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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In collaboration with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, Lake County Economic Development Corp. has launched the California MicroBusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.

Funded by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, the grant program will provide financial relief to microbusinesses in Lake County, who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, Aug. 11, Lake County Economic Development Corp., or Lake EDC, will launch an online grant application portal on its website.

Grants will be funded in the amount $2,500 per microbusiness, on a first come, first serve basis until grant funds are depleted.

On Aug. 15, from noon to 2 p.m., Lake EDC staff will host a hybrid meeting to review grant eligibility and the application process.

Interested parties can attend the information session in person or on zoom.

Businesses can join in person in the City of Clearlake’s Council Chambers at 14050 Olympic Drive, or preregister to join via Zoom at this link: https://tinyurl.com/LakeEDCMicroGrant.

A recording of the meeting will be posted on the Lake EDC website for individuals unable to attend in person.

For businesses looking for grant application details, information can be found on the Lake EDC website.

The Lake County EDC may be contacted at 707-263-6217.

On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his nomination of Supreme Court Associate Justice Patricia Guerrero to serve as California’s next chief justice after Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye concludes her current term of office on Jan. 2, 2023.

A first-generation Californian, Justice Guerrero was the first Latina to serve on the California Supreme Court and, if confirmed, will be the first Latina to serve as California’s chief justice.

The governor also announced his intention to appoint Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kelli Evans to serve as an associate justice of the California Supreme Court to fill the vacancy created by Justice Guerrero’s elevation to chief justice.

Judge Evans has broad experience throughout the nonprofit, private and public sectors and served as Gov. Newsom’s lead attorney on a wide range of law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice and civil rights-related law, policy and litigation issues.

“Justice Guerrero has established herself as a widely respected jurist with a formidable intellect and command of the law and deep commitment to equal justice and public service,” said Gov. Newsom. “A first-generation Californian from the Imperial Valley, Justice Guerrero broke barriers as California’s first Latina Supreme Court justice, enriching our state’s highest court with her insights and deep understanding of the real-world impacts of the court’s decisions in the lives of everyday Californians. I thank Justice Guerrero for her willingness to step into this role and am confident that the people of California will continue to be well served by her leadership for years to come.”

“I am humbled by this nomination to lead our state’s Supreme Court and thank the governor for entrusting me with this honor,” said Justice Guerrero, who was sworn in to the California Supreme Court by Gov. Newsom earlier this year. “If confirmed, I look forward to continuing the strides the court has made under Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye to expand equal access to justice and create a fairer justice system for all Californians.”

“Throughout her career, Judge Evans has dedicated herself to helping all Californians have an equal chance at justice,” said Gov. Newsom. “Raised by her grandmother in public housing, Judge Evans was inspired from a young age to find ways to help expand justice and opportunity for everyone, especially marginalized and vulnerable communities. I have seen firsthand her commitment to the highest ideals of public service, and her passion to protect and advance civil rights and liberties for all Californians. I have no doubt that her exemplary talent, wide-ranging knowledge and experience, strong moral compass, and work ethic will make her an outstanding Supreme Court Justice,” said Gov. Newsom.

“I am truly honored by this opportunity to serve the people of California on our state’s highest court,” said Judge Evans. “I have worked my entire career to promote equality and access to justice and to protect the rights of some of society's most disenfranchised members. If confirmed, I look forward to furthering our state’s work to ensure equal justice under the law for all Californians.”

“Gov. Gavin Newsom has made historic appointments to the California Supreme Court in nominating Justice Patricia Guerrero to be the new Chief Justice and Judge Kelli Evans to be a Justice. These two individuals are impeccably qualified,” said Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. “They will lead the California Supreme Court in using the California Constitution and California law to advance freedom and equality.”

Raised in the Imperial Valley by immigrant parents from Mexico, Justice Guerrero, 50, of Coronado, served as an associate justice at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division One from 2017 to 2022 and has wide-ranging experience as a trial court judge, partner at a major law firm and assistant U.S. attorney.

As an appellate justice at the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Justice Guerrero authored numerous opinions to protect the rights of consumers and individuals, while also ensuring that defendants’ constitutional rights are protected and that all parties, including the government, are treated fairly and consistent with the rule of law.

She served as a judge at the San Diego County Superior Court from 2013 to 2017 and was supervising judge for the family law division at the court in 2017. Justice Guerrero was hired as an associate at Latham & Watkins and became a partner in 2006.

She served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California from 2002 to 2003. Justice Guerrero earned a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School.

The compensation for this position is $293,286. She is a Democrat.

“This is truly an exceptional and historic day for the people of California and for the justice system. Justice Guerrero is an outstanding choice to lead our court system. This includes chairing the work of the California Supreme Court in reviewing the landscape of thousands of legal opinions across the state and ensuring that the development of the law is consistent with the statutory and constitutional mandates that govern our state,” said retired California Supreme Court Justice Carlos R. Moreno. “Justice Guerrero’s inspiring nomination demonstrates that, regardless of humble beginnings, hard work and commitment to one’s values can lead to the fulfillment of the true American dream.”

Devotion to social justice

Instilled with the importance of education by her grandmother, Judge Evans, 53, of Oakland, excelled academically and was able to attend a top-rated high school when her family moved from a public-housing project to a HUD subsidized apartment.

One of only a small number of students of color at the school, she managed to thrive and graduate among the top of her class while working 20 hours a week to help support her family.

Judge Evans went on to attend Stanford University and earn a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law, where she received the Martin Luther King, Jr. award for exceptional public service.

Judge Evans has served as a judge in the Alameda County Superior Court since 2021. Prior to this appointment, she served as chief deputy legal affairs secretary in the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom, where she helped shape California’s moratorium on capital punishment and advised the governor and executive agencies on myriad issues in administrative proceedings and in state and federal trial and appellate courts.

Judge Evans served as special assistant to the attorney general at the California Department of justice from 2017 to 2019 and was senior director for the administration of justice at the California State Bar from 2014 to 2017. She was associate director of the ACLU of Northern California from 2010 to 2013, where she served as an attorney from 1995 to 1998.

She was a partner at Independent Assessment & Monitoring LLP from 2006 to 2010 and an associate at Relman and Associates from 2001 to 2004. Judge Evans served as a senior trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1998 to 2001 and as an assistant public defender at the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office in 1995.

She has served as a member of federal court-appointed monitoring teams for the Oakland and Cleveland Police Departments. The compensation for this position is $279,677. She is a Democrat.

“Judge Kelli Evans is a brilliant choice to serve as associate justice on the California Supreme Court. Besides being an amazingly accomplished lawyer and judge, she has devoted her professional life — and her very heart and soul — to social justice for all and is ideally suited for service on the state’s highest court. I cannot imagine anybody better than Judge Evans to fill the vacancy,” said Kevin Johnson, dean of the University of California, Davis School of Law.

The governor’s nominations and appointments must be submitted to the State Bar’s Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation and confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

The Commission on Judicial Appointments consists of Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Attorney General Rob Bonta and Senior Presiding Justice of the state Court of Appeal Manuel Ramirez.

The nomination of Justice Guerrero as Chief Justice must also be confirmed by the voters in the Nov. 8 general election.

On Wednesday, an informational hearing was held in Sacramento on California’s two competing sports-betting initiatives.

The hearing provided the public with a clear opportunity to receive an objective review of both measures from the state Legislative Analyst’s Office ahead of the Nov. 8 election.

The hearing also allowed supporters and proponents of both measures, including members of the public, to voice their positions.

“Today’s hearing reinforced key points about two proposals to legalize and regulate sports wagering in California,” Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) said Wednesday. “We held the measures side by side, reviewed them in detail and heard input from stakeholders. The hearing underscored that illegal sports wagering is happening now without regulation, safeguards or benefits to our state. This illegal activity should be taken out of the shadows, generating revenue to improve our state, and I believe this hearing highlighted issues the voters should weigh in that regard.”

The information about Propositions 26 and 27 came at a joint hearing of the Assembly and Senate Governmental Organization committees, co-chaired by Sen. Dodd.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office presented details on how the measures would legalize sports betting and found:

· Proposition 26 would authorize on-site sports wagering at facilities operated by federally recognized Native American tribes and large horseracing tracks. The measure would generate tens of millions of dollars, a portion of which would be used for K-12 education and community colleges. The LAO estimated enforcement costs to the state Department of Justice would also be in the tens of millions of dollars.

· Proposition 27 would authorize statewide online and mobile sports wagering for gaming tribes. The vast majority of illegal sports betting currently takes place online, and to address that market proponents asserted the need for legalizing and regulating mobile wagering. Revenue was estimated to be up to $500 million per year and funding would be dedicated to programs in three areas: homelessness, gambling addiction and tribal development. Enforcement costs were also estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

Speaking in support of Proposition 26 were Anthony Roberts, chair, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation; Lovina Saul Redner, chair, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians; and Jeff Butler, general counsel, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

Speaking in support of Proposition 27 were Jose “Moke” Simon, chair, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California; and Jennifer Friend, CEO, Project Hope Alliance

Committee members asked questions but did not take positions on the measures. Both propositions go before voters Nov. 8.

A recording of the hearing can be found here.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Planning Commission is set to discuss several cannabis grows and a proposal for a new school this week.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The agenda is here.

To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.

The webinar ID is 975 2826 9622, the pass code is 362891.

Access the meeting via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,97528269622#,,,,*362891# or dial in at 669-900-6833.

The meeting also can be viewed on the county’s website or Facebook page.

In an item scheduled for 9:15 a.m., the commission will hold a public hearing to consider a major use permit and mitigated negative declaration based on initial study for 10 A — Type 3 “Outdoor” cultivation permits with a total canopy area of 432,800 square feet.

Lamperti Farms is seeking the permit. The grow would be located at 1111 Sulphur Bank Dr., 13405 Jensen Road, 565 Sulphur Bank Drive, 1070 Sulphur Bank Drive, 14499 E. State Highway 20, 1350 Sulphur Bank Drive and 1200 Sulphur Bank Drive in Clearlake Oaks.

The last item on the agenda is a request from Konocti Christian Academy for a major use permit for a new private school, serving prekindergarten through ninth grade, at 5805 Live Oak Drive, Kelseyville.

The school currently is located on the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport.

The staff report said the project consists of seven portable classrooms, separate office and restroom buildings, a playground, basketball court, grassy area, gravel parking lot, shade structure and eating area and a large grass field, with the entire property to be enclosed by a 6-foot-tall chain-link fence.

It’s estimated the school will have 150 pickups and drop-offs daily.

The full agenda follows.

AGENDA

Approval of minutes from the July 14, 2022, and July 28, 2022 Planning Commission meetings.

9:05 a.m.: Continued from July 14, with staff requesting it be continued again to Aug. 25, public hearing, consideration of proposed parcel map to create three commercially-zoned lots (PM 21-31), and consider an inclusion under the original final environmental impact report and addendum; Applicant: Valley Oaks Partners LLC/Keith Gapusan; located at 18196 and 18426 S. State Highway 29, Middletown (APNs 014-260-51, 36 & 24).

9:07 a.m.: Discussion and consideration of recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding amendments to the county code pertaining to early activation permit regulations.

9:10 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of proposed major use permit (UP 22-20) and mitigated negative declaration based on initial study (IS 22-21); Applicant is Comsites West, located at 20226 E. Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks (APNs: 010-009-42 (tower site), 010-009-39, and 40 (access sites). Staff requests this item be continued to Aug. 25.

9:15 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of proposed major use permit (UP 20-51) and mitigated negative declaration based on initial study (IS 20-75) for 10 (10) A — Type 3 “Outdoor” cultivation permits with a total canopy area of 432,800 sq. ft.; Applicant is Lamperti Farms; located at 1111 Sulphur Bank Dr., 13405 Jensen Road, 565 Sulphur Bank Drive, 1070 Sulphur Bank Drive, 14499 E. State Highway 20, 1350 Sulphur Bank Drive, 1200 Sulphur Bank Dr., (APNs: 006-520-10; 006-520-11; 006-520-12; -006-540-02; 006-540-08; 010-002-37; 010-002-53).

9:20 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of proposed rezone (RZ 22-01) and general plan amendment (GPA 22-01); applicant is Valerie Peng; project located at 11377 Highway 29, Lower Lake (APN: 049-300-02).

9:25 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of an amendment (MMU 21-24) to a major use permit (UP 18-32); and mitigated negative declaration based on initial study (IS 21-37); to allow the conversion of one acre of outdoor cannabis cultivation to 22,000 square feet of mixed light cultivation; applicant is Jason Jones on behalf of Center Grow; project located at 26066 and 27084 Jerusalem Grade Road, Middletown (APNs: 013-017-62 and 66).

9:30 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of proposed major use permit (UP 21-52) mitigated negative declaration based on initial study and addendum (IS 21-54); applicant is Kelseyville Christian Academy; project located at 5805 Live Oak Drive, Kelseyville (APN: 008-061-72).

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.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — Hidden Valley Lake residents Chris Ochs and Annette Lee announced that they are running for the Middletown Unified School Board in this November’s election.

As a team, they believe they have a strong set of complementary skills that can help successfully navigate and overcome the challenges faced by Middletown Unified and move it forward in a positive direction, benefitting its students, staff and community.

Chris Ochs is a 14-year resident of Hidden Valley Lake, current MUSD board member, and director of facilities, maintenance, operations, and transportation for Calistoga Joint Unified School District.

Ochs’ expertise has already been an invaluable asset to MUSD as the district begins to aggressively invest in much-needed facility improvement projects using Measure H bond dollars.

Ochs is known in the community as a down-to-earth, accessible and very involved parent. He plans to continue to be available and accessible to all district members as a sounding board and to take parent viewpoints into account when making decisions as a board member.

He also is a long-time MUSD volunteer who has actively been involved in multiple PTO projects including the installation of Coyote Valley Elementary’s playground equipment.

“Students, teachers, and staff need a modern, safe, and clean environment to learn and teach in. I know that I can be a valuable contributor to accomplish this work at MUSD, and I will approach this duty with an open mind and the expertise needed to help MUSD
succeed,” said Ochs.

For years MUSD has been challenged by a lack of stability, and Ochs believes that he and Lee can provide the strong and knowledgeable leadership necessary to help the District get back on course and attract and retain high-quality, compassionate educators.

“Most importantly, Annette and I agree that we must prioritize the educational and social-emotional needs of our children to guarantee they become strong, knowledgeable and confident members of society,” said Ochs.

Annette Lee is a graduate of Middletown High School, whose family has lived in Hidden Valley Lake for 38 years.

After spending a decade in Silicon Valley working in high tech and supply chain management, Lee decided to shift gears and dedicate herself to public education. And what better place to give back than the place where she grew up.

“Shane and I wanted to move back to my hometown to become educators and raise our children,” said Lee.

Since moving back to Hidden Valley Lake in 2006, Lee has worked alongside her parents, Bonnie and Jay Albertson, and her husband Shane Lee in the field of education.

Currently the interim dean of Woodland Community College’s Lake County Campus, or LCC, Lee has also served Lake County schools as a dance and business teacher for Lower Lake High School and as a Professor of Business for Woodland Community College LCC.

She has also served as the executive dean of centers for Woodland Community College.

Lee has successfully co-authored multiple grants for the college and will help MUSD access more funding as well.

She has a doctorate in educational administration, a master’s degree in business administration, a K-12 teaching credential and is certified in K-12 school business management.

Lee has worked with children of all ages and wants to see South Lake County’s children have access to every opportunity for success.

“MUSD was once a destination school district and I think we can be that again. Together I believe Chris and I can help the MUSD community create a healthy, positive learning and working environment to retain and attract the best teachers, staff, and administrators. We will work hard to ensure MUSD provides the very best education and learning environment for our children,” said Lee.

Lee and Ochs have both given many hours of volunteer time and in-kind donations in support of the schools and have been regularly attending board meetings since 2021.

Annette and Shane Lee have two children currently attending MUSD schools. Heather and Chris Ochs are parents of two MUSD students as well.

As board members and as parents themselves, Lee and Ochs said they will streamline access for parents to MUSD board meetings and will work hard to support and promote parent involvement, better academic achievement for the kids, and make MUSD a reason that families move to and stay in Lake County.

For more information, please visit www.ochsleemusd.com.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Caltrans is hosting a community open house next week to seek public comments about a proposed wildlife overcrossing on State Highway 20 in Colusa County.

The event will be Thursday, Aug. 18, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Williams City Hall, 810 E St.

Community members can view displays and review maps and other materials, including a draft environmental document. Caltrans staff members will be available to answer questions and receive comments from the public.

Caltrans is proposing construction of a $9 million wildlife overcrossing on Highway 20 about 10.5 miles west of Williams.

The Cortina Ridge Wildlife Overcrossing would restore Tule Elk range and habitat connectivity between Cortina Ridge and Bear Valley.

The Environmental Document, referred to as an initial study and proposed negative declaration, is available for review from Aug. 10, through Sept. 9. The document may be viewed at the following locations:

• Caltrans District 3, 703 B St., Marysville, CA 95901.
• Colusa County Administration Office, 547 Market St., Colusa, CA 95932.
• Williams City Hall, 810 E St., Williams, CA 95987
• The environmental document also will be available to view online.

The public is asked to submit comments or questions about the project via postal mail or email by 5 p.m. Sept. 9.

Submit comments to Caltrans District 3, Environmental Management M2 Branch, 703 B St., Marysville, CA 95901, Attn: Michael Ferrini, email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..