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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department is urging citizens to be aware that scammers are targeting the 707 area code with fraudulent Social Security calls.
As part of the con, scammers try to convince you to give up personal information, like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, over the phone.
Alternately, a caller claims to be from “SSA headquarters” and asks you to confirm personal information, such as an SSN, "new" Medicare number, address and date of birth.
Many of these calls are “robocalls” or automated calls. In one robocall version of the scam, an automated recording declares that your Social Security number “has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity,” and advises to contact a specific phone number immediately.
The robocall or caller may also warn that if you don’t call back, your assets or benefits will be frozen until your alleged issue is resolved.
“We want to warn the public to be cautious and to avoid providing information such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet unless you are certain of who is receiving it,” said Clearlake City Manager Greg Folsom. “I and several other city staff members recently received calls from these scammers and they can sound fairly legitimate as they threaten to cut off your benefits.”
Clearlake Police Chief Andrew White added, “Be aware of suspicious calls from unknown sources, and when in doubt, contact the official entity to verify the legitimacy of the call.”
The Social Security Administration advises that if you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from that agency, report that information to the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General at 800-269-0271.
As part of the con, scammers try to convince you to give up personal information, like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers, over the phone.
Alternately, a caller claims to be from “SSA headquarters” and asks you to confirm personal information, such as an SSN, "new" Medicare number, address and date of birth.
Many of these calls are “robocalls” or automated calls. In one robocall version of the scam, an automated recording declares that your Social Security number “has been suspended for suspicion of illegal activity,” and advises to contact a specific phone number immediately.
The robocall or caller may also warn that if you don’t call back, your assets or benefits will be frozen until your alleged issue is resolved.
“We want to warn the public to be cautious and to avoid providing information such as your Social Security number or bank account numbers to unknown persons over the phone or internet unless you are certain of who is receiving it,” said Clearlake City Manager Greg Folsom. “I and several other city staff members recently received calls from these scammers and they can sound fairly legitimate as they threaten to cut off your benefits.”
Clearlake Police Chief Andrew White added, “Be aware of suspicious calls from unknown sources, and when in doubt, contact the official entity to verify the legitimacy of the call.”
The Social Security Administration advises that if you receive a suspicious call from someone alleging to be from that agency, report that information to the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General at 800-269-0271.
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that two amendments he offered to H.R. 268, the Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2019, passed the House on Wednesday afternoon.
The first amendment would increase funding by $50 million for the Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Fund, or CDF, program to assist with unmet recovery needs from the 2017 fires.
The second amendment would allow emergency funding in the underlying bill to be used to assist grapegrowers whose crops were damaged by smoke from the 2018 wildfires.
“People who have survived devastating disasters, like the fires our district has endured over the last several years, deserve to know their government is fighting to help them recover. That’s why I was proud that my amendments to provide critical disaster relief passed the House today,” said Thompson. “These amendments will provide for increased funding to meet outstanding needs after the 2017 fires in our community and assist our agriculture community. My fight continues to secure every federal dollar and resource to help our community rebuild.”
The underlying disaster bill to which Thompson’s amendments were offered now heads to the Senate for consideration.
You can click here to read Thompson’s amendment regarding increased CDF funding and you can click here to read Thompson’s amendment regarding damaged crops.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Caltrans urges motorists to be prepared and use caution when driving this winter.
Taking action and being proactive can help reduce the risk of injury and even death on the highways during the upcoming storm.
Operators of vehicles must use their best judgment in all types of weather.
Before traveling, Caltrans recommends checking weather and road conditions. Caltrans QuickMap is an online resource with real-time traffic flow information, chain control alerts, and closure information. It is available at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or as a Google and Apple app. Motorists can also call 511 or the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623 for travel information.
Live traffic cameras can also be useful to check conditions before traveling and are available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/video/ .
Winter driving tips:
– Reduce your speed to match driving conditions and allow more time to reach your destination. – Know that bridges and ramps may be more slippery than the roadway.
– Keep your fuel tank full. Bad weather may cause long delays or closures.
– Turn on your headlights to see and be seen. Be observant and maintain a safe distance behind snow removal equipment. Do not pass snow plows unless directed to do so.
– When driving in fog, reduce your speed and use headlights on low-beam along with fog lights. – Stay to the right along the white edge line and never stop in the road. If visibility is not adequate, pull off of the roadway when safe to do so.
– Do not drive through flooded areas. Safely turn around and find another route.
– If you start sliding on snow or ice, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you wish to travel. Do not lock your brakes. Pump the brakes if needed, or apply steady pressure if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.
– Don’t use cruise control.
– Avoid in-car distractions while driving.
– If you are stalled, activate your hazard signals and stay with your vehicle. Conserve fuel by periodically turning your engine on and off while maintaining warmth, but be aware of possible exhaust and carbon monoxide issues.
– If you approach an emergency, maintenance, or any other vehicle stopped on the side of the road, move over when safe to do so or slow down.
Be prepared. The following actions can help prevent vehicle failures and help if you become stranded:
– Winterize your vehicle. Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, heater/defroster, and exhaust system are in good working order. Make sure fluids are topped-off, especially windshield washer fluid.
– Make sure your tires are properly inflated and always carry tire chains.
– Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle with the following items: flashlight, blankets, extra clothing, water, snacks, towel, gloves, ice scraper, shovel, broom, sand, and carry a spare key on your person in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle.
All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires, should carry chains when traveling in snowy weather. Highway signs and QuickMap will indicate when chains are required, and drivers must stop and install chains. Motorists should pull off the roadway completely to install chains. If you need help, chain installers may be available to assist for a fee.
Please note, chain installers are not Caltrans employees. They are independent business people who are licensed to install chains. Once chains are installed, obey the speed limit of 25 or 30 miles per hour, posted at various locations.
Chain control information:
R-1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires with proper tread depth of 6/32” are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles.
R-2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (NOTE: Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
R-3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions. (NOTE: R-1 and R-2 are the most common chain controls. The highway will usually be closed before an R-3 control is imposed).
For more information on winter driving, chain controls, and additional resources, visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
Caltrans’ “Weathering the Storm” winter driving tips brochure is available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/winter_driving2015.pdf.
Taking action and being proactive can help reduce the risk of injury and even death on the highways during the upcoming storm.
Operators of vehicles must use their best judgment in all types of weather.
Before traveling, Caltrans recommends checking weather and road conditions. Caltrans QuickMap is an online resource with real-time traffic flow information, chain control alerts, and closure information. It is available at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or as a Google and Apple app. Motorists can also call 511 or the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623 for travel information.
Live traffic cameras can also be useful to check conditions before traveling and are available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/video/ .
Winter driving tips:
– Reduce your speed to match driving conditions and allow more time to reach your destination. – Know that bridges and ramps may be more slippery than the roadway.
– Keep your fuel tank full. Bad weather may cause long delays or closures.
– Turn on your headlights to see and be seen. Be observant and maintain a safe distance behind snow removal equipment. Do not pass snow plows unless directed to do so.
– When driving in fog, reduce your speed and use headlights on low-beam along with fog lights. – Stay to the right along the white edge line and never stop in the road. If visibility is not adequate, pull off of the roadway when safe to do so.
– Do not drive through flooded areas. Safely turn around and find another route.
– If you start sliding on snow or ice, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you wish to travel. Do not lock your brakes. Pump the brakes if needed, or apply steady pressure if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes.
– Don’t use cruise control.
– Avoid in-car distractions while driving.
– If you are stalled, activate your hazard signals and stay with your vehicle. Conserve fuel by periodically turning your engine on and off while maintaining warmth, but be aware of possible exhaust and carbon monoxide issues.
– If you approach an emergency, maintenance, or any other vehicle stopped on the side of the road, move over when safe to do so or slow down.
Be prepared. The following actions can help prevent vehicle failures and help if you become stranded:
– Winterize your vehicle. Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, heater/defroster, and exhaust system are in good working order. Make sure fluids are topped-off, especially windshield washer fluid.
– Make sure your tires are properly inflated and always carry tire chains.
– Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle with the following items: flashlight, blankets, extra clothing, water, snacks, towel, gloves, ice scraper, shovel, broom, sand, and carry a spare key on your person in case you lock yourself out of your vehicle.
All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive or snow tires, should carry chains when traveling in snowy weather. Highway signs and QuickMap will indicate when chains are required, and drivers must stop and install chains. Motorists should pull off the roadway completely to install chains. If you need help, chain installers may be available to assist for a fee.
Please note, chain installers are not Caltrans employees. They are independent business people who are licensed to install chains. Once chains are installed, obey the speed limit of 25 or 30 miles per hour, posted at various locations.
Chain control information:
R-1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires with proper tread depth of 6/32” are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles.
R-2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (NOTE: Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)
R-3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions. (NOTE: R-1 and R-2 are the most common chain controls. The highway will usually be closed before an R-3 control is imposed).
For more information on winter driving, chain controls, and additional resources, visit http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
Caltrans’ “Weathering the Storm” winter driving tips brochure is available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/winter_driving2015.pdf.
The moon is a fundamental part of Earth’s past and future – an off-world location that may hold valuable resources to support space activity and scientific treasures that may tell us more about our own planet.
Americans first walked on its surface almost 50 years ago, but the next wave of lunar exploration will be fundamentally different.
Through an innovative combination of missions involving commercial and international partners, NASA’s robotic lunar surface missions will begin as early as 2020, focus on scientific understanding of lunar resources, and prepare the lunar surface for a sustained human presence, to include the use of lunar oxygen and hydrogen for future lunar vehicles.
The lunar surface will also serve as a crucial training ground and technology demonstration test site where we will prepare for future human missions to Mars and other destinations.
Since the beginning of its mission, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, has imaged objects impacting the surface of the moon.
Such observations are of interest scientifically since they allow NASA to test and constrain models used to understand how water and other volatiles may be transported to the permanently shadowed craters near the lunar poles.
In the coming months, the first Israeli spacecraft will land on the Moon, and partnership with NASA has helped make this possible.
NASA will not only help with observations from LRO and communications support during the mission, but has also developed a laser retroreflector that will fly onboard the Israeli lander.
This past month, NASA held discussions with the China National Space Administration, or CNSA, to explore the possibility of observing a signature of the landing plume of their lunar lander, Chang’e 4, using LRO’s LAMP instrument.
For a number of reasons, NASA was not able to phase LRO’s orbit to be at the optimal location during the landing, however NASA was still interested in possibly detecting the plume well after the landing. Science gathered about how lunar dust is ejected upwards during a spacecraft’s landing could inform future missions and how they arrive on the lunar surface.
Since the Chinese landing, LRO instruments have been collecting data that are currently being analyzed.
LRO is expected to image the Chang’e 4 landing site on Jan. 31 in a manner similar to what was done on Chang’e 3.
NASA and CNSA have agreed that any significant findings resulting from this coordination activity will be shared with the global research community at the 56th session of the Scientific and Technology Subcommittee meeting of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space meeting in Vienna, Austria, Feb. 11 to 22.
All NASA data associated with this activity are publicly available. In accordance with Administration and Congressional guidance, NASA’s cooperation with China is transparent, reciprocal and mutually beneficial.
On the commercial side, NASA announced in November that nine U.S. companies are now eligible to bid on NASA delivery services to the lunar surface. These companies will develop and build robotic landers that will carry NASA and other customer’s payloads to the lunar surface.
As NASA works toward its plan to sustainably return to the Moon, it will be critical to collaborate with both commercial and international partners along the way. This approach will enable human expansion across the solar system and bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities.
To learn more, visit www.nasa.gov/moon-to-mars .
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Volunteers and staff with the Lake Family Resource Center are in the final busy weeks of preparations for the “Wine and Chocolate” fundraiser, which supports the center’s many important social programs.
The 12th Wine and Chocolate will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Mt. Konocti Winery and Event Center, 2550 Big Valley Road, between Kelseyville and Lakeport.
As of Thursday, 20 wineries had signed on to participate, with 11 local restaurants to provide the “bites,” organizers reported. Two local breweries also will be pouring beer.
Sommelier Stephanie Green will once again offer a wine sensory class and there also will be olive oil tasting, plus raffles and an auction featuring a wide variety of items, from art to wine to gift certificates.
It’s a party with a cause, offering critical support for programs that assist Lake County’s most vulnerable, according to Lake Family Resource Center Executive Director Lisa Morrow.
The event wasn’t held last year. It was initially rescheduled from its normal February time frame to March 17 by then-Executive Director Jennifer Dodd. Four days before the event date, Dodd announced that Wine and Chocolate was being canceled, offering no explanation as to why.
The cancellation was greeted with dismay by community members, who have come to enjoy the event’s mix of local food and wine that directly benefits important services for area residents.
Morrow, who took over as Lake Family Resource Center’s executive director in April, said Wine and Chocolate is a significant fundraiser for the organization, annually raising between $20,000 and $25,000, and welcoming between 450 and 600 people.
“Not having it hurt quite a bit,” said Morrow.
Under Morrow’s leadership, Lake Family Resource Center moved forward with bringing Wine and Chocolate back.
Morrow said the reception she’s received regarding reintroducing Wine and Chocolate has been very positive.
Heading up the seven-member committee that’s guiding the event are Gail Salituri and Flora Krasnovsky, who both have longtime associations with Lake Family Resource Center, as both are former board members. In addition, Salituri, a well-known artist, has aided the event for years by donating a large amount of artwork.
They said that, in July, the volunteers and staff kicked off the planning meetings for this year’s event, an effort which was slowed a bit when, two weeks later, the Mendocino Complex began. Meetings continued but picked up steam in the fall, once the fire danger was past.
Salituri and Krasnovsky have been joined in their efforts by Barbara Szal, who has helped bring in more sponsors and donations.
On Tuesday, as Krasnovsky, Morrow and Salituri met at Lake Family Resource Center’s Kelseyville offices, local resident Susan Cameron and Susan Blair of Santa Rosa stopped by to donate a quilt made by Blair that shows Clear Lake and Mt. Konocti.
New this year is the sponsor room. So far 10 tables have been sold in that room, with more tickets available, Morrow said.
Morrow said there is less than 10 percent overhead, so that 90 percent of event proceeds go to support all of the center’s programs.
Lake Family Resource Center’s programs include its Freedom House domestic violence shelter and the domestic violence assistance program, teen parenting, differential response/child abuse prevention intervention and treatment, rape crisis services, behavioral health services, Early Head Start, housing stability and transitional housing, Cal-Hope and business services for other small nonprofits.
Donations will be accepted through the weekend. Call the center at 707-279-0563 for more information.
Presale tickets are $60 per person, with tickets at the door costing $70 each.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Lake Family Resource Center Web site.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council heard the latest from city staff about its efforts moving forward to collect taxes from vacation rental owners who advertise on the Internet.
At the June 10 meeting, Assistant City Manager Alan Flora gave the council an update on the city’s collection in this new year of transient occupancy tax – or bed tax – and assessments for the new tourism district assessments.
He said the city collects a 9 percent transient occupancy, or TOT, tax. This year, thanks to the formation of the new tourism improvement district, another 1.5 percent will be collected. Those funds will be dedicated to marketing Lake County as a destination.
The city can retain 2 percent of what it collects to cover administrative costs. Flora said the tourism improvement district’s first year budget is $170,000. City Manager Greg Folsom sits on the district’s board.
Flora said in this year’s budget the city anticipated $285,000 in TOT tax. In the 2017-18 fiscal year, it took in $330,000.
The data showed a significant spike in TOT tax for the city in the 2015-16 fiscal year, with the total amount at just over $350,000.
“It is good to see the increase,” said Flora, adding that year’s TOT spike was due to the disasters in Lake County.
He said the city expects to the actual TOT income in this fiscal year to also be about $350,000.
Flora then updated the council about the city’s new approach to collecting TOT tax for short-term vacation rentals of 30 days or less – which normally are houses but could be just a room in a house – that are commonly used by tourists or vacationers.
He said they’re rented through a third party such as AirBNB, VRBO and FlipKey. Many of those vendors don’t require operators to collect the TOT tax that needs to be charged.
“That has changed somewhat,” said Flora, noting that some of those companies have agreements with jurisdictions for TOT collection, but it’s not a universal practice.
AirBNB, Flora explained, doesn’t disclose addresses until someone makes a booking, which makes it quite difficult to determine exactly where they are located and who owns them.
He said city code requires TOT collection for any location occupied for less than 30 days for lodging, including campgrounds. However, very few are paying.
Flora said city staff did some research and identified 16 listings and 10 owners. Another 10 listings have eight owners who aren’t identified.
On Jan. 1, the city sent out letters to the 16 identified vacation rental operators notifying them that they are required to pay both the TOT and tourism improvement district assessment going forward. Flora said the rentals listed online range from $53 a night for an apartment to more than $400, and many are on the lakeshore.
Councilman Dirk Slooten asked if the city requires a permit for them to operate. Flora said they are required to have a city business license.
Flora said staff is crafting a whole section of new city could specific to this type of use. The city currently doesn’t have a way to regulate them but expects to have that with zoning ordinance update.
Councilman Russell Cremer asked how the city is enforcing it now. Flora said they’re not.
He said that the city sent out the Jan. 1 courtesy letter, and will send a followup letter informing them of penalties and interest in February if there isn’t compliance. Penalties, interest, fines and retroactive TOT may be applied.
Flora said that, with the average listing renting for $140 a night, they’re expecting potential TOT revenue of more than $71,000 for all 26 listings and a little under $50,000 for the 16 sites for which the information letters were issued.
Clearlake resident Henry Bornstein, a member of the board of Highlands Harbor Community Association, said they have had plenty of problems with vacation rentals in their area, recounting young people in huge boats racing up and down the creek.
“If you want to know where they are, we can tell you,” Bornstein said.
New District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier said he calculated that the city of Clearlake alone would generate about $60,000 for the tourism improvement district.
Sabatier said he appreciated the tone of the letter from the city to vacation rental owners, noting that it offers a clean slate moving forward.
In other business, the council approved its 11th agreement with a cannabis business. The agreement is for Brian Galperin’s proposed cannabis manufacturing operations for Bliss X at 14915 Olympic Drive.
The council also rejected an offer in compromise to satisfy the abatement lien on 3800 Howard Ave. The owner, who said he purchased the property at a tax sale unaware that there was a large lien against it, asked for a 50-percent reduction, which would have had him pay $2,250.
The council also received a $49,826 check from Kin Ong, deputy general manager of the Public Agency Risk Sharing Authority of California; City Clerk Melissa Swanson went over with the new council norms and procedures; the council approved the mayor’s appointments for the year and appointed Sabatier and community member Sheryl Almon to the Measure V Oversight Committee; and adopted the recognized obligation payments schedule for the Clearlake Redevelopment Successor Agency.
City Attorney Ryan Jones said there is no reportable action from closed session to discuss labor and property negotiations.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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