LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has announced a partnership with fire protection associations, safety organizations and environmental sustainability groups to advance wildfire resilience in Lake County.
The partnership, called the Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaboration, provides financial support for local fuel reduction projects, a dynamic Community Wildfire Protection Plan specific to Lake County and an environmentally friendly biomass usage program.
“We are very proud of the Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative, which leverages the strengths of many organizations — each with unique skills and areas of focus — that together are dedicated to building capacity and improving wildfire resilience in Lake County. Through partnership and innovation, the work executed by this Collaborative will reduce the threat of wildfire and keep our hometowns safer,” said Dave Canny, vice president for PG&E’s North Coast Region.
PG&E launched the collaborative in the fall of 2023 with a $500,000 grant to the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center, or CLERC, allowing them to expand its existing fuel reduction partnership with the Northshore Fire Protection District.
The grant has allowed Northshore Fire to increase the size of its crew and stabilize wages so that they can better respond to the vegetation management needs in the area.
Since September, Northshore Fire has completed several local wildfire safety projects, many of which are focused on creating defensible space between dwellings and vegetation.
A particular area of focus for Northshore Fire is vegetation management work around some of Lake County’s elderly and assisted living facilities that may not have the resources to execute the wildfire safety work themselves.
In addition to the wildfire safety work, PG&E grant will also help fund a dynamic Community Wildfire Protection Plan, or CWPP, that outlines community-specific wildfire resilience analytics for all of Lake County.
This component of the partnership utilizes computer modeling to predict wildfire pathways to inform community discussions on the most effective and strategic locations for fuel reduction projects.
This science-based approach to identifying project areas could eventually serve as the county-wide CWPP project list for Lake County.
The final component of the partnership focuses on biomass utilization. This wood management partnership uses a carbonator to collectively reduce the cost of managing wood waste, and create biochar, a climate-positive wood product, to be deployed in Lake County at strategic locations.
The Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative Partnership members include PG&E, the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center, Northshore Fire Protection District, Lake County Fire Chiefs Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, US Forest Service and CalFire.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Health Services has issued a boil water advisory for residents drawing water directly from the southern half of Clear Lake using private intakes.
This precautionary measure comes in response to a sewage overflow incident on Burns Valley Road in Clearlake.
Residents and businesses relying on private intakes in the specified area are strongly urged to boil their drinking water until further notice.
The advisory is enacted to ensure public safety in light of the sewage overflow incident.
Advisory details
• Boil water for a minimum of one minute after bubbles quickly rise from the bottom of the pot to the top.
• Allow the boiled water to cool before storing it in clean, sanitized containers.
• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food and baby formula, making ice and giving to pets.
This advisory remains in effect until Lake County Health Services, in collaboration with assisting agencies, determines that there is no longer a public health concern.
Ongoing assessments will be conducted, and residents will be promptly notified when the advisory is lifted.
Water recreation warning
Pending test results may indicate the presence of raw sewage in the water around the City of Clearlake.
Residents are strongly advised against recreational activities in the affected areas until further notice.
Lake County Health Services, in coordination with local agencies, is actively working to contain and address the incident using containment experts and large sewer pump trucks.
Community health information
No illnesses related to the community’s drinking water have been reported at this time. Residents with health concerns are urged to contact their healthcare provider or reach out to the County of Lake Health Services Public Health Division at 707-263-1090 or the Environmental Health Division at 707-263-1164.
Microbial risks
Fecal coliforms and E. coli, bacteria indicating potential contamination with human or animal wastes, may pose health risks.
Short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms could result. Infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Residents at increased risk are advised to consult their healthcare provider regarding drinking water safety. General guidelines on minimizing the risk of microbial infection are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Road closure information
The sewage main has ruptured, causing a release and lifting part of Rumsey Road at the Bowers Avenue intersection.
Rumsey Road is closed at the Bowers Avenue intersection, and the timeline for reopening is unknown. An investigation is currently underway to assess and address the situation.
Residents drawing water directly from Clear Lake through private intakes, especially those who may not have received this notice directly, are encouraged to share this information with others.
For more information, please contact the County of Lake Health Services Department at 707-263-1090 or 707-263-1164.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors will meet this week to hold its annual governance workshop.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting ID is 882 6588 4847, pass code 431334. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,88265884847#,,,,*431334#.
During Tuesday’s workshop, the board will receive a Vision 2028 overview and fiscal presentation from County Administrative Office staff, as well as hearing presentations from department heads.
As part of the discussion, the board will consider the county’s updated legislative priorities.
Those priorities are water reliability, wildfire resilience, tree mortality and hazardous vegetation removal, fire insurance, Lake Pillsbury, housing supply, addressing homelessness, economic development and working with partner agencies to support efforts to reduce opioid fatalities.
The board also will discuss setting its own priorities during the workshop.
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.
In a significant milestone for public safety, the California Highway Patrol documented a substantial reduction in the number of freeway shootings across the state.
The number of confirmed freeway shootings in California dropped from 349 to 274 last year — a reduction of more than 21% from the previous year and a 38% reduction from 2021.
In addition to the reduction in the number of freeway shootings, CHP data confirms the number of victims killed and injured in highway violence incidents also decreased.
Last year there were four people killed in freeways shootings, which is a 60% reduction from 2022.
Additionally, there was an 8% reduction in the number of people injured — from 74 to 68 last year.
Reflecting the good work that contributed to these reductions, the number of arrests by the CHP in freeways shootings increased nearly 9% from 2022.
“While this downward trend marks progress, let's be clear: one life lost by gun violence is one too many. California will remain relentless in our pursuit to improve public safety, reduce gun violence, and invest in smart crime-fighting strategies that deliver real results,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.
“Freeway shootings are serious crimes, and the CHP actively investigates every incident of highway violence,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our highways throughout California and fostering an environment where motorists can travel without fear.”
If you are driving on the freeway and a shooting takes place near you, you should remain calm, be a good witness and note any details such as vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers.
Maintain a safe distance from the suspect, and call 9-1-1 if possible, to report the incident and your current location.
Gov. Newsom established CHP’s Highway Violence Task Force to address the rise of violent crimes occurring on state highways, which surged nationally during the pandemic. At their peak in California in 2021, 447 shootings resulted in 16 deaths and 88 injuries. The new data show a 38% reduction in shootings and a 75% reduction in deaths compared to those pandemic highs.
Natasha Pilkauskas, University of Michigan and Katherine Michelmore, University of Michigan
Influential lawmakers have struck a deal that could increase the extent to which low-income U.S. families can benefit from the child tax credit for three years. The Conversation asked Natasha Pilkauskas and Katherine Michelmore, public policy researchers at the University of Michigan, to explain what may change and why.
Why does Congress want to expand the child tax credit?
The child tax credit, first enacted in 1997, was originally designed to help middle-class families with the costs of raising kids by giving them and upper-class families a tax credit of US$400 per child.
After several changes, this credit grew to as much as $2,000. Then the government temporarily expanded the credit in two main ways for the 2021 tax year.
Families could get up to $3,600 for each child, and nearly all low-income families could obtain it. In addition, half of this money was disbursed in monthly payments in the second half of 2021.
In 2022, the credit reverted to its previous terms, in accordance with the tax reform package that President Donald Trump signed into law in late 2017.
The maximum credit is currently worth $2,000. Families must earn at least $2,500 to claim any credit, but their earnings must be higher to get the full credit. For example, a family with two children must earn at least about $40,000 to receive the full $4,000 in child tax credits. Families with three or more children have to earn even more to get the full benefits.
What could change this time?
A bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers agreed on Jan. 16, 2024, to expand the credit again. If Congress passes the $33 billion measure and President Joe Biden signs it into law, the credit would still be smaller than the 2021 version, and it would not be available to all low-income families.
The new proposal would adjust the earnings requirements. These changes would make it easier for many lower-income families – those earning roughly between $10,000 and $50,000 – to get the full credit. These families would get an average credit that is about $1,130 higher than in 2022.
Families with higher incomes will also see larger benefits in future years if this expansion is passed, because the credit would be indexed to inflation to help families keep pace with rising expenses.
Unlike the 2021 expansion, which gave families monthly checks for six months, this credit would come only at tax time as a lump sum.
For parents who worked in 2023 and have kids younger than 17 who live with them, it may be worth filing taxes in 2024.
What’s the rationale for this expansion?
Raising children can be very expensive.
Consider a mother who is working year-round in a full-time, minimum-wage job who has two kids. Assuming she earns the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, she would earn just over $15,000 each year. Once she pays her rent, food and utility bills, she likely has very little money left for other important expenses like child care or school fees.
For this woman, getting a bigger check at tax time could really help her make ends meet. This new plan would nearly double her child tax credit from about $1,875 to $3,600.
There’s also widespread support to expand the child tax credit because the 2021 child tax credit lifted 3 million children out of poverty.
In the past, bipartisan coalitions have voted to expand the child tax credit. Republicans and Democrats alike have proposed making it more generous over the years.
The current expansion also has bipartisan support, even though progressive lawmakers would have preferred a return to the 2021 version of the credit, which was larger, available to more low-income families and disbursed in monthly installments.
Some conservatives worry that bigger credits make people less likely to work. There’s not much evidence to support that claim.
Should Congress pass the tax package and Biden sign it by Jan. 29, American families would be able to claim this expanded credit in 2024 on their 2023 taxes.
Even so, this expansion would be short-lived. The current child tax credit is slated to become smaller after the 2025 tax year unless Congress takes further action. It’s one of the many 2017 tax reforms that will expire in 2026.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Woodland Community College, part of the Yuba Community College District, celebrated the completion of its state-of-the-art Performing Arts and Culinary Center, funded by voter-supported Measure J.
The college held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Woodland campus to commemorate the milestone on Friday.
“The Performing Arts and Culinary Center is a testament to Woodland Community College's commitment to providing a holistic education experience for its students,” said Dr. Shouan Pan, Yuba Community College District chancellor. “The new facility is equipped with cutting-edge resources and spaces dedicated to both performing arts and culinary arts, creating an environment that fosters creativity, skill development and collaboration.”
WCC President Dr. Lizette Navarette agreed.
“Education in the arts encourages us to think critically and creatively about the world around us. The Performing Arts and Culinary Center represents a significant investment in the future of education and the arts in our community,” she said. “Woodland Community College looks forward to showcasing student talent through performances and culinary offerings that further connect it to the community.”
Key features of the Performing Arts and Culinary Center include:
State-of-the-art performance spaces: The center boasts adaptable theater and performance spaces equipped with modern audiovisual technology, providing a platform for students to showcase their talents in music, drama and dance. Additionally, the building has a high-density costume storage and fabrication shop, changing rooms, a greenroom and a scene shop.
• Culinary Arts Kitchen: A fully equipped culinary arts kitchen allows students to hone their culinary skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. This space is designed to provide hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting.
• Collaborative learning spaces: The center includes dedicated spaces for collaborative learning and practice, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration between performing arts and culinary arts students. The large lecture room contains engaging features, tiered level seating, and student workstations which can be moved around to create workgroups or provide other flexible learning layouts.
• Sustainability: The courtyard has sustainable landscaping and furnishings to provide students and visitors with opportunities to gather or share a meal. All lighting is LED highly efficient lighting and many areas have daylight harvesting features to maximize energy efficiency.
• Community engagement: The Performing Arts and Culinary Center is not only a resource for students but also a hub for community engagement. The 2D art room is spacious with a large gallery walk to showcase Woodland Community College student talent.
College officials, community leaders, faculty, and students are welcome to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour the new facility following the ribbon cutting.
Measure J, approved by voters in 2006, initiated prompt development at Yuba and Woodland Colleges. The majority of major projects funded by Measure J, including the construction of two satellite campuses, new classrooms, and science and computer labs, were successfully completed by 2014.
Ongoing efforts are directed toward finalizing a new facility at Woodland Community College and implementing various modernization projects on both campuses.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Service Annual Survey, or SAS, provides a detailed look at estimated revenue of employer firms for select indoor and outdoor recreation industries affected by COVID-19 and a glimpse into their recovery.
Many fitness, recreation and other social activities moved outdoors when the pandemic began in 2020.
An estimated 7.1 million more Americans enjoyed an outdoor activity in 2020 — the first year of the pandemic — than in 2019, according to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report.
Estimated revenues of select industries related to indoor recreation rebounded from 2020 to 2021 but have yet to return to their 2019 levels.
In 2021, 164.2 million Americans participated in an outdoor activity, a 6.9% increase since 2019. While outdoor recreation participation increased, revenue of select industries related to outdoor recreation also grew from 2019 to 2021, according to SAS data.
Estimated revenues of select industries related to indoor recreation rebounded from 2020 to 2021 but have yet to return to their 2019 levels.
Impact of pandemic on recreation
Even some industries that were predominantly enjoyed outdoors experienced decreases in revenue for employer firms in 2020.
Golf Courses and Country Clubs in 2020 saw a 2.8% decrease in estimated revenue for employer firms, from $24.1 billion in 2019 to $23.5 billion in 2020.
Not surprisingly, some industries with employer firms that required indoor participation experienced significant revenue drops in 2020.
For example, Bowling Centers’ revenue dropped 46.2% (from $4.1 billion in 2019 to $2.2 billion in 2020), and Cafeterias, Grill Buffets, and Buffets’ revenue declined 49.3% (from $7.3 billion in 2019 to $3.7 billion in 2020).
Although Amusement and Theme Parks are outdoor venues, their estimated revenue dropped 63.0%, from $20.1 billion in 2019 to $7.4 billion in 2020 due to pandemic-related closures.
Road to recovery: Revenue changes in 2021
While select recreation industries experienced double-digit percent decreases in revenues in 2020, they experienced double-digit percent increases in 2021.
Most notably, Amusement and Theme Parks’ revenue spiked 139.2%, from $7.4 billion in 2020 to $17.8 billion in 2021.
Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) and Bowling Centers also experienced an increase in revenue of 64.0% and 52.7%, respectively.
Still, 2021 revenue for some industries did not fully rebound to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
Revenue earned by Amusement and Theme Parks in 2021 ($17.8 billion) was down 11.6% from $20.1 billion in 2019. Cafeterias, Grill Buffets and Buffets revenue in 2021 was $5.2 billion, up from $3.7 billion in 2020 but down 28.0% from $7.3 billion in 2019.
Some outdoor-based industries, however, exceeded 2019 revenue numbers. Mobile Food Services’ 2021 revenue ($2.8 billion) was 67.2% higher than in 2019 ($1.7 billion). Similarly, revenue earned by Golf Courses and Country Clubs in 2021 ($28.3 billion) was 17.4% higher than in 2019 ($24.1 billion).
The increase in outdoor activity is also reflected in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, inflation-adjusted GDP for the outdoor recreation economy increased 18.9% in 2021, compared to a 5.9% for the overall U.S. economy.
The latest SAS in 2021 includes estimates and accompanying measures of sampling variability and sheds light on additional industries like those outlined in this article.
Maria Villarreal is a survey statistician in the Census Bureau’s Accommodations, Entertainment and Consumer Services Branch of the Economy-Wide Statistics Division.
Law enforcement, business representatives and legislators assembled today to urge support for AB 1772, a measure that would require jail time for repeat theft offenders.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced the proposal on Jan. 3 when the legislature reconvened for the new year. Quickly signing on as joint authors were Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) and Devon Mathis (R-Tulare).
AB 1772 calls for jail time of one to three years for theft crimes depending upon the circumstances; offenses would include grand theft, theft from an elder or dependent adult, theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle, burglary, carjacking, robbery, receiving stolen property, shoplifting or mail theft.
“It’s time for us to reverse the spikes in theft crimes since the pandemic,” Ramos said. “Our law enforcement members and district attorneys need additional tools such as AB 1772. We must reverse the trend before the problem grows worse. Last year I requested a state audit of the impact of Prop 47 on Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The findings are expected later this spring.”
He cited a Public Policy Institute of California September 2023 report. “The study reported that the 2022 rates for commercial burglary rates had increased by almost 16 percent compared to 2019. The PPIC also reported that shoplifting in 2022 had increased by nearly 29% from the pandemic years.”
Valencia said, “I am proud to join Assemblymember Ramos as a joint author on AB 1772. Our communities are experiencing an increase in retail crime and deserve appropriate action from their legislators. According to the PPIC, Orange County has experienced a 54% increase in commercial burglaries. This outrageous statistic demonstrates our current laws are out of touch and are not serving as a deterrence.”
He added, “Stricter penalties are needed to support our business community who is the backbone of our economy. It is time to revamp our laws and hold thieves accountable for their actions. Without proper adjustments, California businesses will lose out on profits and customers will end up paying higher costs. Law and order must be restored in our communities, and AB 1772 is a necessary step forward.”
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus, a bill sponsor said, “Thank you to Assemblymember Ramos for leading the charge on AB 1772, critical legislation addressing the surge in retail theft across California, particularly in the wake of the impact of Prop 47. This bill, designed to impose stricter penalties on serial retail theft suspects, responds urgently to the escalating consequences of shoplifting and related crimes on our communities.”
In 2014, voters approved Prop 47 and categorized some nonviolent offenses as misdemeanors rather than felonies. One provision increased the threshold amount for theft misdemeanors from $450 to $950 and did not allow prior such convictions to count toward the new $950 threshold. If Ramos’s measure becomes law, it would become effective only upon voters’ consent at the next statewide election. AB 1772 does not state a new threshold for triggering the increased penalties for retail theft, only the existence of prior convictions on the suspect’s criminal record.
“California’s massive retail theft has hit retailers and consumers hard, and has been corrosive to the safety of our communities,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside), Chairman of the State Senate Business and Professions Committee. “I am proud to co-author Assemblymember Ramos’ AB 1772 to combat rampant retail theft – by focusing on repeat offenders, this bill increases the consequences for those that have refused to course correct, giving law enforcement an important tool to hold serial thieves accountable for their actions, thereby stemming future thefts.”
Joining the event were business community members Orange County Business Council Chief Executive Officer Jeff Ball and Redlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Evan Stanford.
Also present but not speaking were law enforcement leaders President Steve Johnson of Los Angeles Professional Peace Officers Association, President of Riverside Sheriffs Association Bill Young, California Reserve Peace Officers Association President Dominic Gamboa and Santa Ana Police Officers Association President John Kachirisky.
AB 1772 supporters who spoke at the gathering included Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper and San Bernardino Darren Goodman. Listed as supporters are the California State Sheriff’s Association, City of Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez and Redlands Chamber of Commerce. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan is a co-sponsor.
AB 1772 has garnered bipartisan support in both houses of the Legislature. Co-authors include Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), Josh Hoover (R-Folsom), Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), Jim Patterson (R-Fresno), Joe Patterson (R-Rocklin), Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), Tri Ta (R-Westminster), Senators Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Roth and Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta).
The bill had its first hearing in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.
A new report shows that median three-bedroom rents in the U.S. are more affordable than owning a similarly-sized home in nearly 90% of local markets around the nation.
The 2024 Rental Affordability Report was released by ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property and real estate data.
The report shows that both renting and owning a three-bedroom home continue to pose significant financial burdens for average workers, consuming more than one-third of their wages in the vast majority of county-level housing markets.
But median rental rates still require a smaller portion of average wages than major home-ownership expenses on three-bedroom properties in 296, or 88%, of the 338 U.S. counties with enough data to analyze.
That gap extends trends from 2023 even as rents have commonly risen faster than home prices over the past year around the U.S.
The analysis for this report incorporated 2024 rental prices and 2023 home prices, collected from ATTOM’s nationwide property database, as well as publicly recorded sales deed data licensed by ATTOM. Those two data sources were combined with average wage figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Finding an affordable home remains a daunting prospect around the country for average workers, regardless of whether they want to buy or rent. Continuously increasing home prices contribute to the escalation of rental costs, making both buying and renting properties a challenging endeavor across most of the United States.,” said Rob Barber, CEO at ATTOM. “But the latest data shows that even as rents are growing faster, they remain more affordable than owning.”
The current situation favoring renting over buying reflects a combination of housing market trends that offer limited straightforward options for home seekers but ultimately lean towards the advantage of rentals.
Over the past year, both rental rates and home prices have continued to rise in most of the country. Rental rates have climbed even faster in a majority of counties with enough data to analyze.
That has happened as elevated home prices have become further and further out of reach for average workers, preventing those with marginal finances from obtaining mortgages and leaving them with few options other than renting. Home prices kept going up in 2023 despite rising mortgage rates, in part because of a tight supply of homes for sale.
Still, despite renting and ownership consuming more than a third of average wages in most local markets, rents haven’t escalated enough to keep them from being the more affordable option for average workers. That trend has held throughout the country but remains most pronounced in the most populous urban and suburban markets.
Changes in rents outpacing home price trends in nearly two-thirds of U.S
Median rents for three-bedroom homes have increased more over the past year, or declined less, than median prices for single-family homes in 210, or 62%, of the 338 counties analyzed in this report.
Counties were included in the report if they had a population of 100,000 or more, at least 100 sales from January through November of 2023 and sufficient data showing changes in three-bedroom rents from 2023 to 2024.
Changes in three-bedroom rents commonly have ranged from 3% decreases to 15% increases while changes in median sale prices for single-family homes last year typically ranged from 3% losses to 7% gains.
Most populous counties have widest affordability gaps between renting and owning
Renting a three-bedroom home, while still difficult for average workers, is most affordable in 2024 compared to owning a median-priced single-family home in the nation’s largest counties. In almost three-quarters of markets with populations of at least 1 million, the portion of average local wages consumed by renting is at least 10%age points lower than the portion required for typical major home ownership expenses.
Comparisons assume a home-purchase mortgage based on a 20% down payment. Major ownership expenses include mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance.
Among 45 counties with a population of at least 1 million included in the report, the biggest gaps are in Honolulu, Hawaii (median three-bedroom rents consume 67% of average local wages while typical single-home affordability consume 134%); Kings County (Brooklyn), NY (72% for renting versus 136% for owning); Alameda County (Oakland), CA (51% for renting versus 108% for owning); Santa Clara County (San Jose), CA (29% for renting versus 83% for owning) and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles) (88% for renting versus 136% for owning).
The only two counties with a population of more than 1 million where it is more affordable to buy than rent in 2024 are Riverside County, California (median rents consume 101% of average local wages while typical home ownership costs consume 91%) and Wayne County (Detroit), MI (22% for renting versus 19% for owning).
Renting three-bedroom homes stretches budgets but remains most affordable in South and Midwest
The report shows that the median three-bedroom rent requires more than one-third of the average local wage in 274 of the 338 counties analyzed for the report (81%).
Among the 64 markets where median three-bedroom rents require less than one-third of average local wages, 59 are in the Midwest and South.
The most affordable for renting are Jefferson County (Birmingham), AL (22% of average local wages needed to rent); Wayne County (Detroit), MI (22%); Ingham County (Lansing), MI (22%); Genesee County (Flint), MI (23%) and Caddo Parish (Shreveport), LA (23%).
Aside from Wayne County, the most affordable counties for renting among those with a population of at least 1 million are Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (24% of average local wages needed to rent); St. Louis County, MO (24%); Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), PA (26%) and Philadelphia County, PA (28%).
The least affordable counties for renting are spread mostly through the South and West, including Collier County (Fort Myers), FL (153% of average local wages needed to rent); Santa Barbara County, CA (131%); Monterey County, CA (outside San Francisco) (107%); Indian River County (Vero Beach), FL (102%) and Riverside County CA (101%).
Aside from Riverside County, the least affordable for renting among counties with a population of at least 1 million are Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles) (88% of average local wages needed to rent); Los Angeles County, CA (83%); Kings County (Brooklyn), NY (72%) and Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach), FL (70%).
Most-affordable home ownership markets still in South and Midwest; least affordable in West and Northeast
The report shows that major expenses on a median-priced single-family homes require more than one-third of average local wages (assuming a 20% down payment) in 296 of the 338 counties analyzed for the report (88%).
The most affordable markets for owning are Wayne County (Detroit), MI (19% of average local wages needed to own); Montgomery County, AL (21%); St. Louis City/County, MO (23%); Bibb County (Macon), GA (23%) and Caddo Parish (Shreveport), LA (23%).
Aside from Wayne County, the most affordable for owning among counties with a population of at least 1 million are Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), PA; (27% of average local wages needed to own) Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), OH (27%); St. Louis County, MO (30%) and Harris County (Houston), TX (35%).
The least affordable markets for owning among those analyzed are Marin County, CA (outside San Francisco) (164% of average local wages needed to own); Santa Cruz County, CA (160%); Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles) (136%); Kings County (Brooklyn), NY (136%) and Honolulu County, HI (134%).
Aside from Orange, Kings and Honolulu counties, the least affordable counties among those with a population of at least 1 million are Alameda County (Oakland), CA (108% of average local wages needed to own) and Queens County, NY (105%).
Rents growing faster than wages in majority of markets
Median three-bedroom rents are increasing more than average local wages in 197 of the 338 counties analyzed in the report (58%). They include Los Angeles County, CA; Harris County (Houston), TX; Maricopa County (Phoenix), AZ; San Diego County, CA, and Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles).
Average local wages are growing faster than average rents in 141 of the counties in the report (42%), including Cook County (Chicago), IL; Kings County (Brooklyn), NY; Miami-Dade County, FL; Queens County, NY, and San Bernardino County, CA.
Wages growing faster than home prices in nearly 60% of nation
Average weekly wages are rising faster than median home prices in 197 of the 338 counties in the report (58%), reversing a pattern seen in 2023. They include Los Angeles County, CA; Cook County (Chicago), IL; Harris County (Houston), TX; Maricopa County (Phoenix), AZ, and San Diego County, CA.
Median home prices are rising faster than average weekly wages in 141 of the counties analyzed in the report (42%), including Orange County, CA (outside Los Angeles); Kings County (Brooklyn), NY; Miami-Dade County, FL; Broward County (Fort Lauderdale), FL, and Middlesex County, MA (outside Boston).
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Following the weekend’s heavy rain, flooding was reported by residents of Upper Lake on Monday.
The area around First and Washington streets in Upper Lake was taped off on Monday due to water going over the road.
That location also experienced flooding in 2023.
Flooding also was reported in Scotts Valley on Monday.
In response to questions from Lake County News, Public Works Director Scott De Leon confirmed that the area along Washington Street in Upper Lake experienced flooding from the overnight rainfall, with the worst area being between First and Second streets on the west side of Clover Creek. He said the area on Washington Street south of First Street also had some minor flooding.
De Leon said debris in the original channel of Clover Creek between First and Second streets is contributing to the situation.
“There is a large wood jam consisting of several large trees, limbs and berries, and from what we can see, it appears the flows hit that debris jam and got pushed over the private levees,” he said.
Lake County News received reports that one of the levee's diversion gates has been broken for months and couldn’t be closed to stop the flow.
De Leon acknowledged that one of the gates is damaged, but he said, “the damage prevents the gate from completely opening – not closing – and that gate is closed. The diversion structure actually has 5 culverts, two with gates and the other three have steel plates covering them to reduce flows. Based on our inspection today, the Clover Creek channel downstream of the diversion structure carried the flows, and it was the debris jam that created the problem.”
He said his county road department staff worked with the Northshore Fire Department to place pumps to help drain the area, “which according to staff was effective.”
By the end of the day Monday there was approximately 6 inches of water on Washington near First Street, with the rest of the street clear, De Leon said.
“Water Resources staff will be evaluating the wood jam to see if any of the outside contractors currently in the county performing vegetation management can tackle it,” he said. “This is all private property, so county crews can’t perform the work, but we are trying to utilize whatever resources we have available to help the situation.”
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The National Weather Service issued a flood watch that lasted Sunday night into Monday morning, as steady rain continued to fall across the county.
The flood watch is in effect until 8 a.m., as forecasters were predicting as much as six tenths of an inch per hour into early Monday.
Due to the heavy rainfall in Lake County, the National Weather Service’s Eureka office said the threat of flooding was expected to continue.
Rainfall totals in inches for the 72-hour period ending at midnight Monday based on National Weather Service observation stations in Lake County are as follows:
— Hidden Valley Lake: 2.11. — Indian Valley Reservoir: 1.89. — Jerusalem Grade: 3.30. — Kelseyville: 1.92. — Lake Pillsbury: 3.0. — Lower Lake: 2.77. — Lyons Valley: 2.74. — Upper Lake: 2.46. — Whispering Pines: 4.68.
The forecast calls for rain to continue on Monday.
The agency’s long term forecast for the North Coast said a brief lull in the rainy weather is expected as high pressure builds across the area.
“The next bowling ball in the line is forecast to come barreling down the pike bringing more wet and unsettled weather to the forecast area by Wednesday,” the forecast said.
Showers are forecast to continue through Saturday, with daytime temperatures rising from the mid 50s to low 60s, while the nighttime conditions are forecast to be in the mid to high 40s.
The United States Geological Survey’s gauge on Clear Lake at Lakeport shows the lake’s level is on a steady rise, hitting 4.44 feet Rumsey, the special measure for Clear Lake, just before 11 p.m. Sunday. That’s up by half a foot since Friday.
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.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Rotary Club of Lakeport will hold its drive-thru crab feed and online auction on Feb. 17 at the Silveira Center in Lakeport.
This event has been carefully crafted to allow guests to pick up crab from the comfort of their vehicles and dine in the comfort of their own home.
The drive-thru crab feed will feature two pounds of the finest cracked crab, one pound of shrimp, salad and bread. Each meal will be thoughtfully packaged for convenient pickup. Quarts of delicious clam chowder can be purchased as an “add-on” item.
In addition to these scrumptious delights, the Rotary Club of Lakeport is excited to host an online auction, offering a diverse array of items and experiences for bidding. Participants can browse, bid, and win from the comfort of their homes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
“This drive-thru crab feed and online auction is a testament to our commitment to community engagement and service,” said Pam Harpster, president-elect.
Proceeds from the event will support Rotary Club of Lakeport's community projects, scholarships and charitable initiatives, furthering their impact on the local community.
Tickets for dinners must be purchased no later than Feb. 9.
The online auction will run from Feb. 9 to 19.
For more information, ticket purchases and online auction, please visit www.lakeportrotary.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 707-533-1199.