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CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council will get an update this week on the Cache fire recovery, hear an appeal of a coffee shop project, consider continuing agreements for animal control services and award contracts for a major city road project.
The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, for a workshop on municode agenda management processes before the regular meeting convenes at 6 p.m.
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 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. on Thursday, Sept. 16.
On Thursday, the council will meet one of September's adoptable dogs, hold a swearing-in of new and promoted Clearlake Police Department employees and present a proclamation declaring Sept. 24 as Native American Day.
One of the main items of business on the council’s agenda is an update from staff on the Cache fire, which destroyed 138 structures and burned 83 acres on Aug. 18.
Also on the agenda is a public hearing for the council to consider an appeal filed by Diane Drake of Sisters Coffeehouse, 14812 Olympic Drive, regarding the approval of the Mudslingers drive-through and walk up coffee shop at 14760 Olympic Drive on the grounds that the proposed development would be detrimental to their business.
In other businesses, council members will consider awarding a $6.4 million contract for the Sulphur Fire Disaster Roadway Improvement Project to Argonaut Constructors and a $227,360 contract to Green Valley Consulting Engineers for inspection and materials testing for the Sulphur Fire road project.
Staff also will ask the council to consider approving the continuation of temporary, month to month agreements with North Bay Animal Services for animal control officer and kennel technician services.
The city and North Bay Animal Services first entered into the agreement in July. Staff is asking for the police chief to be authorized to continue month-to-month contract agreements
with North Bay Animal Services for the remainder of the fiscal year. The budgeted cost is $137,832.
In other business, the council will consider its response to the 2020-21 Lake County Civil Grand Jury report and discuss possible action regarding California's redistricting process.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; continuation of a local emergency issued on March 14, 2020, and ratified by council action on March 19, 2020; continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on Oct. 9, 2017, and ratified by council action Oct. 12, 2017; continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on Aug. 18, 2021, and ratified by council action on Aug. 19, 2021; minutes of the Aug. 11, 2021, Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; and purchase of solar-powered lighting for the Austin Park Promenade.
Following the meeting, the council will have a closed session to discuss a lawsuit against the county of Lake and Treasurer-Tax Collector Barbara Ringen and a liability claim filed against the city by Benjamin Finneston.
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 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, for a workshop on municode agenda management processes before the regular meeting convenes at 6 p.m.
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 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. on Thursday, Sept. 16.
On Thursday, the council will meet one of September's adoptable dogs, hold a swearing-in of new and promoted Clearlake Police Department employees and present a proclamation declaring Sept. 24 as Native American Day.
One of the main items of business on the council’s agenda is an update from staff on the Cache fire, which destroyed 138 structures and burned 83 acres on Aug. 18.
Also on the agenda is a public hearing for the council to consider an appeal filed by Diane Drake of Sisters Coffeehouse, 14812 Olympic Drive, regarding the approval of the Mudslingers drive-through and walk up coffee shop at 14760 Olympic Drive on the grounds that the proposed development would be detrimental to their business.
In other businesses, council members will consider awarding a $6.4 million contract for the Sulphur Fire Disaster Roadway Improvement Project to Argonaut Constructors and a $227,360 contract to Green Valley Consulting Engineers for inspection and materials testing for the Sulphur Fire road project.
Staff also will ask the council to consider approving the continuation of temporary, month to month agreements with North Bay Animal Services for animal control officer and kennel technician services.
The city and North Bay Animal Services first entered into the agreement in July. Staff is asking for the police chief to be authorized to continue month-to-month contract agreements
with North Bay Animal Services for the remainder of the fiscal year. The budgeted cost is $137,832.
In other business, the council will consider its response to the 2020-21 Lake County Civil Grand Jury report and discuss possible action regarding California's redistricting process.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; continuation of a local emergency issued on March 14, 2020, and ratified by council action on March 19, 2020; continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on Oct. 9, 2017, and ratified by council action Oct. 12, 2017; continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on Aug. 18, 2021, and ratified by council action on Aug. 19, 2021; minutes of the Aug. 11, 2021, Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; and purchase of solar-powered lighting for the Austin Park Promenade.
Following the meeting, the council will have a closed session to discuss a lawsuit against the county of Lake and Treasurer-Tax Collector Barbara Ringen and a liability claim filed against the city by Benjamin Finneston.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Water Resources will once again be taking part in the annual California Coastal Cleanup coming up this weekend.
Water Resources will be hosting seven cleanup sites from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18.
Signups can be completed online here.
Daniella Cazares, the Water Resources staffer coordinating this year’s Coastal Cleanup, said the event switched its model to a month-long program but the designated date is Sept 18.
During the pandemic in 2020 most large scale cleanups were canceled. Cazare said people were asked to stay in their neighborhoods, use their own materials and use the data collection app that the California Coastal Commission uses for trash removal which is called Clean Swell.
The Coastal Commission gathered a lot of good data and wanted to pair “the clean on your own with your own tools model” with the “big events in communities model,” Cazares said.
“The public health guidelines will all be followed and we are trying to get as many people preregistered so we can stagger arrivals and departures. Everything is outdoors and each site has different zones so that groups and individuals can stay socially distant,” she said.
Cazares said there are seven sites with site check-in locations:
— Merritt Road Bridge in Kelseyville (Kelsey Creek clean up);
— Lower Lake Park (Seigler Creek clean up);
— Clear Lake Campground (Cache Creek);
— Davis Beach Rest Area, Lucerne (Clear Lake shoreline);
— Bridge Arbor North, Upper Lake (Middle Creek project area);
— Blue Lakes Village (Blue Lakes);
— Highland Springs Park proper (Highland Springs Reservoir).
When choosing the seven sites, Cazares said they used three different factors: They were sites selected from the Clean Water Program 2019 Trash implementation plan, they are in communities where Water Resources have recently received water complaints, and there is volunteer/stewardship interest.
At those check-ins locations, volunteers will sign a liability release, collect supplies for garbage pickup such as bags, gloves and data collection sheets, and get assigned a zone to work in.
Data can also be collected on the Clean Swell app; participants are encouraged to download it in advance.
Water Resources will be hosting seven cleanup sites from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18.
Signups can be completed online here.
Daniella Cazares, the Water Resources staffer coordinating this year’s Coastal Cleanup, said the event switched its model to a month-long program but the designated date is Sept 18.
During the pandemic in 2020 most large scale cleanups were canceled. Cazare said people were asked to stay in their neighborhoods, use their own materials and use the data collection app that the California Coastal Commission uses for trash removal which is called Clean Swell.
The Coastal Commission gathered a lot of good data and wanted to pair “the clean on your own with your own tools model” with the “big events in communities model,” Cazares said.
“The public health guidelines will all be followed and we are trying to get as many people preregistered so we can stagger arrivals and departures. Everything is outdoors and each site has different zones so that groups and individuals can stay socially distant,” she said.
Cazares said there are seven sites with site check-in locations:
— Merritt Road Bridge in Kelseyville (Kelsey Creek clean up);
— Lower Lake Park (Seigler Creek clean up);
— Clear Lake Campground (Cache Creek);
— Davis Beach Rest Area, Lucerne (Clear Lake shoreline);
— Bridge Arbor North, Upper Lake (Middle Creek project area);
— Blue Lakes Village (Blue Lakes);
— Highland Springs Park proper (Highland Springs Reservoir).
When choosing the seven sites, Cazares said they used three different factors: They were sites selected from the Clean Water Program 2019 Trash implementation plan, they are in communities where Water Resources have recently received water complaints, and there is volunteer/stewardship interest.
At those check-ins locations, volunteers will sign a liability release, collect supplies for garbage pickup such as bags, gloves and data collection sheets, and get assigned a zone to work in.
Data can also be collected on the Clean Swell app; participants are encouraged to download it in advance.
NORTH COAST, Calif. — The containment on a fire burning in Mendocino County since Sunday afternoon doubled on Tuesday.
Cal Fire said Tuesday night that the Hopkins fire near Calpella remained at 257 acres, with containment at 60%.
Two hundred structures remain threatened. Cal Fire reported the Damage Inspection Team has started evaluating the fire area to determine how many structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect on Eastside Calpella Road from the 4800 block north to Cortina Place, Moore Street east of North State Street, Marina Drive, Black Oak Drive, Rubicon Court and the north end of Lake Ridge Road, north of the gate at 5780 Lake Ridge Road.
Cal Fire said firefighters on Tuesday continued to make progress, despite the higher temperatures and moderate wind conditions.
Resources assigned on Tuesday began to be rolled back, with 16 engines, six water tenders, one helicopter, seven hand crews and 223 personnel committed to the incident.
Fire resources will continue to support utility partners as they repair damaged infrastructure, Cal Fire said.
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.
Cal Fire said Tuesday night that the Hopkins fire near Calpella remained at 257 acres, with containment at 60%.
Two hundred structures remain threatened. Cal Fire reported the Damage Inspection Team has started evaluating the fire area to determine how many structures have been damaged or destroyed.
Mandatory evacuations are still in effect on Eastside Calpella Road from the 4800 block north to Cortina Place, Moore Street east of North State Street, Marina Drive, Black Oak Drive, Rubicon Court and the north end of Lake Ridge Road, north of the gate at 5780 Lake Ridge Road.
Cal Fire said firefighters on Tuesday continued to make progress, despite the higher temperatures and moderate wind conditions.
Resources assigned on Tuesday began to be rolled back, with 16 engines, six water tenders, one helicopter, seven hand crews and 223 personnel committed to the incident.
Fire resources will continue to support utility partners as they repair damaged infrastructure, Cal Fire said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Police Department said it is staffing a full-time school resource police officer on the campuses of the Lakeport Unified School District.
The new school resource officer, Aaron Hodges, began his assignment on Monday, the department said.
Hodges attended Lakeport schools and is a graduate of Clear Lake High School.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said the school resource officer program is made possible by a funding partnership between the Lakeport Unified School Board and the Lakeport City Council.
“We appreciate the support and commitment of this program from the city and school district administrations and the school board and council members,” Rasmussen said.
Rasmussen said all of the officials involved believe that placement of a police officer on the school grounds will greatly enhance the safety of all students, staff and visitors on the campuses.
“Additionally, as past experience has shown, we can assist students and have a positive impact on their learning environment and their lives,” Rasmussen said.
He encouraged anyone with questions about the program to contact the police or school district administrations.
Officer Hodges can be reached through the Clear Lake High School office at 707-262-3010.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A new community event is set to be introduced next month.
The new Northshore Fall Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, on Main Street in Upper Lake.
The festival was the brainchild of Katie DeVries and Ben Guenther, the new owners of Upper Lake Grocery.
The event’s proceeds will benefit the newly formed Northshore Fire Fund, created to raise funds to assist the Northshore Fire Protection District.
There will be barbecue, a beer booth, live music, raffle items, vendor booths, a costume contest, and free arts and crafts fun for children.
To participate in this event or for more information, emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-275-4018, or visit www.upperlake.org.
The new Northshore Fall Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, on Main Street in Upper Lake.
The festival was the brainchild of Katie DeVries and Ben Guenther, the new owners of Upper Lake Grocery.
The event’s proceeds will benefit the newly formed Northshore Fire Fund, created to raise funds to assist the Northshore Fire Protection District.
There will be barbecue, a beer booth, live music, raffle items, vendor booths, a costume contest, and free arts and crafts fun for children.
To participate in this event or for more information, email
NORTH COAST, Calif. — Firefighters gained more ground on the Hopkins fire burning in Mendocino County on Monday.
The fire began Sunday afternoon at East Hopkins and North State streets in Calpella.
Cal Fire on Monday adjusted the size estimate down to 257 acres, with containment at 30%.
Resources that remain assigned to the incident include 26 engines, six water tenders, three helicopters, six hand crews, seven dozers and 309 personnel.
On Monday, firefighters continued to hold and improve control lines throughout the day. Cal Fire said the potential still existed for spots to become established outside of the control line due to wind and dry conditions.
The agency said firefighters are remaining at the scene to strengthen the depth on the containment lines, extinguish any interior hot spots and mitigate hazard trees.
On Monday, Cal Fire said 200 structures remained threatened, but so far there are no reports of any being destroyed or damaged.
Mandatory evacuations remained in effect on Monday night for Eastside Calpella Road from the 4800 block north to Cortina Place, Moore Street east of North State Street, Marina Drive, Black Oak Drive, Rubicon Court and the north end of Lake Ridge Road, north of the gate at 5780 Lake Ridge Road.
An evacuation center remains open at the Mendocino County Office of Education, 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah.
Authorities asked that all evacuation orders and warnings that remain in place be heeded for the safety of both the public and first responders’ safety.
Closures remain in effect on Lake Ridge Road, near the gate at 5780 Lake Ridge Road; 4801 East Side Calpella Road; Moore Street at North State Street; East Side Calpella Road at Cortina Place; and Highway 20 at Marina Drive.
Visit www.MendoReady.org for additional information to include the updated map for evacuation orders and warnings.
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 fire began Sunday afternoon at East Hopkins and North State streets in Calpella.
Cal Fire on Monday adjusted the size estimate down to 257 acres, with containment at 30%.
Resources that remain assigned to the incident include 26 engines, six water tenders, three helicopters, six hand crews, seven dozers and 309 personnel.
On Monday, firefighters continued to hold and improve control lines throughout the day. Cal Fire said the potential still existed for spots to become established outside of the control line due to wind and dry conditions.
The agency said firefighters are remaining at the scene to strengthen the depth on the containment lines, extinguish any interior hot spots and mitigate hazard trees.
On Monday, Cal Fire said 200 structures remained threatened, but so far there are no reports of any being destroyed or damaged.
Mandatory evacuations remained in effect on Monday night for Eastside Calpella Road from the 4800 block north to Cortina Place, Moore Street east of North State Street, Marina Drive, Black Oak Drive, Rubicon Court and the north end of Lake Ridge Road, north of the gate at 5780 Lake Ridge Road.
An evacuation center remains open at the Mendocino County Office of Education, 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah.
Authorities asked that all evacuation orders and warnings that remain in place be heeded for the safety of both the public and first responders’ safety.
Closures remain in effect on Lake Ridge Road, near the gate at 5780 Lake Ridge Road; 4801 East Side Calpella Road; Moore Street at North State Street; East Side Calpella Road at Cortina Place; and Highway 20 at Marina Drive.
Visit www.MendoReady.org for additional information to include the updated map for evacuation orders and warnings.
Email Elizabeth Larson at