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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The agenda is here.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The webinar ID is 954 1404 1238, the pass code is 573447.
Access the meeting via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,95414041238#,,,,*573447# or dial in at 669-900-6833.
The meeting also can be viewed on the county of Lake website and on the county’s Facebook page.
At 9:20 a.m., the the commission will consider a proposed major use permit for a 170-foot tall lattice cell tower with a 20-foot tall whip antenna mounted on top, and support equipment within a 100-foot by 100-foot enclosed lease area and mitigated negative declaration based on initial study sought by Comsites West for a project at 20226 E. Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks.
At 9:30 p.m., the commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing for a proposed use permit and categorical exemption sought by Morgan Valley Wind Tower LLC for four 197-foot tall temporary meteorological towers intended to measure wind speed at 25650 Morgan Valley Road, Lower Lake.
In other business, the commission will consider a 20-year extension for a mine at 12572 White Rock Canyon Road sought by Clearlake Redi-Mix, a subdivision extension and creation of commercially zoned lots for Valley Oaks Partners LLC, an extension for an existing billboard, and a use permit for a corn maze and pumpkin patch at 4405 and 4410 Thomas Drive in Kelseyville.
The full agenda follows.
AGENDA
4a. Approve continuation of resolution authorizing teleconferenced meetings during a state of emergency continue to exist.
4b. Approval of Minutes from the Aug. 11 Planning Commission meetings.
6a., 9:05 a.m.: Continued from July 15, public hearing, consideration of proposed 20-year extension for a mine (UPX 19-04) for Use Permit (UPM 10-01) and Categorical Exemption (CE 19-98); Applicant: CLEARLAKE REDI-MIX ; Project location: 12572 White Rock Canyon Road; Upper Lake (APN: 022-009-06).
6b., 9:10 a.m.: Continued from July 15, public hearing, consideration of proposed one-year subdivision extension (SDX 22-01) for Valley Oaks subdivision; and consider its inclusion under the original final environmental impact report and addendum. Applicant: VALLEY OAKS PARTNERS, LLC / KEITH GAPUSAN; located at 18196 and 18426 S. State Highway 29, Middletown (APNs 014-260-51, 36 and 24).
6c., 9:15 a.m.: Continued from July 15, public hearing, consideration of proposed Parcel Map (PM 21-31), to create three commercially-zoned lots, and an inclusion under the original final environmental impact report and addendum. Applicant: VALLEY OAKS PARTNERS, LLC /KEITH GAPUSAN; located at 18196 and 18426 S. State Highway 29, Middletown (APNs 014-260-51, 36 and 24).
6d., 9:20 a.m.: Continued from Aug. 11, public hearing, consideration of proposed Major Use Permit (UP 22-20) for a 170’ tall lattice cell tower with a 20’ tall whip antenna mounted on top, and support equipment within a 100’ x 100’ enclosed lease area and Mitigated Negative Declaration based on Initial Study (IS 22-21); Applicant: COMSITES WEST; Project location: 20226 E. Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks (APNs: 010-009-39, 40 and 42.
6e., 9:25 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of proposed Use Permit Extension (UPX 22-02) for a five year extension for an existing billboard; Categorical Exemption (CE 19-98); Applicant: LAMONICA OUTDOOR ADVERTISING; Project location: 131 Soda Bay Road, Lakeport (APN 008-019-69).
6f., 9:30 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of proposed Use Permit (UP 22-06) for four (4) 197-foot tall temporary meteorological towers intended to measure wind speed; and Categorical Exemption (CE 22-12); Applicant: MORGAN VALLEY WIND TOWER LLC; Project location: 25650 Morgan Valley Road, Lower Lake (APNs: 012-014-02 and 08).
6g., 9:35 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of proposed Use Permit (UP 18-34) to allow a 12-acre corn maze and 3.8-acre pumpkin patch seasonal event; Applicant: MICHAEL AND TANYA HAT; Project location: 4405 and 4410 Thomas Drive, Kelseyville (APNs 008-033-36 & 008-035-58).
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
As part of ongoing efforts to help small communities address water supply challenges amid extreme drought and build water resilience for the future, the Department of Water Resources announced its eighth round of funding through the Small Community Drought Relief Program.
In coordination with the State Water Resources Control Board, the program will provide $40 million to 15 projects in Butte, Humboldt, Lake, Madera, Mariposa, Placer, San Luis Obispo, Riverside, Sierra, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Ventura and Yolo counties.
Of the selected projects, 12 will directly benefit disadvantaged communities to implement long-term solutions such as pipeline replacement, well installation, and infrastructure upgrades to improve water resilience and water quality.
In Lake County, where the community's water supply is threatened as the drought causes water levels to decrease in Clear Lake, Mount Konocti Mutual Water Co. will receive $2.3 million to replace leaking water storage tanks that have led to substantial loss and install low water intake pumps.
“Many of our state’s most vulnerable communities still struggle to get access to clean, safe drinking water. These funded projects will increase local water supplies while helping communities adapt to more extreme weather patterns caused by climate change,” said Kristopher Tjernell, deputy director of integrated watershed management at DWR. “As we prepare for a fourth dry year, we will continue to work with the State Water Resources Control Board to expedite assistance to our communities in need.”
Some of the other communities set to receive funding include:
• Oceano Community Services District: In San Luis Obispo County, the water system serving the Oceano Community has several pipelines that are leaking and losing significant amounts of water. The district will receive $268,000 to replace approximately 1,350 feet of pipelines, which will save approximately 270,000 gallons of water per year.
• Banning Heights Mutual Water Co.: In Riverside County, the community of Banning Heights is struggling without a water source due to the prolonged drought and damage to critical water infrastructure caused by the Apple Fire in 2020. The company will receive $3.7 million to construct a new well and water tank and implement a hauled water program.
• Sky View County Water District: In Tehama County, the local disadvantaged community relies on one groundwater well and is struggling to meet water demands for residents and fire protection due to aging pipelines. The district will receive $5 million to provide safe drinking water to residents.
• Burnt Ranch Estates Mutual Water Co.: In Trinity County, the water system serving the small mountain community is stressed due to leaky infrastructure. The company will receive $2.5 million to replace two water storage tanks and leaking pipelines.
• Madison Community Services District: In Yolo County, the water distribution system serving the Madison community is leaking excessively and experiencing catastrophic pipeline failures. Recent fractures have led to the loss of 315,000 gallons of potable water. The district will receive $3.8 million to replace the existing water distribution system and implement well site improvements.
• Garberville Sanitary District: In Humboldt County, three of the community's tanks are leaking and capacity of the tanks has been reduced by 60 percent. As a solution, the district will receive $4.5 million to replace the three leaking tanks with two new tanks.
• City of Exeter (Tooleville): In Tulare County, the community of Tooleville has struggled with securing a safe water supply for years and currently relies on bottled water for drinking water needs. In addition, the current drought has caused the water quantity and quality of the two wells serving the community to deteriorate further. The community will receive $7.2 million to construct a new well and intertie to consolidate with the nearby City of Exeter.
The full list of funded projects can be viewed here.
The Small Community Drought Relief Program has delivered $216 million in financial assistance since receiving funding from the Budget Act of 2021.
In this year’s budget, the program received an additional $121 million that will allow the program to continue to assist small communities and start a new Water Tank Program.
Expected to launch this fall, the new program will provide tanks and hauled water to communities that are in immediate need of potable water supplies.
The program will be led by DWR in coordination with the California Office of Emergency Services, Department of General Services, and the State Water Resources Control Board.
For information about other DWR and State drought response efforts and funding programs, visit http://drought.ca.gov.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
The district administers both Yuba Community College and Woodland Community College.
The Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College is in Area 7. Doug has served as Area 7 trustee since his appointment in March 2022.
Harris has a strong skill set to bring to the district. He is committed to representing students, faculty, staff and southern Lake County on the board.
“The purpose of a community college is to meet the career, technical, and higher educational needs of each student and the unique communities they live in,” Harris said. “Prior to my appointment to a vacancy on the Board of Trustees, I taught at the Lake County Campus for over 20 years in career-technical classes and university prep classes. This gives me insight into the challenges faced by the district’s students — and the opportunities gained by completing a certificate, associate degree or university transfer requirements.”
While teaching, Harris served on the campus’ Site Council and the Academic Senate. He also served as a negotiator in collective bargaining processes.
He has resided in Lake County for 48 years.
In addition to teaching for the district, he has worked for numerous human service agencies serving people with disabilities, seniors, and children at risk in Lake County.
Harris has served on several community boards and committees such as the Social Services Advisory Board, Habitat For Humanity Family Selection and Support Committee.
His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a Masters of Social Work from San Francisco State University.
His wife, Sissa Harris, was a longtime classified employee, faculty member, and a graduate of the Lake County Campus. Of their numerous children and grandchildren, most attended public schools in Lake County.
Asked why he would like to continue as the Area 7 Trustee, Harris said, “Promoting the efforts of all the district campuses in meeting the needs of students in our communities is my primary reason for seeking this position. Continuity on the board is important in fostering partnerships with our K-12 schools, business communities, and local governments. The district is recruiting a permanent Dean for the Lake County Campus and Chancellor for the district, making continuity doubly important. We are working to enhance course offerings for students, in online and face to face formats. The impact of fires and the pandemic make knowledge of students’ and the community’s needs and resources imperative.”
Harris deeply appreciates support for his candidacy, which he said will ensure continuation of support for our Lake County Campus and the entire Yuba Community College District.
He can be reached at
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The city of Clearlake will receive $3 million from State Parks’ Rural Recreation and Tourism Program to create the new Burns Valley Sports Complex.
“We are thrilled to hear that State Parks loves our project as much as we do!” Clearlake City Manager Alan Flora told Lake County News in a Monday afternoon email.
“This is really a transformative project for the City, and all of Lake County, to establish a beautiful new sports complex,” Flora said.
The news came as part of California State Parks’ announcement of its $46.2 million investment to build healthier communities by creating and improving recreational facilities in 25 local parks.
Funded by Proposition 68 through the Rural Recreation and Tourism and Regional Park Programs, the grants awarded will be used to enhance outdoor recreational facilities such as trails, campgrounds, multisports fields, skate and bike parks, and picnic areas.
“Congratulations to the 25 communities receiving the grant funding,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “I look forward to seeing the projects come to fruition and for Californians to start enjoying them. Spending time in the outdoors not only helps us connect with our communities, but it can also support our mental and physical health. A healthier California is good for all of us.”
Clearlake’s $3 million grant tied with those given to several other communities for the largest amount awarded.
It will be used to construct a new multipurpose turf field with lighting and a walking track; a playground; ballfields with lighting — including one softball field, one baseball field, one little league field and two T-ball fields; two picnic areas; and a restroom building.
The project will be built on a portion of a 31-acre property the Clearlake City Council voted to purchase in November 2020. It’s located north of Olympic Drive, behind the Safeway shopping center.
The sports complex is a large project that requires a variety of funding sources to make it happen, Flora said.
Flora said the estimates so far have put the total project cost at about $8 million.
The $3 million announced Monday will be added to funds from Congressman Thompson, Konocti Unified School District, Lake County Tribal Health and the city to reach that $8 million overall cost, Flora said.
“I can’t wait to see the pride our youth have when we are able to host soccer and baseball tournaments right here in Clearlake in a world class facility,” he said.
State Parks said it evaluated $235.8 million in Regional Park Program funding requests for the available $23.1 million in this application cycle.
For the Rural Recreation and Tourism Program, the department evaluated $182.3 million in funding requests for the available $23.1 million.
“These park improvements are an exciting development as we invest in communities across our diverse state,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “All Californians deserve access to recreational opportunities, so that they can enjoy the outdoors and the cultural, historic, and natural resources California offers.”
Programs such as the Regional Park Program help advance the Outdoor Access for All initiative championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the Natural Resources Agency’s Outdoors for All initiative.
This effort expands outdoor access to all Californians through focused investments in open space infrastructure, outdoor programming and improvements to permit applications, with a priority of expanding access in underserved communities.
State Park’s Office of Grants and Local Services, or OGALS, develops grant programs to provide funding for local, state and nonprofit organization projects.
Since 1964, more than 7,400 local parks throughout California have been created or improved from OGALS' grant funding.
Since 2000, OGALS has administered approximately $3 billion in grant funding throughout California.
Email Elizabeth Larson at