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News

Kelseyville Fire plans virtual meeting on fire community facilities district proposal

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Kelseyville Fire Protection District will hold a virtual community meeting this week to discuss a proposal for a fire community facilities district.

The meeting will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 29.

Click here to RSVP and receive the telephone/Zoom login information before the meeting.

The information also will be posted here on the day of the meeting.

The meeting agenda is here.

The Kelseyville Fire Protection District reported that it’s considering the formation of a community facilities district.

In order to form the community facilities district, Kelseyville Fire would need to follow a seven-step process.

The community facilities district proposal is being explored as it could provide additional funding for a new fire station on the Soda Bay corridor, a new fire engine, ambulances and salaries for staff members working in the proposed station.

The district said the new fire station would be “incredibly impactful” for nearby residents.

It would be the first fire station located within a five-mile radius of homeowners and so would be expected to significantly reduce fire district response rates and allow for adequate coverage of that portion of the district.

It also could potentially reduce insurance rates for homeowners by enhancing the Insurance Services Office rating.

The station, equipment and salaries would be paid for through a special tax on parcels within the fire district which must be approved by voters in the district.

Working with the firm CivicMic, the fire district will discuss the proposed fire community facilities district, survey results and the formation process at Thursday’s meeting.

For those who haven’t taken the survey about the proposal, find it here.

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.

Juvenile Justice Commission seeks applicants

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Applicants are being sought to fill vacancies on the Lake County Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission, a citizens’ panel that makes inquiries and recommendations into the administration of juvenile court in Lake County.

The Juvenile Justice Commission is created in California Welfare and Institutions Code, sections 225 through 231.

The mission of the Lake County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission is to advocate and protect the safety and well-being of delinquent and dependent youth by continually improving prevention and intervention activities and services.

The primary duties of the Juvenile Justice Commission are:

– To annually inspect all publicly administered juvenile institutions, including Juvenile Hall, and to inspect annually any jail lockup within the County that is used for confinement of any minor for more than 24 hours, and to report the results to the Juvenile Court and county (Welfare & Institutions Code section 229).

– To inquire into the operation of any group home in the County that serves wards or dependent children of the Juvenile Court in order to review the safety and wellbeing of the wards and dependent children (Welfare & Institutions Code section 229.5)

– To inquire into the administration of juvenile justice in a broad sense including, but not limited to, the operations of the Juvenile Court, Probation Department, Social Services Agency, and any other agency involved in juvenile delinquency or dependency (Welfare & Institutions Code section 229).

– May make recommendations to the presiding judge of the Juvenile Court and to send copies of the recommendations to designated county departments.

Commission members should possess the following qualifications:

– Have a personal, professional, and/or academic interest in issues related to youth affected by the Juvenile Court.

– Be comfortable working as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

– Have the skills necessary to gather and analyze information objectively; read and understand policies and procedures; read, write and evaluate written reports; and interview youth and juvenile justice professionals.

– Prospective members will be subject to a criminal history background investigation and fingerprint scan. Convictions, depending upon the type, number and how recent, may be disqualifying.

Interested applicants have until May 20 to apply for the commission, whose members serve a four-year term.

Applications are available on the court’s website at www.lake.courts.ca.gov or by calling 707- 263-2374.

2020 Census releases resident data counts, sends apportionment to president

After having its process disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes, the U.S. Census Bureau on Monday released resident population counts and delivered the 2020 Census apportionment to President Joe Biden.

The agency said that the 2020 Census shows the resident population of the United States on April 1, 2020, was 331,449,281.

The U.S. resident population represents the total number of people living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The resident population increased by 22,703,743 or 7.4% from 308,745,538 in 2010.

The newly released data also shows that California is among a handful of states that will each lose a congressional seat.

“The American public deserves a big thank you for its overwhelming response to the 2020 Census,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. “Despite many challenges, our nation completed a census for the 24th time. This act is fundamental to our democracy and a declaration of our growth and resilience. I also want to thank the team at the U.S. Census Bureau, who overcame unprecedented challenges to collect and produce high-quality data that will inform decision-making for years to come.”

“We are proud to release these first results from the 2020 Census today. These results reflect the tireless commitment from the entire Census Bureau team to produce the highest-quality statistics that will continue to shape the future of our country,” acting Census Bureau Director Ron Jarmin said. “And in a first for the Census Bureau, we are releasing data quality metrics on the same day we’re making the resident population counts available to the public. We are confident that today’s 2020 Census results meet our high data quality standards.”

The new resident population statistics for the United States, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are available on census.gov.

The most populous state was California with 39,538,223 residents; the least populous was Wyoming, whose residents total 576,851.

The state that gained the most numerically since the 2010 Census was Texas, up 3,999,944 to 29,145,505.

The fastest-growing state since the 2010 Census was Utah, up 18.4% to 3,271,616.

Puerto Rico's resident population was 3,285,874, down 11.8% from 3,725,789 in the 2010 Census.

In addition to these newly released statistics, today Secretary Raimondo delivered to President Biden the population counts to be used for apportioning the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In accordance with Title 2 of the U.S. Code, a congressionally defined formula is applied to the apportionment population to distribute the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the states.

The apportionment population consists of the resident population of the 50 states, plus the overseas military and federal civilian employees and their dependents living with them overseas who could be allocated to a home state.

The populations of the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are excluded from the apportionment population because they do not have voting seats in Congress.

The counts of overseas federal employees (and their dependents) are used for apportionment purposes only.

After the 1790 Census, each member of the House represented about 34,000 residents. Since then, the House has more than quadrupled in size – from 105 to 435 seats – and each member will represent an average of 761,169 people based on the 2020 Census.

Texas will gain two seats in the House of Representatives; five states will gain one seat each, Colorado, Florida, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon; seven states will lose one seat each, California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia; and the remaining states’ number of seats will not change based on the 2020 Census.

Upon receipt of the apportionment counts, the president will transmit them to the 117th Congress. The reapportioned Congress will be the 118th, which convenes in January 2023.

“Our work doesn’t stop here,” added acting Director Jarmin. “Now that the apportionment counts are delivered, we will begin the additional activities needed to create and deliver the redistricting data that were previously delayed due to COVID-19.”

Redistricting data include the local area counts states need to redraw or “redistrict” legislative boundaries.

Due to modifications to processing activities, COVID-19 data collections delays, and the Census Bureau’s obligation to provide high-quality data, states are expected to receive redistricting data by Aug. 16, and the full redistricting data with toolkits for ease of use will be delivered by Sept. 30.

First-ever paid holiday on California Native American Day for court workers moves to State Senate

California’s state Assembly on Monday approved a historic measure to grant state judicial branch employees the first-ever paid holiday on California Native American Day, which falls on the fourth Friday of September every year.

AB 855, by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland), heads to the state Senate on a unanimous 72-0 bipartisan vote.

Ramos, a member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe, is the first California Native American lawmaker elected in the state’s 170-year history. He has been laboring to enact a California Native American Day since 1998.

“I was a San Manuel council member when I started working toward this goal with then-Assemblymember Joe Baca Sr.,” Ramos said. “This is one more step forward in recognizing and building knowledge about the history, culture and contributions of California’s Native Americans.”

Judiciary employee holidays are set in the Code of Civil Procedure and a change requires legislation. Other state employees are covered in the Government Code.

AB 855 would amend the Code of Civil Procedure to recognize California Native American Day as a judicial holiday to provide proper recognition for the state’s First People and celebrate their history.

It would not create an additional paid holiday for court personnel because Columbus Day would be exchanged for another state holiday, California Native American Day.

Court personnel are currently the only state workers receiving the existing October 12 holiday as a paid day off.

The Judicial Council, a sponsor of the proposal, voted in January to seek authority to ensure California Native American Day is designated as a paid holiday for court employees.

“The Judicial Council is proud to sponsor AB 855 and thanks Assemblymember Ramos for authoring this historic bill,” said Judge Marla O. Anderson, chair of the Judicial Council Legislation Committee. “The judicial branch recognizes that access to justice is served by ensuring all Californians feel seen by the justice system, and this bill recognizes and celebrates the important contributions of Native Americans to this state.”

Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) said Monday’s vote to allow a paid state holiday to acknowledge and learn about California Native Americans and their story is overdue, adding he was pleased to join Ramos and 70 other colleagues in voting for this measure.

“I am gratified that the work of decades is blossoming and that California Native American history and culture will be highlighted through a paid holiday,” said Baca. “As a member of the state Assembly and Congress, I felt a deep obligation to also honor the many contributions of the First Californians despite the horrific treatment they received as the country moved westward. I hope that one day we see a paid holiday across the U.S. that truly acknowledges Native American culture and history and what we owe them.”

Ramos thanked the Judicial Council for its initiative in bringing the idea for the bill forward.

“For more than 20 years, I have worked to help create a day recognizing California’s First People and their history. California has the greatest number of Native Americans residing within its boundaries, and it is fitting that we begin to expand our commemoration of this holiday,” Ramos said.

AB 855 is sponsored by the Judicial Council. It is also supported by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and the California Business Alliance.

Co-authors are Assemblymembers Ed Chau (D-Monterey Park), Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Riverside).

This story’s opening paragraph has been edited to clarify that the holiday is applicable to all judicial branch employees, not just the Judicial Council.

California sends India COVID-19 supplies to combat outbreak



On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California will send lifesaving oxygen equipment to India as that country faces a devastating and fast-spreading surge of COVID-19 cases.

“When communities across the world need help, California steps up. As we surpass 28 million vaccinations and continue to see the lowest positivity rates in the country, we must meet this moment with compassion by aiding those that are hardest hit by this pandemic,” said Gov. Newsom. “Everyone deserves quality medical treatment against this terrible disease, and California will answer the call and provide aid to the people of India who so desperately need it.”

Specifically, California will send the following supplies:

– 275 oxygen concentrators. Concentrates the oxygen from a gas supply by selectively removing nitrogen to supply an oxygen-enriched product gas stream. These units are capable of producing 10 liters per minute of oxygen supplied directly to patients via a mask.

– 440 oxygen cylinders. These are large metal cylinders designed to store oxygen that are used for both hospital and at-home use.

– 240 oxygen regulators. The high-flow oxygen regulators for H tanks are used to adjust and control the rate of oxygen flow. These devices provide for greater efficiency in the rate at which oxygen is delivered to patients.

– 210 pulse oximeters. Small sensors generally clipped to the finger, toe or ear lobe that measure the oxygen saturation within an individual’s blood to determine whether they are getting enough oxygen into their bloodstream.

– One deployable oxygen concentrator system, or DOCS. Capable of producing 120 liters per minute of oxygen and is generally used to fill large cylinders.

The distribution of these lifesaving supplies is being coordinated through the U.S. Agency for International Development and will be provided directly to health care providers and front-line workers.

India reported nearly 350,000 new cases on Sunday, the largest single-day total of cases ever recorded by a single country.

California’s contributions come as part of a wider effort by the United States to fight the spread of COVID-19 in India.

On Sunday, the Biden Administration pledged to provide more medical aid to the country, including raw materials for vaccine production, test kits, ventilators and PPE.

The supplies being sent to India are now being tested, packed and prepared for shipment at state warehouse facilities and are expected to be flown out as soon as tomorrow.

California is in a position to distribute these lifesaving supplies because of the early, aggressive actions that Gov. Newsom took to combat COVID-19, which has resulted in the lowest positivity rates in the entire country and more than 28 million vaccines already having been administered in California.

Even while providing these needed supplies to India, California still maintains a robust state stockpile to rapidly respond to any additional outbreaks that may occur within the state.

Previously, Governor Newsom loaned ventilators to Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada and Delaware and also sent millions of items of PPE to neighboring states along the West Coast.

Supervisors to consider reallocating housing development funds to city of Lakeport

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider a request from the city of Lakeport to reallocate disaster recovery funds the county received to the city to be used for potential housing projects.

The‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌will‌ ‌begin‌ ‌at‌ ‌9‌ ‌a.m.‌ ‌Tuesday,‌ ‌April 27, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌can‌ ‌be‌ ‌watched‌ ‌live‌ ‌on‌ ‌Channel‌ ‌8,‌ ‌online‌ ‌at‌ ‌https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx‌‌ and‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌county’s‌ ‌Facebook‌ ‌page.‌ Accompanying‌ ‌board‌ ‌documents,‌ ‌the‌ ‌agenda‌ ‌and‌ ‌archived‌ ‌board‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌videos‌ ‌also‌ ‌are‌ ‌available‌ ‌at‌ ‌that‌ ‌link.‌ ‌

To‌ ‌participate‌ ‌in‌ ‌real-time,‌ ‌join‌ ‌the‌ ‌Zoom‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌by‌ ‌clicking‌ ‌this‌ ‌link‌.‌ ‌

The‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌ID‌ ‌is‌ 966 3380 8517,‌ ‌passcode 420173.‌ ‌The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,96633808517#,,,,*420173# US.

All interested members of the public that do not have internet access or a Mediacom cable subscription are encouraged to call 669-900-6833, and enter the Zoom meeting ID and passcode information above.

To‌ ‌submit‌ ‌a‌ ‌written‌ ‌comment‌ ‌on‌ ‌any‌ ‌agenda‌ ‌item‌ ‌please‌ ‌visit‌ ‌https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx‌‌ and‌ ‌click‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌eComment‌ ‌feature‌ ‌linked‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌date.‌ ‌If‌ ‌a‌ ‌comment‌ ‌is‌ ‌submitted‌ ‌after‌ ‌the‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌begins,‌ ‌it‌ ‌may‌ ‌not‌ ‌be‌ ‌read‌ ‌during‌ ‌the‌ ‌meeting‌ ‌but‌ ‌will‌ ‌become‌ ‌a‌ ‌part‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌record.‌ ‌

On Tuesday, the board will consider the city of Lakeport’s request to reallocate the county’s share of the 2018 Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Multi-Family Housing Program funding of $7,594,201 to the city to develop multi-family housing units.

County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson’s report to the supervisors explained that the county of Lake has been allocated funding under this program and is eligible for $7,594,201 and the city of Lakeport is eligible for $2,433,284.

“This program is intended to help fund and develop low to moderate income multifamily housing units intended to address those dislocated as a result of the Mendocino Complex Fire,” Huchingson said.

Huchingson said the county has not been able to pursue this program funding because of the lack of an affordable housing program and relevant policies and procedures.

“The City of Lakeport has had several developers interested in proposing housing projects for these funds and the City has retained a consultant to assist in pursuing this funding. The City of Lakeport approached the County to inquire if we intended to pursue this funding and if not, would the County be agreeable to pool its funding with the City of Lakeport to retain those funds within the County of Lake,” Huchingson said.

She said staff is recommending the funding be reallocated to Lakeport so it can be pooled with the city’s funds so the housing opportunity can benefit Lake County residents.

Huchingson said the county also partnered recently with the city of Clearlake to reallocate Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding earlier allocated to the county following the Sulphur Fire, part of the North Bay Firestorm of 2017, to ensure the funds remain in Lake County to be used to meet the housing needs of local residents.

In timed items, at 9:06 a.m., the board will get an update on COVID-19.

At 9:40 a.m., the board will present a proclamation designating April as Earthquake Preparedness Month.

At 10:15 a.m., the board will hear a presentation of the development and implementation of the Big Valley Groundwater Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Adopt proclamation designating the month of April 2021 as Earthquake Preparedness Month in Lake County .

5.2: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and The SmithWaters Group for Patient Rights Advocacy for FY 2021-22 for a contract maximum of $45,000, and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.3: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Redwood Community Services Inc. for the Family Stabilization Program provided at The Nest during Fiscal Year 2021-22 for a contract maximum of $221,000.00 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.4: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Redwood Community Services Inc. for the MHSA Transitional Age Youth Drop-In Center for Fiscal Year 2021-22 for a contract maximum of $96,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.5: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Redwood Community Services, Inc. for the Transitional Age Youth Peer Support Program for Fiscal Year 2021-22 for a contract maximum of $54,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

5.6: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting on April 20, 2021.

5.7: Authorize the IT director to sign the ATO document as authorized agent in order to allow the county to purchase services from AT&T at Calnet contract rates.

5.8: Adoption of resolutions rescinding prior rejections and accepting certain roadways for public use for the purpose of providing increased water flow and necessary fire hydrants for fire protection to the community of Mount Hannah Subdivisions No. 2 and No. 3.

5.9: Approve the Big Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency charter document .

TIMED ITEMS

6.2, 9:06 a.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.

6.3, 9:40 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of April 2021 as Earthquake Preparedness Month in Lake County.

6.4, 9:45 a.m.: a) Consideration of resolution adopting Cannabis Equity Assessment and Adopting the Local Equity Program and program manual pursuant to the California Cannabis Equity Act Of 2018; and b) consideration of motion to direct county administrative officer to sign grant agreement designated as Exhibit A.

6.5, 10:15 a.m.: Presentation of the development and implementation of the Big Valley Groundwater Basin (5-015) Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Consideration of request from the city of Lakeport to reallocate the County’s share of the 2018 Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Multi-Family Housing Program funding of $7,594,201 to the city of Lakeport to develop multi-family housing units.

7.3: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Middletown Cemetery District, Big Valley Management Zone Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

7.4: Discussion and direction to staff regarding: a) modifications to the Lake County Administrative Penalties Ordinance and b) recouping of costs associated with hazardous vegetation abatement.

CLOSED SESSION

8.1: Public Employee evaluation: Public Works/ Water Resources/ Community Development director.

8.2: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): (a) interviews of Public Health officer (b) appointment of Public Health officer.

8.3: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 (d)(2) (e)(3) – Claim of Lillie.

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.
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Community

  • Lake County Wine Alliance offers sponsor update; beneficiary applications open 

  • Mendocino National Forest announces seasonal hiring for upcoming field season

Public Safety

  • Lakeport Police logs: Thursday, Jan. 15

  • Lakeport Police logs: Wednesday, Jan. 14

Education

  • Woodland Community College receives maximum eight-year reaffirmation of accreditation from ACCJC

  • SNHU announces Fall 2025 President's List

Health

  • California ranks 24th in America’s Health Rankings Annual Report from United Health Foundation

  • Healthy blood donors especially vital during active flu season

Business

  • Two Lake County Mediacom employees earn company’s top service awards

  • Redwood Credit Union launches holiday gift and porch-to-pantry food drives

Obituaries

  • Rufino ‘Ray’ Pato

  • Patty Lee Smith

Opinion & Letters

  • The benefits of music for students

  • How to ease the burden of high electric bills

Veterans

  • CalVet and CSU Long Beach team up to improve data collection related to veteran suicides

  • A ‘Big Step Forward’ for Gulf War Veterans

Recreation

  • Wet weather trail closure in effect on Upper Lake Ranger District

  • Mendocino National Forest seeking public input on OHV grant applications

  • State Parks announces 2026 Anderson Marsh nature walk schedule 

  • BLM lifts seasonal fire restrictions in central California

Religion

  • Kelseyville Presbyterian to host Ash Wednesday service and Lenten dinner Feb. 18

  • Kelseyville Presbyterian Church to hold ‘Longest Night’ service Dec. 21

Arts & Life

  • Auditions announced for original musical ‘Even In Shadow’ set for March 21 and 28

  • ‘The Rip’ action heist; ‘Steal’ grounded in a crime thriller

Government & Politics

  • Lake County Democrats issue endorsements in local races for the June California Primary

  • County negotiates money-saving power purchase agreement

Legals

  • March 3 hearing on ordinance amending code for commercial cannabis uses

  • Feb. 12 public hearing on resolution to establish standards for agricultural roads

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