How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
News
LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Monday evening, the Lakeport Police Department said it located a transient who was wanted for a parole violation and failure to register as a sex offender.
The department reported that officers found and arrested Dean Thomas Ammons, 54.
Earlier in the day, the Lakeport Police Department had asked for the community’s help in locating Ammons, a high-risk sex offender who had failed to follow registration requirements.
Due to temporary bail restrictions imposed by the Judicial Council of California due to COVID-19, the Lakeport Police Department said it was unable to book Ammons into the Lake County Jail.
Instead, police said Ammons was affixed with a monitoring device by his parole agent. Officers then released Ammons on a citation for the felony violation of failing to register as a sex offender.
Ammons was released by the California Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections on March 31, Police Chief Brad Rasmussen reported.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department is attempting to locate a male transient who is a high-risk sex offender who failed to register with law enforcement.
Dean Thomas Ammons, 54, is wanted for violation of parole and failure to register as a sex offender, the department reported.
Ammons is not considered dangerous but is a high-risk sex offender subject to public disclosure, police said.
Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said Ammons was released back to Lake County from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on March 31.
It did not appear to be part of an early release program recently instituted by the state, but was Ammons’ normal release date, Rasmussen said.
Ammons is described as a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 165 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
Police ask that anyone who locates Ammons not make contact or attempt to apprehend him but to notify their local law enforcement agency or the Lakeport Police Department immediately at 707-263-5491, option 1.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has ended a record 10-year job expansion in California, with state and local unemployment rates rising in March as the pandemic’s economic impact becomes more apparent.
The California Employment Development Department’s latest report on joblessness shows the state’s unemployment rate rose from a record low of 3.9 percent in February to 5.3 percent in March.
That 1.4-percent jump in joblessness from February to March was California’s largest unemployment rate increase on record in a data series going back to 1976, the Employment Development Department reported.
The number of Californians holding jobs in March was 18,244,100, a decrease of 512,600 from February and down 293,700 from the employment total in March of last year, the state said.
At the same time, the number of unemployed Californians was 1,020,100 in March, an increase of 260,800 over the month and up by 201,200 compared with March of 2019.
California paid out $407 million in unemployment benefits in March, the EDD reported.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics said that, nationwide, the unemployment rate in March was 4.4 percent, compared to 3.5 percent in February and 3.8 percent in March of last year.
The agency said unemployment rates were higher in March in 29 states and the District of Columbia, lower in 3 states and stable in 18 states.
In Lake County, unemployment in March rose to 7 percent, up from 5.8 percent in February and 5.9 percent over the previous year. The March jobless rate was the highest for Lake County since January 2017.
Based on the Employment Development Department’s historical data, Lake County’s 1.2-percent jobless increase between February and March is the largest month-to-month increase that Lake County has experienced since November 2010, as it was still recovering from the prolonged fallout from the Great Recession.
On the local level, the Employment Development Department said the effects of the pandemic couldn’t be quantified yet but that the “it is likely that the unseasonable changes in the industry employment and labor force data can be ascribed to the effects of the illness and efforts to contain the virus.”
The agency also reported that the March survey reference period, the week that contains the 12th day of the month, predated many coronavirus-related business and school closures in the second half of the month.
In Lake County, the number of unemployed in March numbered 2,060 individuals, up from 1,690 unemployed persons in February.
Month-over job decreases in Lake County were primarily in the federal government, -6.3 percent. Other sectors showed minor job gains.
Lake County was ranked No. 32 out of California’s 58 counties for its March jobless rate.
Neighboring county jobless rates and ranks for March are: Colusa, 22.4 percent, No. 58; Glenn, 8.7 percent, No. 44; Mendocino, 5.9 percent, No. 26; Napa, 4 percent, No. 9; Sonoma, 3.6 percent, No. 5; and Yolo, 5.9 percent, No. 26.
A look at state industries
Last month, California’s employers lost 99,500 nonfarm payroll jobs, according to data the EDD released that was based on two surveys – a federal survey of 5,100 California households that determines the unemployment rate and a federal survey of 80,000 California businesses that determines nonfarm payroll job numbers.
The state said the March job losses ended a record job expansion in California of 120 months, which surpassed the long expansion of the 1960s.
In the recent expansion, which followed the Great Recession, California had gained 3,417,700 jobs, which accounted for 15.0 percent of the nation’s 22,789,000 job gain over the same timeframe, the EDD said.
The EDD said that California’s Payroll jobs totaled 17,505,000 in March 2020, down 99,500 from February 2020, but up 150,400 from March of 2019.
The March job loss was the fourth-largest on record and driven by declines in six of California’s 11 industry sectors, the state reported.
The biggest job loss was reported in the leisure and hospitality sector, which posted a loss of 67,200 jobs, which the Employment Development Department said was due in part to losses and closures related to full-service restaurants as well as food services and drinking places.
The state said other large losses were seen in the “other services” category, which saw a drop of 15,500 jobs, and the loss of 11,600 jobs in construction.
The Employment Development Department said the government job category, which had a larger-than-normal increase of 5,200 jobs, was mostly due to a rise in local government employment, in addition to a boost from the federal government thanks to the U.S. Census.
In March 2020, there were 424,645 people receiving unemployment insurance benefits, up 52,266 from February 2020 and up 36,878 from March of last year. There were 186,479 people who filed new claims, up 144,652 from February and up 146,514 from March of last year.
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 California Employment Development Department’s latest report on joblessness shows the state’s unemployment rate rose from a record low of 3.9 percent in February to 5.3 percent in March.
That 1.4-percent jump in joblessness from February to March was California’s largest unemployment rate increase on record in a data series going back to 1976, the Employment Development Department reported.
The number of Californians holding jobs in March was 18,244,100, a decrease of 512,600 from February and down 293,700 from the employment total in March of last year, the state said.
At the same time, the number of unemployed Californians was 1,020,100 in March, an increase of 260,800 over the month and up by 201,200 compared with March of 2019.
California paid out $407 million in unemployment benefits in March, the EDD reported.
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics said that, nationwide, the unemployment rate in March was 4.4 percent, compared to 3.5 percent in February and 3.8 percent in March of last year.
The agency said unemployment rates were higher in March in 29 states and the District of Columbia, lower in 3 states and stable in 18 states.
In Lake County, unemployment in March rose to 7 percent, up from 5.8 percent in February and 5.9 percent over the previous year. The March jobless rate was the highest for Lake County since January 2017.
Based on the Employment Development Department’s historical data, Lake County’s 1.2-percent jobless increase between February and March is the largest month-to-month increase that Lake County has experienced since November 2010, as it was still recovering from the prolonged fallout from the Great Recession.
On the local level, the Employment Development Department said the effects of the pandemic couldn’t be quantified yet but that the “it is likely that the unseasonable changes in the industry employment and labor force data can be ascribed to the effects of the illness and efforts to contain the virus.”
The agency also reported that the March survey reference period, the week that contains the 12th day of the month, predated many coronavirus-related business and school closures in the second half of the month.
In Lake County, the number of unemployed in March numbered 2,060 individuals, up from 1,690 unemployed persons in February.
Month-over job decreases in Lake County were primarily in the federal government, -6.3 percent. Other sectors showed minor job gains.
Lake County was ranked No. 32 out of California’s 58 counties for its March jobless rate.
Neighboring county jobless rates and ranks for March are: Colusa, 22.4 percent, No. 58; Glenn, 8.7 percent, No. 44; Mendocino, 5.9 percent, No. 26; Napa, 4 percent, No. 9; Sonoma, 3.6 percent, No. 5; and Yolo, 5.9 percent, No. 26.
A look at state industries
Last month, California’s employers lost 99,500 nonfarm payroll jobs, according to data the EDD released that was based on two surveys – a federal survey of 5,100 California households that determines the unemployment rate and a federal survey of 80,000 California businesses that determines nonfarm payroll job numbers.
The state said the March job losses ended a record job expansion in California of 120 months, which surpassed the long expansion of the 1960s.
In the recent expansion, which followed the Great Recession, California had gained 3,417,700 jobs, which accounted for 15.0 percent of the nation’s 22,789,000 job gain over the same timeframe, the EDD said.
The EDD said that California’s Payroll jobs totaled 17,505,000 in March 2020, down 99,500 from February 2020, but up 150,400 from March of 2019.
The March job loss was the fourth-largest on record and driven by declines in six of California’s 11 industry sectors, the state reported.
The biggest job loss was reported in the leisure and hospitality sector, which posted a loss of 67,200 jobs, which the Employment Development Department said was due in part to losses and closures related to full-service restaurants as well as food services and drinking places.
The state said other large losses were seen in the “other services” category, which saw a drop of 15,500 jobs, and the loss of 11,600 jobs in construction.
The Employment Development Department said the government job category, which had a larger-than-normal increase of 5,200 jobs, was mostly due to a rise in local government employment, in addition to a boost from the federal government thanks to the U.S. Census.
In March 2020, there were 424,645 people receiving unemployment insurance benefits, up 52,266 from February 2020 and up 36,878 from March of last year. There were 186,479 people who filed new claims, up 144,652 from February and up 146,514 from March of last year.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will hold discussions about an update to hazard duty pay for essential workers as well as consider having county employees wear masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The board will meet virtually beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx . 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.
In timed items, at 9:01 a.m. the board will get its weekly COVID-19 update from Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
At 1 p.m., the board will consider amending a resolution regarding hazardous duty leave for essential employees to offset COVID-19 impacts.
In untimed items, the board will discuss a temporary policy requiring county employees to wear masks in county facilities as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingon’s report said the measure follows Dr. Pace’s guidance issued on April 13 strongly encourages masking when in public to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Also on Tuesday, the board will consider a letter to Lake County’s congressional delegation regarding emergency coronavirus relief funding.
Huchingon’s report to the board explained that, last week, the California State Association of Counties requested Lake County “take urgent action” to support the organization’s advocacy efforts with the congressional delegation to optimize its latest set of emergency coronavirus relief measures.
CSAC is asking Lake County to join its efforts “to ensure direct assistance is available to Counties in subsequent legislation, and that future measures will recognize Counties are mandated to provide Public Health services to residents of the incorporated Cities within their borders, as well as those in the unincorporated areas,” Huchingson wrote.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt resolution approving amended Agreement No.18-0689-000-SA with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to provide reimbursement for Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program for Agreement Term April 30, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
5.2: Adopt resolution authorizing application for, and receipt of, Local Government Planning Support Grant Program funds.
5.3: Adopt resolution to amend the budget for FY 2019-2020 by appropriating unanticipated revenue for Public Health Services and authorize the Health Services director to sign.
5.4: (a) Approve agreement between the Lake County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Forest Service for FY 20/21 annual operating and financial plan, in the amount of $11,000 for Pillsbury Patrol; and (b) approve grant modification agreement in the amount of $52,420 for the purchase of equipment for the Goat Mountain joint repeater project, and authorize the sheriff and the chairman to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 9:01 a.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.
6.3, 1 p.m.: Consideration of resolution amending Resolution 2020-34 regarding hazardous duty leave for essential employees to offset COVID-19 impacts.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Discussion and review of master broadband plan with potential action.
7.4: Consideration of temporary policy requiring county employees to wear masks in county facilities as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
7.3: Consideration of Letter to Lake County’s congressional delegation regarding emergency coronavirus relief funding and authorize the chair to sign.
7.5: Consideration of proposed findings of fact and decision in the appeal of Todd Hosfelt.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) chief negotiator: M. Long; county negotiators: C. Huchingson and P. Samac; and (b) Employee Organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA and LCSMA.
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 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx . 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
In timed items, at 9:01 a.m. the board will get its weekly COVID-19 update from Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
At 1 p.m., the board will consider amending a resolution regarding hazardous duty leave for essential employees to offset COVID-19 impacts.
In untimed items, the board will discuss a temporary policy requiring county employees to wear masks in county facilities as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingon’s report said the measure follows Dr. Pace’s guidance issued on April 13 strongly encourages masking when in public to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Also on Tuesday, the board will consider a letter to Lake County’s congressional delegation regarding emergency coronavirus relief funding.
Huchingon’s report to the board explained that, last week, the California State Association of Counties requested Lake County “take urgent action” to support the organization’s advocacy efforts with the congressional delegation to optimize its latest set of emergency coronavirus relief measures.
CSAC is asking Lake County to join its efforts “to ensure direct assistance is available to Counties in subsequent legislation, and that future measures will recognize Counties are mandated to provide Public Health services to residents of the incorporated Cities within their borders, as well as those in the unincorporated areas,” Huchingson wrote.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Adopt resolution approving amended Agreement No.18-0689-000-SA with the California Department of Food and Agriculture to provide reimbursement for Industrial Hemp Cultivation Program for Agreement Term April 30, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
5.2: Adopt resolution authorizing application for, and receipt of, Local Government Planning Support Grant Program funds.
5.3: Adopt resolution to amend the budget for FY 2019-2020 by appropriating unanticipated revenue for Public Health Services and authorize the Health Services director to sign.
5.4: (a) Approve agreement between the Lake County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Forest Service for FY 20/21 annual operating and financial plan, in the amount of $11,000 for Pillsbury Patrol; and (b) approve grant modification agreement in the amount of $52,420 for the purchase of equipment for the Goat Mountain joint repeater project, and authorize the sheriff and the chairman to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 9:01 a.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.
6.3, 1 p.m.: Consideration of resolution amending Resolution 2020-34 regarding hazardous duty leave for essential employees to offset COVID-19 impacts.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Discussion and review of master broadband plan with potential action.
7.4: Consideration of temporary policy requiring county employees to wear masks in county facilities as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
7.3: Consideration of Letter to Lake County’s congressional delegation regarding emergency coronavirus relief funding and authorize the chair to sign.
7.5: Consideration of proposed findings of fact and decision in the appeal of Todd Hosfelt.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) chief negotiator: M. Long; county negotiators: C. Huchingson and P. Samac; and (b) Employee Organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA and LCSMA.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council will hear the latest on COVID-19 from the county’s Public Health officer and also get an update on the city’s steps to address the health emergency at its virtual meeting this week.
The meeting will take place via webinar beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling 415-930-5229 or toll free, 877-309-2074. The access code is 620-529-293; 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 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21.
Please indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council prior to the meeting.
On Tuesday, the council will hear a presentation from Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace on the current progress in containing the COVID-19 outbreak in Lake County.
The city’s executive management staff also will discuss with the council the next steps the city has implemented to manage the current health emergency due to COVID-19.
Mayor George Spurr will present a proclamation declaring April 19 to 25 as National Volunteer week in the city of Lakeport and to honor Lakeport Police Volunteers, and the members of the city’s committees and commissions.
In other business, Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram will ask for the council to approve the proposed resolution adopting the Eleventh Street Corridor Multimodal Engineered Feasibility Study and make a recommendation that the Lake Area Planning Council also adopt the proposed study.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the special council meeting on April 7 and the regular council meeting on April 13; the March 13 warrant register; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the October 2019 public safety power shutoff; and confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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 meeting will take place via webinar beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling 415-930-5229 or toll free, 877-309-2074. The access code is 620-529-293; 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
Please indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council prior to the meeting.
On Tuesday, the council will hear a presentation from Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace on the current progress in containing the COVID-19 outbreak in Lake County.
The city’s executive management staff also will discuss with the council the next steps the city has implemented to manage the current health emergency due to COVID-19.
Mayor George Spurr will present a proclamation declaring April 19 to 25 as National Volunteer week in the city of Lakeport and to honor Lakeport Police Volunteers, and the members of the city’s committees and commissions.
In other business, Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram will ask for the council to approve the proposed resolution adopting the Eleventh Street Corridor Multimodal Engineered Feasibility Study and make a recommendation that the Lake Area Planning Council also adopt the proposed study.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the special council meeting on April 7 and the regular council meeting on April 13; the March 13 warrant register; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the October 2019 public safety power shutoff; and confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Emergency Services is developing an update to its 2018 Emergency Operations Plan.
Drought, wildfires, floods, severe weather and pandemics are among the hazards Lake County has faced over the last several years.
While many hazards cannot be prevented, a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan provides the foundation for the community’s response to disasters and emergencies.
The Lake County Office of Emergency Services is completing its biannual review and values the community’s input.
Officials said they believe the people most familiar with the hazards are those who live and work in the community.
“This is why we are taking this opportunity to seek input and comment from the public as part of our review and update process. Planning participants also include local, state and federal agencies,” the agency said in a statement this week.
Review the Draft Emergency Operations Plan online here.
Comments and suggestions about the plan may be sent toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The link will be active beginning on April 20.
Comments and suggestions will be accepted for three weeks, from Monday, April 20, through Friday, May 8.
For additional information, please contact Dale Carnathan at 707-263-3450 or email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Drought, wildfires, floods, severe weather and pandemics are among the hazards Lake County has faced over the last several years.
While many hazards cannot be prevented, a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan provides the foundation for the community’s response to disasters and emergencies.
The Lake County Office of Emergency Services is completing its biannual review and values the community’s input.
Officials said they believe the people most familiar with the hazards are those who live and work in the community.
“This is why we are taking this opportunity to seek input and comment from the public as part of our review and update process. Planning participants also include local, state and federal agencies,” the agency said in a statement this week.
Review the Draft Emergency Operations Plan online here.
Comments and suggestions about the plan may be sent to
Comments and suggestions will be accepted for three weeks, from Monday, April 20, through Friday, May 8.
For additional information, please contact Dale Carnathan at 707-263-3450 or email at