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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On July 24, the Brooks became the 37th family to be welcomed into their new home as part of Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program.
Staff, volunteers and family gathered to celebrate with Jenee Brooks and her children.
As part of the dedication festivities, Grocery Outlet Clearlake donated household supplies, groceries, and a gift certificate to help Jenee Brooks transform her new house into a home.
“I appreciate all of this so much; you’ve all worked as hard as I have to make this possible and I couldn’t have done it without you. I never imagined I’d be here … but I am. You have no idea how grateful I am,” Brooks said.
If you or someone you know is interested in Habitat’s First Time Homebuyer program, please contact the office at 707-994-1100 or come by at 15312 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake, for more information.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Area Town Hall will discuss stop signs and crisis counseling opportunities when it meets this week.
MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public.
To join the Zoom meeting click on this link; the meeting ID is 935 1671 5770. Call in at 888-788-0099, pass code 872 2935 2332.
At 7:10 p.m., Linda Deihl-Darms will present an item for approval regarding the Middletown stop sign report.
At 7:15 p.m., Elizabeth Hansen will discuss crisis counseling and assistance.
At 8:30 p.m., the group will discuss moving back to in-person meetings.
Other agenda items include an update from Supervisor Moke Simon, committee updates and public comment.
MATH will next meet on Thursday, Sept. 9.
The MATH Board includes Co-Chairs Rosemary Córdova and Monica Rosenthal, Secretary Lisa Kaplan, and Ken Gonzales and Paul Baker.
MATH — established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 — is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.
For more information emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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.
MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, via Zoom. The meeting is open to the public.
To join the Zoom meeting click on this link; the meeting ID is 935 1671 5770. Call in at 888-788-0099, pass code 872 2935 2332.
At 7:10 p.m., Linda Deihl-Darms will present an item for approval regarding the Middletown stop sign report.
At 7:15 p.m., Elizabeth Hansen will discuss crisis counseling and assistance.
At 8:30 p.m., the group will discuss moving back to in-person meetings.
Other agenda items include an update from Supervisor Moke Simon, committee updates and public comment.
MATH will next meet on Thursday, Sept. 9.
The MATH Board includes Co-Chairs Rosemary Córdova and Monica Rosenthal, Secretary Lisa Kaplan, and Ken Gonzales and Paul Baker.
MATH — established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 — is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.
For more information email
Email Elizabeth Larson at
As schools fully open for the new school year, school districts across the state have expanded services to meet the needs of returning students.
Ninety-eight percent of school districts report expanding educational opportunities, including mental health, after-school and academic supports.
Specifically:
— 95 percent of school districts report expanding mental health and wellness services.
— 73 percent of school districts report expanding after-school programs.
— 83 percent of school districts report expanding learning acceleration programs (e.g., high-dose tutoring).
The state’s new Statewide Expanded Educational Opportunities Dashboard provides the latest statewide snapshot.
Additionally, the new School Districts Expanded Opportunities Map provides region-specific data for parents, families and others in the community to find out whether their schools are offering additional mental health and academic services.
That map shows much of Lake County is offering expanded opportunities for students.
Through the winter, Gov. Gavin Newsom championed urgent action to provide school funding to both accelerate school reopenings in the 2020-21 school year and expand student supports for the summer and 2021-22 school year.
AB 86 was enacted on March 5, 2021, with $4.6 billion (of $6.6 billion in total funding) dedicated to expanding student supports.
Schools used those early funds to expand educational opportunities for the summer and the upcoming school year.
According to the summer data, 89% of school districts reporting offered new learning opportunities over the summer, including learning acceleration (e.g., high-dose tutoring), enrichment and mental health services.
Building on this funding, the governor championed a historic $123.9 billion K-12 education package that represents a transformation of our public schools over the next several years.
Here are some of the highlights of how investments in AB 86 meet the immediate needs of students.
Priority: Supporting the Whole Child
2021-22 School Year
AB 86 funds for the “provision of health, counseling, or mental health services, access to school meal programs, ..., or programs to address pupil trauma and social-emotional learning, or referrals for support for family or pupil needs.”
Approximately 95 percent of responding school districts report “expanding mental health and wellness services” this school year.
Longer-term transformation
$4.3 billion to transform the youth behavioral health system, focusing on early identification of trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc.
$3 billion to create thousands of full-service community schools.
$650 million in ongoing funds for universal free school nutrition.
$650 million in ongoing funds for universal free school nutrition.
Priority: Increasing learning time
2021-22 School Year
AB 86 funds to “extend instructional learning time,” “provid[e] summer school or intersessional instructional programs, and provide access to before and after school programs.”
Approximately 88% of responding school districts reported offering summer school, enrichment programs, etc.
Approximately 83% of responding school districts report “expanding after-school programs” this school year.
Longer-term transformation
$1.8 billion, growing to $5 billion ongoing by 2025, to achieve universal access to summer and after-school programs.
Universal TK for all four-year-olds by 2025, adding an extra year of public education.
— $300 million for the pre-K teacher pipeline.
— $490 million to build and renovate state preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten facilities.
Priority: Improving quality of learning time
2021-22 School Year
AB 86 funds for “[t]utoring or other one-on-one or small group learning supports,” “[l]earning recovery programs and materials designed to accelerate pupil academic proficiency,” “[s]upports for credit deficient pupils to complete graduation or grade promotion,” etc.
Approximately 74% of responding school districts report “expanding learning acceleration” programs, including “high-dose tutoring.”
Longer-term transformation
$1.1 billion in ongoing funds for high-poverty schools to hire up to five additional teachers, paraeducators, counselors, etc.
$2.9 billion to expand the teacher pipeline and match well-prepared teachers to vulnerable students, such as $250 million to attract board-certified expert teachers to high-need schools.
$1.5 billion to improve special education.
Ninety-eight percent of school districts report expanding educational opportunities, including mental health, after-school and academic supports.
Specifically:
— 95 percent of school districts report expanding mental health and wellness services.
— 73 percent of school districts report expanding after-school programs.
— 83 percent of school districts report expanding learning acceleration programs (e.g., high-dose tutoring).
The state’s new Statewide Expanded Educational Opportunities Dashboard provides the latest statewide snapshot.
Additionally, the new School Districts Expanded Opportunities Map provides region-specific data for parents, families and others in the community to find out whether their schools are offering additional mental health and academic services.
That map shows much of Lake County is offering expanded opportunities for students.
Through the winter, Gov. Gavin Newsom championed urgent action to provide school funding to both accelerate school reopenings in the 2020-21 school year and expand student supports for the summer and 2021-22 school year.
AB 86 was enacted on March 5, 2021, with $4.6 billion (of $6.6 billion in total funding) dedicated to expanding student supports.
Schools used those early funds to expand educational opportunities for the summer and the upcoming school year.
According to the summer data, 89% of school districts reporting offered new learning opportunities over the summer, including learning acceleration (e.g., high-dose tutoring), enrichment and mental health services.
Building on this funding, the governor championed a historic $123.9 billion K-12 education package that represents a transformation of our public schools over the next several years.
Here are some of the highlights of how investments in AB 86 meet the immediate needs of students.
Priority: Supporting the Whole Child
2021-22 School Year
AB 86 funds for the “provision of health, counseling, or mental health services, access to school meal programs, ..., or programs to address pupil trauma and social-emotional learning, or referrals for support for family or pupil needs.”
Approximately 95 percent of responding school districts report “expanding mental health and wellness services” this school year.
Longer-term transformation
$4.3 billion to transform the youth behavioral health system, focusing on early identification of trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc.
$3 billion to create thousands of full-service community schools.
$650 million in ongoing funds for universal free school nutrition.
$650 million in ongoing funds for universal free school nutrition.
Priority: Increasing learning time
2021-22 School Year
AB 86 funds to “extend instructional learning time,” “provid[e] summer school or intersessional instructional programs, and provide access to before and after school programs.”
Approximately 88% of responding school districts reported offering summer school, enrichment programs, etc.
Approximately 83% of responding school districts report “expanding after-school programs” this school year.
Longer-term transformation
$1.8 billion, growing to $5 billion ongoing by 2025, to achieve universal access to summer and after-school programs.
Universal TK for all four-year-olds by 2025, adding an extra year of public education.
— $300 million for the pre-K teacher pipeline.
— $490 million to build and renovate state preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten facilities.
Priority: Improving quality of learning time
2021-22 School Year
AB 86 funds for “[t]utoring or other one-on-one or small group learning supports,” “[l]earning recovery programs and materials designed to accelerate pupil academic proficiency,” “[s]upports for credit deficient pupils to complete graduation or grade promotion,” etc.
Approximately 74% of responding school districts report “expanding learning acceleration” programs, including “high-dose tutoring.”
Longer-term transformation
$1.1 billion in ongoing funds for high-poverty schools to hire up to five additional teachers, paraeducators, counselors, etc.
$2.9 billion to expand the teacher pipeline and match well-prepared teachers to vulnerable students, such as $250 million to attract board-certified expert teachers to high-need schools.
$1.5 billion to improve special education.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County schools are preparing to welcome students back to class during another pandemic year, but this year’s return to school is expected to see more students back on campuses as safety protocols continue.
As the pandemic surges, local schools are using their experience and all available data to keep students and staff safe.
District superintendents are meeting regularly with each other and with interim Lake County Public Health Director Dr. Charlie Evans to stay current on ever-changing information from the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Education.
School start dates are as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 11: Lakeport Unified, Lucerne Elementary, Upper Lake Unified.
Monday, Aug. 16: Konocti Unified, Middletown Unified.
Tuesday, Sept. 7: Kelseyville Unified.
“Possibly the only silver lining of going through last year’s challenges is that we are far better prepared for this year,” Kelseyville Unified School District Superintendent Dave McQueen said.
Middletown Unified Superintendent Michael Cox echoed McQueen’s comments and added, "Middletown USD is committed to the safety of students and staff. We will continue to follow our safety procedures and plans as we start another successful school year."
As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus gains momentum, local schools are balancing the need for safety with the need for schooling.
In Lake County, transmission rates are measured based on a combination of case rate and percentage of people vaccinated.
There are four levels of risk: minimal, moderate, substantial, widespread. Currently, Lake County is at the widespread level.
As of early August, the case rate is similar to that of January.
Konocti Unified Superintendent Becky Salato said, “Because vaccines are now widely available, this year’s safety protocols are not quite as strict as they were last year. To start the year, masks will be required indoors while on campus, but we’re pleased to be able to bring all students back into the classroom at the same time.”
The physical distancing requirements are no longer in place, though school districts are encouraged to put as much space between students as classrooms allow.
As the school year begins, Salato encouraged those who feel ill to remain home from school.
She also noted that the following protective measures will be in place in schools countywide.
— Masking requirements for staff and students will be based on transmission risk level. At the minimal level, masks are recommended indoors. At the moderate level, masks are required indoors. At the substantial level, masks are required indoors and recommended outdoors. At the widespread level, masks are required indoors and may be required outdoors, especially during group activities.
— Visitors are not allowed on school campuses without prior approval from site administration.
— Campuses will be sanitized regularly
— Students and staff will undergo daily health screening
— To keep extracurricular events available for students, visitors will be asked to wear masks when attending large group events such as sporting events.
— No-cost COVID surveillance testing will be available for staff and, with parent permission, for students.
If students or staff test positive for the virus, schools will do as they did last year: work with Public Health to complete contact tracing to inform those in close contact so they can get tested and, if appropriate, self-isolate.
Some school districts such as Upper Lake Unified and Lucerne Elementary were open to in-person instruction throughout the 2020-21 school year.
“The same safety processes and procedures that were successful in 2020-21 will continue this school year as we welcome back staff and students,” Upper Lake Superintendent Giovanni Annous.
Even with extensive safety protocols in place, some families may not want to send their students back into the classroom.
California Assembly Bill 130 outlines new requirements for schools to provide independent study options that include some live interaction between students and teachers as well as some synchronous instruction.
Districts structure their independent programs based on the needs of their students and the resources of their district.
“To minimize the spread of COVID-19, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccines are proven safe and effective and the Pfizer vaccine is approved for students as young as 12 years old,” Salato said.
Families are encouraged to contact their student’s district with specific questions.
For a list of districts and their contact information, visit www.lakecoe.org/Districts.
As the pandemic surges, local schools are using their experience and all available data to keep students and staff safe.
District superintendents are meeting regularly with each other and with interim Lake County Public Health Director Dr. Charlie Evans to stay current on ever-changing information from the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Education.
School start dates are as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 11: Lakeport Unified, Lucerne Elementary, Upper Lake Unified.
Monday, Aug. 16: Konocti Unified, Middletown Unified.
Tuesday, Sept. 7: Kelseyville Unified.
“Possibly the only silver lining of going through last year’s challenges is that we are far better prepared for this year,” Kelseyville Unified School District Superintendent Dave McQueen said.
Middletown Unified Superintendent Michael Cox echoed McQueen’s comments and added, "Middletown USD is committed to the safety of students and staff. We will continue to follow our safety procedures and plans as we start another successful school year."
As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus gains momentum, local schools are balancing the need for safety with the need for schooling.
In Lake County, transmission rates are measured based on a combination of case rate and percentage of people vaccinated.
There are four levels of risk: minimal, moderate, substantial, widespread. Currently, Lake County is at the widespread level.
As of early August, the case rate is similar to that of January.
Konocti Unified Superintendent Becky Salato said, “Because vaccines are now widely available, this year’s safety protocols are not quite as strict as they were last year. To start the year, masks will be required indoors while on campus, but we’re pleased to be able to bring all students back into the classroom at the same time.”
The physical distancing requirements are no longer in place, though school districts are encouraged to put as much space between students as classrooms allow.
As the school year begins, Salato encouraged those who feel ill to remain home from school.
She also noted that the following protective measures will be in place in schools countywide.
— Masking requirements for staff and students will be based on transmission risk level. At the minimal level, masks are recommended indoors. At the moderate level, masks are required indoors. At the substantial level, masks are required indoors and recommended outdoors. At the widespread level, masks are required indoors and may be required outdoors, especially during group activities.
— Visitors are not allowed on school campuses without prior approval from site administration.
— Campuses will be sanitized regularly
— Students and staff will undergo daily health screening
— To keep extracurricular events available for students, visitors will be asked to wear masks when attending large group events such as sporting events.
— No-cost COVID surveillance testing will be available for staff and, with parent permission, for students.
If students or staff test positive for the virus, schools will do as they did last year: work with Public Health to complete contact tracing to inform those in close contact so they can get tested and, if appropriate, self-isolate.
Some school districts such as Upper Lake Unified and Lucerne Elementary were open to in-person instruction throughout the 2020-21 school year.
“The same safety processes and procedures that were successful in 2020-21 will continue this school year as we welcome back staff and students,” Upper Lake Superintendent Giovanni Annous.
Even with extensive safety protocols in place, some families may not want to send their students back into the classroom.
California Assembly Bill 130 outlines new requirements for schools to provide independent study options that include some live interaction between students and teachers as well as some synchronous instruction.
Districts structure their independent programs based on the needs of their students and the resources of their district.
“To minimize the spread of COVID-19, we encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccines are proven safe and effective and the Pfizer vaccine is approved for students as young as 12 years old,” Salato said.
Families are encouraged to contact their student’s district with specific questions.
For a list of districts and their contact information, visit www.lakecoe.org/Districts.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Planning Commission will meet this week to discuss two cannabis-related projects, one for cultivation and the second for retail.
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 938 6725 3732, the pass code is 314300.
Access the meeting via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,93867253732#,,,,*314300# or dial in at 669-900-6833.
The meeting also can be viewed on the county of Lake website and on the county’s Facebook page.
This will be the commission’s first meeting since the Board of Supervisors passed an urgency ordinance on July 27 to require hydrology reports for all projects due to concerns over water supply, as Lake County News has reported.
This will also be the first meeting for new commissioner Maile Field. The supervisors approved her appointment by District 4 Supervisor Jessica Pyska on Aug. 3. She succeeds Lance Williams.
On this week’s agenda are two timed items.
The first, set for 9:05 a.m., is a public hearing to consider a major use permit south by RMI Venture/Jerusalem Grade Farms, located at 22644 Jerusalem Grade Road in Middletown, and owned by Ryan Santiago and Igor Stolper. County records show the property is 21.3 acres.
The proposed project would include a license for outdoor cultivation of 43,560 square feet of canopy, a 25-foot by 50-foot processing building, four 1,000-gallon water tanks, two 2,500-gallon water tanks and a license for self-transport distribution.
The staff report said the cultivation operation will use an existing and permitted groundwater well that was permitted through the California Department of Water Resources. A state well completion report said the well produces 100 gallons of water a minute, but a November well test showed that the well produces 70 gallons per minute.
“The project is estimated to use 746,740-gallons per year for the outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation operation. With the existing well producing approximately 70-gallons per minute, the estimated yield the well would produce in a year is approximately 44,214,705-gallons per year. The proposed project will be utilizing approximately 1.6% percent of the well's full capacity,” the staff report states.
The second project, timed for 9:10 a.m., is a major use permit sought by Paul Bernacchio, who wants to locate a retail cannabis shop in the former Driftwood Lounge at 6914 Frontage Road in Lucerne.
The building is 1,783 square feet. The shop would be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, with three to five employees and 10 customers daily with 35 deliveries weekly, according to the staff report.
“To protect the public safety and health and the community's comfort, all the visitors will go through a check-in process at the store security foyer before entering the sales area. Also, the project areas including parking lot will be under the supervision of trained security personnel during operating hours and surveillance cameras at all hours,” the staff report explains.
Staff also reported that the construction schedule will begin on the interior and exterior improvements once the permit is obtained.
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 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 938 6725 3732, the pass code is 314300.
Access the meeting via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,93867253732#,,,,*314300# or dial in at 669-900-6833.
The meeting also can be viewed on the county of Lake website and on the county’s Facebook page.
This will be the commission’s first meeting since the Board of Supervisors passed an urgency ordinance on July 27 to require hydrology reports for all projects due to concerns over water supply, as Lake County News has reported.
This will also be the first meeting for new commissioner Maile Field. The supervisors approved her appointment by District 4 Supervisor Jessica Pyska on Aug. 3. She succeeds Lance Williams.
On this week’s agenda are two timed items.
The first, set for 9:05 a.m., is a public hearing to consider a major use permit south by RMI Venture/Jerusalem Grade Farms, located at 22644 Jerusalem Grade Road in Middletown, and owned by Ryan Santiago and Igor Stolper. County records show the property is 21.3 acres.
The proposed project would include a license for outdoor cultivation of 43,560 square feet of canopy, a 25-foot by 50-foot processing building, four 1,000-gallon water tanks, two 2,500-gallon water tanks and a license for self-transport distribution.
The staff report said the cultivation operation will use an existing and permitted groundwater well that was permitted through the California Department of Water Resources. A state well completion report said the well produces 100 gallons of water a minute, but a November well test showed that the well produces 70 gallons per minute.
“The project is estimated to use 746,740-gallons per year for the outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation operation. With the existing well producing approximately 70-gallons per minute, the estimated yield the well would produce in a year is approximately 44,214,705-gallons per year. The proposed project will be utilizing approximately 1.6% percent of the well's full capacity,” the staff report states.
The second project, timed for 9:10 a.m., is a major use permit sought by Paul Bernacchio, who wants to locate a retail cannabis shop in the former Driftwood Lounge at 6914 Frontage Road in Lucerne.
The building is 1,783 square feet. The shop would be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, with three to five employees and 10 customers daily with 35 deliveries weekly, according to the staff report.
“To protect the public safety and health and the community's comfort, all the visitors will go through a check-in process at the store security foyer before entering the sales area. Also, the project areas including parking lot will be under the supervision of trained security personnel during operating hours and surveillance cameras at all hours,” the staff report explains.
Staff also reported that the construction schedule will begin on the interior and exterior improvements once the permit is obtained.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The large wildland fires continuing to burn in parts of Northern California and Oregon are expected to continue to impact Lake County’s air quality this week.
Late last week, smoke from multiple fires began coming into the air basin, creating hazy, smoky conditions.
The Lake County Air Quality Management District said multiple fires including the Dixie Fire, the McFarland Fire and Monument Fire, and the River Complex fires, and other fires burning in Northern California and Oregon are creating the regional smoke impacts throughout Lake County and California.
Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart reported that all areas of Lake County have experienced air quality classified as “unhealthy” intermittently over the past week.
On Monday, Gearhart said overall air quality for the past two days had remained in the “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” categories.
“With wind directions switching around, we will likely see some clearing during the day, but smoke returning toward the evening or overnight if the wind pattern stays as forecast,” he told Lake County News.
The air quality forecast calls for conditions to degrade overnight but to improve from Tuesday into Wednesday, Gearhart said. Conditions will range from “Moderate” air quality to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
Overnight smoke may settle into the air basin, with upper level winds developing Tuesday which is forecast to push smoke to the east of Lake County. Gearhart said this pattern should keep the heaviest smoke concentrations out of the air basin, though all areas should expect periods of degraded air quality intermittently for Tuesday and Wednesday.
This forecast is based on the latest weather, monitoring, fire activity information and will be updated as necessary, said Gearhart.
Gearhart said the district is actively monitoring the smoke impacts throughout the County. Additionally, you may go to www.lcaqmd.net and follow the Quick Links for Air Monitoring for current smoke and air quality conditions. The fire and smoke map integrates multiple monitoring networks and smoke models as well as fire information. Current particulate levels in Lake County range from “moderate.”
Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and elevation. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing and difficulty breathing.
People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.
These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.
Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:
• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “recirculate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.
• Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution.
If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.
Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.
Localized areas of unhealthy air quality are possible until throughout this fire season. Take appropriate measures until the smoke clears.
Late last week, smoke from multiple fires began coming into the air basin, creating hazy, smoky conditions.
The Lake County Air Quality Management District said multiple fires including the Dixie Fire, the McFarland Fire and Monument Fire, and the River Complex fires, and other fires burning in Northern California and Oregon are creating the regional smoke impacts throughout Lake County and California.
Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart reported that all areas of Lake County have experienced air quality classified as “unhealthy” intermittently over the past week.
On Monday, Gearhart said overall air quality for the past two days had remained in the “Moderate” to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” categories.
“With wind directions switching around, we will likely see some clearing during the day, but smoke returning toward the evening or overnight if the wind pattern stays as forecast,” he told Lake County News.
The air quality forecast calls for conditions to degrade overnight but to improve from Tuesday into Wednesday, Gearhart said. Conditions will range from “Moderate” air quality to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
Overnight smoke may settle into the air basin, with upper level winds developing Tuesday which is forecast to push smoke to the east of Lake County. Gearhart said this pattern should keep the heaviest smoke concentrations out of the air basin, though all areas should expect periods of degraded air quality intermittently for Tuesday and Wednesday.
This forecast is based on the latest weather, monitoring, fire activity information and will be updated as necessary, said Gearhart.
Gearhart said the district is actively monitoring the smoke impacts throughout the County. Additionally, you may go to www.lcaqmd.net and follow the Quick Links for Air Monitoring for current smoke and air quality conditions. The fire and smoke map integrates multiple monitoring networks and smoke models as well as fire information. Current particulate levels in Lake County range from “moderate.”
Concentrations of smoke may vary depending upon location, weather, and elevation. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires contain harmful chemicals that can affect your health. Smoke can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing and difficulty breathing.
People who are at greatest risk of experiencing symptoms due to smoke include: those with respiratory disease (such as asthma), those with heart disease, young children, and older adults.
These sensitive populations should stay indoors and avoid prolonged activity. All others should limit prolonged or heavy activity and time spent outdoors. Even healthy adults can be affected by smoke. Seek medical help if you have symptoms that worsen or become severe.
Follow these general precautions to protect your health during a smoke event:
• Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise.
• Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside – examples include swamp coolers, whole-house fans, and fresh air ventilation systems.
• Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors. Change the standard air conditioner filter to a medium or high efficiency filter. If available, use the “recirculate” or “recycle” setting on the unit.
• Do not smoke, fry food, or do other things that will create indoor air pollution.
If you have lung disease (including asthma) or heart disease, closely monitor your health and contact your doctor if you have symptoms that worsen.
Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you have repeated coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, palpitations, nausea, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness.
Localized areas of unhealthy air quality are possible until throughout this fire season. Take appropriate measures until the smoke clears.