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Kelseyville Unified, Lake County Office of Education plan more public programs at Taylor Observatory
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Education and Kelseyville Unified School District announced that more programs will soon be offered through the Taylor Observatory.
LCOE Education Specialist Elisa Prather explained that LCOE recently hired a “highly qualified and wonderfully dedicated” coordinator, Angelo Parisi, who is breathing new life into the facility.
“Angelo joined us last spring from the Ferguson Observatory in Sonoma County. He has already organized field trips for elementary and middle school students in Kelseyville and throughout Lake County, and he’s working on a program starting in January to train middle school and high school students to become docents who can guide people through the observatory,” Prather said.
“The Taylor Observatory is a gem tucked away here in Kelseyville,” said Kelseyville Unified Superintendent Dave McQueen.
The observatory is managed by LCOE and supported by the nonprofit organization Friends of Taylor Observatory.
“We all work together to support it,” said Prather.
The observatory features the Norton Planetarium, named in honor of the late Evelyn Norton, where a Digitarium Epsilon projector creates an immersive multimedia experience by displaying celestial images on the 20-foot domed ceiling.
The observatory also has a 16-inch research-grade telescope, the centerpiece of the observatory’s operation.
It is computer-controlled and capable of locating more than 144,000 celestial objects, according to the Friends of Taylor Observatory website.
To share the beauty of the night sky and discuss interesting facts about astronomy with local students and other community members, the new LCOE coordinator is working with local partners to begin offering regular events open to the public.
Prather said, “We plan to talk to the high school astronomy teacher and other local enthusiasts to have weekly viewings – maybe Friday evenings. Angelo is working on the details.”
One of the reasons the observatory is so special is because Lake County is one of the few remaining areas in Northern California dark enough to allow for clear views of the night sky.
To preserve this view, Friends of Taylor Observatory and other community stakeholders are seeking Dark Sky Certification from the International Dark Sky Association, or IDA. To learn more, visit http://friendsoftaylor.org/dark-sky-initiative.
For more information about school field trips or to volunteer at the observatory, email Angelo Parisi at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council voted Thursday to change its longstanding practice of meeting on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
In a unanimous action, the council voted to change its monthly meetings to the first and third Thursdays of the month.
The discussion begins at the 39:22 mark in the video above.
Administrative Services Director-City Clerk Melissa Swanson explained that the city has contracted with the law firm of Jones & Mayer for city attorney services since 2015. Serving as the city’s attorney since then has been Ryan Jones.
Jones recently was assigned to also represent another city whose meeting times conflict with Clearlake’s, Swanson said.
If the city wants to continue working with Jones directly – rather than just having other attorneys sub in – Swanson said they needed to move the meetings to different nights.
Swanson said staff proposed a move to the first and third Thursdays.
Due to the holidays and staff’s need to prepare, she said it was recommended that the meeting scheduled changes take effect in February.
At the same time, Swanson said that if the council moved forward with the change, at the next meeting staff would need to bring forward a proposal to move the Clearlake Planning Commission meetings from the first and third Tuesdays to the second and fourth Tuesdays.
Businesswoman Denise Loustalot, who formerly served on the city council, said Jones is a perfect fit who has spent a lot of time learning the community, and building relationships with council and staff.
Loustalot supported changing the meeting days to accommodate Jones’ schedule, adding that she believed it is important to continue working with Jones and maintaining consistency.
Councilwoman Joyce Overton said the city has been through many attorneys in her more than 15 years on the council.
“He is always there for us,” Overton said of Jones. “I would hate to lose an attorney that has experience and has learned all of our needs here.”
She said she believed it’s worth it to change the dates, adding that she doesn’t want to lose Jones.
Councilman Phil Harris moved to approve the change, a motion seconded by Vice Mayor Dirk Slooten and approved by the council 5-0.
The city reported that the changes will go into effect on Feb. 6.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The final fields of candidates in local races set to appear on the March 2020 primarily ballot are now formed.
The Lake County Registrar of Voters Office provided the final and confirmed list to Lake County News this week.
As previously reported, the filings for the District 1 and 4 supervisorial races closed on Dec. 6 because the candidates filed to run for reelection.
In District 1, incumbent Supervisor Moke Simon is seeking a second term. He is being challenged by businesswoman, minister and scientist Julia Mary Bono.
In District 4, incumbent Supervisor Tina Scott, also seeking a second term, will run against Chris Almind, a water/operating engineer.
In District 5, longtime Supervisor Rob Brown is not seeking reelection, so the Dec. 6 nomination period deadline was extended to Dec. 11.
The final list of candidates for District 5 includes Kevin Ahajanian of Cobb, retired pharmacist Bill Kearney of Kelseyville, educator Jessica Pyska of Cobb and English as a second language/Spanish teacher Lily Woll.
The Super Tuesday presidential primary will take place on March 3.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The Lake County Registrar of Voters Office provided the final and confirmed list to Lake County News this week.
As previously reported, the filings for the District 1 and 4 supervisorial races closed on Dec. 6 because the candidates filed to run for reelection.
In District 1, incumbent Supervisor Moke Simon is seeking a second term. He is being challenged by businesswoman, minister and scientist Julia Mary Bono.
In District 4, incumbent Supervisor Tina Scott, also seeking a second term, will run against Chris Almind, a water/operating engineer.
In District 5, longtime Supervisor Rob Brown is not seeking reelection, so the Dec. 6 nomination period deadline was extended to Dec. 11.
The final list of candidates for District 5 includes Kevin Ahajanian of Cobb, retired pharmacist Bill Kearney of Kelseyville, educator Jessica Pyska of Cobb and English as a second language/Spanish teacher Lily Woll.
The Super Tuesday presidential primary will take place on March 3.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of a Lakeport man who died in a solo vehicle crash on Friday afternoon.
Lt. Corey Paulich said John William Roumiguiere, 65, was the victim in the wreck.
The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office said that the crash occurred at 12:35 p.m. Friday on Waldo Lane north of Soda Bay Road.
The CHP said Roumiguiere was driving his 1992 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup northbound on Waldo Lane at between 15 and 20 miles per hour when his pickup went off the roadway, hitting a fence and a coop.
Roumiguiere, who was not wearing a seat belt, died of his injuries at the crash scene, the CHP said.
The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected as factors in the crash.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Lt. Corey Paulich said John William Roumiguiere, 65, was the victim in the wreck.
The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office said that the crash occurred at 12:35 p.m. Friday on Waldo Lane north of Soda Bay Road.
The CHP said Roumiguiere was driving his 1992 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup northbound on Waldo Lane at between 15 and 20 miles per hour when his pickup went off the roadway, hitting a fence and a coop.
Roumiguiere, who was not wearing a seat belt, died of his injuries at the crash scene, the CHP said.
The CHP said neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected as factors in the crash.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will talk about a proposed response to Northshore Fire officials regarding the handling of the Measure N fire tax last month and consider accepting a donation for trail development on Mount Konocti.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
In an item timed for 9:15 a.m., the board will consider a response to questions the Northshore Fire Protection District submitted in a letter last month regarding the Measure N election.
The measure failed to get the supermajority of 66.7 percent in order to into effect.
District 3 Supervisor EJ Crandell, in a memo to the board, said that he received the letter from Northshore Fire on Nov. 15.
“Although Northshore Fire is not questioning the unofficial results of the election, it is important that our Board respond to the topics and questions raised in their letter,” Crandell said.
In an untimed item, the board will consider accepting a gift of $20,000 from Barrick Gold of North America Inc. – formerly Homestake Mining Co. – to help with the development of trails within Mount Konocti County Park.
The board is also scheduled to have a closed session discussion on a permanent registrar of voters appointment. Last week, the board appointed Diane Fridley, who retired a year ago from the post, as the interim registrar, as Lake County News has reported.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt resolution approving Agreement No.19-0237 with the state of California, Department of Food and Agriculture which includes the postconsumer- content certification and contractor certification clause for exotic pest detection trapping activities FY 2019-20.
5.2: Second reading, continued from Dec. 10 meeting, adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and adopting by reference the 2019 California Building Standards Code.
5.3: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the atmospheric river event of 2019.
5.4: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Mendocino Complex fire incident (River and Ranch fires).
5.5: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Pawnee Fire incident.
5.6: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Kincade fire incident, the Burris fire incident and the October 2019 Pacific Gas and Electric public safety power shutoff events.
5.7: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; (b) approve the customer price quote from AMS.NET for the purchase of server equipment for the Sheriff/Central Dispatch facility in the amount of $107,116.38, (c) approve the quote confirmation from CDW-G in the amount of $5,034.40 and authorize the sheriff/coroner and director of Information Technology to issue purchase orders.
5.8: Approve appointment of Eileen Bostwick as member at large for the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino Counties PSA26 Governing Board.
5.9: Approve contract between the county of Lake and National Council on Crime and Delinquency, or NCCD, for access to SafeMeasures in the Amount of $26,323.50, from Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2021, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.10: Adopt proclamation commending Robert Saderlund for 35 years of service to the county of Lake.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation commending Robert Saderlund for 35 years of service to the county of Lake.
6.3, 9:15 a.m.: Consideration of Letter in response to the questions of the Northshore Fire Protection District.
6.4, 9:30 a.m.: Consideration of continuation of a local health emergency and order prohibiting the endangerment of the community through the unsafe removal, transportation, and disposal of fire debris for the Mendocino Complex fire.
6.5, 9:35 a.m.: Presentation by Health Services Tobacco Education Program and overview of program objectives for fiscal years 2019 to 2021.
6.6, 10 a.m.: Discussion and consideration of a subcommittee to the County of Lake Emergency Medical Care Committee, or COL-EMCC, to review and suggest updates to current county ambulance ordinance and provide suggested updates to the Board of Supervisors, to ensure that ambulances are operating safely, meet minimum levels and standards of equipment, staffing and mechanical liability.
6.7, 10:30 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of the proposed general plan amendment (GPAP 16-08), rezone (RZ 16-05), general plan of development (GPD 16-01) and major use permit (UP 16-11) for a specific plan of development for Heart Consciousness Church (Harbin Hot Springs).
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Discussion and consideration of clarification to be provided to the auditor-controller for payment of recognition and retention stipends to permanent employees.
7.3: Consideration of appointment to the Mental Health Board.
7.4: Consideration of acceptance of $20,000 donation for Mount Konocti Park Trails from Barrick Gold of North America Inc.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): Appointment of Registrar of Voters.
8.2: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) Chief negotiator: M. Long; County Negotiators: C. Huchingson and P. Samac; and (b) Employee Organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA and LCSMA.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
In an item timed for 9:15 a.m., the board will consider a response to questions the Northshore Fire Protection District submitted in a letter last month regarding the Measure N election.
The measure failed to get the supermajority of 66.7 percent in order to into effect.
District 3 Supervisor EJ Crandell, in a memo to the board, said that he received the letter from Northshore Fire on Nov. 15.
“Although Northshore Fire is not questioning the unofficial results of the election, it is important that our Board respond to the topics and questions raised in their letter,” Crandell said.
In an untimed item, the board will consider accepting a gift of $20,000 from Barrick Gold of North America Inc. – formerly Homestake Mining Co. – to help with the development of trails within Mount Konocti County Park.
The board is also scheduled to have a closed session discussion on a permanent registrar of voters appointment. Last week, the board appointed Diane Fridley, who retired a year ago from the post, as the interim registrar, as Lake County News has reported.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt resolution approving Agreement No.19-0237 with the state of California, Department of Food and Agriculture which includes the postconsumer- content certification and contractor certification clause for exotic pest detection trapping activities FY 2019-20.
5.2: Second reading, continued from Dec. 10 meeting, adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and adopting by reference the 2019 California Building Standards Code.
5.3: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the atmospheric river event of 2019.
5.4: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Mendocino Complex fire incident (River and Ranch fires).
5.5: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Pawnee Fire incident.
5.6: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Kincade fire incident, the Burris fire incident and the October 2019 Pacific Gas and Electric public safety power shutoff events.
5.7: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; (b) approve the customer price quote from AMS.NET for the purchase of server equipment for the Sheriff/Central Dispatch facility in the amount of $107,116.38, (c) approve the quote confirmation from CDW-G in the amount of $5,034.40 and authorize the sheriff/coroner and director of Information Technology to issue purchase orders.
5.8: Approve appointment of Eileen Bostwick as member at large for the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino Counties PSA26 Governing Board.
5.9: Approve contract between the county of Lake and National Council on Crime and Delinquency, or NCCD, for access to SafeMeasures in the Amount of $26,323.50, from Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2021, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.10: Adopt proclamation commending Robert Saderlund for 35 years of service to the county of Lake.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation commending Robert Saderlund for 35 years of service to the county of Lake.
6.3, 9:15 a.m.: Consideration of Letter in response to the questions of the Northshore Fire Protection District.
6.4, 9:30 a.m.: Consideration of continuation of a local health emergency and order prohibiting the endangerment of the community through the unsafe removal, transportation, and disposal of fire debris for the Mendocino Complex fire.
6.5, 9:35 a.m.: Presentation by Health Services Tobacco Education Program and overview of program objectives for fiscal years 2019 to 2021.
6.6, 10 a.m.: Discussion and consideration of a subcommittee to the County of Lake Emergency Medical Care Committee, or COL-EMCC, to review and suggest updates to current county ambulance ordinance and provide suggested updates to the Board of Supervisors, to ensure that ambulances are operating safely, meet minimum levels and standards of equipment, staffing and mechanical liability.
6.7, 10:30 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of the proposed general plan amendment (GPAP 16-08), rezone (RZ 16-05), general plan of development (GPD 16-01) and major use permit (UP 16-11) for a specific plan of development for Heart Consciousness Church (Harbin Hot Springs).
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Discussion and consideration of clarification to be provided to the auditor-controller for payment of recognition and retention stipends to permanent employees.
7.3: Consideration of appointment to the Mental Health Board.
7.4: Consideration of acceptance of $20,000 donation for Mount Konocti Park Trails from Barrick Gold of North America Inc.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): Appointment of Registrar of Voters.
8.2: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) Chief negotiator: M. Long; County Negotiators: C. Huchingson and P. Samac; and (b) Employee Organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA and LCSMA.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council this week will select it leadership for the new year and consider a proposed process for moving forward with its planned annexation of a portion of South Main Street.
The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
Tuesday’s meeting, the council’s last of the year, will include the annual council reorganization, consisting of the nomination and election of the mayor and mayor pro tem for a period of one year.
In other business, City Manager Margaret Silveira will ask the council to approve a proposed letter to the Board of Supervisors supporting the city of Clearlake’s request last month for action on tax defaulted properties.
Silveira also will ask the council to provide a response to the Lake Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCo, regarding the city’s willingness to participate in good faith with a proposed process outlined in a Dec. 4 letter regarding the South Lakeport Annexation Project.
LAFCo is asking both the city and the county to participate in resolving their existing disputes pertaining to property and sales tax apportionments in the annexation area.
Other items on the agenda include three appointments each to the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee effective Jan. 1, 2020, and expiring Dec. 31, 2021; the appointment of one member to fill a vacancy on the Lakeport Planning Commission effective Jan. 1, 2020, and expiring Dec. 31, 2022; and the appointment of one member to the Lakeport Fire Protection District Board effective Jan. 1, 2020, and expiring Dec. 31, 2023.
Community Development Director Kevin Ingram also will present a proposed concrete design for use along the Library Park lakefront promenade.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on Nov. 19; the Dec. 12 warrant register; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the October 2019 public safety power shutoff; direction to the city clerk to prepare the 2020 Maddy Act Appointments List and post at City Hall and the Lakeport Public Library; approval of the side letter agreement for the City of Lakeport Police Officers Association enacting the 7(k) exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act; and review and filing of the fiscal year 2019-20 first quarter financial update.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
Tuesday’s meeting, the council’s last of the year, will include the annual council reorganization, consisting of the nomination and election of the mayor and mayor pro tem for a period of one year.
In other business, City Manager Margaret Silveira will ask the council to approve a proposed letter to the Board of Supervisors supporting the city of Clearlake’s request last month for action on tax defaulted properties.
Silveira also will ask the council to provide a response to the Lake Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCo, regarding the city’s willingness to participate in good faith with a proposed process outlined in a Dec. 4 letter regarding the South Lakeport Annexation Project.
LAFCo is asking both the city and the county to participate in resolving their existing disputes pertaining to property and sales tax apportionments in the annexation area.
Other items on the agenda include three appointments each to the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee effective Jan. 1, 2020, and expiring Dec. 31, 2021; the appointment of one member to fill a vacancy on the Lakeport Planning Commission effective Jan. 1, 2020, and expiring Dec. 31, 2022; and the appointment of one member to the Lakeport Fire Protection District Board effective Jan. 1, 2020, and expiring Dec. 31, 2023.
Community Development Director Kevin Ingram also will present a proposed concrete design for use along the Library Park lakefront promenade.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on Nov. 19; the Dec. 12 warrant register; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the October 2019 public safety power shutoff; direction to the city clerk to prepare the 2020 Maddy Act Appointments List and post at City Hall and the Lakeport Public Library; approval of the side letter agreement for the City of Lakeport Police Officers Association enacting the 7(k) exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act; and review and filing of the fiscal year 2019-20 first quarter financial update.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
121719 Lakeport City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd