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Acting governor proclaims California Library Week
At a time when libraries are facing new fiscal challenges, state officials are honoring their contribution to society.On Monday, acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis issued a proclamation declaring April 6 to April 12, 2025 as California Library Week.
The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below.
PROCLAMATION
During National Library Week, we celebrate the essential services, resources, and opportunities that libraries and library workers provide for all Californians. Free and open to all, each of our 1,127 public libraries is a community hub for education and lifelong learning, health and wellness, civic engagement, and workforce and economic development.
Libraries are gateways not just to learning but to new opportunities and ideas. Our state’s public libraries provide hundreds of thousands of programs each year and continually evolve and adapt to the needs of all Californians. They offer online tutoring, adult literacy programs, summer reading, test prep, resources for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM), early learning for infants and toddlers, meals for children, and services for job seekers.
Libraries are community centers and shelters, serving as heating and cooling centers, technology and communication providers, and safe places during emergencies. They provide free Wi-Fi and offer collaborative workspaces, career centers, quiet spaces for studying, and community gardens.
But the heart and soul of California’s libraries are the workers who help people of all ages and all backgrounds access the resources, programs, and services they need and serve as a key source for trusted information. Librarians help us start new chapters at every stage of our lives, from showing us the magic of reading as children to teaching us new skills in our golden years, with expanded digital access offering more opportunities than ever before.
School and library book challenges have been on the rise for some time, many targeting LGBTQ+ authors and writers of color. But now libraries themselves – and their critical programs and supports – are under attack, too. Now more than ever, we must celebrate and support the vital role that libraries, and all that they offer, play in keeping Californians informed and supported. These institutions house millions of books and materials that reflect the breadth of our rich diversity and defend the essential role of public libraries in protecting intellectual freedom.
In California, we know libraries hold more than books — they are the heart of our communities. During National Library Week, we honor our libraries and the dedicated library workers who offer endless possibilities to enrich the lives of Californians across the state.
NOW THEREFORE I, ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Acting Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 6 to April 12, 2025 as “California Library Week.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 3rd day of April 2025.
ELENI KOUNALAKIS
Acting Governor of California
ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Board of Supervisors to discuss federal cuts on food bank funding, consider million-dollar road project agreements
LAKE COUNTY, Calif, — The Board of Supervisors this week will discuss multiple federal updates, including $500 million in cuts to food bank programs, and consider million-dollar agreements with contractors for road projects.The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 8, 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 9:30 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing on an ordinance regarding the Water Vessel Inspection Program.
The proposed ordinance will update the current code that protects the county’s water bodies from the invasive quagga and zebra mussels, to also address the recently discovered invasive golden mussels in the Bay Area.
“There is a pressing need to expand the scope of our county ordinance to proactively address this new invasive threat, along with any other future freshwater mussel invasions,” said Water Resources Director Pawan Upadhyay in the staff report.
Starting at 10 a.m., the board will consider multiple federal updates, including but not limited to Administration for Children and Families layoffs, Health and Human Services layoffs and program funding cuts, elimination of the Administration for Community Living and claw backs of federal Library Services and Technology Act funding.
At 10:15 a.m., the board will consider the $500 million cut in the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, or the TEFAP, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This cut will slash funding for CalFresh that 16,000 people — 25% of Lake County’s residents rely on.
The report said the cut is “particularly troubling” given the skyrocketing cost of groceries and will increase food insecurity nationwide.
“The cancelled USDA TEFAP truckloads included a variety of milk, frozen protein, canned protein, eggs and dried fruit, all desirable and preferred by people who come to our food banks for groceries,” the report said.
In an untimed item, the board will consider awarding the construction contract — in the amount of $5,113,696.75 — for the construction of the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project to the lowest bidder Argonaut Constructors, Inc, and authorizing the chair to sign the contract.
Construction costs will be paid from Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funds.
In another untimed item, the board will consider adding $625,700 to the agreement with Consor, the contractor for final design and right-of-way services for the South Main Street and Soda Bay Road improvements. The amendment also limits the total amount to not exceed $3,521,213.31 for the project.
The staff report said that Consor, County, and Caltrans worked together in developing the scope of work and that funding for the project comes from various federal, state and local contributions.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.2: Approve continuation of proclamation declaring a Clear Lake hitch emergency.
5.3: Approve continuation of local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 late January, early February winter storms.
5.4: Approve continuation of proclamation of a local health emergency by the Lake County health officer for the Boyles fire.
5.5: Approve continuation of a local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 Boyles fire.
5.6: Approve continuation of local emergency proclamation by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the Glenhaven fire.
5.7: Approve continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in the County of Lake.
5.8: Adopt a resolution amending Resolution No. 2024-34, a resolution approving an application for funding and the execution of a grant agreement and any amendments thereto from the 2023-2024 funding year of the State CDBG Mitigation Resilience Infrastructure (MIT-RIP) program.
5.9: Approve request to waive 900-hour limit for extra-help accountant, Gloria Martinez.
5.10: Adopt proclamation designating the week of April 7–13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Lake County.
5.11: Adopt proclamation designating the month of April 2025 as Celebrate Diversity Month.
5.12: (Sitting as the Lake County Sanitation District Board of Directors) Approve Sewer Mainline Extension Agreement between the County of Lake and Jordan Rivera, for the installation of a sewer collection line to serve parcel 042-262-030, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Adopt resolution expressing support for the Lower Lake Daze Parade and Street Fair; and authorizing temporary road closures, parking restrictions, posting of signs, and removal of vehicles.
5.14: Adopt resolution accepting the work of the 14C-0061 Cole Creek Bridge (Soda Bay Road) oak mitigation project (BRLO-5914(108)) and 14C-0085 Highland Creek Bridge (Highland Springs Road) oak mitigation project (BRLO-5914(109)) and directing the Public Works director to file the notice of completion with the County of Lake Recorder’s Office.
5.15: Approve the Supplemental Service Agreement No. 3, in the amount of $218,700.00, with NCE for the design of the Nice-Lucerne cutoff pavement rehabilitation and authorize the chair to execute supplemental service agreement no. 3.
5.16: Adopt resolution authorizing (1) the submittal of an application, (2) acceptance of an allocation of funds, (3) execution of a grant agreement with the California Department of Transportation, for an airport improvement program (AIP) matching grant.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the week.
6.3, 9:04 a.m.: National Poetry Month poem of the week.
6.4, 9:05 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of April 2025 as Celebrate Diversity Month.
6.5, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the week of April 7–13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Lake County.
6.6, 9:30 a.m.: Public hearing – Consideration of an ordinance amending Article IX, Chapter 15 of the Lake County Code – Updating water vessel inspection program.
6.7, 10 a.m.: Consideration of federal updates.
6.8, 10:15 a.m.: Consideration of Federal Update – Food Bank Funding for Discussion
NONTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of use of staff time in excess of 8 hours in response to Potter Valley Project decommissioning.
7.3: Consideration of amended Eastern Region Town Hall (ERTH) bylaws.
7.4: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Central Region Town Hall (CeRTH).
7.5: Consideration to (1) award of the construction contract for the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, Bid No. 24-39, to Argonaut Constructors, Inc. and (2) authorize the Chair to sign the notice of award and execute the contract, in the amount of $5,113,696.75, between County of Lake and Argonaut Constructors, Inc. for the construction of the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
7.6: Consideration of Amendment Six, in the amount of $625,700.00 for a total not to exceed amount of $3,521,213.31, to the agreement between the County of Lake and Consor for final design and right-of-way services for the South Main Street and Soda Bay Road corridor improvements and authorize the Chair to execute the amendment.
7.7: Consideration of (a) the draft county Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); and (b) direction to staff as needed with a plan to return on April 22, 2025 for approval.
7.8: Consideration of placing a Child Abuse Prevention flag on the courthouse.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee evaluation: Title: Health Services director.
8.2: Public employee evaluation: Title: Information Technology director.
8.3: Public employee discipline/dismissal/release.
8.4: 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.
8.5: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9 (d)(1) – FERC Proceeding No. P-77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
8.6: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(1) – Center for Biological Diversity, et al. v. County of Lake, et al.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
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- Written by: LINGZI CHEN
Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee to meet April 9
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee will meet this week to discuss projects and updates.The committee, or LEDAC, will meet via Zoom from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The meeting also will be available via Zoom.
The meeting ID is 842 2886 1335, pass code is 594383 or join by phone, 1 669 900 6833.
The meeting is open to the public.
There will be economic development updates from Ben Rickelman, Lake County deputy county administrative officer for economic development, and Nicole Flora, executive director of Lake County Economic Development Corp.
There also will be a project review by city of Lakeport staff and a discussion of LEDAC engagement with implementing city goals.
Also on Wednesday, LEDAC will hold a Brown Act review led by Lakeport City Clerk Kelly Buendia.
LEDAC will next meet on June 11.
LEDAC advocates for a strong and positive Lakeport business community and acts as a conduit between the city and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.
Members are Chair Wilda Shock, Bonnie Darling, Candy De Los Santos, Pam Harpster, Lissette Hayes, Amanda Martin, Euline Olinger, JoAnn Saccato, Laura McAndrews Sammel, Bob Santana, Marie Schrader and Tim Stephens. City staff who are members include City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Department Director Joey Hejnowicz, Associate Planner Victor Fernandez and Chief Building Officer Bethany Moss Childers.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Gov. Newsom appeals abrupt end of USDA farm subsidies used to supply food banks
Gov. Gavin Newsom has sent an appeal to the United States Department of Agriculture appealing the abrupt and inexplicable termination of funding for California’s Local Food Purchase Assistance, or LFPA, Program.Since 2022, California has utilized more than $88.5 million in LFPA funding to support local farmers, strengthen the state’s food supply system, and distribute high quality nutritious food to food insecure communities and families.
Despite the inevitable harm that will fall upon farmers and communities, California’s $47 million from USDA for LFPA, plus millions more under the Local Food for Schools Program, that had been awarded for next year have been completely terminated.
“California’s agriculture sector — which produces nearly half the country’s fruits and vegetables — relies on the support of the Department of Agriculture to ensure that they can get fresh, healthy foods onto families’ tables,” said Gov. Newsom. “The irrational and malicious slashing of funds will not only hurt our farmers, but also the families who need food banks and school meals to stay healthy and thrive. I implore the USDA to immediately reverse this decision.”
“Farmers, families, and schoolchildren rely on the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program to nourish our communities and strengthen our local food systems,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Through California Farm to School, we’ve seen firsthand how these initiatives provide fresh, nutritious meals to families while supporting local growers. Without this funding, families facing food insecurity will have fewer options, children will miss out on the meals they rely on, and farmers who have built their livelihoods around feeding our communities will face devastating losses. We urge the USDA to reconsider this decision and continue working with us to ensure a stronger, more resilient food system for all.”
Impact on California
California is the nation’s agricultural leader, producing nearly half of the Country’s fruits and vegetables.
The local food production sector faces mounting pressures, including climate change, labor shortages, and market fluctuations, all impacting food availability and affordability.
In 2024 alone, California’s LFPA Program allocated the California Association of Food Banks, CDSS’s largest LFPA partner, over $22.3 million to provide local healthy food and 18,647,546 meals to food-insecure Californians.
“I cannot underscore enough how brutal this contract breach is to our operations. It’s devastating,” said Ellee Igoe of Solidarity Farm in San Diego.
The sole basis for the termination of LFPA25 was that “AMS [USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service] has determined that this agreement no longer effectuates agency priorities, and that termination of the award is appropriate,” even though USDA’s mission includes “promot[ing] agriculture production that better nourishes Americans.”
This decision will cause irreparable harm to the farmers and communities that have participated in and benefitted from California’s LFPA Program, Newsom’s office said.
Read the full letter below.
California Department of Social Services LFPA25 Appeal 04042025 by LakeCoNews on Scribd
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS