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Citing a year “unlike any other” in the nation’s history, on Wednesday California’s governor issued a proclamation declaring Thursday, Nov. 26, as Thanksgiving Day.
The text of the proclamation issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom follows.
This year, America celebrates a Thanksgiving unlike any in our history, foregoing some of the time-honored traditions of this holiday in order to keep one another safe. However, we will not give up the spirit of Thanksgiving or the foundational ideals that unite the people of our state, even during difficult and uncertain times.
Our nation has gathered to give thanks around this time since 1621, and presidents from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln have reflected on the importance of expressing gratitude and lifting each other up during moments of national struggle. Our understanding of the first Thanksgiving, of course, failed to tell the full story of European contact with Indigenous
peoples living in what is now the United States. In the years that followed, Indigenous peoples have rightfully called attention to the inaccuracies and elisions in our national narrative. As California, through efforts like the Truth and Healing Council, makes progress toward a fuller accounting of our history, we nonetheless take time to celebrate friendship, generosity and
resilience today.
Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, Californians across the state have exemplified these values. We draw strength and resilience from the heroism of our health care workers, emergency response personnel and essential workers from all lines of work, as well as volunteers who are safely checking in on their vulnerable neighbors. Their example reminds us that we will emerge from this crisis stronger and more united than before.
On this day, we keep in our thoughts those we have lost and those facing hardship in this crisis, and give thanks for the enduring bonds of family, friendship and community, which cannot be diminished by the pandemic.
Let us strengthen these lasting ties and resolve to protect and support one another during these unprecedented times. This Thanksgiving, Californians will find new ways to connect, as they have throughout the pandemic. Whether scaling down gatherings, hosting outdoor activities, or celebrating virtually, reimagining our holiday traditions will help keep California communities safe and healthy this season.
On this day of gratitude, let us draw together in spirit and give thanks for the friendship and love that surround us, even when our loved ones cannot.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim November 26, 2020, as Thanksgiving Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 25th day of November 2020.
___________________________________
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
__________________________________
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State
The text of the proclamation issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom follows.
PROCLAMATION
This year, America celebrates a Thanksgiving unlike any in our history, foregoing some of the time-honored traditions of this holiday in order to keep one another safe. However, we will not give up the spirit of Thanksgiving or the foundational ideals that unite the people of our state, even during difficult and uncertain times.
Our nation has gathered to give thanks around this time since 1621, and presidents from George Washington to Abraham Lincoln have reflected on the importance of expressing gratitude and lifting each other up during moments of national struggle. Our understanding of the first Thanksgiving, of course, failed to tell the full story of European contact with Indigenous
peoples living in what is now the United States. In the years that followed, Indigenous peoples have rightfully called attention to the inaccuracies and elisions in our national narrative. As California, through efforts like the Truth and Healing Council, makes progress toward a fuller accounting of our history, we nonetheless take time to celebrate friendship, generosity and
resilience today.
Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, Californians across the state have exemplified these values. We draw strength and resilience from the heroism of our health care workers, emergency response personnel and essential workers from all lines of work, as well as volunteers who are safely checking in on their vulnerable neighbors. Their example reminds us that we will emerge from this crisis stronger and more united than before.
On this day, we keep in our thoughts those we have lost and those facing hardship in this crisis, and give thanks for the enduring bonds of family, friendship and community, which cannot be diminished by the pandemic.
Let us strengthen these lasting ties and resolve to protect and support one another during these unprecedented times. This Thanksgiving, Californians will find new ways to connect, as they have throughout the pandemic. Whether scaling down gatherings, hosting outdoor activities, or celebrating virtually, reimagining our holiday traditions will help keep California communities safe and healthy this season.
On this day of gratitude, let us draw together in spirit and give thanks for the friendship and love that surround us, even when our loved ones cannot.
NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim November 26, 2020, as Thanksgiving Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 25th day of November 2020.
___________________________________
GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California
ATTEST:
__________________________________
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State
NORTH COAST, Calif. – After 35 years in law enforcement, Tom Allman, retired sheriff-coroner of Mendocino County, is returning to his roots, ready for his next big assignment: the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Lost Coast resident deputy.
Allman begins his new role on Monday, Nov. 30, ending nearly a decade-long vacancy of the position serving the Shelter Cove, Whitethorn and Mattole Valley communities.
Allman, who split his childhood between North Carolina and Garberville, graduating from South Fork High School, is no stranger to the Lost Coast. Allman says, growing up his family made monthly visits to Shelter Cove and has made many friends there along the way.
“Since Tom Allman retired, I have been speaking to him about coming to work in Humboldt County,” Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said. “Shelter Cove, the Lost Coast and the Mattole Valley need to have a resident deputy that can focus on community collaboration and problem solving. Tom’s roots run deep in Humboldt and he is going to make a great addition to my team.”
While his most recent job as sheriff-coroner kept him busy behind a desk, Allman has experience as a resident deputy and knows the unique responsibilities that come with the job.
After becoming a peace officer in 1981, Allman transferred from the Fairfield Police Department to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, with his first assignment being the Laytonville resident deputy.
Throughout the years, Allman rose through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant and eventually sheriff; during his career even completing a brief stint overseas as an international peacekeeper for the United Nations in Kosovo.
However, despite having a long and decorated career, Allman said “the most fulfilling time of my career were the two years I spent in Laytonville as a resident deputy being a trusted problem solver. Out of everything I did, nothing was as fulfilling.”
Allman doesn’t take that trust lightly, recognizing the importance of mutual trust as the first step to solving problems and creating safer communities. He says building trust will be one of his first tasks in his new position.
“If a community doesn’t trust their law enforcement officer, chances are the law enforcement officer also doesn’t trust the community,” Allman said. “If a community knows their law enforcement officer by first name and trust him or her, hopefully that trust is going to work toward solving crimes and finding a solution.”
The second step to building a safer community, Allman says, is communication, something he has already begun with residents in the area through regular visits to the community prior to his appointment.
“Until we identify problems, we can’t work on solutions,” Allman said. “Communication problems can be like a blister; if you don’t take care of them, they will eventually pop. The quicker we get on them and address them, the quicker we can improve the quality of life.”
Allman says he believes improving the quality of life for the community is what it means to be “a good peacekeeper” and will bring an education-first approach of law enforcement to the Shelter Cove, Whitethorn and Mattole Valley communities.
“[Being a good peacekeeper] doesn’t mean going to work with the intention of just arresting someone or issuing a citation,” Allman said. “Those things may happen after other options are no longer viable.”
As resident deputy, Allman will be spending approximately four days a week on the Lost Coast, providing public safety services to residents in the Shelter Cove, Whitethorn and Mattole Valley communities. On days he is not assigned to work, coverage will be provided by sheriff’s deputies assigned to the Southern Humboldt area based out of the Garberville Substation.
The resident deputy position is funded through the County’s Measure Z Public Safety Sales Tax, with funding for the position earmarked in 2015 in the Sheriff’s Office first application to receive funds from the measure. Allman’s fulfillment of the position has been long-awaited by the Shelter Cove community.
“I think to many people in Shelter Cove having a resident deputy means a lot. Residents and business community members have been advocating for a Shelter Cove resident deputy for a long time,” said Justin Roberts, general manager of the Shelter Cove Resort Improvement District No. 1. “Residents and businesses of Shelter Cove greatly appreciate the leadership of Sheriff Billy Honsal in his effort to secure a resident deputy for the community. “
Roberts says the community looks forward to “the opportunity to build a positive and community-oriented relationship with local law enforcement officers to effectively address and reduce crime in the Shelter Cove, Whitethorn and Mattole Valley.”
Allman says he is up for the task and is eager to begin meeting the needs of the Lost Coast, with his number one goal being to ensure the community will have coverage for years to come by finding “his replacement.” He offers a free lunch to anyone willing to take the job. Until then, Allman says he’s excited to come out of retirement and get back to work, helping improve the quality of life in Humboldt County.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With cooler temperatures and measurable precipitation, the Bureau of Land Management has eased fire restrictions for public lands managed by the Ukiah Field Office in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
Fire restrictions were originally initiated on Jun. 25 to curb the threat of wildfire.
Public land visitors can again use campfires outside of developed campgrounds and posted recreation sites. Recreational target shooting may also resume.
Visitors are encouraged to check weather conditions for red flag warnings and fire weather watches to avoid shooting in hot, dry and windy conditions.
The public is reminded to remain cautious and practice good fire safety to help prevent wildland fires when recreating on public lands.
Good fire-prevention safety tips include keeping vehicles off dry grass or brush; carrying a fire extinguisher, shovel and water; and getting a permit for any campfire or use of portable gas stoves.
California campfire permits are available free online or at BLM, U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices. Be advised, some BLM lobbies and public rooms are closed to in-person visits.
Recreational target shooters are reminded that hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can spark a wildfire. Tracer round ammunition and incendiary devices are not allowed on BLM-managed public lands. Consider using paper targets to eliminate sparks.
Recreational target shooters are required to pack out all spent shells, brass and targets. More information on safe recreational target shooting is available on the BLM website.
For more information on preventing wildfires and additional tips for keeping campfires and target shooting safe, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or call the Ukiah Field Office at 707-468-4000. The field office can also provide additional information on public lands available for target shooting.
Individuals who spark wildfires, intentionally or unintentionally, can be held responsible for fire suppression and repair costs.
LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lake County Public Services Department has closed the boat launch at Lucerne Harbor Park, which has become impassable to boats due to sediment buildup and the low water level.
The agency said Tuesday that, in order to protect public safety and prevent damage to public and private property, it was taking the action to temporarily close the boat launch at the park, located at 6225 East Highway 20.
The condition of the harbor has been a topic of concern for the community over the last several years, and in January 2019 the Lucerne Area Town Hall passed a resolution asking the county to spend a small portion of the $2.5 million sales price from the Lucerne Hotel to dredge the harbor.
After initial pushback to the request from the County Administrative Office, the Board of Supervisors ultimately approved the 2019-20 budget with $250,000 set aside for the project.
However, the project didn’t take place last fiscal year and so has been held over to this current fiscal year.
The price tag is now $350,000 and will include repairs to the deteriorating docks, based on the county budget document.
Public Services Deputy Director Kati Galvani said the sediment removal dredging project is expected to be completed next year.
Galvani said she could not give a more specific timeframe for the reopening of the harbor, which is popular with fishermen – professionals and amateurs alike – as well as recreational boaters.
She said the county needs to secure California Environmental Quality Act and regulator permits before the dredging is done.
“Topographic survey was completed last month and we will prepare the CEQA application, regulatory permit applications, and construction documents in the coming months for a calendar year 2021 dredging project,” Galvani said.
Asked about the last time the harbor was closed due to low water conditions, Galvani said she didn’t have records immediately handy but, based on staff’s recollection, “it is not an uncommon occurrence.”
Galvani said no other county boat launches are scheduled for closure currently due to low water, “but we will monitor and close as needed for safety reasons,” and will send out public announcements if necessary.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With more than 1.1 million COVID-19 cases and nearly 19,000 deaths across California, state officials on Tuesday issued the latest data and rankings for counties, with the majority remaining under the tightest restrictions.
As of Tuesday, 45 of California’s 58 counties have been placed in the purple tier, the most restrictive of the four tiers in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Those 45 counties account for 37.9 million, or 94.6 percent, of California’s population, the state said.
Last week more than half of California’s counties were placed in the purple tier.
So far this week, four have been raised to purple: Colusa, Del Norte, Humboldt and Lassen. No counties dropped out of the purple tier, based on state reports.
Lake County on Tuesday remained in the red tier, the second-most restrictive, but with cases continuing to rise, Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace warned that the county could move into the purple tier later this week or early next.
As of Tuesday, Lake County had 877 cases – an increase of 75 over the previous week – and 19 deaths, with six people currently hospitalized, according to Lake County Public Health.
The 19th person to die locally, confirmed this week, was over age 65, with chronic medical issues. The individual died at home, Pace said.
Pace said a large percentage of Lake County’s increasing caseload is due to an ongoing outbreak in the Lake County Jail.
The outbreak has moved into a second wing of the jail facility and 16 new cases were recently documented, Pace said.
He said the sheriff’s office is taking steps to contain the spread, including weekly testing of inmates and staff and rapid testing of newly booked individuals; physical separation of COVID-19-positive inmates and close contacts; masking whenever possible and increased disinfection; and implementation of best practices advised by Lake County Public Health and state infectious disease specialists
“We have also recently seen clusters in businesses and family units around the county,” said Pace.
He said an estimated one-third of all Lake County cases come from household spread, and another one-third stem from community spread – including seeing friends and family outside of work or home.
Because of the rising case numbers, Pace said Lake County will probably move into the purple tier, possibly as early as this weekend but more probably by early next week.
He said restricting high-risk activities is the state’s strategy to control the outbreak and limit spread.
As such, if Lake County goes to purple, Pace said the county will have 24 hours to move restaurants to outdoor dining only, stop indoor worship services and require that gyms and fitness centers open for outdoor activities only.
A move into the purple tier also will stop the further opening of schools, although those that already are open can remain open, Pace said.
“These changes would remain in place until our numbers improve for at least two consecutive weeks,” he said.
Pace is asking community members to take COVID-19 seriously this Thanksgiving by limiting travel and indoor gatherings as much as possible.
“Safe practices taken now will really help us in a few weeks. If you must travel out of the state, self-quarantining for 14 days is recommended, when you return,” Pace said.
Acknowledging that the pandemic has made 2020 a challenging year, Pace nonetheless urged continued caution.
“We must remain vigilant and careful during these coming few months, because we are entering a risky phase; one that could easily strain our healthcare system,” Pace said.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
As of Tuesday, 45 of California’s 58 counties have been placed in the purple tier, the most restrictive of the four tiers in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Those 45 counties account for 37.9 million, or 94.6 percent, of California’s population, the state said.
Last week more than half of California’s counties were placed in the purple tier.
So far this week, four have been raised to purple: Colusa, Del Norte, Humboldt and Lassen. No counties dropped out of the purple tier, based on state reports.
Lake County on Tuesday remained in the red tier, the second-most restrictive, but with cases continuing to rise, Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace warned that the county could move into the purple tier later this week or early next.
As of Tuesday, Lake County had 877 cases – an increase of 75 over the previous week – and 19 deaths, with six people currently hospitalized, according to Lake County Public Health.
The 19th person to die locally, confirmed this week, was over age 65, with chronic medical issues. The individual died at home, Pace said.
Pace said a large percentage of Lake County’s increasing caseload is due to an ongoing outbreak in the Lake County Jail.
The outbreak has moved into a second wing of the jail facility and 16 new cases were recently documented, Pace said.
He said the sheriff’s office is taking steps to contain the spread, including weekly testing of inmates and staff and rapid testing of newly booked individuals; physical separation of COVID-19-positive inmates and close contacts; masking whenever possible and increased disinfection; and implementation of best practices advised by Lake County Public Health and state infectious disease specialists
“We have also recently seen clusters in businesses and family units around the county,” said Pace.
He said an estimated one-third of all Lake County cases come from household spread, and another one-third stem from community spread – including seeing friends and family outside of work or home.
Because of the rising case numbers, Pace said Lake County will probably move into the purple tier, possibly as early as this weekend but more probably by early next week.
He said restricting high-risk activities is the state’s strategy to control the outbreak and limit spread.
As such, if Lake County goes to purple, Pace said the county will have 24 hours to move restaurants to outdoor dining only, stop indoor worship services and require that gyms and fitness centers open for outdoor activities only.
A move into the purple tier also will stop the further opening of schools, although those that already are open can remain open, Pace said.
“These changes would remain in place until our numbers improve for at least two consecutive weeks,” he said.
Pace is asking community members to take COVID-19 seriously this Thanksgiving by limiting travel and indoor gatherings as much as possible.
“Safe practices taken now will really help us in a few weeks. If you must travel out of the state, self-quarantining for 14 days is recommended, when you return,” Pace said.
Acknowledging that the pandemic has made 2020 a challenging year, Pace nonetheless urged continued caution.
“We must remain vigilant and careful during these coming few months, because we are entering a risky phase; one that could easily strain our healthcare system,” Pace said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As Californians plan for the Thanksgiving holiday during the ongoing pandemic, the California Highway Patrol reminds everyone the rules of driving safety are just as crucial as ever.
To encourage safe travel, the CHP will enact a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29.
During the MEP, CHP officers will be actively looking for unsafe driving practices as well as helping motorists in need.
“This year has presented us with many unforeseen challenges, but safety is still our priority,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “If you choose to travel this Thanksgiving weekend, our goal is to help motorists arrive at their destination without incident.”
Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic may be a bit lighter, but this is not an invitation to speed to your destination.
The rules of the road still apply, and motorists should avoid driving tired, impaired or distracted.
Additionally, in an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission, Gov. Gavin Newsom has instituted a limited stay at home order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and a travel advisory, encouraging people to only go about essential activities during those hours and to self-quarantine for 14 days if they are arriving from another state or country.
Those who must be on the road, remember to buckle up. Proper seat belt use is the single most effective way to save a life in the event of a crash.
When you are traveling for the holiday, or any time of the year, make sure everyone in the vehicle is safely secured before even starting the car, and that includes children being in the correct child safety seats.
During the 2019 Thanksgiving MEP, 42 people died on California roadways. Of the 27 who died within CHP jurisdiction, 11 were not wearing seat belts.
The CHP also made 867 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To encourage safe travel, the CHP will enact a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29.
During the MEP, CHP officers will be actively looking for unsafe driving practices as well as helping motorists in need.
“This year has presented us with many unforeseen challenges, but safety is still our priority,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “If you choose to travel this Thanksgiving weekend, our goal is to help motorists arrive at their destination without incident.”
Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel times of the year. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic may be a bit lighter, but this is not an invitation to speed to your destination.
The rules of the road still apply, and motorists should avoid driving tired, impaired or distracted.
Additionally, in an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission, Gov. Gavin Newsom has instituted a limited stay at home order from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and a travel advisory, encouraging people to only go about essential activities during those hours and to self-quarantine for 14 days if they are arriving from another state or country.
Those who must be on the road, remember to buckle up. Proper seat belt use is the single most effective way to save a life in the event of a crash.
When you are traveling for the holiday, or any time of the year, make sure everyone in the vehicle is safely secured before even starting the car, and that includes children being in the correct child safety seats.
During the 2019 Thanksgiving MEP, 42 people died on California roadways. Of the 27 who died within CHP jurisdiction, 11 were not wearing seat belts.
The CHP also made 867 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.