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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Sixty-eight people were killed in crashes throughout the state during the Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period, or MEP, which began at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and concluded at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.
Nearly half of the total number of vehicle occupants who died within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt, the CHP said.
With unsafe speed being the number one contributor to crashes in California, the CHP placed a special emphasis on its enforcement during the recent MEP.
CHP officers issued more than 9,700 speed citations throughout the long Independence Day weekend.
Additionally, the CHP said impaired drivers were removed from California’s roadways at an alarming rate during the holiday enforcement effort.
CHP officers made 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence, which is an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.
“The results of this MEP are concerning and reinforce the need for responsible behavior behind the wheel,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “All of these deaths were preventable, and the loved ones they leave behind will be forever impacted. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, and these statistics show us how much work there is still to be done. The CHP is committed to making California’s roadways safer for all who use them.”
To help protect those who are traveling on California’s roadways during the holidays, the CHP implements six MEPs per year.
The next MEP is scheduled for Labor Day weekend.
Throughout the holiday weekend, all available uniformed members of the CHP will be on patrol to enhance public safety, deter unsafe driving behavior, and, when necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.
“Keep yourself and others who are on the road safe by buckling up, driving at a speed safe for conditions, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and always designating a sober driver,” the CHP said in its report on the MEP.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government temporarily waived Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements for annual eligibility redeterminations.
As a result, Medi-Cal members kept their health coverage continuously during the public health emergency.
However, now those eligibility requirements are back in effect, according to Lake County Social Services.
Starting with redeterminations due in June 2023, counties are required to start processing redeterminations and taking appropriate actions following regulation.
Lake County Social Services reported that all active Medi-Cal customers will undergo a redetermination over the next 12 months and while they will try to auto renew as many customers as they can, it is not always possible.
Lake County has 37,542 active individuals receiving Medi-Cal benefits and the majority of them will have to complete a redetermination. It averages to around 3,128 per month.
County officials need the help of those covered by Medi-Cal to ensure they and their families remain covered.
If you have not already, please ensure that your contact information is correct with the Social Services Department and check your mail often. You will receive a redetermination packet in the mail 60 days prior to the due date and it must be returned in time to avoid any lapse in coverage.
The redetermination packet may look overwhelming as it is quite large, but most of the paperwork you receive will be educational materials. The only forms you must return to the county are the ones that ask you about your contact information, household, income and property.
To make it even easier, it will come with a prepaid return envelope that is already addressed; just complete the forms, sign and date, stuff the envelope and make sure the Lake County Social Services mailing address is visible through the window.
To aid the community in this effort and to make sure the county is available to help Medi-Cal recipients, the county has staffed a new counter service unit at its office at 15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway in Lower Lake. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be both English and Spanish speakers available in person. If you have a different primary language, translators are available by phone.
For those who may not be able to make it into the office, there also will be numerous outreach events staffed with Social Services employees ready to help.
Here is the scheduled listing of outreach events for July 2023:
• Thursday, July 6, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave.
• Thursday, July 6, 5 to 7 p.m.: The Warming Center, 1111 Whalen Way, Lakeport.
• Friday, July 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lucerne Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive.
• Friday, July 7, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.
• Friday, July 7, 5 to 7 p.m.: Middletown Farmers Market, 21249 Washington St.
• Thursday, July 13, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave.
• Thursday, July 13, 5 to 7 p.m.: The Warming Center, 1111 Whalen Way, Lakeport.
• Friday, July 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lucerne Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive.
• Friday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.
• Tuesday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Clearlake Senior Center, 3245 Bowers Ave.
• Tuesday, July 18, 5 to 7 p.m.: The Warming Center, 1111 Whalen Way, Lakeport.
• Thursday, July 20, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave.
• Thursday, July 20, 5 to 7 p.m.: The Warming Center, 1111 Whalen Way, Lakeport.
• Friday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lucerne Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive.
• Friday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.
• Thursday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave.
• Thursday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Kelseyville Senior Center, 5245 Third St.
• Friday, July 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lucerne Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive.
• Friday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Middletown Senior Center, 21256 Washington St.
Ways to complete your redetermination on your own:
• Mail it in: P.O. Box 9000, Lower Lake, CA 95457.
• Drop it off: 15975 Anderson Ranch Parkway, Lower Lake.
• Online: https://benefitscal.com or https://www.coveredca.com.
• By phone: 707-995-4200 or 800-628-5288.
For more information on the resumption of Medi-Cal Redeterminations please visit https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/pages/keep-your-medi-cal.aspx.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, authored SB 329, which he said is a measure to boost participation and diversity on California city councils by allowing the first council pay cap increases since 1984, bringing salaries more in line with the cost of living.
The newest law addresses an issue that Dodd said has discouraged public participation on city councils.
Now, in general law cities, city councils may vote to receive a limited salary, not to exceed caps based on population size provided in state law.
However, the maximum amounts set by state law have not been increased since 1984, despite inflation of more than 300% during that time.
Because of the disparity, people from diverse communities are discouraged from running for office, Dodd’s office said. Others with full-time jobs have been forced to resign their posts before their terms expire because they can’t devote time to council service and supporting their families.
In the city of Clearlake, council salaries for 2022 ranged between $6,000 and $10,861, with two council members receiving between $10,230 and $10,290 in retirement and health contributions, according to the Government Compensation in California website, which uses data submitted by the city.
The Government Compensation in California website does not specify which council members receive what pay amounts.
In the city of Lakeport, in 2022 two council members receive wages, one $1,050 and another $3,000, and two others receive retirement and health contributions, totaling $15,233 and $21,059. Three others are reported as receiving no pay.
There are seven Lakeport Council Council positions listed for last year, rather than five, due to resignations followed by new appointments.
Senate Bill 329 allows councils to adjust their maximum pay to reflect inflation as measured by the California Consumer Price Index. Any increases would require a majority vote of the city councils.
SB 329 was supported by the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference and the League of California Cities, among other groups.
“In my time in the Legislature, people have called for action on a range of issues – from wildfire safety to consumer protection — and I’ve responded with commonsense laws addressing these pressing issues,” Sen. Dodd said. “My priority is always the same — to make life better for Californians. That’s the goal of my latest bill, which will remove barriers to achieving more equitable representation in local government by making it easier for public servants to balance careers and personal obligations.”
On June 29, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill. It’s the 100th bill written by Sen. Dodd since he joined the Legislature in 2014, first as an Assembly member — representing a district that included Lake County — and later as the Third District senator.
It is reported to be the single highest number from any legislator over the same period.
Dodd has taken on an array of issues including helping small businesses, improving wildfire safety and bolstering consumer privacy and protection.
“So much of politics today is about being a political show horse. Yet, Sen. Dodd demonstrates time and again that he’s a workhorse — trying to solve problems — and not merely about political grandstanding,” said David McCuan, political science professor at Sonoma State University. “With 100 bills signed by California governors, this approach is about moving the lines forward on controversial political debates and issues. SB 329 is yet another example of doing what’s right to improve our work in politics over that of merely being about the show in the game of politics.”
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
The funding, which began in June, will enable the college to continue providing vital resources, support and services specifically tailored to Native American students.
Mendocino College is one of only 20 institutions selected to receive funding for the establishment of a Native American Student Success & Support Program.
With this grant, Mendocino College will be able to hire dedicated staff members who will work closely with Native American students, ensuring they receive personalized support and guidance throughout their educational journey.
Additionally, the funding will facilitate stronger engagement with tribal nations in the region, fostering collaboration and partnership.
College officials said this funding comes at a crucial time, allowing Mendocino College to build upon its recent efforts to enhance the support provided to Native American students.
The college remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
In recent years, Mendocino College has been steadfastly committed to closing equity gaps for Native American students and fostering deeper connections with the community.
The college's 2022-2025 Student Equity Plan reveals that these efforts have indeed paid off, with Native American students achieving on par with or surpassing their peers in numerous categories.
During the 2021-2022 academic year, Mendocino College proudly enrolled the highest number of Native American students among all institutions within the California Community College system, which comprises 116 community colleges.
Despite being one of the smallest colleges in terms of overall student population, Mendocino College stands out for its remarkable success in attracting and supporting Native American students.
“Enhancing educational opportunities and pathways for Native American communities are core priorities of our district. We feel privileged to serve numerous tribal nations and are eager to collaborate in addressing the educational needs of Native American students,” said Mendocino College President Dr. Tim Karas.
Mendocino College stands out among California community colleges by offering a dedicated on-campus space specifically for Native American students.
In the past year, the college has relocated the Native American Student Resource Center to a more prominent location near Pomo Plaza along with various support services. This move has significantly enhanced the center's visibility and facilitated greater access to resources for students.
Mendocino College has demonstrated its commitment to engaging Native American students through initiatives such as the establishment of Pomo Pathway in 2018.
Initially launched in collaboration with the Coyote Valley Tribe of Pomo Indians, Pomo Pathway is a student learning community that integrates culturally relevant content into course curricula while offering supplemental support beyond the classroom.
Although the pandemic necessitated a temporary shift to online learning, Pomo Pathway has now resumed providing in-person assistance to students. Furthermore, the program has expanded its range of support by incorporating the Native American Student Resource Center into its framework, ensuring a holistic approach to nurturing the success of Native American students.
The college's commitment to supporting Native American students extends beyond providing physical spaces. Mendocino College has also adopted an official land acknowledgment, renamed the main quad as Pomo Plaza, and increased the number of cultural events on campus.
These initiatives represent just a fraction of the comprehensive efforts being made by the institution to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for Native American students.
“We are proud of the work we are doing at Mendocino College and these funds will allow us to continue our efforts to promote student success among our Native American community and to reinvigorate a college-going culture in our region,” says Ulises Velasco, vice president of student services. “Our hope is that through our consistent efforts, we are able to ensure that Native Americans feel welcomed and supported at Mendocino College and consider starting their college career with us.”
Mendocino-Lake Community College District was formed in 1973 to serve students in Mendocino and Lake counties. Mendocino College offers over 100 degree and certificate programs, and has campuses in Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg and Lakeport. Learn more at www.mendocino.edu.