LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Community members are invited to review and comment on the 2022 Draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan and take part in an upcoming workshop.
The draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan, or CWPP, was developed in partnership with the Lake County Fire Safe Council, Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority, Lake County Resource Conservation District, or RCD, Clear Lake Environmental Research Center, Lake County’s Fire Protection Districts and members of the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association.
During early stages of draft development, initial feedback was obtained through the public meetings of Municipal Advisory Councils and other community groups, particularly as the Lake County Fuel-Reduction & Prevention Priorities List and Action Plan, central to the document, were being crafted.
The draft CWPP is now available for public inspection and comment.
Government-to-government feedback period open now
On Sept. 14, a workshop was held for Lake County government entities interested in providing “government-to-government” input regarding the draft CWPP and the process undertaken to develop it.
Thursday, Sept. 15, marked the beginning of a 15-day period for local governments to submit written government-to-government input.
Those commenting on a particular portion of the draft report are asked to provide references (e.g., page numbers, paragraph numbers, etc.), to allow ready identification of the content proposed to be changed.
For written government-to-government input to be considered prior to the upcoming public-facing CWPP Workshop, submit your comments to Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than close of business on Friday, Sept. 30.
Representatives of government entities that were unable to attend the Sept. 14 workshop are likewise invited to contact Rothstein to convey any needs or request additional information.
CWPP workshop to be held Oct. 5
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. the CWPP public workshop will be held in the Board of Supervisors’ chambers, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport. In-person capacity is limited.
Participation via Zoom also will be available. The Zoom link is here; webinar ID is 970 8710 0871, pass code is 579561 and one tap mobile, +16699006833,,97087100871#,,,,*579561#.
From any mobile or landline phone, you may also dial 1-669-900-6833, and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode above, when prompted. To contribute to this meeting from a phone, press *9 to raise your hand, and *6 to unmute, once you are recognized to speak.
Thursday, Oct. 6, will mark the beginning of a 30-day formal period for written public input. Written public comments can be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As with the government-to-government feedback process, those commenting on a particular portion of the draft report are asked to provide references (e.g., page numbers, paragraph numbers, etc.), to allow ready identification of the content proposed to be changed.
The formal public input period will end at close of business on Monday, Nov. 7. Some members of the community have already chosen to submit written comments, ahead of the formal submittal window.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Talking about suicide can be uncomfortable. However, open, honest discussion on this important topic saves lives.
Since 2008, September has been recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
This is a great time to raise awareness, offer help to those in need and promote healing.
Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States.
Tragically, more than 45,900 people died due to self-directed injury in 2020. It was the second leading cause of death among individuals 10 to 14 and 25 to 32, third among those 15 to 24, and fourth for individuals aged 35 to 44.
Untreated mental health or substance use conditions often contribute to suicide events, and services are available right here in Lake County. Information on Lake County Behavioral Health Services’ programs and offerings is accessible here.
Reducing emotional pain, enhancing social connection and improving overall quality of life are the most effective ways to reduce the intensity and frequency of suicidal feelings and thoughts.
Please remember, suicide is preventable. Each of us has a role to play to save lives and create strong and healthy individuals, families, and communities.
Just last year, Lake County Behavioral Health Services trained more than 700 individuals in suicide prevention.
After many years of advocacy and preparation, 9-8-8 is also now available 24/7 as the new number to call or text to get connected with support in the event of a suicide crisis.
Information on Lake County Behavioral Health Services’ programs and offerings is accessible here.
Please join Lake County Behavioral Health Services in helping raise public awareness on this complex subject, and doing what you can to support those to whom you are connected.
For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County had steady rainfall over the weekend and is expected to get more into the middle of this week, the National Weather Service reported.
An early storm system brought rainfall totals of nearly 3 inches in some areas, according to weather observations reported by the National Weather Service.
For the 36-hour period ending at 3 a.m. Monday, the following rainfall totals, in inches, were recorded in Lake County:
• Cow Mountain: 2.92. • High Glade Lookout: 1.07. • Indian Valley Reservoir: 0.17. • Kelseyville: 1.13. • Lake Pillsbury: 0.36. • Lower Lake: 1.95. • Lyons Valley: 2.47. • Middletown: 1.81. • Upper Lake: 0.43.
As rainfall intensified on Sunday evening, there were reports of rocks and a rockslide on Highway 20 near New Long Valley Road east of Clearlake Oaks, and a rock and mudslide on Highway 175 near Lakeport,
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Lake County for this week, highlighting the potential for isolated thunderstorms, heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour on Monday and Tuesday.
The agency’s long term forecast noted that the initial round of moderate to locally heavy rainfall on Saturday and Sunday is expected to be followed by light showers accompanied by seasonably cool and humid conditions on Monday, with more vigorous shower and thunderstorm development possible Tuesday afternoon.
That’s expected to be followed by another round of mainly afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday before a period of drier and warmer late week weather begins on Thursday and carries into the weekend.
Through Wednesday, daytime temperatures will be in the 60s and nighttime temperatures will be in the 50s, with temperatures in the daytime expected to return to close to 90 degrees by the weekend.
The warmer weather will arrive in time to usher in the beginning of fall and for events such as the 28th annual Kelseyville Pear Festival on Saturday.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors will discuss a plan to offer hiring incentives for sheriff’s office personnel and get an update on the effort to clean up a major mercury mine.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting ID is 981 6618 3811, pass code 034666. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,98166183811#,,,,*034666#.
All interested members of the public that do not have internet access or a Mediacom cable subscription are encouraged to call 669-900-6833, and enter the Zoom meeting ID and pass code information above.
In an untimed item, the board will consider a resolution authorizing emergency hiring incentives and one-time retention stipend for the Lake County Sheriff's Office in response to critical hiring and staffing Issues in Lake County's Dispatch Center and the jail.
The proposal follows the discussion of Sheriff Brian Martin’s hiring challenges with the board last week.
The board also will be asked to consider as the funding source either cannabis generated funds or fund balance carryover.
In another untimed item, the board will consider its response to the 2021-22 Grand Jury Final Report.
At 10:30 a.m., the board will hear a presentation regarding energy conservation recommendations and facilities condition assessments for county facilities.
At 11 a.m., the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9 Sulphur Bank Mine Superfund Site Team will present an update regarding its progress toward a cleanup plan.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in Lake County.
5.2: Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.3: Adopt proclamation designating the month of September National Suicide Prevention Month, the week of Sept. 4 10 as National Suicide Prevention Week, and Sept. 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day.
5.4: Approve purchase order for Sutter Center for psychiatry for acute inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and professional services associated with acute inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations in the amount of $75,000 and authorize the department head to sign.
5.5: Approve Board of Supervisors minutes for Aug. 23.
5.6: Second Reading of Ordinance Adding Article X to Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and adopting a water efficient landscape ordinance, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.7: Approve continuation of resolution authorizing teleconferenced meetings during a state of emergency continue to exist.
5.8: Approve continuation of a local health emergency related to the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) as proclaimed by the Lake County Public Health officer.
5.9: Adopt resolution approving Lake County Health Services Department to submit a renewal application and certification statement for the Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Grant with the California Department of Public Health for fiscal year 2022 through 2023, in the amount of $275,083.32 and authorizing the board chair to sign said certification and health services director to sign application.
5.10: Approve continuation of a local health emergency and order prohibiting the endangerment of the community through the unsafe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris for the LNU Complex wildfire.
5.11: a) Waive the formal bidding requirement; and b) authorize the IT director to issue purchase orders to Dell Marketing L.P. for Microsoft Apps for Enterprise licenses; and c) authorize IT director to sign Microsoft Enterprise Agreement enrollment paperwork.
5.12: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District, adopt resolution authorizing the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board Chair to execute a lease agreement between the Lake County Watershed Protection District and the Scotts Valley Energy Corp.
5.13: Approve continuation of a local emergency due to COVID-19.
5.14: Approve continuation of a local emergency in Lake County in response to the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire event.
5.15: Approve continuation of an emergency declaration for drought conditions.
5.16: (a) Approve food services agreement with Summit with an Oct. 1, 2022, effective date, to supervise the preparation and service of meals at the Lake County Jail/Hill Road Facility for a period of three years, with two one-year extensions and authorize the chair to sign; and (b) approve a revised purchase order with Trinity in an amount not to exceed $110,000 for the period July 29, 2022, to Oct. 1, 2022.
5.17: Authorize the closure of Special Districts Administration Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30.
TIMED ITEMS
6.3, 9:07 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of September National Suicide Prevention Month, the week of Sept. 4 through 10 as National Suicide Prevention Week, and Sept. 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day.
6.4, 9:08 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in Lake County.
6.5, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of the Lake County Pool and Recreation Center Feasibility Study.
6.6, 10 a.m.: Presentation of certificates to the participants of the CSAC William “Bill” Chiat Institute for Excellence in County Government.
6.7, 10:30 a.m.: a) Consideration of presentation of energy conservation recommendations for county facilities; and b) consideration of presentation of facilities condition assessments for county facilities.
6.8, 11 a.m.: Presentation by US EPA Region 9 Sulphur Bank Mine Superfund Site Team regarding progress towards a cleanup plan.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Discussion and consideration of a letter of support from Rural County Representatives of California to provide additional cost-share funding for the California Disaster Assistance Act for Tree Mortality.
7.3: Consideration of response to the 2021-22 Grand Jury Final Report.
7.4: Consideration of update of 2022 committee assignments for members of the Board of Supervisors.
7.5: Consideration of the following advisory board appointment: Lake County Mental Health Board.
7.6: (a) Consideration of resolution authorizing emergency hiring incentives and one-time retention stipend for the Lake County Sheriff's Office in response to critical hiring and staffing Issues in Lake County's Dispatch Center and Detention Facility, and (b) consideration of funding source as either cannabis generated funds, or fund balance carryover.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lakeport City Council is set to consider candidates to fill a council vacancy and will hold a public hearing to consider approving entitlements for a new apartment and cluster home development when it meets early this week.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The council chambers will be open to the public for the meeting. Masks are highly encouraged where 6-foot distancing cannot be maintained.
If you cannot attend in person, and would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the Zoom meeting remotely at this link or join by phone by calling toll-free 669-900-9128 or 346-248-7799.
The webinar ID is 973 6820 1787, access code is 477973; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.
Comments can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To give the city clerk adequate time to print out comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit written comments before 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Under council business, the council will consider appointing one of three former council members to fill a vacant seat through the end of the year.
The vacancy came about late last month when Mireya Turner resigned after accepting the job of Lake County Community Development director on a permanent basis.
At the council’s Sept. 6 meeting, it directed staff to reach out to former council members to find one who would be interested in filling Turner’s seat through the certification of the November election, which should be completed by early December.
Administrative Services Director/City Clerk Kelly Buendia said that staff reached out to eight former council members and three expressed interest: Suzanne Lyons, Bob Rumfelt and George Spurr.
Buendia suggested the council may opt to interview the former council members at the meeting before selecting one. She could then administer the oath of office and the new member could be seated immediately.
Also on Tuesday, the council will hold a public hearing to consider the approval of entitlements sought by Waterstone Residential for the Parkside Residential Project at 1310 Craig Ave.
Developer Peter Schellinger is seeking approvals to build 128 new apartment units and 48 cluster homes on the 15-acre site, next to the original Parkside Development near Westside Community Park.
The council approved introducing the zone change ordinance and scheduled this week’s public hearing when it met Sept. 6.
This week, the council will be asked to adopt the proposed resolution making findings to approve a mitigated negative declaration for Parkside Residential’s general plan and zone change, approve the proposed general plan amendment revising realigning the existing residential general plan land use designation boundaries for a portion of the 15.16± acre property to reflect 5.97± acres to high density residential with the findings contained in the draft resolution; and approve the proposed zone change request to realign the existing R-1, low density residential base zoning districts to reflect the high density residential, with the remaining 9.19 acres to continue as R-1, low density residential with a planned development combining district overlay with the findings contained in the draft ordinance.
The council also will be asked to provide staff direction on the selection process for appointments to the city’s various commissions and committees with terms expiring this year and receive an update on the city’s GIS and asset management program from Utilities Superintendent Paul Harris.
On the consent agenda — items usually accepted as a slate on one vote — are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on Sept. 6; adoption of a resolution authorizing continued remote teleconference meetings of the Lakeport City Council and its legislative bodies pursuant to Government Code section 54953(e); and confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Animal Care and Control has four felines waiting for adoption.
Call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278 or visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm for information on visiting or adopting.
The following cats at the shelter have been cleared for adoption.
“Mama” is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat in cat room kennel No. 7, ID No. LCAC-A-3884. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. ‘Mama’
“Mama” is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat with an all-black coat.
She is in cat room kennel No. 7, ID No. LCAC-A-3884.
This 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat is in cat room kennel No. 32, ID No. LCAC-A-3887. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Female domestic shorthair cat
This 2-year-old female domestic shorthair cat has an all-black coat.
Shelter staff said she is a “master greeter.”
“She is very talkative and likes softs pets down her back. She is uncomfortable when being picked up, but is more than happy to come to you, especially for pets,” and has a “chill” attitude, the shelter reported.
She is in cat room kennel No. 32, ID No. LCAC-A-3887.
“Willow” is a female domestic shorthair cat in cat room kennel No. 47, ID No. LCAC-A-3762. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. ‘Willow’
“Willow” is a female domestic shorthair cat with a gray and white coat.
She is in cat room kennel No. 47, ID No. LCAC-A-3762.
This 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat is in cat room kennel No. 60, ID No. LCAC-A-3932. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Male domestic shorthair cat
This 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat has a black coat.
Shelter staff said he is a sweet, talkative kitty, who loves head scratches and will rub all over your legs as you walk through the room.
He is in cat room kennel No. 60, ID No. LCAC-A-3932.
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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