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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council will hold a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon to consider a property purchase for a new city park.
The council will meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling 951-384-3421 or toll-free, 866-901-6455. The access code is 293-316-205; 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 toThis 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 2 p.m. Wednesday.
During the Wednesday afternoon meeting, the council will consider approving the acquisition of 810 N. Main St. from the Hotaling family and authorizing City Manager Margaret Silveira to execute the related documents, including the grant deed to be signed by 11 Hotaling family members.
The purchase price is $50,000.
County property records show the parcel as being an acre and a half in size, and running along the lakeshore and into the lakebed next to the former Natural High property at 800 N. Main St.
The city has been in negotiations for the property for some time. It’s part of the land the city wants to use for a new lakefront park, along with the five-acre parcel at 800 N. Main St., owned by the Lakeport Unified School District.
In February, the city received a $6 million state grant to fund the new park, as Lake County News has reported.
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.
The council will meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling 951-384-3421 or toll-free, 866-901-6455. The access code is 293-316-205; 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
During the Wednesday afternoon meeting, the council will consider approving the acquisition of 810 N. Main St. from the Hotaling family and authorizing City Manager Margaret Silveira to execute the related documents, including the grant deed to be signed by 11 Hotaling family members.
The purchase price is $50,000.
County property records show the parcel as being an acre and a half in size, and running along the lakeshore and into the lakebed next to the former Natural High property at 800 N. Main St.
The city has been in negotiations for the property for some time. It’s part of the land the city wants to use for a new lakefront park, along with the five-acre parcel at 800 N. Main St., owned by the Lakeport Unified School District.
In February, the city received a $6 million state grant to fund the new park, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Lakeport City Council Agend... by LakeCoNews on Scribd
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – During its Thursday evening meeting, the Clearlake City Council extended an emergency ordinance that it originally passed last month to put a moratorium in place on growing industrial hemp in the city limits.
All of the council members were present in the council chambers, though seated farther apart, for the half-hour meeting.
City Attorney Ryan Jones said the council first passed the ordinance at its April 16 meeting.
With the initial 45-day time period of the urgency ordinance expiring, Jones said staff was asking for the council to extend it another 10 months and 15 days.
He said that staff hopes to have new regulations in place before then. “But it is going to take some time.”
Jones said the city plans to have an ad hoc committee work on the rules, which would also involve input from the planning commission and council.
“We think that is for the best of the community at this point,” he said.
There were no comments from the council or submitted by the public on the item, which was the main piece of business during the brief meeting.
Councilwoman Joyce Overton moved to approve the extension of the urgency ordinance, with Vice Mayor Dirk Slooten seconding and the council approving the motion unanimously.
Also on Thursday, City Manager Alan Flora told the council that most of staff’s time over the last several weeks has been devoted to developing a new fiscal year budget.
“We’re not in the same position as many other cities in California,” but it’s still going to be a very tight budget, Flora said, explaining that it’s taking a lot of effort to make sure it’s a structurally balanced budget.
He said he got gas tax projections from the state which show that revenue source is expected to have a 9-percent reduction. Flora called it “a significant drop but not devastating”.”
Flora also reported that the Austin Park project is nearing completion. That day, the new playground equipment was installed, with the bandstand nearly complete, just needing its metal roofing installed. At the same time, a new metal roof will be installed on the bathroom facilities, which have been stripped out on the inside.
Flora said that this week paving of the parking lots and a section on Uhl Avenue that’s never been paved before will take place.
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.
All of the council members were present in the council chambers, though seated farther apart, for the half-hour meeting.
City Attorney Ryan Jones said the council first passed the ordinance at its April 16 meeting.
With the initial 45-day time period of the urgency ordinance expiring, Jones said staff was asking for the council to extend it another 10 months and 15 days.
He said that staff hopes to have new regulations in place before then. “But it is going to take some time.”
Jones said the city plans to have an ad hoc committee work on the rules, which would also involve input from the planning commission and council.
“We think that is for the best of the community at this point,” he said.
There were no comments from the council or submitted by the public on the item, which was the main piece of business during the brief meeting.
Councilwoman Joyce Overton moved to approve the extension of the urgency ordinance, with Vice Mayor Dirk Slooten seconding and the council approving the motion unanimously.
Also on Thursday, City Manager Alan Flora told the council that most of staff’s time over the last several weeks has been devoted to developing a new fiscal year budget.
“We’re not in the same position as many other cities in California,” but it’s still going to be a very tight budget, Flora said, explaining that it’s taking a lot of effort to make sure it’s a structurally balanced budget.
He said he got gas tax projections from the state which show that revenue source is expected to have a 9-percent reduction. Flora called it “a significant drop but not devastating”.”
Flora also reported that the Austin Park project is nearing completion. That day, the new playground equipment was installed, with the bandstand nearly complete, just needing its metal roofing installed. At the same time, a new metal roof will be installed on the bathroom facilities, which have been stripped out on the inside.
Flora said that this week paving of the parking lots and a section on Uhl Avenue that’s never been paved before will take place.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement on Tuesday afternoon that hair salons and barbershops can reopen in counties where a local variance is in effect, Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace issued an update about how local facilities can proceed with reopening.
Pace said Lake County has taken steps to align with statewide orders. Lake County’s local variance was approved Wednesday, May 20, as Lake County News has reported.
He said hair salons and barbershops can now reopen in Lake County, with limitations.
Services that preclude wearing of face coverings or require the provider to touch the face of the client remain prohibited, Pace said.
“Key prevention practices” Pace noted include:
– Physical distancing to the maximum extent possible;
– Temperature and/or symptom screenings for employees and contractors entering the premises;
– Use of face coverings by workers (where respiratory protection is not required) and customers/clients;
– Frequent handwashing and regular cleaning and disinfection;
– Training workers on these and other elements of the COVID-19 prevention plan;
– Plans must be in place to identify and respond to any new cases and potential infections that emerge in workplaces.
Pace asked that local businesses review the guidance from the California Department of Public Health and CalOSHA for further details.
Reopening hair salons and barbershops in Lake County are required to follow statewide guidelines and self-certify their compliance with social distancing and other general precautions.
Resources and self-certification forms for local businesses are available here.
Pace said Tuesday’s news was characterized by many news outlets as a, “move into Stage 3,” regarding modifications of the statewide stay at home order.
However, he said there is no change in the status of nail salons, bars, gyms or entertainment venues.
Additionally, restaurants in Lake County remain open for outdoor dining, only, at this time. Provided viral activity remains stable, indoor dining may resume June 4, Pace said.
Lake County Health Services’ Public Health Division can be reached atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-263-8174.
Pace said Lake County has taken steps to align with statewide orders. Lake County’s local variance was approved Wednesday, May 20, as Lake County News has reported.
He said hair salons and barbershops can now reopen in Lake County, with limitations.
Services that preclude wearing of face coverings or require the provider to touch the face of the client remain prohibited, Pace said.
“Key prevention practices” Pace noted include:
– Physical distancing to the maximum extent possible;
– Temperature and/or symptom screenings for employees and contractors entering the premises;
– Use of face coverings by workers (where respiratory protection is not required) and customers/clients;
– Frequent handwashing and regular cleaning and disinfection;
– Training workers on these and other elements of the COVID-19 prevention plan;
– Plans must be in place to identify and respond to any new cases and potential infections that emerge in workplaces.
Pace asked that local businesses review the guidance from the California Department of Public Health and CalOSHA for further details.
Reopening hair salons and barbershops in Lake County are required to follow statewide guidelines and self-certify their compliance with social distancing and other general precautions.
Resources and self-certification forms for local businesses are available here.
Pace said Tuesday’s news was characterized by many news outlets as a, “move into Stage 3,” regarding modifications of the statewide stay at home order.
However, he said there is no change in the status of nail salons, bars, gyms or entertainment venues.
Additionally, restaurants in Lake County remain open for outdoor dining, only, at this time. Provided viral activity remains stable, indoor dining may resume June 4, Pace said.
Lake County Health Services’ Public Health Division can be reached at
The California Department of Public Health on Tuesday announced that counties that have attested to meeting the criteria for accelerated re-opening may reopen hair salons and barbershops with modifications such as mandatory face coverings for both barbers or stylists and clients.
Those counties include Lake County, which had its variance request granted last week, as Lake County News has reported.
State public health leaders noted that Californians staying at home and exercising caution when out helped flatten the COVID-19 curve.
Public health leaders acknowledge that Tuesday’s announcement is also possible based on statewide indicators such as personal protective equipment, testing capacity, hospital surge capacity and hospitalizations.
Permitted activities include services that can be provided with both the worker and customer wearing face coverings throughout the service.
These include haircuts, hair coloring, blowouts, weaves and extensions, braiding, lock maintenance, wig maintenance and hair relaxing treatments.
Salon activities that cannot be done with face coverings on both the worker and client – or that require touching the client’s face – such as shaving, facial waxing, threading, eyelash services and facials – remain prohibited at this time in all counties. Likewise, nail salons remain closed.
“Together, Californians have limited infections in our state, and because of that work, many counties may make a decision to restart modified hair and barber services,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health. “However, COVID-19 is still present in our communities and we are still at risk. As we venture outside our homes, it is critically important to keep physical distance, wear face coverings in public, and wash hands frequently to help protect yourself and those around you.”
Under the new guidance to reopen, salons and barbers must:
· Implement measures to ensure physical distancing of at least 6 feet between and among workers and customers, except when providing haircutting and other close contact services.
· Provide temperature and/or symptom screenings for all workers at the beginning of their shift and any vendors, contractors, or other workers entering the establishment.
· Encourage workers and customers who are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home.
· Screen customers upon arrival and be prepared to cancel or reschedule customers who indicate they have any signs of illness.
· Require workers and customers to use face coverings during the entire haircutting and other close contact hair services.
More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page.
More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available at www.covid19.ca.gov .
Those counties include Lake County, which had its variance request granted last week, as Lake County News has reported.
State public health leaders noted that Californians staying at home and exercising caution when out helped flatten the COVID-19 curve.
Public health leaders acknowledge that Tuesday’s announcement is also possible based on statewide indicators such as personal protective equipment, testing capacity, hospital surge capacity and hospitalizations.
Permitted activities include services that can be provided with both the worker and customer wearing face coverings throughout the service.
These include haircuts, hair coloring, blowouts, weaves and extensions, braiding, lock maintenance, wig maintenance and hair relaxing treatments.
Salon activities that cannot be done with face coverings on both the worker and client – or that require touching the client’s face – such as shaving, facial waxing, threading, eyelash services and facials – remain prohibited at this time in all counties. Likewise, nail salons remain closed.
“Together, Californians have limited infections in our state, and because of that work, many counties may make a decision to restart modified hair and barber services,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health. “However, COVID-19 is still present in our communities and we are still at risk. As we venture outside our homes, it is critically important to keep physical distance, wear face coverings in public, and wash hands frequently to help protect yourself and those around you.”
Under the new guidance to reopen, salons and barbers must:
· Implement measures to ensure physical distancing of at least 6 feet between and among workers and customers, except when providing haircutting and other close contact services.
· Provide temperature and/or symptom screenings for all workers at the beginning of their shift and any vendors, contractors, or other workers entering the establishment.
· Encourage workers and customers who are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home.
· Screen customers upon arrival and be prepared to cancel or reschedule customers who indicate they have any signs of illness.
· Require workers and customers to use face coverings during the entire haircutting and other close contact hair services.
More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page.
More information about reopening California and what individuals can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is available at www.covid19.ca.gov .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting to discuss items related to helping businesses reopen and funding for the COVID-19 shelter for the homeless.
The board will meet virtually beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 26.
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.
Because the meeting will be held virtually, members of the public are asked to submit comments on items toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Please note the agenda item number addressed.
At 1:02 p.m., Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace will give the board his weekly COVID-19 update.
At 1:15 p.m., the board will discuss resuming in-person meetings.
In an untimed item, the board will consider ratifying the order issued by Sheriff Brian Martin, acting as the county’s director of the Office of Emergency Services, allowing local businesses temporary use of county property under certain conditions during Stage 2 of Gov. Newsom’s plan for gradual reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the same agenda item, the board will consider a letter to Caltrans urging it to allow local businesses temporary use of state-owned properties during the reopening.
In another untimed item, Behavioral Health Services Administrator Todd Metcalf will ask the board to consider the first amendment to the agreement with the Harbor Warming Center Project for the COVID-19 shelter for homeless, increasing the contract maximum from $79,511.74 to $152,664.66.
The full agenda is below.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt resolution authorizing acceptance of grant funds from Children's Advocacy Centers of California for the Emergency Response to Interpersonal Violence - 2020 Pandemic Program.
5.2: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, adopt resolution authorizing the director of the Lake County Water Resources Department to serve as the authorized signatory authority for the agreement between the California Department of Water Resources and the department for the awarded funds secured by the department through DWR’s 2019 Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program Planning Round 3 for the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Big Valley Groundwater Basin.
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 1:01 p.m.: Public input.
6.2, 1:02 p.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.
6.3, 1:15 p.m.: Consideration of timeline for resumption of in-person Board of Supervisors meetings.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: (a) Consideration of confirming the order of the sheriff/OES director allowing local businesses temporary use of county property under certain conditions during State 2 of Gov. Newsom’s plan for gradual reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic; and (b) consideration of letter to Caltrans urging said agency to allow local businesses temporary use of state-owned properties for during State 2 of Gov. Newsom’s plan for gradual reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic.
7.3: Consideration of first amendment to the agreement between the county of Lake – Lake County Behavioral Health Services as Lead Agency for the Lake County Continuum of Care and Kelseyville United Methodist Church as the fiscal agent for the Hope Harbor Warming Center Project for fiscal year 2019-20 to increase the contract maximum to $152,664.66 and authorize the board chair to sign.
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.
The board will meet virtually beginning at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 26.
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.
Because the meeting will be held virtually, members of the public are asked to submit comments on items to
At 1:02 p.m., Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace will give the board his weekly COVID-19 update.
At 1:15 p.m., the board will discuss resuming in-person meetings.
In an untimed item, the board will consider ratifying the order issued by Sheriff Brian Martin, acting as the county’s director of the Office of Emergency Services, allowing local businesses temporary use of county property under certain conditions during Stage 2 of Gov. Newsom’s plan for gradual reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the same agenda item, the board will consider a letter to Caltrans urging it to allow local businesses temporary use of state-owned properties during the reopening.
In another untimed item, Behavioral Health Services Administrator Todd Metcalf will ask the board to consider the first amendment to the agreement with the Harbor Warming Center Project for the COVID-19 shelter for homeless, increasing the contract maximum from $79,511.74 to $152,664.66.
The full agenda is below.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt resolution authorizing acceptance of grant funds from Children's Advocacy Centers of California for the Emergency Response to Interpersonal Violence - 2020 Pandemic Program.
5.2: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, adopt resolution authorizing the director of the Lake County Water Resources Department to serve as the authorized signatory authority for the agreement between the California Department of Water Resources and the department for the awarded funds secured by the department through DWR’s 2019 Sustainable Groundwater Management Grant Program Planning Round 3 for the development of a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Big Valley Groundwater Basin.
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 1:01 p.m.: Public input.
6.2, 1:02 p.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.
6.3, 1:15 p.m.: Consideration of timeline for resumption of in-person Board of Supervisors meetings.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: (a) Consideration of confirming the order of the sheriff/OES director allowing local businesses temporary use of county property under certain conditions during State 2 of Gov. Newsom’s plan for gradual reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic; and (b) consideration of letter to Caltrans urging said agency to allow local businesses temporary use of state-owned properties for during State 2 of Gov. Newsom’s plan for gradual reopening from the COVID-19 pandemic.
7.3: Consideration of first amendment to the agreement between the county of Lake – Lake County Behavioral Health Services as Lead Agency for the Lake County Continuum of Care and Kelseyville United Methodist Church as the fiscal agent for the Hope Harbor Warming Center Project for fiscal year 2019-20 to increase the contract maximum to $152,664.66 and authorize the board chair to sign.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – During a special meeting last week, the Clearlake Planning Commission discussed the proposed sale of the former Austin Resort property to a developer.
In March, the Clearlake City Council gave City Manager Alan Flora approval to sign a letter of intent with Bailey Building and Loans LLC, which wants to build a resort on the property, as Lake County News has reported.
The former resort property includes two parcels totaling 7.68 acres located at 14061 and 14071 Lakeshore Drive, across from Clearlake City Hall.
City staff took the matter to the commission in order for it to consider whether or not the sale is consistent with the city’s general plan. Staff reported they have found it to be compliant.
Flora told the commission that one of the parcels was purchased by the city’s former redevelopment agency, the other is owned by the city.
There were some plans to develop a waterfront trail along part of it, however, when the city got interest from the developer for this larger project, Flora said staff decided to recommend selling both properties.
He said the intention is to maintain access by the public to the lakeshore.
Flora’s written and verbal reports to the commission noted that the project will be a “large resort-type development,” including a hotel, restaurant, retail and a large marina, and may possibly boat ramps.
“This is a great potential project,” he said.
Flora said the commission’s finding of general plan compliance was the first step in moving the sale forward.
It must also be approved by the city council and the redevelopment oversight committee. Flora said that if those approvals go through, the city would begin working more actively with the developer in establishing its plan.
He said the project also would have to come back before the commission for approval of the use permit.
Flora said the developer is looking at three years before the project is fully developed. The marina portion of the work will require US Army Corps of Engineers permits, which generally take a significant period of time.
Commissioner Lisa Wilson asked Flora about the wording in the letter of intent regarding possible consideration of a lease or license agreement for an adjoining city property.
Flora explained that it refers to Austin Beach. He said the developer wants the project to be a destination and had asked the city if it would be interested in selling Austin Beach.
He said they told the developer that’s probably not going to happen but that the city would consider a lease or licensing agreement. The developer has an interest in making physical site improvements to the beach so it seems like part of the whole resort property, even though it would remain under the city’s ownership.
Wilson said the intention to maintain waterfront access for the public in perpetuity “super.”
Commissioner Robert Coker asked about a roundabout mentioned in the plans and what that would entail.
“We don’t know at this point,” said Flora, explaining that the city initially had started planning for a roundabout at Lakeshore and Olympic Drive. “We kind of put that hold over the last year.”
Flora said they instead tried to focus on finding funding for curb, gutter and sidewalks along Lakeshore Drive.
The developer likes the idea of a possible roundabout there as it would create a focal point entrance into the resort property. Flora said it hasn’t been determined on what that may look like but the developer asked for language in the purchase agreement to speak to that.
Flora said there is some funding that the city could acquire to fund part of the project and that the developer would be expected to participate in the project cost as well.
Chair Richard Bean asked if it’s negotiable that the project should contribute to the roundabout. Flora said yes, that it could be included in the developer impact fee.
Bean also aksed about a requested provision by the developer for the police department to provide additional scrutiny or oversight. “Why was the police department mentioned in that letter of intent?”
Flora said it speaks to the fact that Clearlake’s history of crime still “is out there,” and the developer wants to make sure they have a safe environment and that the city is committed to the project.
Wilson moved to adopt the resolution, which was adopted 4-0. Commissioner Erin McCarrick recused herself from the vote.
Flora told the commission that there likely are going to have several more general plan conformity reports coming up as the city tries to push properties that have been sitting for decades and getting some investment going.
He said he appreciated the commission being flexible and holding the special meeting, as does the developer, as timelines for such projects take a while.
In addition to the special meeting, the city council will have its own upcoming special meeting on the project and the oversight committee has been asked to meet to consider the sale proposal on June 8, Flora said.
Those special meetings will carve off about a month’s worth of time in the effort to move the project forward, he said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at