How to resolve AdBlock issue? Record-breaking travel forecast for Memorial Day weekend
The traditional kick off to summer travel season starts with a record breaking number of people expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, according to newly released AAA data.AAA projects about 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home beginning Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26.
This represents an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2005 with 44 million people. More than 5.8 million of those travelers will be from California, marking a 4 percent increase over 2024 and setting a new record for the state.
Travelers are choosing to vacation in the Bay Area this year with AAA booking data listing San Francisco in the top 10 for Memorial Day destinations.
Many Americans say they’re taking advantage of the long weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if they are staying closer to home amid concerns over travel costs.
Memorial Day travelers by mode of transportation
By car: Driving is the preferred mode of transportation during holiday travel periods with 87% of Memorial Day travelers choosing to take road trips. AAA projects 39.4 million people will travel by car nationwide over Memorial Day weekend with more than 4.8 million being from California. This year, drivers have the benefit of cheaper gas prices thanks to lower crude oil prices.
By air: AAA projects 3.61 million air passengers, a nearly 2% increase over last year when 3.55 million travelers took to the skies. Of those, about 622,000 will be Californians. AAA booking data shows the cost for domestic flights are up 2% compared to last year.
By other modes: AAA projects 2.08 million people will travel by train, bus, or cruise nationwide over Memorial Day weekend, an 8.5% increase over last year. About 424,000 travelers will be Californians. Travelers are turning to cruises in record numbers. AAA projects a record 19 million people plan to take cruises in 2025.
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CDFW releases new wolf location mapping system
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has released a brand-new mapping tool designed to provide regular location information on GPS-collared gray wolves in California to help prevent wolf-livestock conflict.The Wolf Location Automated Mapping System, available to the public on CDFW’s website, shows the approximate location of GPS collared wolves across the state.
The goal of the map is to better enable livestock producers to understand the movement of collared wolves near their properties and to assist them in mitigating wolf-livestock conflicts.
“California’s rural livestock producers living near wolves have faced real challenges as the wolf population grows in California. This is one more tool in our shared toolkit to protect their herds from wolf-livestock conflict,” said Charlton H. Bonham, CDFW director. “CDFW is focused on transparency, best practices, and ensuring impacted communities have the knowledge they need to help prevent conflict. We will continue to partner with ranchers and communities to navigate a positive path forward.”
CDFW already provides regular and timely updates to livestock producers, law enforcement offices, and local officials regarding the movement of collared wolves near their communities, but this is the first time CDFW is providing automated data on wolf movements to the public.
CDFW’s GPS collars collect wolf location data roughly four times a day and transmit those locations to CDFW each morning. When received, the location data will be automatically transmitted to the online map.
The most recently received location of an individual wolf is shown as a hexagonal cell and, when clicked, provides information about the wolf’s pack, the general area they are in, and the last transmission date.
As wolves regularly travel hundreds of miles across the state, information on their location can be a critical tool for ranchers to protect their property and livelihoods.
“Knowing where California’s collared wolf population is means that ranchers have access to critical information,” said California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass. “We appreciate CDFW’s focus on transparency to help farmers and ranchers navigate the growing number of wolves in the state.”
The map provides information exclusively on collared wolves, a subset of the overall gray wolf population. As of May 2025, 14 wolves across California have GPS collars. Collaring wolves with GPS devices helps CDFW and the state better understand wolf populations, movement, and habitats.
“As wolves increase in number and range, California ranchers are in dire need of additional tools to protect the animals under their care. Knowledge is power, and this mapping tool will empower ranchers throughout wolf territory to better understand where wolves might threaten their livestock, enabling them to increase human presence and adjust their herd management as necessary to deter wolf attacks,” said Kirk Wilbur, vice president of government affairs, California Cattlemen’s Association. “CCA appreciates the department’s communication and transparency, which we hope will ease the burdens borne by cattle ranchers who steward California’s wolf habitat.”
The location of a wolf on the map is approximate and not reflective of the exact or current location of any individual wolf or pack. Generalizing the location data helps protect California’s gray wolf population, classified as both federally and state endangered, from potential harm, a crime punishable by law. It also helps prevent trespassing on private property.
Data from specific areas, such as at known den sites where wolf pups are believed to be present, will not be available during certain times of the year.
CDFW reserves the right to modify or discontinue the publication of the mapping tool if it is believed to result in any harassment of gray wolves or other wildlife or trespassing on private property.
For additional questions about this mapping tool, head to CDFW’s website.
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Supervisors to honor veterans, consider contracts for substance abuse disorder program and tax collection
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will recognize local veterans in a special presentation and consider a contract for tax collection services.The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 865 3354 4962, pass code 726865. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,86533544962#,,,,*726865#. The meeting can also be accessed via phone at 669 900 6833.
At 1 p.m., there will be a special veterans mission presentation of a veterans appreciation plaque, along with an additional plaque listing 30 Lake County veterans killed in action since World War I.
In the untimed items, the board will consider a county agreement of $350,000 with Hardeep Singh, MD, of SY Psychiatric to provide the medical director’s responsibilities for the county’s substance use disorder program.
According to the staff memo, the county has contracted with Singh for these services since 2018.
The contract will be paid using a Mental Health Block Grant and includes Drug MediCal services, which are reimbursed at a “65% pass through rate,” the memo stated.
The board will also consider an agreement to contract with American Financial Credit Services, Inc. for the collection of unsecured delinquent property taxes, and to waive the formal bidding process, citing the “unique nature of goods or services” as not being in the public interest, according to the staff memo.
The company is “uniquely situated to assist with the collection of delinquent unsecured property tax as they can do so in a comprehensive manner,” the memo stated. “There is no fee assessed to the County, as the costs incurred in collections are assessed by ACFS to the delinquent taxpayer. This is a 25% additional fee.”
In closed session, the board will conduct interviews and appoint a Public Health Officer, and discuss an “employee grievance complaint.”
An item regarding the appeal of a major use permit for a forest wood processing bioenergy project by Scotts Valley Energy Corp., located on county-owned land at 755 East State Highway 20, Upper Lake, is expected to be continued until June 17.
The project proposes to develop a facility that would process forest wood removed from local forests to reduce wildfire risk and convert it into bioenergy, according to the staff memo.
The planning commission approved the permit in December 2024.
Appellant Larry Kahn filed the appeal, alleging that certain findings were either not submitted or not considered, including claims of code violations or noncompliance, mostly related to air quality and prime agricultural land protections.
The staff memo included responses to the allegations and reiterates that in December the planning commission found that “the project would not have significant impact on the environment and adopted a mitigated negative declaration.”
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve amendment no. 2 to the agreement for Lake County Housing Action and Implementation Plan (HAIP) services between the county of Lake and Placeworks, extending the contract through August 30, 2025, at no additional cost to the county, and authorize the chair to sign
5.2: Adopt resolution amending resolution no. 2024-100 establishing position allocations for fiscal year 2024-25, budget unit no. 2111 public defender
5.3: Adopt resolution approving agreement no. 25-0021-000-SA with the State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture and authorize the execution of the fuels, lubricants, and automotive products program agreement for $2,475 for period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026
5.4: Approve board of supervisors meeting minutes April 15, 2025 and April 22, 2025
5.5: Approve community development staff Shannon Walker-Smith and Damien Marks for travel to exceed the 1500 mile maximum to Boston, Massachusetts from June 3, 2025 to June 6, 2025, for OpenGov electronic permit system training
5.6: Approve amendment seven to the agreement between the county of Lake and Quincy Engineering for engineering services for replacement of St. Helena Creek Bridge at Wardlaw Street (14C-0035) and rehabilitation of Cooper Creek Bridge at Witter Springs Road (14C-0102) in Lake County, CA in the amount of $80,000 and authorize the chair to sign
5.7: (a) Approve contract with Motorola Inc. and (b) approve budget transfer for in-car and body-worn camera services not to exceed $725,000 for the term of May 20, 2025 through May 20, 2030 and (c) authorize the chair of the board to sign
5.8: Adopt proclamation designating the week of May 17-23, 2025, as National Safe Boating Week in Lake County
5.9: Adopt proclamation designating May 31, 2025, as Foster Parent Appreciation Day
5.10: ADDENDUM - Adopt resolution accepting the tree survey services and directing the county administrative officer to file the notice of completion
TIMED ITEMS
6.1, 9:02 a.m.: Public input
6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the week
6.3, 9:05 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the week of May 17-23, 2025, as National Safe Boating Week in Lake County
6.4, 9:06 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating May 31, 2025, as Foster Parent Appreciation Day
6.5, 9:10 a.m.: Consideration for hearing on account and proposed assessment of abatement costs – 250 Lake St, Nice / APN#035-375-25: property owner Pamela Hahn
6.6, 11:30 a.m.: PUBLIC HEARING - Consideration of appeal (PL-25-22; AB 24-06) of the Planning Commission's approval of major use permit (UP 23-05), and initial study (IS 23-10); for the AG Forest Wood Processing Bioenergy Project; located at 755 East State Highway 20, Upper Lake (APN 004-010-04); appellant: Larry Kahn (Continued to June 17, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.)
6.7, 1:00 p.m.: Consideration of a veterans mission presentation facilitated by Rick Mayo, Vice President of We Serve Veterans, Inc., to include remarks from Lake County veterans services organizations and military funeral honors recognizing Lake County veterans killed in action
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.1: Supervisors’ weekly calendar, travel and reports
7.2: Consideration of the addition of special meeting for Tuesday, July 29, 2025 to the board's annual meeting calendar
7.3: Consideration of the agreement between county of Lake and SY Psychiatry, LLC. to perform substance use disorder treatment medical director responsibilities on behalf of Lake County Behavioral Health Services in the amount of $350,000 for FY 2025-26
7.4: Consideration of approval of temporary variance of ambulance ordinance #2687 to extend permits to December 31, 2024
7.5: Consideration of (a) waiving the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; (b) approval of agreement with American Financial Credit Services, Inc for collection of unsecured delinquent property tax, authorizing the Treasurer - Tax Collector to sign
ASSESSMENT APPEAL HEARINGS: 10 A.M.
8.1: Consideration of withdrawal for the following assessment appeal applications: a) No. 01-2024 Lower Lake Holdings; and b) 11-2024 Shaw Investments; and c) 12-2024 Bellig; and d) 14-2024 Lakeshore Dr.; and e) 16-2024 Davita; and f) No. 13-2024 Lisa Shannon; and g) No. 17-2024 Maldonado
8.2: Consideration of stipulations for the following assessment appeals: a) No. 10-2024 Nau; and b) 18-2024 through 21-2024 Strycker
CLOSED SESSION
9.1, 2:30 p.m.: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): Interviews for Public Health Officer, Appointment of Public Health Officer
9.2: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) Chief negotiator: C. Torrez; County negotiators: S. Parker, S. Carter, C. Moreno, P. Samac and D. Rico; and (b) employee organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA and LCSMA
9.3: Employee grievance complaint pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54957.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
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Lakeport City Council to discuss land transfer to tribe, city recruitment challenges
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport City Council this week will consider a land transfer for tribal burial purposes, review pandemic grant spending and discuss recruitment challenges within the city’s workforce, including police hiring difficulties.The council will meet Tuesday, May 20, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The agenda can be found here.
If you cannot attend in person, and would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the Zoom meeting remotely at this link or join by phone by calling toll-free 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
At the meeting, the city’s newly hired Finance Director Danielle Dizon will be introduced to the council and the public.
The council will then hold a public hearing on the completion of the city’s Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Round 2 agreement.
In 2020, Lakeport received $471,394 to address community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were used to replace the Silveira Community Center’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, and repair its electrical system, according to the staff report.
Another public hearing will follow, focusing on the city’s human resource management. The presentation will cover the city’s vacancies, recruitment and retention efforts, which includes a discussion on challenges in police hiring.
The city’s recognized employee organization will also have an opportunity to present on these topics.
The council will then receive the 2024 General Plan annual progress report.
The council also will consider approving the transfer of property at 2665 State Highway 175 to the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians for cemetery use, for a nominal fee of $1.
According to the staff report, Big Valley has “an urgent need for additional cemetery spaces as the tribe continues the process of repatriating ancestral remains and associated funerary objects from institutions across the country.”
The tribe’s existing cemetery is nearly full and additional space is required, the staff report said. The proposed transfer of land will “support the tribe’s cultural and spiritual needs” and strengthen the relationship between the city and the tribe.
The council is also asked to adopt the city’s 2025 Emergency Operations Plan by resolution.
On the consent agenda — items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote — are ordinances; minutes of the previous meeting on May 6; approval of application 2025-027, with staff recommendations, for the 2025 Shakespeare by the Lake event; approval of application 2025-028, with staff recommendations, for the Clear Lake High School Senior Movie in the Park event; approval of application 2025-029, with staff recommendations, for the Clear Lake High School Senior Parade; adoption of the FY 2025/26 SB 1 Project List and direction to submit it to the California Transportation Commission; and the second reading and approval of an ordinance amending sections 13.08.030, 13.08.050, and 13.08.060 of the Lakeport Municipal Code regarding cross-connection.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
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May 28 town hall to discuss Lake Pillsbury, Potter Valley Project dams
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A town hall set for next week will bring together leaders from around the North Coast to discuss the potential decommissioning of the dams in the Potter Valley Project and the impact on Lake Pillsbury.The Lake County Chamber of Commerce will host the town hall from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the Soper Reese Theater, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.
Everyone concerned about the future of Lake Pillsbury and the decommissioning of the dams — from residents to business owners — is encouraged to attend.
Panelists will include Lake County supervisors E.J. Crandell and Bruno Sabatier; Carol Cinquini and Frank Lynch of the Lake Pillsbury Alliance; Lake Pillsbury Fire Chief Larry Thompson; Frost Pauli of the Mendocino County Farm Bureau; and Cloverdale Mayor Todd Lands.
The Potter Valley Project includes the Potter Valley powerhouse, Cape Horn Dam and Van Arsdale Reservoir, Scott Dam and Lake Pillsbury.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which operates the project, abandoned its license for the facility in 2019 after determining it was “uneconomic” for its customers to maintain.
In January, PGE released its final draft surrender application and decommissioning plan for the project, which it was ordered to complete after no other party filed an application to take over the project’s operation.
The company said it’s moving forward with its plans to decommission and eventually remove the dams, which in turn will require the building of another water diversion facility, which PG&E said it will not be responsible for building or operating.
The issue has been highly divisive, with Lake County’s interests largely sidelined in the process that created a “two basin solution” that emphasizes the removal of the ams.
In February, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to send letters to PG&E, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Trump Administration over its concerns about the decommissioning plans.
In a letter addressed to several federal cabinet secretaries, the board said the destruction of Lake Pillsbury “would constitute an expensive and irresponsible gamble with regional water supply in an area that has repeatedly been threatened by catastrophic wildfire events” and asked for the Trump Administration’s “collective support in ensuring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and your Federal Agencies take seriously the potential for profound human consequences.”
In its announcement about the town hall, the chamber said the decision about the project “stands to profoundly affect not only Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties’ water supply but also Lake County’s economy, wildlife, wildfire readiness and recreational access.”
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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