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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday secured a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon blocking the Trump Administration from penalizing California for any errors resulting from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s erroneous guidance unlawfully restricting eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
After a four-hour hearing, the district court orally granted the attorney general’s motion for a preliminary injunction and delayed the end of the grace period through April 9, 2026, ensuring that errors caused by the faulty — and, Bonta’s office said, unlawful — guidance do not result in hefty fiscal penalties for California.
Last month, Attorney General Bonta and a multistate coalition sued the Trump Administration, arguing that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Oct. 31 guidance erroneously excludes certain lawfully residing non-citizens from SNAP eligibility, when they in fact are eligible when they become lawful permanent residents.
On Dec. 9, the Trump Administration issued further guidance clarifying that certain lawfully residing non-citizens are in fact eligible for SNAP when they become lawful permanent residents.
However, the administration refuses to provide the states the required 120-day grace period for mistakes caused by the erroneous guidance. Under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” these errors can result in massive fiscal penalties.
The district court on Monday agreed with the states that the grace period, which under federal regulations is supposed to go into effect after the agency issues implementing guidance, such as the guidance at issue here, should be applied.
“The holiday season is a time of kindness and generosity. Unfortunately, this President has decided to play the Grinch,” said Attorney General Bonta. “That’s not what America stands for. As families struggle to make ends meet, we’re going to keep fighting for vital programs like SNAP that allow them to put food on the table — even when it means taking the President to court. Because of our lawsuit, the Trump Administration issued new guidance ensuring that legal permanent residents will not be wrongfully denied SNAP benefits and, with today’s court order, we’ve made sure that the states do not pay the price for this Administration’s delayed and incorrect guidance.”
Attorney General Bonta has vigorously defended SNAP benefits from attacks by the Trump Administration. During the recent government shutdown, Attorney General Bonta sued USDA to force them to fund November SNAP benefits. Not one, but two federal district courts determined that the Trump Administration acted unlawfully.
When the administration responded by asking the U.S. Supreme Court to pause one court’s order requiring USDA to pay full benefits, Attorney General Bonta challenged that request, which was ultimately withdrawn after the government reopened. The SNAP program is now fully funded through September 2026.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In its last meeting of the year, the Board of Supervisors will consider an appeal of approval for a biochar project in Upper Lake and discuss another contract change order for a Cobb road rehabilitation project.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 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, online and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 865 3354 4962, pass code 726865. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,86533544962#,,,,*726865#. The meeting can also be accessed via phone at 669 900 6833.
At 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, the board will hold a public hearing to consider Larry Kahn’s appeal of the Lake County Planning Commission’s approval a year ago this month of Scotts Valley Energy Corp.’s proposed forest wood processing bioenergy project, to be located on county-owned land at 755 E. State Highway 20, Upper Lake.
Kahn and other opponents of the project have raised numerous concerns about it, from its location in a scenic viewshed, to concerns about emissions, questions about whether such a facility can be located on property the county purchased with state grant funds, plan engineering, safety and air quality.
In an untimed item on Tuesday, the board will consider a contract change order for the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project in Cobb.
Last year, the board approved a plan to use a less expensive double chip seal material to pave 16 miles of road in Cobb, awarding a $5.1 million construction contract to Argonaut Constructors for the project in April of this year.
However, over the summer, problems with the project began almost immediately, with Cobb residents reporting that the newly paved roads began to immediately deteriorate, as Lake County News has reported.
That led to the board approving a $1 million change order to the contract with Argonaut Constructors at its Sept. 9 meeting, raising the total contract cost to $6.1 million.
Lars Ewing, the county’s interim Public Works director, is asking the board to approve a third contract change order in the amount of $311,850.
His report to the board said the September contract change order modified the project’s scope “by replacing the planned chip seal surfaces with asphalt concrete on roads that had already been pulverized and chip sealed under the original contract.”
Due to irregular road surfaces, it was necessary to place asphalt at depths of between 2.5 and 3 inches, which Ewing said resulted in the 1,450 tons of paving material being exceeded, “and the paving budget was exhausted before the contractor could complete the four remaining roads within the project scope.”
With the proposed change order, the total revised contract amount will be $6,453,941.38, which Ewing said “remains well below the original construction estimate of $8,929,115.61.”
During closed session, the board will hold interviews in order to appoint a new chief public defender following the departure of Raymond Buenaventura last month. Since then, Deputy County Counsel Carlos Torrez has been filling the position on an interim basis.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in Lake County.
5.2: Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.3: Approve continuation of proclamation declaring a Clear Lake hitch emergency.
5.4: Approve second amendment to the Lake County PEG agreement for fiscal years 2024–27 in an amount not to exceed $17,000 for FY 2024–25, $22,000 for FY 2025–26 and $10,000 for FY 2026–27, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.5: Second reading, adopt an ordinance amending Section 56.3 of Chapter 14 (Personnel) of the Lake County Code to establish a county counsel attorneys unit and add attorney positions to the district attorney unit to reflect changes in membership.
5.6: Adopt resolution authorizing cancellation of Fund 110 reserve accounts in the amount of $212,408 to provide repayment of FEMA and CDAA funds.
5.7: Approve agreement for physical therapy services in support of the California Children’s Services Medical Therapy Program between the County of Lake and Trina Maia for a term of 12 months in an amount not to exceed $114,840, and authorize the chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign.
5.8: (a) Authorize the County of Lake to receive grant funds totaling $210,000 for five grant-funded projects through the California Collaborative Connectivity program; (b) authorize the information technology director to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Imperial County Office of Education and the Lake County Library; (c) adopt resolution to appropriate unanticipated revenue in BU 1904, Information Technology; and (d) amend the FY 2025–26 capital asset list to include inside wiring modernization at the Lakeport Library ($50,000), Redbud Library ($50,000) and Upper Lake Library ($50,000).
5.9: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and Strata Architecture Planning Management for architectural and engineering services in the amount of $127,956 for the Emergency Operations Center renovation project.
5.10: (a) Approve the Department of Boating and Waterways 2026–27 application for financial aid in the amount of $536,071.90; (b) authorize the sheriff to sign the application; and (c) adopt resolution authorizing application for and acceptance, if awarded, of FY 2026–27 Boating Safety and Enforcement Financial Aid Program funding from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways, in the authorized amount of $315,312, and authorization to participate in the program.
5.11: Approve the purchase and use of small unmanned aerial systems by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office using a Sourcewell contract.
5.12: Approve the county investment policy and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Adopt resolution further amending Resolution Nos. 2024-51, 2019-70 and 2019-162 to clarify procedures used in the collection of taxes due pursuant to the Lake County cannabis cultivation tax ordinance.
5.14: Approve delegation of investment authority to the treasurer-tax collector.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2: 9:03 a.m. – Pet of the week.
6.3: 9:10 a.m. – Consideration of an update on the transfer of the Lake County Housing Commission to the Regional Housing Authority.
6.4: 9:30 a.m. – Consideration of the 2026–2030 county road pavement preservation work plan.
6.5: 10:30 a.m. – Public hearing: Consideration of appeal (PL-25-22; AB 24-06) of the Planning Commission’s approval of a major use permit (UP 23-05) and initial study (IS 23-10) for the AG Forest Wood Processing Bioenergy Project, located at 755 E. State Highway 20, Upper Lake (APN 004-010-04); appellant: Larry Kahn (continued from May 20, June 17, Aug. 26 and Oct. 28, 2025).
6.6: 11:15 a.m. – Hearing: Consideration of hearing request for code enforcement notice of nuisance and order to abate for 10674 Edgewater Drive, Kelseyville (APN 043-433-09); property owner: Annette M. Encalada.
6.7: 11:30 a.m. – Hearing: Consideration of hearing request for notice of nuisance and order to abate for 9685 Nancy Drive, Kelseyville (APN 114-100-04); property owner: Victor Hall.
6.8: 1 p.m. – Public hearing: Adopt ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and adopting by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code, known as California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 1–6 and 8–12, incorporating the 2025 editions of the California Administrative, Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Historical Building, Fire, Existing Building, Green Building and Referenced Standards codes.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of a letter of support for the “Advancing Community Wildfire Resilience: Capacity Building and Local Leadership Development, Phase II” project of the Lake County Resource Conservation District through the Coalitions and Collaboratives Action, Implementation and Mitigation Grant Program.
7.3: Consideration of approval of Amendment No. 5 to the agreement between the County of Lake and Community Behavioral Health for specialty mental health services for fiscal years 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26.
7.4: Consideration of contract change order No. 3 to the contract with Argonaut Constructors Inc. for the 2024 pavement rehabilitation project for an increase of $311,850, and authorize the chair to sign.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): Interviews for appointment of chief public defender.
8.2: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) Chief negotiator: S. Parker; county negotiators: S. Carter, C. Moreno, P. Samac and D. Rico; and (b) employee organizations: LCDSA and LCCOA.
8.3: Public employee discipline, dismissal or release.
8.4: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – FERC Proceeding No. P-77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
8.5: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) – Sorenson v. County of Lake et al.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport City Council will meet for the last time this year on Tuesday, choosing its leadership for 2026 and considering a licensing agreement for trail development in Westside Community Park.
The council will meet Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The agenda can be found here.
If you cannot attend in person, and would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the Zoom meeting remotely at this link or join by phone by calling toll-free 669-900-9128 or 346-248-7799.
The webinar ID is 973 6820 1787, access code is 477973; 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
During its annual reorganization, the council will elect its mayor and mayor pro tem for 2026.
On Tuesday, the council — sitting as the Board of Directors of the City of Lakeport Municipal Sewer District, or CLMSD — will consider approving the license agreement with Westside Community Park for construction, operation and maintenance of the Westside Community Trail Park on CLMSD property, and authorize the Board Chair to execute the agreement on behalf of the CLMSD Board.
The council also will be asked to adopt a resolution establishing the City Lands Advisory Committee as a permanent standing committee to advise on the use, lease and disposition of city-owned lands.
Also on Tuesday, Public Works Director Ron Ladd will ask the council to adopt four resolutions for the acquisition of right of way and drainage easements from property owners Savings Bank of Mendocino County, H&S Energy LLC, Metaxas and Lakeport Unified School District.
The council is expected to adopt a resolution approving the 2025 Lake County Stormwater Resources Plan; authorizing staff to forward the adopted plan to the State Water Resources Control Board and applicable Clean Water Program partner agencies; and directing staff to use the plan to guide future stormwater and watershed planning, project development, and grant application activities.
In other business, the council will approve Amendment No. 1 to the professional services agreement between the city of Lakeport and Adams Ashby Group LLC for Community Development Block Grant consulting services, extending the agreement term to Sept. 30, 2027, updating the scope of services to include the CDBG MIT-RIP program, and establishing a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $300,000; and authorize the city manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the city.
The council also will execute a purchase order/contract agreement with Miksis Services for 200’ of slip line in the amount of $26,360.
On the consent agenda — items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote — are ordinances; minutes of the Dec. 2 meeting; the Dec. 3 warrant register; approval of application 2026-001, with staff recommendations for the 2026 Children’s Festival; approval of application 2026-002, with staff recommendations for the 2026 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta; adoption of a proposed ordinance amending Section 15.04.010 of the Lakeport Municipal Code to incorporate and adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Codes effective Jan. 1, 2026; authorization for the city manager to execute the attached amendment to the professional services agreement with NHA Advisors LLC.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
As part of California’s strategy to prepare properties and communities against the devastating impacts of wildfire, Cal Fire announced it will award $62.7 million in funding for 84 local wildfire prevention projects across the state, including 41 projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Among the awardees are two projects that will benefit southern Lake County.
Over the last six years, Cal Fire has awarded more than $566 million in Wildfire Prevention Grants to over 575 projects across the state.
“These grants represent more than just funding — they are a direct investment in the safety and resilience of our communities,” said Cal FireDirector/Chief Joe Tyler. “By supporting local projects that reduce risk and strengthen preparedness, communities are empowered to take meaningful action before wildfire strikes.”
Cal Fire’s Wildfire Prevention Grants enable local organizations like fire safe councils to implement activities that address the hazards of wildfire and reduce wildfire risk to communities.
Funded activities include hazardous fuel reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education. These projects all meet the goals and objectives of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, as well as the Strategic Fire Plan for California.
Awardees include the second phase of the South Lake County Fire Protection District’s Middletown and Cobb community evacuation routes project, which will receive $847,654.40.
The project will treat approximately 528 acres along 29 miles of area roads, is focused on
improving evacuation routes for residents, improving emergency response vehicle safety/ingress to wildland urban interface homes and reducing fire intensity from
approaching wildfires within and adjacent to the South Lake County Fire Protection District.
The project will reduce the risk to the community by improving evacuation routes and control lines by removing vegetation and hazardous trees posing imminent threat to public rights-of-way.
The Napa Communities Firewise Foundation will receive $949,941.60 for its Lake-Napa County WUI, Roadside and Prescribed Burn Project.
The project funds wildfire risk reduction in three areas. In southern Lake County, a 50-
acre prescribed burn on the Middletown Rancheria will mitigate fire risk near homes. Northern Napa County will see a 70-acre roadside clearance project on Montesol Ranch to improve the evacuation route on Highway 29. Southern Napa County will have 47 acres of vegetation cleared in the foothills to protect communities in a high-risk wildland-urban interface.
“California’s wildfire prevention strategy is rooted in proactive, community-driven solutions,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “The grantees who carry out this work locally are vital to this strategy. These 84 projects will make a difference in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire and strengthening public safety.”
The Wildfire Prevention Grants Program is funded as part of the State’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Strategy, in part with Cap-and-Invest auction proceeds administered by the California Climate Investments or CCI, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
CCI is a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities.