How to resolve AdBlock issue? Supervisors to hear appeal on bioenergy project; consider behavioral health and child care service contracts
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will hear an appeal of a proposed state-funded bioenergy project near Upper Lake, consider a proposed increase in waste processing fees, and review contracts for behavioral health and child care services.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 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 9:15 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing on an appeal challenging the approval of a major use permit for a state-funded forest wood processing bioenergy project by Scotts Valley Energy Corp., located at 755 East State Highway 20, Upper Lake.
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. Appellant Larry Kahn immediately filed an 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 appeal has been continued several times this year, as staff requested additional time to confer with state agencies regarding terms of the lease and respond to the appellant's request for public records.
“If staff does not gain clarification from the state by the date of this agenda posting, staff intends to request an additional continuance,” the staff memo said.
At 10 a.m., the board will hear a report from the Lake County Fish & Wildlife Advisory Committee regarding the “fish die off” that occurred in Clear Lake in September, the staff memo said.
In the untimed items, the board will also consider several Behavioral Health service agreements — one for acute inpatient psychiatric hospital services, three for adult support — totaling $1.8 million.
The board will also consider requests from Lake County Waste Solutions and South Lake Refuse & Recycling to amend their franchise agreements to add a one-time 4.8% rate adjustment for organic waste processing.
The increase — about $1.40 to $1.78 more per month for a 32-gallon residential cart — offsets new costs from processing mixed organics that now include food scraps as well as yard waste.
Though Lake County remains exempt from mandatory organic collection under SB 1383, both haulers expanded their green waste programs voluntarily to support long-term environmental goals and prepare for future compliance, resulting in higher processing and disposal expenses.
The board will also consider approving a contract with North Coast Opportunities to continue administering Stage One Child Care services for CalWORKS participants.
The program offers low or no-cost childcare and facility referrals to eligible families, helping parents maintain employment or training. The contract provides $250,000 for May and June 2025, and $1.5 million for fiscal year 2025-26, covering administrative costs while childcare payments of about $1.05 million annually are funded separately by the state.
During closed session, the board will discuss appointing an interim chief public defender. Earlier this month, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to hire Ray Buenaventura, who has served as Lake County’s chief public defender since October 2023, for that job in their county.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1, Adopt proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Filipino American History Month in Lake County.
5.2, Approve Board of Supervisors meeting minutes for September 30, 2025, and October 21, 2025.
5.3, Approve equitable sharing agreement and certification between the County of Lake Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Justice, and authorize the sheriff and chair to sign.
5.4, Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, approve two joint funding agreements with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, for stream monitoring in Kelsey and Clover Creek, for a total amount not to exceed $75,490, and authorize the Water Resources director to sign.
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 recognizing October 2025 as Filipino American History Month in Lake County.
6.4, 9:15 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 from May 20, June 17, and August 26, 2025).
6.5, 9:45 a.m.: Consideration of presentation on the UC Cooperative Extension Forestry Program.
6.6, 10:00 a.m.: Presentation from Lake County Fish & Wildlife Advisory Committee.
NON-TIMED ITEMS
7.1, Supervisors’ weekly calendar, travel and reports.
7.2, Consideration of update to the 2025 Board of Supervisors meeting calendar.
7.3, Consideration of agreement between the County of Lake and Sacramento Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, LLC, for acute inpatient psychiatric hospital services and professional services associated with acute inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations for fiscal year 2025-26.
7.4, Consideration of agreement between the County of Lake and Vista Pacifica Enterprises, Inc., for adult residential support services and specialty mental health services in the amount of $750,000 for fiscal year 2025-26.
7.5, Consideration to adopt resolution authorizing the Behavioral Health director to sign the standard agreement 24-40117 with the California Department of Health Care Services for Bond BHCIP Round 1: Launch Ready Program funding.
7.6, Consideration of agreement between the County of Lake and Manzanita House for adult residential support services in the amount of $300,000 for fiscal year 2025-26.
7.7, Consideration of agreement between the County of Lake and Windsor Care Center of Sacramento (a mental health rehabilitation center) for adult residential support services and specialty mental health services for fiscal year 2025-26 in the amount of $500,000, and authorize the chair to sign.
7.8, a) Consideration of amendment three to agreement between the County of Lake and Lake County Waste Solutions, Inc., for solid waste handling and recycling services; and
b) Consideration of amendment three to agreement between the County of Lake and South Lake Refuse Company, LLC, for solid waste handling and recycling services.
7.9, a) Consideration to waive the formal bidding process pursuant to County Ordinance 3137 Section 28.2 due to 38.2(2) not in the public interest; and
b) Approve a contract between the County of Lake and North Coast Opportunities, Inc., for Stage One Child Care Services in the amount of $1,750,000 from May 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and authorize the chair to sign.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1, Public employee discipline/dismissal/release.
8.2, Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code section 54957(b)(1): appointment of interim chief public defender.
8.3, Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code section 54957(b)(1): interviews for Animal Care and Control director; appointment of Animal Care and Control director.
8.4, Conference with legal counsel, existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(1): FERC Proceeding No. P-77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
8.5, Conference with legal counsel, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(1): two potential cases.
Email Lingzi Chen at
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- Written by: Lingzi Chen
Lake County EDC launches second annual ‘Eat Drink Shop Local’ campaign to strengthen local economy
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Economic Development Corp., or Lake EDC, announced the return of its annual Eat Drink Shop Local campaign, an initiative aimed at reinforcing the economic backbone of Lake County by encouraging residents to prioritize local spending.
As inflation and rising operational costs continue to challenge small businesses, the campaign underscores a simple but powerful truth: where we spend our money matters.
Every dollar spent at a local business helps sustain jobs, stabilize families, and build a more resilient economy.
Local businesses are not just storefronts — they are employers, innovators, and community builders.
They generate tax revenue that funds public services, create jobs that support households, and offer goods and services that reflect the unique character of Lake County.
When residents choose to shop locally, they’re investing directly in the economic health and future of their own neighborhoods.
Supporting local, even when budgets are tight
Lake County families are feeling the squeeze. With rising costs for essentials and limited disposable income, every purchase carries more weight.
The Eat Drink Shop Local campaign recognizes these challenges and encourages residents to make intentional choices that stretch their dollars while supporting the community.
Shopping local doesn’t always mean spending more — it means spending smarter. Many local businesses offer competitive pricing, personalized service, and unique value that national chains simply can’t match.
Even small purchases — grabbing coffee from a local café, picking up produce from a nearby farm stand, or choosing a locally owned shop for holiday gifts — can make a meaningful impact.
The Eat Drink Shop Local campaign invites participation from all corners of the community. Business owners can register to be featured in the Shop Local online map directory, which promotes local deals during the holiday season.
Participants will also receive free promotional materials to help brand their businesses as part of the local movement.
Residents are encouraged to make conscious choices about where they shop, dine, and spend. The campaign is designed to be inclusive, actionable, and impactful — because every purchase is a chance to support Lake County’s economy and community.
The online campaign kickoff event will take place at noon on Nov. 10.
Nicole Flora, executive director of Lake EDC, will outline the campaign’s purpose, components, and how to get involved.
For more information about the campaign, sign up for the kick-off and campaign, or find out other ways you can get involved, visit lakecountycaedc.org/shoplocal.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Childlessness on the rise — except for women ages 45 to 50
The share of childless women increased in every age group except those ages 45 to 50, according to recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Fertility Supplement.
In 2024, 97.8% of teens ages 15 to 19 were childless, up from 95.9% in 2014 — confirming previous research that showed declining teen pregnancies and births in recent years.
The rise in childlessness was especially steep among women in their 20s and early 30s:
• In 2014, about 75% of women ages 20 to 24 had not had children. By 2024, that figure had jumped to 85%.
• Among women ages 25 to 29, childlessness rose from about 50% to 63%.
• Even women in their 30s and early 40s saw increases in childlessness: about 40% of women ages 30 to 34 were childless in 2024, up from about 29% in 2014.
Delaying having children means older moms
The only group to see a decline in childlessness was women ages 45 to 50 — from 16.7% in 2014 to 14.9% in 2024. This suggests that more women had children as they entered their late 40s.
The decline in this age group contrasts with gains among younger groups, reflecting broader demographic, social and economic shifts such as women’s rising educational attainment and participation in the labor force.
Among potential reasons?
Young adults are delaying achieving key milestones to adulthood, including having children, according to a recent Census Bureau working paper.
Findings suggest that young adults today prioritize economic security over starting a family, reflecting the rising burden of housing, food, gas and other costs.
While most women still go on to have children later in life, these new data suggest that some are waiting even longer than in the past.
About the research
All comparative statements have undergone statistical testing and, unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are statistically significant at the 90% confidence level.
All data are subject to error arising from a variety of sources, including sampling error, non-sampling error, modeling error, and any other sources of error.
Anita Li is a Census Bureau family demographer.
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- Written by: Anita Li
Purrfect Pals: This week’s young cats and kittens
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County Animal Care and Control has a number of cats, particularly kittens, waiting to be adopted into new homes.
The kittens and cats at the shelter that are shown on this page have been cleared for adoption.
Call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278 or visit the shelter online for information on visiting or adopting.
The shelter is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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New ‘Konocti Climb’ mountain run debuts Nov. 8; signups underway
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — A new sporting event will put the spotlight on Lake County’s best-known mountain.
The county of Lake announced the first-ever Konocti Climb, where runners and outdoor enthusiasts from across Lake County are gearing up for a 5K mountain run set for Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. at Mt. Konocti County Park in Kelseyville.
“The Konocti Climb is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of our shared love for the outdoors and the natural beauty that makes Lake County so special,” said Lars Ewing, Public Services director. “This event brings together families, athletes, and community partners who all share a passion for health, nature and connection.”
This year’s run is made possible through generous financial support from Adventist Health Clear Lake, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Homestake Mining Co. of California, Lake County Tribal Health and Flowers by Jackie, whose shared commitment to community wellness and active living helps bring this event to life.
Organizers said this event would not be possible without the contributions of time and services from Kelseyville Unified School District, Kelseyville Fire Department, Lake County Recreation Agency, K-Corps, Lakeport Unified School District and the American Red Cross.
“As a health care organization, we’re proud to support community events that encourage physical activity and mental well-being,” said Don Smith, director of Well-Being at Adventist Health Clear Lake. “The Konocti Climb is a great way to inspire healthy living while connecting with the incredible natural environment that surrounds us.”
All registered participants will receive a t-shirt, snacks, water, and raffle entry on the day of the event. Directions and event signage will be clearly posted at Mt. Konocti County Park.
Participants can register by visiting www.rec.us/lake-county. Participation is limited to 150 runners, so early registration is encouraged.
Event organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist with traffic control, parking, course spotting, and registration.
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the Lake County Public Services Department at 707-262-1618 for more information.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
