In order to increase the pace of COVID-19 vaccine distribution to those at greatest risk, the state of California is prioritizing individuals 65 and older to receive the vaccine as demand subsides among health care workers.
This latest development puts 22 percent of Lake County’s population into this new priority level.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Lake County is home to 14,333 residents aged 65 or older out of a total population of 64,195.
“There is no higher priority than efficiently and equitably distributing these vaccines as quickly as possible to those who face the gravest consequences,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday. “Individuals 65 and older are now the next group eligible to start receiving vaccines. To those not yet eligible for vaccines, your turn is coming. We are doing everything we can to bring more vaccine into the state.”
Those in Phase 1A – health care workers and long-term care residents – remain the highest priority to receive vaccines. Demand for the vaccines continues to far exceed supply.
“With our hospitals crowded and ICUs full, we need to focus on vaccinating Californians who are at highest risk of becoming hospitalized to alleviate stress on our health care facilities,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer. “Prioritizing individuals age 65 and older will reduce hospitalizations and save lives.”
Following a bipartisan letter from nine governors including Gov. Newsom on Jan. 8, the Centers for Disease Control announced changes on Tuesday to its vaccine plan including making more of the coronavirus vaccine supply available to all states.
Along with the increase in vaccine supply, the federal government encouraged states to expand the pool of those eligible to receive the vaccine to individuals 65 and older.
The governor also announced a new system to let people know if they are eligible to receive a vaccine, and if not yet eligible, to register for a notification via email or text when they are eligible. That system is expected to launch next week.
A second phase of that system will help counties, cities and others run mass vaccination events. This will include a way for eligible members of the public to schedule their vaccination appointments at those events.
Community vaccination events are only one way for eligible Californians to receive their vaccines. When available, the public can also go to their doctor or pharmacy to receive the vaccine.
Newsom has laid out the goal of 1 million additional vaccines administered by the end of this week.
The state, at Newsom’s direction, is tackling the vaccination challenge with a multipronged approach.
That includes increasing the number of people who can provide vaccinations by more than 100,000 health care professionals.
Last Monday, 36,000 dentists were added to the pool of health care providers who can administer the COVID-19 vaccines. The state has already received anecdotal reports of dentists actively administering vaccines after completing the required COVID-19 training.
This expansion comes on the heels of a similar waiver in late December allowing pharmacy technicians overseen by licensed pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines. There are 69,000 pharmacy technicians in California.
The Governor’s Office reported that it has convened meetings with leaders across the public and private health care system and received commitments to cooperatively accelerate the pace of vaccine administration.
For more information on the state’s efforts to distribute a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in a fair way to everyone who wants it, visit the Vaccinate All 58 webpage.
A.R. Siders, University of Delaware; Allison Reilly, University of Maryland, and Deb Niemeier, University of Maryland
In a year tied for the warmest on record globally, the U.S. was hit with costly hurricanes, wildfires, storms and drought. AP Photo/Noah Berger and Gerald Herbert
For example, the National Institute of Building Sciences estimates that updating and improving building codes alone could save $4 for every $1 spent and create 87,000 new jobs. Similarly, reforming land use and zoning rules can help avoid putting families at risk. An estimated 41 million Americans currently live in homes at risk of flooding and millions more are at risk from wildfires.
And yet, these actions are rarely taken. Local governments – which have authority over zoning and building codes – have a strong financial incentive to keep on building, even in risky places. The federal government – which has the greatest financial incentive to prevent damage before it occurs – has little to no authority over building codes or land use.
Federal policy can, however, incentivize local governments to use their authority to reduce risk. A new federal administration that is attuned to the growing risks created by global warming could take advantage of that influence.
We are disaster scientists – engineers andpolicy researchers who study how to prevent or reduce disasters. We recently published suggestions for how the new administration can reform U.S. disaster policy. If done right, modern disaster policy would endorse development that accounts for risk, promote climate-proof investments in infrastructure, advance social justice and protect society’s most vulnerable populations.
Here are four key reforms that could get bipartisan support, reduce federal spending and protect American lives.
Get a better grip on how disaster money is spent
Without careful oversight, disaster funds can end up being spent on ineffective projects or not spent at all.
For example, the Department of Housing and Urban Development is a major source of disaster funding, but the precise amount it spends and how has sometimes been a mystery. Following the hurricanes of 2017 and 2018, HUD received more disaster funding to distribute than any other agency, but by 2019 less than 1%had been spent. It took more than two years for HUD to approve disaster relief spending after the 2018 California fires. The Government Accountability Office concluded that HUD needed better oversight of how funds are spent and more staff, and the Congressional Research Office has suggested that Congress may wish to consider limits on federal disaster relief spending.
Disaster spending is notoriously difficult to track because, although the Federal Emergency Management Agency is the nation’s central disaster authority, almost every federal agency administers some level of disaster funding and disaster funds are often mixed with other programs. This all makes it difficult to hold agencies accountable.
That said, increased oversight, including audits by the GAO, improved record-keeping, making records publicly accessible and consistently measuring whether funded projects build resilience could help turn this around.
Get everyone on the same page
Reducing risk often requires the work of multiple federal agencies, but if agency actions are not coordinated, they can create complications, duplications and waste.
For example, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is building a seawall on New York’s Staten Island based on a calculation that the wall would protect homes – but some of those homes have since been removed by a FEMA and HUD project.
FEMA and HUD both fund property acquisitions to support flood risk reduction, but their funding programs work on different timelines, which can complicate local officials’ efforts.
Deadly tornadoes hit Nashville and other parts of Tennessee in March 2020.AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
Numerous other agencies are also involved in risk reduction and recovery. The Small Business Administration gives out loans. The Department of Education funds the reopening of schools. The Department of Transportation funds repairs for roads and bridges. The efforts of these agencies and more need to be coordinated to build resilient communities.
The new administration could order interagency task forces to define clear roles for each agency, establish methods for coordination, and create long-term plans for national resilience.
Change state and local government incentives
State and local governments might be more inclined to take steps to protect communities from disasters if they had to pay for a larger share of the aftermath.
When public buildings and infrastructure are damaged in a disaster, the federal government will pay for 75% of the recovery cost if the damage exceeds a certain threshold. The idea is for federal assistance to kick in when state and local governments are overwhelmed. However, that threshold is just US$1 million plus $1.55 per person in the state – an extremely low threshold.
FEMA is attempting to raise these thresholds, but the increase may not go far enough and is unlikely to be sufficient on its own.
In 2016, FEMA proposed a “disaster deductible” that would make states responsible for a deductible, between $1 million and $53 million, proportional to their hazard risk and resources before federal money would become available. States could earn credits to reduce their deductible by taking risk reduction measures like enforcing building codes or investing in insurance or emergency management programs – just like a safe driver discount for taking a safe driving course. Without leadership, the program lost momentum, but the new administration could improve disaster policy by revisiting this idea.
Rising temperatures have contributed to worsening wildfire conditions in the West. California and Colorado both saw their largest fires on record in 2020.Deb Niemeier, CC BY-ND
Local communities could also be encouraged to reduce their risks if Congress amended the National Flood Insurance Program. The program is bankrupt because its rates are too low to cover its costs and not enough people are participating.
Reforming this program will not be easy. If insurance rates rise, low-income residents won’t be able to afford insurance or may choose not to carry it at all, leaving them even more vulnerable to the next flood. Congress knows the program is struggling, which is why instead of reauthorizing it permanently, the program has been temporarily reauthorized 16 times over the last three years.
In essence, this kicks the problem down the road without solving it. Instead, the new administration could prioritize finding a long-term solution.
Put the focus on people
Disaster funding increases the gap between rich and poor because it seeks to make people “whole” – to replace what they had before the disaster. Those who had more get more help; those who had less get less. This, despite the fact that wealthy people are more likely to have assets they can draw on to recover, like a job with paid leave and savings to afford safe temporary housing.
Many Louisiana residents tried to ride out 2020’s Hurricane Laura, one of the most powerful storms to strike the U.S. Two months later, Hurricane Delta hit the same area.Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Disaster response needs to take historic injustice into account.
A community that has faced disinvestment, redlining or other forms of injustice often has infrastructure that is more vulnerable to hazards and needs additional support, not less. Ten percent of government-subsidized housing is in floodplains, which puts the residents at greater risk. Addressing underlying vulnerabilities will require coordination among numerous federal agencies and state and local governments.
Achieving effective disaster policy will not be simple. The work begins with Congress and the president making disaster reform a top priority. An executive order in the first 100 days that mandates coordination, reform and consideration of climate change and social equity would be a good first step toward a safer, more resilient nation.
This article has been updated with NOAA’s latest 2020 disaster map.
A map of the United States plotted with the locations and dates for the record-breaking 22 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters that struck the country in 2020. Image: NOAA NCEI. It was an extraordinary year for weather and climate events in the U.S.: The nation endured an unprecedented 22 billion-dollar disasters in 2020.
A record number of named tropical storms formed in the Atlantic, with a record 12 making landfall. The nation also had its most active wildfire year on record due to very dry conditions in the West and unusually warm temperatures that gripped much of the country.
Here’s a recap of the climate and extreme weather events across the U.S.in 2020, according to scientists at NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information.
Climate by the numbers
Billion-dollar disasters in 2020
Last year, the U.S. experienced a record-smashing 22 weather and climate disasters that killed at least 262 people and injured scores more:
– 1 wildfire event (Western wildfires focused across California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington);
– 1 drought and heatwave event (summer/fall across Western and Central U.S.);
– 3 tornado outbreaks (including the Nashville tornado and Easter outbreak);
–7 tropical cyclones (Hanna, Isaias, Laura, Sally, Delta, Zeta and Eta); and
– 10 severe weather events (including the Midwest derecho and Texas hail storms)
Damages from these disasters exceeded $1 billion each and totaled approximately $95 billion for all 22 events.
The seven billion-dollar tropical cyclones were the most in one year since NOAA started keeping track of billion-dollar disasters in 1980.
The extremely active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season produced an unprecedented 30 named storms, with 12 making landfall in the continental U.S. The combined cost of the seven tropical systems was approximately $40.1 billion, more than 42 percent of the total U.S. billion-dollar disaster price tag in 2020.
Last year was also the most active wildfire year on record across the West. The three largest wildfires in Colorado history occurred during 2020, with California recording five of the six largest wildfires in its history.
Across the U.S., wildfires burned nearly 10.3 million acres during 2020, exceeding the 2000-2010 average by 51 percent. This was the largest acreage consumed in the U.S. since at least 2000.
Since 1980, the U.S. has sustained 285 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters that have exceeded $1.875 trillion in total damages to date.
Full-year 2020
The average temperature across the contiguous U.S. in 2020 was 54.4 degrees F (2.4 degrees above the 20th century average), making 2020 the fifth warmest year on record.
All five-warmest years in the U.S. have occurred since 2012, according to NOAA scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information.
Ten states across the Southwest, Southeast and East Coast had their second-warmest year on record. There were no areas of below-average annual temperatures observed across the Lower 48 states during 2020. In Alaska, despite temperatures running 1.5 degrees F above the long-term average, the state saw its coldest year since 2012.
Precipitation across the contiguous U.S. totaled 30.28 inches (0.34 of an inch above average), which placed 2020 in the middle third of the 126-year climate record.
Nevada and Utah ranked driest on record, with Arizona and Colorado ranking second driest. On the flip side, North Carolina recorded its second-wettest year, with Virginia seeing its third wettest.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 2020 ended with extreme and exceptional drought conditions enveloping about 22 percent of the contiguous U.S. — the largest expanse since August 2012.
A map of the United States plotted with significant climate events that occurred in 2020. See article text below as well as the full climate report highlights at http://bit.ly/USClimate202012 .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday gave county staff the go-ahead to finalize a plan in collaboration with the state that aims to provide affordable housing to hundreds of people as well as a new headquarters to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday morning, State Sen. Mike McGuire was among the state and local officials who discussed the project, which is based on a proposed property swap between the county and the state of California.
In exchange for the Lakeport National Guard Armory at 1431 Hoyt Ave., which is being vacated after the guard unit consolidated with another one, the county will trade the state a 15.5-acre property at 15837 18th Ave. in Clearlake.
That property in Clearlake, in turn, is set to be developed with 100 new affordable housing units, officials said Tuesday.
The state will require, at minimum, that 50 percent of those units meet the “affordable” criteria, including 12.5 percent being very low, 12.5 percent being low and 25 percent being moderate, with units expected to range between one and three bedrooms, said Jason Kenney, deputy director of the state Department of General Services’ Real Estate Services Division.
McGuire told the board on Tuesday that the project is the result of an “incredible partnership” between local and state officials over the past two years.
“We all need a little bit of hope in our lives right about now,” said McGuire, referring to COVID-19, civil unrest and last week’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, adding he believes this project will bring hope, as well as a new headquarters for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
He said the 100 new homes will be adjacent to the city of Clearlake’s largest shopping center and Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital.
The development, as it would be pointed out during the meeting, also will be situated closely to Woodland Community College’s Clear Lake Campus as well as a major new transit hub that will serve areas ranging from the Bay Area to Shasta County.
McGuire said the county and the sheriff’s office have had an interest in moving the agency into the state-owned armory, but the price tag had been too expensive. That meant they needed an innovative approach, which is what this proposal offers.
Once completed, the state will transfer the ownership of the armory to the sheriff’s office. He pointed out that the armory is on the same campus as the Lake County Jail and the county’s emergency operations center, offering the sheriff’s office operational efficiencies.
He said the armory will be an improvement over the sheriff’s current headquarters at 1220 Martin St. in Lakeport in that it doesn't leak or have foundation issues, and that it has a commercial kitchen, a vault and storage.
Closing the deal on the armory is dependent on the land swap for the housing development, McGuire said. Once that’s done, the armory’s keys could be turned over to the county later this spring.
The county’s 15.5-acre property in Clearlake – which once had been proposed for a veterans housing facility – will then be developed.
“It is a fantastic location for affordable housing,” said McGuire, adding, “You couldn't ask for a more central buildout.”
He said the state has had interest from three developers interested in building housing at the site. A developer is expected to be selected within the next 60 to 90 days and that, depending on the funding allocation, construction could start in 2022 or 2023.
McGuire said the county will give the state a 99-year lease on the land.
Development proposals due in February
Kenney referred to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s January 2019 executive order, which directed state agencies to identify excess state-owned property “for sustainable, innovative and cost-effective housing developments to address California’s shortage of affordable housing.”
He said with Lake County’s history of fires and housing needs, the project checks a number of boxes. “But it also is innovative.”
Kenney said additional legislative authority was needed to make the proposal work, and they got that in the last budget cycle.
He said the project wouldn’t have happened had McGuire, the sheriff and the county not worked to bring it forward. “The synergy has been fantastic here.”
The state is now in the solicitation phase for a developer. Kenney said final proposals are due Feb. 26, with three very qualified developers aiming for the city. The county and the city have been invited to be part of the proposal evaluation process, and Kenney said they are excited and eager to see the proposals.
Board Chair Bruno Sabatier, whose district includes the city of Clearlake, said it will probably be one of the biggest developments in the city of Clearlake in some time.
Sheriff Martin said of the effort, “I just can't possibly thank everybody enough.”
He said his department headquarters is very dated, and although there have been some improvements, it’s really not a suitable place for a law enforcement facility – but the armory is.
When he heard the National Guard Unit was consolidating and vacating the location, Martin said he wanted to jump on it. “It’s quite a good opportunity for us.”
The site will also offer the opportunity to have wildland fire response training courses, he said.
Martin said he’s looking forward to a place that the sheriff’s office can call home for many years. “I know we’re not done yet but this is a major step in getting there.”
Clearlake City Manager Alan Flora said this has been a great example of a real collaborative project.
“We’re looking forward to a great project,” Flora said.
Flora recognized McGuire’s leadership and commitment, noting that he refused to let anything slip and used his influence to make sure it happens.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said it’s an understatement to say that the project team is enthusiastic.
She said staff was seeking direction from the board to authorize county staff to take all the steps to seal the deal, adding that they will need the guiding hand of County Counsel Anita Grant.
“We’re excited,” Huchingson said.
Supervisor Moke Simon said the project will benefit the entire county and open up other office space for the county government.
The newest board member, Jessica Pyska, noted, “This is so exciting,” and fellow board members Tina Scott and EJ Crandell both thanked McGuire.
McGuire said it’s the Lake County way to find solutions when challenges are in the way. “We’re just about to cross the finish line.”
He also noted that this will be the first rural development in this state housing program, as the Department of General Services has so far been very focused on urban areas.
Sabatier said Clearlake is an opportunity zone, and with these positive new developments going in, he suggested it’s a catalyst for bringing other commercial developments to the region.
Asked about the timeline for the armory’s conversion to the sheriff’s headquarters, Martin said it will be a significant project that will take a few years.
Right now he and county staff are looking for funding and grants to pay for the improvements.
The board gave staff unanimous consensus to proceed with finalizing the land swap.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Hope Center, Lake County’s first permanent facility to address homelessness which opened its doors last month, is offering services and already has reached capacity, based on an update the Clearlake City Council received on Thursday.
Allison Panella, executive director of Hope Rising Lake County, the organization which is running the Hope Center, updated the Clearlake City Council at its Jan. 7 meeting.
The 20-bed center, located at 3400 Emerson St. in Clearlake, was funded by $4.6 million in state and local grants, including $500,000 in bond funds approved by the Clearlake City Council in April 2020.
With that help, Panella said Hope Rising was able to complete the major renovations to the center – which previously had been a medical office – although they’re still awaiting finishing touches on the kitchen and some partitions.
It was explained during the meeting that the center’s appliances are on backorder due to the pandemic.
Panella told the council that Hope Center is currently full, with 20 “participants” and a waiting list.
At the November opening, Shannon Kimbell-Auth, Adventist Health’s manager for community integration who is head of the Hope Center staff, said they call Hope Center’s residents “participants” because they are participating in their own housing navigation plans.
Panella told the council the center has space for up to 21 participants, with the 21st only being offered if they have the room to admit that individual the following day.
The average age of the participants is 47, with the oldest now being 72 and the young 19, Panella said.
Of the current group, Panella eight consider Clearlake home, while two are from Kelseyville, two from Lakeport, one each from Lower Lake, Spring Valley and Middletown, two are from Mendocino County, one recently moved to Lake County from Washington and two don’t consider themselves to have a home city.
Panella said the group of 20 participants includes 16 who have mental health diagnoses ranging from anxiety to schizophrenia. She added that two of the group are veterans.
Since the center opened, Panella said three participants have been able to exit the program.
The services the center has offered to its participants so far have been wide-ranging, from haircuts to assistance enrolling in college, new clothing, two meals a day and connection to health and wellness services, including optometry, chiropractic and dental care, and outpatient case management and services from Lake County Behavioral Health, Panella said.
She said participants apply for housing daily, and she said another individual is expected to be exiting the Hope Center this week in order to enter a housing facility.
Panella expressed her gratitude to the council for its help in getting the center open.
“Hope Center’s doors wouldn't be open today if it wasn’t for your commitment to this space and this facility,” she said.
She added, “We have a lot of work ahead of us,” but noted that they’re in it for the long haul. “We appreciate your support.”
Mayor Dirk Slooten, who has toured the center, said he’s so happy they’re open, pointing out that three people have already been able to be discharged.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will discuss a proposal for a property swap as part of a plan for an affordable housing project, hear the latest on COVID-19 and consider opposing a water company’s request for a rate increase.
The meeting – which will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12 – will offer virtual access only to the public due to the board’s decision last week to close the chambers because of the COVID-19 case surge. The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link at 9 a.m. The meeting ID is 957 6533 3663, password 876707. The meeting also can be accessed via on tap mobile at +16699006833,,95765333663#,,,,*876707# US (San Jose).
All interested members of the public that do not have internet access or a Mediacom cable subscription are encouraged to call 669-900-6833, and enter the Zoom meeting ID and passcode information above. To submit a written comment on any agenda item please visit https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and click on the eComment feature linked to the meeting date. If a comment is submitted after the meeting begins, it may not be read during the meeting but will become a part of the record.
At 9:10 a.m., the board will consider a proposal for a swap of property involving the Lakeport Armory at 1431 Hoyt Ave. in Lakeport and a 15.5-acre county-owned property at 15837 18th Ave. in Clearlake.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson’s report to the board explains that in January 2019 Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to identify excess state-owned property “for sustainable, innovative and cost-effective housing developments to address California’s shortage of affordable housing.”
Huchingson said that, as part of that initiative, the Lakeport Armory was identified as excess state-owned property.
Beginning in 2020, State Sen. Mike McGuire, Huchingson, Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin, the city of Clearlake and various state agencies began discussions to explore a potential land swap involving the Lakeport Armory and the county-owned, undeveloped property on 18th Avenue in Clearlake.
In July, the state issued a request for qualification to create an affordable housing development on the county’s undeveloped property. Huchingson said qualified respondents have been invited to submit a proposal to help the state’s goals of affordable housing.
In preparation for this project, Huchingson said the county must declare its Clearlake property as surplus and authorize the exchange and disposition of it for the benefit of the public.
Huchingson said staff requests an opportunity to have the partners, including Sen. McGuire, present the project to the board on Tuesday. Staff also is asking for direction to complete the necessary tasks to move forward on the property swap.
In other business, at 9:45 a.m., Hope Rising partners will give an update regarding projects and progress for making Lake County a healthy place for every person to live, learn, engage and thrive.
Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace will give the board an update on COVID-19 at 10 a.m.
In untimed items, the board will consider a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission opposing a proposed rate increase for Golden State Water District in Clearlake.
Last week, the Clearlake City Council voted to oppose the increase, which would total about 30 percent.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Consideration of extension of Families First Coronavirus Response Act Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Family Medical Leave through March 31, 2021.
5.2: (a) Adopt Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2020-134 Establishing Position Allocations for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, Budget Unit No. 1012, Administrative Office; and (b) adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2020-134 Establishing Position Allocations for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, Budget Unit No. 1341, Human Resources Department.
5.3: Adopt property tax exchange resolution for proposed annexation to Clearlake Oaks County Water District.
5.4: Adopt property tax exchange resolution for proposed annexation to Callayomi County Water District.
5.5: Adopt Resolution amending Resolution No, 2020-134 Establishing Position Allocations for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, Budget Unit No. 4012, Health Services Administration.
5.6: Adopt resolution approving certification statement for the State Department of Health Care Services, CMS Branch’s California Children’s Services Administration Plan Renewal Grant for FY 2020-20201and authorize the board chair to sign said certification statement.
5.7: Approve the continuation of a local health emergency related to the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) as proclaimed by the Lake County Public Health officer.
5.8: Approve the continuation of resolution ratifying the declaration of local health emergency and order prohibiting the endangerment of the community through the unsafe removal, transport and disposal of fire debris for the LNU Complex wildfire.
5.9: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Mendocino Complex fire incident (River and Ranch fires).
5.10: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Pawnee fire incident.
5.11: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to COVID-19.
5.12: Approve the continuation of a local emergency in Lake County in response to the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire event.
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 9:05 a.m.: Public input.
6.2, 9:10 a.m.: Lakeport Armory/Clearlake property land swap proposal update and direction to staff.
6.3, 9:45 a.m.: Hope Rising partners update regarding projects and progress for making Lake County a healthy place for every person to live, learn, engage and thrive.
6.4, 10 a.m.: Consideration of Update on COVID-19 .
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of letter to California Public Utilities Commission opposing rate increase for Golden State Water District.
7.3: Consideration of an agreement between Lake County Health Services and Lake County Office of Education, for RFP #LCHS 20-001 Prevention, Detection and Support: A Lake County COVID-19 Initiative for Latino-focused outreach for a one time cost of $192,268 and authorize the chair to sign.
7.4: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Spring Valley CSA #2 Advisory Board.
7.5: (a) Demonstration of Zoom webinar option for Board of Supervisors meetings, and (b) consideration of direction to staff to implement Zoom webinar for BOS meetings.
ASSESSMENTS
8.1: Consideration of the following Assessment Appeal Application No. 19-2018 Dolgen California LLC.
8.2: Approve stipulation on the following assessment appeal applications: a) No. 24-2018 Ross and Evelyn Ireland; and b) No. 25-2018 Anthony and Lori Sperling.
8.3: Accept request for withdrawal on the following assessment appeal applications: No. 33-2018 Garcia.
8.4: Continue the following assessment appeal applications: No. 21-2018 Safeway, Inc.; and b) No. 22-2018 Safeway, Inc.; and c) No. 38-2018 Misha M. Grothe; and d) No. 31-2018 H&S Energy.
CLOSED SESSION
9.1: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1): Center for Biological Diversity v. County of Lake, et al.
9.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1): California Native Plant Society v. County of Lake, et al.
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.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Area Town Hall will kick off the new year with a board election, a discussion regarding bylaws revision and a Fire Safe Council presentation.
MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public.
To join the Zoom meeting click on this link; the meeting ID is 935 1671 5770. Call in at 888-788-0099.
At 7:10 p.m., the group will hold an election for three seats – two at-large and one representing Middletown proper.
During MATH’s December meeting, Ken Gonzales, Monica Rosenthal and Paul Baker, the current secretary, were nominated and accepted their nominations, as Lake County News has reported.
At 7:25 p.m., town hall members will vote on additional revisions to the bylaws, including a clarification regarding board elections.
At 7:40 p.m., Wendy Collins will give a presentation regarding the South Lake Fire Safe Council.
There also will be opportunities for public input and discussion of items on the February agenda.
The MATH Board includes Chair Tom Darms, Vice Chair Sally Peterson, Secretary Paul Baker, and at-large members Rosemary Córdova and Lisa Kaplan.
MATH – established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 – is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.
For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Middletown High School students received top honors at the Lake County Poetry Out Loud competition held Saturday.
On Saturday, Jan. 9, three local high school students participated in the Lake County Poetry Out Loud county competition via Zoom, the first time the competition has been held on a virtual platform.
The first-place winner was Emily Maccario from Middletown High School.
Second place runner-up was Karen Espinoza and third place runner-up was Leslie Chairez, both seniors who also attend Middletown High School.
Students recited works live that they selected from an anthology of more than 1,100 poems. Judges evaluated student performances on criteria including voice and articulation, evidence of understanding, and accuracy.
The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation have created free, standards-based curriculum materials to support Poetry Out Loud including a teacher’s guide, lesson plans, an online anthology, posters, and video and audio on the art of recitation.
Maccario will advance to the California State Poetry Out Loud contest, which will also be held virtually, with the chance to compete in the national competition.
The school of the state champion will receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials. The first runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. The Poetry Foundation provides and administers all aspects of the monetary prizes awarded.
Poetry Out Loud, presented in partnership with the California Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, is a national program that encourages high school students to learn about poetry – both classic and contemporary – through memorization, performance and competition.
Since the program began in 2005, more than four million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud.
The 2021 Poetry Out Loud Coordinator Georgina Marie and the Lake County Arts Council wish to thank the participating students for all of their hard work to compete while also tending to their schooling and distance learning obligations; Hilary Devine and Michele Krueger for coaching and encouraging the students to participate in this year’s competition; and the judges for this year: Lance Giroux, Jennifer Mills Kerr, Shelby Posada and accuracy judge Jessyca Lytle.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Planning Commission will start its business for the new year with the swearing-in of new members, selection of its 2021 leadership and consideration of a newly approved county ordinance allowing for microenterprise home kitchen businesses.
The commission will meet via webinar beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here; the meeting ID is 986 6166 5155.
Comments can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To give the City Clerk adequate time to print out comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit written comments prior to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Please indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council prior to the meeting.
The meeting will begin with the swearing-in of new commissioners Scott Barnett, Kurt Combs and Nathan Maxman.
The newly seated commission will then elect its officers for 2021.
Other agenda items include a Brown Act workshop and an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Lakeport Planning Commission.
The commission also has been asked to consider Lake County’s recently adopted ordinance permitting microenterprise home kitchens in accordance with AB 626 and to direct city staff accordingly.
The commission also will review the Community Development Department’s pending projects list.
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.
On Friday, Jan. 15, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) will hold a webinar on coronavirus relief for small businesses.
The webinar will take from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
This event will be held over Zoom and interested participants must email Thompson’s office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in order to join, as the platform has a capacity of 500 people.
Interested participants will be notified via email with instructions on how to join.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting of the year this week, with the selection of its new leadership and an update on the city’s strategic plan among the agenda items.
The committee, or LEDAC, will meet via Zoom at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13.
The meeting is open to the public.
The meeting will be held via Zoom: Meeting ID, 954 3902 9506; passcode, 451281. Dial by your location, +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose).
On Wednesday LEDAC will hold elections for its 2021 leadership, including the offices of chair, vice chair and secretary.
Also on the agenda is the Lakeport Economic Development Strategic Plan for 2017 to 2022, with a review of accomplishments and implementation priorities. The plan is available here.
At its March 10 meeting, Chair Wilda Shock said LEDAC will determine priorities to address this year in preparation for developing the next strategic plan.
As part of that discussion, the group also will talk about incorporating COVID-19 recovery for businesses.
City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Director Jenni Byers will give updates on city projects including Lakeport Park, capital improvements, the Martin Street and Bel Aire apartments, and work on Second Street.
The committee also will get member reports from the Lakeport Main Street Association, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, CareerPoint Lake, Mendocino College/Lake Center, Lake EDC/BARC and others.
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, Maureen Brasier, Bonnie Darling, Candy De Los Santos, Melissa Fulton, Pam Harpster, Andy Lucas, Alicia Russell, Laura Sammel and Amanda Xu, with Bill Eaton as an ex officio member. City staff who are members include City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Director Jenni Byers.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Senior Information & Assistance Program at Community Care says that positive changes are underway for Medi-Cal.
California is expanding access to Medi-Cal for older adults and people with disabilities.
The legal advocacy agency Justice in Aging recently issued an alert that reminds us that, effective Dec. 1, 2020, two important changes took place.
First, California increased its Medi-Cal income eligibility limit to 138 percent of the federal poverty level for its Aged, Blind and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program.
This means that the income eligibility limit is now $1,468 for one person and $1,983 for a couple, and will increase each year in April.
People who are currently receiving Medi-Cal with a share of cost may now be eligible for free Medi-Cal.
The California Department of Health Care Services sent a letter to people who may be eligible, but if you did not get the memo, or have in the past thought you made too much to apply for Medi-Cal, this is a good time to contact your local Medi-Cal office to see if this change benefits you.
The cost of medical insurance premiums can offset one’s countable income, so even those with higher incomes may be found eligible if paying supplemental, prescription, vision, dental or other medical insurance plans brings their incomes to below the eligibility thresholds. Medi-Cal’s asset limits remain the same.
Additionally, California will stop flipping Medi-Cal recipients between free and share of cost Medi-Cal based on who is paying the Medicare Part B premium.
This problem has existed for some time and can cause significant disruptions, including disenrollment from managed care and unaffordable health care costs during the months when a recipient is on share of cost Medi-Cal.
The new rule allows the county welfare departments to deduct the same amount as the Part B premium regardless of whether the recipient is currently paying it or the state is paying it as a benefit of free Medi-Cal.
Individuals who are applying for the first time must still pay the premium themselves for the state to subtract the payment as an income disregard. However, once a person is eligible for Medi-Cal, the person will continue to be eligible for free Medi-Cal.
To learn more about this or other resources for older adults in Lake and Mendocino counties, contact the Senior Information & Assistance Program at Community Care at 707-468-5132, or visit www.SeniorResourceDirectory.org.
