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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Thanks to additional funding from the Board of Supervisors, effective June 1, the Middletown and Clearlake branches of the Lake County Library will have expanded hours.

The Middletown Library will expand hours to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Redbud Library in Clearlake will be open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays will remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hours at the Lakeport Library and the Upper Lake Library will remain the same. All Library branches are closed Sunday and Monday.

New funding from the Lake County Board of Supervisors made this increase in hours possible.

During a meeting in early February, the board voted to provide funding for additional staff and library materials through the County’s Cannabis grant program.

“Access to the library has grown increasingly important throughout the hardships of this past year,” said County Librarian Christopher Veach. “It’s wonderful to be able to expand access to the library at this time.”

Earlier this year, the library provided all services via contactless delivery and was closed for in-person services.

The library reopened so patrons could come inside the library in late March.

The grant also funded more than 1,800 new children’s books at all four branches of the library.

There are new nonfiction books for almost every subject, covering history, math, science and more.

To help children develop a love of reading there are also new picture books for families to check out and read together.

The library is also planning on offering more children’s events for the community.

Due to COVID-19, many children’s programs moved to a digital format. As it becomes safer and the weather warms up the library is planning to offer more outdoor story times.

Residents can check with their local branch or go online to sign up for email notifications of new events.

Visit the Lake County Library website at http://library.lakecountyca.gov.

As the official start of summer arrives this week, Cal Fire is urging Californians to be extra cautious this Memorial Day weekend and take steps to help prevent wildfire, drownings and other accidents.

Since Jan. 1, Cal Fire has responded to 2,265 wildfires and more than 195,000 other incidents.

“Approximately 95% of all wildfires in California are caused by human activity, and each year we see disasters that could have been prevented,” said Chief Thom Porter, Cal Fire director. “The dry conditions and increased temperatures throughout the state have created a situation where a fire could easily spark, so we ask everyone to be cautious as they enjoy their time outdoors.”

If you plan on driving to your holiday destination:

• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained with nothing dragging on the ground, which can cause a spark and potentially a wildfire.
• When towing, make sure trailer chains are properly secured.
• Never drive or pull over into dry grass, which can start a wildfire.

If you are staying around your home:
• If using equipment, check that spark arresters and equipment are in good working condition. Use it before 10 a.m. and avoid yard work on hot, dry and windy days.
• Make sure you use the right tool for the job — lawn mowers are for cutting grass only.
• If grilling, never leave the grill unattended and always watch what you grill.

If you plan on going camping:
• Make sure to obtain a campfire permit and check for local fire restrictions.
• If you plan on having a campfire, make sure it is legal to do so. Clear grass, leaves and other debris within a 10-foot perimeter of the ring.
• Make sure all campfires are completely extinguished before leaving.
• Buy your firewood where you burn it, that way you are not spreading dangerous insects and diseases.

Water drownings increase dramatically during Memorial Day weekend.
• Never swim alone and if you are not a strong swimmer, always wear a life jacket.
• Children should always wear a life jacket in or around water and be supervised by a responsible adult within arm’s reach.
• Be particularly cautious of rivers and waterways with rapid currents and never underestimate calm water.
• Drinking while boating/swimming is just as dangerous as drinking and driving on the roadways.

For more ways to be safe this holiday, visit www.fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyforWildfire.org.

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom launched “Vax for the Win,” a new multi-faceted vaccine incentive program designed to motivate Californians to get their vaccination leading up to the state’s reopening on June 15.

The incentives aim to give an extra nudge to those who still need to get vaccinated against COVID-19, especially those in hard-to-reach communities, while also thanking everyone who has already been vaccinated.

“Getting every eligible Californian vaccinated is how we bring our state roaring back from this pandemic,” said Gov. Newsom. “California has already made incredible progress in the fight against COVID-19, with the lowest case rates in the country, while administering millions more vaccines than any other state. But we aren’t stopping there, we’re doing everything it takes to get Californians vaccinated as we approach June 15 to help us fully reopen safely.”

More than 62.8 percent of Californians aged 12 and older are at least partially vaccinated, but an estimated 12 million people who are eligible still have not gotten a vaccine to protect their health and the well-being of their communities.

“Some Californians weren’t ready to get their COVID-19 vaccine on day one, and that’s OK. This program is designed to encourage those who need extra support to get vaccinated and help keep California safe,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California Department of Public Health director and State Public Health officer. “The state will work closely with our partners at local health departments and community-based organizations to ensure the program reaches families living in communities with the lowest vaccination rates, who might face language barriers and other obstacles.”

All Californians aged 12 and older who are at least partially vaccinated are automatically eligible for the cash prize drawings taking place in June.

Thirty winners in total will be selected for the “$50,000 Fridays” cash prize drawings on June 4 and June 11, totaling $1.5 million.

On June 15, $1.5 million will be awarded to 10 lucky Californians – for a grand total of $15 million in cash prizes.

Winners must complete their vaccination in order to claim their prize. If someone under 18 wins, the cash will be put in a savings account for them until they turn 18.

Beginning on May 27, the next two million people who begin and complete their COVID-19 vaccination will automatically be eligible to receive a $50 prepaid or grocery card, worth a total of $100 million. It gives them the option to select from a $50 virtual prepaid card (which can be spent online, in-store where major debit cards are accepted, or added to a mobile wallet to be used to shop in stores that accept mobile wallets), or a $50 grocery gift card from Kroger (which includes Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Foods Co.) or Albertsons (which includes Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Andronico's Community Markets), while supplies last.

Californians will receive a text message with an electronic prepaid card redemption code sent to their mobile phone or email address seven to 10 days after their two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna, or single dose of Johnson and Johnson.

An incentive card will be held for those who start their vaccination at the launch of the program. Those who do not have a mobile phone or email address can receive a physical card by calling 1-833-993-3873, seven to 10 days after receiving their final dose. Those without a permanent address can also call to coordinate delivery.

For more information, visit www.COVID19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win. To schedule an appointment to be vaccinated, visit www.MyTurn.ca.gov or call the CA COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Clearlake Animal Control has another new dog to offer for adoption this week.

The following dogs are ready for adoption or foster. The newest dog is listed at the beginning of the list.

‘Sheldon’

“Sheldon” is a male German shepherd mix with a short black and tan coat.

He is dog No. 4868.

‘Bear’

“Bear” is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix with a short brown coat.

He has been neutered.

He is dog No. 3476.

‘Cleo’

“Cleo” is a female Doberman pinscher mix with a short gray coat who is new to the shelter.

She has been spayed.

She is dog No. 4865.

‘Dorito’

“Dorito” is a male American Staffordshire terrier mix with a short white and gray coat.

He has been neutered and is house trained.

He is dog No. 4576.

‘Dusty’

“Dusty” is a male American Pit Bull Terrier with a tan and white coat.

He is dog No. 4750.

‘Inky’

“Inky” is a male corgi and collie mix with a long black coat.

He has been neutered and is house-trained.

He is dog No. 4324.

‘Sassy’

“Sassy” is a female Labrador retriever and pit bull mix with a short black with white markings.

She is house-trained.

She is dog No. 4602.

‘Toby’

“Toby” is a friendly senior male boxer mix.

He has a short tan and white coat.

Toby is house trained and neutered.

He is dog No. 4389.

Call the Clearlake Animal Control shelter at 707-273-9440, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about adoptions and schedule a visit to the shelter.

Visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or on the city’s website.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors this week received an update on the project to improve Clear Lake’s health through restoring wetlands, an effort that is at a critical moment due to the requirements of state grant funding.

On Tuesday, Deputy Water Resources Director Marina Deligiannis and Peter Windrem of the Middle Creek Restoration Coalition gave the board a progress report on the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project.

The goals for the project include removing failing levees built between 1918 and 1933 and returning 1,650 acres of farmland between the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff and Upper Lake to Clear Lake to improve the watershed and water quality.

Reducing sedimentation and phosphorus loading is key to improving Clear Lake’s health. All by itself, the project would reduce an estimated 28 percent of the 40 percent of phosphorus that needs to be reduced in Clear Lake, Windrem said during the discussion.

The project’s initial phase began in 1995, when the county requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate flood risk and improve water quality in Clear Lake.

During the meeting, the board unanimously approved sending a letter to Colonel James J. Handura of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project’s federal sponsor, seeking his assistance in obtaining congressional funding for the project’s design and construction “at the earliest possible time.”

That letter reports that by summer’s end, three-quarters of the 1650 acres in the project zone will have been acquired.

As of April, the Lake County Watershed Protection District has acquired 40 parcels from willing sellers by securing grant funds in 2003 and most recently in 2018, when the board approved a resolution to accept a $15 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources. Assemblywoman Cecelia Aguiar-Curry was credited during the meeting with helping to make that grant possible.

However, challenges in acquiring the remaining properties — which total just under 50 — means the county is facing a looming deadline with the state that could have serious impacts not just on the Middle Creek project but other grant opportunities, Windrem warned.

A long road ahead

Board Chair Bruno Sabatier said the project has been an “arduous” one for the county to pursue, but it’s important due to the benefits it offers the lake, water quality and the economy.

Deligiannis said the Scotts Creek and Middle Creek watersheds make up half of the Clear Lake watershed, draining through the Rodman Slough adjacent to the project area.

Those creeks make up 57 percent of inflow and 71 percent of the phosphorus that goes into Clear Lake, she said.

Deligiannis said the county is working on extending the Department of Water Resources grant deadline, which goes through the end of 2022.

She said the Water Resources Department's highest priority is land acquisition. In 2020, the county used $997,000 to acquire two priority properties and she said she will be coming back to the board over the course of the next few months with four more proposed property purchases from willing sellers totaling $2 million.

She said the project has many moving parts, adding, “We have a long road ahead of us.”

Windrem noted he was last before the board nearly two years ago to discuss the project.

On Tuesday, as he had two years previously, Windrem spoke directly to the board about the need to complete the work, but this time he focused on what the county needs to do in order to keep moving forward.

“There’s a real tendency for us to want to paint the most positive picture of every situation that we encounter,” he said.

Windrem said the county’s situation with regard to the project is grave, with a need for more support in order to overcome bureaucratic inertia.

“Our failure to perform this contract as promised on our part would have a devastating effect to the reputation and credibility of county government to administer further grant funds,” he said, adding it’s imperative to succeed.

“We’re understaffed and we don’t have money behind this project from you all,” Windrem said, explaining that of the 49 parcels needed, only two have been purchased, with only about $2 million of the $15 million spent.

He said the deadline to complete purchase contracts is March 31, 2022, with all funds needed to be expended by Dec. 31, 2022.

Windrem supported seeking an extension from the state because otherwise the county can’t meet the deadline.

His ask of the board was “that you own this project.”

Windrem said the project needs a full-time manager that answers directly to the board. In his estimation, county staff requires $1 million a year to do everything needed to complete the work.

There will be a challenge getting federal funding for the project, and Windrem — hearkening to a suggestion Congressman John Garamendi made during a tour of the area — suggested that a dedicated project manager could work with the state on taking the project over from the Army Corps. He said the California Department of Water Resources already has spent $27 million on the Middle Creek project.

“We’ll get it done but we need to get it done sooner rather than later,” he said.

It was also noted during the discussion that the county is using two consultants, Paragon Partners Ltd and Paramount Inc., for appraisals, land acquisition and relocation.

Windrem faulted Paramount for its performance and said the company has put the county in a very precarious position.

Supervisor Tina Scott said the board needed to bring the matter back for further discussion.

“It is definitely a project that we need to complete for the health and welfare of our lake,” Scott said.

Supervisor Jessica Pyska suggested that if the board can come up with an action that it can take for developing capacity, it would make for a stronger request for help from other government agencies.

Sabatier said they also need to speak with state Sen. Mike McGuire about assistance.

Supervisor Moke Simon said he supported the letter, but as for the estimate of needing $1 million a year, he said they needed to break it down and have a better conversation.

Simon said throwing money at a problem doesn’t solve it, adding that they’ve paid for services and need to get the product.

Victoria Brandon, a member of the Sierra Club and the Middle Creek Restoration Coalition, said she thinks it will be difficult for the county to get the extension from the state Department of Water Resources.

Instead, she suggested the county needed to put the project in high gear because if it doesn’t succeed, the county is less likely to get money for this and other projects.

Sabatier said the board would bring the project back for more discussion at its meeting on Tuesday, June 8.

Supervisor EJ Crandell moved to approve the letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Scott seconded and the board approved the motion 5-0.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Hope Rising has announced a virtual launch to celebrate the progress of the Smart Start Bright Future Initiative.

The launch will take place at noon on Friday, June 4.

The event is free and open to the public.

To attend, follow the Event Brite link or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

State Sen. Mike McGuire and Lisa Wittke Schaffner, executive director of the John Jordan Foundation, will host the Smart Start Bright Future celebration.

The program focuses on four pillars of impact to improve the future of Lake County
Youth:

1. Smart Start Eligibility Wizard.
2. Lake Family Resource Center Navigator.
3. After school programs in partnership with Konocti Unified.
4. College success for high school graduates (10,000 Degrees Platform).

Event sponsors include Founder’s Circle: Adventist Health Clearlake, John Jordan Foundation and Redwood Credit Union.

Other sponsors include Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Calpine, with support from the city of Clearlake, the Lake County Board of Supervisors and the county of Lake.