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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A Middletown woman suffered major injuries on Wednesday after her bicycle collided with a vehicle on Highway 29.

Patricia Morris, 45, was transported out of county by an air ambulance after the crash, which occurred at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 29 in Middletown, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office.

The CHP said Morris was riding her mountain bike northbound on the right shoulder of Highway 29 south of St. Helena Creek Road.

Denise Vanress, 35, of Hidden Valley Lake was driving a 2014 Honda CR-V northbound on Highway 29 at 40 to 45 miles per hour, the CHP said.

The CHP said Morris failed to see Vanress’ location and made a left turn into the northbound traffic lane.

Morris collided with the right front of Vanress’ Honda, which caused Morris to be thrown off of her bike and onto the windshield of the Honda, the CHP said.

A REACH air ambulance flew Morris to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries, which included major head trauma. The CHP said she wasn’t wearing a helmet.

Vanress was uninjured, the CHP said.

CHP Officer Kory Reynolds said Thursday that the CHP did not have an update on Morris’ condition.

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 Water Resources on Thursday announced an initial water allocation of ­­15 percent for most State Water Project, or SWP, contractors for the 2018 calendar year.

That allocation will likely change depending on rain and snowfall received this winter.

“It’s hard to know what mother nature will have in store for us this year, but it’s safe to say California is in a better place than we were during the recent drought,” said DWR Director Grant Davis. “Planning for the year and providing more accurate early estimates for water managers so they can better plan for the year is just one of the many reasons the state needs to improve our forecasting ability.”

The state’s major reservoirs are currently holding much more than their historical averages.

Shasta Lake north of Redding, the federal Central Valley Project’s largest reservoir, now holds 3.2 million acre-feet, or AF, 71 percent of its 4.5-million AF capacity and 119 percent of its historical average.

San Luis Reservoir, a critical south-of-Delta storage facility for both the SWP and CVP, now holds 1.5 million AF, 74 percent of its 2 million AF capacity and 124 percent of its historical average for the date.

New Melones now holds 83 percent of its 2.4 million AF capacity and 148 percent of its average for this date.

Lake Oroville however, currently holds 59 percent of its historical average this time of year. Water was released beginning in spring to provide adequate flood protection during reconstruction of the main spillway.

Last year, the department’s initial allocation was 20 percent. By the end of Water Year 2017, allocations reached 85 percent due to the abundant rainfall during the year. During the recent drought, the initial allocation was as low as 5 percent in 2014.

Nearly all areas served by the SWP have sources of water other than the allocation, among them streams, groundwater, and local reservoirs.

DWR is hopeful that Thursday’s SWP allocation, made before the wettest months, will increase as storms bring rain and snow to the state.

Historical Dec. 1 allocations:

– 2017: 20 percent.
– 2016: 10 percent.
– 2015: 10 percent.
– 2014: 5 percent.
– 2013: 30 percent.
– 2012: 60 percent.
– 2011: 25 percent.
– 2010: 5 percent.
– 2009: 15 percent.
– 2008: 25 percent.
– 2007: 60 percent.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that it continues to make steady progress on the Consolidated Debris Removal Program in Northern California following the October 2017 wildfires.

The program is a two-phase process.

Phase I is the removal of household hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency in Sonoma and Napa counties and by the California Department of Toxic Substance Control in Lake and Mendocino counties.

Phase II is the removal of other fire-related debris from structures destroyed by the fire, and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or USACE, under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Steady progress continues on both phases of debris removal in Lake, Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties over the past few weeks.

Overall, USACE has processed 4,813 rights of entry and cleared more than 288,055 tons of debris from 880 properties in Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties.

Over the next few weeks, USACE will award two new contracts by mid-December that will have significantly more capacity to sustain the debris removal mission through completion.

USACE remains committed to completing the mission in early 2018 to help communities prepare for rebuilding.

Property owners with questions about eligibility, operations or other concerns can contact the USACE Debris Removal Information Line at 877-875-7681.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council will meet next week to discuss new marijuana rules, bonds, city equipment purchases and employment classifications.

The council will meet in closed session beginning at 5:05 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, to discuss anticipated litigation involving Verizon Wireless and also will conduct a performance evaluation of City Manager Margaret Silveira before the public portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The council is holding the special meeting on Monday, as Silveira requested it be moved from the normal time on Tuesday due to training.

On the agenda is a general discussion on the proposed ordinance to permit and regulate
commercial marijuana, or cannabis, activities in the city. No action is being requested at this meeting, with the ordinance set for a public hearing on Dec. 19.

In other business, the council will consider approving resolutions for the authorization,
preparation and sale of wastewater revenue bonds to repay the city for project costs associated with the wastewater system improvement project.

Also on Monday, the council will consider approving a new classification for police detective with a salary range earning $4,708 to $6,012 per month, and the reclassification of one police officer position to police detective in the 2017-18 budget.

The council also will consider authorizing Silveira to sign the associated purchase order and purchase agreement for a 2017 Hamm Model HD-14-VV double drum vibratory roller for paving projects at a cost of $62,748.75.

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.



Agenda-Packet-2017-12-04---Special-Meeti-121201712207AM by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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The historic Lucerne Hotel. Lake County News file photo/Elizabeth Larson.


LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors met Tuesday to explore possibilities for the historic Lucerne Hotel, also known as the Castle.

Since Marymount California University broke its lease in June, the county closed the building and its fate has been uncertain.

County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson opened discussion by saying, “The thing I think we all readily agree on is that it does no one any good to have the castle continue to sit empty.”

Deputy County Administrative Officer Michelle Scully reviewed board directives regarding the property.

The staff received an appraisal for $3 million on Nov. 1. Scully estimated the overhead to maintain the facility at $78,500 annually, using 2015 numbers.

Staff also had to resolve the standing lease agreement with Marymount California University.
Then, the staff compiled a list of interests for the property. In all, 13 individuals and entities expressed interest, four of which submitted proposals.

Finally, staff established a decision-making timeline to lease or sell the facility.

Supervisor Jim Steele, whose district includes the Lucerne Hotel, said he gave a tour of the Castle to an outside interest.

The board opened the subject for public comment.

Denise Rushing, former District 3 supervisor, said that the former redevelopment agency used its funds to purchase the property. Later, when the agency was closed, a case had to be made to transfer the property to county of Lake.

She warned, “It is very possible, without the county involved, that blight could rear its ugly head in that building.”

John Jensen, co-owner of Lake County News, spoke next. He said that selling the Castle rather than conducting a request for proposals, or RFPs, short-circuits the process. He described the property as “a community asset.”

Jensen conducted an informal survey of local residents and procured signatures on petitions. He found multiple groups with interest in leasing space there.

Elizabeth Larson, editor of Lake County News, described the outreach she has done concerning the Castle. She observed, “The community is very attached to the building.”

She described monuments across the country lost at a terrifying rate due to fires. “This is a time when we have to reconnect to our history.”

Larson concluded, “There was a great deal of heart and vision that went into the building … It is worth fighting for and worth saving.”

Bernie Butcher, owner of the Tallman Hotel, supported an RFP process. He suggested that a potential buyer could also submit a proposal that includes owning the building.

Sherry Treppa, chair of the Habematolel Pomo tribe, addressed the problems implicit in the idea that the Castle could be made into a casino, warning, “It is a multi-year effort.”

Steele wondered if it is best to find someone “with deep pockets” to buy the property.

Supervisor Moke Simon said he does not believe the county should be in the business of leasing the space.

Linda Hedstrom, a resident of District 4, reminded the board not to count on private owners keeping any promises when they develop properties.

Lars Ewing, Public Services director, is the maintainer of the building “by default.” He described the projected cost of maintenance and repairs as “onerous,” asserting that an RFP proposal should include a consideration of how the building will be maintained.

Supervisor Rob Brown agreed the county cannot continue to maintain the property. He recommended waiting six months to see if a group could find a mutually beneficial option for the county and the community.

Huchingson said six months is a minimum time frame to establish an RFP, and that at least 90 days would be necessary to receive proposals.

Supervisor Tina Scott agreed with Brown. “We are in a unique opportunity to keep control of what the lease could become.”

Board Chair Jeff Smith stated he finds it is valid to move forward with an RFP with a possible purchase option. “Maybe we can have the best of both worlds,” he said.

County Counsel Anita Grant recommended that, if a tandem approach is adopted, they need to follow legal requirements and ensure it matches their vision for the property. It is imperative to create an equal playing field for all proposals.

Jensen asked when the RFP would be issued and when it would be due. Brown said they have to work out the details.

Lake County Land Trust member Roberta Lyons said, “We should give the people of the community a chance.”

She recalled how locals rallied around preserving the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum.

There was discussion that the Castle was purchased for $1.35 million and maintenance and renovations have increased the investment to $4.2 million.

Although the Castle is 55,000 square feet, only 20,000 square feet has been renovated. The main floor, which was hotel rooms, is not renovated. Smith described the projected cost to renovate as “staggering.”

The board decided to pursue engaging in the RFP process.

Huchingson stated that the timeline for establishing an RFP is ideally by the end of 2017 or early 2018.

“We will fast track this,” she said.

Serena Makofsky is a freelance contributor to Lake County News.
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Lake County Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait, at left, speaks after receiving a proclamation honoring her on her retirement on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at the Lake County Board of Supervisors meeting in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County’s retiring health officer received honors during her last appearance in her official capacity before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

Dr. Karen Tait, who has served as health officer since April 2008, is retiring this week.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation expressing thanks and gratitude to Tait for her years of dedicated service to Lake County.

Vice Chair Jim Steele read the proclamation to Tait, who was joined by county staff, including Department of Health Services Director Denise Pomeroy and Environmental Health Director Ray Ruminski.

The proclamation lauded Tait for her mentorship to her department and other county agencies on issues including cyanobacteria, H25, rabies and West Nile virus, her services as board commissioner with Partnership HealthPlan and the support she gave to Public Health nursing staff.

As part of the emergency preparedness program, she’s worked to make sure Lake and its neighboring counties “strengthened their ability to effectively respond to public health threats including infectious diseases, natural disasters, biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological events,” and also was medical health operational area coordinator during Lake County’s
disasters in order to assess immediate medical needs and coordinate medical and health resources, Steele said.

In her capacity as health officer, the proclamation said Tait has worked closely with both the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and California Forensic Medical Group to assure the health and medical care of jail inmates meets inmate needs and state regulations, while also working with local hospitals and clinics, fire districts and the American Red Cross.

The proclamation said Tait also was instrumental in identifying Rickettsia 364-D, a tickborne condition that causes illness associated with eschars, which are instances of dead tissue, according to a paper she co-authored in 2010 which can be found at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41027089_Rickettsia_364D_A_Newly_Recognized_Cause_of_Eschar-Associated_Illness_in_California.

The county proclamation also credited Tait with pulling together the first Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response, or CASPER survey.

Tait also is a member of a local ham radio group.

Steele said Tait will be greatly missed.

“I think you’ve convinced me I am just a workhorse and I’m ready for a rest,” said Tait, who explained that when she became health officer she resolved she would work hard until retirement.

She said Lake County has a lot of community members and groups who support public health and which gave her a tremendous amount of help, in addition to the assistance she has received from her staff.

Pomeroy thanked Tait for her 10 years of service, describing her as “courageous, spunky, funny and one of the most intelligent people I’ve had the opportunity to work with.”

Board members also specifically thanked her, including Supervisor Rob Brown who recalled her work during the county’s fires, which he called “amazing.”

Afterward, Tait, joined by Ruminski, received the board’s extension of a proclamation of a local health emergency she initially made in October in response to the Sulphur fire.

Tait said she recommended the proclamation – which must be continued every two weeks – be extended until the fire debris removal is completed.

The board has authorized the appointment of Dr. Gary Pace to act as Lake County’s interim health officer. Pace takes over the roles as of Dec. 2 and continuing until Tait’s successor is selected.

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.
At left, Lake County Supervisor Jim Steele presents a proclamation to retiring Lake County Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait, at right, on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, at the Lake County Board of Supervisors meeting in Lakeport, Calif. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Next week the Lakeport Police Department will conduct a test of its emergency phone notification system.

On Monday, Dec. 4, between the hours of 10 and 11 a.m., the Lakeport Police Department will send out a city of Lakeport emergency telephone notification test call.

Officials said this call will go to all landline telephone numbers in the city of Lakeport and the cellular phone numbers of people who have registered with the city’s NIXLE emergency voice notice system.

The call will advise that it is a test of the city of Lakeport emergency phone notification system, the department reported.

The police department has purchased the current data for landline phones in the city and no action needs to be taken by residents regarding these phone numbers.

Cellular and voice over internet protocol, or VOIP, telephone numbers have to be registered in our system by their users.

For instructions on how to register visit https://www.cityoflakeport.com/hot-details.aspx?id=198.

The police department encourages everyone who lives in, works in or visit the city of Lakeport to register their cellular or VOIP phone numbers to receive voice calls from the NIXLE system.

Being registered to receive NIXLE text alerts from the city will not ensure you get emergency voice calls. You must login online and configure your account to receive voice calls in addition to text messages.

Voice calls are not often made to residents as they are reserved for extreme or severe emergencies. However, the city said it is important that people be registered in the event an emergency happens in the area of the city where they live, work or may be visiting.
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From left, Alice Darrow of Kelseyville, Calif., widow of Dean Darrow, who survived the Pearl Harbor attack; Bill Slater of Lakeport, Calif., who survived the attack; and Charlotte Bower, of Clearlake Oaks, whose late husband Chuck served at the US Sub Base at Pearl Harbor. Photo courtesy of Janeane Bogner.


LAKEPORT, Calif. – Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 23 North Lake County will observe the 76th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 7.

In what is widely reported by organizers to be the last planned event, the annual ceremony will begin at Library Park in Lakeport at 9 a.m. before moving across the street to Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St., from 9:15 to 10 a.m.

Honorary Pearl Harbor Survivor Ronnie Bogner will act as master of ceremonies.

Military Chaplain Dr. Herman “Woody” Hughes will give the invocation and the Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team will perform honors including a rifle volley.

Kelseyville High student Teara Hall will sing the national anthem, the Boy Scouts will raise the flag and lower it to half-mast at the Pearl Harbor Survivors Memorial Mast and there will be a video presentation by John Jensen of Lake County News.

After the ceremonies, a public luncheon will take place at the Boathouse Restaurant & Bar, located at 2685 Lakeshore Blvd. in Nice.

The no-host luncheon will start at noon and reservations are requested by Dec. 4 by calling Janeane Bogner at 707-998-3280
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The 2016 Christmas in Middletown celebration. Photo by Davis Palmer.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The annual “Christmas in Middletown” event will take place this year on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Sponsored by the Middletown Area Merchants Association, this free event lets friends and families celebrate the season together along with local businesses and organizations, filling the streets of Middletown with cheer, rain or shine.

Nonprofit organizations set up booths with goodies, crafts, and gift-wrapping services on the streets and at the high school cafeteria, to raise funds for their good works.

The town looks festive with decorated merchant storefronts and business-sponsored Christmas trees that are decorated by area schoolchildren.

The trees are later donated to local families in need through Spirit of the Season.

Santa Claus arrives at 5:15 p.m. at Middletown Park on an old-fashioned fire truck where he helps with singing carols.

Afterward, he meets children from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Mrs. Claus gives each a stuffed animal, courtesy of Hospice Services.

Nearby is a free hot chocolate bar and craft table for kids, donated and run by the Middletown Seventh-Day Adventist School.

In the free “Passport for Fun” program, participants visit member businesses and collect passport stamps for a chance to win a prize.

This year, prizes include two firepits donated by Hardester’s Markets and gift certificates from area businesses.

Individual businesses compete for “best decorated” storefront, and they pass out their own refreshments to passersby. It’s a perfect small-town event.

Find out more at the Middletown Area Merchants Association Web site at www.middletownareamerchants.com.

Community members enjoying the 2016 Christmas in Middletown. Photo by Davis Palmer.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Residents recovering from the October 2017 fires in California have less than two weeks left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, for disaster assistance.

The last day to register is Dec. 11.

Individuals and families who were living in Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sonoma and Yuba counties and suffered damage from the fires between Oct. 8 and Oct. 31, 2017, should register for FEMA assistance.

They also may be eligible for low-interest, long-term disaster recovery loans administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA.

Owners of businesses and nonprofits located in the designated counties during the same disaster period also should register to receive applications for SBA business disaster recovery loans.

Disaster assistance may be able to fill insurance gaps or provide help to survivors who have been waiting more than 30 days on a homeowner’s claim.

Assistance could cover such costs as short-term temporary housing, basic home repairs, disaster-related personal expenses, wells or septic systems damaged in the fires.

Residents can apply for disaster assistance by going online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA app on a smartphone or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

In-person registration assistance is available at the Local Assistance Center in Napa County or at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers, or DRCs, in Mendocino, Napa or Sonoma counties.

To find the closest DRC, go online at www.fema.gov/drc or text 43362 with the message DRC and the resident’s ZIP code. Standard message and data rates apply.

Applicants registering for disaster assistance should have the following information available:

– Social Security number.
– Address of the damaged primary residence.
– Description of the damage.
– Information about insurance coverage.
– A current contact telephone number.
– An address where they can receive mail.
– Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Bike Angels United is fundraising for its bicycle giveaway to benefit Sulphur fire survivors that will be held early in the new year.

The event will begin at noon on Jan. 20 at Tatonka Trading, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

It’s the group’s sixth bike giveaway in Lake County. The efforts began in the wake of the county’s devastating wildland fires.

Organizer Candy Alcott said the all-volunteer group is fundraising over the next two months in order to provide bikes to children and adults.

Alcott said Bike Angels members are seeking donations of new bikes or used bikes in good condition, as well as helmets.

She said that so far she has a list of more than 50 potential recipients, and is seeking to sign up all Sulphur fire survivors as she can.

After all fire survivors receive bikes at the event, Alcott will ask all community members who were evacuated to come forward to also receive bikes, with any remaining bikes to be given to Clearlake residents.

To sign up to receive a bicycle, visit Tatonka Trading, contact Bike Angels United on Facebook, or contact Alcott on Facebook or at 850-737-7372.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Association of Realtors reported that the number of sales in October slowed down when compared to September 2017 and October 2016.

Sixty-nine single family residences sold in October with 86 selling in September, a decrease of over 19 percent, the association said.

In October 2016 there were 75 sales accounting for an 8 percent decrease in sales on a year to year comparison, according to the report.

The association said the October median sales price was $250,000 which was up 6.7 percent over the September median, but down 3.85 percent from the October 2016 median.

“Year to date, the 2017 median sales price in Lake County has increased 1 percent over 2016,” commented Bobby Dutcher, 2017 LCAOR president. “With the California Association of Realtors forecasting the same percentage increase statewide for 2018 we can expect the 2018 market to look similar to 2017 provided that the final tax reform proposal is more favorable to homeownership than current versions.”

Financing purchases through loans versus cash continue to rise slowly over time. A year ago it was not uncommon to see over 30 percent of the transactions financed through cash, but in 2017 cash financing has dipped to over 20 percent of the deals.

Inventory levels dipped to 5.2 months from 6.0 months in September, but were at the same level (5.2 months) in October 2016. The statewide inventory levels for October were 3.4 months.

The California Association of Realtors, or CAR, reported existing, single-family home sales totaled 431,020 in October on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 0.8 percent from September and down 3.4 percent from October 2016.

October’s statewide median home price was $546,430 down 1.6 percent from September and up 6.1 percent from October 2016, CAR said.

Mortgage rates edged higher in October as 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rates averaged 3.90 percent in October, up from 3.81 percent in September and from 3.47 percent in October 2016, according to Freddie Mac.

CAR reported that the five-year, adjustable-rate mortgage interest rate also ticked higher in October to an average of 3.18 percent from 3.16 percent in September and from 2.83 percent in October 2016.

LAKE COUNTY NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

October 2017
Median price: $250,000
Median days to sell: 36
Units sold: 69

September 2017
Median price: $234,250
Median days to sell: 47
Units sold: 86

October 2016
Median price: $260,000
Median days to sell: 69
Units sold: 75

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