LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Forecasters are predicting more rain and mountain snow and colder temperatures early this week, with the potential for more rain and snow late in the week.
The National Weather Service said a weather front moving across northwest California was responsible for the rain, snow in higher elevations and gusty winds on Sunday.
The National Weather Service’s observation stations reported the following 24-hour rainfall totals in inches through 1 a.m. Monday in Lake County:
– Bartlett Springs: 0.72. – Cache Creek near Lower Lake: 0.23. – County line (at Colusa side): 0.08. – Hidden Valley Lake: 0.50. – Kelseyville: 0.40. – Knoxville Creek: 0.26. – Lyons Valley (northwest of Lakeport): 0.30. – Soda Creek: 0.53. – Upper Lake: 0.44. – Whispering Pines: 0.52.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for areas including northern Lake County through 11 a.m. Monday due to the forecast for snow down to the 1,500-foot elevation level.
On Monday, rain is expected early, with the potential for light and isolated showers later in the day before conditions clear as a weather trough moves out of the North Coast and high pressure starts to build in, the National Weather Service said.
Winds of close to 20 miles per hour are forecast for Monday, with gusts of 23 miles per hour, forecasters said.
The forecast calls for chilly temperatures in Lake County and across the region on Monday night and into Tuesday, with the potential for a hard freeze. Tuesday night into Wednesday also will be cold.
The National Weather Service reported that, starting on Thursday, an upper level trough is expected to bring more rain and mountain snow to the area. Snowfall is expected to remain above 3,500 to 4,500 feet, with rainfall amounts looking to be modest.
A “generally wet pattern” is expected to continue through the weekend, the forecast said.
The specific Lake County forecast said chances of rain are in the forecast from Wednesday night through Sunday.
Daytime temperatures this week will range from the mid 40s to mid 50s, with nighttime temperatures down into the 30s.
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 is scheduled to hold a public hearing on declaring a county-owned property as surplus as part of a land swap with the state that’s meant to acquire the Lakeport Armory for a new sheriff’s administrative headquarters.
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 16, and will be available to the public virtually only. 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.
The meeting ID is 934 3430 2193, password 103183. The meeting also can be accessed via on tap mobile at +16699006833,,93434302193#,,,,*103183#.
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.
Chromebook devices are also available at the Lakeport and Clearlake Library branches, which will open early on Tuesday. Chromebooks can be checked out for three hours for use on the library premises and contactless pickup is available. The Lakeport Library Branch can be reached at 707-263-8817, and Clearlake at 707-994-5115.
WiFi is accessible in the parking lot of each County Library Branch, so residents can park at these locations to use WiFi on borrowed or personal devices, by connecting to the “Lake County Library” network (no password) anytime from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While the board chambers remain closed, outdoor viewing and participation are also available during each meeting on the Third Street side of the courthouse building. 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.
At 9:06 a.m., the board will get an update on COVID-19 from Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
At 9:15 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing to consider resolutions declaring county-owned real property at 15837 18th Ave. in Clearlake as surplus and authorizing the development and execution of a property exchange agreement with the state of California as part of the proposed real property exchange to acquire the Lakeport Armory property at 1431 Hoyt Ave.
In January, the board gave county staff the go-ahead to finalize the plan in collaboration with the state, as Lake County News has reported.
That was followed by the Clearlake Planning Commission and the Lake County Planning Commission separately adopting general plan conformity reports later in January.
In addition to giving the Lake County Sheriff’s Office a larger and more modern headquarters than it now has, the state would use the 15.5-acre property in Clearlake for an affordable housing development.
In other business, at 10:15 a.m., the board will present a proclamation declaring March as March for Meals Month, to be followed at 10:16 a.m. by a proclamation designating March as American Red Cross Month.
In an untimed item, the board will consider a $26,000 funding allocation to the Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority.
Supervisors Moke Simon and Jessica Pyska, who are the Risk Reduction Authority chair and vice chair, respectively, wrote a memo to the board that explained that the authority, originally created in 2018, “was formed to support the entire Lake County community through the effective use of the authority of local governments, implement programs offering low-or no-cost risk reduction resources to the public, the development of funding to implement and maintain such programs, and to provide informational and educational resources to the public so that they are better able to assess and manage these risks.”
They said that in order to achieve its mission and priorities, the authority is seeking support to procure applicable grants and engage in additional fundraising activity, with the requested $26,000 to help provide initial funding for these services.
Going forward, they said, it’s the authority’s intent “that future funding for these services will be supported by those grants acquired in the first year.”
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt proclamation for March of Meals 2021.
5.2: Adopt proclamation designating March 2021 as American Red Cross Month.
5.3: Approve letter supporting SB59.
5.4: Approve letter of support to Sen. McGuire for Senate Bill 685 - Employment of Minors in Agricultural Packing Plants.
5.6: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meetings on March 2 and March 9.
5.7: Approve late travel claim for poll worker Lorelei Franco in the amount of $28.47 and authorize the auditor-controller to process payment.
5.8: Adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2021-17 establishing position allocations for fiscal year to conform to the mid-year recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021, revising salaries for Budget Unit 8695, Special Districts.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:06 a.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.
6.3, 9:15 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of resolution declaring county-owned real property as surplus and proposed real property exchange.
6.4, 10:15 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation for March of Meals 2021.
6.5, 10:16 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating March 2021 as American Red Cross Month.
6.6, 10:30 a.m.: Consideration of update from treasurer-tax collector on tax sale, investment advisor request for proposals and investment policy.
6.7, 10:50 a.m.: Consideration of (a) resolution regarding early activations for cannabis cultivation (b) new ad hoc committee to review, revise, and revamp the cannabis cultivation ordinance of Chapter 21, Article 27.13 (at).
6.8, 11:30 a.m.: Consideration of continuation of public hearing regarding the intent to vacate a roadway known as Arabian Lane (CR#148D) in the Hidden Valley Lake Area to March 23 at 9:45 a.m.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of $26,000 funding allocation to the Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority.
7.3: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Audit Committee and Western Region Town Hall.
7.4: Consideration of resolution authorizing the Public Works director to sign the notice of completion for the Lampson Field Airport Runway 10-28 Asphalt Slurry Seal Rehabilitation Project. AIP No. 3-06-0117-019-2018; Bid No. 19-11.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): Center for Biological Diversity v. County of Lake, et al.
8.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): California Native Plant Society v. County of Lake, et al.
8.4: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9 (d)(2)(e)(3): Claim of Earthways Inc.
8.5: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation, existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section54956.9 (d)(1): Sabalone v. County of Lake.
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 Lakeport City Council will be updated this week by the Public Health officer on the COVID-19 pandemic, will discuss goals for the coming fiscal year and consider approving a contract for a sewer main project.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 16.
The meeting will be by teleconference only. The city council chambers will not be open to the public.
The agenda can be found here and is published below.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling toll-free 669-900-9128 or 346-248-7799. The webinar ID is 973 6820 1787, access code is 477973; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.
Comments can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To give the City Clerk adequate time to print out comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit written comments prior to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16.
Indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council prior to the meeting.
On Tuesday, Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace will update the council on the COVID-19 situation in Lake County.
The council also will present a proclamation honoring Pace for his leadership during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Pace is stepping down from his position with the county effective April 16.
Under council business, City Manager Kevin Ingram will ask for the council’s approval of the top 12 priorities developed at the March 9 council workshop and presented in the staff report for inclusion in the 2021-22 draft budget.
The goals, shown on pages 22 and 23 of the agenda packet, are as follows:
1. Enhance the historic downtown and lakefront area through improving wayfinding signage downtown, rehabilitation of the Silveira Community Center to allow wider access by the community for events and programs, and support the efforts for the construction of the Lakefront Park.
2. Continue efforts outlined in the Hotel Feasibility Study and Lakeport Lakefront Revitalization Plan to attract a full service lodging facility with dining and conference amenities.
3. Development of a strategic plan for the creation of a City Parks & Recreation Department.
4. Amend city ordinances to permit cannabis retailers and other commercial cannabis activities.
5. Establish policies to advance racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
6. Greater engagement with Lakeport Main Street Association roles and activities; increase the visibility of local businesses on social media; encourage ways to increase foot-traffic to downtown businesses and fill vacant storefronts.
7. Consider the adoption of a Property Maintenance Ordinance.
8. Maintain appropriate Staffing in Police Operations, Records and Evidence Divisions and Technology needs related to the same.
9. Develop and implement strategy to decrease Unfunded actual liabilities for pensions and other post-employment benefits.
10. Begin the construction of Lakefront Park.
11. Complete annexation of South Main Street.
12. Expand retail opportunities throughout the City with emphasis on clothing and general retail.
Also on Tuesday, Public Works Director Doug Grider will seek the council’s approval of a $725,000 construction contract to AFelix General Engineering Inc. dba WestPac Construction for the 2021 Sewer Main Rehabilitation Project.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances, minutes of the regular council meeting on March 2 and the special meeting on March 9; the Feb. 25 warrant register; and adoption of a resolution accepting construction of the Second Street Sidewalk Improvements, Bid 19-07 by Team Ghilotti Inc., and authorize the filing of the notice of completion.
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.
While natural disasters and economic recessions traditionally unleash an uptick in child abuse, a new study suggests that cases may have declined in the first months of the pandemic, compared with the same timeframe in previous years.
In the study, led by UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals and Children’s Mercy Kansas City, researchers tracked the number of pediatric inpatients ages 5 and under in 52 children’s hospitals nationwide for the first eight months of 2020.
They found a steep decline in the number of ER visits and hospital admissions, including those requiring treatment for physical abuse.
This started in mid-March around the time some states issued shelter-in-place orders – according to the study, which publishes March 1, 2021, in Pediatrics.
When the researchers looked at the proportion of patients whose abuse had resulted in admission to the ICU and other markers of severe injury, in the period from March 16 to Aug. 31, they found little difference between the same period for prior years.
“If the proportion of children diagnosed with more severe abusive injuries had increased during the pandemic, this would indicate that declines in physical abuse were driven by children with less severe abusive injuries not presenting for medical care or being missed by clinicians,” said first author Sunitha Kaiser, MD, a pediatric hospitalist at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals and associate professor in the UCSF departments of pediatrics, and epidemiology and biostatistics.
“Instead, we found the severity of injuries was similar to pre-pandemic levels, which suggests that physical abuse may have decreased similarly across the full spectrum of severity,” she said.
The researchers found that there was a lower percentage of physically abused infants needing ICU care during the pandemic period compared to the same timeframe in previous years: 15.4 percent versus 21.3 percent. The study found little difference between those timeframes in the proportion of abused children who had died in the hospital (about 2 percent), and the proportion of abused children admitted for abusive head trauma.
CARES, eviction protections may have prevented child abuse
While further studies may reveal different patterns, including the possibility that evidence of abuse may not be apparent for months to follow, Kaiser suggests that interventions such as financial stipends from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act and eviction protections may have alleviated adult stress, preventing spikes in violence toward children.
“Our take-home message is that policies that help reduce stress on families should continue to be prioritized to prevent unnecessary harms to children. Clinicians, teachers and caretakers should also continue to be very vigilant in suspecting and reporting potential abuse, because we know it is historically under-detected and under-reported.”
Other explanations for the study’s findings include failure by clinicians to identify abuse, a scenario that Kaiser says is less likely, because patient volumes had dropped during the pandemic enabling doctors to potentially dedicate more time to patients presenting with injuries of questionable causes.
A 2016 paper cited in the study found that the rate of abusive head trauma in children under 5 increased from 9.8 per 100,000 child years before 2007, to 15.6 per 100,000 child years during the recession of 2007 to 2009.
Co-Authors: Senior author is Henry T. Puls, MD, of Children’s Mercy Kansas City. A full list of co-authors is available online.
This young female domestic long hair cat is in cat room kennel No. 11, ID No. 14320. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Female domestic long hair
This young female domestic long hair cat has a gray and white coat and gold eyes.
She is in cat room kennel No. 11, ID No. 14320.
This male tuxedo cat is in cat room kennel No. 39, ID No. 14359. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Male tuxedo cat
This male tuxedo cat has a short black and white coat and green eyes.
He is in cat room kennel No. 39, ID No. 14359.
“Buddy” is a male domestic short hair cat in cat room kennel No. 100, ID No. 14384. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. ‘Buddy’
“Buddy” is a male domestic short hair cat with a flame point and white coat and blue eyes.
He has been neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 100, ID No. 14384.
“Fifty-Fifty” is a male orange tabby in cat room kennel No. 123, ID No. 14401. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. ‘Fifty-Fifty’
“Fifty-Fifty” is a male orange tabby with a short coat.
He has been neutered.
He is in cat room kennel No. 123, ID No. 14401.
“Boots” is a male domestic short hair cat in cat room kennel No. 135, ID No. 14400. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. ‘Boots’
“Boots” is a male domestic short hair cat with a black and white coat and green eyes.
He has been neutered.
He is in cat room kennel No. 135, ID No. 14400.
This male domestic short hair cat is in cat room kennel No. 142, ID No. 14386. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Male domestic short hair cat
This male domestic short hair cat has a black and white coat and green eyes.
He has been neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 142, ID No. 14386.
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. – Two people were reported to have died in a head-on vehicle crash near Middletown late Saturday night.
The crash occurred on Highway 29 near the entrance to the Bar X Ranch north of Middletown shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday, according to the California Highway Patrol and radio reports.
The wreck involved what the CHP described as a white van and a black pickup truck.
Authorities arriving at the scene found the highway completely blocked, with major injuries to two people who were trapped in one of the vehicles.
An air ambulance was requested to land at the Middletown Fire Station, with the CHP’s H-32 helicopter responding from Napa County. Oher air ambulances said they couldn’t take the flight due to weather, based on radio reports.
Just after 11:30 p.m., one of the trapped patients was reported to have died and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office was requested to send a coroner.
As firefighters continued to extricate the second patient, incident command asked Cal Fire Dispatch to notify Caltrans about the need for an extended closure of the highway.
The CHP helicopter had already landed at the fire station when, just before 12:10 a.m. Sunday, firefighters finished extricating the second patient and incident command confirmed the second death over the radio.
Incident command reported just before 1 a.m. that Caltrans would need light towers and heavy debris removal equipment to clear the highway.
At that point, incident command said work was expected to continue at the crash scene for several hours.
More information will be published as it becomes available.
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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