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LAKEPORT, Calif. — The city of Lakeport reported that official nomination papers for candidates running for seats on the Lakeport City Council will be available starting Monday, July 18.
There are two seats available, each for a four-year term.
Those seats currently are held by Stacey Mattina and Mireya Turner.
Interested candidates must be registered to vote and reside within the Lakeport City limits.
The deadline to file nomination papers for the council seats is 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.
Each candidate must be nominated by not less than 20 nor more than 30 registered voters; therefore, it is recommended that you pick up your nomination papers well in advance of the deadline for filing to allow time to gather signatures.
If you are interested in running for Lakeport City Council, please contact City Clerk Kelly Buendia at 707-263-5615, Extension 101, or Deputy City Clerk Hilary Britton, Deputy City Clerk at 707-263-5615, Extension 102, for further information and to set up an appointment to pick up and review the nomination packet.
Candidates are asked to call ahead for an appointment with the clerk’s office during the nomination period. Regular business hours at City Hall are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
There are two seats available, each for a four-year term.
Those seats currently are held by Stacey Mattina and Mireya Turner.
Interested candidates must be registered to vote and reside within the Lakeport City limits.
The deadline to file nomination papers for the council seats is 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.
Each candidate must be nominated by not less than 20 nor more than 30 registered voters; therefore, it is recommended that you pick up your nomination papers well in advance of the deadline for filing to allow time to gather signatures.
If you are interested in running for Lakeport City Council, please contact City Clerk Kelly Buendia at 707-263-5615, Extension 101, or Deputy City Clerk Hilary Britton, Deputy City Clerk at 707-263-5615, Extension 102, for further information and to set up an appointment to pick up and review the nomination packet.
Candidates are asked to call ahead for an appointment with the clerk’s office during the nomination period. Regular business hours at City Hall are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The city of Lakeport reported that it has received a large amount of response from community members on a survey about outdoor dining and design options.
Outdoor dining areas, or “parklets,” were introduced in the downtown area particularly in response to COVID-19.
The city is now working on planning rules for the areas. The Lakeport City Council asked the Planning Commission to take the lead on that work.
As part of that process, the city requested input from the community on outdoor dining options.
An overwhelming 638 individuals weighed in with 70.5% being in favor of sidewalk and on-street dining; 20.7% in favor of sidewalk, but not street dining; and 8.8% being opposed.
The survey additionally asked for opinions on some designs, as well as providing opportunity for comments.
To review the complete survey analytics, click here.
Community Development Director Jenni Byers said the insight of community members is invaluable, and called the participation for the survey “incredible.”
The Lakeport Planning Commission will be reviewing and providing direction to staff on Wednesday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m. in person at City Hall, 225 Park Street, Lakeport.
The meeting can be accessed remotely from Zoom. The meeting ID is 986 6166 5155.
Outdoor dining areas, or “parklets,” were introduced in the downtown area particularly in response to COVID-19.
The city is now working on planning rules for the areas. The Lakeport City Council asked the Planning Commission to take the lead on that work.
As part of that process, the city requested input from the community on outdoor dining options.
An overwhelming 638 individuals weighed in with 70.5% being in favor of sidewalk and on-street dining; 20.7% in favor of sidewalk, but not street dining; and 8.8% being opposed.
The survey additionally asked for opinions on some designs, as well as providing opportunity for comments.
To review the complete survey analytics, click here.
Community Development Director Jenni Byers said the insight of community members is invaluable, and called the participation for the survey “incredible.”
The Lakeport Planning Commission will be reviewing and providing direction to staff on Wednesday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m. in person at City Hall, 225 Park Street, Lakeport.
The meeting can be accessed remotely from Zoom. The meeting ID is 986 6166 5155.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Rehearsals are in full swing for the seventh annual Shakespeare at the Lake.
After two years of virtual shows, cast and crew alike are beyond thrilled to be working on a project that will culminate in front of a live audience.
Under the determined and impassioned direction of John Tomlinson, Shakespeare at the Lake went online for 2020 and 2021 since live performances were not an option.
This year brings the show not only off the screen and onto the stage, but also out of this world in a futuristic intergalactic production of “Twelfth Night.”
Inspired in part by his own affinity for science fiction as well as the private space expeditions that have hit the news recently, Tomlinson thought an outer space setting seemed the perfect way to bring this production to life for the audience. He wanted to go big after two years behind a screen, and you can’t get much bigger than outer space.
Although the production has not been immune to COVID (some cast members have been quarantined and missed several rehearsals), everyone involved is continuing full force with the energy and enthusiasm you might expect from thespians that haven’t done a show in two years.
Tomlinson emphasized that they would get through this as a team.
“We will survive on stage, no matter what happens,” he assured his cast. “Our resilience has definitely been tested, not only by COVID, but also by fires and power outages prior to that. All of these challenges have prepared us and taught us to stay flexible, positive and productive. We were lucky enough to stay in a creative space with two years of online shows, but the real magic of theater is the actual space and movement that happens on a stage, and I am so glad to be back there.”
Cast members are also overjoyed to be performing again, in person.
“Every show is a community,” explained Ed Borg, who has been in all seven Shakespeare at the Lake productions. “We still had a community online, but it wasn’t the same.”
Borg returns to audition year after year because it is a healthy stress reliever from his high profile day job as senior deputy district attorney for Lake County.
“It’s good to get out of that world and be involved in a project with people who are completely removed from that part of my life,” he said. “Every year it’s a different but equally wonderful community of people. There’s ‘old’ people and there’s ‘new’ people, and then the next year, the ‘new’ people become the ‘old’ people.”
With seven years of Shakespeare at the Lake under his belt, Borg certainly qualifies as the “oldest” of the bunch. “It’s also so much fun working with John [Tomlinson]. He teaches me things about myself that I didn’t know. When we are doing in-depth character work, I discover things that I didn’t know were there.
“As actors, one of the biggest questions we must ask is ‘What’s my motivation?’ This has actually helped me in all aspects of my life, including my job. I find myself asking ‘What is their motivation?’ when I’m dealing with clients or opposing counsel. Participating in theater has helped shape me into a better attorney, and a better person. And, it’s a lot of fun, too,” Borg said.
“Helping people discover who they are is one of the ultimate goals of a director,” explained Tomlinson. “I am humbled to be a part of that process with the actors. Theater is about so much more than just putting on a play for an audience. It’s about the actors connecting with the script, each other, and themselves.”
A play will be put on for an audience, five times, and the entire community is invited to attend free of charge.
Performances are located at Library Park in Lakeport on July 30 and 31. On Aug. 5 to 7, performances will be held at Austin Park in Clearlake. All shows begin at 7 p.m.
Shakespeare at the Lake is brought to you by Mendocino College and the Lake County Theatre Company, with generous support from the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College and the Cities of Lakeport and Clearlake.
Laura Barnes is the producer for Shakespeare at the Lake.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Sentencing of a Northshore man convicted of several counts of sexual assault has been rescheduled due to his motion for a new trial.
Antonio Thomas Magalhaes, 36, of Nice, appeared before Judge Andrew Blum in Lake County Superior Court on Monday afternoon.
Following just one hour of deliberation, a jury convicted Magalhaes in April of seven separate crimes: assault with intent to commit sodomy while committing a first degree burglary; sodomy by force; forcible rape; first degree burglary; rape of an intoxicated person; rape of an unconscious person; and domestic violence involving corporal injury.
Authorities said Magalhaes had two victims, one of whom he repeatedly assaulted from Sept. 1, 2018, through March 19, 2019, breaking into her home and raping her. In December 2019, he raped a second victim while she was unconscious.
He’s facing a maximum period of 38 years to life in prison.
During Monday’s hearing, it was reported that Magalhaes’ attorney filed a motion for a new trial on July 5.
Judge Blum noted that the court already had begun to review that motion and to look at the trial transcripts.
Deputy District Attorney Rich Watson asked for time to respond.
“You’re entitled to that,” said Blum.
Watson asked for 30 days, which Blum granted.
Blum said there was good cause to continue the hearing to Monday, Aug. 15, at 1:30 p.m. in his department.
At that time, the court will hold a hearing on the motion for a new trial and, if that’s not granted, go forward with the sentencing.
Magalhaes remains in the Lake County Jail, where he has been since his arrest in August 2020.
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.
Antonio Thomas Magalhaes, 36, of Nice, appeared before Judge Andrew Blum in Lake County Superior Court on Monday afternoon.
Following just one hour of deliberation, a jury convicted Magalhaes in April of seven separate crimes: assault with intent to commit sodomy while committing a first degree burglary; sodomy by force; forcible rape; first degree burglary; rape of an intoxicated person; rape of an unconscious person; and domestic violence involving corporal injury.
Authorities said Magalhaes had two victims, one of whom he repeatedly assaulted from Sept. 1, 2018, through March 19, 2019, breaking into her home and raping her. In December 2019, he raped a second victim while she was unconscious.
He’s facing a maximum period of 38 years to life in prison.
During Monday’s hearing, it was reported that Magalhaes’ attorney filed a motion for a new trial on July 5.
Judge Blum noted that the court already had begun to review that motion and to look at the trial transcripts.
Deputy District Attorney Rich Watson asked for time to respond.
“You’re entitled to that,” said Blum.
Watson asked for 30 days, which Blum granted.
Blum said there was good cause to continue the hearing to Monday, Aug. 15, at 1:30 p.m. in his department.
At that time, the court will hold a hearing on the motion for a new trial and, if that’s not granted, go forward with the sentencing.
Magalhaes remains in the Lake County Jail, where he has been since his arrest in August 2020.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lakeport Planning Commission will discuss projects and outdoor dining parklet requirements when it meets this week.
The commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 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. For those who are not vaccinated, facial coverings are required.
The agenda is available here.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here; the meeting ID is 986 6166 5155. To join by phone, dial 1-669-900-9128.
Comments can be submitted by email toThis 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 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.
Please indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that are read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council before the meeting.
On Wednesday, the commission will consider Jan Cody’s application for a fence variance to permit an existing 4-foot-high wooden fence constructed within the front yard encroachment setback located at 450 Sixth St.
Commissioners also will discuss Lake County Tribal Health’s application for an architectural and design review and categorical exemption to construct a new patio, sidewalk and shade structure to be located at 925 Bevins St.
In other business, the commission will hold a study session regarding outdoor dining parklets and community feedback in regard to the design standards.
They also will consider a request to amend the Lakeport Municipal Code to allow signs to be located specifically and seen from Highway 29 for major centers as well as clarify the maximum height requirements for signage.
The commission’s next meeting is set for Wednesday, Aug. 10.
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 commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 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. For those who are not vaccinated, facial coverings are required.
The agenda is available here.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here; the meeting ID is 986 6166 5155. To join by phone, dial 1-669-900-9128.
Comments can be submitted by email to
Please indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that are read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council before the meeting.
On Wednesday, the commission will consider Jan Cody’s application for a fence variance to permit an existing 4-foot-high wooden fence constructed within the front yard encroachment setback located at 450 Sixth St.
Commissioners also will discuss Lake County Tribal Health’s application for an architectural and design review and categorical exemption to construct a new patio, sidewalk and shade structure to be located at 925 Bevins St.
In other business, the commission will hold a study session regarding outdoor dining parklets and community feedback in regard to the design standards.
They also will consider a request to amend the Lakeport Municipal Code to allow signs to be located specifically and seen from Highway 29 for major centers as well as clarify the maximum height requirements for signage.
The commission’s next meeting is set for Wednesday, Aug. 10.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Behavioral Health Services recognizes July as Black, Indigenous and People of Color, or BIPOC, Mental Health Awareness Month.
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month was formally recognized in 2008 to bring awareness to the struggles underrepresented groups face surrounding mental illness.
BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities face unique challenges and stressors that increase vulnerability to mental health conditions.
Increasing awareness of issues people of color and those in marginalized communities manage helps and encourages those experiencing mental health concerns to get the help they need to thrive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, nearly one in five Americans experience some form of mental illness.
Anyone can experience challenges related to mental illness.
Health officials report that people in BIPOC communities are typically less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to seek help, and more likely to end services early if receiving treatment.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that these barriers are attributed to many factors, such as systemic racism and discrimination, negative cultural beliefs around mental illness and lack of health insurance.
“The effect of racial trauma on mental health is a reality, and we must not ignore it,” said Todd Metcalf, director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
“Racism is a public and behavioral health crisis,” said Metcalf. “Our department stands culturally competent and ready to assist BIPOC individuals in need of our programs and services.”
Lake County Behavioral Health Services suggests to improve mental health outcomes for community members:
• Encourage equality between mental and physical illness.
• Show compassion for those experiencing mental illness.
• Talk openly about mental health and discuss it no differently than physical health.
• Educate yourself and others by responding to negative comments or misperceptions by sharing experiences and facts.
For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-994-7090 or 707-274-9101 or visit Mental Health America’s website.
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month was formally recognized in 2008 to bring awareness to the struggles underrepresented groups face surrounding mental illness.
BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities face unique challenges and stressors that increase vulnerability to mental health conditions.
Increasing awareness of issues people of color and those in marginalized communities manage helps and encourages those experiencing mental health concerns to get the help they need to thrive.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, nearly one in five Americans experience some form of mental illness.
Anyone can experience challenges related to mental illness.
Health officials report that people in BIPOC communities are typically less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to seek help, and more likely to end services early if receiving treatment.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that these barriers are attributed to many factors, such as systemic racism and discrimination, negative cultural beliefs around mental illness and lack of health insurance.
“The effect of racial trauma on mental health is a reality, and we must not ignore it,” said Todd Metcalf, director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
“Racism is a public and behavioral health crisis,” said Metcalf. “Our department stands culturally competent and ready to assist BIPOC individuals in need of our programs and services.”
Lake County Behavioral Health Services suggests to improve mental health outcomes for community members:
• Encourage equality between mental and physical illness.
• Show compassion for those experiencing mental illness.
• Talk openly about mental health and discuss it no differently than physical health.
• Educate yourself and others by responding to negative comments or misperceptions by sharing experiences and facts.
For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-994-7090 or 707-274-9101 or visit Mental Health America’s website.