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NORTH COAST, Calif. – On Thursday, May 7, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) will hold a coronavirus virtual town hall from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
This is the fourth in a series of virtual town halls in which Thompson and experts from across our district are answering questions on the response to the fallout from coronavirus.
All constituents of California’s Fifth Congressional District and members of the press are invited to join.
For this week’s virtual town hall, Thompson will be joined by Contra Costa Health Services Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs Dr. William Walker and Martinez Police Chief Manjit Sappal.
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, https://www.facebook.com/RepMikeThompson/ .
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
This is the fourth in a series of virtual town halls in which Thompson and experts from across our district are answering questions on the response to the fallout from coronavirus.
All constituents of California’s Fifth Congressional District and members of the press are invited to join.
For this week’s virtual town hall, Thompson will be joined by Contra Costa Health Services Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs Dr. William Walker and Martinez Police Chief Manjit Sappal.
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, https://www.facebook.com/RepMikeThompson/ .
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Throughout May, National Bicycle Safety Month, the California Highway Patrol and the Office of Traffic Safety are joining forces to remind everyone to share the road safely and courteously.
Since the “stay-at-home” directive brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people in California have taken to their bicycles for exercise and a change of scenery.
“In this uncertain time, more people are out on the streets biking for exercise, recreation, mental health, and affordable transportation,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists must stay alert to keep everyone safe.”
The events traditionally held throughout California by the CHP for Bicycle Safety Month may be somewhat curtailed in 2020.
However, many CHP Area offices will continue to give helmets to children who do not have them. Their parents or guardians are urged to call their closest CHP office for information on how to obtain one.
According to the National Safety Council, cyclists who wear a helmet reduce their risk of head injury by an estimated 60 percent. California law requires cyclists under 18 to wear a helmet, but it is a good idea for all who ride.
“If you are out riding a bicycle during the current pandemic, the same safety rules and habits still apply,” said OTS Directory Barbara Rooney. “To maximize safety, we encourage you to both be aware of your surroundings and practice physical distancing for the sake of you, your family, and others.”
Statistics from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show that, during the past five years, 792 bicyclists were killed and more than 56,000 were injured in traffic crashes. The data also shows that riding on the wrong side of the roadway and right-of-way violations are the major causes of bicycle-involved crashes.
Motor vehicle drivers are reminded to give bicyclists extra room when passing – at least three feet is required by law. When turning right, drivers should look over their right shoulder to scan for bicyclists, especially when crossing into a designated bike lane. Before opening a car door, drivers should always look for passing bicyclists, especially when next to a bike lane.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security. The OTS administers traffic safety programs with the goal of reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses.
Since the “stay-at-home” directive brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people in California have taken to their bicycles for exercise and a change of scenery.
“In this uncertain time, more people are out on the streets biking for exercise, recreation, mental health, and affordable transportation,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists must stay alert to keep everyone safe.”
The events traditionally held throughout California by the CHP for Bicycle Safety Month may be somewhat curtailed in 2020.
However, many CHP Area offices will continue to give helmets to children who do not have them. Their parents or guardians are urged to call their closest CHP office for information on how to obtain one.
According to the National Safety Council, cyclists who wear a helmet reduce their risk of head injury by an estimated 60 percent. California law requires cyclists under 18 to wear a helmet, but it is a good idea for all who ride.
“If you are out riding a bicycle during the current pandemic, the same safety rules and habits still apply,” said OTS Directory Barbara Rooney. “To maximize safety, we encourage you to both be aware of your surroundings and practice physical distancing for the sake of you, your family, and others.”
Statistics from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show that, during the past five years, 792 bicyclists were killed and more than 56,000 were injured in traffic crashes. The data also shows that riding on the wrong side of the roadway and right-of-way violations are the major causes of bicycle-involved crashes.
Motor vehicle drivers are reminded to give bicyclists extra room when passing – at least three feet is required by law. When turning right, drivers should look over their right shoulder to scan for bicyclists, especially when crossing into a designated bike lane. Before opening a car door, drivers should always look for passing bicyclists, especially when next to a bike lane.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security. The OTS administers traffic safety programs with the goal of reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses.
On Tuesday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05), Rep. Jim McGovern (MA-02), Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) joined Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen in introducing the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries, or FEED, Act.
This bill allows the federal government to pay 100 percent of the cost to states and localities so that they can partner with restaurants and nonprofits to prepare nutritious meals for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and underprivileged children.
These partnerships will support businesses and small farmers as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
“So many of our most vulnerable people are going without enough food and so many of our local restaurants and small farmers are struggling to get by as this crisis goes on. The FEED Act we introduced today will facilitate partnerships between small restaurants and states and local governments to provide nutritious meals to those who need them most,” said Thompson. “I’m deeply honored to have the support of world-renowned humanitarian and Chef José Andrés as we fight to support those in our communities who most need our help.”
“Too many families are going hungry during this pandemic, and it’s not because America is running low on food,” said McGovern. “This hunger crisis is a political problem, and we need to think outside the box to solve it. As millions of restaurants and their employees struggle to get by, the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act will give states more flexibility to provide meals for vulnerable populations while supporting local businesses at the same time. I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside Representatives Thompson and Davis and Senators Harris and Scott.”
“If this pandemic has shown us anything, it’s the need to innovate and that’s exactly what the FEED Act does,” said Davis. “This bill helps utilize our restaurant industry, which has been hit hard during this pandemic, in a way that’s never been done before. By creating these partnerships between local governments and local restaurants, we can help get meals to people in need more quickly and help the food industry, which is a major employer and a critical part of our economy, during this difficult time.”
“Americans are experiencing greater levels of food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, restaurants, their workers, and their suppliers are struggling,” said Harris. “I’m proud to introduce the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act with Representatives Thompson and McGovern. This legislation will help states feed people in need while supporting local restaurants and their suppliers. We need to ensure that states have maximum flexibility so that no one goes hungry during this pandemic.”
“By supporting both families in need and our struggling restaurants, small farms and their workers, the FEED Act is truly a win-win,” said Scott. “This legislation will help our food producers and preparers partner with their states to feed families in need of a meal, and in turn ease some of the economic and personal anxiety they are all facing during this pandemic. I want to thank Chef José Andrés and our bipartisan, bicameral team for coming together to find a solution that can help millions of folks across the country.”
“Our work providing nourishment and hope in the wake of disaster has taught us an important lesson,” said Chef Andrés, founder of the relief organization World Central Kitchen. “When we empower neighbors to care for one another, and restaurants and non-profits to ensure food and nutrition are not forgotten, we give our communities an opportunity to combine response with recovery to create the possibility of a better tomorrow. I am proud to join Representatives Thompson, McGovern, and Davis and Senators Harris and Scott in this effort to make sure we reach every American in need of a humble plate of food.”
The FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act aims to provide nutritious meals to people in need in response to the Coronavirus crisis. The bill waives section 403(b) and 503(a) of the Stafford Act, which allows for FEMA to cover the cost of emergency and disaster related expenses.
Under this legislation, the federal government would cover 100 percent of the cost of disaster-related expenses, instead of the typical 75 percent. This would eliminate any state costs during the COVID-19 crisis and allow more states to take a proactive approach to distributing meals and providing more financial relief to restaurants.
You can click here to read the text of the FEED Act.
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
This bill allows the federal government to pay 100 percent of the cost to states and localities so that they can partner with restaurants and nonprofits to prepare nutritious meals for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and underprivileged children.
These partnerships will support businesses and small farmers as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
“So many of our most vulnerable people are going without enough food and so many of our local restaurants and small farmers are struggling to get by as this crisis goes on. The FEED Act we introduced today will facilitate partnerships between small restaurants and states and local governments to provide nutritious meals to those who need them most,” said Thompson. “I’m deeply honored to have the support of world-renowned humanitarian and Chef José Andrés as we fight to support those in our communities who most need our help.”
“Too many families are going hungry during this pandemic, and it’s not because America is running low on food,” said McGovern. “This hunger crisis is a political problem, and we need to think outside the box to solve it. As millions of restaurants and their employees struggle to get by, the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act will give states more flexibility to provide meals for vulnerable populations while supporting local businesses at the same time. I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside Representatives Thompson and Davis and Senators Harris and Scott.”
“If this pandemic has shown us anything, it’s the need to innovate and that’s exactly what the FEED Act does,” said Davis. “This bill helps utilize our restaurant industry, which has been hit hard during this pandemic, in a way that’s never been done before. By creating these partnerships between local governments and local restaurants, we can help get meals to people in need more quickly and help the food industry, which is a major employer and a critical part of our economy, during this difficult time.”
“Americans are experiencing greater levels of food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, restaurants, their workers, and their suppliers are struggling,” said Harris. “I’m proud to introduce the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act with Representatives Thompson and McGovern. This legislation will help states feed people in need while supporting local restaurants and their suppliers. We need to ensure that states have maximum flexibility so that no one goes hungry during this pandemic.”
“By supporting both families in need and our struggling restaurants, small farms and their workers, the FEED Act is truly a win-win,” said Scott. “This legislation will help our food producers and preparers partner with their states to feed families in need of a meal, and in turn ease some of the economic and personal anxiety they are all facing during this pandemic. I want to thank Chef José Andrés and our bipartisan, bicameral team for coming together to find a solution that can help millions of folks across the country.”
“Our work providing nourishment and hope in the wake of disaster has taught us an important lesson,” said Chef Andrés, founder of the relief organization World Central Kitchen. “When we empower neighbors to care for one another, and restaurants and non-profits to ensure food and nutrition are not forgotten, we give our communities an opportunity to combine response with recovery to create the possibility of a better tomorrow. I am proud to join Representatives Thompson, McGovern, and Davis and Senators Harris and Scott in this effort to make sure we reach every American in need of a humble plate of food.”
The FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act aims to provide nutritious meals to people in need in response to the Coronavirus crisis. The bill waives section 403(b) and 503(a) of the Stafford Act, which allows for FEMA to cover the cost of emergency and disaster related expenses.
Under this legislation, the federal government would cover 100 percent of the cost of disaster-related expenses, instead of the typical 75 percent. This would eliminate any state costs during the COVID-19 crisis and allow more states to take a proactive approach to distributing meals and providing more financial relief to restaurants.
You can click here to read the text of the FEED Act.
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
Lending a hand is a big U.S. tradition. More than 77.4 million Americans volunteered in 2019, completing 6.9 billion hours of service worth an estimated US$167 billion.
Today, no matter how well-intentioned, there’s a risk that those helping hands could have the unfortunate consequence of causing more people to get COVID-19. And sadly, those most in need of help are often those who would be hit the hardest should they become infected because low-income people tend to have more health problems than others.
What, then, should people do when they want to help? As a scholar of nonprofit management and how people support causes, I would like to offer a few suggestions.
1. Give money
Many social-service nonprofits are experiencing a dramatic increase in demand. This includes everything from community clinics to youth centers, food pantries and agencies addressing domestic violence to groups that care for the homeless. At the same time, history suggests that many of these same nonprofits are likely to see their donations plummet due to the economic downturn underway, making any dollar you can spare count more than ever.
You need not ignore the general guidance to avoid extra trips to the grocery store or needlessly getting too close to strangers to do your share. That’s because cash donations to food pantries go further than directly donated items such as canned beans or boxed noodles.
Funds you provide to community organizations will help ensure they have the cash to meet their burgeoning needs now, or to reopen their doors later – depending on the situation. Theaters, operas and dance companies have had to cancel performances. Museums and zoos will be spending weeks closed. Shutting down is choking off revenue streams from ticket sales, gift shop proceeds and cafeteria operations they usually rely on. If you previously paid for upcoming performances or visits, you can do your share to support those institutions by not seeking refunds. Once this pandemic ends, won’t you want to be able to explore your favorite local zoo or museum or to experience live performances again?
2. Volunteer virtually
Many organizations use virtual volunteers. Depending on your skills, you could pitch in by helping boost an organization’s profile through Facebook and other social media platforms, upgrading their website, organizing an online fundraiser, coordinating the shipment of supplies directly to the nonprofit, and more.
But be sure to reach out before you act. Managing volunteers requires staff time, which many organizations lack. Other organizations may be ready and waiting for your help.
3. Check in before dropping by
Likewise, it’s best to call or email your neighbors before you drop by to see how they are doing. Ask what, if anything, they need in advance. If they’re running low on toilet paper, soap, rice or other basic supplies, consider placing an online order to be delivered to their door. You do not have to be the only one caring for the people in your life. The “mutual aid” groups popping up all over the country for this purpose can be both a great resource for those in need and a great way to channel the desire to help.
If you realize that someone needs a hot meal, don’t just make them a casserole – even if that thoughtful gesture is one you might have made during ordinary times. If you can afford it, consider placing an order with their favorite restaurant when delivery service is available because you will be both protecting the neighbor from unnecessary contact and, also, supporting local businesses. If they need in-person help, take care to respect all social-distancing protocols.
[You need to understand the coronavirus pandemic, and we can help. Read The Conversation’s newsletter.]
Jennifer A. Jones, Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Management and Leadership, University of Florida
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As Lake County and other jurisdictions around the state look toward trying to loosen COVID-19-related restrictions, new data is showing that while cases and testing numbers are continuing to rise, there is a promising trend in a decline in hospitalized COVID-19 patients across California.
New demographics data also is showing the impacts of the virus on the health care community and on certain ethnic groups.
Health departments across California reported more than 56,000 COVID-19 cases and 2,300 deaths as of Monday night.
On Monday, Lake County’s COVID-19 cases rose to eight, after test results confirmed that a Lake County Jail inmate had contracted the virus, as Lake County News has reported.
More than 600 county residents have been tested and there have been no COVID-19 deaths reported in Lake County.
The majority of Lake County’s cases so far have originated with out-of-county contacts that then spread to family members, according to previous public health reports.
Based on California Department of Public Health statistics, hospitalizations appeared to have peaked at just under 3,500 patients statewide last week, and since then have shown the first multiday decline since hospitalizations began to be tracked in March.
Local health officials planned for a surge at local hospitals, which hasn’t materialized. So far, only one of Lake County's confirmed cases has been hospitalized.
CDPH has launched a new data portal that tracks COVID-19 cases statewide and by county, gender, age and ethnicity. The portal also outlines statewide hospitalizations and testing efforts.
The new CDPH dashboard showed that there had been three suspected COVID-19 hospital patients and one suspected intensive care unit patient in Lake County; those are differentiated from confirmed patients. Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said he did not have information on those suspected cases.
While data released by the Centers for Disease Control last week showed the number of deaths from all causes is up statewide and nationwide – a fact attributed to COVID-19 – an initial look at coroner’s statistics in Lake County indicates an opposite trend.
For the period of Jan. 1 to April 24 of 2019, there were 109 coroner cases, while for the same time period this year the number of coroner cases has dropped to 95, according to Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
In assessing cases of pneumonia, which in some parts of the nation have been flagged for a reported connection to COVID-19, in the first four months of 2019, Lake County had eight pneumonia-related deaths while it has had only two so far this year – in January and February, Paulich said.
Pace told the Board of Supervisors last week that Public Health staff have been working on conducting surveillance testing and increasing local testing capacity.
In Lake County, the first drive-thru testing will be rolled out on Tuesday in Lakeport.
State officials said they also are working to expand access to COVID-19 testing.
More than 747,874 tests have been conducted in California and reported to CDPH. That total includes data from commercial, private and academic labs, including Quest, LabCorp, Kaiser, University of California and Stanford, and the 25 state and county health labs currently testing.
The state said laboratories have reduced the testing backlog.
Growing impacts for health care workers, certain ethnic groups
CDPH said that, as of Monday, local health departments across California have reported 6,103 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 32 deaths statewide.
The state also has released an update on the racial demographics of COVID-19 in California, which CDPH reported is important to determine future action.
“Health outcomes are affected by forces including structural racism, poverty and the disproportionate prevalence of underlying conditions such as asthma and heart disease among Latinos and African American Californians. Only by looking at the full picture can we understand how to ensure the best outcomes for all Californians,” the agency said.
CDPH said the differences in health outcomes related to COVID-19 are most stark in COVID-19 deaths.
With nearly complete data on race and ethnicity for COVID-19 deaths, CDPH said that, overall, for adults 18 and older, Latinos, African Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at disproportionately higher levels.
The proportion of COVID-19 deaths in African Americans is about double their population representation across all adult age categories, CDPH reported.
For Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, CDPH said overall numbers are low, but there is nearly a four-fold difference between the proportion of COVID-19 deaths and their population representation.
More males are dying from COVID-19 than females, in line with national trends, according to CDPH’s report.
On the local level, Pace has so far refused to release demographic information about Lake County’s patients.
This story has been updated to reflect that one of the previous COVID-19 cases in Lake County was hospitalized.
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.
New demographics data also is showing the impacts of the virus on the health care community and on certain ethnic groups.
Health departments across California reported more than 56,000 COVID-19 cases and 2,300 deaths as of Monday night.
On Monday, Lake County’s COVID-19 cases rose to eight, after test results confirmed that a Lake County Jail inmate had contracted the virus, as Lake County News has reported.
More than 600 county residents have been tested and there have been no COVID-19 deaths reported in Lake County.
The majority of Lake County’s cases so far have originated with out-of-county contacts that then spread to family members, according to previous public health reports.
Based on California Department of Public Health statistics, hospitalizations appeared to have peaked at just under 3,500 patients statewide last week, and since then have shown the first multiday decline since hospitalizations began to be tracked in March.
Local health officials planned for a surge at local hospitals, which hasn’t materialized. So far, only one of Lake County's confirmed cases has been hospitalized.
CDPH has launched a new data portal that tracks COVID-19 cases statewide and by county, gender, age and ethnicity. The portal also outlines statewide hospitalizations and testing efforts.
The new CDPH dashboard showed that there had been three suspected COVID-19 hospital patients and one suspected intensive care unit patient in Lake County; those are differentiated from confirmed patients. Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said he did not have information on those suspected cases.
While data released by the Centers for Disease Control last week showed the number of deaths from all causes is up statewide and nationwide – a fact attributed to COVID-19 – an initial look at coroner’s statistics in Lake County indicates an opposite trend.
For the period of Jan. 1 to April 24 of 2019, there were 109 coroner cases, while for the same time period this year the number of coroner cases has dropped to 95, according to Lt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
In assessing cases of pneumonia, which in some parts of the nation have been flagged for a reported connection to COVID-19, in the first four months of 2019, Lake County had eight pneumonia-related deaths while it has had only two so far this year – in January and February, Paulich said.
Pace told the Board of Supervisors last week that Public Health staff have been working on conducting surveillance testing and increasing local testing capacity.
In Lake County, the first drive-thru testing will be rolled out on Tuesday in Lakeport.
State officials said they also are working to expand access to COVID-19 testing.
More than 747,874 tests have been conducted in California and reported to CDPH. That total includes data from commercial, private and academic labs, including Quest, LabCorp, Kaiser, University of California and Stanford, and the 25 state and county health labs currently testing.
The state said laboratories have reduced the testing backlog.
Growing impacts for health care workers, certain ethnic groups
CDPH said that, as of Monday, local health departments across California have reported 6,103 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 32 deaths statewide.
The state also has released an update on the racial demographics of COVID-19 in California, which CDPH reported is important to determine future action.
“Health outcomes are affected by forces including structural racism, poverty and the disproportionate prevalence of underlying conditions such as asthma and heart disease among Latinos and African American Californians. Only by looking at the full picture can we understand how to ensure the best outcomes for all Californians,” the agency said.
CDPH said the differences in health outcomes related to COVID-19 are most stark in COVID-19 deaths.
With nearly complete data on race and ethnicity for COVID-19 deaths, CDPH said that, overall, for adults 18 and older, Latinos, African Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at disproportionately higher levels.
The proportion of COVID-19 deaths in African Americans is about double their population representation across all adult age categories, CDPH reported.
For Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, CDPH said overall numbers are low, but there is nearly a four-fold difference between the proportion of COVID-19 deaths and their population representation.
More males are dying from COVID-19 than females, in line with national trends, according to CDPH’s report.
On the local level, Pace has so far refused to release demographic information about Lake County’s patients.
This story has been updated to reflect that one of the previous COVID-19 cases in Lake County was hospitalized.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council this week will consider receiving a state cannabis business development grant and the purchase of a modular building for the Animal Control office.
The council will meet virtually for a closed session at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7, to hold a performance evaluation for City Manager Alan Flora, discuss with legal counsel a case of potential litigation and existing litigation against PG&E Corp. and a conference with labor negotiators regarding Clearlake Management/Confidential Employees, Clearlake Police Officer Association, Clearlake Municipal Employees Association and Clearlake Middle Management Association before the public portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Because of the county’s shelter in place order, Clearlake City Hall remains closed to the public, however, the virtual meeting will be broadcast live on Lake County PEG TV’s YouTube Channel.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You can also visit the city’s new town hall site and submit written comments at https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/327/Issue_8734 . Identify the subject you wish to comment on in your email’s subject line or in your town hall submission.
Each public comment emailed to the city clerk will be read aloud by the mayor or a member of staff for up to three minutes or will be displayed on a screen. Public comment emails and town hall public comment submissions that are received after the beginning of the meeting will not be included in the record.
On Thursday, the council will issue five proclamations declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, May 4 as Firefighter Appreciation Day, May 2020 as Military Appreciation Month, May 10 to 16 as Police Week and May 3 to 9 as Public Service Appreciation Week.
In council business, council members will consider a $98,890.43 Cannabis Equity Grant from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
A report to the council from Facilities Coordinator/Deputy City Clerk Tina Viramontes explained that the grant is designed to support equitable business development in the cannabis industry.
“The grant will assist in the creation of a cannabis business portal on the City of Clearlake website for cannabis businesses and the community, as well as provide funding to obtain a consulting group to help create and design the Equity Program. The grant will also provide funding to promote community events and meetings with cannabis businesses along with the community to help develop a cannabis equity program,” Viramontes reported.
The council also will consider amending the fiscal year 2019-20 budget to include the grant revenue.
In other business, the council is being asked to ratify and authorize Flora’s purchase of a modular office building for the Animal Control facility at an estimated cost of $37,427.15.
Also on Thursday, the council will consider approving a contract with R&R Pacific Construction for the Austin Park bathroom remodel project
On the meeting's consent agenda – items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote – are warrant registers; consideration of continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on Oct. 9, 2017, and ratified by council action Oct. 12, 2017, in response to the Sulphur fire; second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 240-2020, commercial cannabis regulatory permit suspension/revocation and appeal process and corrections to Ordinance No. 229-2019; annual rate increase notice from Clearlake Waste Solutions; consideration of continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on March 14, 2020, and Ratified by Council Action March 19, 2020.
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 virtually for a closed session at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7, to hold a performance evaluation for City Manager Alan Flora, discuss with legal counsel a case of potential litigation and existing litigation against PG&E Corp. and a conference with labor negotiators regarding Clearlake Management/Confidential Employees, Clearlake Police Officer Association, Clearlake Municipal Employees Association and Clearlake Middle Management Association before the public portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Because of the county’s shelter in place order, Clearlake City Hall remains closed to the public, however, the virtual meeting will be broadcast live on Lake County PEG TV’s YouTube Channel.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson at
Each public comment emailed to the city clerk will be read aloud by the mayor or a member of staff for up to three minutes or will be displayed on a screen. Public comment emails and town hall public comment submissions that are received after the beginning of the meeting will not be included in the record.
On Thursday, the council will issue five proclamations declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, May 4 as Firefighter Appreciation Day, May 2020 as Military Appreciation Month, May 10 to 16 as Police Week and May 3 to 9 as Public Service Appreciation Week.
In council business, council members will consider a $98,890.43 Cannabis Equity Grant from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
A report to the council from Facilities Coordinator/Deputy City Clerk Tina Viramontes explained that the grant is designed to support equitable business development in the cannabis industry.
“The grant will assist in the creation of a cannabis business portal on the City of Clearlake website for cannabis businesses and the community, as well as provide funding to obtain a consulting group to help create and design the Equity Program. The grant will also provide funding to promote community events and meetings with cannabis businesses along with the community to help develop a cannabis equity program,” Viramontes reported.
The council also will consider amending the fiscal year 2019-20 budget to include the grant revenue.
In other business, the council is being asked to ratify and authorize Flora’s purchase of a modular office building for the Animal Control facility at an estimated cost of $37,427.15.
Also on Thursday, the council will consider approving a contract with R&R Pacific Construction for the Austin Park bathroom remodel project
On the meeting's consent agenda – items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote – are warrant registers; consideration of continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on Oct. 9, 2017, and ratified by council action Oct. 12, 2017, in response to the Sulphur fire; second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 240-2020, commercial cannabis regulatory permit suspension/revocation and appeal process and corrections to Ordinance No. 229-2019; annual rate increase notice from Clearlake Waste Solutions; consideration of continuation of declaration of local emergency issued on March 14, 2020, and Ratified by Council Action March 19, 2020.
Email Elizabeth Larson at