LOWER LAKE, Calif. – As the LNU Lightning Complex fire blazed to the south and the August Complex fire to the north earlier this year, the Konocti Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an $8.5 million infrastructure renewal program that addresses power shutoffs, blackouts, indoor air quality and rising utility costs.
“We teach our students the power of adapting to our ever-changing world,” said Konocti Unified Superintendent Becky Salato, Ph.D. “So when the time came for us to live it, we didn’t back down.”
Over the next year, 10 sites, including eight schools, will be under construction. The program will relieve the district’s general fund, which had already been subject to escalating budget cuts and rising utility costs when the pandemic struck.
“Protecting everyone and improving indoor air quality as school resumes is a guiding force for us,” Salato continued. “They’re the central topics of our conversations when we talk about how we’re moving our schools forward. Health and safety is as much a non-negotiable as high-quality education.”
Many of Konocti’s classrooms and multipurpose rooms will be equipped with high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, units, featuring MERV 13 filters. These filters capture tiny bacteria, virus, dust and smoke particles while the entire HVAC system delivers fresh outdoor air to classrooms.
The district will also use more than two dozen portable HEPA air filters for classrooms most impacted by the smoke.
Smart building controls as well as LED lighting on campuses for enhanced security, in classrooms and at Lower Lake High School’s football field are also on the docket.
Backup power generators will further separate dependence on its utility provider, Pacific Gas and Electric, and help Konocti Unified schools operate under potential power shutoff conditions, such as extreme dryness and high winds and temperatures.
Combined with renewable energy from new solar panels and a protective netting for the district’s existing solar arrays, the program pays for itself over time. About $19 million will be shaved off Konocti Unified’s budget over the next 30 years.
“This year has shown us that there’s no better time to be proactive than the present,” said Sue Burton, president of the Konocti Unified Board of Trustees. “Environmental changes, more budget cuts and even more terrible fires are threats to our region. We need technology and systems that empower us to adjust for them.”
The district’s partner, Climatec, is a Bosch-owned turnkey infrastructure renewal and sustainability solution provider. Climatec and district staff have been collaborating since March. After working together to define district priorities and goals, the pair secured funding through private and utility programs.
“With so many lessons learned, we’re slowly chipping away at our resilience. When the inevitable happens, we will be better prepared,” Burton said.
Wesley Kufel, Binghamton University, State University of New York
So far, the vaccine is allowed only for adults and older teens. Testing is only now getting started with children – and just with adolescents. There are still a lot of unknowns.
As an infectious disease pharmacist and professor who helps manage patients hospitalized with COVID-19, I frequently hear questions about vaccines. Here’s what we know and don’t know in response to some common questions about vaccinating kids for COVID-19.
When can my child be vaccinated?
Right now, it appears unlikely that a vaccine will be ready for children before the start of the next school year in August.
But clinical trials involving children are only just getting started.
Pfizer, working with Germany’s BioNTech, expanded its COVID-19 vaccine testing to children ages 12 and older only in October. Moderna announced on Dec. 2 that it planned to begin COVID-19 vaccine trials in children ages 12-17 soon.
The vaccine’s efficacy and safety will have to be evaluated for each age group, and testing hasn’t started for infants, toddlers or kids in the U.S.
Clinical trials are designed to ensure that the vaccine is safe and effective. Typically, it takes 10 to 15 years from the start of development until the vaccine is licensed, but the COVID-19 vaccines are being developedfaster in response to the pandemic.
Will children need more shots than adults?
It does not appear that the schedule of COVID-19 vaccine doses will be different for children, but that could change as testing goes on.
Pfizer’s vaccine is being tested in adolescents with a two-dose series, three weeks apart, just like in adults. Moderna also plans to use its adult schedule – two doses four weeks apart – in an upcoming trial with 3,000 adolescents.
The second dose serves as a “booster shot,” since the first dose alone doesn’t provide optimal immunity. This is consistent with several other vaccines, including hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella.
Right now, only those two doses are planned, but that could change. It’s unclear how long the immune response from these COVID-19 vaccines will last or if more doses will be necessary in the future. The flu vaccine, for example, requires a new dose every year because the virus changes. Recent promising data from Moderna indicate immunity is sustained for at least three months after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Are the vaccines safe for kids?
So far, no serious safety concerns have been identified with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, but the trials are still in the early stages for children. Several other vaccines are also under development around the world, and a few drugmakers have started trials with younger children in other countries.
Children tend to have stronger immune systems than adults, and they may have stronger temporary reactions to the vaccine. That could mean more pain and swelling at the injection site for a few days and possibly a fever.
These side effects are common with vaccines. They are evidence that the immune system is doing what it should be doing, but they can be scary.
In the U.K, health officials warned on Dec. 9 that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis shouldn’t get the vaccine after two adults, both with past experience with anaphylaxis, had severe reactions.
Both the safety of the vaccine and the likelihood of temporary side effects are important to understand, because adults and children will need both doses for the vaccine to provide optimal immunity.
Is vaccinating adults enough?
Just vaccinating adults would not be enough to end the pandemic. Children can still become infected, transmit the virus and develop complications. If a vaccine is not available, children will likely serve as a reservoir of the virus, making it harder to end the pandemic.
Both leading vaccines have reported promising results in adults so far: The efficacy rate is approximately 94% for Moderna’s vaccine and 95% for Pfizer’s. That means that under the best conditions, about 95% percent of adults who get the vaccine have been found to be protected. That’s higher than expected.
Receiving the vaccine also carries other benefits, including allowing a safer return to schools and activities.
Do we have to keep wearing masks and social distancing?
In the meantime, it will be important to continue standard preventive measures, including social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands and following other official guidance.
While the hope is that a vaccine will allow people to get back to a more “normal” way of living, these preventive measures will still be needed, even after receiving the vaccine, until more information is known about the extent of protection from the vaccine.
There are still many unanswered questions. As time goes on, we’ll have more answers.
This article was updated with the FDA issuing the emergency use authorization on Dec. 11.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Theatre Co. is presenting an updated version of a classic Christmas tale with their latest production, “A Virtual Christmas Carol.”
The show runs Dec. 18, 19, 20 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. on YouTube. You’ll want to tune in at 7:00 to view the pre-show interviews.
The show is billed as a virtual journey of self-discovery and growth as Scrooge, tight-fisted and mean as ever, creates a life of hardship for his loyal employee, Bob Cratchit and his family. It takes the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, and three Christmas spirits to try to save his “rotten soul.”
The audience gets a glimpse into Scrooge’s past and into his soul via a series of virtual Zoom calls. The end result is a family-friendly take on a Christmas classic.
The show is narrated by Charles Dickens, played by KPFZ radio host Alan Fletcher. Local teacher, James Paton, plays Scrooge.
The cast is composed of mostly LCTC veteran adult and child actors with a few new faces. While the company is always excited when they can draw new actors to their shows, the virtual aspect meant they were able to cast actors with whom they would not normally get to work such as Ashley Ann Pearse of Eastern Washington, who plays the love of Scrooge’s life, and Natalie Ferrell of San Francisco.
This production will be recorded and played over YouTube. The decision to record the show was made early on. The sentiment going in was that this was new territory and that in order to produce a quality show in just under two and a half months and in a new medium, the company really needed to control as many variables as possible the first time out. They plan to switch to live performances once the learning curve is over.
If you would like to watch the performance you can purchase tickets in advance at www.LCTC.us.Tickets are only $5 per household. The link to the YouTube Channel will be emailed to you the day before the performance selected.
Be sure to check the company’s website in December for food and beverage recipes to make ahead of time to enhance your viewing experience.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As too many families in Lake County know, the loss of a home and everything it contains to the ravages of wildfire is a devastating blow.
When Hector and Maria Rodriguez-Barajas lost their home to the Valley fire in 2015, they lost not only shelter for their family and all of their belongings, but also the comfort and security during the holidays that went with having those things.
For the next several years, the family bounced from one apartment to another as their family grew, making it difficult to settle back into the familiarity of routines, family traditions and camaraderie.
Christmas visits with relatives and friends were nice, but with the burden of not being settled into a stable home, the holiday spirit came at a price.
After months of hard work and partnership with Habitat for Humanity Lake County, Hector, Maria and their children are able to celebrate Christmas in a home of their own at last.
The house has been decorated thanks to the generous donations of others and their Christmas tree stands proudly as the cornerstone of the family’s first Christmas in their new home.
Due to the pandemic, they are unable to celebrate the holidays with family, but having a house to call home, where they can celebrate together without the fear of eviction, makes up for it.
“The kids are so excited they can hardly sleep,” Maria Rodriguez-Barajas said. “They are able to decorate inside and outside now, for the first time as a family, and are eager for Christmas to come. Watching my kids play outside for the first time, in a yard they never had before, is the most exciting thing for me since moving into this country. We might not have lots of gifts this year, but for the kids, they say the time with family, and having a home now, makes them grateful.”
Habitat for Humanity Lake County is in urgent need of donations to continue providing homeownership opportunities to qualified families like the Rodriguez-Barajas family.
Donations can be mailed to Habitat for Humanity Lake County, P.O. Box 1830, Lower Lake, CA 95457.
To donate property, please contact the office at 707-994-1100 with the address and APN number and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Tammy Brigham works for Habitat for Humanity Lake County.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – In the wake of the August Complex, restoration work is continuing in the Mendocino National Forest.
The Burned Area Emergency Response, or BAER, team has identified 30 miles of road work that needs to be done around the Thomes drainage on the Grindstone Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest.
To date, more than 30 miles of roads have been repaired across the August Complex fire area, forest officials said.
Road 24N01 will be temporarily closed to traffic to replace a culvert as part of this necessary road work. The crew will reopen the road as quickly as possible. In addition, please use extra caution driving around the M2 and M4 roads west of Paskenta due to ongoing road repair and the presence of logging trucks.
“We are very appreciative of the crews that have come from other regions and forests to assist us with BAER work on the August Complex,” said Loren Everest, acting Grindstone District Ranger. “They have accomplished an incredible amount of work and we are grateful for their contribution to this massive restoration effort.”
Equipment operators and assistants have come from all over the county to help the Mendocino National Forest including Wisconsin, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada.
The BAER work will continue as long as the weather cooperates and staffing is available.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care has more new dogs this week available for adoption.
Dogs available for adoption this week include mixes of Australian Cattle Dog, border collie, Dalmatian, Great Pyrenees husky, Labrador Retriever, pit bull and heeler.
Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).
This male pit bull mix has a short gray and white coat.
He is in kennel No. 15, ID No. 14196.
Pit bull-Australian Cattle Dog
This male pit bull-Australian Cattle Dog mix has a short tricolor coat.
He is in kennel No. 16, ID No. 14197.
Male pit bull mix
This male pit bull terrier mix has a short gray and brindle coat.
He is in kennel No. 18, ID No. 14138.
‘Opal’
“Opal” is a female Dalmatian-pit bull mix with a short white coat with black markings.
She has been spayed.
She’s in kennel No. 19, ID No. 14213.
Female Great Pyrenees
This female Great Pyrenees has a medium-length white coat.
She is in kennel No. 20, ID No. 14231.
Male husky mix
This male husky mix has a long red and white coat.
He is in kennel No. 21, ID No. 14230.
Female pit bull
This female pit bull has a short brown coat.
She has been spayed.
She’s in kennel No. 24, ID No. 14217.
‘Mable’
“Mable” is a young female Labrador Retriever-border collie mix with a short black and white coat.
She is in kennel No. 26, ID No. 14206.
Male pit bull terrier
This male pit bull terrier has a short tan and white coat.
He has been neutered.
He’s in kennel No. 27, ID No. 14216.
Male heeler-Labrador Retriever
This male heeler-Labrador Retriever mix has a short black and white coat.
He is in kennel No. 29, ID No. 14178.
Male pit bull terrier
This male pit bull terrier has a short brindle and brown coat.
He is in kennel No. 33, ID No. 14218.
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. – In its last regularly scheduled meeting of the year, the Board of Supervisors will discuss forming a business recovery team, get an update on COVID-19 and consider ways to resolve zoning issues for a proposed cannabis operation.
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.
The supervisors will meet in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport, for a hybrid meeting format which also will include the opportunity for community members to continue to participate virtually.
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 at 9 a.m. The meeting ID is 968 5229 1359, password 439154.
To submit a written comment on any agenda item please visit https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and click on the eComment feature linked to the meeting date. If a comment is submitted after the meeting begins, it may not be read during the meeting but will become a part of the record.
At 9:30 a.m., the board will discuss approving the formation of the Lake County Small Business COVID Recovery Team and appoint Supervisor Eddie Crandell and Supervisor Bruno Sabatier to fill the county seats on the team.
The committee will include two members of the Board of Supervisors, one member from each of the two cities, one member from the Lake County Economic Development Corp. and two members who represent local business associations.
“The purpose of the committee will be to work collaboratively to secure all possible funding available for Lake County businesses resulting from Governor Newsom's newly announced $500 million dollar Small Business Relief Grant, which is pending development and administration by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (OSBA), as well as any and all future COVID relief efforts intended to support local small businesses,” Sabatier wrote in his memo to the board.
He said the committee will hold public meetings subject to the Brown Act and will be staffed by the Lake County Administrative Office.
In an item timed for 10 a.m., the board will get an update on the COVID-19 situation from Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
In an untimed item, Community Development Director Scott De Leon will ask the board to consider options for allowing a cannabis cultivation project, as part of a larger manufacturing and processing operation, at the site of the former Adobe Creek Packing plant at 4820 Loasa Drive in Kelseyville.
De Leon’s report explains that the project has hit a snag due to the cultivation of cannabis currently not being allowed within 1,000 feet of a community growth boundary. “Staff has been unable to find a solution to this conflict, and the Owner is not willing to move forward with the project without the cultivation component,” De Leon wrote.
De Leon is suggesting possible solutions including the adoption of a zoning ordinance text amendment modeled on one approved in Mendocino County for projects that previously were developed as agricultural packing and processing facilities, or a revision of the community growth boundary for Kelseyville.
Both of those options would require board action, De Leon said.
A third option, which doesn’t require board action, would be to make no change to the zoning ordinance or the community growth boundary. De Leon said that would limit the property development to whatever uses could be performed with a rezone to manufacturing.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Second reading, adopt ordinance amending Chapter 21 of Article 27 of the Lake County Code to correct the inadvertent omission of cannabis processing licenses in PDC zoning.
5.2: Second reading, adopt ordinance amending Chapter 21 of Articles 27 and 68 of the Lake County Code pertaining to commercial cannabis cultivation in proximity to Lake County important farmland.
5.3: Approve amendment to the temporary agency agreement.
5.4: Adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2020-134 establishing position allocations for Fiscal Year 2020-21, Budget Unit No. 2603, Code Enforcement.
5.5: Adopt resolution to amend the budget for FY 2020-2021 by appropriating unanticipated revenue for Public Health Services and authorize the Health Services director to sign necessary documents to secure these funds.
5.6: Adopt proclamation recognizing the retirement of Cindy Silva-Brackett, supervising accountant, and honoring her many years of outstanding service to the county of Lake.
5.8: Approve the continuation of a local health emergency related to the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) as proclaimed by the Lake County Public Health officer.
5.9: Approve the continuation of resolution ratifying the declaration of local health emergency and order prohibiting the endangerment of the community through the unsafe removal, transport and disposal of fire debris for the LNU Complex wildfire.
5.10: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Mendocino Complex fire incident (River and Ranch fires).
5.11: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to the Pawnee fire incident.
5.12: Approve the continuation of a local emergency due to COVID-19.
5.13: Approve the continuation of a local emergency In Lake County in response to the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire event.
5.14: Authorize the Public Services director/assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order not to exceed $68,842.31 to Bobcat of Santa Rosa for the Purchase of a Bobcat 5600 utility vehicle.
5.15: Approve the memorandum of understanding between the county of Lake and the Lake County Resource Conservation District for the construction of a water well at Middletown Trailside Park.
5.16: a) Approve mutual aid agreement between the county of Lake and Napa County for assistance provided in responding to the 2020 Glass fire; and b) adopt a resolution authorizing the chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign the agreement.
5.17: (a) Approve contract amendment #11 between the county of Lake and Sun Ridge Systems Inc. in the amount of $25,000 for the purchase and installation of RIMS CIBRS reporting software and (b) authorize the sheriff/coroner or his designee to issue a purchase order.
5.18: Approve Amendment No. 2 between the county of Lake on behalf of CSA 20, Soda Bay and PACE Engineering of Redding for Construction Engineering Services in the amount of $58,000 for a total contract amount of $220,131.50 and authorize the chair to sign.
5.19: Adopt resolution authorizing the director of Social Services to execute Standard Agreement # 20-HK-00075 and all other documents necessary to participate in the HOMEKEY program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 9:01 a.m.: Public input.
6.2, 9:05 a.m.: Presentation of a proclamation recognizing the retirement of Cindy Silva-Brackett, supervising accountant, and honoring her many years of outstanding service to the county of Lake.
6.3, 9:30 a.m.: (a) Approve formation of the Lake County Small Business COVID Recovery Team and (b) appoint Supervisors Crandell and Sabatier to fill the county seats on the team.
6.4, 9:45 a.m.: Consideration of resolution of intention of the Board of Supervisors of the county of Lake to initiate amendments to the zoning ordinance to establish regulations and develop standards for the cultivation of cannabis amending Article 27 of Chapter 21 of the Lake County Code pertaining to cannabis cultivation.
6.5, 10 a.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: a) Consideration of Awarding Bid No. 20 – 24 for the Supply of Bulk #2 Red Diesel Fuel, No. 2 clear diesel fuel and unleaded gasoline; and b) accept and sign Westgate Petroleum bid for No. 2 red diesel; and c) accept and sign Westgate Petroleum Bid for No. 2 clear diesel; and d) accept and sign Westgate Petroleum bid for unleaded gasoline; and e) authorize chair to sign agreement between the county and Westgate Petroleum.
7.3: Discussion and direction to staff regarding the proposed re-use of an existing agricultural packing facility for a commercial cannabis-related business which includes a use not currently allowed by the current cannabis ordinance.
7.4: Consideration of agreement between the county of Lake and Safebuilt for consulting services for professional plan check, building permit processing, and building and public infrastructure inspection services for the Guenoc Valley Mixed Use Planned Development Project.
7.5: Consideration of Change Order No. 1 with West Coast Contractors DBA Oregon West Coast Contractors for Clayton Creek Road at Clayton Creek Bridge Replacement Project, Federal Project No. BRLO-5914(077), Bid No. 20-10, for an increase of $492 and a revised contract amount of $1,613,663.40.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Employee grievance: Complaint pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54957.
8.2: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(3) – Claim of McQueen.
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.
This male orange tabby kitten has a short coat and gold eyes.
He is in cat room kennel No. 1b, ID No. 14159.
Male brown tabby kitten
This male brown tabby kitten has a short coat and gold eyes.
He is in cat room kennel No. 1c, ID No. 14160.
Female domestic short hair
This female domestic short hair kitten has a black coat and gold eyes.
She is in cat room kennel No. 1f, ID No. 14163.
Male brown tabby kitten
This male brown tabby kitten has a short coat and gold eyes.
He is in cat room kennel No. 36b, ID No. 14190.
Male domestic short hair kitten
This male domestic short hair kitten has a gray and white coat and green eyes.
He is in cat room kennel No. 108, ID No. 14169.
Female domestic short hair kitten
This female domestic short hair kitten has a tortie coat and gold eyes.
She is in cat room kennel No. 135, ID No. 14224.
Female domestic short hair kitten
This female domestic short hair kitten has a brown tabby coat and gold eyes.
She is in cat room kennel No. 135, ID No. 14225.
Female domestic short hair kitten
This female domestic short hair kitten has a brown tabby coat and gold eyes.
She is in cat room kennel No. 135, ID No. 14226.
Male domestic short hair kitten
This male domestic short hair kitten has a gray tabby coat and gold eyes.
He is in cat room kennel No. 135, ID No. 14227.
Female domestic short hair kitten
This female domestic short hair kitten has a gray tabby coat and green eyes.
She is in cat room kennel No. 147, ID No. 14219.
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.
With winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there.
Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go.
Visitors are encouraged to view the Recreate Responsibly Winter Toolkit, which provides resources on planning ahead, weather conditions, avalanche awareness, and Leave No Trace principles. Additionally, a Spanish version of the toolkit can be found here.
A web map was developed to help visitors find out which recreation areas are open on nearby forests, including campgrounds, day use sites, and trails on National Forests in California. View the GIS map for winter updates at https://go.usa.gov/xwurX.
Please follow posted campfire, parking, and camping restrictions. Be prepared to find alternative areas if your trail or campground is full. Additionally, please note that fireworks are not permitted on any National Forest.
Forest officials recommend that you not travel long distances to recreate and, again, check with your local National Forest before visiting. If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to national forests.
Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues.
Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:
• Research winter road conditions and make sure your vehicle is snow ready; • Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others; • Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials; • Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass; • Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use; and • All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council will honor its departing members and welcome two newly elected councilmen when it holds its final meeting of the year this week.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15.
The meeting will be by teleconference only. The city council chambers will not be open to the public.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling 669-900-9128 or 346-248-7799. The webinar ID is 973 6820 1787, access code is 477973; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.
Comments can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To give the City Clerk adequate time to print out comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit written comments prior to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council prior to the meeting.
On the agenda is the council’s acceptance of the final results of the Nov. 3 general election by the approval of a resolution.
The council will then honor outgoing councilmembers, Tim Barnes and George Spurr. Both just completed their first and only terms.
Councilman Kenny Parlet, who was elected to a new term, will take his oath along with new councilmen Michael Froio and Michael Green.
The council will then elect its mayor and mayor pro term for 2021.
In other business on Tuesday, Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace will give the council an update on the COVID-19 situation in Lake County.
On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on Dec. 1 and the special meeting on Dec. 7 and 8; the Dec. 8 warrant register; and direction to the city clerk to prepare the 2021 Maddy Act Appointments List and post at City Hall and the Lakeport Public Library.
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, Calif. – These crisp, cold winter nights got me thinking about how we as a species evolved beneath a dome of stars.
Before we were subject to human-made light, the long winter nights were ripe with storytelling and stargazing.
Nearly every culture has stories depicting the constellations, moons and planets. For example, Cree Indians called December's full moon “Drift Clearing Moon,” the Western Abenaki named it “Winter Maker Moon” and the Mohicans said it was “Long Night Moon” since it arrived at the winter solstice – the longest night of the year.
Here in Lake County we are blessed with inky-dark skies throughout most of our hills and valleys which makes observing the celestial phenomena well, phenomenal. Poet Rainer Maria Rilke said it best: “It is breathtaking simply to be here.”
Some stars appear to glisten and glitter, but in reality the cold air that is our lens to the universe causes the quivering we detect.
After our star, the sunsets we play witness to a trillion other stars in our spiral-shaped Milky Way Galaxy. Then we are spectators to shimmering, shining stars with a range of sizes, temperatures and brilliance.
Following is an interview I conducted with William “Bill” Haddon, Ph.D., president and CEO of our local Taylor Observatory.
Due to the pandemic, the observatory's in-person events and field trips have been canceled, but Bill tells some remarkable, or should I say, out of this world astronomical tales.
1.You've enjoyed a long history at Taylor. How did you become involved in our observatory?
At the age of 5, while growing up in Denver, Colorado, my dad dragged me into our backyard at three in the morning to watch Perseid meteors. I don’t recall seeing meteors, and I hated the experience. But the idea of viewing interesting objects in the sky was placed in my brain.
In my room, there were glowing stars affixed on the ceiling. But what I recall most vividly was my mother’s description of her own activities involving comet Halley during its 1910 visit. She never actually talked about seeing the comet but instead that she and her three older siblings were ordered to stuff wet rags under the doors and windows at night to prevent poisoning by the cyanide gas that astronomers had identified in the comet’s tail.
My mother had always said she was born in 1907 and for years I wondered how she could have such a vivid memory of events at age 3. The truth is that when mom was 25 she enrolled in a class in Denver with an age limit of 20. So she listed her age as 20 and no one questioned it. She was born in the territory of New Mexico in 1902, and there were few official records. Thus she retired from Bank of America five years after their mandatory retirement!
The children were raised by their grandmother, Dada, in Denver. Dada was a professional clairvoyant and an astrologer. We found out the truth when mom admitted, in her 80s, the discrepancy in her age. I’ve had a life-long interest in comets as a result.
When Barbara and I moved to Lake County in 2008 I wanted to start an astronomy hobby. We quickly discovered Lake County’s wonderful Taylor Observatory-Norton Planetarium and Barbara McIntyre’s informative monthly programs there. Pretty quickly I was attending Friends of Taylor (FOTO) board meetings, not realizing that Walt Lyon was ready to pass the leadership baton. My arm got twisted.
We have an especially talented, resourceful and active group in FOTO. Tim Gill, assistant superintendent of Kelseyville Unified School District, is a math teacher with an astronomy interest that has led to seven lectures at Taylor. Because the Kelseyville school district owns the land under Taylor, Tim’s membership has special importance. The Honorable Judge David Markham is our treasurer/CFO.
Barbara McIntyre serves a secretary of FOTO, but most importantly she designed and now operates our website, www.friendsoftaylor.org. The site includes a capability to receive donations and Taylor memberships via the web.
Dr. David Velasquez, former head of the Lake County Symphony and its current vice president is our one member with a formal astronomy education. Dave has a degree in astronomy and physics from the University of New Mexico.
We have a local artist on our board, Emily Whittlesey of Kelseyville, in recognition of the historic relationship between art and astronomy. Six years ago, Mr. Tom Shleif appeared. As a former director of the Southbridge Lighthouse Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a professional exhibit designer at the famous Field Museum in Chicago, Tom is an optimal board member. And if that was not sufficient, Tom has become a first-rate astrophotographer with a developing national reputation in that difficult field.
Finally, our favorite board member is Mr. Eduardo Alatorre. Eduardo was an observatory assistant in a student volunteer program run by Barbara McIntyre. He’s lectured regionally and locally, including many talks given at Taylor on Solar System topics. Currently, Eduardo is a Mendocino College math major, and also serves as an official LCOE Taylor docent.
2. Since the observatory is linked with the Lake County Office of Education, are there distance learning programs in place, or are the wonderful STEM projects going to resume later, when schools are open for in-person learning?
LCOE owns the Taylor buildings. Two years ago, with encouragement and support from County Education Superintendent Brock Falkenberg two staff positions were created to oversee and operate Taylor. Elisa Prather, LCOE’s STEM specialist, manages Taylor along with Mr. Angelo Parisi, the resident astronomer.
Angelo was one of two extremely well-qualified applicants for the position. He is a co-founder of Ferguson Observatory, our sister observatory in Kenwood, Sonoma County. Notably, his vocal group the “Big Bang Band Travelling Star Show” won the Astronomical Society of the Pacific’s coveted Los Cumbres award for educational outreach.
Angelo is a great teacher with a love of astronomy. For distance learning, he’s formed an Astronomy Club, which is described on the LCOE website. Weekly online learning sessions are conducted in which students are challenged with interesting astronomy problems.
3. Looking back, astronomically, what would you consider to be the most exciting event of 2020?
Without question it is the appearance of comet Neowise, officially “C/2020 F3 NEOWISE,” in March 2020. While not a “great” comet like 1P Halley or comet Hale-Bopp (1996), Neowise was visible, naked eye, in the northern sky during the summer. It was a circumpolar comet, first seen in the early morning NE sky, and later in the early evening in the NW. In history comets have been seen as portents of disaster, including the Black Plague. Surprisingly I’ve not seen any suggestion that comet Neowise predicted the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lake County residents who are interested in astronomy might want to monitor our Facebook page “Friends of Taylor Observatory” for updates on important astronomy events. For example on Dec. 21, four days before Christmas, the planets Jupiter and Saturn will nearly coalesce in the sky, perhaps reminding us that such a planetary conjunction is a leading theory to explain the Star of Bethlehem.
We are hoping that our popular planetarium show “Mystery of the Christmas Star” can be shown over the internet. Keep your eye on the Facebook page for developments. But in any case, cast your eyes to the west in the days around Dec. 21 to see these two planets, and judge for yourself if such a conjunction guided the Magi to Bethlehem.
4. My family has resided where impressive observatories are located, in Hawaii and the Canary Islands where there are Dark Sky Initiatives. Lake County's skies are one of its many great features. What can you tell us about the exciting Dark Skies Initiative here in our county?
We have two goals for the Dark Sky Initiative: First, to preserve dark skies for future generations of Lake County students. Second, to promote an Astro-tourism Industry for Lake County, encouraging the eight million residents of the Bay Area, Sacramento Sonoma and Napa Counties, where light interference is severe, to visit here. Because an overnight trip is required, lodging, restaurant, wineries and other businesses will benefit.
In November 2018 then-Supervisor Jim Steele successfully introduced a Lake County Board of Supervisors resolution to establish Dark Skies as the official policy of the county. There have already been positive outcomes of Jim’s efforts. FOTO board member David Velasquez has played an especially important role. Cal-Pine has been receptive to improving the lighting at their facility to minimize vertical light pollution.
We encourage Lake County residents to join our Facebook page “Dark Skies – Lake County CA” as part of a long term effort to build a case for certifying all or part of Lake County as an official “Dark Sky Community.”
The Redbud Audubon Society partners with FOTO in the dark sky effort. Much work remains. A Dark Sky Initiative group needs to be formed to promote sustained dark skies and the astrotourism industry. New lighting regulations are needed, as are a collection of locations where visitors can safely view the night sky. Taylor Observatory and the Clear Lake State Park are two obvious viewing choices.
In partnership with LCOE, FOTO had started weekend openings at Taylor prior to COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, Angelo Parisi, runs a Dark Sky company in the county to accommodate small groups of visitors who want an in-depth viewing experience. These activities will resume at some point.
Bill, thank you and your team at Taylor for all you do.
Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is a retired educator, potter, freelance writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.”
The Geminids are widely recognized as the best annual meteor shower a stargazer can see, occurring between Dec. 4 to Dec. 17, with the best nights for viewing on Dec. 13 and 14.
The parent of the Geminids is 3200 Phaethon, which is arguably considered to be either an asteroid or an extinct comet. When the Earth passes through trails of dust, or meteoroids, left by 3200 Phaethon, that dust burns up in Earth’s atmosphere, creating the Geminid meteor shower.
The Geminid rate will be even better this year, as the shower’s peak overlaps with a nearly new moon, so there will be darker skies and no moonlight to wash out the fainter meteors. That peak will happen on the night of Dec. 13 into the morning of Dec. 14, with some meteor activity visible in the days before and after.
Viewing is good all night for the Northern Hemisphere, with activity peaking around 2 a.m. local time, and after midnight for viewers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Why are they called the Geminids?
All meteors associated with a shower have similar orbits, and they all appear to come from the same place in the sky, which is called the radiant. The Geminids appear to radiate from a point in the constellation Gemini, hence the name “Geminids.”
How fast are Geminids?
Geminids travel 78,000 mph (35 km/s). This is over 1000 times faster than a cheetah, about 250 times faster than the swiftest car in the world, and over 40 times faster than a speeding bullet!
How to observe the Geminids?
If it’s not cloudy, get away from bright lights, lie on your back, and look up. Remember to let your eyes get adjusted to the dark – you’ll see more meteors that way. Keep in mind, this adjustment can take approximately 30 minutes. Don’t look at your cell phone screen, as it will ruin your night vision!
Meteors can generally be seen all over the sky. Avoid watching the radiant because meteors close to it have very short trails and are easily missed. When you see a meteor, try to trace it backwards. If you end up in the constellation Gemini, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a Geminid.
When is the best time to observe Geminids?
The best night to see the shower is Dec. 13 to 14. The shower will peak around 01:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). Sky watchers in the Northern Hemisphere can see Geminids starting around 7:30 to 8 p.m. local time on Dec. 13, with the rate of meteors increasing as 2 a.m. approaches. In the Southern hemisphere, good rates will be seen between midnight and dawn local time on Dec. 14. Geminid watchers who observe from midnight to 4 a.m. should catch the most meteors.
How many Geminids can observers expect to see Dec. 13-14?
Realistically, the predicted rate for observers in the northern hemisphere is closer to 60 meteors per hour. This means you can expect to see an average of one Geminid per minute in dark skies at the shower peak. Observers in the southern hemisphere will see fewer Geminids than their northern hemisphere counterparts – perhaps 25 percent of rates in the northern hemisphere, depending on their latitude.
Where will NASA stream the Geminids meteor shower?
We will broadcast a live stream of the shower’s peak Dec. 13-14 from a meteor camera at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, (if our weather cooperates!) from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. CST on the NASA Meteor Watch Facebook page.
Meteor videos recorded by the All Sky Fireball Network are also available each morning to identify Geminids in these videos – just look for events labeled “GEM.”
Happy viewing stargazers!
Lance D. Davis writes for NASA. This article originally appeared at www.NASA.gov.