LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Friday afternoon, Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin proclaimed the existence of a local emergency due to existing conditions that could introduce COVID-19 into Lake County.
Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace proclaimed a local health emergency regarding COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, on March 10 and the Lake County Board of Supervisors ratified that proclamation that same day, as Lake County News has reported.
On March 4, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency, on Wednesday the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and on Friday, hours ahead of Sheriff Martin’s action, President Donald Trump announced a national emergency.
There are no known cases of COVID-19 in Lake County as of the signing of Sheriff Martin’s declaration, according to Undersheriff Chris Macedo.
There are, however, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the other counties around the region, including Humboldt and Sonoma, Macedo said.
The prevalence of confirmed cases in surrounding counties combined with the worldwide-uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 indicate there is an imminent and proximate threat to public health from the introduction of COVID-19 in Lake County, Macedo said.
Macedo said Sheriff Martin’s emergency declaration enables the county of Lake to more effectively respond to an imminent outbreak, seek and utilize mutual aid, and potentially obtain reimbursement.
Sheriff Martin will be asking the Lake County Board of Supervisors to ratify this proclamation at their next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 17.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – In response to the ever-evolving COVID-19 situation, Yuba Community College District said Friday that it will cancel all in-person classes for a two-day period in order to transition to remote – or online – instruction which will begin on Wednesday, March 18.
To prepare for this transition, the district is canceling all in-person classes at all campuses on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17. This will allow college faculty and staff the necessary time to prepare to transition their classes to remote instruction.
Remote instruction will be provided from March 18 through March 27. The following week, March 30 through April 3, is spring break.
Unless situations warrant a change, the district is planning to return to a regular in-person class schedule on Monday, April 6.
Current online classes, as well as dual-enrollment classes will continue without interruption during the two-day period that in-person classes are canceled.
All campuses of the district will remain open during this time period to continue providing essential non-instruction student services, such as tutoring, library and counseling.
Currently, there are no reported COVID-19 cases at any of the district’s campus sites.
The district said this decision has been made out of concern for, and in the best interests of, our students, faculty and staff.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Soper Reese Theatre and the Lake County Winegrape Commission on Thursday were among a group of local organizations that canceled or postponed events amidst growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
While so far no cases of COVID-19 – the disease caused by the novel coronavirus – have been confirmed in Lake County, the action follows updated guidelines state officials issued on Wednesday that called for postponing or canceling gatherings through the end of the month.
Non-essential gatherings are limited to no more than 250 people. Smaller events are allowed if organizers can implement social distancing of 6 feet per person, and gatherings of individuals at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people, while also following social distancing guidelines, officials said.
On Thursday, Soper Reese Managing Director Michael Adams said the decision had been made to cancel the March 14 performance of the Rural Jazz Collective and March 21 performance of Wendy Dewitt's Hell'a Piano Party.
"While the theater plays an important part in adding to the breadth of entertainment and culture in the community we feel it's important for the theatre to not add to the possibility of spread of any threat to the community's health,” said Adams.
“Since the extent of that threat is unknown at this time, it is best to err on the side of caution. Lake County has not yet reported any outbreaks of the COVIC-19 virus and therefore is fortunate to have the opportunity to take proactive steps to minimize any spread of existing unknown cases. It is our hope to be a part of slowing the spread rather than enhancing it,” Adams said.
Adams said the theatre will continue to monitor federal and local health department information and recommendations that are in the best interest of the community.
On Thursday night, the Lake County Winegrape Commission said that it has canceled Momentum 2020, its local wine industry event, which was scheduled for March 26, based on the state guidelines.
“It is our hope that Momentum 2020 can be rescheduled in the coming months,” the commission said in an emailed statement.
Also on Thursday, the Middletown Area Town Hall canceled its monthly meeting, set for Thursday night, the University of California Cooperative Extension postponed its March 19 Lake County Walnut Update, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it is suspending normal visits to the Lake County Jail until further notice, the Unitarian Universalist Community of Lake County said it’s canceling its March 15 service and local parents received word that the Little League International is delaying the beginning of the Little League season until April 6.
Earlier this week, the Lake County Silver Foundation announced it was postponing its April 4 Senior Summit and the Lake County Fair Foundation canceled its fourth annual Lake County Agriculture and Natural Resource Day for local school children. That event was set for March 26.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Starting this week, Californians will begin receiving invitations to participate in the 2020 Census from the U.S. Census Bureau.
This marks the official beginning of the historic count that will determine the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding and state and political representation in the next decade.
Every Californian can now respond to the Census online at https://2020census.gov and by phone by calling the numbers included below.
California’s Census outreach and media campaign is led by the California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office and comprised of hundreds of regional and statewide partners.
The state’s comprehensive outreach and multi-media campaign encourages all Californians to participate in the Census as soon as possible and provides them with culturally sensitive and in-language support.
“Seeing the first invitations arrive in California is an exciting and critically important moment. Beginning today, Californians have the power to shape our state’s future for the next decade,” said Ditas Katague, director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office. “The Census form is nine easy questions and your responses are protected by law. We need ALL Californians to complete their form so we can ensure representation and resources stay home.”
The invitation includes information on how to fill out the Census form and will include a unique Census ID linked to a physical address.
All Californians will be able to respond online or by phone, with limited households initially receiving the paper form. Californians will need to use their customized Census ID to respond online or by phone.
Every Californian can now respond to the Census online at https://my2020census.gov and by phone by calling the numbers available below.
In addition, Californians in hard-to-count communities will be able to visit Questionnaire Assistance Centers and Questionnaire Assistance Kiosks to receive in-person help filling out their Census form.
To locate a local center or kiosk, Californians can visit our online finder here.
What Californians need to know about the 2020 Census
– The Census is a simple, confidential 9 question survey. – Questions include name, address, sex, race, ethnicity, age, and whether you own or rent the home. – Californians should self-identify in regard to race, ethnicity and gender. – Make sure you count everyone in your home, including any friends or family members who are living and sleeping there most of the time. – The Census Bureau will never ask about your citizenship status, or for sensitive information like your social security number, bank accounts, or payments/donations. – The Census Bureau will never reach out to you on behalf of a political party. – Your responses to the Census are protected by law and cannot be shared with, or used by, any other government agencies. Answers cannot be used for law enforcement purposes, to determine eligibility for government benefits or immigration enforcement
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.californiacensus.org .
The invitations that went out on Thursday are the first notices Californians will receive by mail from the U.S. Census Bureau to encourage participation in the Census. Reminder letters will be sent from March 16 through April 3. Two additional reminders will be sent before May, when Census enumerators will begin going door to door visiting homes that have not responded.
Why California’s participation counts
Ensuring every California household participates in the Census is critically important. Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census determines how billions of dollars of federal funding are distributed to each state every year for education resources, affordable housing programs, nutrition and health care services, and more.
Estimates show that for every person uncounted, California could lose $1,000 a year for 10 years. That’s as much as $10,000 per person in funds lost over the next decade.
The Census also determines the state’s political representation through the number of representatives in the U.S. Congress and the California State Legislature.
Participating in the Census can help ensure Californians’ voices are heard in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
To fill out the form by phone, call toll-free. Numerous language lines are available and are listed below.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it is immediately canceling normal visiting at the Lake County Jail as part of its COVID-19 preparedness efforts.
Lt. Corey Paulich that, at this time, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Lake County Jail.
Within hours of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office making the announcement on Thursday, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Detention Division said it also is suspending all in-person visitation – excluding legal visits – are being suspended.
Paulich said the new policy about visitation at the Lake County Jail is in effect until further notice.
Video visitation continues to be available and should be the primary form of visitation used by all, Paulich said.
“The Lake County Sheriff’s Office values visitation as an essential part of rehabilitation, but at this time the department must make difficult decisions in order to protect the health and wellness of all who live in, work in, and visit our jail,” Paulich said.
Paulich said family visits and legal visits will be held as scheduled. He said family visitation will only be extended to a spouse or domestic partner, children, parents and siblings.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office values the time and talents that so many community members share with incarcerated people for tours, rehabilitative programs and for other positive activities, Paulich said. However, the Lake County Jail is canceling all non-essential events or tours.
For smaller events, organizers should work closely with the jail command staff to discuss concerns or to coordinate rescheduling. If the decision is to cancel a program event, Paulich said the jail staff will work with organizers to the best of their ability to reschedule, while also taking into consideration the security and scheduling needs of the jail.
Paulich said everyone is urged to practice good judgment when planning a jail visit. Those feeling ill or display any symptoms of illness should not enter the jail facility. All jail visits are subject to cancelation with little or no notice. People planning to visit the jail should take that into consideration when making plans.
Staff at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office are working to prepare for a scenario where COVID-19 significantly affects operations, Paulich said.
Paulich said they will continue to ensure the safety and security of the people who live and work in our institutions, and the continuation of access to medical, dental and mental health services for incarcerated people.
Paulich said the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is taking the following steps regarding COVID-19:
Preparation
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is prepared to address exposure to COVID-19 through infection control practices already in place to prevent the spread of any communicable diseases.
Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and to ensure we are as prepared as possible to respond to any exposure to COVID-19 specifically, they are building upon the robust influenza infection control guidelines already in place at the jail.
If there is a suspected case of COVID-19, the agency will follow the policies and procedures already in place for modified programming for any affected housing units.
They will continue to update guidelines for COVID-19 response based on CDC recommendations and will maintain cooperation with local and state health departments and the law enforcement community.
Staff
The sheriff’s office has worked continuously to keep staff informed of the evolving situation, including providing information from CDC and the Public Health agencies on how they can protect themselves against COVID-19. It has also provided staff with cleaning and disinfecting kits specialized for the COVID-19 virus.
Communication
To keep members of the population, employees and visitors informed, Lake County Public Health Department has created fact sheets and the sheriff’s office has them posted through the facility.
The agency also has provided the incarcerated population with hospital-grade disinfectant and cleaning supplies to encourage them to maintain a clean living environment.
Transportation
For incarcerated people who are coming into the Lake County Jail for any reason, a comprehensive health screening and assessment is being completed by health care professionals.
The screening includes examining the inmate’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration screenings. They are also asked a series of questions about their state of health and travel history.
Patients with emergent medical needs will be transported to the local hospital for advanced care and to determine the appropriate level of care.
Entering the Lake County Jail
Many people visit the jail facility every day as rehabilitative program providers, contractors and volunteers. They are urged not to enter the jail, or take part in a program if they have symptoms of illness.
The sheriff’s office understands staff, families, and those who visit state prisons as program providers or volunteers may have concerns and anxiety about COVID-19, but please know that the safety and security of all is our top priority.
Everyone should follow the precautions recommended by CDC, which expand upon precautions advised during cold and flu season.
However, if you are displaying symptoms please do not come inside the Jail facility until you are well.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Animal Control has several big and little dogs waiting for homes this week.
The kennels also have many dogs that need to be reunited with their owners. To find the lost/found pet section, click here.
The following dogs are ready for adoption.
“Blue.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Blue’
“Blue” is a male pit bull terrier mix with a short white and brindle coat.
He has been neutered.
He is dog No. 3539.
“Buddy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Buddy’
“Buddy” is a male spaniel mix with a black and white coat.
He is dog No. 3667.
“Cha-Chi.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Cha-Chi’
“Cha-Chi” is a male Chihuahua with a short gold and white coat.
He is dog No. 3661.
“Duchess.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Duchess’
“Duchess” is a female Chihuahua puppy with a short tan coat.
She is dog No. 3618.
“Ella.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Ella’
“Ella” is a female Chihuahua puppy with a short tan coat.
She is dog No. 3704.
“Lucious.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Lucious’
“Lucious” is a male American Staffordshire Terrier mix with a short gray and white coat.
He is dog No. 3690.
“Garrett.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Garrett’
“Garrett” is a male German Shepherd mix with a medium tan and black coat.
He has been neutered.
He is dog No. 3580.
“Missy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Missy’
“Missy” is a female Chihuahua puppy with a short tan coat.
She is dog No. 3663.
“Phoebe.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Phoebe’
“Phoebe” is a female American Pit Bull Terrier mix with a short black and white coat.
She is dog No. 3483.
“Princess.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Princess’
“Princess” is a female German Shepherd with a black and tan coat.
She has been spayed.
Princess is young and energetic. She previously lived around a smaller dog and has been around the office cat. She will benefit from training and attention.
She is dog No. 3669.
“Roxy.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Roxy’
“Roxy” is a female German Shepherd mix with a medium-length tan and black coat.
She has been spayed.
She is dog No. 3545.
“Woodrow.” Photo courtesy of Clearlake Animal Control. ‘Woodrow’
“Woodrow” is a male Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a black and white coat.
He is dog No. 3281.
Clearlake Animal Control’s shelter is located at 6820 Old Highway 53, off Airport Road.
Hours of operation are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The shelter is closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays; the shelter offers appointments on the days it’s closed to accommodate people.
Call the Clearlake Animal Control shelter at 707-273-9440, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire about adoptions.
Visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or at the city’s Web site.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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