CLEARLAKE OAKS – The Clearlake Oaks Community Recovery Task Force has been reorganized to help improve public safety and code enforcement.

On Feb. 20, the Board of Supervisors approved the task force's reorganization.

“As a result of a recent Clearlake Oaks Town Hall meeting, a fully-functioning task force received overwhelming support, as did the need to improve public safety and Code Enforcement,” said Supervisor Denise Rushing.

The task force had previously enjoyed success in Clearlake Oaks, but several years ago, due to the shortage of staffing in the sheriff’s department, the task force virtually dissolved, said Voris Brumfield, Code Enforcement manager and the new task force coordinator.

Brumfield said Sheriff Rod Mitchell supports the efforts of the task force and anticipates greater participation when his department is fully staffed.

Representatives from the Sheriff’s and Probation Departments serve as liaisons for special task force actions. The Northshore Fire District and Battalion Chief Lou Dukes facilitated the task force office space.

 

Brumfield said the task force's theme is “recovering neighborhoods for the protection, peace, and prosperity of our community.”

“More than 30 public nuisance vehicles were tagged in our first joint agency action for 2007 on March 21,” she said. “Additional regular joint agency actions are planned as well as regular patrols, so the community of Clearlake Oaks will see a decided increase in County presence.”

Animal Care and Control, Code Enforcement, and Building and Safety are the agencies scheduled to staff the new space and answer questions from members of the public. Brumfield said the task force is open to the public at the Clearlake Oaks Fire Station, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Though office hours are currently limited, the public may access various enforcement brochures, code fliers on preventing illegal dumping, resource documents and Animal Care pamphlets in the lobby of the fire station, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brumfield said the task force has several goals:

– Provide consistent daily presence of enforcement officials in the Clearlake Oaks, Glenhaven, and Spring Valley Communities.

– Provide an office with limited hours for citizens to obtain information on County processes, to file complaints and discuss options for compliance.

– Address the deterioration of previously improved areas in Clearlake Oaks.

– Create opportunities for citizens to volunteer in clean-up efforts, reporting of illegal dumping and monitoring of problem areas.

– Expand education efforts to heighten public awareness of Code Enforcement and work to foster an increased spirit of volunteerism and community pride.

Brumfield said community members may phone for an appointment or contact county staff by phone during office hours at 998-9271. Volunteers are welcome, Brumfield added.

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