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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A massive illegal cannabis operation that included more than 51,000 plants was eradicated last week following the service of search warrants by state and local officials.
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, wildlife officers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with support from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, California Department of Food and Agriculture and other allied agencies, served a search warrant spanning two parcels in the Scotts Valley area of Lakeport in Lake County.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the warrant stemmed from an investigation involving environmental damage associated with illegal commercial cannabis cultivation. The operation involved personnel from six separate agencies.
A records check confirmed that neither of the parcels were licensed by the state for commercial cannabis cultivation.
On the site, officers and staff eradicated 51,799 illegal cannabis plants, confiscated seven firearms, seized over $27,000 in cash and documented approximately 40 Fish and Game Code crimes.
Violations included garbage piled up near various waterways, numerous unpermitted water diversions, illegal grading of the landscape resulting in sediment discharge and stockpiles of chemicals near waterways, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife report.
One cultivation site was built over an existing stream resulting in a modified channel into a ditch with polluted water.
Each violation alone can have a detrimental environmental impact but combined, are degrading entire watersheds at the expense of California's diverse fish, wildlife and plant resources.
Twenty-six individuals were detained during the operation including two minors – a 16-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy.
Criminal charges will be filed with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
No further information on the case was available on Wednesday.
CDFW encourages the public to report environmental crimes such as water pollution, water diversions and poaching to the CalTIP hotline by calling (888) 334-2258 or texting information to “TIP411” (847411).
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Authorities in Mendocino County are investigating a series of fires they believe were intentionally set in Ukiah on Wednesday and they’re seeking leads and security camera footage from the fire areas.
Altogether, seven fires were set in a two-hour period late on Wednesday afternoon and early in the evening, according to Capt. Greg Van Patten of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
Van Patten said that at 4:55 p.m. Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a fire on South Dora Street near the intersection of Fircrest Drive in Ukiah.
As deputies were arriving at the scene, a separate fire was reported on Gobalet Lane near South Street Street approximately a mile and a half to the south, Van Patten said.
At that time, Van Patten said the deputies saw another fire on Highway 253 near South State Street, approximately half a mile to the south.
Van Patten said deputies began providing evacuation warnings to the public in these areas when another fire was reported on Plant Road near Taylor Drive in the approximate area of the fires on Gobalet Lane and Highway 253.
As deputies were contacting the public they learned several people had seen a person who they believed was intentionally starting the fires, Van Patten said.
Van Patten said the male subject was described as a Native American or Hispanic adult male with a ponytail, wearing black clothing and riding a bicycle.
Deputies began searching the area for the person with the assistance of the Ukiah Police Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Mendocino Marijuana Enforcement Team and Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force, Van Patten said.
For approximately two hours, several people matching the person's description were contacted by law enforcement personnel but Van Patten the contacts did not yield the person suspected of committing the acts of arson.
During the two-hour period, there were three additional fires with two being located at the end of Airport Park Boulevard and one being located on Babcock Lane near the Talmage bridge, Van Patten said.
Personnel from Cal Fire, the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and Hopland Fire Department responded quickly to each fire scene, Van Patten said.
Just before 7 p.m., Cal Fire issued a call for an immediate need strike team from Lake County to respond to Mendocino County to assist with the firefighting effort, according to scanner traffic.
Once arriving, Van Patten said firefighters were able to quickly contain the spread of the fires and were successful in extinguishing them.
Van Patten said Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives are continuing investigations into the fires, which at this time are believed to be acts of arson.
He said investigators are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the person who is believed to have set the fires.
If anyone living in the following areas has security camera footage of the outside of their home depicting the responsible subject, during the time frame of 4:50 p.m. to 6:57 p.m. on Wednesday, they are asked to contact the Sheriff's Office Tipline by calling 707-234-2100.
Van Patten said the areas of interest for security camera footage are:
– South Dora Street from Fircrest Drive to Meadowbrook Drive;
– Fircrest Drive to South State Street;
– Oak Knoll Road to South State Street;
– Fairview Court to South State Street;
– South State Street from Fircrest to Highway 253;
– Gobalet Lane;
– Plant Road;
– Airport Park Boulevard;
– Babcock Lane.
Altogether, seven fires were set in a two-hour period late on Wednesday afternoon and early in the evening, according to Capt. Greg Van Patten of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
Van Patten said that at 4:55 p.m. Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a fire on South Dora Street near the intersection of Fircrest Drive in Ukiah.
As deputies were arriving at the scene, a separate fire was reported on Gobalet Lane near South Street Street approximately a mile and a half to the south, Van Patten said.
At that time, Van Patten said the deputies saw another fire on Highway 253 near South State Street, approximately half a mile to the south.
Van Patten said deputies began providing evacuation warnings to the public in these areas when another fire was reported on Plant Road near Taylor Drive in the approximate area of the fires on Gobalet Lane and Highway 253.
As deputies were contacting the public they learned several people had seen a person who they believed was intentionally starting the fires, Van Patten said.
Van Patten said the male subject was described as a Native American or Hispanic adult male with a ponytail, wearing black clothing and riding a bicycle.
Deputies began searching the area for the person with the assistance of the Ukiah Police Department, California Highway Patrol, County of Mendocino Marijuana Enforcement Team and Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force, Van Patten said.
For approximately two hours, several people matching the person's description were contacted by law enforcement personnel but Van Patten the contacts did not yield the person suspected of committing the acts of arson.
During the two-hour period, there were three additional fires with two being located at the end of Airport Park Boulevard and one being located on Babcock Lane near the Talmage bridge, Van Patten said.
Personnel from Cal Fire, the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and Hopland Fire Department responded quickly to each fire scene, Van Patten said.
Just before 7 p.m., Cal Fire issued a call for an immediate need strike team from Lake County to respond to Mendocino County to assist with the firefighting effort, according to scanner traffic.
Once arriving, Van Patten said firefighters were able to quickly contain the spread of the fires and were successful in extinguishing them.
Van Patten said Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives are continuing investigations into the fires, which at this time are believed to be acts of arson.
He said investigators are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the person who is believed to have set the fires.
If anyone living in the following areas has security camera footage of the outside of their home depicting the responsible subject, during the time frame of 4:50 p.m. to 6:57 p.m. on Wednesday, they are asked to contact the Sheriff's Office Tipline by calling 707-234-2100.
Van Patten said the areas of interest for security camera footage are:
– South Dora Street from Fircrest Drive to Meadowbrook Drive;
– Fircrest Drive to South State Street;
– Oak Knoll Road to South State Street;
– Fairview Court to South State Street;
– South State Street from Fircrest to Highway 253;
– Gobalet Lane;
– Plant Road;
– Airport Park Boulevard;
– Babcock Lane.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – For those who still need to fill out their census questionnaire, there is local help available.
The U.S. Census Bureau said this week that it has begun following up with households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. Door-to-door visits are now taking place nationwide.
Based on the current self-response rate of 63.3 percent, the Census Bureau estimates it will need to visit about 56 million addresses to collect responses in person.
Up to 500,000 census takers across the country will go door to door to assist people in responding to the 2020 Census.
You may still be able to avoid a door-to-door visit by completing your census today.
Your response determines funding for health programs and services that your community relies on to stay healthy. It’s just nine easy questions.
Call 844-330-2020, go to www.my2020census.gov or mail back your survey if you received one. Everyone should respond.
Don’t have reliable internet access? Visit a local questionnaire assistance kiosk or questionnaire assistance center to complete your 2020 Census online. Computers or tablets with internet access are available, private and secure. Masking, social distancing, and extra cleaning precautions are being taken to ensure public safety at these locations.
At questionnaire assistance kiosks, equipment is set up for you to use on your own. If you have questions, you may want to visit a questionnaire assistance center.
A local questionnaire assistance kiosk is available at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Local questionnaire assistance centers can be found at the following locations:
– Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday.
– Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Road, Clearlake; 10 a.m. t o5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday.
– Middletown Library, 21256 Washington St. Please call 707-987-3674 to schedule a time.
Library staff at the questionnaire assistance centers can answer questions from the public regarding how to complete the 2020 Census, such as who is considered a household member.
The U.S. Census Bureau said this week that it has begun following up with households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. Door-to-door visits are now taking place nationwide.
Based on the current self-response rate of 63.3 percent, the Census Bureau estimates it will need to visit about 56 million addresses to collect responses in person.
Up to 500,000 census takers across the country will go door to door to assist people in responding to the 2020 Census.
You may still be able to avoid a door-to-door visit by completing your census today.
Your response determines funding for health programs and services that your community relies on to stay healthy. It’s just nine easy questions.
Call 844-330-2020, go to www.my2020census.gov or mail back your survey if you received one. Everyone should respond.
Don’t have reliable internet access? Visit a local questionnaire assistance kiosk or questionnaire assistance center to complete your 2020 Census online. Computers or tablets with internet access are available, private and secure. Masking, social distancing, and extra cleaning precautions are being taken to ensure public safety at these locations.
At questionnaire assistance kiosks, equipment is set up for you to use on your own. If you have questions, you may want to visit a questionnaire assistance center.
A local questionnaire assistance kiosk is available at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Local questionnaire assistance centers can be found at the following locations:
– Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday.
– Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Road, Clearlake; 10 a.m. t o5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday.
– Middletown Library, 21256 Washington St. Please call 707-987-3674 to schedule a time.
Library staff at the questionnaire assistance centers can answer questions from the public regarding how to complete the 2020 Census, such as who is considered a household member.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Following more than three hours of discussion that illustrated deep divisions not only amongst supervisors but the county’s residents, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday narrowly approved the first reading of an ordinance to enforce Public Health orders issued in the spring to address COVID-19.
Supervisor EJ Crandell put forward the enforcement ordinance, telling his colleagues on Tuesday that it would first emphasize education before enforcement.
Crandell was joined by Board Chair Moke Simon and Supervisor Tina Scott in passing the ordinance, while Rob Brown and Bruno Sabatier voted against it.
The ordinance places the authority for enforcement in the hands of the county’s Health Services director and Community Development director or their designees, and any official designated by the Board of Supervisors.
It focuses on violations including failure to adhere to masking, social distancing and mandated hygiene requirements, and failure to close specific business sectors when required.
Enforcement officers are first to request correction and offer training and information, allowing a “reasonable time” of not less than five days to make corrections. If compliance isn’t achieved, the administrative fine structure, based on Government Code section 25132, subdivision (b), allows up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation and not more than $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation.
Those who receive violation notices can appeal to the Board of Supervisors, which would make the final decision about imposing fines.
Unless the board takes action to extend it, the ordinance would sunset on Oct. 1, 2021.
The ordinance applies in the unincorporated county and not the cities of Clearlake or Lakeport, where they have their own mechanisms – including the administrative citation process – to enforce Public Health orders.
Crandell said the ordinance is meant to protect against the county’s funding through the CARES Act – the coronavirus relief bill Congress passed in March – from being jeopardized, as the state had indicated it would withhold that funding from counties that did not comply with its health orders.
“I feel it is an olive branch to show that we are moving towards compliance,” said Crandell.
This was the third time an enforcement ordinance has been presented to the board.
In June, Simon brought forward a proposed urgency ordinance that similarly would have used administrative fines to enforce Public Health orders. After a contentious discussion, the matter wasn’t even put to a vote as it was clear that it wouldn’t get the minimum requirement of four aye votes.
Last week, Crandell had brought forward a different iteration of an urgency ordinance which also would have enforced fines for failure to comply. That was pulled at Crandell’s request after a brief discussion and before a vote.
While an urgency ordinance requires at least a four-fifths vote, a regular ordinance only needs three supporting votes. Both Brown and Sabatier raised issues with the ordinance being presented in such a way that it could get the needed votes.
“It doesn’t feel right. Something’s strange to me,” Sabatier said.
Sabatier said he had trouble with enforcing penalties, wanting instead to focus on offering incentives for compliance – in his words, a carrot – rather than the stick of fines and enforcement.
He questioned if penalties would give the desired outcomes, and proposed that the county offer complying businesses with funding assistance for masks and sanitation efforts. “I think this is the time that we help each other,” he said.
Both Brown and Sabatier also would point to the county’s COVID-19 case data, which doesn’t show businesses as being a major source of cases. Only four of the county’s cases so far have been attributed to occupational contacts, and Public Health hasn’t specified if those are people who work in Lake County. Close contacts with known cases and social gatherings have proved bigger case sources.
Brown said doing the right thing is very subjective. “I’m not the right thing police.”
He said the ordinance was about appeasement and symbolism. “We’re making decisions that ultimately affect businesses,” he said, adding that not only are existing businesses harmed but that the situation has led to others deciding not to open businesses here.
Brown said the state Legislature is taking advantage of the situation to do everything from releasing close to 10,000 prisoners to limiting volunteer and inmate firefighters, as well as using legislation like AB 5 and SB 10 to force out mom and pop businesses.
“We’re not social engineers,” he said, adding, “I’m done with this.”
Scott said she was concerned because Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace told the board the county was teetering on the edge of being placed on the state’s watch list, which would lead to stricter regulations and impacts on some industries.
As of Tuesday, Lake – with 253 cases and two deaths – was one of 20 counties that have so far not had high enough case rates to be added to the list.
“We’ve seen it blow up in other counties and other states,” said Scott.
She added, “I’m just concerned that people are starting to ease up,” also pointing to the in-person opening of some local schools and local businesses not following the health orders.
Simon said an enforcement ordinance is a step meant to help the county maintain local control of its reopening. As a tribal member, Simon said he’s a part of a vulnerable community.
“It’s getting closer to each and every one of us,” he said.
Simon maintained that the ordinance will be a tool to help the Public Health officer, the community and businesses. “Not everyone is going to be affected.”
Sabatier said they always knew that reopening would lead to higher case numbers, with management important. “We need to continue on the same path.”
He said that Mendocino County started enforcing its orders with fines on July 1 and Sonoma County began its enforcement on Aug. 6. Both of those counties have far higher caseloads than Lake County; as of Tuesday, Mendocino had 478 cases and 10 deaths, with Sonoma reporting 3,825 cases and 51 deaths.
Community members divided
The board heard comments from numerous community members, some urging them to take action, others suggesting it was an overreach.
Those who supported the ordinance said it was needed to protect the community and keep local control of the reopening.
Several of those who opposed it spoke in support of allowing herd immunity to develop or questioned the effectiveness of masks. A few challenged whether COVID-19 actually rises to the level of a pandemic. Three speakers made reference to Nazis or Adolph Hitler in speaking against the enforcement ordinance.
Paul Marchand, a practicing emergency room doctor who lives in Kelseyville, said he’s dealt with COVID-19 patients in his work, seeing some with symptoms and some without.
Marchand said being reactive is not the best approach, and told the board, “You need a carrot and a stick to get the best possible learning.”
Lakeport resident Nathan Maxman said big gatherings are a problem for passing the virus, but the ordinance does nothing to address it. He said there needs to be a tool to address those gatherings more immediately.
Michael Green of Lakeport offered his strong support, saying it was too bad it had taken so long. He said the ship had sailed on the urgency ordinance and it was best to move forward with the current document.
He added that a $100 fine isn’t going to hurt businesses and that he was over the argument about the ordinance violating constitutional rights.
Frank Dollosso of Lakeport asked the board not to pass it. “I don’t see where the emergency is. Not saying the virus isn’t real, not saying the virus hasn’t killed anybody.”
He said there is no emergency, the county already is under stress and it has low case numbers.
Middletown resident Monica Rosenthal told the board, “I’m so lost, I don’t even know what the purpose of this ordinance is anymore.”
She said it seemed overly punitive to businesses. “Do we really need this ordinance?” she asked, noting they already have a mask mandate.
Rosenthal asked about the percentage of Lake County businesses that are out of compliance with current health orders.
“My vote is for positive, proactive action, rather than this ordinance, which appears to be proactive but negative in its approach,” she said.
Brown said her question about the percentage of complying businesses was a fair one and asked if anyone had an answer. Pace said he didn’t have a specific number.
Darrell Davis of Lakeport told the supervisors that they opened a big can of worms and that it was clear to him that three of them already had their minds made up. “You’ve brought a lot of misery on yourselves and other people by even bringing this to the board.”
Davis said people in Lake County have pretty good sense, but that the board has them running around scared. He asked who would enforce the ordinance and if they would wear brown shirts, a reference to a paramilitary group attached to the Nazi party.
Sabatier asks for future review
Maintaining that education is a type of enforcement, Sabatier told fellow board members that they needed to be sincere in what they were discussing – which was just adding penalties.
He asked that the document return to the board for review, noting they are reviewing their protocol for employees and remote work, and that he wanted to make sure it’s doing what is anticipated and not going overboard or not going far enough.
“I just think that passing this and walking away and expecting everything to be great is a little naive and we need to make sure that this comes back to us so we’re very aware of what’s going on with it and how it’s impacting our community or impacting our numbers,” he said.
He also asked if the enforcement would start with the courthouse, pointing out that many county offices aren’t complying with the rules.
“We are talking about others when we really should be looking at us first and how are we doing because we should be leading by example if we’re going to be setting up this type of ordinance and I do not believe that we are leading by great example,” he said.
Ultimately, however, the majority of the board didn’t take his proposal for having a future review of the document.
Brown wanted to know who is responsible for enforcement. County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said the county’s intention is to use CARES Act funding to hire additional staff under the health officer.
Brown said the county can’t fill the vacancies it already has. “If it passes, you’re creating an expectation that is unfulfillable, and I think not being able to admit that is a sign of weakness, it’s not a sign of leadership or strength.”
Crandell said the ordinance included a lot of compromises. “It’s not always about winning. It’s about compromise for the greater good.”
He said it wasn’t about politics but about the health and safety of others.
Crandell moved to waive the full reading of the ordinance and read it in title only. The vote was 3-2, with Sabatier voting no and Brown saying, “Hell no.” To which Simon responded, “Hell, yeah,” when it was his term to vote.
The board then voted 3-2 to pass the first reading of the ordinance.
The ordinance will come back for its second and final reading on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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.
Supervisor EJ Crandell put forward the enforcement ordinance, telling his colleagues on Tuesday that it would first emphasize education before enforcement.
Crandell was joined by Board Chair Moke Simon and Supervisor Tina Scott in passing the ordinance, while Rob Brown and Bruno Sabatier voted against it.
The ordinance places the authority for enforcement in the hands of the county’s Health Services director and Community Development director or their designees, and any official designated by the Board of Supervisors.
It focuses on violations including failure to adhere to masking, social distancing and mandated hygiene requirements, and failure to close specific business sectors when required.
Enforcement officers are first to request correction and offer training and information, allowing a “reasonable time” of not less than five days to make corrections. If compliance isn’t achieved, the administrative fine structure, based on Government Code section 25132, subdivision (b), allows up to $100 for a first violation, up to $200 for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation and not more than $500 for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year of the first violation.
Those who receive violation notices can appeal to the Board of Supervisors, which would make the final decision about imposing fines.
Unless the board takes action to extend it, the ordinance would sunset on Oct. 1, 2021.
The ordinance applies in the unincorporated county and not the cities of Clearlake or Lakeport, where they have their own mechanisms – including the administrative citation process – to enforce Public Health orders.
Crandell said the ordinance is meant to protect against the county’s funding through the CARES Act – the coronavirus relief bill Congress passed in March – from being jeopardized, as the state had indicated it would withhold that funding from counties that did not comply with its health orders.
“I feel it is an olive branch to show that we are moving towards compliance,” said Crandell.
This was the third time an enforcement ordinance has been presented to the board.
In June, Simon brought forward a proposed urgency ordinance that similarly would have used administrative fines to enforce Public Health orders. After a contentious discussion, the matter wasn’t even put to a vote as it was clear that it wouldn’t get the minimum requirement of four aye votes.
Last week, Crandell had brought forward a different iteration of an urgency ordinance which also would have enforced fines for failure to comply. That was pulled at Crandell’s request after a brief discussion and before a vote.
While an urgency ordinance requires at least a four-fifths vote, a regular ordinance only needs three supporting votes. Both Brown and Sabatier raised issues with the ordinance being presented in such a way that it could get the needed votes.
“It doesn’t feel right. Something’s strange to me,” Sabatier said.
Sabatier said he had trouble with enforcing penalties, wanting instead to focus on offering incentives for compliance – in his words, a carrot – rather than the stick of fines and enforcement.
He questioned if penalties would give the desired outcomes, and proposed that the county offer complying businesses with funding assistance for masks and sanitation efforts. “I think this is the time that we help each other,” he said.
Both Brown and Sabatier also would point to the county’s COVID-19 case data, which doesn’t show businesses as being a major source of cases. Only four of the county’s cases so far have been attributed to occupational contacts, and Public Health hasn’t specified if those are people who work in Lake County. Close contacts with known cases and social gatherings have proved bigger case sources.
Brown said doing the right thing is very subjective. “I’m not the right thing police.”
He said the ordinance was about appeasement and symbolism. “We’re making decisions that ultimately affect businesses,” he said, adding that not only are existing businesses harmed but that the situation has led to others deciding not to open businesses here.
Brown said the state Legislature is taking advantage of the situation to do everything from releasing close to 10,000 prisoners to limiting volunteer and inmate firefighters, as well as using legislation like AB 5 and SB 10 to force out mom and pop businesses.
“We’re not social engineers,” he said, adding, “I’m done with this.”
Scott said she was concerned because Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace told the board the county was teetering on the edge of being placed on the state’s watch list, which would lead to stricter regulations and impacts on some industries.
As of Tuesday, Lake – with 253 cases and two deaths – was one of 20 counties that have so far not had high enough case rates to be added to the list.
“We’ve seen it blow up in other counties and other states,” said Scott.
She added, “I’m just concerned that people are starting to ease up,” also pointing to the in-person opening of some local schools and local businesses not following the health orders.
Simon said an enforcement ordinance is a step meant to help the county maintain local control of its reopening. As a tribal member, Simon said he’s a part of a vulnerable community.
“It’s getting closer to each and every one of us,” he said.
Simon maintained that the ordinance will be a tool to help the Public Health officer, the community and businesses. “Not everyone is going to be affected.”
Sabatier said they always knew that reopening would lead to higher case numbers, with management important. “We need to continue on the same path.”
He said that Mendocino County started enforcing its orders with fines on July 1 and Sonoma County began its enforcement on Aug. 6. Both of those counties have far higher caseloads than Lake County; as of Tuesday, Mendocino had 478 cases and 10 deaths, with Sonoma reporting 3,825 cases and 51 deaths.
Community members divided
The board heard comments from numerous community members, some urging them to take action, others suggesting it was an overreach.
Those who supported the ordinance said it was needed to protect the community and keep local control of the reopening.
Several of those who opposed it spoke in support of allowing herd immunity to develop or questioned the effectiveness of masks. A few challenged whether COVID-19 actually rises to the level of a pandemic. Three speakers made reference to Nazis or Adolph Hitler in speaking against the enforcement ordinance.
Paul Marchand, a practicing emergency room doctor who lives in Kelseyville, said he’s dealt with COVID-19 patients in his work, seeing some with symptoms and some without.
Marchand said being reactive is not the best approach, and told the board, “You need a carrot and a stick to get the best possible learning.”
Lakeport resident Nathan Maxman said big gatherings are a problem for passing the virus, but the ordinance does nothing to address it. He said there needs to be a tool to address those gatherings more immediately.
Michael Green of Lakeport offered his strong support, saying it was too bad it had taken so long. He said the ship had sailed on the urgency ordinance and it was best to move forward with the current document.
He added that a $100 fine isn’t going to hurt businesses and that he was over the argument about the ordinance violating constitutional rights.
Frank Dollosso of Lakeport asked the board not to pass it. “I don’t see where the emergency is. Not saying the virus isn’t real, not saying the virus hasn’t killed anybody.”
He said there is no emergency, the county already is under stress and it has low case numbers.
Middletown resident Monica Rosenthal told the board, “I’m so lost, I don’t even know what the purpose of this ordinance is anymore.”
She said it seemed overly punitive to businesses. “Do we really need this ordinance?” she asked, noting they already have a mask mandate.
Rosenthal asked about the percentage of Lake County businesses that are out of compliance with current health orders.
“My vote is for positive, proactive action, rather than this ordinance, which appears to be proactive but negative in its approach,” she said.
Brown said her question about the percentage of complying businesses was a fair one and asked if anyone had an answer. Pace said he didn’t have a specific number.
Darrell Davis of Lakeport told the supervisors that they opened a big can of worms and that it was clear to him that three of them already had their minds made up. “You’ve brought a lot of misery on yourselves and other people by even bringing this to the board.”
Davis said people in Lake County have pretty good sense, but that the board has them running around scared. He asked who would enforce the ordinance and if they would wear brown shirts, a reference to a paramilitary group attached to the Nazi party.
Sabatier asks for future review
Maintaining that education is a type of enforcement, Sabatier told fellow board members that they needed to be sincere in what they were discussing – which was just adding penalties.
He asked that the document return to the board for review, noting they are reviewing their protocol for employees and remote work, and that he wanted to make sure it’s doing what is anticipated and not going overboard or not going far enough.
“I just think that passing this and walking away and expecting everything to be great is a little naive and we need to make sure that this comes back to us so we’re very aware of what’s going on with it and how it’s impacting our community or impacting our numbers,” he said.
He also asked if the enforcement would start with the courthouse, pointing out that many county offices aren’t complying with the rules.
“We are talking about others when we really should be looking at us first and how are we doing because we should be leading by example if we’re going to be setting up this type of ordinance and I do not believe that we are leading by great example,” he said.
Ultimately, however, the majority of the board didn’t take his proposal for having a future review of the document.
Brown wanted to know who is responsible for enforcement. County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said the county’s intention is to use CARES Act funding to hire additional staff under the health officer.
Brown said the county can’t fill the vacancies it already has. “If it passes, you’re creating an expectation that is unfulfillable, and I think not being able to admit that is a sign of weakness, it’s not a sign of leadership or strength.”
Crandell said the ordinance included a lot of compromises. “It’s not always about winning. It’s about compromise for the greater good.”
He said it wasn’t about politics but about the health and safety of others.
Crandell moved to waive the full reading of the ordinance and read it in title only. The vote was 3-2, with Sabatier voting no and Brown saying, “Hell no.” To which Simon responded, “Hell, yeah,” when it was his term to vote.
The board then voted 3-2 to pass the first reading of the ordinance.
The ordinance will come back for its second and final reading on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
081120 Lake County Board of Supervisors COVID-19 enforcement ordinance by LakeCoNews on Scribd
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The same day that the Board of Supervisors voted to pass the first reading of an ordinance to enforce COVID-19 Public Health orders, more than a dozen new cases of the virus were confirmed.
Total cases rose to 253 on Tuesday, an increase of 13 over the previous day, as the results of another 259 tests were reported, according to the Public Health COVID-19 dashboard.
The total active cases – those being monitored by Public Health – on Tuesday numbered 30, with 221 recovered, no current hospitalizations and two deaths, the dashboard showed.
Statewide, about 586,000 cases and more than 10,600 deaths were reported by county Public Health departments across California as of Tuesday night.
The California Department of Public Health said local health departments have reported 26,676 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 137 deaths statewide.
On Tuesday night, Lake’s neighboring counties reported the following caseloads: Colusa, 396 cases, five deaths; Glenn, 396 cases, three deaths; Mendocino, 478 cases, 10 deaths; Napa, 1,129 cases, 11 deaths; Sonoma, 3,825 cases, 51 deaths; and Yolo, 1,898 cases, 45 deaths.
Lake County’s tests on Tuesday totaled 8,036. The California Department of Public Health reported there have been 9,186,279 tests conducted in the state, an increase of 187,926 over the prior 24-hour reporting period.
Lake County’s increase in cases was reported as the Board of Supervisors was discussing an ordinance to enforce Public Health order requirements, including masking and social distancing.
After a lengthy hearing, the board passed the ordinance’s first reading in a 3-2 vote, with Rob Brown and Bruno Sabatier voting no.
The second reading of the ordinance is set for Aug. 18.
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.
Total cases rose to 253 on Tuesday, an increase of 13 over the previous day, as the results of another 259 tests were reported, according to the Public Health COVID-19 dashboard.
The total active cases – those being monitored by Public Health – on Tuesday numbered 30, with 221 recovered, no current hospitalizations and two deaths, the dashboard showed.
Statewide, about 586,000 cases and more than 10,600 deaths were reported by county Public Health departments across California as of Tuesday night.
The California Department of Public Health said local health departments have reported 26,676 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 137 deaths statewide.
On Tuesday night, Lake’s neighboring counties reported the following caseloads: Colusa, 396 cases, five deaths; Glenn, 396 cases, three deaths; Mendocino, 478 cases, 10 deaths; Napa, 1,129 cases, 11 deaths; Sonoma, 3,825 cases, 51 deaths; and Yolo, 1,898 cases, 45 deaths.
Lake County’s tests on Tuesday totaled 8,036. The California Department of Public Health reported there have been 9,186,279 tests conducted in the state, an increase of 187,926 over the prior 24-hour reporting period.
Lake County’s increase in cases was reported as the Board of Supervisors was discussing an ordinance to enforce Public Health order requirements, including masking and social distancing.
After a lengthy hearing, the board passed the ordinance’s first reading in a 3-2 vote, with Rob Brown and Bruno Sabatier voting no.
The second reading of the ordinance is set for Aug. 18.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This week Congressman Mike Thompson will hold another in his ongoing series of virtual town halls, this one to discuss Congress’ response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The virtual town hall will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Pacific Time Thursday, Aug. 13.
Thompson will be joined by special guest Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Member of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, for a discussion about the Congressional response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
This is the 13th in a series of virtual town halls. All constituents of California’s Fifth Congressional District and members of the press are invited to join.
This event will be held over Zoom and interested participants must email Thompson’s office atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in order to join, as the platform has a capacity of 500 people.
Interested participants will be notified via email with instructions on how to join. The event will also be streamed on Facebook Live via Thompson’s page.
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he chairs the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition.
The virtual town hall will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Pacific Time Thursday, Aug. 13.
Thompson will be joined by special guest Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Member of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, for a discussion about the Congressional response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
This is the 13th in a series of virtual town halls. All constituents of California’s Fifth Congressional District and members of the press are invited to join.
This event will be held over Zoom and interested participants must email Thompson’s office at
Interested participants will be notified via email with instructions on how to join. The event will also be streamed on Facebook Live via Thompson’s page.
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he chairs the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition.