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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County’s longtime Animal Care and Control director is leaving his post, and the county is beginning the process of finding his successor.
Bill Davidson, who has been with Animal Care and Control for about 12 years, told Lake County News that his anticipated last day with the county is March 8.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that she had found out the previous evening that Davidson submitted his resignation.
Davidson said he had wanted to give the county plenty of notice ahead of his departure so it could begin the recruitment process.
The Board of Supervisors took up a discussion of Davidson’s departure as part of a closed session that was added as an extra item on Tuesday, and came out of closed session to direct that recruitment begin immediately.
Davidson’s wife is an educator who previously worked at Riviera Elementary. He said that about two years ago she found employment in the Sacramento area, and since that time they’ve been commuting back and forth on the weekends.
With his wife having more employment opportunities in and around Sacramento, Davidson said he began looking for employment there about eight months ago and is in line to take on a supervisory position in animal control for the county of Sacramento.
Sacramento County is where Davidson first worked in animal control. He said he was employed there from 1987 to to 1997. He joked that he’s the “prodigal son” now returning to the area.
Before coming to Lake County, he also worked for four years as an animal control officer in Mendocino County. He then became deputy director for Lake County Animal Care and Control, a position he held for about two years before being appointed in 2010 as interim director. In 2011, the Board of Supervisors hired him on a permanent basis.
Since then, he has taken on the county’s high euthanasia rate, achieving notable drops in it through an on-site veterinary clinic, a trap-neuter-release program for cats, special adoption events and work with rescue groups.
Then there have been the wildland fires that have raged across much of Lake County over the last several years, during which Davidson and his team worked around the clock to remove thousands of animals from harm’s way.
“That’s a part of the job that until I came here, I wasn’t prepared for,” he said of the wildland fire response.
In 2011, Davidson and a group of volunteers created the award-winning Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection group, also known as LEAP. The group of volunteers and county staff has played a crucial role in evacuating animals during the wildland fires of the last several years.
While the fires were incredibly difficult, Davidson said acting in a management role was one of his biggest challenges.
“I’ve been doing animal control work for a long, long time, so I’m fairly comfortable with it,” he said.
But when he came to Lake County, he started working as a manager, and he found it challenging to get everyone in the department to work together over the past 10 years. Staffing includes seven and three-quarters full-time positions, and between 15 and 20 part-time staff. The department also is aiming to hire a permanent veterinarian.
However, while difficult, he’s pleased with the outcome. “Honestly, I think everybody here has done a really good job,” he said.
For the past six months, Holly Bray has been Animal Care and Control’s deputy director. “I’m not sure if she’s going to apply for the director or not,” said Davidson.
Davidson said the job is being advertised internally and then will be advertised publicly. “Obviously, they want someone who has animal control experience. That’s going to be a big plus,” he said.
The department, he said, has many more responsibilities than just sheltering animals, noting there is a law enforcement aspect to it as well.
He said that if the county can find a candidate within the next month, he can help bring his successor up to speed.
Davidson noted that the entire process is happening quickly.
“It’s kind of bittersweet,” he said.
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.
Bill Davidson, who has been with Animal Care and Control for about 12 years, told Lake County News that his anticipated last day with the county is March 8.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that she had found out the previous evening that Davidson submitted his resignation.
Davidson said he had wanted to give the county plenty of notice ahead of his departure so it could begin the recruitment process.
The Board of Supervisors took up a discussion of Davidson’s departure as part of a closed session that was added as an extra item on Tuesday, and came out of closed session to direct that recruitment begin immediately.
Davidson’s wife is an educator who previously worked at Riviera Elementary. He said that about two years ago she found employment in the Sacramento area, and since that time they’ve been commuting back and forth on the weekends.
With his wife having more employment opportunities in and around Sacramento, Davidson said he began looking for employment there about eight months ago and is in line to take on a supervisory position in animal control for the county of Sacramento.
Sacramento County is where Davidson first worked in animal control. He said he was employed there from 1987 to to 1997. He joked that he’s the “prodigal son” now returning to the area.
Before coming to Lake County, he also worked for four years as an animal control officer in Mendocino County. He then became deputy director for Lake County Animal Care and Control, a position he held for about two years before being appointed in 2010 as interim director. In 2011, the Board of Supervisors hired him on a permanent basis.
Since then, he has taken on the county’s high euthanasia rate, achieving notable drops in it through an on-site veterinary clinic, a trap-neuter-release program for cats, special adoption events and work with rescue groups.
Then there have been the wildland fires that have raged across much of Lake County over the last several years, during which Davidson and his team worked around the clock to remove thousands of animals from harm’s way.
“That’s a part of the job that until I came here, I wasn’t prepared for,” he said of the wildland fire response.
In 2011, Davidson and a group of volunteers created the award-winning Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection group, also known as LEAP. The group of volunteers and county staff has played a crucial role in evacuating animals during the wildland fires of the last several years.
While the fires were incredibly difficult, Davidson said acting in a management role was one of his biggest challenges.
“I’ve been doing animal control work for a long, long time, so I’m fairly comfortable with it,” he said.
But when he came to Lake County, he started working as a manager, and he found it challenging to get everyone in the department to work together over the past 10 years. Staffing includes seven and three-quarters full-time positions, and between 15 and 20 part-time staff. The department also is aiming to hire a permanent veterinarian.
However, while difficult, he’s pleased with the outcome. “Honestly, I think everybody here has done a really good job,” he said.
For the past six months, Holly Bray has been Animal Care and Control’s deputy director. “I’m not sure if she’s going to apply for the director or not,” said Davidson.
Davidson said the job is being advertised internally and then will be advertised publicly. “Obviously, they want someone who has animal control experience. That’s going to be a big plus,” he said.
The department, he said, has many more responsibilities than just sheltering animals, noting there is a law enforcement aspect to it as well.
He said that if the county can find a candidate within the next month, he can help bring his successor up to speed.
Davidson noted that the entire process is happening quickly.
“It’s kind of bittersweet,” he said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – County officials will host an informational meeting and question and answer session regarding the “zone of benefit” proposal for several Kelseyville-area communities next week.
The meeting is set to take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Riviera Elementary School, 10505 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville.
In response to concerns about wildland fires, District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown and the Lake County Board of Supervisors have proposed creation of “Zone of Benefit Riviera West of CSA No. 23,” to encompass the communities of Riviera West, Buckingham, Clear Lake Riviera and Riviera Heights.
If approved by a majority of property owners in the service area, with votes weighted by the amount each property owner would be expected to pay, enhanced preventative road maintenance will be undertaken.
This will consist of clearing hazardous vegetation, to reduce fuel load conditions alongside county maintained roads in this high wildfire risk area.
The proposed zone of benefit is a pilot program, meaning the related assessment would be levied only once, July 1, 2019.
“I have already heard from many constituents with questions, and I know many of you would value having further information.” shared Supervisor Brown. “All of us have seen the devastation that wildfire can bring, and we want to make sure we are taking the right steps to protect our neighbors, our families, our properties.”
To answer questions from area residents, Supervisor Brown will host a community meeting.
“I hope that many of you will attend this important meeting,” said Brown. “Limiting the wildfire risk our communities face is a significant priority, and I want to ensure we all have the information needed to make the best available choice.”
For those with questions ahead of the meeting, Supervisor Brown’s cell phone number is 707-349-2628.
The meeting is set to take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Riviera Elementary School, 10505 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville.
In response to concerns about wildland fires, District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown and the Lake County Board of Supervisors have proposed creation of “Zone of Benefit Riviera West of CSA No. 23,” to encompass the communities of Riviera West, Buckingham, Clear Lake Riviera and Riviera Heights.
If approved by a majority of property owners in the service area, with votes weighted by the amount each property owner would be expected to pay, enhanced preventative road maintenance will be undertaken.
This will consist of clearing hazardous vegetation, to reduce fuel load conditions alongside county maintained roads in this high wildfire risk area.
The proposed zone of benefit is a pilot program, meaning the related assessment would be levied only once, July 1, 2019.
“I have already heard from many constituents with questions, and I know many of you would value having further information.” shared Supervisor Brown. “All of us have seen the devastation that wildfire can bring, and we want to make sure we are taking the right steps to protect our neighbors, our families, our properties.”
To answer questions from area residents, Supervisor Brown will host a community meeting.
“I hope that many of you will attend this important meeting,” said Brown. “Limiting the wildfire risk our communities face is a significant priority, and I want to ensure we all have the information needed to make the best available choice.”
For those with questions ahead of the meeting, Supervisor Brown’s cell phone number is 707-349-2628.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake will hold a reception in honor of former Lake County District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith before its meeting this week.
The reception will take place from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday before the regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
There also will be a presentation to honor Smith’s decades of service to Lake County and the city of Clearlake during the meeting.
”Jeff Smith has represented Clearlake and District 2 on the Board of Supervisors for over two decades and we are proud to be able to honor his years of service with a reception and a presentation,” said Clearlake City Manager Greg Folsom. “Please come and join us in celebrating Jeff’s long and successful career.”
The reception will take place from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday before the regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
There also will be a presentation to honor Smith’s decades of service to Lake County and the city of Clearlake during the meeting.
”Jeff Smith has represented Clearlake and District 2 on the Board of Supervisors for over two decades and we are proud to be able to honor his years of service with a reception and a presentation,” said Clearlake City Manager Greg Folsom. “Please come and join us in celebrating Jeff’s long and successful career.”
On Wednesday, Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chairman Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that H.R. 8, his Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019, is ready to head to the House Floor for a vote following a markup in and favorable report from the House Judiciary Committee.
The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was established after the tragedy at Sandy Hook and has grown to a membership of more than 165.
Thompson has been a key presence on the task force since the beginning. His district includes the southern portion of Lake County.
“Finally, we have taken real action to combat gun violence. Finally, we have taken the procedural steps on a bill to help keep our communities safe. Finally, we will have a vote on legislation to help save lives,” Thompson said Wednesday.
For six long years, we’ve called for hearings and for votes like this one. And today is a new day. In this moment, I pause to mark our progress and thank the dogged work of my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Nadler. And I redouble my dedication to passing this bill and to working with all our incredible partners from across our nation to combat gun violence. We are taking bipartisan action, we will have a vote on my bill to expand background checks, and we will answer the call of the American people,” Thompson said.
Wednesday’s markup was the last step before H.R. 8 is considered by the full House for a vote.
Timing of that consideration will be announced at a later date, Thompson’s office reported.
The Gun Violence Prevention Task Force was established after the tragedy at Sandy Hook and has grown to a membership of more than 165.
Thompson has been a key presence on the task force since the beginning. His district includes the southern portion of Lake County.
“Finally, we have taken real action to combat gun violence. Finally, we have taken the procedural steps on a bill to help keep our communities safe. Finally, we will have a vote on legislation to help save lives,” Thompson said Wednesday.
For six long years, we’ve called for hearings and for votes like this one. And today is a new day. In this moment, I pause to mark our progress and thank the dogged work of my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Nadler. And I redouble my dedication to passing this bill and to working with all our incredible partners from across our nation to combat gun violence. We are taking bipartisan action, we will have a vote on my bill to expand background checks, and we will answer the call of the American people,” Thompson said.
Wednesday’s markup was the last step before H.R. 8 is considered by the full House for a vote.
Timing of that consideration will be announced at a later date, Thompson’s office reported.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center is hosting a guided tour of Rabbit Hill, with naturalist Ed Dearing on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The tour is free, and open to the public.
The group will meet at the Middletown Art Center at 21456 State Highway 175 at 1 p.m.
The walk will include discussion pertaining to the natural environment, and design of a new Art Trail on Rabbit Hill.
Located at the highest point in central Middletown, this 9.5-acre property is home to numerous rare and endangered plants.
Rabbit Hill is owned and managed by the Lake County Land Trust, and MAC is partnering with them to create an Art Trail leading to the top of the hill with the intent of revitalizing the park for public use. Rabbit Hill burned in the Valley fire.
Formerly the home of the Hamann family, the land was gifted to the Madrone Audubon Society and later deeded to the Land Trust, in memory of their daughter, Joan, who was murdered in 1966.
Mrs. “Skee” Hamann was known for her deep appreciation of nature and for imparting her passion and knowledge to the neighborhood children. Visit www.lakecountylandtrust.org/rabbit-hill to learn more about Rabbit Hill and the Land Trust.
Please RSVPThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so they can stay in touch in case of changes due to weather. You can also visit the MAC website or @ARTmiddletown on Facebook on Saturday, to check for a change of plan. Wear weather appropriate clothing and bring a water bottle.
The tour marks the initiation of Phase I of the collaborative Art Trail design and implementation, which is part of MAC’s Restore project. The design will be informed by park environment and brainstorming will continue at MAC lead by sculptors and teaching artists Marcus Maria Jung (natural wood), Emily Scheibal (plaster and cement) and Lisa Kaplan (earth clay). Design proposals will be approved by the Lake County Land Trust.
The MAC encourages and welcomes anyone interested in joining this enriching community project to join the tour, the collaborative design session, and one or many of its Restore classes.
Restore’s low-cost arts classes provide opportunities to learn or refine skills in a variety of materials and techniques in sculpture, mixed media, printmaking and creative writing. Restore classes in sculpture and mixed media will largely focus on implementation of the Rabbit Hill Art Trail. Classes take place most weekends through May 2019.
The tour is free, and open to the public.
The group will meet at the Middletown Art Center at 21456 State Highway 175 at 1 p.m.
The walk will include discussion pertaining to the natural environment, and design of a new Art Trail on Rabbit Hill.
Located at the highest point in central Middletown, this 9.5-acre property is home to numerous rare and endangered plants.
Rabbit Hill is owned and managed by the Lake County Land Trust, and MAC is partnering with them to create an Art Trail leading to the top of the hill with the intent of revitalizing the park for public use. Rabbit Hill burned in the Valley fire.
Formerly the home of the Hamann family, the land was gifted to the Madrone Audubon Society and later deeded to the Land Trust, in memory of their daughter, Joan, who was murdered in 1966.
Mrs. “Skee” Hamann was known for her deep appreciation of nature and for imparting her passion and knowledge to the neighborhood children. Visit www.lakecountylandtrust.org/rabbit-hill to learn more about Rabbit Hill and the Land Trust.
Please RSVP
The tour marks the initiation of Phase I of the collaborative Art Trail design and implementation, which is part of MAC’s Restore project. The design will be informed by park environment and brainstorming will continue at MAC lead by sculptors and teaching artists Marcus Maria Jung (natural wood), Emily Scheibal (plaster and cement) and Lisa Kaplan (earth clay). Design proposals will be approved by the Lake County Land Trust.
The MAC encourages and welcomes anyone interested in joining this enriching community project to join the tour, the collaborative design session, and one or many of its Restore classes.
Restore’s low-cost arts classes provide opportunities to learn or refine skills in a variety of materials and techniques in sculpture, mixed media, printmaking and creative writing. Restore classes in sculpture and mixed media will largely focus on implementation of the Rabbit Hill Art Trail. Classes take place most weekends through May 2019.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The storm system moving over Lake County from late Tuesday through Wednesday battered the county with heavy winds and rain, with weather conditions closing a number of county roads.
The National Weather Service also is forecasting more rain and possibly snow through the weekend.
The agency has issued a flood watch in effect for areas of Northern California including portions of northern and eastern Lake County until 8 p.m. Thursday and a wind advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday.
The flood watch is the result of heavy rainfall on Tuesday night and Wednesday that’s caused flooding in some parts of Northern California, with still more moderate to heavy rain on the way on Wednesday night through Thursday evening.
Rising snow levels in higher elevations are expected to contribute some additional runoff as snow melts across the foothills and lower mountain elevations, based on the flood watch.
That’s a concern due to the impact on recent burn scars, such as those left behind by the Ranch and River fires in the Mendocino Complex footprint. The National Weather Service said those areas may experience minor mud, rock and debris flows, especially if thunderstorms develop in the burn scar areas on Thursday.
As for the wind advisory, windy conditions are forecast to pick up again on Thursday, with Lake County’s specific forecast predicting wind speeds of more than 30 miles per hour during the day on Thursday and more than 40 miles per hour on Thursday night.
National Weather Service observation stations show the following rainfall totals, in inches, for the 24-hour period through 6 p.m. Wednesday
– Bartlett Springs: 2.65.
– Boggs Mountain: 3.13.
– Colusa/Lake County line: 2.93.
– Hidden Valley Lake: 5.0.
– Indian Valley Reservoir: 3.14.
– Kelseyville: 2.99.
– Lakeport: 2.33.
– Lower Lake: 3.31.
– Lyons Valley: 1.57.
– Soda Creek (near Lake Pillsbury): 2.54.
– Upper Lake: 2.30.
– Whispering Pines: 3.76.
The wet weather is also pushing the level of Clear Lake up. As of 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, the lake level had risen by about a third of a foot over the course of the day, measuring nearly 6.40 feet Rumsey, the special measure used for Clear Lake, according to the California Data Exchange Center. Clear Lake is full at 7.56 feet Rumsey.
Weather conditions on Wednesday also led to several county road closures.
The Lake County Department of Public Works said late Wednesday afternoon that the following roads are temporarily closed due to the weather:
Kelseyville
– Argonaut Road closed from Big Valley Road to Thomas Drive;
– Bell Hill Road closed at the Adobe Creek Low Water Crossing;
– Kelsey Creek Drive closed at mile post marker 5.01.
Lakeport
– Scotts Valley Road closed from Highway 20 to the packing sheds;
– Soda Bay Road closed from Big Valley Road to Highway 175/South Main Street
Middletown
– Dry Creek Cutoff closed at the low water crossing.
Radio reports throughout the day Wednesday also noted fallen trees and rocks causing temporary blockages on local roads and highways.
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 National Weather Service also is forecasting more rain and possibly snow through the weekend.
The agency has issued a flood watch in effect for areas of Northern California including portions of northern and eastern Lake County until 8 p.m. Thursday and a wind advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday.
The flood watch is the result of heavy rainfall on Tuesday night and Wednesday that’s caused flooding in some parts of Northern California, with still more moderate to heavy rain on the way on Wednesday night through Thursday evening.
Rising snow levels in higher elevations are expected to contribute some additional runoff as snow melts across the foothills and lower mountain elevations, based on the flood watch.
That’s a concern due to the impact on recent burn scars, such as those left behind by the Ranch and River fires in the Mendocino Complex footprint. The National Weather Service said those areas may experience minor mud, rock and debris flows, especially if thunderstorms develop in the burn scar areas on Thursday.
As for the wind advisory, windy conditions are forecast to pick up again on Thursday, with Lake County’s specific forecast predicting wind speeds of more than 30 miles per hour during the day on Thursday and more than 40 miles per hour on Thursday night.
National Weather Service observation stations show the following rainfall totals, in inches, for the 24-hour period through 6 p.m. Wednesday
– Bartlett Springs: 2.65.
– Boggs Mountain: 3.13.
– Colusa/Lake County line: 2.93.
– Hidden Valley Lake: 5.0.
– Indian Valley Reservoir: 3.14.
– Kelseyville: 2.99.
– Lakeport: 2.33.
– Lower Lake: 3.31.
– Lyons Valley: 1.57.
– Soda Creek (near Lake Pillsbury): 2.54.
– Upper Lake: 2.30.
– Whispering Pines: 3.76.
The wet weather is also pushing the level of Clear Lake up. As of 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, the lake level had risen by about a third of a foot over the course of the day, measuring nearly 6.40 feet Rumsey, the special measure used for Clear Lake, according to the California Data Exchange Center. Clear Lake is full at 7.56 feet Rumsey.
Weather conditions on Wednesday also led to several county road closures.
The Lake County Department of Public Works said late Wednesday afternoon that the following roads are temporarily closed due to the weather:
Kelseyville
– Argonaut Road closed from Big Valley Road to Thomas Drive;
– Bell Hill Road closed at the Adobe Creek Low Water Crossing;
– Kelsey Creek Drive closed at mile post marker 5.01.
Lakeport
– Scotts Valley Road closed from Highway 20 to the packing sheds;
– Soda Bay Road closed from Big Valley Road to Highway 175/South Main Street
Middletown
– Dry Creek Cutoff closed at the low water crossing.
Radio reports throughout the day Wednesday also noted fallen trees and rocks causing temporary blockages on local roads and highways.
Email Elizabeth Larson at