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- Written by: Lake County News reports
The Thursday report from Lake County Public Health said the cases of the Delta variant confirmed locally are “a stark reminder COVID-19 remains a present and evolving threat, despite relaxation of business and activity restrictions statewide.”
The Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health characterize Delta (B.1.617.2) as a variant of concern, as it is “hypertransmissible,” and “may have moderately decreased response to antibody treatments.”
At the same time as the variant has been identified locally, Lake County’s testing positivity and daily case rates have begun to increase after an all-time low during mid-June, Public Health reported.
In another development, Lake County Public Health medical staff are currently undertaking a significant effort to appropriately document COVID-19-related deaths, applying criteria provided by the California Department of Public Health.
Documentation regarding dozens of deaths not previously recognized as COVID-related was recently sent to counties across the state, officials said.
Thus far, this process has resulted in the identification of 11 additional Lake County-connected COVID-related deaths, bringing the total to 56.
Public Health said these newly-recorded deaths are not recent. Most occurred in December or January, when the pandemic was at its peak in California, and some date as far back as October. Further updates are expected.
Health officials are continuing to urge Lake County residents to be vaccinated against the virus.
As of Monday, June 28, 44.2% of eligible Lake County residents still had not received even one dose.
Public Health said unvaccinated individuals continue to face significant risk of severe illness, should they come into contact with the virus, and with people now moving about more in our communities, precautions are essential.
“The best tool available is vaccination,” the agency said in its Thursday statement.
Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines have continued to prove protective, even against the Delta variant. Rare “breakthrough cases,” those identified among fully vaccinated individuals, have generally been quite mild or even asymptomatic, officials said.
People at high risk of severe complications (e.g. age 65+, people of any age with a history of heart, lung or autoimmune disorders or diabetes) that have not already been vaccinated should strongly consider doing so, Public Health said.
If you are concerned the vaccine may not be safe for you because of a history of allergic reactions or other particular factors, please consult your doctor and get your questions answered. Online resources such as https://yourvaccinationguide.org/ can also be helpful.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — While July 4 is synonymous with sun, fun, barbecuing and fireworks, this year’s extremely dry and hot conditions have authorities concerned for fire and injuries related to fireworks.
In the city of Lakeport, the only place where safe and sane fireworks are allowed in Lake County — and only between July 1 and 4 — Police Chief Brad Rasmussen and Fire Chief Jeffrey Thomas are asking community members to use particular care this year because of conditions.
During the city’s July 4 celebration, a special area will be set up on Fourth Street at Library Park for the discharge of safe and sane fireworks.
Rasmussen and Thomas also are partnering to put a team of a firefighter and a police officer on the street on July 4 to attempt to catch people setting off dangerous or illegal fireworks in the city.
Cal Fire also is reminding everyone to do their part to have a safe holiday and help prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that two out of five fires on July 4 are caused by fireworks, more than any other cause of fires.
Most of these incidents are related to the use of illegal fireworks and the misuse of legal fireworks.
Sparklers, which can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees, account for roughly 25% of emergency room visits for firework injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Fifty-eight percent of the emergency department-treated injuries were burns. Burns were the most common injury to hands, fingers, arms and legs. One-third were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 36% of the estimated fireworks-related injuries, officials reported.
“With the lack of significant rain over the winter months, and now the dry, hot temperatures, wildfire activity is quickly picking up," said Chief Thom Porter, Cal Fire director. "Residents need to understand the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks or misuse of legal fireworks. Here in California, we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks. Any person can be held liable for the firefighting costs as well as property damage costs associated with the start of a fire.”
Cal Fire and Office of the State Fire Marshal law enforcement personnel have been conducting targeted interdiction operations at ports of entry into the State of California throughout 2021.
With just days left before the July 4 holiday, Cal Fire and local enforcement agencies continue to seize tens of thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks and enforce the state’s fireworks laws.
“There are major legal consequences when it comes to using, transporting or even being in possession of illegal fireworks,” said Chief Mike Richwine, California State fire marshal.
“Possession of illegal fireworks such as skyrockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, travel through the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year,” Richwine said. “Even ‘safe and sane’ fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.”
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
This year’s fair is scheduled for Sept. 2 to 5.
The theme is “Race to the Lake County Fair” and the grand marshal is Calpine at the Geysers.
The fair kicks off Thursday, Sept. 2, with the horse show.
The evening grandstand event is Guns & Hoses, where law enforcement squares off against fire for a perpetual trophy.
Thursday is also kids’ day with $4 admission for children.
Other highlights will include:
— On Friday the main event is Mud Boggs.
— Saturday at noon is the Junior Livestock and Ag Mechanics Auction, Power Wheels Destruction Derby in the afternoon and an evening Motorsports Destruction Derby.
— Sunday is Fiesta Day, with boat races starting at 7 p.m.
Entries open online July 1 and presale tickets are set to begin in August.
Commercial or concession vendors can get information by writing to
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 2, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 5, the CHP will observe a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, focused on speed enforcement.
To keep the roadways safe for everyone, all available officers will be watching for motorists who are distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence.
CHP officers will also be on alert for aggressive driving and acts of road rage.
With many motorists expected on the roadways, patience will be key. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and avoid unsafe driving behavior such as tailgating.
Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel reduces your risk of an unpleasant encounter with other motorists. If you feel you are at risk, call 9-1-1.
“Saving lives is a priority for our officers,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists will help make everyone’s holiday safer on the road by observing the speed limits, avoiding distractions, staying sober, practicing patience and being courteous to other drivers.”
During the 2020 Independence Day MEP, at least 36 people were killed in crashes on California roadways. The CHP also made 738 arrests for DUI of alcohol and/or drugs.
This year’s Independence Day MEP also coincides with a speed-related traffic safety effort that the CHP is participating in along with the Oregon State Police and the Washington State Patrol along Interstate 5, which passes through all three states.
Officers in the three states will focus on speed violations along the entire stretch of Interstate 5.
“By getting the message out, we are hoping for voluntary compliance from motorists,” added Commissioner Ray. “However, officers will be looking for anyone who is speeding or driving impaired and posing a danger on the roadways.”
The most recent nationwide data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows one fourth of traffic fatalities in 2018 were the result of speeding. In fatal crashes in 2018, nearly half (48%) of speeding drivers in passenger vehicles were not using seat belts at the time of the crash.