LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As more storm systems move into the region, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the northern third of Lake County and a flash flood watch for the rest of it.
The winter storm watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon due to the possibility of heavy snow in the mountains. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches – with localized amounts up to 30 inches – are possible, according to the forecast.
The flash flood watch is in effect from early Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon.
During that time period, the National Weather Service said a strong Pacific storm will bring periods of moderate to heavy precipitation across interior Northern California.
The specific Lake County forecast calls for more than an inch of rain on Tuesday and up to 2 inches of rain on Wednesday. Gusting winds above 20 miles per hour are expected on Wednesday night.
The forecast also calls for rain continuing through the weekend and into next week.
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.
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday announced that he has signed a general order rescinding previous authorization for California National Guard operations at the U.S.-Mexico border that allowed California National Guard personnel to perform duties traditionally undertaken by the federal government there.
“The border ‘emergency’ is a manufactured crisis. And California will not be part of this political theater. Which is why I have given the National Guard a new mission. They will refocus on the real threats facing our state,” said Gov. Newsom. “This is our answer to the White House: No more division, xenophobia or nativism.”
Currently, approximately 360 members of the California National Guard are deployed at the U.S.-Mexico border. These National Guard personnel were deployed at the request of the White House to provide support for the federal government in border operations.
Last week, President Trump announced he will be deploying 3,750 U.S. military personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border. Gov. Newsom’s order cites this development as yet more reason for California to reprioritize its National Guard deployment.
Gov. Newsom’s order redeploys these personnel to focus on the actual threats facing the State of California.
It does so by:
– Authorizing 110 personnel to prepare for the upcoming fire season by supporting Cal Fire in fire prevention and fire suppression efforts; – Authorizing the expansion of the California National Guard's statewide Counterdrug Task Force by at least 150 personnel; and – Authorizing 100 personnel to conduct counter narcotics search and seizure operations targeting transnational criminal organization around ports of entry.
The guard will begin making preparations to carry out the order immediately and draw down by March 31, 2019.
The governor on Monday also sent a letter to acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan requesting financial support from the federal government to expand the California National Guard’s statewide Counterdrug Task Force, starting with – but not limited to – redeploying 150 personnel from the border.
The text of the order issued by Gov. Newsom in his capacity as the commander-in-chief of the California National Guard is available below.
Elona Porter, evidence technician supervisor and lead crime scene investigator for Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Lake County, Calif., has been named one of two Lake County Public Safety Heroes of the Year. She received her honor on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo courtesy of Congressman Mike Thompson’s office. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced his recipients for the Fifth Congressional District’s Public Safety Hero Award.
Each year, Thompson honors law enforcement officers and first responders in our community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
For Lake County, Elona Porter, evidence technician supervisor and lead crime scene investigator for Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and Cal Fire Capt. Richard Lawler, stationed at Clearlake Oaks Fire Station have been selected.
“In our district and across our state, this year has been a challenging one for our law enforcement and first responders. From devastating fires to tragic incidents, our men and women have responded to countless incidents, putting their life on the line to keep us safe,” said Thompson. “That’s why I am again humbled to present my annual Public Safety Hero award to our local champions and honor the courageous service they preform day in and day out. It is a distinct honor to represent so many dedicated and heroic public servants.”
Each year, Thompson honors one local law enforcement officer and one local first responder from each county with the Public Safety Hero award.
Elona Porter is being honored for her exceptional standards assisting investigations. She is one of our state’s leading experts in crime scene investigations. She is also training the next generation of investigators and volunteers with our local students.
Capt. Richard Lawler has been an indispensable leader in responses to fires across our region, including the Tubbs Fire, the Pawnee Fire and the Mendocino Complex Fires. He is also a mentor for up-and-coming first responders.
A veteran, Lawler has an incredible record of public service from Operation Desert Storm, to the Forest Service, and currently to Cal Fire.
“It is an honor to recognize Elona Porter and Capt. Richard Lawler as Public Safety Heroes for Lake County,” said Thompson. “They have dedicated their lives to public service, meeting the highest standards of excellence in their field and rising to meet every challenge, even putting their lives on the line. They are true heroes and it is my honor to join them in bettering the lives of people across our county.”
Cal Fire Capt. Richard Lawler, stationed at the fire station in Clearlake Oaks, Calif., has been named one of two Lake County Public Safety Heroes of the Year. He was honored on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo courtesy of Congressman Mike Thompson’s office. In additions to the 10 honorees from each of the counties Thompson represents, Thompson also honored entrepreneur and celebrity chef Guy Fieri with a special Public Safety Hero award in honor of his work to provide meals and support during the recent fires.
“Guy is a hometown hero – both for his support of our economy in starting businesses right in the heart of our district and for his humanitarian work to provide food to first responders and fire survivors,” said Thompson. “Fieri’s work has been exceptional and instrumental to helping our local public servants and facilitating evacuations during our community’s many recent fires. It’s my honor to recognize his work today.”
The full list of the Public Safety Heroes of the Year for the 5th Congressional District is below:
– Corporal Ryan Baille, Martinez Police Department. – Paramedic Fire Captain Dave Woods, Contra Costa Fire Protection District. – Elona Porter, evidence technician supervisor and lead crime scene investigator for Lake County Sheriff’s Office. – Fire Capt. Richard Lawler, Cal Fire, Clearlake Oaks Fire Station. – Deputy Steven Lombardi, Napa County Sheriff’s Department. – Capt. Steve Becker, Napa Fire Department. – Corporal Ritzie Tolentino, Vallejo Police Department. – Daniela Flores, Solano EMT and Medic Ambulance. – Cristina Montoya, Cotati Police dispatcher and clerk. – Capt. Don Ricci, Santa Rosa Fire Department. – Guy Fieri, celebrity chef and local second responder
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri was honored by Congressman Mike Thompson at the Fifth Congressional District’s Public Safety Hero Award event on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Photo courtesy of Congressman Mike Thompson’s office.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week is set to discuss an updated draft of a proposed ordinance regarding vegetation abatement in the county’s unincorporated areas and hear Sheriff Brian Martin’s plans to restructure his administration.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 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, the board will will discuss and consider the draft ordinance, which was first brought forward late last year, as Lake County News has reported.
“After comments from the public and concerns raised by your Board when an initial draft was considered in December of 2018, this draft has been revised to somewhat streamline the program and process for hazardous vegetation abatement, to require specific training certifications of a County Fire Official, to allow greater discretion on the part of a County Fire Official to consider the specific circumstances of each property in regard to defensible space requirements, and to establish increase flexibility as to enforcement options,” County Counsel Anita Grant write in a memo to the board.
“This working draft may yet require revisions and modifications and stall will make any such revisions and modifications as directed by your Board,” Grant wrote.
In other untimed items, the sheriff will take to the board a proposal to restructure the sheriff's department, an item held over from a few weeks ago; consider a resolution adopting the Lake County Economic Development Strategy; and get a presentation from the Lake Economic Development Corp. seeking support for its budget, plan and planned work.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
5.1: Approve leave of absence request for Adult Services Social Worker I Karen Corl from Feb. 1, 2019, to May 1, 2019, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.2: Adopt proclamation designating the month of February 2019 as Black History Month and celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday.
5.3: Adopt resolution approving Agreement No. 18-0228 between the county of Lake and the California Department of Food and Agriculture for reimbursement of commercial cannabis cultivation compliance inspections and authorize execution thereof.
5.4; (a) Waive the competitive bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 2-38.2, based on the determination that competitive bidding would produce no economic benefit to the County; and (b) adopt the resolution approving the sales order and services agreement between the county of Lake and Cerner Corp. for the purchase and maintenance of the Cerner Integrated Behavioral Health System known as Millennium for the term of Jan. 1, 2019, through June 30, 2026, and authorizing the Behavioral Health Services administrator to sign the sales order and services agreement.
5.5: (a) Waive the competitive bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 2-38.2, based on the determination that competitive bidding would produce no economic benefit to the county; and (b) authorize the Public Services director / assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order not to exceed $52,792.00 to Truck Site for a 2009 GMC C5500 Bucket Truck.
5.6: Approve plans and specifications for the Clark Drive Pavement Repair Project; Bid No. 18-24, Federal Aid Project No. BRLS-5914 (025).
5.7: Approve memorandum of agreement between the county of Lake and Alameda County for mutual aid provided during the River and Ranch (Mendocino Complex) fires during the Lake County Jail evacuation and authorized the chair to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of February 2019 as Black History Month and celebrating Martin Luther King's Birthday.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of resolution adopting the Lake County Economic Development Strategy.
7.3: Presentation by Lake Economic Development Corp. (budget, planned work and request for support).
7.4: Consideration of (a) resolution amending Resolution No. 2018-131 to amend the FY 2018-19 Adopted Budget by adjusting reserves, fund balance carry over, revenues, and appropriations; and (b) resolution establishing new classifications and amending Resolution 2018-132 to amend the position allocations for FY 2018-19 to conform to the mid-year budget adjustments.
7.5: Consideration of resolution approving the application for funds under the Budget Act of 2018 for voting system replacement.
7.6: Consideration of amendment to new employee relocation expense policy to increase the maximum reimbursement to $3,500.
7.7: Consideration of Amendment 2 to the agreement between the county of Lake and Native American Mental Health Services dba North American Mental Health Services for Fiscal Year 2018-19 in the amount of $1,370,000.
7.8: Consideration of (a) proposal to restructure the sheriff's department; and (b) resolution amending Resolution No. 2018-132 establishing position allocations for fiscal year 2018-2019.
7.9: Consideration of the following appointments: Animal Care & Control, Big Valley Groundwater Management Zone, Emergency Medical Care Committee, Law Library Board of Trustees, Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council and West Region Town Hall.
7.10: Discussion and consideration of a draft ordinance adding Article VIII to Chapter 13 of the Lake County Code regarding hazardous vegetation abatement on unincorporated areas of the county of Lake.
7.11: This item is being continued to a future date uncertain, continued from Dec. 18, informational workshop to discuss impacts and potential policy options regarding short-term rental services for temporary lodging.
CLOSED SESSION
8.2: 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.
8.3: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): (a) Interviews of interim registrar of voters; (b) appointment of interim registrar of voters.
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. – Every year, drivers 65 years of age and older look to the California Highway Patrol for assistance in maintaining or improving their ability to drive safely.
In response, the CHP provides the “Age Well, Drive Smart” program to equip senior drivers with the necessary tools to remain safe and confident on the road.
The Clear Lake Area CHP will host the next Age Well, Drive Smart class from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, at its office, 5700 Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville.
The class offers an excellent opportunity for senior drivers to refresh their knowledge of California driving laws, evaluate their driving abilities, and improve their driving skills.
The Age Well, Drive Smart program covers various topics ranging from California driving laws, safe driving practices, and the effects of aging on a person’s ability to drive safely.
It is not uncommon for senior drivers to be unaware or deny changes in their physical or mental conditions which negative affect their ability to drive safely.
Therefore the Age Well, Drive Smart program was designed with a self-assessment component to assist senior drivers with identifying these changes and providing possible corrective options.
“The Age Well, Drive Smart program is an excellent course that helps address the many changes that affect our ability to drive as we all become senior drivers one day,” said Clear Lake Area CHP Commander Lt. Randy England. “We are happy to see that this has become a well-attended course, serving to educate our seniors so they are better drivers and our Lake County roads are safe.”
If you or a family member would like to attend the Age Well, Drive Safe class, please contact Officer Joel Skeen at 707-279-0103 or by email at jThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for reservations, as space for these classes is limited.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has two cats ready for new homes.
The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption.
This female tuxedo cat is in cat room kennel No. 95, ID No. 11699. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Female tuxedo cat
This female tuxedo cat has a long coat and gold eyes.
She already has been spayed.
She’s in cat room kennel No. 95, ID No. 11699.
This female domestic short hair is in cat room kennel No. 120, ID No. 11672. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Domestic short hair
This female domestic short hair cat has a gray coat with white markings and gold eyes.
She already has been spayed.
She is in cat room kennel No. 120, ID No. 11672.
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.
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.
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