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COBB, Calif. — A collaborative of fire professionals will be working together to conduct multiple cultural burns in the Cobb area this week.
These burns are taking place as part of the Lake County Cal-TREX, a prescribed and cultural fire training exchange led by the Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance, or TERA.
TERA is working in partnership with agencies, tribes and community organizations including Cal Fire, the US Forest Service and the Watershed Research and Training Center.
The goals of the burns are to reduce fuel loading, support capacity building and training around beneficial burning, improve the health of oak woodlands and grasslands, help native plants thrive, and enhance wildlife habitat.
These fully permitted burns will be conducted over two to three days depending on weather conditions and be led by a coalition of TERA and other Lake County Cal-TREX partners.
Ignitions may begin as early as 8 a.m. each day with firing operations concluding by late afternoon.
There is potential for some residual smoke overnight and into the following days.
Please do not call 911.
These burns are taking place as part of the Lake County Cal-TREX, a prescribed and cultural fire training exchange led by the Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance, or TERA.
TERA is working in partnership with agencies, tribes and community organizations including Cal Fire, the US Forest Service and the Watershed Research and Training Center.
The goals of the burns are to reduce fuel loading, support capacity building and training around beneficial burning, improve the health of oak woodlands and grasslands, help native plants thrive, and enhance wildlife habitat.
These fully permitted burns will be conducted over two to three days depending on weather conditions and be led by a coalition of TERA and other Lake County Cal-TREX partners.
Ignitions may begin as early as 8 a.m. each day with firing operations concluding by late afternoon.
There is potential for some residual smoke overnight and into the following days.
Please do not call 911.
The California Highway Patrol recently received federal funding to bolster the state’s redoubled efforts to help reduce reckless driving behaviors statewide and crack down on the alarming rise of illegal sideshows, takeovers, and street racing.
The $2 million Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce, or STREET II, grant aims to decrease the number of fatal and injury traffic crashes caused by these illegal and dangerous high-speed activities.
The grant builds on the CHP’s recent work, including $5.5 million in the 2022-23 state budget specifically targeted to curb street racing and sideshows, to continue a public education campaign and specialized enforcement operations.
“Illegal street racing and sideshows are not just reckless activities; they are potential tragedies in the making. These events put lives at risk, not only for the participants but also for innocent bystanders,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The STREET II grant will enhance community outreach efforts and enforcement measures to protect the safety and well-being of California’s communities and ensure our roadways remain safe for everyone.”
In 2021, the CHP responded to more than 7,300 incidents of illegal sideshows statewide with nearly 123,000 participants.
While the number of incidents decreased by approximately 50% last year, there is still a significant amount of work to be done to keep California’s communities, and those who use our roads, safe.
The number of incidents resulting from unsafe driving behaviors, including motorists exceeding 100 mph on state highways, illegal street racing and sideshow activities, and speed-related crashes are occurring at a staggering pace.
Between Jan. 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023, enhanced speed enforcement operations were carried out on state routes experiencing a surge in speed-related problems. During this period, the CHP issued more than 31,000 citations to motorists for exceeding 100 mph.
The CHP, in collaboration with allied agencies, also established task forces targeting street racing and sideshows, along with launching social media campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the perils linked to high-speed, aggressive driving behaviors and street racing.
The STREET II grant supports a comparable yearlong campaign through Sept. 30, 2024.
Funding for the STREET II program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The $2 million Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce, or STREET II, grant aims to decrease the number of fatal and injury traffic crashes caused by these illegal and dangerous high-speed activities.
The grant builds on the CHP’s recent work, including $5.5 million in the 2022-23 state budget specifically targeted to curb street racing and sideshows, to continue a public education campaign and specialized enforcement operations.
“Illegal street racing and sideshows are not just reckless activities; they are potential tragedies in the making. These events put lives at risk, not only for the participants but also for innocent bystanders,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The STREET II grant will enhance community outreach efforts and enforcement measures to protect the safety and well-being of California’s communities and ensure our roadways remain safe for everyone.”
In 2021, the CHP responded to more than 7,300 incidents of illegal sideshows statewide with nearly 123,000 participants.
While the number of incidents decreased by approximately 50% last year, there is still a significant amount of work to be done to keep California’s communities, and those who use our roads, safe.
The number of incidents resulting from unsafe driving behaviors, including motorists exceeding 100 mph on state highways, illegal street racing and sideshow activities, and speed-related crashes are occurring at a staggering pace.
Between Jan. 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023, enhanced speed enforcement operations were carried out on state routes experiencing a surge in speed-related problems. During this period, the CHP issued more than 31,000 citations to motorists for exceeding 100 mph.
The CHP, in collaboration with allied agencies, also established task forces targeting street racing and sideshows, along with launching social media campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the perils linked to high-speed, aggressive driving behaviors and street racing.
The STREET II grant supports a comparable yearlong campaign through Sept. 30, 2024.
Funding for the STREET II program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In response to record numbers of visitors, a national and digital edu-tainment campaign is expanding in California and throughout the West with the goal of inspiring safe and respectful visits to public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Through a series of cheeky yet earnest videos, social content and website resources, the “Respect. Connect. Protect” campaign showcases Spokespebble who deeply cares about protecting nature, keeping people safe and helping them plan visits to these more remote, rugged and sensitive landscapes.
The campaign is designed to speak to the next generation of visitors — especially Gen Z and Millennials — who are passionate about protecting natural resources and know how to influence the culture at large.
More than 13 million people visited lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in 2022 in California; and there are more than 170 National Conservation Land Units including seven national monuments, 92 Wilderness areas and four National Scenic and Historic Trails in the state.
“Record numbers of visitors continue to venture into California public lands managed by the BLM beyond and between national parks, and there is currently no other large-scale collaborative effort that addresses the safety and other considerations specific to them,” said Kris Deutschman, senior communications director for the Conservation Lands Foundation.
“We’re introducing Spokespebble as a voice for these public lands where more planning and preparation is needed to visit safely and in ways that respect the natural environment so that everyone else can enjoy them too. There’s unlikely to be cell coverage, water stations or rangers to help in many of these remote areas. Lack of awareness and preparation leads to people getting lost, stranded or worse, plus it can lead to degradation of essential wildlife habitats, Indigenous sacred sites and water sources,” said Deutschman.
The national campaign is sponsored by the Conservation Lands Foundation, the nation’s only non-profit organization focused on protecting and expanding National Conservation Lands and other public lands managed by BLM.
In collaboration with the BLM, campaign partners include: Leave No Trace, Tread Lightly, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division and 40 community-led public land advocacy nonprofits throughout the West.
The digital-first campaign seeks to empower visitors with practical tips on how to stay safe and protect the natural beauty as well as act respectfully and responsibly whether hiking, fishing, camping, OHVing and other activities on these more remote public lands.
The national expansion of the campaign follows on the heels of a highly-successful limited introduction during the Spring. Find videos and resources at www.respectconnectprotect.org.
With mpox cases on the rise across the state, the California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians, especially those at highest risk, to take preventive measures, including vaccination, to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Mpox is primarily spread through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox.
“We are beginning to see an uptick in mpox cases across the state. With this, we are reminding and encouraging all Californians to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mpox and to take preventive measures, including vaccination, to protect against severe illness,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Director Dr. Tomás J. Aragón. “Mpox began circulating in California in the spring of 2022, and while cases have been low since its initial emergence thanks to education and community vaccination efforts, mpox can seriously impact individuals who test positive."
Reported cases of mpox in California have increased to nearly 17 per week after averaging fewer than 7 cases per week in July and August.
On Oct. 30, CDPH issued a health alert to health care providers encouraging clinicians to remain vigilant in diagnosing and addressing mpox.
Vaccinate and Protect Against Mpox: Individuals at highest risk of getting mpox, especially people living with HIV, should get the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to lower the chance of severe disease.
California has ample vaccine supply, and anyone can visit to myturn.ca.gov to book an appointment or find an mpox walk-in clinic. It is important to talk to your health care provider to learn if vaccination is right for you.
People who have previously received only one JYNNEOS vaccine dose should complete their second dose as soon as possible.
Vaccination, when combined with other prevention measures, is the most effective way to reduce hospitalization, and death. Vaccination can also be given after an mpox exposure to prevent infection or decrease the severity of mpox illness if given as soon as possible within the first 14 days of exposure.
Who should get vaccinated: While anyone can get mpox and preventive measures should be taken by all, vaccines are recommended for those at highest risk.
Consider receiving a vaccine if:
• You had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox;
• You had a sex partner in the past two weeks who was diagnosed with mpox;
• You are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who in the past 6 months has had any of the following: 1) A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis);
• You have more than one sex partner;
• You have had any of the following in the past 6 months: 1) Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bath house), 2) Sex in connection with a large commercial event or in the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles, where higher transmission is occurring, or 3) Sex in exchange for money or other items;
• You have a sex partner with any of the above risks;
• You anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios;
• You have HIV or other causes of immune suppression and have had recent or anticipate future risk of mpox exposure from any of the above scenarios;
• You work in settings where you may be exposed to mpox, including working with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory;
In addition to vaccination, other prevention strategies include:
• Having open conversations with your sexual partner/s and health care provider about any recent illness or symptoms, any possible exposures to mpox, and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus.
• Avoiding close contact, including hugging, kissing, cuddling, and sexual activity with people who have mpox and people who were exposed and are in their 21-day monitoring period.
• Not sharing materials (bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, cups) with someone who has mpox.
Washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like a mask, gown, and gloves when caring for others with mpox symptoms.
Know the signs and symptoms: Mpox can cause flu-like symptoms, and a distinct rash on the face, body, genitals, arms, and legs. Rash and sores may also be limited to one part of the body.
Symptoms can start three to 21 days after exposure. If you have symptoms of mpox, speak to a health care provider as soon as possible.
Contact your health care provider and seek treatment if sick: If you have symptoms, isolate from others as much as possible until symptoms have gone away. If you need to be around others and have mpox, completely cover sores and wear a well-fitting mask.
Contact a health care provider right away to get tested and learn about medication options. If you've been exposed or believe you have been exposed, reach out to a health care provider to ask about vaccination to prevent or reduce illness severity.
Additional data and resources: Mpox case and vaccination data for California is updated every other week and displayed on CDPH's mpox website.
In addition, CDPH offers a number of mpox resources and toolkits to help get the word out about mpox prevention.
Mpox is primarily spread through close, skin-to-skin contact with someone who has mpox.
“We are beginning to see an uptick in mpox cases across the state. With this, we are reminding and encouraging all Californians to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mpox and to take preventive measures, including vaccination, to protect against severe illness,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Director Dr. Tomás J. Aragón. “Mpox began circulating in California in the spring of 2022, and while cases have been low since its initial emergence thanks to education and community vaccination efforts, mpox can seriously impact individuals who test positive."
Reported cases of mpox in California have increased to nearly 17 per week after averaging fewer than 7 cases per week in July and August.
On Oct. 30, CDPH issued a health alert to health care providers encouraging clinicians to remain vigilant in diagnosing and addressing mpox.
Vaccinate and Protect Against Mpox: Individuals at highest risk of getting mpox, especially people living with HIV, should get the two-dose JYNNEOS vaccine to lower the chance of severe disease.
California has ample vaccine supply, and anyone can visit to myturn.ca.gov to book an appointment or find an mpox walk-in clinic. It is important to talk to your health care provider to learn if vaccination is right for you.
People who have previously received only one JYNNEOS vaccine dose should complete their second dose as soon as possible.
Vaccination, when combined with other prevention measures, is the most effective way to reduce hospitalization, and death. Vaccination can also be given after an mpox exposure to prevent infection or decrease the severity of mpox illness if given as soon as possible within the first 14 days of exposure.
Who should get vaccinated: While anyone can get mpox and preventive measures should be taken by all, vaccines are recommended for those at highest risk.
Consider receiving a vaccine if:
• You had known or suspected exposure to someone with mpox;
• You had a sex partner in the past two weeks who was diagnosed with mpox;
• You are a gay, bisexual, or other man who has sex with men or a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse person who in the past 6 months has had any of the following: 1) A new diagnosis of one or more sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis);
• You have more than one sex partner;
• You have had any of the following in the past 6 months: 1) Sex at a commercial sex venue (like a sex club or bath house), 2) Sex in connection with a large commercial event or in the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles, where higher transmission is occurring, or 3) Sex in exchange for money or other items;
• You have a sex partner with any of the above risks;
• You anticipate experiencing any of the above scenarios;
• You have HIV or other causes of immune suppression and have had recent or anticipate future risk of mpox exposure from any of the above scenarios;
• You work in settings where you may be exposed to mpox, including working with orthopoxviruses in a laboratory;
In addition to vaccination, other prevention strategies include:
• Having open conversations with your sexual partner/s and health care provider about any recent illness or symptoms, any possible exposures to mpox, and being aware of new or unexplained sores or rashes on your body or your partner’s body, including on the genitals and anus.
• Avoiding close contact, including hugging, kissing, cuddling, and sexual activity with people who have mpox and people who were exposed and are in their 21-day monitoring period.
• Not sharing materials (bedding, towels, clothing, utensils, cups) with someone who has mpox.
Washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like a mask, gown, and gloves when caring for others with mpox symptoms.
Know the signs and symptoms: Mpox can cause flu-like symptoms, and a distinct rash on the face, body, genitals, arms, and legs. Rash and sores may also be limited to one part of the body.
Symptoms can start three to 21 days after exposure. If you have symptoms of mpox, speak to a health care provider as soon as possible.
Contact your health care provider and seek treatment if sick: If you have symptoms, isolate from others as much as possible until symptoms have gone away. If you need to be around others and have mpox, completely cover sores and wear a well-fitting mask.
Contact a health care provider right away to get tested and learn about medication options. If you've been exposed or believe you have been exposed, reach out to a health care provider to ask about vaccination to prevent or reduce illness severity.
Additional data and resources: Mpox case and vaccination data for California is updated every other week and displayed on CDPH's mpox website.
In addition, CDPH offers a number of mpox resources and toolkits to help get the word out about mpox prevention.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council this week will discuss a potential rate increase by Golden State Water Co. that could see rates climb by nearly 41% over a three-year period.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel.
Community members also can participate via Zoom or can attend in person.
The meeting also can be accessed via One tap mobile at 16694449171,,88099663205# or by dialing 1 669 444 9171.
The agenda can be found here.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments before 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2.
On the agenda is a planned discussion on Golden State Water Co.’s general rate case application to the California Public Utilities. Utilities regulated by the CPUC must file such cases every three years.
City Manager Alan Flora’s report to the council explained that Golden State filed the proceeding on Aug. 14.
It seeks authorization to increase rates overall by 22.95% or $87,060,700) in 2025, 4.42% or $20,699,200 in 2026 and 4.57% or $22,408,200 in 2027.
“Within the Clearlake area two options are proposed. The first is for a consolidation of the Arden Cordova and Clearlake districts for ratemaking purposes. Under this scenario, the Clearlake rates would be frozen for a transition period and then a single combined set of rates would
be established,” Flora said in his written report.
The report continued, “If this request is not approved by the CPUC, the rates in Clearlake would be increased by a total of 40.72% over the three year period, or 22.66% (or $649,800) in 2025, 8.91% (or $316,800) in 2026 and 9.17% (or $357,000) in 2027. Each amount is an increase over the prior year’s rate, which would result in over a 40% increase from today’s rates. The request follows a +30% increase authorized in 2020.”
Flora said the city can provide public comment, and/or become a party to the proceeding. “This would include filing a motion to become a party to the proceeding.”
In other business, the council will consider adopting an employee home loan assistance program.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants and City Council minutes; Resolution 2023-45 approving a temporary street closure for the annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting on Dec. 2; adoption of the second amendment to the agreement between the city of Clearlake, city of Lakeport and county of Lake for operation of a local public, educational, governmental, or PEG, cable television channel; and a memo regarding holiday closures of City Hall administration office.
The council also will hold a closed session discussion regarding the liability claim of Alan Mangels against the city.
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 council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel.
Community members also can participate via Zoom or can attend in person.
The meeting also can be accessed via One tap mobile at 16694449171,,88099663205# or by dialing 1 669 444 9171.
The agenda can be found here.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson at
To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments before 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2.
On the agenda is a planned discussion on Golden State Water Co.’s general rate case application to the California Public Utilities. Utilities regulated by the CPUC must file such cases every three years.
City Manager Alan Flora’s report to the council explained that Golden State filed the proceeding on Aug. 14.
It seeks authorization to increase rates overall by 22.95% or $87,060,700) in 2025, 4.42% or $20,699,200 in 2026 and 4.57% or $22,408,200 in 2027.
“Within the Clearlake area two options are proposed. The first is for a consolidation of the Arden Cordova and Clearlake districts for ratemaking purposes. Under this scenario, the Clearlake rates would be frozen for a transition period and then a single combined set of rates would
be established,” Flora said in his written report.
The report continued, “If this request is not approved by the CPUC, the rates in Clearlake would be increased by a total of 40.72% over the three year period, or 22.66% (or $649,800) in 2025, 8.91% (or $316,800) in 2026 and 9.17% (or $357,000) in 2027. Each amount is an increase over the prior year’s rate, which would result in over a 40% increase from today’s rates. The request follows a +30% increase authorized in 2020.”
Flora said the city can provide public comment, and/or become a party to the proceeding. “This would include filing a motion to become a party to the proceeding.”
In other business, the council will consider adopting an employee home loan assistance program.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants and City Council minutes; Resolution 2023-45 approving a temporary street closure for the annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting on Dec. 2; adoption of the second amendment to the agreement between the city of Clearlake, city of Lakeport and county of Lake for operation of a local public, educational, governmental, or PEG, cable television channel; and a memo regarding holiday closures of City Hall administration office.
The council also will hold a closed session discussion regarding the liability claim of Alan Mangels against the city.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The county of Lake has hired a new staffer to focus on housing-related priorities.
Lisa Judd began work in the County Administrative Office on Monday.
The county said Judd will immediately begin work toward creation of a housing strategic plan, to enable orderly progress on priorities ranging from very low-income through workforce — 130% of the Area Median Income, or AMI — housing.
Multiple factors have severely affected Lake County’s housing supply in recent years.
Since 2015, more than two-thirds of Lake County’s landmass has burned, and along with is more than 5.5% of the housing supply.
Concurrent inflation in building materials and high regional demand in the construction trades complicated recovery from these events.
Rental costs have markedly increased in recent years, and no housing category has been unaffected.
Low-income housing availability is not sufficient, and when professionals across medical, educational, local government and other fields consider relocating to Lake County, good candidates are too frequently lost because they are unable to find an agreeable housing situation.
“Lisa’s range of housing-specific and fiscal experiences have well prepared her to move Lake County’s housing programs forward,” said County Administrative Officer Susan Parker. “She most recently served in leadership roles for Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation and Community Development Commission of Mendocino County, and has 18-plus years of experience in finance-focused and accounting roles. We are very excited she has decided to continue her housing-focused work with the county of Lake.”
Judd also holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from California Polytechnic State University, in San Luis Obispo, and has additionally taken targeted training courses — including property management, use of tax credits to promote housing development, and regulatory-focused courses — that county officials said will bring new insight and capacities to county housing programs.
“I look forward to working closely with the Administration team, Community Development Director, Mireya Turner, and others to quickly begin to act on community housing needs,” said Judd. “We look forward to bringing additional funding and opportunity to Lake County’s communities. Through CAO Parker’s leadership, there are many building blocks already in place. With support from community partners, we can make real progress.”
Lisa Judd began work in the County Administrative Office on Monday.
The county said Judd will immediately begin work toward creation of a housing strategic plan, to enable orderly progress on priorities ranging from very low-income through workforce — 130% of the Area Median Income, or AMI — housing.
Multiple factors have severely affected Lake County’s housing supply in recent years.
Since 2015, more than two-thirds of Lake County’s landmass has burned, and along with is more than 5.5% of the housing supply.
Concurrent inflation in building materials and high regional demand in the construction trades complicated recovery from these events.
Rental costs have markedly increased in recent years, and no housing category has been unaffected.
Low-income housing availability is not sufficient, and when professionals across medical, educational, local government and other fields consider relocating to Lake County, good candidates are too frequently lost because they are unable to find an agreeable housing situation.
“Lisa’s range of housing-specific and fiscal experiences have well prepared her to move Lake County’s housing programs forward,” said County Administrative Officer Susan Parker. “She most recently served in leadership roles for Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation and Community Development Commission of Mendocino County, and has 18-plus years of experience in finance-focused and accounting roles. We are very excited she has decided to continue her housing-focused work with the county of Lake.”
Judd also holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from California Polytechnic State University, in San Luis Obispo, and has additionally taken targeted training courses — including property management, use of tax credits to promote housing development, and regulatory-focused courses — that county officials said will bring new insight and capacities to county housing programs.
“I look forward to working closely with the Administration team, Community Development Director, Mireya Turner, and others to quickly begin to act on community housing needs,” said Judd. “We look forward to bringing additional funding and opportunity to Lake County’s communities. Through CAO Parker’s leadership, there are many building blocks already in place. With support from community partners, we can make real progress.”