter she had planned to present at its regular meeting later this month lauding Gill. She thanked them for hiring him and said they may never be able to find another Tim Gill.

Jeremy Rarick also lauded Gill, who he said he deeply respected. However, Rarick blamed “highly political teachers” for forcing their views on students and contributing to the tensions in the district.

“Tim Gill cannot stand to be in the middle of this COVID fight any longer,” said Rarick, who added that Gill is probably one of the best superintendents the district has ever had.

After hearing public comment, the board voted 4-0 to accept Gill’s resignation.

In a statement issued to Lake County News after the meeting, the Middletown Unified School Board thanked Gill for his extraordinary service and dedication to the district in his short tenure as superintendent.

“His vision and guidance will endure and continue to carry this district forward,” the statement said.

The board said it will fill the superintendent vacancy through the appointment of an interim superintendent as soon as possible.

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 state of California’s latest phase in pandemic-related health guidance begins on Tuesday, when it will no longer require — although will continue to recommend — masking in indoor public places, with plans later this month to change from mask requirements to recommendations in schools.

With declining case rates and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 across the West, California, Oregon and Washington are moving together to update their masking guidance.

California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly discussed the changes on Monday, explaining that dropping case numbers and hospitalizations had led to the state making the changes.

He said that while public indoor masking is no longer required regardless of vaccination, it is still strongly recommended.

Ghaly said that after March 11, schools and child care centers also will be able to move from required masking, but with a strong recommendation for the practice to remain in effect.

Masking will continue to be required in health care facilities and high risk congregate settings such as long term care facilities, and jails and prisons, Ghaly said.

He said local government jurisdictions and schools may keep additional requirements in place beyond what the state announced.

The changes Ghaly discussed on Monday come 10 days after Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled the SMARTER plan, the seven pillars of which are shots, masks, awareness, readiness, testing, education and RX, or treatments.

As California enters this next phase of the pandemic, Ghaly said the future may bring new surges and variants.

He said state officials will continue to be ready and build on what they’ve learned so they can keep Californians safe.

The data trends the state used to make the change in regulations included a 66% reduction over the past two weeks in the case rate, which is expected to continue to drop, Ghaly said.

Ghaly said hospitalizations are down by 48% for adults and 47% for children, with test positivity down 53%.

He said different regions of the state don’t experience the pandemic the same way, so some areas of California may have hospitals that are impacted while other locations are doing better.

When new variants arise, Ghaly said they will try to understand them by looking at data trends and test positivity. “It will be a fluid, California-specific approach moving forward.”

He urged people to be kind, accepting, respectful and safe as the changes go into effect.

Later on Monday, Gov. Newsom signed an executive order that updates the Division of Occupational Safety and Health COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard in keeping with the current guidance.

In California, starting March 1, masks will no longer be required for unvaccinated workers indoors, consistent with the updated CDPH guidance, but will be strongly recommended for all individuals in most indoor settings. Employers must still provide a face covering upon request of an employee, the state reported.

The order also extends the current Emergency Temporary Standard through May 5 to ensure the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has time to review the new guidance in anticipation of the next readoption of the Emergency Temporary Standard.

Plans at the county level

Regarding what the county of Lake plans to do with regard to the regulations, Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein told Lake County News that face coverings will remain required indoors in county facilities, pending future action by the Board of Supervisors.

“Otherwise, Lake County is in alignment with statewide requirements,” Rothstein said.

A COVID-19 update is expected as part of Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, but no item regarding changes to face covering requirements is currently scheduled, he said.

At the board’s Feb. 15 meeting, supervisors Jessica Pyska and Tina Scott said they wanted to have the newly named Public Health officer, Dr. Erik McLaughlin, collaborate with the Public Health team to make recommendations to the board.

Rothstein said the board’s consensus at the Feb. 15 meeting was to bring back a discussion on county rules to the board within the first two weeks of March.

He said that discussion will probably take place at the board’s meeting on Tuesday, March 8.

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 National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Lake County due to rain and freezing temperatures in the forecast for the coming days.

The agency said frost and freezing conditions are possible across Mendocino and Lake counties from Saturday through early next week.

Ahead of that, the forecast calls for chances of rain from Thursday through Friday. On Thursday, less than a tenth of an inch is anticipated, to be accompanied by light winds.

Winds are expected to continue on Thursday and increase to more than 25 miles per hour on Friday, with gusts of close to 40 miles per hour.

Temperatures from Thursday through Wednesday will range from the low 40s down into the low 30s at night, and the low 50s to high 60s during the day.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The city of Clearlake and county of Lake are among more than 100 local governments and tribes that will receive millions of dollars in the latest round of Clean California grants.

On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that underserved communities throughout the state will receive $296 million in Clean California grants to remove litter and transform public spaces into points of pride.

The 105 community projects will generate an estimated 3,600 jobs as the latest piece of Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear clean-up effort led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs and engage communities to transform public spaces.

“Clean California is an historic investment transforming unsightly roadsides throughout our state into places of community pride for all Californians,” said Newsom.

He said the latest awards demonstrate the commitment the state is making to remove unsightly litter from local streets and highways. “Clean California will not only help to clean up our state, but this program will also create thousands of jobs and revitalize neighborhoods in every corner of California.”

The projects include a wide range of community enhancements, such as litter removal, landscaping and art installations, walking and bike paths, and other complete streets features that enhance safety and access to transportation.

The grant recipients must complete their projects by June 30, 2024.

The Governor’s California Blueprint proposes an additional $100 million to fund another round of Clean California local projects.

“California is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and the trash cluttering our roadways tarnishes that image,” said California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin. “These Clean California grants empower communities to highlight the beauty of our state by turning public spaces littered with trash into places to treasure.”

The city of Clearlake will receive $1,557,158 to clean and beautify the downtown corridor with the installation of wayfinding signage and murals on exterior walls of businesses painted by local artists.

The project also calls for reducing the amount of litter overflow and illegal dumping by providing education and outreach, additional waste receptacles throughout Austin Park, the organization of community clean-up days, eight free dump days over the duration of the project and the installation of shade structures at Austin Park.

The county of Lake has been awarded $1,358,545 for its beautification project, which consists of both infrastructure and non-infrastructure components.

The infrastructure components include amenities such as restrooms and public art at two county parks: as well as shade structures, trees, drinking fountains, benches, trash/recycling receptacles and signs at a total of 15 parks countywide. The non-infrastructure component of the project is a countywide marketing outreach and educational campaign.

The local projects announced today are in addition to the $312 million for 126 beautification projects along state highways announced last month.

Since launching Clean California in July, Caltrans has removed nearly 7,400 tons of litter from the state highway system — enough to fill 134 Olympic-size swimming pools — and hired 623 new team members as part of Clean California, including 498 maintenance workers who collect litter and remove graffiti.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — At the request of city staff, the Clearlake City Council is set to hold a discussion on options to finance more city road projects.

The council will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 3, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, for a midyear budget workshop before the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m.

The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel. Community members also can participate via Zoom or can attend in person.

The agenda can be found here.

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..

To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments before 4 p.m. Thursday, March 3.

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 about financing options to facilitate additional road maintenance projects.

“Over the last several years the City has discussed the option of financing a number of road projects in order to expedite the Measure V capital improvement plan. Staff have been working with NHA Advisors on various options for financing and an analysis of what the City could afford to borrow in order to complete a larger group of projects in a shorter period of time,” City Manager Alan Flora wrote in his report to the council.

“While we were planning to present some information to the Council for consideration in the next couple of months, staff believe that the window is increasingly short for attractive interest rates and this should be considered in the next several weeks,” Flora wrote. “The unrest in Ukraine is leading to additional uncertainty and market volatility that could impact costs.”

Flora said additional detail and a presentation of possible options will be reviewed at the meeting.

If the council is interested in taking action, Flora said they would ask for direction to bring back the final plan for approval as soon as the March 17 council meeting.

In other business on Thursday, the council will consider the first reading of the amendment to Clearlake Municipal Code Chapter 18-20.130.c Water Efficient Landscaping, consider the first reading of amendment to Clearlake Municipal Code Chapter 9-1 Building and Housing, waive further reading and set second reading and adoption for March 17, discuss a cost sharing agreement with the county of Lake and city of Lakeport for expenses related to facilitation of community visioning forums, and present a proclamation declaring March 2022 as March for Meals Month.

On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; adoption of Resolution 2022-11 amending the fiscal year 2021-22 budget with midyear adjustments; and minutes of the Jan. 12 Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting.

After the public portion of the meeting, the council will hold a closed session for a performance evaluation of the city manager and a discussion regarding the city’s lawsuit against AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp.

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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