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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The city of Lakeport has begun sending out administrative citation warning letters to property owners who haven’t abated weeds and other nuisance vegetation by the June 1 deadline.
The Lakeport City Council voted last week to adopt a resolution declaring the presence of dry weeds, brush and similar vegetation on lots in the city as a public nuisance and directed staff to move forward with the administrative citation process after attempts had been made to gain compliance from property owners.
The discussion begins at the 8:03 mark in the video above. The staff report is on page 33 of the agenda packet below.
In 2018, the council amended Lakeport Municipal Code to change the deadline for nuisance weed and vegetation abatement to June 1, consistent with Cal Fire recommendations. The date previously had been set on the first business day following the July 4 holiday.
Community Development Director Kevin Ingram’s written report to the council explained that beginning in the first week of May, the Lakeport Fire Protection District sent out a courtesy letter to several hundred property owners in the city “reminding them of the need to abate and control hazardous vegetation creating a fire hazard risk by the June 1st deadline.”
He said city staff followed up after the deadline by performing a citywide review, identifying properties where vegetation hadn’t yet been abated.
Ingram told the council that compliance has been better than it has been in the last couple of years, but there were still about 100 properties that hadn’t complied. He said the late rains also were a complicating factor, causing weeds to grow back after people made attempts to remove them.
Those receiving the notices have 10 days to abate the weeds. During that time frame they can file a protest and ask for a hearing, Ingram said. Afterward, if an appeal isn’t granted, the city can move forward with abatement.
Fines for not complying after the administrative citation warning letter range from an initial $100 fine to up to $500 for continued noncompliance, Ingram said.
He said the city had very good compliance last year and didn't have to do many administrative citations. However, last year's program was interrupted by the River fire.
Ingram said one of the biggest issues in the last couple of years is getting a company that can come out and abate weeds.
Councilman George Spurr asked if any of the people on the abatement list have been on past lists. Ingram said yes, for the most part.
Councilman Kenny Parlet moved to approve the resolution and direction to staff to send the warning letters, which the council approved 3-0. Councilwoman Stacey Mattina recused herself from the discussion and Councilwoman Mireya Turner was absent.
The final list of properties receiving the notices included 111 parcels totaling approximately 306 acres. Of those parcels, 50 are held by owners based by out of county, and of those, seven belong to out-of-state owners.
Ingram told Lake County News that the administrative citation warning letters went out to the property owners on Tuesday.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
061819 Lakeport City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council will consider what response the city may take in the event Pacific Gas and Electric implements public safety power shutoffs in response to weather conditions and wildland fire danger this summer.
The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
At the start of the meeting, new Police Officer Jesus Loera will take his oath and Clearlake Animal Control will present June’s adoptable dogs.
Under council business, the council will be asked to discuss and offer possible direction to staff regarding a city response to PG&E’s planned public safety power shutdowns.
City Manager Alan Flora’s report on the item explains that, with “PG&E’s infrastructure being identified as a cause of various wildfires within their territory over the past several years, the company has developed a plan to reduce the likelihood of future fires caused by electric utility infrastructure. One of the techniques identified and approved by the California Public Utility Commission is what is entitled a Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS).”
The shutdowns, based on weather information, would cause the company to shut off power “in an area determined to have a high probability of sparking a wildfire, primarily due to contact
between vegetation and electric transmission lines,” Flora wrote.
He said these types of power shutdowns have been used for several years by other utilities, but not by PG&E until 2018.
Flora said it’s important for the community to understand that the shutdowns are “highly likely” to occur, and could result in power being shut off for several days.
The shutdowns are not considered a natural disaster, and therefore are not eligible for funding normally provided by the federal and state governments, Flora said.
He said community members must be prepared, as the city cannot provide sheltering for thousands of people. “It is imperative that the community prepares a plan for their family and/or business and is not reliant on the City to provide a disaster like response.”
Flora said City Hall and the Clearlake Police station are equipped with an emergency generator and expect to be open for business as usual during a shutdown. City staff also are working to develop a plan “to maintain the highest level of core services during a potential PSPS and will provide resources and information to the community as it becomes available.”
He’s asking the council to discuss the shutoffs and provide staff “any direction on response as appropriate.”
In other business, the council will discuss the purchase of a street sweeper, which had come up during a May council discussion on road equipment.
Staff is bringing back several quotes for new and used equipment, ranging from $128,199 for a 2012 model up to $438,000 for a 2019 street sweeper, according to Public Works Superintendent Michael Baker’s report.
The council also will consider designating its voting delegates and alternate for the League of California Cities’ annual conference in October.
In addition, there is a closed session scheduled to discuss negotiations with the Clearlake Management/Confidential Employees, Clearlake Police Officer Association, Clearlake Municipal
Employees Association and Clearlake Middle Management Association, and conference with legal counsel regarding the city’s lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Corp. over the Sulphur fire.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are warrant registers; second reading of Ordinance No. 230-2019 requiring registration of vacant, abandoned or foreclosed commercial buildings; minutes of the April and May meetings; minutes of the May 8 Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; used oil payment program application by the county of Lake; consideration of updates to the city salary schedule; consideration of a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2017-34, adopting the Code Enforcement Division policy and procedure manual, Resolution No. 2019-31; consideration of Resolution 2019-32 to authorize the city manager to execute all master agreements, program supplemental agreements, fund exchange agreements, fund-transfer agreements and/or any amendments for federal and/or state-funded transportation projects.
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. Thursday, June 27, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
At the start of the meeting, new Police Officer Jesus Loera will take his oath and Clearlake Animal Control will present June’s adoptable dogs.
Under council business, the council will be asked to discuss and offer possible direction to staff regarding a city response to PG&E’s planned public safety power shutdowns.
City Manager Alan Flora’s report on the item explains that, with “PG&E’s infrastructure being identified as a cause of various wildfires within their territory over the past several years, the company has developed a plan to reduce the likelihood of future fires caused by electric utility infrastructure. One of the techniques identified and approved by the California Public Utility Commission is what is entitled a Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS).”
The shutdowns, based on weather information, would cause the company to shut off power “in an area determined to have a high probability of sparking a wildfire, primarily due to contact
between vegetation and electric transmission lines,” Flora wrote.
He said these types of power shutdowns have been used for several years by other utilities, but not by PG&E until 2018.
Flora said it’s important for the community to understand that the shutdowns are “highly likely” to occur, and could result in power being shut off for several days.
The shutdowns are not considered a natural disaster, and therefore are not eligible for funding normally provided by the federal and state governments, Flora said.
He said community members must be prepared, as the city cannot provide sheltering for thousands of people. “It is imperative that the community prepares a plan for their family and/or business and is not reliant on the City to provide a disaster like response.”
Flora said City Hall and the Clearlake Police station are equipped with an emergency generator and expect to be open for business as usual during a shutdown. City staff also are working to develop a plan “to maintain the highest level of core services during a potential PSPS and will provide resources and information to the community as it becomes available.”
He’s asking the council to discuss the shutoffs and provide staff “any direction on response as appropriate.”
In other business, the council will discuss the purchase of a street sweeper, which had come up during a May council discussion on road equipment.
Staff is bringing back several quotes for new and used equipment, ranging from $128,199 for a 2012 model up to $438,000 for a 2019 street sweeper, according to Public Works Superintendent Michael Baker’s report.
The council also will consider designating its voting delegates and alternate for the League of California Cities’ annual conference in October.
In addition, there is a closed session scheduled to discuss negotiations with the Clearlake Management/Confidential Employees, Clearlake Police Officer Association, Clearlake Municipal
Employees Association and Clearlake Middle Management Association, and conference with legal counsel regarding the city’s lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Corp. over the Sulphur fire.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are warrant registers; second reading of Ordinance No. 230-2019 requiring registration of vacant, abandoned or foreclosed commercial buildings; minutes of the April and May meetings; minutes of the May 8 Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; used oil payment program application by the county of Lake; consideration of updates to the city salary schedule; consideration of a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2017-34, adopting the Code Enforcement Division policy and procedure manual, Resolution No. 2019-31; consideration of Resolution 2019-32 to authorize the city manager to execute all master agreements, program supplemental agreements, fund exchange agreements, fund-transfer agreements and/or any amendments for federal and/or state-funded transportation projects.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
062719 Clearlake City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd
Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3), announced that his bipartisan Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019 has secured the 290 cosponsors necessary to receive a mandatory vote in the House of Representatives.
The bill will move to the Consensus Calendar, which hosts legislation that’s typically passed unanimously by the House.
“Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the Merchant Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country. The Merchant Marine suffered the highest per capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives, and another 12,000 were wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these Mariners who put their lives on the line were not even given veteran status until 1988,” Garamendi said.
“Last year, I got the chance to meet with three World War II Merchant Mariners: Charles Mills of Texas, age 97; Eugene Barner from Kansas, age 92; and Robert Weagant from Illinois, age 92,” Garamendi continued. “These mariners put their lives on the line for this country, braving German and Japanese submarines in their Liberty Ships as they delivered critical supplies to our servicemembers in the European and Pacific theaters. Unfortunately, their sacrifice is commonly overlooked. A Congressional Gold Medal would give them the recognition they deserve, and that’s why I’ve introduced this bill: to give these veterans and their families the honor and respect they are owed. I’m pleased that this bill will receive a vote in the full House of Representatives and is in an excellent position to become law,” Garamendi said.
“The time has come for our nation to provide a well-deserved thank you and honor the remaining Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII with a Congressional Gold Medal. This group of unsung heroes nobly served our country by operating the ships that transported critical supplies to front lines of the war, and in doing so suffered a casualty rate higher than any other branch of the military. In fact, one out of every 26 casualties during WWII was a volunteer Merchant Mariner. America would not be the great nation it is today without their valiant service of yesterday. I urge Congress to support this important bill and recognize this dwindling group of Merchant Marine Veterans from WWII that have served our nation so admirably,” said Christian Yuhas, vice president of American Merchant Marine Veterans and a Chief Engineer Merchant Marine.
The Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act was introduced in the Senate simultaneously by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Susan Brooks (R-IN) are the original cosponsors in the House of Representatives.
The bill will move to the Consensus Calendar, which hosts legislation that’s typically passed unanimously by the House.
“Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the Merchant Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country. The Merchant Marine suffered the highest per capita casualty rate in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. An estimated 8,300 mariners lost their lives, and another 12,000 were wounded, to make sure our service members could keep fighting. Yet, these Mariners who put their lives on the line were not even given veteran status until 1988,” Garamendi said.
“Last year, I got the chance to meet with three World War II Merchant Mariners: Charles Mills of Texas, age 97; Eugene Barner from Kansas, age 92; and Robert Weagant from Illinois, age 92,” Garamendi continued. “These mariners put their lives on the line for this country, braving German and Japanese submarines in their Liberty Ships as they delivered critical supplies to our servicemembers in the European and Pacific theaters. Unfortunately, their sacrifice is commonly overlooked. A Congressional Gold Medal would give them the recognition they deserve, and that’s why I’ve introduced this bill: to give these veterans and their families the honor and respect they are owed. I’m pleased that this bill will receive a vote in the full House of Representatives and is in an excellent position to become law,” Garamendi said.
“The time has come for our nation to provide a well-deserved thank you and honor the remaining Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII with a Congressional Gold Medal. This group of unsung heroes nobly served our country by operating the ships that transported critical supplies to front lines of the war, and in doing so suffered a casualty rate higher than any other branch of the military. In fact, one out of every 26 casualties during WWII was a volunteer Merchant Mariner. America would not be the great nation it is today without their valiant service of yesterday. I urge Congress to support this important bill and recognize this dwindling group of Merchant Marine Veterans from WWII that have served our nation so admirably,” said Christian Yuhas, vice president of American Merchant Marine Veterans and a Chief Engineer Merchant Marine.
The Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act was introduced in the Senate simultaneously by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and Susan Brooks (R-IN) are the original cosponsors in the House of Representatives.
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Activity on the East fire burning in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness has slowed thanks to cooler temperatures, Mendocino National Forest officials said on Tuesday.
The East fire is 30-percent contained at 410 acres.
Activity on the East fire is expected to remain low while there is a cool weather system in place over Northern California.
On Monday, fire activity consisted of creeping and smoldering within the designated confinement area in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness, 23 miles northeast of Covelo in Trinity County.
There are 100 personnel assigned to the incident. Some of these resources are being released due to the low fire activity.
“We are prepared for the fire to slow down or speed up depending on the weather, terrain and fuels it moves into over the coming weeks. This is the expected natural process as the fire continues to spread within the designated confinement area between the East Ridge, Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge,” said Incident Commander Trainee Terry Nickerson.
“While activity is low now, we are prepared to manage this incident over the long-term with the proper size of organization to support the crews in the wilderness,” said Nickerson. “One way we can do that efficiently is to arrange for a pack train to start delivering supplies to the crews. We anticipate the pack train to start operating the beginning of July.”
Fire crews are patrolling and monitoring activity along Buck Ridge and East Ridge to the Middle Eel River.
Crews also are repairing camp sites, firelines and helispots by removing berms, dispersing slash, hauling trash and covering cut trees with limbs or slash.
Fire personnel can expect temperatures in the low 60s with winds out of the west from 6 to 10 miles per hour on Tuesday.
There are no closures associated with the East Fire, however, officials advise wilderness hikers avoid traveling near Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge.
The East fire is 30-percent contained at 410 acres.
Activity on the East fire is expected to remain low while there is a cool weather system in place over Northern California.
On Monday, fire activity consisted of creeping and smoldering within the designated confinement area in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness, 23 miles northeast of Covelo in Trinity County.
There are 100 personnel assigned to the incident. Some of these resources are being released due to the low fire activity.
“We are prepared for the fire to slow down or speed up depending on the weather, terrain and fuels it moves into over the coming weeks. This is the expected natural process as the fire continues to spread within the designated confinement area between the East Ridge, Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge,” said Incident Commander Trainee Terry Nickerson.
“While activity is low now, we are prepared to manage this incident over the long-term with the proper size of organization to support the crews in the wilderness,” said Nickerson. “One way we can do that efficiently is to arrange for a pack train to start delivering supplies to the crews. We anticipate the pack train to start operating the beginning of July.”
Fire crews are patrolling and monitoring activity along Buck Ridge and East Ridge to the Middle Eel River.
Crews also are repairing camp sites, firelines and helispots by removing berms, dispersing slash, hauling trash and covering cut trees with limbs or slash.
Fire personnel can expect temperatures in the low 60s with winds out of the west from 6 to 10 miles per hour on Tuesday.
There are no closures associated with the East Fire, however, officials advise wilderness hikers avoid traveling near Buck Ridge and Wrights Ridge.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – State and local firefighters were able to stop a wildland fire burning near the Cache Creek Dam on Monday afternoon.
The fire was first reported around 1 p.m. when the Mount Konocti Lookout reported seeing a quickly building column of gray smoke in the direction of the city of Clearlake.
Firefighters initially were unable to locate the source of the smoke. However, they soon tracked it down Dam Road and found it on private property near the Cache Creek Dam, according to Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta.
When firefighters first arrived on scene, it was estimated to be about three acres, with a slow to moderate rate of spread in heavy fuel, based on radio reports.
A total of seven engines from Lake County Fire and Cal Fire responded, along with two water tenders, a dozer, air attack and three company officers, Sapeta said. Copter 104 from Boggs Mountain Helitack also worked the fire.
Radio reports stated there were some high voltage power lines on fire, but no dropped lines. The lines later were deenergized.
The fire burned in the scars of the 2015 Rocky and 2016 Clayton fires and an afternoon west wind was pushing it, according to reports from the scene.
At the scene, Sapeta asked that Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, which owns and operates the dam, be contacted and respond.
Forward progress was reported stopped at 2:25 p.m. At that point it was 5-percent contained.
Sapeta said the burn size was about 5 acres at the time he left. A later radio report at around 7 p.m. gave a size estimate of nine acres.
Sapeta said there was no harm to structures or firefighters, and the cause and origin remain under investigation.
Also on Monday, at about 3 p.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 1400 block of Big Valley Road, where firefighters found smoke coming from the garage.
Radio reports stated that propane tanks were involved and high voltage lines were down briefly. Law enforcement was requested to come and close the road briefly while firefighters were at work.
The fire was knocked down quickly, with incident command reported to be clearing the scene shortly after 5 p.m.
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 fire was first reported around 1 p.m. when the Mount Konocti Lookout reported seeing a quickly building column of gray smoke in the direction of the city of Clearlake.
Firefighters initially were unable to locate the source of the smoke. However, they soon tracked it down Dam Road and found it on private property near the Cache Creek Dam, according to Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta.
When firefighters first arrived on scene, it was estimated to be about three acres, with a slow to moderate rate of spread in heavy fuel, based on radio reports.
A total of seven engines from Lake County Fire and Cal Fire responded, along with two water tenders, a dozer, air attack and three company officers, Sapeta said. Copter 104 from Boggs Mountain Helitack also worked the fire.
Radio reports stated there were some high voltage power lines on fire, but no dropped lines. The lines later were deenergized.
The fire burned in the scars of the 2015 Rocky and 2016 Clayton fires and an afternoon west wind was pushing it, according to reports from the scene.
At the scene, Sapeta asked that Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, which owns and operates the dam, be contacted and respond.
Forward progress was reported stopped at 2:25 p.m. At that point it was 5-percent contained.
Sapeta said the burn size was about 5 acres at the time he left. A later radio report at around 7 p.m. gave a size estimate of nine acres.
Sapeta said there was no harm to structures or firefighters, and the cause and origin remain under investigation.
Also on Monday, at about 3 p.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 1400 block of Big Valley Road, where firefighters found smoke coming from the garage.
Radio reports stated that propane tanks were involved and high voltage lines were down briefly. Law enforcement was requested to come and close the road briefly while firefighters were at work.
The fire was knocked down quickly, with incident command reported to be clearing the scene shortly after 5 p.m.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management Ukiah Field Office will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 9, to provide information and to seek input on the proposed Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project in Lake and Colusa counties.
The open house meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 15900 State Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks.
The 30-day public comment period for Walker Ridge wind energy project will end July 24.
The BLM will accept written public comments during the open-house meeting. Public input will help the BLM determine the size and scope of analysis needed, additional issues to study and a range of alternatives.
Colusa Wind LLC is requesting a right-of-way grant to build a Type III wind energy project and erect up to 42 wind turbines on approximately 2,270 acres of BLM-managed public land along Walker Ridge, within the Indian Valley Management Area.
The proponent is also requesting to widen Walker Ridge Road, construct a substation and overhead transmission line, and bury a collection line and tie-in to the existing Pacific Gas and Electric transmission line.
The BLM intends to prepare an environmental impact statement and a potential amendment to the 2006 Ukiah Resource Management Plan.
The 2006 Ukiah Resource Management Plan identified the Indian Valley Management Area as suitable for wind development.
Please submit written comments by the July 24 deadline. Written comments may be submitted at the public meeting, through the project Website at https://go.usa.gov/xmtGu , via hand-delivery, or by mail to the Ukiah Field Office, Attn: Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project, 2550 N. State Street, Suite 2, Ukiah, CA 95482.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.
The open house meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 15900 State Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks.
The 30-day public comment period for Walker Ridge wind energy project will end July 24.
The BLM will accept written public comments during the open-house meeting. Public input will help the BLM determine the size and scope of analysis needed, additional issues to study and a range of alternatives.
Colusa Wind LLC is requesting a right-of-way grant to build a Type III wind energy project and erect up to 42 wind turbines on approximately 2,270 acres of BLM-managed public land along Walker Ridge, within the Indian Valley Management Area.
The proponent is also requesting to widen Walker Ridge Road, construct a substation and overhead transmission line, and bury a collection line and tie-in to the existing Pacific Gas and Electric transmission line.
The BLM intends to prepare an environmental impact statement and a potential amendment to the 2006 Ukiah Resource Management Plan.
The 2006 Ukiah Resource Management Plan identified the Indian Valley Management Area as suitable for wind development.
Please submit written comments by the July 24 deadline. Written comments may be submitted at the public meeting, through the project Website at https://go.usa.gov/xmtGu , via hand-delivery, or by mail to the Ukiah Field Office, Attn: Walker Ridge Wind Energy Project, 2550 N. State Street, Suite 2, Ukiah, CA 95482.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.