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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said a vehicle stop conducted by one of its deputies last week resulted in the arrests of two men on a variety of charges and warrants, including forgery and identity theft, as well as violation of the county’s shelter in place order for COVID-19.
At 7 p.m. Friday, a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy was traveling on Highway 29 near 11th Street in Lakeport when he saw a GMC Suburban that was being driven by Nicholas Michael Neuman, 40, of Glenhaven, Paulich said.
Paulich said the deputy knew that Neuman was on felony probation, and had felony and misdemeanor warrants for his arrest.
The deputy stopped Neuman on 11th Street near Central Park Avenue, contacted Neuman and placed him under arrest for his warrants, Paulich said.
The deputy also recognized a male passenger in the vehicle as Derek Wayne Stark, 31, of Lakeport. Paulich said Stark was on felony post release community supervision.
During a search of Stark, Paulich said an obvious altered business check made out to Stark was located on his person.
Paulich said the deputy searched a backpack that was found near where Stark had been sitting in the vehicle and located numerous checks, driver licenses and credit cards, none of which belonged to Stark.
Stark was placed under arrest for forgery, making fictitious checks, identity theft, failing to comply with shelter in place order, and violation of post release community supervision. Paulich said Stark was booked at the Lake County Jail where he remains on a no-bail hold.
Paulich said the deputy determined the vehicle Neuman was driving had a false registration tab.
He said Neuman was placed under arrest for his warrants as well as displaying false registration, failing to comply with shelter in place order and violation of probation.
Neuman was booked at the Lake County Jail where he also remains on a no-bail hold, Paulich said.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The county of Lake and the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport are gauging the potential impacts of a gubernatorial directive issued last week that allows a short-term deferral of sales and use taxes to local governments.
Last week, among a number of measures meant to help address the economic fallout from COVID-19, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to allow the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes.
As a result, small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first-quarter returns. The order also extends the statute of limitations to file a claim for refund by 60 days to accommodate tax and fee payers.
Then, on Thursday, Newsom said the state is allowing small businesses to defer payment of sales and use taxes of up to $50,000, for up to 12 months.
Sales and use taxes are key sources of revenue for local governments.
At Thursday night’s Clearlake City Council meeting, City Manager Alan Flora reported the governor’s actions on sales and use tax to the council, explaining that he had just gotten word about it.
Flora called it “pretty shocking”
Although it may be helpful for businesses now, “It’s going to be a big problem for folks when it has to be paid,” Flora said.
Likewise, Flora said it will be an “enormous burden” for local jurisdictions like the city.
“I don’t know what to say other than that. It’s something that’s very surprising to see,” said Flora.
Flora said the deferral has him worried, explaining that the city annually receives about $400,000 from use tax like transient occupancy tax, or bed tax, and the city already is likely to receive very little from that revenue source.
“It’s going to be a real challenge for us,” he said.
The action is raising concern with other leaders in the community, who are trying to better understand what the governor’s order may entail.
“Cities were not given any heads-up that the State was going to announce a sales tax relief,” Lakeport City Manager Margaret Silveira told Lake County News in an email.
“The City is awaiting word from the State if there is going to be any backfill for the cities. This would be a devastating blow to our revenues, if there is no assistance,” Silveira said.
Similarly, County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said she has questions and concerns.
“Sharing of information regarding the State’s implementation of these particular deferrals remains in a very preliminary stage, but deferral of any tax payments certainly has the potential to significantly affect the County General Fund,” she said via email. “We are monitoring several indicators of County revenues, at present. “With no final guidance on what support will be provided from Federal and State funds, and uncertainty surrounding how long California will be affected by COVID-19, for example, it is not possible to entirely estimate the impact.”
Huchingson added, “This type of uncertainty informed our seeking Board approval to defer detailed budgeting for next year to September, and our approach has been consistent with statewide best practices.”
Last Tuesday, Huchingson went to the board with the plan to use the current year’s budget numbers as a starting point for next year’s budgeting process, with staff to make adjustments in the lead up to the recommended budget hearings on June 9 and the final recommended budget hearings on Sept. 23 and 24.
On Thursday Flora suggested a similar budget process to the Clearlake City Council, recommending very minimal changes to the current budget, which would be amended.
He said it remains to be seen how revenue streams will be impacted
Flora said a lot of restaurants, which are large sales tax generators, are not operating, but he said he’s seen initial numbers on sales tax for major retailers that indicate they are up more than 40 percent.
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.
Last week, among a number of measures meant to help address the economic fallout from COVID-19, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to allow the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes.
As a result, small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first-quarter returns. The order also extends the statute of limitations to file a claim for refund by 60 days to accommodate tax and fee payers.
Then, on Thursday, Newsom said the state is allowing small businesses to defer payment of sales and use taxes of up to $50,000, for up to 12 months.
Sales and use taxes are key sources of revenue for local governments.
At Thursday night’s Clearlake City Council meeting, City Manager Alan Flora reported the governor’s actions on sales and use tax to the council, explaining that he had just gotten word about it.
Flora called it “pretty shocking”
Although it may be helpful for businesses now, “It’s going to be a big problem for folks when it has to be paid,” Flora said.
Likewise, Flora said it will be an “enormous burden” for local jurisdictions like the city.
“I don’t know what to say other than that. It’s something that’s very surprising to see,” said Flora.
Flora said the deferral has him worried, explaining that the city annually receives about $400,000 from use tax like transient occupancy tax, or bed tax, and the city already is likely to receive very little from that revenue source.
“It’s going to be a real challenge for us,” he said.
The action is raising concern with other leaders in the community, who are trying to better understand what the governor’s order may entail.
“Cities were not given any heads-up that the State was going to announce a sales tax relief,” Lakeport City Manager Margaret Silveira told Lake County News in an email.
“The City is awaiting word from the State if there is going to be any backfill for the cities. This would be a devastating blow to our revenues, if there is no assistance,” Silveira said.
Similarly, County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said she has questions and concerns.
“Sharing of information regarding the State’s implementation of these particular deferrals remains in a very preliminary stage, but deferral of any tax payments certainly has the potential to significantly affect the County General Fund,” she said via email. “We are monitoring several indicators of County revenues, at present. “With no final guidance on what support will be provided from Federal and State funds, and uncertainty surrounding how long California will be affected by COVID-19, for example, it is not possible to entirely estimate the impact.”
Huchingson added, “This type of uncertainty informed our seeking Board approval to defer detailed budgeting for next year to September, and our approach has been consistent with statewide best practices.”
Last Tuesday, Huchingson went to the board with the plan to use the current year’s budget numbers as a starting point for next year’s budgeting process, with staff to make adjustments in the lead up to the recommended budget hearings on June 9 and the final recommended budget hearings on Sept. 23 and 24.
On Thursday Flora suggested a similar budget process to the Clearlake City Council, recommending very minimal changes to the current budget, which would be amended.
He said it remains to be seen how revenue streams will be impacted
Flora said a lot of restaurants, which are large sales tax generators, are not operating, but he said he’s seen initial numbers on sales tax for major retailers that indicate they are up more than 40 percent.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council this week will consider updates to city code and ratification of an order that will allow the city to better enforce local and state actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The council will meet virtually beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. Council members will be participating telephonically and will not be physically present in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall.
If you would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the meeting remotely. Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1359917069095029262 or by phone at 1-877-309-2074 (toll-free) or 415-930-5229, access code 620-529-293.
Comments also can be submitted via email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To give the city clerk adequate time to print out your comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit your written comments prior to 4:30 p.m. Please indicate in the email subject line “For public comment” and list the item number you wish to comment on.
Comments that you want 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, Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram will present to the council an ordinance adopting the 2019 California Building Code along with additional revisions to the Lakeport Municipal Code removing references to obsolete building codes. The council will host a public hearing for the item.
The council also will consider ratifying Executive Order 2020-01, executed by City Manager Margaret Silveira – who also acts as the city’s director of emergency services – on March 28.
The order renders violations of orders issued by the Lake County Public Health officer or the governor of the state of California related to the COVID-19 emergency as violations of the Lakeport Municipal Code.
“As a result, the City now has the ability to issue administrative citations to those violating the Health Officer’s or Governor’s Shelter in Place orders, as well as abate violations as a public nuisance. Violation of the Shelter in Place order constitutes a violation of the Lakeport Municipal Code Chapters 1.08, 8.22 and 8.30,” according to Silveira’s report to the council.
“This goal remains to achieve voluntary compliance with all orders designed to reduce the spread of the COVID19 virus within our community. Staff does not desire to issue citations; however, should the need arise. This order gives the Lakeport Police Department more flexibility with enforcement of the local and state orders,” Silveira wrote.
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 March 17 and the regular council meeting on March 17; 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; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the COVID-19 public health emergency; approval of the memorandum of understanding between the Lakeport Unified School District and the Lakeport Police Department for the services of a school resource officer for fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 and direct the city manager to sign; and award of a construction contract to Thompson Contracting for the spray field fence replacement project.
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 beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. Council members will be participating telephonically and will not be physically present in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall.
If you would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the meeting remotely. Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1359917069095029262 or by phone at 1-877-309-2074 (toll-free) or 415-930-5229, access code 620-529-293.
Comments also can be submitted via email at
Comments that you want 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, Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram will present to the council an ordinance adopting the 2019 California Building Code along with additional revisions to the Lakeport Municipal Code removing references to obsolete building codes. The council will host a public hearing for the item.
The council also will consider ratifying Executive Order 2020-01, executed by City Manager Margaret Silveira – who also acts as the city’s director of emergency services – on March 28.
The order renders violations of orders issued by the Lake County Public Health officer or the governor of the state of California related to the COVID-19 emergency as violations of the Lakeport Municipal Code.
“As a result, the City now has the ability to issue administrative citations to those violating the Health Officer’s or Governor’s Shelter in Place orders, as well as abate violations as a public nuisance. Violation of the Shelter in Place order constitutes a violation of the Lakeport Municipal Code Chapters 1.08, 8.22 and 8.30,” according to Silveira’s report to the council.
“This goal remains to achieve voluntary compliance with all orders designed to reduce the spread of the COVID19 virus within our community. Staff does not desire to issue citations; however, should the need arise. This order gives the Lakeport Police Department more flexibility with enforcement of the local and state orders,” Silveira wrote.
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 March 17 and the regular council meeting on March 17; 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; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the COVID-19 public health emergency; approval of the memorandum of understanding between the Lakeport Unified School District and the Lakeport Police Department for the services of a school resource officer for fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 and direct the city manager to sign; and award of a construction contract to Thompson Contracting for the spray field fence replacement project.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
040720 Lakeport City Council Agenda Packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The county of Lake is planning a special virtual town hall this week aimed at helping the business community.
The town hall will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9.
It will be broadcast live on Lake County PEG TV, and online at the county’s Facebook page, with both English and Spanish livestreams, and on the county’s Web site (available once the meeting starts – refresh your browser until you see, “In progress”). American Sign Language interpretation will be available on the English-language feeds.
Send any questions toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Wednesday, April 8, at 5 p.m. Include, “Business Town Hall,” in the Subject line.
The COVID-19 crisis has affected nearly every facet of daily life. Business owners have been among the hardest hit.
Categories of businesses being determined non-essential, demands to rapidly change the way services are delivered, and a web of state and federal programs offering support have understandably left many with questions.
District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown, wants to ensure the most critical questions are answered, and business owners can continue to invest in the communities they serve, both now and when we emerge from the pandemic.
He invites community members to join the special virtual town hall this Thursday.
Those supporting Supervisor Brown in presenting this important meeting will include moderator Michelle Scully, deputy county administrative officer, who has a track record of successful leadership in a cross-section of Lake County private industries and service sectors.
The panel will likewise include Jeff and Andy Lucas of Community Development Services, which has been providing a variety of supports to local businesses for decades, including facilitating access to state and federal funding opportunities. Representatives from the financial services sector and others have likewise been invited.
“Every one of us is affected by the health and success of local businesses,” said Brown. “Business owners create jobs, and their activity drives revenue for those in the government and service sectors, as well. I hope as many people as possible will tune in to this meeting, to understand a little better what business leaders in our communities are facing. I consider it a privilege to be a part of the local business community, and am looking forward to connecting people with the information they need.”
The town hall will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9.
It will be broadcast live on Lake County PEG TV, and online at the county’s Facebook page, with both English and Spanish livestreams, and on the county’s Web site (available once the meeting starts – refresh your browser until you see, “In progress”). American Sign Language interpretation will be available on the English-language feeds.
Send any questions to
The COVID-19 crisis has affected nearly every facet of daily life. Business owners have been among the hardest hit.
Categories of businesses being determined non-essential, demands to rapidly change the way services are delivered, and a web of state and federal programs offering support have understandably left many with questions.
District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown, wants to ensure the most critical questions are answered, and business owners can continue to invest in the communities they serve, both now and when we emerge from the pandemic.
He invites community members to join the special virtual town hall this Thursday.
Those supporting Supervisor Brown in presenting this important meeting will include moderator Michelle Scully, deputy county administrative officer, who has a track record of successful leadership in a cross-section of Lake County private industries and service sectors.
The panel will likewise include Jeff and Andy Lucas of Community Development Services, which has been providing a variety of supports to local businesses for decades, including facilitating access to state and federal funding opportunities. Representatives from the financial services sector and others have likewise been invited.
“Every one of us is affected by the health and success of local businesses,” said Brown. “Business owners create jobs, and their activity drives revenue for those in the government and service sectors, as well. I hope as many people as possible will tune in to this meeting, to understand a little better what business leaders in our communities are facing. I consider it a privilege to be a part of the local business community, and am looking forward to connecting people with the information they need.”
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – State Sen. Mike McGuire will hold a telephone town hall this Wednesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. for Lake and Mendocino County residents to hear the latest updates on the state and local coronavirus response.
“We’re working with all levels of government to ensure a unified response to the coronavirus here in Lake and Mendocino counties and all throughout Northern California,” McGuire said. “It’s critically important folks have the latest, most accurate information needed to protect themselves and their families, which is why we hope neighbors can join us for this informative Telephone Town Hall Wednesday evening.”
To attend, dial 844-767-5679, enter code 204015 and follow the prompts. You will be connected to the live town hall via telephone and you will be able to listen to the officials providing critical updates.
Email your questions and comments in advance and in real-time on Wednesday evening toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Stay up to date on coronavirus efforts across the state and here at home via the California COVID-19 response website, the county of Mendocino’s web page and the county of Lake’s web page.
“We’re working with all levels of government to ensure a unified response to the coronavirus here in Lake and Mendocino counties and all throughout Northern California,” McGuire said. “It’s critically important folks have the latest, most accurate information needed to protect themselves and their families, which is why we hope neighbors can join us for this informative Telephone Town Hall Wednesday evening.”
To attend, dial 844-767-5679, enter code 204015 and follow the prompts. You will be connected to the live town hall via telephone and you will be able to listen to the officials providing critical updates.
Email your questions and comments in advance and in real-time on Wednesday evening to
Stay up to date on coronavirus efforts across the state and here at home via the California COVID-19 response website, the county of Mendocino’s web page and the county of Lake’s web page.
At a former basketball arena being transformed into an alternate care site, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that California is making progress in securing additional beds to treat COVID-19 patients and relieve pressure on the health care delivery system.
On Monday at the former Sleep Train Arena, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that California has already secured up to 4,613 additional beds at alternate care sites and shuttered hospitals to care for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients, with even more capacity being finalized.
He said the state has aggressively planned for a surge in hospitalizations in the coming weeks and aims to add 50,000 beds to our existing hospital capacity of nearly 75,000 beds.
At least 60 percent of those additional beds, or 30,000, will come from within existing hospitals, and the state will secure the remaining beds, up to 20,000.
“California has been working closely with hospitals to aggressively expand our state’s ability to treat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients,” said Newsom. “As a result, California is adding tens of thousands more hospital beds, sourcing and distributing lifesaving medical supplies and ventilators, and significantly expanding our health care workforce. This is an all hands on deck effort, and I am extremely grateful to all of our partners in the medical community, the private sector and across government for helping us get this far. All of these efforts will only pay off if we continue to slow the spread of the virus. Staying home will save lives.”
The former Sleep Train Arena, now known as Natomas Arena, in Sacramento is one of several alternate care sites that will provide care for less sick patients, thus allowing hospitals to focus their resources on those with the most acute needs.
The state’s alternate care sites to date include:
– Eight federal medical stations operating or being set up across the state, each with a maximum of 250 beds;
– The former Sleep Train Arena, which has a maximum capacity of 400 beds;
– Fairview Developmental Center, with a maximum capacity of 520 beds;
– Porterville Developmental Center, with a maximum capacity of 246 beds;
– San Carlos Hotel, with a maximum capacity of 120 beds; and
– CPMC - Pacific Campus, with a maximum capacity of 291 beds.
Alternate care sites will be staffed using a number of resources, including the newly established California Health Corps. The Health Corps is made up of health care providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators who sign up to work at alternate care sites. They will add to the existing state health care workforce with underutilized and underemployed professionals, and with qualified student, retiree and out-of-state health care providers.
In addition, the state has leased two hospitals and received a naval medical ship from the federal government as surge facilities:
Seton Medical Center in Daly City, which has a maximum capacity of 220 beds;
St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, which has a maximum capacity of 266 beds; and
USNS Mercy, which has an easily-accessible maximum capacity of up to 550 beds.
Visit www.covid19.ca.gov for critical steps Californians can take to stay healthy, and resources available to those affected by the outbreak.
On Monday at the former Sleep Train Arena, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that California has already secured up to 4,613 additional beds at alternate care sites and shuttered hospitals to care for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients, with even more capacity being finalized.
He said the state has aggressively planned for a surge in hospitalizations in the coming weeks and aims to add 50,000 beds to our existing hospital capacity of nearly 75,000 beds.
At least 60 percent of those additional beds, or 30,000, will come from within existing hospitals, and the state will secure the remaining beds, up to 20,000.
“California has been working closely with hospitals to aggressively expand our state’s ability to treat the coming surge in COVID-19 patients,” said Newsom. “As a result, California is adding tens of thousands more hospital beds, sourcing and distributing lifesaving medical supplies and ventilators, and significantly expanding our health care workforce. This is an all hands on deck effort, and I am extremely grateful to all of our partners in the medical community, the private sector and across government for helping us get this far. All of these efforts will only pay off if we continue to slow the spread of the virus. Staying home will save lives.”
The former Sleep Train Arena, now known as Natomas Arena, in Sacramento is one of several alternate care sites that will provide care for less sick patients, thus allowing hospitals to focus their resources on those with the most acute needs.
The state’s alternate care sites to date include:
– Eight federal medical stations operating or being set up across the state, each with a maximum of 250 beds;
– The former Sleep Train Arena, which has a maximum capacity of 400 beds;
– Fairview Developmental Center, with a maximum capacity of 520 beds;
– Porterville Developmental Center, with a maximum capacity of 246 beds;
– San Carlos Hotel, with a maximum capacity of 120 beds; and
– CPMC - Pacific Campus, with a maximum capacity of 291 beds.
Alternate care sites will be staffed using a number of resources, including the newly established California Health Corps. The Health Corps is made up of health care providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators who sign up to work at alternate care sites. They will add to the existing state health care workforce with underutilized and underemployed professionals, and with qualified student, retiree and out-of-state health care providers.
In addition, the state has leased two hospitals and received a naval medical ship from the federal government as surge facilities:
Seton Medical Center in Daly City, which has a maximum capacity of 220 beds;
St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, which has a maximum capacity of 266 beds; and
USNS Mercy, which has an easily-accessible maximum capacity of up to 550 beds.
Visit www.covid19.ca.gov for critical steps Californians can take to stay healthy, and resources available to those affected by the outbreak.