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Lakeport Police logs: Saturday, Jan. 10
Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
00:00 EXTRA PATROL 2601100001
Occurred at Lake County Law Library on 3D....
Clearlake City Council approves signage updates, chamber rental agreement
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In a brief Thursday night meeting, the Clearlake City Council approved minor updates to the city's signage rules, gave the OK to a rental agreement with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, and appointed the delegate and alternate for this fall's League of California Cities annual meeting.
Mayor Russ Perdock called the meeting to order and asked for a moment of silence and prayers for the country to heal from its divisiveness.
City Attorney Ryan Jones said there was no reportable action from the closed session the council held immediately before the meeting on Thursday for the purpose of conducting a performance evaluation of City Manager Greg Folsom.
Introducing the amendments to the sign ordinance, Folsom called the proposed changes “essentially minor” and applying only to the elections and sign portions of the city municipal codes.
Folsom said city staff will be conducting a comprehensive and “very significant” zoning code update in the near future. What was before the council on Thursday was to make sure the city is in compliance with the law when it comes to election signs.
Jones said that in June 2015 the United States Supreme Court decided the case Reed vs. The Town of Gilbert, involving an Arizona town.
The court ruled that content-based restrictions on signage violate the First Amendment. In particular, Gilbert had certain regulations for political signs, and different ones for commercial and noncommercial signs, Jones said.
“The Supreme Court said that was illegal,” said Jones, adding that he was concerned because some of Clearlake's rules had mirrored those used in Gilbert.
The amendments before the council removed those content-based requirements so that all signs are generally treated the same. Jones said there are only specific regulations for temporary commercial use, permanent and noncommercial. “Otherwise, a sign is a sign.”
Folsom said the Clearlake Planning Commission reviewed the amendments at its July 5 meeting and recommended the council approve the updated ordinance.
In addition, the commission wanted to change flashing, rotating and moving signs from being expressly prohibited to being permitted with a conditional use permit, Folsom said.
The council held a brief public hearing with no public input and followed up by approving the ordinance 4-0. Vice Mayor Gina Fortino Dickson was absent from the meeting.
Also on Thursday, the council the council approved a rental agreement with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce for office space at the city's community center building at 3245 Bowers Ave., which also hosts the senior center.
Folsom said the city has a contract with the chamber to occupy the visitor center at 14095 Lakeshore Drive for $1 per year.
However, the opening of the visitor center has been delayed and the chamber has been occupying a small office in the community center. Folsom said the chamber needs a lease to legally occupy the building.
Folsom said the proposed terms include the chamber paying the city $1 a month from Aug. 1 through Dec. 21, with the chamber to occupy the center's office No. 1 and also have monthly meeting space.
He said the city is going to be working hard to get the visitor center opened by year's end. So far, the effort has relied heavily on volunteer help.
Chamber President Jo Bennett said the chamber board met Wednesday night and accepted the proposed contract.
“It's a real benefit for us,” said Bennett, who added the organization likely would be homeless otherwise.
Councilwoman Joyce Overton moved to approve the contract, with Councilman Nick Bennett seconding and the council approving the contract 4-0.
In other business, the council selected its voting delegate and alternate for the League of California Cities conference Oct. 5 to 7 in Long Beach.
Folsom said the organization is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities.
He said the conference is extremely valuable due to the educational and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to vote on resolutions establishing league policy.
However, in order to vote, the city needed to designate a voting delegate and up to two alternate delegates, Folsom said.
Overton moved to appoint Perdock as the voting delegate, with Councilman Bruno Sabatier as the alternate. The council approved the motion unanimously.
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Supervisors continue Staheli Drive cell tower project discussion; matter held over to August
LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Tuesday the Board of Supervisors continued its hearing of an appeal of a Lake County Planning Commission vote to deny a proposed Kelseyville cell tower project, deciding at the end of the discussion to hold the matter over another month to further explore additional locations.
Representatives acting on behalf of Verizon Wireless agreed to the further continuance, with the matter to come back to the board at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23.
Epic Wireless of Granite Bay, a consultant representing Verizon Wireless, appealed the commission's decision to deny the major use permit for a cell tower on a portion of a 17-acre property at 5660 Staheli Drive.
The board had first heard the appeal in June but held it over since Board Chair Rob Brown – in whose district the tower would be located – was not present for the meeting. He has since reviewed the recordings and documents in order to join the discussion.
In the meantime, Verizon Wireless and its consultants analyzed additional sites. County Principal Planner Audrey Knight said an updated report analyzed a total of 14 locations.
Paul Albritton, outside counsel for Verizon Wireless, spoke to the board about the project. Along with Albritton, on hand to answer questions were Verizon radio frequency engineer Ben Santa Maria, Andrew Lesa of Eric Wireless and Rajat Mathur, an engineer with the consulting firm Hammett and Edison Inc. of Sonoma County.
“We listened very carefully to what you had to say in June and so we revised our alternatives analysis,” said Albritton, explaining that they looked at sites suggested by members of the public and the Kelseyville Business Association.
“We've been working for four years to try and figure out how to fill this 19-square-mile area of coverage,” which Albritton said includes 3,700 residents and a three-mile stretch of Highway 29 which has 22,000 vehicle trips per day.
He said the company's preferred site on Staheli Drive covered all of that area.
“It's the significant gap that we're looking to cover here,” said Lesa, noting that the area covers the entire town of Kelseyville and the highway, and stretching up into the foothills.
Lesa said the alternative sites don't work well to cover that gap.
Albritton said the Staheli Drive location was selected due to its topography, sitting up on a slight rise.
He said that, based on federal law, the board needed to have substantial evidence to make the findings to deny the appeal. In addition, “You can't make determinations based on the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions.”
Verizon sent out emails to customers in the Kelseyville area to gauge support on the project. Albritton said 337 Verizon customers in the area responded to the text, and said they wanted better service and a tower at that site.
“We think there is a large public constituency for this service,” he said, explaining that the data demands are doubling every year and Verizon is working to meet those needs.
The company also is transitioning from 3G to 4G service. Albritton said that upgraded service will require towers to be closer, between a mile and a half to two miles, rather that four or five miles apart.
Supervisor Jim Steele, who had faulted the company's analysis at the June meeting, said he was appreciative of the “amazing” level of effort that went into the followup study, adding they had plugged the information holes.
Businessman Mark Borghesani, who is part owner of an undeveloped six-lot, seven-acre subdivision near the proposed project site, faulted the project for being too close to residential areas. He was concerned that it would harm his family's investment in the subdivision.
“We're not against cell towers, we're not against growth. We know it's something important,” he said of the Kelseyville community.
Nina Marino, who lives across the street from the proposed location, said her only phone is a cell phone, and so she also relies on strong signals. However, she agreed with Borghesani.
“It's still an industrial, commercial project, and we're a rural residential area with single family homes and vineyards and open space,” said Marino, adding that the tower would be an “eyesore.”
Brown said he has gotten a lot of calls from people about the project, with many of them supporting it. He said he's concerned about communications during emergencies, and he's spoken to the fire chief and the California Highway Patrol, which support the project. “That's the primary focus for me.”
However, he said he wanted to try other alternative sites.
Supervisor Jim Comstock also emphasized the need for coverage during emergencies. He said there had been a massive coverage gap between Middletown and Anderson Springs several years ago that had been filled by a tower. That tower provided coverage that he said was absolutely essential during the Valley fire.
Mike Powers, a resident of Staheli Drive and a board member for the Kelseyville Cemetery District, suggested the cemetery's property as an alternative location. The 22-acre property has about 10 to 12 acres not currently being utilized, he said.
Knight noted that the cemetery property and the proposed location on Staheli Drive are only about 1,000 to 1,500 feet apart. Brown said he didn't think there is much of an elevation difference between them.
Brown added that, in addition to the cemetery, he didn't want to rule out possible alternative sites on a county corporation yard and a water tank on Sand Hill south of town.
Albritton said there was a state law passed in 2007 that prevents local jurisdictions from directing wireless companies to county or city owned property.
Brown said it wasn't a direction but a proposed alternative, and Albritton replied that Verizon likes to do business with cities and counties.
There also was the “shot clock” to consider, which Albritton said is the requirement under federal law that a governing body needs to make a decision within a certain amount of time on such projects.
He said that time limit had been extended for Tuesday's meeting, and would need to do so again.
While the company was willing to do further study, Albritton noted, “Our obligation is to show that there is no less intrusive site. We don't have to evaluate every site.”
Albritton agreed to Brown's proposal to come back on Aug. 23, adding that if there is potential for the alternative sites new designs would need to be undertaken.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Clearlake City Council to discuss sign ordinance updates
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council this week will hold a public hearing on updates to the city's sign ordinance necessitated by a United States Supreme Court case handed down last year.
The council will meet in closed session beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28, for a performance evaluation of City Manager Greg Folsom before the public portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
One of the main items on the council's agenda is the public hearing related to the sign ordinance.
On June 18, 2015, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in Reed vs. The Town of Gilbert, involving an Arizona community that had sign regulations in place that applied different criteria to where, when and how temporary signs could be displayed depending on the message.
The court found that Gilbert's content-based restrictions on speech weren't justified by its interest in aesthetics and traffic safety, and that they therefore violated the First Amendment's Free Speech provision.
Earlier this month, the Clearlake Planning Commission went over proposed changes to the city of Clearlake's rules that are necessary as a result of the decision, as Lake County News has reported.
The commission unanimously recommended approval of the updated ordinance at its July 5 meeting.
Changes include removing a portion of the elections section that regulates election and political signs based on content, limiting the size of window signage, allowing for additional signage on properties that offer products for sale that are grown or raised onsite, and offering a conditional use permit to allow for signs that are flashing and rotating, or have moving parts or lighted elements.
In other business, the council will consider an agreement with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce for use of office space at the community center, and select voting delegates and alternates for the League of California Cities annual convention in October.
On the meeting's consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are warrant registers and the amended job classification for the maintenance worker I/II position.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Supervisors to continue discussions regarding cell tower appeal, cannabis tax
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Board of Supervisors this week will continue a discussion begun last month on an appeal for a cell tower project and take up a proposed cannabis tax first discussed last week.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 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 and online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Boards/Board_of_Supervisors/calendar.htm . Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
At 9:30 a.m., the board will continue the public hearing begun on June 28 regarding the appeal of Epic Wireless Group – on behalf of Verizon Wireless – of the Lake County Planning Commission's denial of a use permit to construct a new 75-foot monopole cellular antenna at 5660 Staheli Drive in Kelseyville.
Opposition has centered on concerns regarding the project's close proximity to a neighborhood. Epic Wireless Group has argued that no other site that's been considered will fill the coverage gap.
At 11:45 a.m., the board will consider a proposed ordinance imposing a cannabis cultivation tax in the unincorporated areas of Lake County.
The board had held a lengthy discussion at the July 19 meeting, giving direction for County Counsel Anita Grant to come back with changes to the document, which will be discussed on Tuesday.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
7.1: Approve leave of absence request of Selena Jackson, substance abuse counselor, from June 16, 2016, to Aug. 31, 2016, or until such time as the Behavioral Health Department has completed a recruitment and is ready to make an offer of employment to fill the position, whichever date is sooner.
7.2: Adopt proclamation designating the week of July 25-31 as Invasive Weed Awareness Week in Lake County.
7.3: Approve minutes from the Board of Supervisors meeting held on July 12, 2016.
7.4: Adopt resolution approving the Lake County Health Services Department to submit acceptance paperwork and a certification clause from the California Department of Public Health Tuberculosis Control Branch for real-time allotment funding for tuberculosis cases in Lake County in the amount of $13,154 for FY2016-2017 and authorizing the board chair to sign said certification clause.
7.5: Adopt resolution approving the application of the Lake County Arts Council for the California Arts Council Grant for FY 2016-17 and authorizing the Lake County Arts Council to execute the grant contract.
7.6: Adopt resolution authorizing the Public Services director to sign a notice of completion for the work performed under agreement for the construction and completion of the Kelseyville Skate Park.
7.7: Approve amendment two to the consultant agreement between the county of Lake and SCS Engineers for design engineering services for the Eastlake Landfill expansion, an increase of $53,000 for a new contract maximum of $194,120, and authorize the chair to sign.
7.8: Approve (a) contract amendments No. 8 and No. 9 between the county of Lake and Sun Ridge Systems Inc. for the installation of both In Station and Mobile Mapping and Mobile Software in the total amount of $97,857 and authorize payment of $78,000 to be paid from Budget 2206, object code 62.74 and $19,857 to be paid from object code 28.30 and authorize chair to sign; and (b) approve the attached budget transfer supporting these payments from FY 2015/16.
7.9: Approve limited right of entry agreement between the county of Lake and the city of Lakeport for the Lakeport Downtown Improvement Project-Phase II, located at 230 N. Main St., Lakeport, which will include removal and replacement of sidewalks, water services and sanitary sewer laterals, and authorize the chair to sign.
7.10: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, (a) adopt resolution accepting funds associated with the Flood System Repair Project; and (b) adopt resolution accepting standard conditions associated with the Flood System Repair Project.
7.11: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, approve joint funding agreement with US Geological Survey for the operation of the stream gauge on Kelsey Creek near Kelseyville, in the amount of $14,700 and authorize the chair to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
8.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the week of July 25 to 31, 2016, as Invasive Weed Awareness Week in Lake County.
8.3, 9:15 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of an Ordinance Amending Subsection 4.4 of Section 4-4 of Article I of Chapter 4 of the Lake County Code relating to fees for dog and cat licensing, redemptions, and other services provided by Lake County Animal Care and Control.
8.4, 9:30 a.m.: Public hearing, continued from June 28, consideration of Appeal (AB 16-01) of Planning Commission's denial of use permit (15-10) to construct a new 75-foot monopole cellular antenna; project located at 5660 Staheli Drive, Kelseyville (APN 008-050-22); applicant is Epic Wireless Group for Verizon Wireless .
8.5, 11 a.m.: Assessment appeal hearing, continued from June 28 and sitting as the Lake County Local Board of Equalization, Daniel Fossa - Application No. 01-2014 - 9270 Wildcat Rd., Kelseyville, CA (APN 011-044-04).
8.6, 11:45 a.m.: Consideration of proposed ordinance imposing a cannabis cultivation tax in the unincorporated areas of Lake County.
UNTIMED ITEMS
9.2: Consideration to adjourn Board of Supervisors meetings scheduled for Sept. 6, Oct. 11, Nov. 22, Dec. 27 and Jan. 3.
9.3: Consideration of an ordinance amending Subdivision (c) of Section 27-6 of Article 1 of Chapter 27 of the Lake County Code to revise fire mitigation fees for cases of locally declared emergencies .
9.4: Consideration of budget transfer approval for CSA #2 – Spring Valley (Budget Unit 8462) to provide an additional $153,900 in funding for the Pipeline Water Loss Minimization Project and authorize expenditure of said funding prior to the FY 2016-17 Adopted Budget.
9.5: Consideration of (a) Award of Bid No. SD16-10, Lake County Special Districts CSA2 Spring Valley Water Distribution System Upgrade to California Trenchless Inc.; (b) approval of contract between the county of Lake and California Trenchless Inc. in the amount of $1,202,230 and authorize the chair to sign; and (c) authorization of Special Districts administrator to issue notice of award.
CLOSED SESSION
10.2: Public employee evaluations title: Interim Behavioral Health director, Community Development director.
10.3: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9 I(d)(2)(e)(1) – One potential claim.
10.4: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 549456.9(d)(1): Smith v. County of Lake, et al.
10.5: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(3): Claim of Stimmel.
10.6: Conference with legal counsel: Decision whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case.
Email Elizabeth Larson at