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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – County officials are asking visitors to postpone trips to Lake County and for vacation homeowners to stop rentals as the county’s shelter in place to protect against COVID-19 remains active.
“The health and well-being of our community and visitors is our highest priority. While the Lake County community, like so many around the globe, is reeling from business impacts due to COVID-19, we extend our thoughts and deep gratitude to our beloved visitors, who have generously supported our local economy through tourism and adjacent industries,” the county said in a Wednesday announcement.
“With immense appreciation for everyone’s wish to be in the fresh air, enjoying our beautiful county and recreating on Clear Lake, now is NOT the time to visit Lake County. Please remain at your primary residence, and don’t travel to Lake County for non-essential activities, even if you have a vacation home here,” the county’s statement explained.
The request to visitors comes as all lodging in Lake County, including short-term and nightly rentals, is closed until May 3, under the current public health orders.
If you are renting out your home through Airbnb, VRBO, or any other rental agency, the county asks that you immediately remove your listing to help protect the community.
“Lake County’s healthcare system is very good, but has limited capacity to respond to a large-scale outbreak. The consequences of COVID-19 for our small, rural county, would be devastating if we experienced a large surge in cases requiring medical care,” the county reported.
The county reported that local residents and businesses, many of whom are still recovering from severe hardship and displacement brought by fires, floods and public safety power shutoff events, are doing their part to reduce COVID-19 risks. Retail shops, recreation services including the lake, parks and hiking trails, movie theaters, wineries, casinos, bars, restaurants and nightclubs for indoor or outdoor service are all closed.
“We ask that our valued visitors and those with vacation homes in the area do your part, as well, to protect the communities so many of us have come to know, love, and even call home, or home away from home,” the county statement said.
Officials asked that visitors support Lake County businesses from afar, while Lake County continues to shelter in place.
They are urged to:
– Rebook lodging for a later date.
– Reach out to businesses you enjoyed in the past – send an email, post a photo, tag words of encouragement, and follow them on social media to stay up to date on their latest services and offerings.
– Consider making donations to local businesses and nonprofits.
– Buy gift cards from local businesses to be used at a later date.
– Ask for store credit, versus refunds.
– Pay for an online yoga or fitness class.
– Order books, sports gear, and more online from our local shops – many shops can ship or deliver items to your house.
– Extend memberships and renew pledges with any local organizations you regularly support.
For those living in Lake County:
– Order delivery and curbside pickup from restaurants, and shop at Lake County’ grocery stores; they are adapting their practices and supporting social distancing, we can help them out, too.
– Ordering takeout? Leave an extra tip. Your generosity will help support restaurant staff that are now under or unemployed.
Cash flow is critical for Lake County businesses right now. There’s no amount too small, and every dollar spent is a vote for the small businesses that make Lake County unique, the county said.
“Lake County will be ready to welcome you when the world is ready to travel again. Our communities, mountains, lakes, fishing, boating, trails, wineries, casinos, restaurants and local business will be here to welcome you back when the Shelter-in-Place and Stay at Home Orders are lifted,” county officials reported.
The county statement concluded, “But again, now is NOT the time to visit.”
“The health and well-being of our community and visitors is our highest priority. While the Lake County community, like so many around the globe, is reeling from business impacts due to COVID-19, we extend our thoughts and deep gratitude to our beloved visitors, who have generously supported our local economy through tourism and adjacent industries,” the county said in a Wednesday announcement.
“With immense appreciation for everyone’s wish to be in the fresh air, enjoying our beautiful county and recreating on Clear Lake, now is NOT the time to visit Lake County. Please remain at your primary residence, and don’t travel to Lake County for non-essential activities, even if you have a vacation home here,” the county’s statement explained.
The request to visitors comes as all lodging in Lake County, including short-term and nightly rentals, is closed until May 3, under the current public health orders.
If you are renting out your home through Airbnb, VRBO, or any other rental agency, the county asks that you immediately remove your listing to help protect the community.
“Lake County’s healthcare system is very good, but has limited capacity to respond to a large-scale outbreak. The consequences of COVID-19 for our small, rural county, would be devastating if we experienced a large surge in cases requiring medical care,” the county reported.
The county reported that local residents and businesses, many of whom are still recovering from severe hardship and displacement brought by fires, floods and public safety power shutoff events, are doing their part to reduce COVID-19 risks. Retail shops, recreation services including the lake, parks and hiking trails, movie theaters, wineries, casinos, bars, restaurants and nightclubs for indoor or outdoor service are all closed.
“We ask that our valued visitors and those with vacation homes in the area do your part, as well, to protect the communities so many of us have come to know, love, and even call home, or home away from home,” the county statement said.
Officials asked that visitors support Lake County businesses from afar, while Lake County continues to shelter in place.
They are urged to:
– Rebook lodging for a later date.
– Reach out to businesses you enjoyed in the past – send an email, post a photo, tag words of encouragement, and follow them on social media to stay up to date on their latest services and offerings.
– Consider making donations to local businesses and nonprofits.
– Buy gift cards from local businesses to be used at a later date.
– Ask for store credit, versus refunds.
– Pay for an online yoga or fitness class.
– Order books, sports gear, and more online from our local shops – many shops can ship or deliver items to your house.
– Extend memberships and renew pledges with any local organizations you regularly support.
For those living in Lake County:
– Order delivery and curbside pickup from restaurants, and shop at Lake County’ grocery stores; they are adapting their practices and supporting social distancing, we can help them out, too.
– Ordering takeout? Leave an extra tip. Your generosity will help support restaurant staff that are now under or unemployed.
Cash flow is critical for Lake County businesses right now. There’s no amount too small, and every dollar spent is a vote for the small businesses that make Lake County unique, the county said.
“Lake County will be ready to welcome you when the world is ready to travel again. Our communities, mountains, lakes, fishing, boating, trails, wineries, casinos, restaurants and local business will be here to welcome you back when the Shelter-in-Place and Stay at Home Orders are lifted,” county officials reported.
The county statement concluded, “But again, now is NOT the time to visit.”
NORTH COAST, Calif. – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are searching for a minimum-security inmate who walked away from the California Correctional Center Parlin Fork Conservation Camp in Mendocino County on Wednesday.
During an inmate count at around 8:30 p.m., staff discovered inmate Richard Solorzano, 32 was not in his assigned bunk, officials said. A search of the camp buildings and grounds was immediately conducted.
Officials said Solorzano was last seen at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday wearing his state-issued orange CDCR shirt and pants.
CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety, Cal Fire, the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies have been notified and are assisting in the search.
Solorzano was assigned as a cook at Parlin Fork Conservation Camp in Fort Bragg California. Parlin Fork Conservation Camp houses approximately 100 minimum-custody inmates.
He is the fourth inmate to walk away from a North Coast conservation camp in less than a month.
Solozaro is a Hispanic male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds with brown eyes, a bald head, a mustache and goatee.
He was committed to CDCR in September 2017, from Orange County to serve an eight-year sentence for burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. He was scheduled to parole in August 2022.
Anyone who sees Solozaro should contact 911 or law enforcement authorities immediately.
Anyone having information about or knowledge of the location of Solozaro should contact the CCC Watch Commander at 530-257-2181, Extension 4173.
Since 1977, 99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp or community-based program without permission have been apprehended.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Chances of rain this weekend are forecast amidst otherwise sunny spring conditions, according to the latest forecast for Lake County and Northern California.
The National Weather Services said generally warm and dry weather is expected to prevail through the end of the week across interior Northern California.
The forecast reports possible isolated mountain showers may be possible Thursday and Friday, as well as chances for rain over the weekend and into next week, although the agency said it expects “only minimal amounts” of rain for northwest California.
There may be a cold front approaching for the middle of next week, based on the agency’s long-term forecast.
The National Weather Service’s latest forecast for Lake County shows mostly clear conditions through Saturday night, with chances of rain on Sunday and Monday. Mostly sunny conditions will return on Tuesday.
Daytime temperatures around Lake County this week are forecast to be in the mid to low 70s, with nighttime temperatures in the mid to high 40s.
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 National Weather Services said generally warm and dry weather is expected to prevail through the end of the week across interior Northern California.
The forecast reports possible isolated mountain showers may be possible Thursday and Friday, as well as chances for rain over the weekend and into next week, although the agency said it expects “only minimal amounts” of rain for northwest California.
There may be a cold front approaching for the middle of next week, based on the agency’s long-term forecast.
The National Weather Service’s latest forecast for Lake County shows mostly clear conditions through Saturday night, with chances of rain on Sunday and Monday. Mostly sunny conditions will return on Tuesday.
Daytime temperatures around Lake County this week are forecast to be in the mid to low 70s, with nighttime temperatures in the mid to high 40s.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
A state commission’s Wednesday decision could see delays or cancellation of recreational fishing if it’s determined necessary in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, the first day of its April remote meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission revised its agenda and took up the ability for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to temporarily delay, suspend or restrict recreational fishing if the agency’s director, in consultation with the president of the commission, finds that such action is necessary to protect against the threat from COVID-19 based on state, federal, local, and tribal public health guidance and public safety needs.
The commission voted unanimously to grant that ability, temporarily, in order to prevent and mitigate public health risks that may arise when people travel or congregate for fishing events.
Officials said this is designed to be responsive to local county level and tribal needs, like the requests CDFW and the commission received from Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties to delay the April 25 Eastern Sierra trout opener.
The temporary authority expires May 31, 2020.
"I understand Californians desperately need the outdoors for solace, reinvigoration and spirituality, especially so right now," said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. "The proposal was never about a statewide permanent closure. It is about being responsive to local needs in this public health emergency, where we must do all we can as Californians to help each other make it through this together. We intend to use this authority surgically and based on local needs and knowledge."
"Gov. Newsom recently said we expect a mid-May peak of COVID-19 and we must prepare for that surge," Commission President Eric Sklar said Wednesday. "Today's decision is a smart and responsible approach to be ready. It does not delay or restrict specific fisheries or waters, but rather prepares us to expeditiously do so if needed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19."
Commission President Sklar, Commission Vice President Samantha Murray, and Commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Russell Burns and Peter Silva participated in the call.
CDFW will now reach out to county and tribal governments in an effort to evaluate local concerns and associated health risks. If you have any questions or would like to provide input on potential angling related delays or restrictions, please contact Roger Bloom, acting branch chief, Fisheries Branch, by email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The commission will continue its remote meeting tomorrow by phone.
The remaining agenda can be found at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=177983&inline .
More information can be found on the commission website.
On Wednesday, the first day of its April remote meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission revised its agenda and took up the ability for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to temporarily delay, suspend or restrict recreational fishing if the agency’s director, in consultation with the president of the commission, finds that such action is necessary to protect against the threat from COVID-19 based on state, federal, local, and tribal public health guidance and public safety needs.
The commission voted unanimously to grant that ability, temporarily, in order to prevent and mitigate public health risks that may arise when people travel or congregate for fishing events.
Officials said this is designed to be responsive to local county level and tribal needs, like the requests CDFW and the commission received from Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties to delay the April 25 Eastern Sierra trout opener.
The temporary authority expires May 31, 2020.
"I understand Californians desperately need the outdoors for solace, reinvigoration and spirituality, especially so right now," said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. "The proposal was never about a statewide permanent closure. It is about being responsive to local needs in this public health emergency, where we must do all we can as Californians to help each other make it through this together. We intend to use this authority surgically and based on local needs and knowledge."
"Gov. Newsom recently said we expect a mid-May peak of COVID-19 and we must prepare for that surge," Commission President Eric Sklar said Wednesday. "Today's decision is a smart and responsible approach to be ready. It does not delay or restrict specific fisheries or waters, but rather prepares us to expeditiously do so if needed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19."
Commission President Sklar, Commission Vice President Samantha Murray, and Commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Russell Burns and Peter Silva participated in the call.
CDFW will now reach out to county and tribal governments in an effort to evaluate local concerns and associated health risks. If you have any questions or would like to provide input on potential angling related delays or restrictions, please contact Roger Bloom, acting branch chief, Fisheries Branch, by email at
The commission will continue its remote meeting tomorrow by phone.
The remaining agenda can be found at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=177983&inline .
More information can be found on the commission website.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Wednesday, Lake County’s sixth positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed.
Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said the patient is in the hospital and stable.
“We are in the process of getting contact information to see where it came from and if there is any community spread,” Pace told Lake County News in an email.
He added, “We won’t give out any other information at this point, but we do want to emphasize the importance of staying at home, wearing masks and washing hands.”
Lake County’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on April 5, as Lake County News has reported.
The first five cases were the result of out-of-county contacts, with the virus being spread to family members, according to Public Health.
The sixth case is the first in which Public Health has reported a hospitalization.
In a Wednesday video message, which can be viewed above, Pace said that out of the first five patients, three already were out of isolation.
“Everybody’s doing well,” and there was no sign of any transmission outside of the families in those cases, he said.
Pace said Public Health has so far conducted approximately 300 tests for the virus, with quite a few test results still pending.
Lake County’s latest case comes as the number of cases across California reaches around 26,000, based on reports from Public Health departments across the state.
In a late Wednesday afternoon report, the California Department of Public Health reported that there have so far been 821 deaths statewide, an increase of 63 since the agency’s Tuesday report.
Also on Wednesday, the Lake County Health Services Department launched a new online dashboard that shows more data on local cases.
Lake County’s updated statistics show that three of the six confirmed cases are active and three have recovered. No deaths so far have been reported.
Lake’s neighboring counties have reported the following confirmed case counts: Colusa, three; Glenn, four; Mendocino, four cases; Napa, 38 cases, two deaths; Sonoma, 160 cases, two deaths; Yolo, 102 cases and four deaths.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council this week will consider funding for a project to address homelessness as well as a contract to upgrade the city’s animal shelter facility.
The council will meet virtually for a closed session at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 16, to discuss a case of potential litigation, a performance evaluation for City Manager Alan Flora and conference with legal counsel regarding a case of litigation against PG&E Corp. 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/8551 . 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 which are received after the beginning of the meeting will not be included in the record.
The council on Thursday will receive a presentation on April’s adoptable dogs from Clearlake Animal Control and will present a proclamation declaring April 12 to 18 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Among the main topics of discussion on Thursday, the council will consider approving a memorandum of understanding between the city, Adventist Health Clear Lake and Hope Rising Lake County for the Hope Center.
In January, Hope Rising and Adventist officials asked the city to consider assisting financially with the Hope Center, a planned 20-bed transitional facility for individuals experiencing homelessness that will be located in a remodeled building that Adventist Health purchased at 3400 Emerson Drive, as Lake County News has reported.
Flora’s proposal that the council will consider would provide financial assistance through the city’s Series B bond funding, which his report explains came from bonds sold by the former Clearlake Redevelopment Agency to support low- and moderate-income housing.
“The draft agreement included for your consideration is based largely on the existing agreement Adventist Health Clear Lake has with Partnership Health Plan and includes a commitment for operating the Hope Center for a minimum of 15 years,” Flora said.
In other business, the council will consider awarding a construction contract for the Animal Control Facility Improvement Project.
The council is being asked to authorize Flora to enter into a $180,000 contract with R&R Construction, the lowest of four bidders for the project, and to give Flora the ability to approve up to 10 percent for additional unforeseen contract amendments.
Funding for the project is available through the USDA Community Facilities Program, Series A Bond Funds and General Fund.
In other business, the council will consider adopting an emergency ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium on industrial hemp cultivation in the city.
In a followup item, the council will consider establishing an industrial hemp cultivation ad hoc committee.
Also on Thursday, the council will consider adopting a list of approved projects for submission to California Transportation Committee for funding pursuant to SB1 and hold the first reading of an ordinance for the commercial cannabis regulatory permit suspension/revocation and appeal process, with additional typographical corrections to Ordinance No. 229-2019.
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; consideration of approval of leave of absence without pay for Marcia Taylor through April 30, 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, April 16, to discuss a case of potential litigation, a performance evaluation for City Manager Alan Flora and conference with legal counsel regarding a case of litigation against PG&E Corp. 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 which are received after the beginning of the meeting will not be included in the record.
The council on Thursday will receive a presentation on April’s adoptable dogs from Clearlake Animal Control and will present a proclamation declaring April 12 to 18 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Among the main topics of discussion on Thursday, the council will consider approving a memorandum of understanding between the city, Adventist Health Clear Lake and Hope Rising Lake County for the Hope Center.
In January, Hope Rising and Adventist officials asked the city to consider assisting financially with the Hope Center, a planned 20-bed transitional facility for individuals experiencing homelessness that will be located in a remodeled building that Adventist Health purchased at 3400 Emerson Drive, as Lake County News has reported.
Flora’s proposal that the council will consider would provide financial assistance through the city’s Series B bond funding, which his report explains came from bonds sold by the former Clearlake Redevelopment Agency to support low- and moderate-income housing.
“The draft agreement included for your consideration is based largely on the existing agreement Adventist Health Clear Lake has with Partnership Health Plan and includes a commitment for operating the Hope Center for a minimum of 15 years,” Flora said.
In other business, the council will consider awarding a construction contract for the Animal Control Facility Improvement Project.
The council is being asked to authorize Flora to enter into a $180,000 contract with R&R Construction, the lowest of four bidders for the project, and to give Flora the ability to approve up to 10 percent for additional unforeseen contract amendments.
Funding for the project is available through the USDA Community Facilities Program, Series A Bond Funds and General Fund.
In other business, the council will consider adopting an emergency ordinance establishing a 45-day moratorium on industrial hemp cultivation in the city.
In a followup item, the council will consider establishing an industrial hemp cultivation ad hoc committee.
Also on Thursday, the council will consider adopting a list of approved projects for submission to California Transportation Committee for funding pursuant to SB1 and hold the first reading of an ordinance for the commercial cannabis regulatory permit suspension/revocation and appeal process, with additional typographical corrections to Ordinance No. 229-2019.
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; consideration of approval of leave of absence without pay for Marcia Taylor through April 30, 2020.
Email Elizabeth Larson at