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: Lake County News reports; Posted On Thursday, 03 October 2024 01:56; 03 October 2024

CHP secures federal grant to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety across California

The California Highway Patrol has been awarded $1.55 million in federal grant funding through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety, Education, Enforcement, and Awareness Program.

This year-long initiative, from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, focuses on educating the public and enforcing traffic safety laws for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and the CHP is fully committed to protecting those walking and cycling on California’s roadways.

On Oct. 9, the CHP will join schools nationwide in celebrating National Walk to School Day. CHP officers in plain clothes and uniform will monitor crosswalks and areas near schools to ensure pedestrian safety.

“Everyone deserves a safe environment to travel,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a high priority. Education is the key to building a culture of safety that protects our most vulnerable road users.”

When walking, it is important to use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible as that is where drivers expect pedestrians to be. When crossing the street, remember to look left-right-left and continue scanning as you cross. Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care for your safety. At 30 miles per hour, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. It is important for drivers to follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections, especially in school zones and in neighborhoods surrounding schools.

Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Watch for children walking or biking in areas near a school, both on the road and the sidewalk. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

Pedestrians and bicyclists account for 21 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in California. Of the 7,575 people killed between 2021 and 2023 in crashes throughout CHP jurisdiction, 1,568 were pedestrians and bicyclists.

This grant funds bicycle safety training and educational presentations to promote safe and courteous traffic safety behaviors by drivers and bicyclists, as well as safety publications, bicycle helmets, reflective gear, and other vital safety equipment.

Additionally, specialized enforcement operations will focus on areas with higher bicyclist and pedestrian traffic and crashes, and officers will also conduct public awareness campaigns in communities throughout the state.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Wednesday, 02 October 2024 02:42; 02 October 2024

Elections office: Ballots heading out in the mail next week

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With vote-by-mail ballots for the Nov. 5 presidential election about to go out to voters across the county, the Lake County Registrar of Voters Office has issued an update on ballots, voter registration and in-person voting.

The elections office said all registered voters will be mailed a vote-by-mail ballot. Mailing of vote-by-mail ballots will begin on Oct. 7. Supplemental mailings will follow for newly registered or re-registered voters.

To ensure there are no delays in receiving your ballot in the mail, verify that the Registrar of Voters Office has your most up-to-date voter information. Visit https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ or call 707-263-2372 to verify both your residential and mailing address.

Is everything correct? If not, you can update your registration by re-registering to vote at registertovote.ca.gov or by calling 707-263-2372 and requesting a voter registration form be mailed to you.

Return your vote-by-mail ballot

The elections office encourages people to vote safely at home, and return your vote-by-mail ballot in one of the following ways:

• Mail your ballot on or before Election Day – no postage required.
• At any official ballot drop box location. Visit https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/ or call 707-263-2372 for locations.
• Drop it off at the Lake County Registrar of Voters Office or at any polling place location within the state of California.

Track your vote-by-mail ballot

Receive your personalized text message, emails or voicemails letting you know when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted by the Registrar of Voters by subscribing to https://wheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.

In-person voting

There will be 20 polling place locations on Election Day. Polling place locations will be staffed for voters to drop off voted ballots or to be issued a replacement ballot from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To vote in-person at your assigned polling place site on Election Day, please call the Registrar of Voters office for instructions. You will be required to vote a provisional ballot if you are unable to surrender your vote-by-mail ballot.

Ballot processing to begin Oct. 7

The Registrar of Voters Office also reported that it will commence processing vote-by-mail ballots for the Nov. 5 General Election on Monday, Oct. 7. The processing of the vote-by-mail voter ballots will continue through Election Day as well as during the official canvass.

The scanning and adjudicating of the official ballots will commence on Monday, Oct. 28 in the Registrar of Voters Office, 325 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport, however, results will not be announced until after the close of the polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

The official canvass will commence on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. and will continue daily, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted, for not less than six hours each day until completed.

Observers are invited to view the processing and counting of the ballots, but shall not interfere with the election process.

Observers may contact the Registrar of Voters Office at 707-263-2372, toll-free at 888-235-6730 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. during the Official Canvass period for the proposed schedule.

Staff may be required to work on some Saturdays, Sundays and county holidays as needed in order to complete the Official Canvass by the state deadline.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Tuesday, 01 October 2024 04:10; 01 October 2024

Breaking barriers: CHP celebrates 50 years of women in the department

**An early female California Highway Patrol officer. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.**

This year, the California Highway Patrol is proudly marking a historic milestone: 50 years since women first joined CHP’s ranks — paving the way for women in the department.

“Law enforcement is not a 'male' or 'female' profession. It is a profession of service and sacrifice. The members of this inaugural class served their communities with dedication, laying the groundwork for future generations. We owe them a great debt of gratitude,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

Gov. Gavin Newsom also is honoring the trailblazing women who were part of the initial group to report to the CHP Academy in 1974, and who led the way for many others to follow and help shape and transform the ranks of the CHP.

“On this important anniversary, we recognize the trailblazing women who first entered the CHP 50 years ago and the many women who have come after to make important contributions that help keep California safe,” Newsom said. “These officers pushed against sexism and stereotypes to prove that women can not only serve and excel in law enforcement but also play an important role in making our communities stronger and safer. We thank this vanguard group of women for their enduring legacy — defying sexism to demonstrate that gender equality behind the badge is not only the right thing to do, but makes us all better off."

“Today, we celebrate the incredible women who broke barriers and made history by joining the ranks of the California Highway Patrol 50 years ago. Their courage and resilience paved the way for future generations, not just within the CHP but across all sectors of law enforcement. These trailblazers shattered stereotypes and glass ceilings, proving that women are capable and willing to serve and protect our communities. Their legacy reminds us that when women lead, they strengthen the very fabric of our society,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

**The first group of CHP cadets that included women. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.**

On Sept. 30, 1974, a group of 40 women reported to the CHP Academy as part of the Women Traffic Officer Program, or WTOP, launched as a trial. Of those women, 27 completed Academy training and were sworn in as CHP officers on Jan. 16, 1975.

Since that day, women have served in every aspect of the CHP, from riding motorcycles and flying aircraft to taking on detective roles.

On Nov. 17, 2020, Gov. Newsom appointed Amanda L. Ray as the 16th commissioner of the CHP, the first woman to lead the department of more than 11,000 members.

**On Nov. 17, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Amanda L. Ray as the 16th commissioner of the CHP, the first woman to lead the department. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.**

Prior to the WTOP, women were only permitted in non-officer roles. The dedication of these trailblazing women forever changed the CHP, proving that women are equally capable of performing the duties of a CHP officer.

Over the weekend, several members of the inaugural WTOP class reunited in Sacramento to celebrate their legacy and share stories of service. A common theme emerged: their pride in careers committed to community service and safety.

To mark the momentous occasion, the CHP released a video that includes conversations with members of the WTOP class and firsthand accounts of their experience 50 years ago.

**The Women Traffic Officer Program celebrated a 50th anniversary gala. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.**

The CHP continues to lead as one of the Nation’s premier law enforcement agencies. If you are considering a rewarding career in law enforcement where you will build lifelong relationships, visit www.CHPMadeForMore.com to apply.

In 1974, these women walked in to accept a challenge that changed their lives and the CHP. You could be the next pioneer. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.

Footage of the 50th-anniversary event can be found here.

**Members of the Women Traffic Officer Program at a weekend gala for the CHP. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.**

: LINGZI CHEN; Posted On Wednesday, 02 October 2024 02:59; 02 October 2024

Newsom declares state of emergency for Boyles fire; officials say action is ‘huge’ for city

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — On Sunday, almost three weeks after the complete containment of the Boyles fire, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency exists in the city of Clearlake as a result of the incident.

The Boyles fire began around 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, in the area of Boyles Avenue and Dam Road.

It was fully contained at 81.2 acres on Sept. 11.

The fire caused immense economic losses that initial estimates have put in the millions. The destruction included 35 homes, 32 garages and outbuildings, and 79 vehicles. Another three homes and four garages and outbuildings were damaged. More than 4,000 residents were evacuated.

For the city of Clearlake and the people impacted by the fire, “It’s huge,” Mayor David Claffey said of the gubernatorial emergency declaration. “Without it, we would struggle to meet the needs of the residents that were impacted.”

City Manager Alan Flora agreed.

“We don’t have a way to help folks really because the estimated damage is $14 million; We have an $8 million general fund,” Flora told Lake County News in an interview after the Clearlake City Council candidates’ Forum on Monday evening. “It's going to be huge for the residents that were impacted.”

Newsom’s emergency declaration notes, “State agencies shall enter into contracts to arrange for the procurement of materials, goods, and services necessary to quickly assist with the response to and recovery from the impacts of the Boyles Fire.”

Flora expects the declaration to “open doors” for fundings to redress some infrastructure damages such as road damage in the city and smoke damage in the community college and the middle schools.

But the biggest impact he anticipates will be on the residents who lost their homes and businesses that have had loss of revenue from the fire and power outages.

“This is going to bring a lot more resources,” Flora said of the governor’s declaration.

Ongoing cleanups

Last week, household hazardous waste cleanup was completed, Flora said. This week, the watershed assessment team will start to install “best management practices” to protect the sites before rain.

“We don't want a big storm washing the ash and everything into the creek,” Flora said.

The next step, Flora said, will be the final debris cleanup. CalRecycle will have contractors coming in to “remove the vehicles, to goop out all the ash, all the burst stuff, and haul it away,” he explained.

“So that, we're hoping, will start in six to eight weeks,” Flora said.

When asked why it will take this long, Flora said there could be some administrative processes and proposal requests.

In the declaration, the governor orders that all requirements and rules that fall within related offices and departments are “suspended to the extent necessary for expediting the removal and cleanup of debris from the Boyles Fire in Lake County or to address other impacts associated with that debris, for implementing any restoration plan necessary for mitigation of the effects of the emergency.”

Flora said that “one of the ideas (of the state of emergency) is you can wipe out all procurement stuff; that is part of the governor’s declaration.” Yet, “I don’t know the inner workings of why it takes so long,” Flora said.

As of Tuesday evening, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services had not responded to Lake County News’ email inquiry on the timeline of the debris removal for Boyles fire.

How do residents impacted by the fire get access to the resources?

“They need to contact us,” said Flora. “This means more resources for them to get back on their feet and to get back into, hopefully, a new house on that property … We’re here to help them recover from this.”

Flora said most of the direct assistance to homeowners and businesses will run through the Small Business Administration, which will set up a base at Clearlake City Hall soon to meet directly with clients and help get resources to them.

So far, 17 families — 35 total individuals who lost their homes to the fire — have reached out to the city for help. Right now, 10 families totaling 24 people are in hotel rooms and the rest in some type of rental housing. North Coast Opportunities, the nonprofit that has been helping with housing, is trying to transition the 10 families into some rental housing too, said Flora.

Some people have offered to help go in and clean up damaged properties and others have even reached out about how to get building permits to start rebuilding, according to Flora. “They’re really motivated,” he said with a smile.

But Flora recommended waiting for the state to do the cleanup: “Now that we got this declaration, it’s probably best to just let the state come in and do all that.”

The state will test the soil and remove the contaminated parts until it’s clean, Flora explained. “They just are going to do a more thorough job.”

Email Lingzi Chen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Tuesday, 01 October 2024 04:25; 01 October 2024

Clearlake City Council to consider supporting creation of new hospital district

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council is set to consider offering its support of a resolution to form a new hospital district to serve Lake County.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

The agenda can be found here.

The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel.

Community members also can participate via Zoom. The webinar ID is 843 3663 1409, the pass code is 879061. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,84336631409#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.

Under business, council members will consider a resolution granting consent to the county of Lake to establish the Lake County Hospital Improvement District.

City Manager Alan Flora’s report to the council explained that the council heard a presentation from Adventist Health Clear Lake Hospital on Sept. 9 about establishing a hospital district within Lake County.

“The District would establish a fee, paid by the two hospitals with the county, Adventist Health Clear Lake and Sutter Lakeside. The fee would be paid to the state and increase the federal reimbursement rate for the two hospitals,” Flora wrote. “The District is similar to the Lake County Tourism Improvement District that created an assessment on lodging operators for marketing of Lake County as a tourism destination. The responsibility to establish this type of district falls on the Lake County Board of Supervisors, who adopted a resolution requesting the City of Clearlake’s consent on September 10th. After the two cities consent to the establishment, the Board will take final action to establish the District.”

Staff also will give the council an update on the Boyles fire.

Thursday’s meeting also will include the presentation of October’s adoptable dogs, and proclamations declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; minutes; approval of Resolution No. 2024-40 approving the road closure on Oct. 19 for the Robert Viramontes Memorial Soap Box Derby; approval of Resolution No. 2024-41 approving the road closure on Oct. 31 for the Trunk or Treat event; authorization of an amendment of contract in the amount of $109,852.50 with Square Signs LLC for the Digital Marquee Signs Project; continuation of the director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for winter storms; and adoption of Resolution 2024-43 Renewing Ordinance 261-2022 and approval of the Clearlake Police Department Military Equipment Report.

The council also will hold a closed session to discuss a lawsuit against Highlands Mutual Water Co.

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.

: Suzanne Lee; Posted On Monday, 30 September 2024 05:06; 30 September 2024

Falling Leaves Quilt Show coming to Lakeport Oct. 5 and 6

This beautiful fall inspired quilt called Harvest of Hope was pieced and appliqued by Lori Blair and quilted by Jeanie Larsen. It was awarded second place by the judges in last year’s show. It also caught the heart and eye of a VIP judge. VIP judges are people from the community that choose their favorite quilt. Look for their stories also attached to the quilt in this year’s show. Photo by Kris Nelson.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild will hold its Falling Leaves Quilt Show at Lewis Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport on Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6.

The hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The quilt show will display over 160 quilts in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Visitors will enjoy the Country Store boutique with various member created, handmade items, a diverse vendor mall, quilting demonstrations, a silent auction and themed gift baskets.

The opportunity quilt will find a home as the raffle drawing will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Fun door prizes will be announced every hour throughout the show with the grand prize of a sewing machine donated from Village Sewing.

This year’s featured artist is Charter member of the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild and longtime member of Konocti Quilters guild in Lakeport, Kerrie Hershey.

Hershey’s love of quilting started when her mother-in-law gave her an Ohio Rose quilt made by her husband’s grandmother.

“The hand quilting was wonderful,” Hershey said.

In 1979 she took a class at the Ukiah Adult Ed and one at Connie's Customs in Redwood Valley and has been quilting by hand and machine ever since.

Hershey started teaching quilting in her home in 1991. Her dream of someday owning a fabric shop came true in 2001 when she opened Kerrie's Quilting in High Street Village.

Hershey has received many awards in the quilting world. She has encouraged hundreds of young and not so young people in Lake County through her shop and youth organizations such as 4-H and CLHS Senior Projects in their new sewing endeavors.

Discount pre-sale tickets are available at Darn Cute Quilts and Fabrics, 1859 N. High St., Lakeport, and at Village Sewing, 1252 Airport Park Blvd. in Ukiah now through Oct. 3. Pre-sale tickets are $8, $10 at the door. Children under 12 are free with an adult.

More information can be found on the website http://www.LLQG.org/quilt-show.html.

Suzanne Lee is a member of the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild and publicity chair for the Falling Leaves Quilt Show.

**Come visit the Country Store with homemade items and fabric galore. Photo by Suzanne Lee.**

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Wednesday, 02 October 2024 02:50; 02 October 2024

Senate to convene extraordinary session on fuel supply, costs

Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) announced Tuesday that the California Senate will convene an extraordinary session, the second in two years, next week to consider legislation regarding California’s fuel supply, in an effort to help prevent price spiking that impacts consumers.

“The Senate intends to work quickly and efficiently so that we can get Californians the relief they deserve at the pump,” Pro Tem McGuire said. “We appreciate the Assembly's work on this issue, and we’ll be kicking off our legislative process on Oct. 7. I’m grateful to each of the senators who have been committed to this critical issue, now, and over the past many months. We’ll be ready to roll next week.”

The second extraordinary session will be called to order at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, and will be followed upon adjournment by a hearing of the new Senate Special Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and the Senate floor session will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.

Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) will serve as chair of the Special Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes, and Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) will be vice-chair.

Members will include senators Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento), Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles).

“I’m looking forward to serving as chair of the Special Committee on Fuel Supply and Price Spikes, and am grateful for the Pro Tem entrusting me with this critical responsibility,” Sen. Bradford said. “As we begin our work, protecting consumers remains our top priority. We look forward to hearing the legislation from our partners in the Assembly, and forging thoughtful, practical solutions to avoid price spikes and saving Californians money at the pump.”

“Gasoline reserves are the smart way to save Californians money at the pump. I’m pleased the Senate will be moving with urgency and completing the work we started earlier in the year,” said Sen. Nancy Skinner, who authored similar legislation at the end of the 2023-24 Regular Session and will be temporarily chairing the Senate’s Appropriations Committee next week. “I’m grateful to Pro Tem McGuire, our colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the Assembly and administration for the focused work and collaboration on this effort.”

The Senate floor session will be held in Room 1200 of the 1021 O Street building (Swing Space) due to electrical work being conducted in the Senate chamber. All public hearings and floor sessions will be streamed on the Senate’s website.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Tuesday, 01 October 2024 04:18; 01 October 2024

Lake County under heat advisory through Wednesday

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — While fall has arrived, high temperatures are still in the forecast, prompting a heat advisory through mid-week.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory, which is in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The forecast calls for temperatures that could range from as high as 97 to 110 degrees.

Along the Northshore, daytime temperatures are expected to peak in the mid-90s on Tuesday and Wednesday, before dropping into the low 90s on Thursday and then rolling back into the 80s from Friday through the weekend. Nighttime temperatures will peak in the high 60s on Tuesday and will drop into the low 60s by the weekend.

In the south county, daytime temperatures are expected to be much higher, around 103 on Tuesday and 104 on Wednesday. The rest of the week and weekend temperatures will be in the high 90s. Nighttime conditions will be in the high 90s.

Conditions have led to a forecast of major HeatRisk for Lake County on Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

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.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 30 September 2024 04:57; 30 September 2024

Board of Supervisors to consider awarding Lucerne Harbor dredging contract

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors this week will consider moving forward a long-awaited public works project in Lucerne.

The‌ ‌board will meet beginning ‌at‌ ‌9‌ ‌a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 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 ‌at‌ ‌https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx‌‌ 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.

In an untimed item, the supervisors will consider awarding a $211,700 contract to Marz Engineering for the Lucerne Harbor Dredging Project.

Public Services Director Lars Ewing’s report to the board said the county received and opened two bids for the project on Aug. 28.

Marz Engineering of Ukiah was the low bidder. The second bidder was Steelhead Constructors JV of Redding, which submitted a bid for $1,097,777.

“In consideration of only two bids being received, as well as the significant discrepancy between Marz Engineering's bid and that of the next lowest bidder, staff communicated with Marz Engineering to ensure that their bid factored in the payment of prevailing wage and compliance with other labor laws as mandated by California Labor Code section 2810,” Ewing wrote. “Furthermore, Marz Engineering included with their bid submittal the mandatory Prevailing Wage and Related Labor Requirements Certification document, further establishing Marz Engineering's acknowledgment to pay prevailing wage and conform to other labor laws.

Ewing said the project is fully funded through Budget Unit 1781, Special Projects.

In other business, at 9:20 a.m., Community Development Department staff will present to the board the Lake County 2050 update. Lake County 2050 is the county’s general plan update.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Adopt proclamation designating the month of October 2024 as Pregnancy and Early Infant Loss Awareness Month in Lake County.

5.2: Adopt proclamation designating the week of Oct. 7 to 12, 2024, as National 4-H Week in Lake County.

5.3: Adopt proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in Lake County.

5.4: Approve agreement between county of Lake and BHC Sierra Vista Hospital Inc. for acute inpatient psychiatric hospital services and professional services associated with acute inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations in the amount of $50,000 for fiscal year 2024-25, and authorize the board chair to sign.

5.5: a) Approve contract with California Department of Social Services, Standard Agreement #23-5021 A1, for agency adoption services and Resource Family Approval family evaluations, in the amount of $1,218,968 for the term of July 1, 2023, to Dec. 31, 9999, and authorize the chair to sign; and b) adopt resolution approving the Standard Agreement #23-5021 A1 between the County of Lake and California Department of Social Services for the Resource Family Approval Program, Adoptions Program merge, and authorize the chair of the board to sign the standard agreement.

TIMED ITEMS

6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the Week.

6.3, 9:05 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of October 2024 as Pregnancy and Early Infant Loss Awareness Month in Lake County.

6.4, 9:08 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the week of Oct. 7 to 12, 2024, as National 4-H Week in Lake County.

6.5, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month in Lake County.

6.6, 9:20 a.m.: Lake County 2050 update.

6.7, 10:15 a.m.: Public hearing: Consideration of Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve a rezone (RZ 23-02) from “O-SC” Open Space – Scenic Combining to “R1-SC,” Single Family Residential – Scenic Combining; general plan amendment (GPAP 23-02) from Public Facilities PF to Low Density Residential LDR; applicant Melissa Lim; 9460 E. Highway 20, Glenhaven (APN 035-041-19).

6.8, 11:30 a.m.: Consideration of second reading of ordinance amending Section 1.1.A of Ordinance No. 2945, increasing the charges and fees for County Service Area No. 2 – Spring Valley Lakes.

6.9, 1 p.m.: Discussion and presentation regarding Proposition 36 on the state election ballot.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Consideration of the following advisory board appointment: Kelseyville Cemetery District.

7.3: Consideration of alternate public health officer appointment and professional services contract for a term of three months for an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the term of the agreement, and authorize the health services director to sign.

7.4: Consideration of the award of Bid No. 24-13 for the Lucerne Harbor Dredging Project in the amount of $211,700 to Marz Engineering.

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 News reports; Posted On Wednesday, 02 October 2024 02:46; 02 October 2024

Clearlake City Council candidates meet to answer questions, discuss issues

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The eight candidates in the fall race for the Clearlake City Council took part in a Monday night forum at City Hall.

Running for the three available seats on Clearlake’s council this fall are incumbents David Claffey, Joyce Overton and Russell Perdock, and challengers Tara Downey, Brett Freeman, Jessica Hooten, James Rivera and Mary Wilson.

The candidates in the largest field of city council hopefuls in decades answered questions submitted by community members over the course of just over two hours.

Elizabeth Larson, editor and publisher of Lake County News, organized and moderated the forum.

Two versions of the video are available on this page, one by Lake County News staff and one by PEG TV 8.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Tuesday, 01 October 2024 04:14; 01 October 2024

Governor signs Sen. Dodd’s government ethics bill; measure implements new rules at local level

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Monday from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will update conflict of interest laws to ensure local governments and other parties can more effectively implement and follow the law to prevent corruption or the appearance of corruption.

“With this law we can build on the state’s local government ethics safeguards by focusing on situations prone to abuse or breach of the public’s trust” Sen. Dodd said. “It is critical everyone is clear on how to follow the law, which is why my bill makes clear what is and isn’t allowed. We need to ban conduct that risks creating a reasonable appearance of impropriety while safeguarding fair and reasonable participation in the political process. I thank the governor and colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.”

Under current law, known as the Levine Act, an elected official such as a city council member must disclose contributions of more than $250 from anyone who has pending business like a contract, permit or housing development before the body, and must recuse themselves from participation in the decision.

Sen. Dodd’s bill, Senate Bill 1243, goes further by banning agents to a party or a participant from making a contribution in any amount to an officer during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date of the final decision.

While state-level lobbyists have been prohibited from donating to legislators, there has not been a similar requirement at the local level.

Sen. Dodd’s bill would effectively ban local lobbyists from contributing while they are working on projects and for the year afterwards, providing a nation-leading model.

The bill also makes numerous updates and clarifications to existing law to improve workability and efficacy. These include updating the reporting and recusal threshold to $500, better defining who counts as a participant or agent, and providing a mechanism for local elected officials to return contributions that would trigger recusal.

The bill is supported by civil prosecutors in San Francisco, San Diego, Oakland and Santa Clara County, local governments, the California Clean Money Campaign and the League of Women Voters.

It was approved by a unanimous vote of the Assembly and Senate before it was signed into law.

“To ensure public trust in local government, our ethics laws must address potential conflicts of interests in a way that is transparent and workable,” said San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. “These common sense reforms to the Levine Act will strengthen our ability to ensure compliance with the law and uphold the highest ethical standards. I applaud Senator Dodd, California Clean Money Campaign, and Common Cause for their leadership, and my counterparts in Oakland, San Diego, and Santa Clara for their collaboration, which allowed SB 1243 to become law.”

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Monday, 30 September 2024 04:51; 30 September 2024

Governor signs California Legislative Black Caucus priority bills, including apology for state's role in slavery

Gov. Gavin Newsom signs California Legislative Black Caucus priority bills and bipartisan apology for the state’s role in slavery on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a series of bills to address the legacy of racial discrimination in the state and advance a host of issues important to Black Californians.

Newsom, who was joined for the signing last week by members of the California Legislative Black Caucus, also signed an accompanying formal apology for California’s historical role in the perpetuation of slavery and its enduring legacy.

“The state of California accepts responsibility for the role we played in promoting, facilitating, and permitting the institution of slavery, as well as its enduring legacy of persistent racial disparities,” said Newsom. “Building on decades of work, California is now taking another important step forward in recognizing the grave injustices of the past – and making amends for the harms caused.”

Newsom’s office said the signing event marked a significant milestone in California’s ongoing efforts to promote healing and advance justice.

The legislation includes critical measures that tackle a wide range of issues affecting Black Californians, from criminal justice reforms to civil rights and education.

"As chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I am deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this critical set of Reparations Bills, which have been key priorities for our Caucus. These bills lay a meaningful foundation to address the historic injustices faced by Black Californians, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow Caucus members and the advocacy leaders who have championed this effort. This is a multi-year effort, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Governor on this important work in the years to come as we push toward lasting justice and equity," said Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City).

“This is a monumental achievement born from a two-year academic study of the losses suffered by Black Americans in California due to systemic bigotry and racism. Healing can only begin with an apology. The State of California acknowledges its past actions and is taking this bold step to correct them, recognizing its role in hindering the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for Black individuals through racially motivated punitive laws,” said Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-Los Angeles), who served on the California Reparations Task Force.

Overview of key bills

Addressing food & medical deserts: SB 1089 by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) requires grocery stores and pharmacies to provide advance notice to the community and workers before closures, helping to address food deserts that disproportionately affect communities of color.

Strengthening protections against discrimination: AB 1815 by Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) clarifies that "race" includes traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, providing stronger protections against discrimination.

Combating maternal health disparities: AB 2319 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) requires hospitals to report compliance information and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce against hospitals that are out of compliance with existing law requiring perinatal health care workers to complete anti-bias trainings.

Increasing access to literature in prisons: AB 1986 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) mandates the Office of the Inspector General to post and review the list of banned books in state prisons, promoting access to literature for incarcerated individuals.

Formally apologizing for slavery: AB 3089 by Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. (D-Los Angeles) affirms California's recognition of the harms caused by chattel slavery and issues a formal apology, which will be memorialized with a plaque in the State Capitol.

Addressing employment discrimination, preschool access, & college and career financial aid: Additional CLBC measures the Governor signed into law will address employment discrimination, provide more opportunities for child care providers to become CA State Preschool contractors, increase college and career financial support for foster youth, and increase foster youth financial support. Additionally, with SB 1348 (Bradford), the state is establishing the designation of “California Black-Serving Institutions,” to recognize higher education campuses that excel in providing resources and support to Black students.

Once signed by representatives from all branches of government, California will join other states, including Florida, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Alabama, New Jersey, and Iowa, in issuing formal apologies for their role in slavery, acknowledging historical injustices and the ongoing impacts of racial discrimination.

The apology is published below.

9.26.24 California Apology by LakeCoNews on Scribd