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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Thursday, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) applauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s announcement that federal funds for October wildfire debris removal were authorized at 90 percent of total eligible costs.
“Our communities are fighting to remain financially solvent as they deal with the enormous costs of recovering from the October wildfires,” said Thompson. “Without additional assistance from the federal government for the cost of debris removal, I am told by local leaders that our fire communities could go into a financial tailspin. I am proud that our California delegation came together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that our communities have the additional resources they need to recover and rebuild.”
On Oct. 10, the president issued a major disaster declaration for the state of California triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from wildfires that occurred Oct. 8 to 31.
Pursuant to this declaration, the federal government’s cost-share for debris removal was 75 percent, with the state and local responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
At the urging of local leaders, Reps. Thompson and Jared Huffman worked with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Interior Appropriations Chair Ken Calvert to increase the federal cost share for debris removal from the October wildfires from 75 percent to 90 percent as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act that was signed into law on Feb. 9.
The adjustment to the federal share applies to assistance provided before, on, or after the date of enactment of the Bipartisan Budget Act.
“This is good news for Lake County,” said Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown. “The costs to rebuild and recover from the October fires are tremendous. This increased federal funding for debris removal will not only help to mitigate those costs, but also help us to focus our resources on additional recovery and resiliency needs.”
The debris-removal program, conducted chiefly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has completed debris removal on 3,584 properties. There are 4,885 approved properties in the program.
“Our communities are fighting to remain financially solvent as they deal with the enormous costs of recovering from the October wildfires,” said Thompson. “Without additional assistance from the federal government for the cost of debris removal, I am told by local leaders that our fire communities could go into a financial tailspin. I am proud that our California delegation came together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that our communities have the additional resources they need to recover and rebuild.”
On Oct. 10, the president issued a major disaster declaration for the state of California triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from wildfires that occurred Oct. 8 to 31.
Pursuant to this declaration, the federal government’s cost-share for debris removal was 75 percent, with the state and local responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
At the urging of local leaders, Reps. Thompson and Jared Huffman worked with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Interior Appropriations Chair Ken Calvert to increase the federal cost share for debris removal from the October wildfires from 75 percent to 90 percent as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act that was signed into law on Feb. 9.
The adjustment to the federal share applies to assistance provided before, on, or after the date of enactment of the Bipartisan Budget Act.
“This is good news for Lake County,” said Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown. “The costs to rebuild and recover from the October fires are tremendous. This increased federal funding for debris removal will not only help to mitigate those costs, but also help us to focus our resources on additional recovery and resiliency needs.”
The debris-removal program, conducted chiefly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has completed debris removal on 3,584 properties. There are 4,885 approved properties in the program.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – State Senator Mike McGuire and Senator Bill Dodd will honor first responders, community leaders and non-profit organizations that stepped up and supported our communities during the devastating October Firestorm at a special ceremony on Friday morning on the State Senate Floor of the State Capitol.
“The North Bay Firestorm will go down as the most destructive and deadly in modern American history. It would have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the brave efforts of thousands of first responders, neighbors and community organizations who answered the call in our greatest time in need,” McGuire said. “We cannot thank them enough for their tireless work and constant fight during the devastating October fires and tomorrow’s ceremony will offer a small token of our tremendous gratitude.”
In recognition of the hard work and bravery demonstrated in one of the darkest days in the state’s history, the Senate will host NorCal Heroes Day and Day Of Remembrance on Friday.
The California State Senate has scheduled a special ceremony to honor all first responders, community organizations and residents who delivered for Lake, Napa, Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
Senators McGuire, Dodd, Ted Gaines and Jim Nielsen will be recognizing the local, state and federal agencies who have been instrumental with the disaster response and recovery.
State, federal and local agencies that have taken part in the response and recovery efforts will be honored, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Army Corp of Engineers.
Local officials from Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties including sheriffs, police chiefs and fire chiefs who led heroic efforts to save homes and lives will also be honored. Local nonprofits and relief funds will also be recognized for their tireless efforts.
“The North Bay Firestorm will go down as the most destructive and deadly in modern American history. It would have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the brave efforts of thousands of first responders, neighbors and community organizations who answered the call in our greatest time in need,” McGuire said. “We cannot thank them enough for their tireless work and constant fight during the devastating October fires and tomorrow’s ceremony will offer a small token of our tremendous gratitude.”
In recognition of the hard work and bravery demonstrated in one of the darkest days in the state’s history, the Senate will host NorCal Heroes Day and Day Of Remembrance on Friday.
The California State Senate has scheduled a special ceremony to honor all first responders, community organizations and residents who delivered for Lake, Napa, Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
Senators McGuire, Dodd, Ted Gaines and Jim Nielsen will be recognizing the local, state and federal agencies who have been instrumental with the disaster response and recovery.
State, federal and local agencies that have taken part in the response and recovery efforts will be honored, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Army Corp of Engineers.
Local officials from Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties including sheriffs, police chiefs and fire chiefs who led heroic efforts to save homes and lives will also be honored. Local nonprofits and relief funds will also be recognized for their tireless efforts.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Middletown High School won the sixth annual Lake County Mock Trial competition, held Monday in Lake County Superior Court.
Since the Lake County Mock Trial began, it has included just two local high school teams – Middletown and Upper Lake. Middletown has held onto the title for all six years.
However, this year organizers and competitors acknowledged that the event was more challenging than in previous years and that both teams put on stellar performances.
The competition involves high school students arguing a criminal case from both sides – the prosecution and defense – while Lake County Superior Court judges volunteer to hear the cases.
This year, the teams argued the fictional case of People v. Davidson, in which Casey Davidson, a resident of the town of Acorn, Calif., was on trial for first degree murder for the death of Alex Thompson, another young resident of Acorn and member of Ultra Nats, an extremist nationalist group.
In the morning session, Judge Andrew Blum presided as Upper Lake took the prosecution role and Middletown was on the defense.
Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided during the afternoon session, when the two teams switched sides – Middletown on prosecution and Upper Lake on defense.
Based on the arguments, Blum ruled that Davidson was not guilty, while Hedstrom found Davidson had committed the murder.
Going into the final judging it was hard to tell which team was leading after watching their courtroom performances. As it turned out, they were nearly neck and neck.
When Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg announced the winner, it was Middletown High School.
In the end, it was a squeaker – Middletown High held onto its title by a mere 33 points to just edge Upper Lake High out of what would have been its first win in the six-year competition.
In the morning session, Upper Lake scored 381 points and Middletown 396, while in the afternoon session Upper Lake scored 393 and Middletown 411. Upper Lake’s total was 774 points to Middletown’s 807.
To the experienced eyes of Blum and Hedstrom – with decades of legal expertise between them – the toughness of the case came through.
Both of the judges lauded the students for their presentations and preparations, and both noted the difficulties inherent in the case the students argued that day.
Hedstrom said he believed this was the best competition by far. He said he and Judge Michael Lunas had discussed the case, which they felt was both the most complex the teams had taken up so far as well as being topical.
Alex Stabiner, one of the Upper Lake coaches, said the students already are looking at how to improve for next year.
“We have a young group that has a lot of energy and determination to win the county competition,” he said, noting eight team members were either freshmen or sophomores.
In addition to recognition for the students, Falkenberg at the event thanked the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College and the Lake County Wine Alliance, which donated $100 and $750, respectively, in support of the competition.
Middletown now advances to the 37th annual California Mock Trial Finals in Orange County next month, where it will be one of 34 counties vying for the state title.
The individual winners and team rosters are below.
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
Prosecution
Pretrial attorney: Miley Turney
Prosecuting attorney: Megan Talbert
Prosecution witness: Henry Fenk
Defense
Pretrial attorney: Kyle Pryor-Landman
Defense attorney: Dimitri Imbrunetti
Defense witness: Alana Sanchez
Bailiff: Kevin Nance
TEAM ROSTERS
Middletown High School
Alexandra Clayton, Abigail Elder, Jaxsun Ehrlich, Henry Fenk, Emily Gallagher, Dimitri Imbrunetti, Erica Kinsel, Anthony Leggitt, Mason Leggitt, Kevin Nance, Jacqueline Pyzer, Kyle Pryor-Landman, Ximena Ramirez, Jack Rarick, Natalie Rodriguez, Mylie Turnet, Jessica Zell
Upper Lake High School
Angelica Ayala, Andrew Brackett, Daniela Estrada, Sierra Galloway, Russel Gordon, Marylin Halvorsen, Jasmine Haro, Jisel Home, Bolonick Ionsun, Anisha Kalan, Benat Love, Alana Sanchez, Emily Stith, Megan Talbert, Jared Thornberry, Lyndsay Wade, Nicholas Warner
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A local nonprofit dedicated to helping animals is sharing information about the dog flu.
The SPCA of Lake County said that while the dog flu – also known as CIV H3N2/H3N8 – has not been diagnosed in Lake County, there are 50 confirmed cases and over 200 suspected cases in the Bay Area.
Dogs can be at risk for canine influenza regardless of age, sex or breed. It is commonly spread through direct dog contact such as sniffing, licking and nuzzling; through the air through coughing or sneezing; via contaminated surfaces, such as sharing water bowls or toys; or through contaminated humans who have viruses from another dog on their hands or clothing, the SPCA said.
Dog flu symptoms are like the human variety of flu and include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, lethargy and fever. The SPCA said most dogs recover in two to three weeks with proper nutrition and rest, however an unlucky few may develop secondary infections such as pneumonia.
The SPCA of Lake County recognizes what an impact contracting influenza will have not only on the dogs that get it, but on their owners who care for them and has decided to take a proactive approach and offer the vaccine to address it now.
Like the human flu vaccine, the canine influenza vaccine will not prevent infection but may limit its duration and severity, the SPCA said. The vaccination is administered in two doses over three to five weeks, providing protection for one year.
The SPCA will be offering the vaccination for $20, followed by a free booster the following month. This is considerably less than most veterinary clinics are charging. It is recommended that vaccination be repeated annually.
The SPCA of Lake County will be holding its monthly vaccination clinic this Sunday, February 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at 8025 Highway 29 in Kelseyville and will have the vaccine available there.
The Novibac vaccination is not recommended for dogs under 7 weeks of age, or those that are pregnant.
Limited quantities are available and owners must show current proof of rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines will also be available at the clinic.
If your dog frequently comes in contact with other dogs – at dog parks or doggy day care – or frequents places where other dogs can be found, such as groomers, kennels or dog shows, the SPCA urges you to consider making this one of your pet's annual vaccinations.
The SPCA of Lake County said that while the dog flu – also known as CIV H3N2/H3N8 – has not been diagnosed in Lake County, there are 50 confirmed cases and over 200 suspected cases in the Bay Area.
Dogs can be at risk for canine influenza regardless of age, sex or breed. It is commonly spread through direct dog contact such as sniffing, licking and nuzzling; through the air through coughing or sneezing; via contaminated surfaces, such as sharing water bowls or toys; or through contaminated humans who have viruses from another dog on their hands or clothing, the SPCA said.
Dog flu symptoms are like the human variety of flu and include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, lethargy and fever. The SPCA said most dogs recover in two to three weeks with proper nutrition and rest, however an unlucky few may develop secondary infections such as pneumonia.
The SPCA of Lake County recognizes what an impact contracting influenza will have not only on the dogs that get it, but on their owners who care for them and has decided to take a proactive approach and offer the vaccine to address it now.
Like the human flu vaccine, the canine influenza vaccine will not prevent infection but may limit its duration and severity, the SPCA said. The vaccination is administered in two doses over three to five weeks, providing protection for one year.
The SPCA will be offering the vaccination for $20, followed by a free booster the following month. This is considerably less than most veterinary clinics are charging. It is recommended that vaccination be repeated annually.
The SPCA of Lake County will be holding its monthly vaccination clinic this Sunday, February 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at 8025 Highway 29 in Kelseyville and will have the vaccine available there.
The Novibac vaccination is not recommended for dogs under 7 weeks of age, or those that are pregnant.
Limited quantities are available and owners must show current proof of rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines will also be available at the clinic.
If your dog frequently comes in contact with other dogs – at dog parks or doggy day care – or frequents places where other dogs can be found, such as groomers, kennels or dog shows, the SPCA urges you to consider making this one of your pet's annual vaccinations.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Two memorial statues in Courthouse Square in Lakeport will be removed temporarily in order to undergo repair work.
Lake County Public Services reported that the two carved wood statues at the public safety officers’ memorial will be moved on Thursday morning.
The statues will be taken to the original artist’s workshop for refinishing, the agency said.
The statues will return to the grounds of the Historic Courthouse Museum upon completion, according to Public Services.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors will hold another in its series of workshops as parts of crafting a commercial cannabis ordinance.
The workshop will take place beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 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.
Among the items on the agenda is the board’s anticipated direction to staff to prepare the cannabis cultivation ordinance for a first reading at the next regular board meeting.
Staff also is expected to be directed to prepare draft cannabis distribution and manufacturing ordinances for the consideration of the Lake County Planning Commission in March in order to return to the board in time for its fourth cannabis workshop on April 19.
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 workshop will take place beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 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.
Among the items on the agenda is the board’s anticipated direction to staff to prepare the cannabis cultivation ordinance for a first reading at the next regular board meeting.
Staff also is expected to be directed to prepare draft cannabis distribution and manufacturing ordinances for the consideration of the Lake County Planning Commission in March in order to return to the board in time for its fourth cannabis workshop on April 19.
Email Elizabeth Larson at