Lake County News,California

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: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS; Posted On Wednesday, 27 September 2023 00:36; 27 September 2023

State controller publishes 2022 UC institutions and community colleges

State Controller Malia Cohen on Tuesday published the 2022 self-reported payroll data for University of California institutions and California Community College districts on the Government Compensation in California website.

California law requires cities, counties and special districts to annually report compensation data to the State Controller’s Office.

The state controller also maintains and publishes state and CSU salary data.

No such statutory requirement exists for UC, CCCs, superior courts, fairs and expositions, First 5 commissions, or K-12 education providers; their reporting is voluntary.

The data covers more than 419,000 positions and approximately $25.16 billion in total wages.

All 11 UC institutions – including 10 campuses and the Office of the President – voluntarily filed compliant reports with the State Controller’s Office.

UC data cover 324,043 employees and more than $20.88 billion in total wages.

Thirty-eight CCC districts voluntarily filed compliant reports with the State Controller’s Office.

CCC data published cover 95,131 employees and more than $4.27 billion in total wages.

Fifteen CCC districts did not file a report with SCO, while another 19 filed reports that were not compliant.

Lake County is served by two community college districts, Mendocino-Lake Community College District and the Yuba Community College District. The State Controller’s Office said neither filed a report.

Users of the Government Compensation in California website can view compensation levels on maps and search by region; narrow results by name of the entity or by job title; and export raw data or custom reports.

The GCC site contains pay and benefit information on more than two million government jobs in California, as reported annually by each entity.

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources.

The controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds.

She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds.

Follow the Controller on Twitter at @CAController and on Facebook at California State Controller’s Office.

: Brian Ho, University of Florida and Ronald Cohen, University of Florida; Posted On Tuesday, 26 September 2023 01:21; 26 September 2023

Aerobic and strength training exercise combined can be an elixir for better brain health in your 80s and 90s, new study finds

**Pilates is a form of mind-body exercise that involves weight resistance and strength training. Thomas Barwick/Stone via Getty Images**

People in the oldest stage of life who regularly engage in aerobic activities and strength training exercises perform better on cognitive tests than those who are either sedentary or participate only in aerobic exercise. That is the key finding of our new study, published in the journal GeroScience.

We assessed 184 cognitively healthy people ranging in age from 85 to 99. Each participant reported their exercise habits and underwent a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests that were designed to evaluate various dimensions of cognitive function.

We found that those who incorporated both aerobic exercises, such as swimming and cycling, and strength exercises like weightlifting into their routines – regardless of intensity and duration – had better mental agility, quicker thinking and greater ability to shift or adapt their thinking.

Using a well-known cognitive screening tool called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment that provides a balanced view of many aspects of cognition, we found that people who didn’t engage in any physical exercise scored lower than those who did both cardio and strength training. This difference was slight but significant even when controlling for other factors like education and how much people exercised. In addition, the group that did both types of exercises did better in specific cognitive activities, like symbol coding, beyond just the screening results.

It’s important to note that while our study establishes a correlation between a mix of aerobic and strength training exercises and higher cognitive test scores, the design of the study did not enable us to determine a causal relationship.

Nonetheless, the results suggest that a varied exercise routine is associated with improved cognitive functioning in people who are in their late 80s and beyond. We conducted the study as part of a large, multisite collaboration with the McKnight Brain Research Foundation, which has institutes at the University of Florida, the University of Miami, the University of Arizona and the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Why it matters

The aging of the global population makes cognitive health a pressing issue. The number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is projected to reach almost 14 million by 2060, up from just over 6 million as of 2020. Our findings not only offer hope for healthier aging but also present a practical approach to maintaining or even enhancing cognitive health in the last decades of life.

These results are not just numbers; they represent real-world thinking abilities that can affect the quality of life for those entering their golden years.

The fact that nearly 70% of our study participants were already engaging in some physical exercise prior to signing up for our study challenges the stereotype that old age and physical inactivity must go hand in hand.

Our findings provide an evidence base for health care providers to consider recommending a mixed regimen of aerobic and strength exercises as part of their patients’ wellness plans. Studies show that when cognitive decline is slowed, people spend less on medical care and experience a higher quality of life.

The aging body is like a machine that needs more upkeep and maintenance to stay intact.

What’s next

Some of the next questions we hope to answer include: What types of aerobic and strength exercises are most effective for cognitive health? Is walking as effective as jogging? Does lifting weights have the same impact as resistance band exercises? And how much exercise is needed to see noticeable cognitive benefits?

Another critical question is the potential of exercise as a treatment for neurocognitive disorders among older people. Our results suggest that physical activity is a preventive measure. But could it also be an active treatment for cognitive decline? This is an exciting development and one that is opening up all sorts of new possibilities for helping people live fully across their entire life span.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

Brian Ho, PhD Candidate in Clinical & Health Psychology, University of Florida and Ronald Cohen, Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

: John Creamer and Matt Unrath; Posted On Monday, 25 September 2023 03:40; 25 September 2023

End of pandemic-era expanded federal tax programs results in lower income, higher poverty

Real median household income after taxes fell 8.8% to $64,240 from 2021 to 2022 and the poverty rate after taxes as measured by the Supplemental Poverty Measure, or SPM, increased 59% to 12.4%.

These significant changes in after-tax income and poverty rates of U.S. households were much larger than the annual changes in before-tax income and poverty, according to new data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Census Bureau reports, Income in the United States: 2022 and Poverty in the United States: 2022, show that before taxes, median household income declined 2.3% to $74,580 and the poverty rate (11.5%), as measured by the official poverty measure, was not statistically different from 2021.

This dramatic difference can be attributed to key changes in federal tax policy.

In 2022, several policies enacted by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expired, including an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for filers without children and full refundability of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). ARPA also increased the maximum amount of CTC.

In 2020 and 2021, most households also received Economic Impact Payments (EIP) that were no longer issued in 2022.

The rollback of these tax policies had the largest effect on post-tax income among the nation’s lowest-income households.

In 2021, for example, post-tax income at the 10th percentile, meaning at the bottom of the income distribution, was 17.1% higher than the corresponding pretax income estimate, reflecting the substantial boost that lower-income households received that year from the EIP and expanded CTC.

In contrast, the 2022 estimates of pretax and post-tax income at the 10th percentile were not significantly different (Figure 1).

Lower post-tax income, particularly at the bottom of the income distribution, also resulted in an increase in income inequality.

The Gini index, a common measure of how spread out or unequal incomes are, for pretax income was 1.2% lower in 2022 than in 2021, reflecting real income declines at the top of the income distribution. However, the post-tax Gini index was 3.2% higher due to substantial declines in post-tax income among lower-income households.

Lower income, higher poverty

The decline in post-tax income also corresponds to an increase in the SPM, which incorporates noncash government assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, and taxes, through income and payroll taxes and refundable tax credits like the CTC and EITC.

The 4.6 percentage point increase in the SPM poverty rate was driven almost entirely by the change in tax policy (Figure 2). When a version of the SPM excluding taxes is examined, the poverty rate did not change: 12.6% in 2022, not statistically different from 2021.

The expiration of expansions to refundable tax credits had a particularly important impact on SPM poverty (Figure 3).

In 2021, 9.6 million people were kept out of poverty due to refundable tax credits. This number declined to 6.4 million in 2022 as the pandemic era expansions expired. The effect declined for each of the major age groups, with 3.5 million children lifted out of poverty in 2022 compared to 4.9 million in 2021.

More information on Income and Poverty is available in the reports Income in the United States: 2022 and Poverty in the United States: 2022.

The technical documentation page includes information on confidentiality protection, methodology, sampling and nonsampling error, and definitions.

All comparative statements in this report have undergone statistical testing, and, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are statistically significant at the 90 percent significance level.

John Creamer is the SPM team lead in the Census Bureau’s Poverty Statistics Branch. Matt Unrath is chief of the Census Bureau’s Income Statistics Branch.

: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS; Posted On Tuesday, 26 September 2023 01:28; 26 September 2023

Interior secretary, BLM director visit Proposed Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument expansion

From left, Congressman Mike Thompson, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning, Tuleyome Executive Director Sandra Schubert and Congressman John Garamendi on Molok Luyuk, now known as Walker Ridge. Photo by Bob Wick.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — On Monday, tribal, congressional and community leaders thanked Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning for visiting Molok Luyuk, the proposed Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument expansion area.

On Sunday, Haaland and Stone-Manning visited the lands and held a roundtable discussion to hear from local community leaders on the need for President Joe Biden to use the Antiquities Act to protect the landscape.

“We are humbled and excited to have our Nation’s leaders visit our ancestral lands, particularly Molok Luyuk, an area of sacred and historic importance to Patwin tribes,” said Chairman Anthony Roberts, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. “Tribes have stewarded this area for millennia and welcome deeper collaboration with the Department of Interior and local stakeholders to protect Patwin culture and heritage.”

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, which is requesting the expansion, has a long and significant connection to Molok Luyuk, stretching back thousands of years.

The ridge includes areas where religious ceremonies are practiced and sites that were central to vital trading routes. A key goal of this effort is also to establish comanagement with federally recognized tribes and to return to an Indigenous name for these lands.

Molok Luyuk is Patwin for “Condor Ridge” and is a name provided by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Currently the area is referred to as “Walker Ridge.”

“Molok Luyuk is a special and sacred place for area tribes and for many local residents who enjoy recreation activities like hiking and mountain biking,” said Lake County Supervisor E.J. Crandell, a member of the Robinson Rancheria Tribe. “The natural beauty of our home also drives tourism, which is key to the economic vitality of the region. Protecting these beautiful lands would be a gift to future generations.”

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument stretches from Napa County in the south to Mendocino County in the north, encompassing 330,780 acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.

President Barack Obama designated the national monument in 2015, responding to a call from Representatives Mike Thompson and John Garamendi, then-Senator Barbara Boxer, other members of California’s Congressional delegation, and community leaders to permanently protect these lands.

“Molok Luyuk is a rare treasure of rich cultural heritage and history, diverse wildlife and rare plants, stunning natural beauty and accessible recreational activities,” said Sandra Schubert, executive director of Tuleyome, leader of a local conservation organization and a participant in the roundtable. “We are deeply grateful to Secretary Haaland and Director Stone-Manning for visiting the lands and listening to why we want this special place protected. We encourage President Biden to expand the existing monument and permanently protect Molok Luyuk.”

The proposed expansion area is located on the eastern edge of the existing monument and includes 13,753 acres of public lands in Lake and Colusa counties.

These BLM-managed lands include oak woodlands, rocky outcroppings, wildflower meadows, the largest known stand of McNab cypress, and dozens of rare plant species.

Protecting the landscape would help the state of California under Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Biden Administration meet their shared goals to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030.

“Molok Luyuk is a ‘must protect’ area in the midst of a changing climate,” said Mary Creasman, Chief Executive Officer, California Environmental Voters. “These public lands serve as a critical wildlife corridor for species such as tule elk, mountain lions and bears. It’s also home to imperiled wildlife such as bald and golden eagles and many rare plants. Protecting this habitat would help preserve critically important biodiversity.”

Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein and Representatives Garamendi and Thompson have called on President Biden to use the Antiquities Act to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and permanently protect Molok Luyuk.

The Antiquities Act is a 1906 law that grants presidents the ability to designate federal public lands, waters, and cultural and historical sites as national monuments to permanently conserve them.

“The meeting with Secretary Haaland and BLM Director Stone-Manning was a fruitful discussion on the many reasons why Molok Luyuk should be permanently protected,” said Elyane Stefanick, California Program Director for the Conservation Lands Foundation, who attended the event. “The addition of Molok Luyuk will protect the area’s rich biodiversity and play an important role in helping the state of California and the Biden Administration meet its goal of protecting 30% of U.S. lands and waters by the year 2030. We are grateful to the Interior secretary and the BLM director for personally visiting the area and listening to local community leaders.”

Popular recreation activities on these lands include hiking, mountain biking, photography, camping, horseback riding, and off highway vehicle, or OHV, use on designated routes. Incorporating the adjacent federally owned land into the existing national monument would improve land management and public access, and protect sensitive wildlife, prime habitat areas, and cultural resources.

“As an avid OHV recreationist, I strongly support expanding Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include Molok Luyuk,” said Don Amador, former chair of the CA State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. “The permanent protection of Molok Luyuk will improve the management of these lands and increase public access to recreation opportunities. This is a win-win for our community and I add my voice in support of President Biden using the Antiquities Act to expand the monument.”

To learn more about this effort and to sign a petition in support of the expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, visit www.expandberryessa.org.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 25 September 2023 18:03; 25 September 2023

Lakeport man dies in Cow Mountain crash

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A Lakeport man died Saturday in a solo-vehicle crash in the Cow Mountain Recreation area.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office identified the crash victim as William John Sappington, 64.

The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office said its officers responded to the crash at approximately 10:39 a.m. Saturday.

The CHP said the crash occurred on Trail 17, near Scotts Creek Road, in the Cow Mountain Recreation Area.

The CHP’s Monday report said that its officers’ preliminary investigation indicates that Sappington was driving his 2007 Toyota sport utility vehicle northbound on Trail 17 at an unknown speed.

For reasons that the CHP said are still being investigated, Sappington’s Toyota traveled off the trail, and overturned down an embankment an unknown number of times.

Sappington, who the CHP said was not wearing his seat belt, was ejected while his SUV overturned down the embankment.

The CHP said Sappington died at the scene of his injuries.

Neither alcohol nor drug use are suspected in this collision, the CHP said.

The CHP said the collision remains under investigation.

At the time Sappington’s wreck occurred Saturday morning, the Bureau of Land Management was holding a cleanup and beautification event based at the Westside Staging Area at South Cow Mountain as part of National Public Lands Day.

BLM officials did not respond by the end of the business day on Monday to Lake County News’ questions about whether Sappington had been a volunteer taking part in the cleanup event.

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, 25 September 2023 03:30; 25 September 2023

Purrfect Pals: Tabbies and a tuxedo

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Animal Care and Control has several kitten and an adult cat ready for their new homes.

Call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278 or visit the shelter online for information on visiting or adopting.

The following cats at the shelter have been cleared for adoption.

**“Sammy” is a 2-month-old male tuxedo kitten in kennel No. 26b, ID No. LCAC-A-5579. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

‘Sammy’

“Sammy” is a 2-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten with a tuxedo coat.

He is in kennel No. 26b, ID No. LCAC-A-5579.

**“Fin” is a 5-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten in kennel No. 26, ID No. LCAC-A-5395. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

‘Fin’

“Fin” is a 5-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten with an orange tabby coat.

He is in kennel No. 26, ID No. LCAC-A-5395.

**This cute 2-year-old female brown tabby is in kennel No. A4, ID No. LCAC-A-5491. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

Female brown tabby

This cute 2-year-old female brown tabby has green eyes and a short coat.

She is in kennel No. A4, ID No. LCAC-A-5491.

**This female domestic shorthair kitten is in kennel No. 55, ID No. LCAC-A-5950. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

Female domestic shorthair kitten

This female domestic shorthair kitten has a brown tabby coat with white markings.

She is in kennel No. 55, ID No. LCAC-A-5950.

**This 3-month-old female domestic shorthair cat is in kennel No. A96c, ID No. LCAC-A-5641. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

Female shorthair kitten

This 3-month-old female domestic shorthair cat has a gray coat.

She is in kennel No. A96c, ID No. LCAC-A-5641.

**This 3-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten is in kennel No. A3c, ID No. LCAC-A-5472. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

Male orange tabby kitten

This 3-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten has an orange tabby coat.

He is in kennel No. A3c, ID No. LCAC-A-5472.

**This 3-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten is in kennel No. A3c, ID No. LCAC-A-5473. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

Male orange tabby kitten

This 3-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten has an orange tabby coat.

He is in kennel No. A3d, ID No. LCAC-A-5473.

**This 3-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten is in kennel No. A3e, ID No. LCAC-A-5476. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.**

Male orange tabby kitten

This 3-month-old male domestic shorthair kitten has an orange tabby coat.

He is in kennel No. A3e, ID No. LCAC-A-5476.

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.

: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE; Posted On Tuesday, 26 September 2023 01:26; 26 September 2023

Gov. Newsom signs law cracking down on sex trafficking of minors

**Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 14 with lawmakers and advocates on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California. Photo courtesy of the Governor’s Office.**

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom, joined by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), State Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced), and survivors and advocates on Monday signed SB 14 into law to steepen penalties for human trafficking of minors in California.

The law, written by Sen. Grove, designates human trafficking of a minor for purposes of a commercial sex act as a serious felony — including under the state’s “Three Strikes” law — and imposes harsher penalties and sentencing enhancements for individuals convicted of the crime.

“Human trafficking is a sick crime. With this new law, California is going further to protect kids. I’m grateful for the leadership of Sen. Grove, Speaker Rivas, and Pro Tem Atkins in spearheading this bipartisan effort to make our communities and children safer,” said Gov. Newsom.

“The trafficking of young women and girls is a heinous crime with far too many victims,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “I’ve seen the pain survivors carry for a lifetime and having recently visited the infamous Figueroa sex trafficking corridor, I’ve witnessed the devastating impacts of these crimes — not just on girls and young women — but on entire communities when trafficking persists. That’s why I am especially grateful to Sen. Grove for her assiduousness in combating human trafficking and helping ensure California is a safer place for women and children.”

“I want to thank the governor for signing SB 14, today is a huge victory for California’s children and the survivors of sex trafficking who have long fought for justice,” said Sen. Grove (R-Bakersfield). “With the passage of this bill, we are sending a clear message to child traffickers — we intend to put you out of business and behind bars where you belong.”

“Strengthening our laws to better protect minors from sex trafficking is not only legislatively the right thing to do, it is morally the right thing to do,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “I appreciate my colleague and friend, Sen. Shannon Grove, for her fierce dedication to this bill and to victims and survivors, as well as the leadership of Gov. Newsom and Speaker Rivas on this effort. For years, my colleagues and I have worked on laws to increase awareness of trafficking, prevent it from occurring, and help individuals and families impacted by it — SB 14 further upholds those goals.”

“California’s leaders are united against human trafficking and ensuring that victims are not themselves criminalized,” said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas (D-Hollister). “SB 14 reinforces this commitment. I want to recognize and thank my Assembly colleagues, who supported this bill with an 80-0 vote. And I applaud the author and the governor for their leadership and commitment on this critical issue.”

Human sex trafficking is a heinous crime that can have numerous long-lasting, harmful impacts on victims, survivors, and their families.

SB 14, which passed the state Assembly and Senate unanimously, is a bipartisan measure co-authored by 64 members of the Legislature.

The legislation is supported by over a hundred local, national and international organizations, including a coalition of human trafficking survivors and advocates.

Since 2019, California has taken a comprehensive approach to combat human trafficking, with a total investment of $280.1 million to take down traffickers and support victims and survivors.

The state has provided substantial funding to expand support programs for human trafficking survivors and Family Justice Centers — creating a one-stop facility for victims and their families to access various services — and allocated $25 million for the prevention, intervention, and services for minor victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

In 2022, California funded Human Trafficking Task Forces at the California Department of Justice to address statewide human trafficking, resulting in numerous arrests and assistance to victims.

The California Highway Patrol’s interdiction efforts on task forces and operations have led to numerous arrests of traffickers.

Gov. Newsom has signed multiple bills to strengthen legal protections for trafficking victims, including provisions for vacating convictions and considering trauma in sentencing.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 25 September 2023 03:44; 25 September 2023

Supervisors to discuss new rules for Clear Lake Watershed

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss new state rules that are expected to have significant impacts on water uses in the Clear Lake Watershed.

The‌ ‌board will meet beginning ‌at‌ ‌9‌ ‌a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, 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 923 0743 2663, ‌pass code 479439.‌ ‌The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,92307432663#,,,,*479439#.

All interested members of the public that do not have internet access or a Mediacom cable subscription are encouraged to call 669-900-6833, and enter the Zoom meeting ID and pass code information above.

At 1:30 p.m., the board will hold a discussion regarding the state’s draft emergency information order regulations for the Clear Lake Watershed.

Public Works Director Scott De Leon’s memo to the board explains that on Sept. 5, the State Water Resources Control Board issued draft emergency information order regulations together with a notice of opportunity for public comment and staff workshop.

He said the proposed regulations are in response to the Governor's Executive Order N-5-23.

“These regulations, if enacted, give the State the authority to require every water right holder or ‘water user’ in the Clear Lake Watershed to submit reports of water usage,” De Leon wrote. “The information they could collect includes: groundwater well location and depth, extraction rates or volumes, timing and frequency of extractions, beneficial uses, and any other information that the State deems relevant to their hitch protection efforts. As written, these regulations would apply to all municipal water system operators, all landowners with wells — including individual private and/or agricultural water supplies — and littoral property owners who draft water from water bodies such as creeks or Clear Lake. These regulations could apply to every property in the Clear Lake Watershed, regardless of its proximity to the lake, creeks or streams where Hitch could exist.”

De Leon said the regulations “have the potential for significant impacts.”

He said the state has scheduled two public workshops, at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 in the board chambers at 10 a.m. Oct. 24 via Zoom — for the purposes of public participation.

In other business, during an item timed for 9:45 a.m., the supervisors will receive a presentation by North Coast Opportunities on the Lake County Home Hardening Program.

In an untimed item, the board will consider a response to the 2022-23 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: (a) Appoint Supervisor Jessica Pyska to the National Association of Counties, or NACo, Steering Committee; and (b) Appoint Supervisor Bruno Sabatier to the National Association of Counties Steering Committee.

5.2: Adopt resolution of the county of Lake Board of Supervisors approving, authorizing and directing execution of a joint exercise of powers agreement relating to the California Cannabis Authority and authorize the chair to sign.

5.3: Approve award of bid for the Chalk Mountain Bridge Replacement Project, Bid No. 23-34, Federal Aid Project No. BRLO-5914(094), with Stewart Engineering Inc. in the amount of $6,176,906, and authorize the chair to execute the agreement and the notice of award.

5.4: Waive the competitive bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 2-38.2 based on the unique nature of the goods; b) authorize Special Districts administrator/assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order not to exceed $136,000 to WesTech for the purchase of a 480 CUF of Media AC.

5.5: Waive the competitive bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 2-38.2 based on the unique nature of the goods; b) authorize Special Districts administrator/assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order not to exceed $91,000 to WesTech for the purchase of a 320 CUF of Media AC.

5.6: Approve contract between county of Lake and People Services Inc. for yard maintenance, in the amount of $9,656.87 per fiscal year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026, and authorize the chair to sign.

TIMED ITEMS

6.2, 9:15 a.m.: Presentation of Employee Service Awards.

6.3, 9:30 a.m.: Hearing, consideration of requested hearing (appeal) by Thomas Armitage for a notice of nuisance and order to abate and notice of violation issued against 180 Schindler Street, Clearlake Oaks APN# 035-391-08. Property owner: Thomas Armitage.

6.4, 9:45 a.m.: Consideration of presentation by North Coast Opportunities on the Lake County Home Hardening Program.

6.5, 10:30 a.m.: (a) Consideration of presentation of the summary of hitch spawning 2023 from the Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee; (b) consideration of Lake County Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee’s recommendation to Approve $5,400 to Support the Robinson Rancheria & California Department of Fish and Wildlife Program to eradicate carp from Clear Lake.

6.6, 11 a.m.: Public hearing, continued from Sept. 19, consideration of draft ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code relating to permitting agriculture-exempt and temporary cannabis processing structures, and amending Chapter 27 of the Lake County Code regarding mitigation fees, and amending Article 68 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding definitions of temporary building types.

6.7, 1 p.m.: Consideration of Chapter 8 agreement sale of tax defaulted properties with city of Clearlake.

6.8, 1:30 p.m.: Consideration of discussion regarding the state’s draft emergency information order regulations for the Clear Lake Watershed.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Consideration of and direction to staff to develop video in support of Oct. 5 Presentation to the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

7.3: Consideration of response to the 2022-23 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report.

7.4: Consideration of presentation on broadband initiatives.

7.5: Consideration of a) request for exemption from competitive bidding pursuant to Section 38.1 of the County of Lake Purchasing Ordinance; and b) agreement between county of Lake and Resource Development Associates for consultation and support in the Community Program Planning, or CPP, process in the amount of $310,920 for fiscal years 2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26 and authorize the board chair to sign.

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 Sunday, 24 September 2023 02:45; 24 September 2023

Mike Riley Memorial Hike for Hospice planned for Oct. 8

**Participants in the 2022 Hike for Hospice. Photo courtesy of Hospice Services of Lake County.**

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Lace up your hiking boots and join Hospice Services of Lake County for the Mike Riley Memorial Hike for Hospice on Sunday, Oct. 8, at the picturesque Highland Springs Recreation Area.

Registration starts and 8 a.m. and the hikes begin at 9 a.m.

This meaningful event aims to raise funds for Wings of Hope, a vital grief counseling program for youth and families, provided by Hospice.

The Mike Riley Memorial Hike for Hospice is a heartwarming and free community event open to all. Whether you prefer to hike solo, with friends, or as part of a team, everyone is welcome to participate.

For those who donate $25 or more, a special commemorative T-shirt will be given as a token of appreciation for their generous support.

Participants are encouraged to go the extra mile by seeking donations from friends, family, and colleagues in support of their hike. It's not just about completing the trail; it's about making a significant impact on the lives of those who rely on the invaluable services provided by Wings of Hope.

In the spirit of fun and camaraderie, there will be a friendly competition among teams and individuals for the best costumes and the most money raised. So, don't be shy to don your most creative and inspiring hiking attire.

Wings of Hope, a program deeply committed to providing support during times of loss, offers a lifeline for Lake County residents and their children who have lost a loved one.

Their flagship initiative, the Wings of Hope Family Bereavement Camps, provides a safe and healing environment for families to come together, share their experiences, and find solace in their grief journey.

“We offer Wings of Hope Family Bereavement Camps each year to ensure that those in need receive the support and guidance they require during challenging times,” said Janine Smith Citron, director of development for Hospice.

Join Hospice on Oct. 8 for the Mike Riley Memorial Hike for Hospice, a day filled with compassion, community, and a shared commitment to providing essential grief counseling and support for youth and families through Wings of Hope.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.lakecountyhospice.org/ or call 707-263-6222.

: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS; Posted On Tuesday, 26 September 2023 01:23; 26 September 2023

City of Lakeport seeks commission and committee applicants

LAKEPORT, Calif. — The city of Lakeport has opportunities for the public to become involved in local government by serving on local commissions and committees.

If you have an interest in serving your community, city officials said applying for a position on a city commission or committee is a great place to start.

The city of Lakeport invites applications for the following committees and boards:

Lakeport Fire Protection District Board;
Lake County Vector Control District Board; and
Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee.

These appointments will be effective as of Jan. 1, 2024.

Membership on these commissions and committees is voluntary.

For additional information regarding the mission and meeting dates of each commission, including applications, visit the Committees & Commissions page under the "Government" tab on the city's website.

Applications are due by 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023.

Appointments will be made at a special Lakeport City Council meeting — the date of which is still to be determined — in early November.

For additional information, please contact Deputy City Clerk Hilary Britton at 707-263‑5615, Extension 102, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Monday, 25 September 2023 03:41; 25 September 2023

Season’s first atmospheric river to bring light rain Monday

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The first atmospheric river event of the season is expected to bring some rain to Lake County and other parts of the North Coast on Monday.

The National Weather Service’s Eureka office said the early season atmospheric river storm will bring strong and gusty southerly winds through Monday, with moderate to heavy rain will increase on Monday as a frontal boundary crosses the area.

Forecasters said rain may not occur in Mendocino and Lake counties until late afternoon or early evening on Monday. Portions of southern Lake County may not even get any precipitation until mid or late evening.

Lake County is not expected to receive more than a third of an inch during the storm.

There is the potential for additional showers and cooler air to follow through mid week, with drier weather conditions expected toward the end of the week and the weekend, the forecast said.

With the southern portion of the Eureka office’s forecast area — which includes Lake County — expected to receive the least amount of rain from the atmospheric river storm, “fire weather concerns will once again crop up over the weekend,” the National Weather Service reported.

The forecast also noted that the “dry offshore wind flow will also promote drying for the interior valleys and the concerns for frost and freezing temperatures will increase.”

Winds in Lake County are forecast to be up to 20 miles per hour on Tuesday night and slightly higher on Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported.

Temperatures this week are anticipated to be in the low 70s during the day and the high 40s at night, the forecast 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.

: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE; Posted On Sunday, 24 September 2023 02:42; 24 September 2023

Gov. Newsom signs legislation supporting LGBTQ+ Californians

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday announced that he has signed legislation strengthening protections and supports for LGBTQ+ Californians, including measures to better support vulnerable youth.

The measures include AB 5 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles), which sets implementation timelines for required LGBTQ+ cultural competency training by public school teachers and staff.

The governor also signed SB 857 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which will establish an advisory task force to identify LGBTQ+ pupil needs statewide and assist in implementing supportive initiatives, and AB 223 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego), which requires any petition for a change of gender and sex identifier by a minor to be kept confidential by the court.

“California is proud to have some of the most robust laws in the nation when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community, and we’re committed to the ongoing work to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all Californians,” said Gov. Newsom. “These measures will help protect vulnerable youth, promote acceptance, and create more supportive environments in our schools and communities. I thank Sen. Eggman and the LGBTQ Caucus for their dedicated leadership and partnership in advancing our state’s values of equality, freedom and acceptance.”

"This year the LGBTQ Caucus took up the important work of protecting our communities in the face of vile anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, discriminatory laws across the country, and hatred. I appreciate the Governor's partnership in signing some of our priority and endorsed legislation today, and hope we can continue to educate about the harm LGBTQ+ people will continue to face if we fail to act,” said Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman, Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.

“While states across the nation are passing legislation that puts LGBTQ+ people and especially youth at risk, California is sending a clear message today — hate-filled attacks will not be tolerated and we will continue protecting and ensuring the safety of all members of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “We are thankful to our legislative partners for championing these important bills and to Governor Newsom for continuing to be such a strong ally in improving and protecting the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community as we face growing attacks from far-right extremists.”

The full list of bills signed by the governor can be found below:

AB 5 by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Los Angeles) — The Safe and Supportive Schools Act.

AB 223 by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (D-San Diego) — Change of gender and sex identifier.

AB 760 by Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Fairfield) — Public postsecondary education: affirmed name and gender identification.

AB 783 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) — Business licenses: single-user restrooms.

AB 994 by Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) — Law enforcement: social media.

SB 372 by Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) — Department of Consumer Affairs: licensee and registrant records: name and gender changes.

SB 407 by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) — Foster care: resource families.

SB 760 by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) — School facilities: all-gender restrooms.

SB 857 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) — Advisory task force: LGBTQ+ pupil needs.