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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Jail is currently experiencing another COVID-19 outbreak.
Lt. Corey Paulich confirmed to Lake County News that an outbreak was taking place, with 10 inmates and six staff members testing positive for COVID-19.
Paulich said another 63 inmates are in quarantine due to having had close contact with a COVID-19-positive individual.
As of Wednesday, Paulich said the jail's census was at 177. The jail is licensed for a maximum capacity of 286 inmates.
In the spring of 2020, the jail experienced its first COVID-19 outbreak, as Lake County News has reported.
“We had several waves of outbreaks all the way through 2020,” said Paulich.
After that, the jail had individual cases through late July.
That’s when cases started to increase to where the jail is currently, Paulich 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.
Lt. Corey Paulich confirmed to Lake County News that an outbreak was taking place, with 10 inmates and six staff members testing positive for COVID-19.
Paulich said another 63 inmates are in quarantine due to having had close contact with a COVID-19-positive individual.
As of Wednesday, Paulich said the jail's census was at 177. The jail is licensed for a maximum capacity of 286 inmates.
In the spring of 2020, the jail experienced its first COVID-19 outbreak, as Lake County News has reported.
“We had several waves of outbreaks all the way through 2020,” said Paulich.
After that, the jail had individual cases through late July.
That’s when cases started to increase to where the jail is currently, Paulich said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In response to the Cache fire that devastated nearly 60 homes in mid-August, North Coast Opportunities has reopened its wildfire relief fund, both accepting donations and providing financial relief checks to community members most impacted.
Donations and applications can both be accessed at www.ncoinc.org; look for Cache fire on the homepage.
Due to Covid, online applications are strongly encouraged and can be completed directly from the website by following the link, “Apply For Assistance Here.” A paper application may also be downloaded and dropped off at any NCO office.
NCO has been hard at work supporting the needs of Cache fire survivors and by Tuesday, had already delivered 27 checks exceeding a total of $30,000.
These checks were personally delivered directly to community members who suffered a total loss.
“NCO remains committed to supporting the needs of Lake County,” said Robyn Bera, director of community projects. “Our team went into immediate response mode by supporting shelter operations, deploying a CERT team, providing food through our Community Kitchen Project, completing Wildfire Relief Applications with evacuees, and providing case management and support.”
NCO has been a leader in wildfire relief both in immediate needs and long-term recovery since 2015’s Valley fire.
“It’s the community partners that make our work possible,” said Tammy Alakszay, NCO’s emergency preparedness coordinator and Red Cross volunteer partner. “Everyone comes together to help and brainstorm. No single agency or person is perfect, but together we create solutions. Together, we are resilient.”
The amount of Cache fire financial relief available to fire survivors is dependent on donations.
“NCO remains committed to putting community donations directly back into the hands of the most vulnerable fire survivors,” said Bera. “The more donations we earn, the more we can give to support those who need it most right now.”
NCO will be attending the Local Assistance Center at Highlands Senior Center through Friday. Wildfire relief applications and NCO staff will be available to help with applications and answer questions.
For those unable to access NCO’s online portals, or visit NCO at the LAC, please call 707-994-2910. Paper applications and NCO staff are also available at NCO Clearlake office. Please call to make an appointment.
NCO is the Community Action Agency that serves Lake and Mendocino counties, as well as parts of Humboldt, Sonoma, Del Norte and Solano counties. NCO reacts and adjusts to community needs, including homeless advocacy and response. For more information visit www.ncoinc.org.
Donations and applications can both be accessed at www.ncoinc.org; look for Cache fire on the homepage.
Due to Covid, online applications are strongly encouraged and can be completed directly from the website by following the link, “Apply For Assistance Here.” A paper application may also be downloaded and dropped off at any NCO office.
NCO has been hard at work supporting the needs of Cache fire survivors and by Tuesday, had already delivered 27 checks exceeding a total of $30,000.
These checks were personally delivered directly to community members who suffered a total loss.
“NCO remains committed to supporting the needs of Lake County,” said Robyn Bera, director of community projects. “Our team went into immediate response mode by supporting shelter operations, deploying a CERT team, providing food through our Community Kitchen Project, completing Wildfire Relief Applications with evacuees, and providing case management and support.”
NCO has been a leader in wildfire relief both in immediate needs and long-term recovery since 2015’s Valley fire.
“It’s the community partners that make our work possible,” said Tammy Alakszay, NCO’s emergency preparedness coordinator and Red Cross volunteer partner. “Everyone comes together to help and brainstorm. No single agency or person is perfect, but together we create solutions. Together, we are resilient.”
The amount of Cache fire financial relief available to fire survivors is dependent on donations.
“NCO remains committed to putting community donations directly back into the hands of the most vulnerable fire survivors,” said Bera. “The more donations we earn, the more we can give to support those who need it most right now.”
NCO will be attending the Local Assistance Center at Highlands Senior Center through Friday. Wildfire relief applications and NCO staff will be available to help with applications and answer questions.
For those unable to access NCO’s online portals, or visit NCO at the LAC, please call 707-994-2910. Paper applications and NCO staff are also available at NCO Clearlake office. Please call to make an appointment.
NCO is the Community Action Agency that serves Lake and Mendocino counties, as well as parts of Humboldt, Sonoma, Del Norte and Solano counties. NCO reacts and adjusts to community needs, including homeless advocacy and response. For more information visit www.ncoinc.org.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Lake County due to high temperatures forecast for Saturday.
The agency said the advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Daytime temperatures this week will continue in the mid to high 90s until Saturday, when conditions are forecast to top the century mark.
Temperatures also are expected to be above 100 degrees on Sunday, based on the forecast.
From Monday into the middle of next week, temperatures will top out in the high 90s, dropping into the high 80s across portions of Lake County, forecasters said.
The forecast said nighttime temperature will reach the low 60s this week, before dropping into the mid 50s by next week.
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 agency said the advisory will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Daytime temperatures this week will continue in the mid to high 90s until Saturday, when conditions are forecast to top the century mark.
Temperatures also are expected to be above 100 degrees on Sunday, based on the forecast.
From Monday into the middle of next week, temperatures will top out in the high 90s, dropping into the high 80s across portions of Lake County, forecasters said.
The forecast said nighttime temperature will reach the low 60s this week, before dropping into the mid 50s by next week.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Kim Schott is the new program director of E Center’s Lake County Women, Infant and Children, or WIC, Nutrition Program.
A registered dietitian and certified lactation educator, Schott will succeed Helaine Moore, who retired after 30 years working for E Center as the WIC Program director.
Schott began working for E Center in 2018 after graduating summa cum laude from San Diego State University.
During the same time, she completed her dietetic internship through San Diego WIC.
Schott is a United States Navy veteran where she served six years as Petty Officer Second Class aboard the USS Harpers Ferry.
“Kim is the perfect fit for our diverse and ever‐changing community in Lake County,” said Sharon Zoller, E Center Board of Directors chair and Lake County farmer. “Both her private sector background and understanding of the important role nutrition plays in the wellness and health of new mothers and young children, fits with E Center’s Mission of Building Healthy Communities through Education, Employment and Environment awareness.”
In addition to serving in the military, Schott has owned her own business, and helped with the startup and management of other small businesses.
“Kim is excited at the opportunity of building new relationships and strengthening current collaborations,” said E center’s CEO Raj Samra. “We have full trust in Kim’s ability to meet the new federal and state WIC regulations as the community recovers from the pandemic, and lead her team to new heights.”
In her spare time, Schott enjoys working out, boating, camping, home improvement projects, cooking and, most of all, spending quality time with her family.
E Center is a private nonprofit agency with more than four decades of effectiveness in serving the most at‐risk children and families in northern California. E Center's mission is to “Build Healthy Communities through education, employment, and environmental awareness.”
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Health Services’ Environmental Health Division has issued guidance on health concerns related to debris and ash from the recent Cache fire.
The city of Clearlake and Lake County Environmental Health are working to secure assistance from state agencies that will ensure proper handling and disposal of debris and ash from the fire.
In the meantime, in order to protect your health and the health of your neighbors and your community, property owners are strongly recommended to not begin cleanup activities at this time.
Debris and ash from residential and other structural fires may contain toxic substances due to the presence of synthetic and hazardous materials.
Many building materials, such as older plumbing pipe and floor and ceiling tiles contain asbestos, and older buildings often contain lead.
Household hazardous waste such as gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals may have been stored in homes, garages, or sheds that may have burned in the fire. These materials can become concentrated in ash and soil following a fire.
It is important not to expose yourself, your family or others to any of these materials. Exposures can occur by sifting through and/or moving ash and debris, causing ash to become airborne and inhaled or ingested.
A state-sponsored team has surveyed properties in the burn area for asbestos and marked suspected or confirmed asbestos with pink paint. If you come across any of these areas, please do not disturb the material, as it is extremely hazardous.
Lake County is also working with state agencies to safely collect and dispose of household hazardous waste products from burned buildings. This work is scheduled to be completed in the next few days as well.
Because ash and debris generated in the fire may be considered hazardous waste, do not transport ash or debris to landfills and transfer stations at this time.
It is recommended that debris and ash from burned structures remain undisturbed until further instructions are issued.
This recommendation is in place to protect the health of anyone who may come into contact with the waste, including solid waste facility employees, solid waste haulers, and the public.
In addition, the Lake County landfill is not able to accept fire debris until the cleanup process is finalized.
The city of Clearlake and Lake County Environmental Health are working to secure assistance from state agencies that will ensure proper handling and disposal of debris and ash from the fire.
In the meantime, in order to protect your health and the health of your neighbors and your community, property owners are strongly recommended to not begin cleanup activities at this time.
Debris and ash from residential and other structural fires may contain toxic substances due to the presence of synthetic and hazardous materials.
Many building materials, such as older plumbing pipe and floor and ceiling tiles contain asbestos, and older buildings often contain lead.
Household hazardous waste such as gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemicals may have been stored in homes, garages, or sheds that may have burned in the fire. These materials can become concentrated in ash and soil following a fire.
It is important not to expose yourself, your family or others to any of these materials. Exposures can occur by sifting through and/or moving ash and debris, causing ash to become airborne and inhaled or ingested.
A state-sponsored team has surveyed properties in the burn area for asbestos and marked suspected or confirmed asbestos with pink paint. If you come across any of these areas, please do not disturb the material, as it is extremely hazardous.
Lake County is also working with state agencies to safely collect and dispose of household hazardous waste products from burned buildings. This work is scheduled to be completed in the next few days as well.
Because ash and debris generated in the fire may be considered hazardous waste, do not transport ash or debris to landfills and transfer stations at this time.
It is recommended that debris and ash from burned structures remain undisturbed until further instructions are issued.
This recommendation is in place to protect the health of anyone who may come into contact with the waste, including solid waste facility employees, solid waste haulers, and the public.
In addition, the Lake County landfill is not able to accept fire debris until the cleanup process is finalized.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Following a brief discussion during its Thursday night meeting, the Clearlake City Council voted unanimously to move ahead with purchasing the property that once housed the city’s water park in order to include it in a large commercial development.
The city has agreed to pay Burbank Housing and Development Corp. of Sonoma County $1 million for 11.28 acres at 6885 and 7110 Old Highway 53.
The property formerly was home to Outrageous Waters water park, which closed in 2005.
In 2017 the land was gifted to Burbank Housing and Development Corp., which develops affordable housing but has no plans for projects in Lake County.
City Manager Alan Flora said the property was part of the original Pearce Field airport property the city acquired from the county of Lake in 1994.
Flora said the city has been working for a couple of years on developing the 28-acre former airport property as a retail center. The council recently approved the sale of two and a half acres for the development of a Fairfield Inn and Suites.
Adding the water park property back to the Pearce Field site would give the city control over a nearly 40-acre development area along Highway 53, which Flora said would allow for the city to conduct more strategic master planning for that site.
A site master plan is underway by the architecture firm Ankrom Moisan, Flora reported.
He said the proposal provided more opportunity for a large, high-quality development.
Based on the level of interest the city has been able to attract for the site, Flora said he’s confident they can develop the entire area.
His written report on the item said “many of the pieces necessary for a successful development are starting to come together.”
Once the property sale closes, Flora said the city would demolish the water park’s remaining infrastructure, which includes the batting cages and racetrack.
That will clear the way for the city to begin construction of the road and utility infrastructure at the site in the spring of 2022, Flora’s written report explained.
There was no public comment before Councilman Russ Cremer moved to approve the purchase, with Councilman David Claffey seconding and the council voting 5-0.
Lake County News asked Flora afterward about how Burbank Housing acquired the property.
Flora said that, as a nonprofit, the organization sometimes gets donations of land or money as a tax-deductible gift from banks. “I believe that is what happened here, they donated the property to Burbank.”
He said Burbank Housing didn’t initially contact the city — he reached out to them.
As for when the site work to remove the water park infrastructure might begin, Flora said, “We have the funds budgeted and have already investigated environmental issues so it should be pretty quick.”
He said Burbank has a lien on the property that needs to be paid off through escrow. He’s hoping the sale will close in less than 30 days.
Flora said the city is doing a request for proposals for demolition so when the sale closes the city can get the work done quickly.
Also on Thursday, the council unanimously ratified an emergency declaration in response to the Cache fire.
The council also approved an application for funding to the state for Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response funding not to exceed $1 million for improvements at the Hope Center, a transitional housing facility. The funds would be used for curb gutter and sidewalks, and an energy microgrid system, among other improvements, Flora said.
The council discussed resolutions to be considered at the 2021 League of California Cities Annual Conference and presented a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.
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 city has agreed to pay Burbank Housing and Development Corp. of Sonoma County $1 million for 11.28 acres at 6885 and 7110 Old Highway 53.
The property formerly was home to Outrageous Waters water park, which closed in 2005.
In 2017 the land was gifted to Burbank Housing and Development Corp., which develops affordable housing but has no plans for projects in Lake County.
City Manager Alan Flora said the property was part of the original Pearce Field airport property the city acquired from the county of Lake in 1994.
Flora said the city has been working for a couple of years on developing the 28-acre former airport property as a retail center. The council recently approved the sale of two and a half acres for the development of a Fairfield Inn and Suites.
Adding the water park property back to the Pearce Field site would give the city control over a nearly 40-acre development area along Highway 53, which Flora said would allow for the city to conduct more strategic master planning for that site.
A site master plan is underway by the architecture firm Ankrom Moisan, Flora reported.
He said the proposal provided more opportunity for a large, high-quality development.
Based on the level of interest the city has been able to attract for the site, Flora said he’s confident they can develop the entire area.
His written report on the item said “many of the pieces necessary for a successful development are starting to come together.”
Once the property sale closes, Flora said the city would demolish the water park’s remaining infrastructure, which includes the batting cages and racetrack.
That will clear the way for the city to begin construction of the road and utility infrastructure at the site in the spring of 2022, Flora’s written report explained.
There was no public comment before Councilman Russ Cremer moved to approve the purchase, with Councilman David Claffey seconding and the council voting 5-0.
Lake County News asked Flora afterward about how Burbank Housing acquired the property.
Flora said that, as a nonprofit, the organization sometimes gets donations of land or money as a tax-deductible gift from banks. “I believe that is what happened here, they donated the property to Burbank.”
He said Burbank Housing didn’t initially contact the city — he reached out to them.
As for when the site work to remove the water park infrastructure might begin, Flora said, “We have the funds budgeted and have already investigated environmental issues so it should be pretty quick.”
He said Burbank has a lien on the property that needs to be paid off through escrow. He’s hoping the sale will close in less than 30 days.
Flora said the city is doing a request for proposals for demolition so when the sale closes the city can get the work done quickly.
Also on Thursday, the council unanimously ratified an emergency declaration in response to the Cache fire.
The council also approved an application for funding to the state for Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response funding not to exceed $1 million for improvements at the Hope Center, a transitional housing facility. The funds would be used for curb gutter and sidewalks, and an energy microgrid system, among other improvements, Flora said.
The council discussed resolutions to be considered at the 2021 League of California Cities Annual Conference and presented a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day.
Email Elizabeth Larson at