News

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With several inches of rain expected this week because of an arriving atmospheric river, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Lake County.

The flash flood watch is in effect from 4 p.m. Monday through 8 a.m. Thursday.

The National Weather Service said at atmospheric river is taking aim at Northern California this week, which is anticipated to result in rapid rises in creeks, rivers, lakes and other water bodies.

Because of that new influx of water, there are chances of flash flooding due to persisting heavy rain at times. Burn scar areas such as found in the Mendocino Complex footprint are of particular concern.

Along with the rain, some snow melt could add to the water levels, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service’s Sacramento office said the week will get off to a wet start with moderate to heavy rain at times from Monday through Wednesday.

The specific Lake County forecast calls for rainfall levels ranging up to 6 inches this week. As much as 4 inches of rain could fall on Monday alone, based on the forecast.

Rain is expected to continue through much of the week, with a break from Thursday night to Friday night before rain returns for the weekend.

Winds with gusts above 25 miles per hour are forecast throughout the county on Monday and Monday night, with slightly lower wind speeds on Tuesday.

Daytime temperatures this week will range from the high 40s to low 50s, and nighttime conditions will range from the low 30s to low 40s, with Wednesday and Thursday night expected to be the coldest nights.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The recruitment effort for two county department head positions, the efficacy of the cannabis ordinance and the Lakeport Fire parcel tax are on this week’s Board of Supervisors agenda.

The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 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 untimed item on Tuesday, the staff will give the board an update on recruitment efforts for the registrar of voters and Animal Care and Control director positions.

Interim Registrar of Voters Maria Valadez’s last day with the county was Friday, and Animal Care and Control Director Bill Davidson’s last day is March 8.

Also on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. the board will consider approving a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Lakeport Fire Protection District calling for a mail ballot election for voter approval of a parcel tax.

At 10:15 a.m., at Supervisor Bruno Sabatier’s request, the board will hold a discussion on the efficacy of the county’s cannabis cultivation ordinance.

In other untimed items, the board will hear a report from the Lake County Land Trust regarding the Wright Property, part of the Big Valley Wetlands Preservation Project, and consider a change in the composition of the board-appointed committee to negotiate with the city of Lakeport regarding the South Main Street area, which the city wants to annex.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2018-165 declaring the Board of Supervisors intent to sell property not required for public use, located at 8695 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville, California (APN 009-002-430), Pursuant to Government Code Section 25520 Et Seq.

5.2: Sitting as the Lake County Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, approve waiver of the 900 hour limitation for extra help Air Quality Specialist Robert Boss.

5.3: (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; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and BHC Heritage Oaks Hospital for the Fiscal Year 2018-19 for a contract maximum of $25,454 and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.4: Approve first amendment to the service agreement between county of Lake and Redwood Toxicology Lab Inc. in the amount of $25,000 From July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 and Authorize the chair to sign.

5.5: Approve the plans and specifications for the Hill Road Correctional Facility Security Electronics Upgrade Project, Bid No. 19-03, and authorize the Public Services director / assistant purchasing agent to advertise for bids.

5.6: Adopt a resolution authorizing the Special Districts administrator to initiate all transfers of Starview Water CSA No. 18 assets, liabilities and fund equity in a manner prescribed by the county auditor-controller and as authorized and approved by the county administrative officer and that all conveyance of property, real and personal of the dissolved district, as illustrated in Attachment A, to Cobb Area County Water District shall be properly executed by the Special Districts administrator.

5.7: Adopt a resolution authorizing the Special Districts administrator to initiate all transfers of Bonanza Springs Water CSA No. 7 assets, liabilities and fund equity in a manner prescribed by the county auditor-controller and as authorized and approved by the county administrative officer and that all conveyance of property, real and personal of the dissolved district, as illustrated in Attachment A, to Cobb Area County Water District shall be properly executed by the Special Districts administrator.

5.8: Adopt a resolution authorizing the Special Districts administrator to initiate all transfers of CSA No. 22 Mt Hannah Water assets, liabilities and fund equity in a manner prescribed by the county auditor-controller and as authorized and approved by the county administrative officer and that all conveyance of property, real and personal of the dissolved district, as illustrated in Attachment A, to Cobb Area County Water District shall be properly executed by the Special Districts administrator.

5.9: Award bid for the relocation of sewer facilities in Middletown project, in the amount of $341,449.00 to Terracon Constructors Inc. of Healdsburg and authorize the chair to execute the notice of award and agreement.

TIMED ITEMS

6.2, 10 a.m.: Consideration of approval of resolution of the Board of Directors of the Lakeport Fire Protection District calling for a mail ballot election for voter approval of a parcel tax.

6.3, 10:15 a.m.: Discussion and consideration of the efficacy of the cannabis cultivation ordinance with possible direction to staff.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Consideration of report from the Lake County Land Trust regarding the Wright Property - Big Valley Wetlands Preservation Project.

7.3: Consideration of change in composition of board appointed committee to negotiate with the city of Lakeport regarding the South Main Street area.

7.4: Consideration of Reactivation of the Airport Land Use Commission.

7.5: Consideration of letter to Gov. Newsom to express appreciation for his support of AB 72.

7.6: Consideration of update from staff on recruitment efforts for the department head positions of registrar of voters and Animal Care and Control director.

7.7: Consideration of agreement between the county of Lake and Community Development Services for Community Development Block Grant general administrative services for $210,000.

7.8: Discussion and consideration of a second amendment to the joint powers agreement creating the Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority in order to Include the Lake County Fire Protection District as a member.

7.9: Consideration of correction of typographical error in approved resolutions of intention to create: (a) Zone of Benefit Clearlake Riviera within CSA No. 23; (b) Zone of Benefit Buckingham Within CSA No. 23; (c) Zone of Benefit Riviera West Within CSA No. 23; and (d) Zone of Benefit Riviera Heights Within CSA No. 23.

7.10: Consideration of resolution approving alternate office hours for Health Services Department.

7.11: Consideration of Change Order No. 3 for Anderson Springs Sewer Project for an increase of $8,391.01 and a revised contract amount of $6,966,041.17 and authorize the administrator to sign.

CLOSED SESSION

8.1: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): County of Lake, et al. v. PG&E, et al.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Planning Commission will hold a special meeting this week in which it will welcome a new commissioner and discuss an affordable housing project.

The commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

Documents for the meeting can be found here.

On the agenda is the swearing-in of new Planning Commissioner Mark Mitchell.

The commission also will honor outgoing member, Suzanne Russell, hold a Brown Act workshop and get an an overview from city staff on the commission’s roles and responsibilities.

One of the evening’s main agenda items is the application from AMG & Associates for an architectural and design review for a 48-unit multifamily apartment complex at 1255 Martin St.

The affordable housing project is slated to be built on a four-acre portion of a property where a 24-unit apartment complex currently is being built.

The report to the commission from Associate Planner Dan Chance explains that there is a statewide shortage of affordable housing, and it’s a primary objective of legislators to increase such housing projects.

In other business, the commission will continue a discussion regarding the Planning Department and the commission’s goals and work program.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has three new cats it is offering to new homes.

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption.

Female domestic short hair

This female domestic short hair cat has a black coat with white markings and green eyes.

She’s in kennel No. 26, ID No. 11768.

Female domestic medium hair

This female domestic medium hair cat and a black coat with white markings and gold eyes.

She’s in kennel No. 105, ID No. 11785.

Male domestic short hair

This male domestic short hair cat has a brown tabby coat and gold eyes.

He’s in kennel No. 121, ID No. 11787.

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm.

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping businesses and improving Lake County’s economy has big plans for the year ahead which are receiving support from local governments.

The Lake Economic Development Corp. asked for, and received, support from the Lakeport City Council council for its continued implementation of a plan to support economic and business development, with the city also to consider a $10,000 budget contribution in the upcoming fiscal year.

The staff report for the discussion begins on page 77 of the agenda packet below and can be seen starting at the 27:18 mark in the video above.

The organization made a similar presentation to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12, where county officials indicated support and willingness to consider a contribution, and it’s scheduled to present to the Clearlake City Council on Thursday. Lake EDC is seeking $25,000 from the county and $10,000 from Clearlake for the next fiscal year.

Lake EDC worked with the two cities and the county along with the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay on the Lake County Path to Prosperity Economic Development Strategy, which was presented at a December meeting.

That plan’s key elements include focusing on targeted industries such as agriculture, tourism and research; improving infrastructure, including broadband and facilities at Lampson Field airport; and marketing Lake County’s unique and desirable qualities, including quality of life, the low cost to live here and the natural beauty.

Andy Lucas, a business representative for Lake EDC, explained the background of the organization, founded in 1983 and made up of individuals representing the county and two cities, private sector, Tribal Health, the Workforce Alliance, agriculture and real estate. It’s funded through US Department of Agriculture grants.

He said they assist with startup, expansion and business sale strategies. They also offer business education through workshops and one-on-one consultations on topics including marketing, Web site development, managing cash flow, using QuickBooks, preparing a business plan, customer service, networking services and working with lenders. Other efforts revolve around facility creation, retention, expansion and attraction of business.

Lake EDC offers business financing and access to capital from multiple sources, and has 31 loans to Lake County businesses, totaling $3.2 million, with more than 300 jobs created, Lucas said.

“We really like to be sort of mechanics for businesses,” Lucas said, explaining that they get in and identify the needs and find ways to address them.

He said the services are offered at no cost to businesses, “which is really beneficial for our rural economy here.”

Lake EDC also recently become more involved in housing for working class families, especially after the wildfires and the resulting loss of homes. He said it’s been working with the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development on that project, and together they’ve hosted five housing fairs. Another one – in both English and Spanish – is coming up on March 16. USDA Rural Development’s housing director comes to Lake County a few times a month, works out of Lake EDC’s Kelseyville offices and meets with applicants.

He said Lake EDC also has collaborated with both cities and the county, local organizations – among them, the Westside Community Park Committee, Middletown Art Center, the chambers of commerce – and numerous local businesses.

Lake EDC’s 2018-19 fiscal year operating budget totals $141,300. With that amount, Lucas said Lake EDC has been able to do several things – from putting on a number of housing fairs, to helping businesses, working on grants and operating an intermediary lending program in which it borrows money from the USDA and relends it out to businesses in the community for job creation and retention.

The organization also created a new Web site that he said is a great tool for existing businesses as well as for business investment and attraction.

Sources of the Lake EDC operating budget include a USDA Rural Business Development grant and the Business Loan Program, funds from the cities and county, and CalRecycle, Lucas said.

In the upcoming fiscal year, Lucas said Lake EDC has a projected budget of $252,500.

Lucas said Lake EDC has applied for an $80,000 grant from USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant program, and also has received approval from the US Department of Commerce with regard to establishing an economic development disaster recovery coordinator position for $80,000.

At a Dec. 7 board retreat, Lake EDC selected three primary short-term tasks for the Path to Prosperity Economic Strategy for 2019-2020, he said.

The tasks include defining and marketing 25 countywide commercial sites with complete information on each site that will be posted on the Lake EDC’s Web site under the “Site Selector” tab; expanding broadband services to commercial and residential users not adequately served now, as well as to the rest of the county; and funding infrastructure improvements such as public bathrooms and wastewater treatment at Lampson Field.

Councilman George Spurr asked about how to address the budget request. City Manager Margaret Silveira said it will be brought back to the council during the budgeting process.

“We are mostly about working with the local folks, day in, day out,” said Jeff Lucas, another of the Lake EDC’s principals.

He said they want to offer more of that help, explaining that they understand the pros and cons of owning a business.

Silveira lauded the Lucases for doing a great job.

Councilwoman Mireya Turner said she was encouraged and excited by the list of projects Lake EDC is proposing, noting that the airport infrastructure will benefit the whole county, and broadband will offer opportunities such as the ability to work from home.

“That’s what government does, is it creates the infrastructure that allows the businesses to thrive and grow, so this seems very consistent with those priorities,” Turner said.

“The best thing about this to me is the collaborative effort,” said Councilwoman Stacey Mattina. “The two cities and the county are finally all coming together, and you have so much interest and so many people that are willing to participate and want to see it move forward.”

Councilman Kenny Parlet said it’s fairly minor investment. “I’m all for it, especially for ten grand.”

Turner moved to support continued implementation of the plan and suggested staff consider the $10,000 contribution, which the council approved 5-0.

For more information about Lake EDC, visit https://www.lakecountycaedc.org/.

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.

021919 Lakeport City Counci... by on Scribd

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has a big group of dogs featuring a unique variety of breeds, big and little.

Dogs available for adoption this week include mixes of Australian Shepherd, Boxer, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, husky, Lhasa Apso, mastiff, pit bull, Pomeranian, shepherd, Shih Tzu and Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

‘Ewok’

“Ewok” is a male Shih Tzu with a shaved white and brown coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’ in kennel No. 2, ID No. 11679.

‘Cricket’

“Cricket” is a senior female Lhasa Apso with a long tan and white coat.

She’s in kennel No. 4, ID No. 11650.

‘CoCo’

“CoCo” is a young male pit bull terrier with a short brown and white coat.

Shelter staff said she’s good with other dogs but can play rough, so a meet and greet with other dogs is recommended. She’s great with people and would benefit from obedience training.

He’s in kennel No. 5, ID No. 11763.

Male terrier

This male terrier has a short black and white coat.

He has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 6, ID No. 11756.

Female German Shepherd

This female German Shepherd has a medium-length black and tan coat.

Shelter staff said she is great with other dogs, but is very submissive and lacking confidence; she would benefit from socialization with other dogs. They also report she is very sweet and gentle with people and would do fine with children of all ages.

She’s in kennel No. 7, ID No. 11772.

Female shepherd

This female shepherd has a short tricolor coat.

Shelter staff said she’s good with other dogs and is very gentle and submissive. She would benefit from socialization with other dogs and people. Staff also reported that she is good with children of all ages.

She’s in kennel No. 8, ID No. 11770.

‘Alaki’

“Alaki” is a male pit bull terrier.

He has a short brindle coat with white markings. He already has been neutered.

Shelter staff said Alaki is great with other dogs that will tolerate his level of play. He would benefit from daily exercise and behavior training, and he is very willing to learn. They said he would be good with children ages 12 and over.

He’s in kennel No. 11, ID No. 6386.

‘Dozer’

“Dozer” is a male Catahoula Leopard Dog with a short blue and brown coat.

Shelter staff said Dozer is good with other submissive dogs, he’s not interested in play and would rather go for walks. They said he would do best with children ages 10 and over.

He’s in kennel No. 14, ID No. 11737.

‘Truely’

“Truely” is a female pit bull with a short white and tan coat.

She’s in kennel No. 15, ID No. 11645.

Male boxer

This male boxer has a short brown and black coat.

He has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 16, ID No. 11738.

Australian Shepherd-pit bull terrier

This male Australian Shepherd-pit bull terrier has a short tricolor coat.

He’s in kennel No. 19, ID No. 11789.

Shepherd-hound mix

This young female shepherd-hound mix has a short red coat.

She’s in kennel No. 20, ID No. 11786.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

This male Treeing Walker Coonhound has a short tricolor coat.

Shelter staff said he is dominant with other dogs and would prefer not to play but just soak up human affection. He can live with other dogs but prefers to not have them in his space. He’s good with children age 6 and up.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 21, ID No. 11771.

‘Scout’

“Scout” is a young male husky-shepherd mix.

Shelter staff said he is very submissive and lacks confidence with other dogs but he’s very sweet with people. He is a huge puppy and would benefit from obedience training.

He’s in kennel No. 22, ID No. 11778.

Female pit bull terrier

This female pit bull terrier has a short brown and white coat.

Shelter staff said he is great with other dogs and would benefit from obedience and socialization.

She’s in kennel No. 23, ID No. 11777.

Male Pomeranian

This male Pomeranian has a long tan coat.

He already has been neutered.

Shelter staff said he is good with other dogs, loves to play and is high energy. He would do best with children age 10 and above.

He’s in kennel No. 24, ID No. 11776.

Doberman Pinscher

This female Doberman Pinscher has a short blue and brown coat.

Shelter staff said she is great with other dogs and very well mannered. She listens to commands, knows basic obedience and is a people pleaser. They said she would do great with children.

She’s in kennel No. 26, ID No. 11774.

‘Elmo’

“Elmo” is an older male Labrador Retriever mix with a medium-length tricolor coat.

Shelter staff said Elmo is a very sweet older fellow who loves human affection. He could live with other dogs who respect his space and he’s good with children age 10 and above.

He’s in kennel No. 27, ID No. 11765.

‘Smokey’

“Smokey” is a male pit bull terrier with a short fawn and white coat.

Shelter staff said he’s good with other dogs, loves playing with balls and walks well on a leash. He is very sweet.

Smokey already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 28, ID No. 11646.

Female Labrador Retriever

This female Labrador Retriever has a short black coat.

She already has been spayed.

Shelter staff said she is dominant with other dogs, so they recommend a meet and greet for potential adopters with other canines. She is great with both adults and children.
She’s in kennel No. 29, ID No. 11736.

‘Rogue’

“Rogue” is a male mastiff with a short brindle coat.

He’s in kennel No. 31, ID No. 11732.

Male German Shepherd

This male German Shepherd has a medium-length tricolor coat.

He’s in kennel No. 33, ID No. 11564.

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm.

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

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.