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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Unified School District Board of Trustees has decided to release the district superintendent from her contract a year early and is now beginning the process of finding her successor.
The board voted at its Wednesday night meeting to terminate Superintendent Catherine Stone, who has been with the district since 2015.
Board President Sandy Tucker told Lake County News that the matter was taken up – as personnel items usually are – in closed session, with the decision announced afterward in open session.
Tucker said the matter had been continued from the Oct. 9 meeting.
The Wednesday night agenda included a closed session performance evaluation of Stone that preceded the open portion of the meeting.
After the board emerged with its unanimous decision to immediately dismiss her, Stone left the meeting, Tucker confirmed.
In a statement posted Thursday on the district Web site that included the names of all five board members – in addition to Tucker, Larry Allen, Misha Grothe, Thad Owens and Latrease Walker – the board reported its Wednesday night action.
“We would like to thank Ms. Stone for her service and leadership to the District, especially during the Valley Fire. We cannot comment in any further depth regarding the Board’s decision to release Ms. Stone as this is a personnel matter,” the statement read.
The board also reported that it is working with the Lake County Office of Education “to assist in hiring a qualified interim superintendent as soon as possible while we search for a permanent Superintendent replacement.”
The statement added, “We understand change can be difficult and unexpected at times but the Board is confident the District will move forward in a positive and productive direction to address the needs of our students in the best manner possible.”
Later on Thursday, the agenda for a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, was posted on the district Web site. The two items of business – both to be discussed in closed session – are a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation and the interim superintendent.
The outcomes of both closed session discussions also are agendized to be reported in an open session afterward.
In the meantime, Tucker said Heather Rantala, director of business services, is overseeing district operations.
The district approved Stone’s hiring in April 2015. She succeeded longtime Superintendent Dr. Korby Olson, who retired that year.
Stone would take over in the 2015-16 school year, the start of which was interrupted by the September 2015 Valley fire, which devastated the south county and left many district students without their homes.
Her initial contract, obtained by Lake County News, ran from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2018, with a later extension. Her pay began at $132,677 for the 2015-16 school year, with allowance for annual step increases based on satisfactory job reviews.
The contract terms stipulated the requirement for midyear and final evaluations, to be conducted by Dec. 31 and May 31, respectively.
With her original contract due to end June 30, 2018, on June 13, 2018, the district board unanimously voted to extend Stone’s contract through an amendment.
At that time, Stone was acting not just as superintendent but also as special education director for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, according to district documents.
The contract amendment approved in June 2018 was to run until June 30, 2019. Beginning on July 1, 2019, Stone was to return to her job as superintendent only, with the contract then extended to June 30, 2020.
The original document allowed the board to terminate the contract at any time, with or without cause.
In the latter case, the contract requires the district to continue to pay her salary for the remainder of the term of the agreement, or for a period of 12 months, whichever period is shorter.
Tucker did not respond to a question from Lake County News about whether Stone is being paid for the remainder of the contract because she was evacuating due to the Grove fire.
Stone’s departure marks the third change in a superintendent in Lake County’s schools since the start of this year.
In January, the Lakeport Unified School District Board terminated the contract of April Leiferman. Jill Falconer has since been hired as that district’s superintendent.
Then in June, Konocti Unified Superintendent Donna Becnel retired. Her successor is Dr. Rebecca Salato.
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 voted at its Wednesday night meeting to terminate Superintendent Catherine Stone, who has been with the district since 2015.
Board President Sandy Tucker told Lake County News that the matter was taken up – as personnel items usually are – in closed session, with the decision announced afterward in open session.
Tucker said the matter had been continued from the Oct. 9 meeting.
The Wednesday night agenda included a closed session performance evaluation of Stone that preceded the open portion of the meeting.
After the board emerged with its unanimous decision to immediately dismiss her, Stone left the meeting, Tucker confirmed.
In a statement posted Thursday on the district Web site that included the names of all five board members – in addition to Tucker, Larry Allen, Misha Grothe, Thad Owens and Latrease Walker – the board reported its Wednesday night action.
“We would like to thank Ms. Stone for her service and leadership to the District, especially during the Valley Fire. We cannot comment in any further depth regarding the Board’s decision to release Ms. Stone as this is a personnel matter,” the statement read.
The board also reported that it is working with the Lake County Office of Education “to assist in hiring a qualified interim superintendent as soon as possible while we search for a permanent Superintendent replacement.”
The statement added, “We understand change can be difficult and unexpected at times but the Board is confident the District will move forward in a positive and productive direction to address the needs of our students in the best manner possible.”
Later on Thursday, the agenda for a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, was posted on the district Web site. The two items of business – both to be discussed in closed session – are a conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation and the interim superintendent.
The outcomes of both closed session discussions also are agendized to be reported in an open session afterward.
In the meantime, Tucker said Heather Rantala, director of business services, is overseeing district operations.
The district approved Stone’s hiring in April 2015. She succeeded longtime Superintendent Dr. Korby Olson, who retired that year.
Stone would take over in the 2015-16 school year, the start of which was interrupted by the September 2015 Valley fire, which devastated the south county and left many district students without their homes.
Her initial contract, obtained by Lake County News, ran from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2018, with a later extension. Her pay began at $132,677 for the 2015-16 school year, with allowance for annual step increases based on satisfactory job reviews.
The contract terms stipulated the requirement for midyear and final evaluations, to be conducted by Dec. 31 and May 31, respectively.
With her original contract due to end June 30, 2018, on June 13, 2018, the district board unanimously voted to extend Stone’s contract through an amendment.
At that time, Stone was acting not just as superintendent but also as special education director for the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, according to district documents.
The contract amendment approved in June 2018 was to run until June 30, 2019. Beginning on July 1, 2019, Stone was to return to her job as superintendent only, with the contract then extended to June 30, 2020.
The original document allowed the board to terminate the contract at any time, with or without cause.
In the latter case, the contract requires the district to continue to pay her salary for the remainder of the term of the agreement, or for a period of 12 months, whichever period is shorter.
Tucker did not respond to a question from Lake County News about whether Stone is being paid for the remainder of the contract because she was evacuating due to the Grove fire.
Stone’s departure marks the third change in a superintendent in Lake County’s schools since the start of this year.
In January, the Lakeport Unified School District Board terminated the contract of April Leiferman. Jill Falconer has since been hired as that district’s superintendent.
Then in June, Konocti Unified Superintendent Donna Becnel retired. Her successor is Dr. Rebecca Salato.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A vehicle crash on Thursday morning did major damage to a popular Clearlake doughnut shop.
The crash occurred at 10:55 a.m. Thursday at Castle Donuts, 14370 Lakeshore Drive, according to Clearlake Police Sgt. Sgt. Rodd Joseph.
Joseph said the male driver of a newer model black Jeep said he missed his brake pedal and crashed into the front of the business.
“The business was open at the time,” Joseph said.
The driver was uninjured but the one customer who was seated inside had his chair bumped, Joseph said. That customer complained of pain and was transported to Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital.
The Clearlake Police Department sent out a Nixle alert on Thursday morning, notifying community members that the northbound lane of Lakeshore Drive between Palmer and Howard avenues was closed due to a crash, and encouraging drivers to use alternate routes.
“The building is severely damaged,” said Joseph, noting that the power had to be shut off ane Clearlake Code Enforcement is requiring that it be fenced off.
He said he went by later in the day and the owner was trying to prop up a corner of the building, which looked like it was going to fall.
“The important thing is, nobody got hurt,” Joseph said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Caltrans has released its SB 1 Annual Efficiencies Report for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the California Transportation Commission, noting that its efficiency measures saved nearly $233 million – more than double the statutory goal of $100 million per year – which will be reinvested to maintain and rehabilitate state highways.
“Californians rightly expect an effective government that delivers on projects and protects taxpayer investments,” said Gov. Newsom. “The voters entrusted us with billions to invest in roads and transportation, and we must be good stewards of this important funding. In more than doubling the savings through efficiencies, we’re proving that the state can find innovative ways to lower costs in delivering highway projects and pump those savings back into fixing roads to benefit our economy.”
Caltrans efficiencies reported last year accounted for $123 million available for reinvestment in highway maintenance and rehabilitation.
In reaching nearly $233 million in savings this year, Caltrans implemented innovative contracting tools, including accelerating work, independent contract evaluations and advance mitigation credits; process improvements, such as value analysis and streamlining environmental review; and the use of new technologies, including highly reflective striping materials, mobile field devices to reduce the time spent traveling between job sites and field offices for reporting.
“Well maintained roadways decrease commute times, reduce wear and tear on vehicles and allow for the efficient transportation of goods,” said California Transportation Secretary David S. Kim. “Through innovative strategies that include using more durable materials, accelerating critical construction projects and continuous process improvements, Caltrans is working smarter while being a good steward of public funds.”
The full Caltrans 2018-2019 SB 1 Annual Efficiencies Report is available here: https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/sb1/documents/sb1-annual-efficiencies-report-2018-19-final.pdf .
“Californians rightly expect an effective government that delivers on projects and protects taxpayer investments,” said Gov. Newsom. “The voters entrusted us with billions to invest in roads and transportation, and we must be good stewards of this important funding. In more than doubling the savings through efficiencies, we’re proving that the state can find innovative ways to lower costs in delivering highway projects and pump those savings back into fixing roads to benefit our economy.”
Caltrans efficiencies reported last year accounted for $123 million available for reinvestment in highway maintenance and rehabilitation.
In reaching nearly $233 million in savings this year, Caltrans implemented innovative contracting tools, including accelerating work, independent contract evaluations and advance mitigation credits; process improvements, such as value analysis and streamlining environmental review; and the use of new technologies, including highly reflective striping materials, mobile field devices to reduce the time spent traveling between job sites and field offices for reporting.
“Well maintained roadways decrease commute times, reduce wear and tear on vehicles and allow for the efficient transportation of goods,” said California Transportation Secretary David S. Kim. “Through innovative strategies that include using more durable materials, accelerating critical construction projects and continuous process improvements, Caltrans is working smarter while being a good steward of public funds.”
The full Caltrans 2018-2019 SB 1 Annual Efficiencies Report is available here: https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/sb1/documents/sb1-annual-efficiencies-report-2018-19-final.pdf .
This story is being updated.
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are working to contain a fast-moving fire near the Hidden Valley Lake community, with evacuations ordered for one part of the subdivision in the fire’s path.
The fire in the area of Spruce Grove Road South at Highway 29 was first reported just after 8 p.m. Thursday.
Within 10 minutes of dispatch, arriving units and incident command began to call for evacuations due to the fire’s proximity to homes, according to radio reports.
Lake County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers are responding to assist with evacuations, with Lake County Central Dispatch reporting that it is being swamped with 911 call.
Incident Commander Willie Sapeta, chief of Lake County Fire, initially gave a size estimate of begin seven and 10 acres, with a moderate rate of spread, just after 8:20 p.m.
Less than 10 minutes later, he was reporting that the fire had doubled in size and was moving at a rapid rate.
Cal Fire has a strike team stationed in Lake County that is responding, according to radio reports.
Sapeta has called for evacuations in the area of Spruce Grove Road South, up through Deer Hill, Conestoga and Eagle Rock, until they get a better idea of the fire’s size.
Hidden Valley Lake Security is reported to be going door to door in thea area.
CHP officers are working to divert traffic around the scene, radio reports indicated.
At 9:18 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office sent out the following Nixle alert: “There is a fire North of the Hidden Valley Lake Community, in the vicinity of Connestoga and Firethorn Roads. Residents are advised to evacuate immediately. An evacuation Center is being established at the Twin Pines Casino in Middletown.”
Shortly after 9:30 p.m., there were reports over the scanner that evacuations had been lifted for the areas of Conestoga, Eagle Rock and Deer Hill.
At about 9:45 p.m., a report over the scanner from Central Dispatch indicated all evacuations had been lifted.
CHP reported at 9:50 p.m. that Highway 29 between Spruce Grove Road North and Spruce Grove Road South is remaining closed for the time being.
At 9:57 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued a followup Nixle alert: “There is still a fire North of the Hidden Valley Lake Community, in the vicinity of Connestoga and Firethorn Roads. However, all evacuation orders have been lifted, and resident may return home. Please be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel that will continue to be working in the area.”
More details will be posted as they become available.
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.
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are working to contain a fast-moving fire near the Hidden Valley Lake community, with evacuations ordered for one part of the subdivision in the fire’s path.
The fire in the area of Spruce Grove Road South at Highway 29 was first reported just after 8 p.m. Thursday.
Within 10 minutes of dispatch, arriving units and incident command began to call for evacuations due to the fire’s proximity to homes, according to radio reports.
Lake County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers are responding to assist with evacuations, with Lake County Central Dispatch reporting that it is being swamped with 911 call.
Incident Commander Willie Sapeta, chief of Lake County Fire, initially gave a size estimate of begin seven and 10 acres, with a moderate rate of spread, just after 8:20 p.m.
Less than 10 minutes later, he was reporting that the fire had doubled in size and was moving at a rapid rate.
Cal Fire has a strike team stationed in Lake County that is responding, according to radio reports.
Sapeta has called for evacuations in the area of Spruce Grove Road South, up through Deer Hill, Conestoga and Eagle Rock, until they get a better idea of the fire’s size.
Hidden Valley Lake Security is reported to be going door to door in thea area.
CHP officers are working to divert traffic around the scene, radio reports indicated.
At 9:18 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office sent out the following Nixle alert: “There is a fire North of the Hidden Valley Lake Community, in the vicinity of Connestoga and Firethorn Roads. Residents are advised to evacuate immediately. An evacuation Center is being established at the Twin Pines Casino in Middletown.”
Shortly after 9:30 p.m., there were reports over the scanner that evacuations had been lifted for the areas of Conestoga, Eagle Rock and Deer Hill.
At about 9:45 p.m., a report over the scanner from Central Dispatch indicated all evacuations had been lifted.
CHP reported at 9:50 p.m. that Highway 29 between Spruce Grove Road North and Spruce Grove Road South is remaining closed for the time being.
At 9:57 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff’s Office issued a followup Nixle alert: “There is still a fire North of the Hidden Valley Lake Community, in the vicinity of Connestoga and Firethorn Roads. However, all evacuation orders have been lifted, and resident may return home. Please be aware of emergency vehicles and personnel that will continue to be working in the area.”
More details will be posted as they become available.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Lakeport Police Department and Lakeport Unified School District announce new school resource officer
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A new school resource officer has been selected to serve the Lakeport Unified School District.
District officials along with the Lakeport Police Department announced the assignment of Officer Ryan Cooley as the district’s new school resource officer.
Officer Cooley is succeeding Officer Victor Rico who has served as the school resource officer for the past three years and recently was promoted to an investigator position at the Lakeport Police Department.
The department said Officer Rico will continue to support the district by teaching the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program, or DARE, for the remainder of this school year.
Before being assigned this week, Officer Cooley – who joined the department in July after serving with the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office – completed a state certified campus law enforcement training course and will officially begin his duties at Lakeport Unified on Thursday, Oct. 17.
The school resource officer program continues to be possible due to a partnership between the Lakeport Unified School District Board and the Lakeport City Council, with Lakeport Unified providing the majority of the funding.
“We appreciate the support and commitment of this program from the city and school board,” Lakeport Police Department Chief Brad Rasmussen and Lakeport Unified Superintendent Jill Falconer said in a written statement about the program.
All involved officials believe that placement of a police officer on the school grounds will greatly enhance the safety of all students, staff and visitors on the campuses. Additionally, as past experience has shown, the officer can assist students and have a positive impact on their lives, school officials and police said.
The primary focus of the school resource officer program is to build partnerships with students, parents and school staff in the interest of keeping all of our campuses safe as well as guiding students toward making the right choices.
“We are confident that Officer Cooley will be a great addition to the district and we look forward to developing a strong working relationship with him,” Rasmussen and Falconer said.
They offered their thanks to Rico for his past service and welcomed Cooley to this new role.
Officer Cooley will cover all Lakeport Unified campuses and his office will be located at Terrace Middle School. He will also be part of the Lakeport Unified Safety Committee. He can be reached by phone at 707-262 2192 or by email at
Falconer and Rasmussen encouraged anyone having additional questions about the school resource officer program to contact the police or school district administrations.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, or GO-Biz, and the California Office of Emergency Services have announced options for small businesses looking for ongoing assistance to access capital, expand revenues or improve operations, including businesses affected by the recent public safety power shutoff event.
Interested business owners can find information regarding these resources through a variety of sources, including GO-Biz’s Web site at http://businessportal.ca.gov and the California Small
Business Development Center at www.californiasbdc.org .
Additionally, the city of Clearlake has the information on its Facebook page and Web site.
“While the recent public safety power shutoff event was not officially declared a disaster, the impact to many local small businesses was substantial,” said City Manager Alan Flora. “The city urges business owners to explore any resources that can help ease the burden of their costs associated with the public safety power shutoff or that are interested in expanding their business.”
Interested business owners can find information regarding these resources through a variety of sources, including GO-Biz’s Web site at http://businessportal.ca.gov and the California Small
Business Development Center at www.californiasbdc.org .
Additionally, the city of Clearlake has the information on its Facebook page and Web site.
“While the recent public safety power shutoff event was not officially declared a disaster, the impact to many local small businesses was substantial,” said City Manager Alan Flora. “The city urges business owners to explore any resources that can help ease the burden of their costs associated with the public safety power shutoff or that are interested in expanding their business.”