LAKE COUNTY – On Friday, the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce released the final list of nominees for this year's Stars of Lake County awards.

The 12^th annual event will take place on March 22 at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa.

Chamber Chief Executive Officer Melissa Fulton reported that the community submitted a total of 127 nominations.

Thirty-six hours prior to the Feb. 27 deadline, the chamber had received only 61 nominations, but the public came through again, said Lakeport Regional Chamber President Jan Parkinson.

The Stars Selection Committee will meet on March 12 to discuss and cast ballots on all the categories. Their books of nominations were delivered on Thursday and Friday of this week.

The members of the Selection Committee will commit many hours of reading to review a 3-inch-thick book of nominations and then spend around five hours at the March 12 meeting to arrive at their decisions.

The actual recipients are not made public until March 22, when they are announced from the stage beginning at 7 p.m. following the dinner.

Committee members are Lake County Superintendent of Schools Dave Geck; Clearlake City Council member Judy Thein; Gloria Flaherty, executive director, Lake Family Resource Center; Margaret Medeiros, president, Clearlake Oaks/Glenhaven Business Association; District 2 Supervisor Jeff Smith; Trena Pauly, Polestar Computers, Kelseyville; John Tomkins, Lucerne; Sandy Tucker, Langtry Estates, Middletown; Rick Hamilton, RAH Stuff, Middletown; Barbara Flynn, Brick Oven Pizza/Cobb Merchants, Cobb; Linda Diehl Darms, Tom's Auto/Middletown Area Merchants Association, Middletown.

“We purposefully choose people from every area of Lake County to provide as much insight into the nominees as possible, as the nominees come from every community in the County,”said Parkinson.

 

Major sponsors of the Stars of Lake County Community Awards program are Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa, the Lake County Record-Bee and the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce.

More than 30 businesses from around the county participate in this program as sponsors of category awards, without whom the program could not take place, Parkinson said.

All the nominees should have received their notification letter and dinner tickets for this event on March 22 at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa are selling very quickly. It is possible that this year will be sold out again as it has for every year in the past, the chamber reported.

Dinner tickets are $50/person and can be purchased by calling 263-5092 or stopping by the chamber at 875 Lakeport Blvd., Vista Point Visitor Center in Lakeport.

Final list: Nominees for Stars of Lake County 2009

MAN OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Lake County Record-Bee

1. Andy Weiss, Lakeport

2. Duane Furman, Lakeport

3. Willie Sapeta, Clearlake

4. Robert L. DeWitt Jr., Kelseyville

5. Ross A. Christensen, Clearlake Oaks

6. Kevin Burke, Lakeport

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Northlake Medical Pharmacy

1. Yvonne Cox, Nice

2. Linda Fergusson, Hidden Valley Lake

3. Cheryl Robbins, Lakeport

4. Shirley Crawford, Kelseyville

5. Tammi Silva, Lakeport

6. Elizabeth Larson, Lucerne

7. Cathy Froio, Lakeport

8. Dr. Linda Mulligan, Lakeport

9. Georgina Lehne, Middletown

10. Linda Meyers, Clearlake Park

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Bruno’s Shop Smart

1. Umpqua Bank, Lakeport and Kelseyville

2. Meadowood Nursing Center, Clearlake

3. Northcoast Supportability, Lakeport

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Food’s Etc.

1. Ting's Thai Kitchen, Hidden Valley Lake

2. Lake Event Design, Lakeport

3. Solo Flight Academy, Lakeport

4. Middletown Florist, Middletown

5. Studebaker’s Coffee House & Deli, Kelseyville

6. Marie’s Lakeshore Feed, Clearlake

7. McAtee’s Marine Repair, Lakeport

8. Lakeport Transmission, Lakeport

9. Mugshots Expresso, Hidden Valley

10. Dewey & Sons, Lakeport

11. Loch Lomond Roadhouse, Loch Lomond

12. Shed Horn Cellars, Middletown

13. DJ Dre’ Kutter, DJ & Karaoke Entertainment, Clearlake

14. Perlz Beads & Yarn, Kelseyville

15. Molly Brennan's, Lakeport

YOUTH ADVOCATE – VOLUNTEER

Sponsored by Polestar Computers

1. Lorna Sue Sides, Kelseyville

2. Kaj and Else Ahlmann, Lower Lake

3. Shel Bush, Clearlake

4. Dave and Nicole Figuera, Lakeport

5. Karen Hayes, Lower Lake

YOUTH ADVOCATE – PROFESSIONAL

Sponsored by Umpqua Bank

1. Kathleen Doherty, Lakeport

2. Ron and Patti Raetz, Upper Lake

3. Michy Brown, Lucerne

4. Ana Santana, Clearlake

5. Chuck Mansell, Lakeport

6. Susan Parker, Kelseyville

7. Heidi Haskett, Kelseyville

8. Tom Aiken, Kelseyville

STUDENT OF THE YEAR – MALE

Sponsored by McDonald’s-Lakeport

1. Benjamin Mullin, Lucerne

2. James Green, Kelseyville

3. Anthony Tavares, Lower Lake

4. Nicholas Valdivinos, Hidden Valley Lake

5. Academic Decathlon Team, Upper Lake

STUDENT OF THE YEAR – FEMALE

Sponsored by Piedmont Lumber

1. Amanda Mueller, Kelseyville

2. Emmalena Illia, Clearlake Park

3. Stephanie Tregea, Upper Lake

4. Karin Elaine Vandraiss, Kelseyville

5. Apryl Comstock, Lakeport

6. Kelsey Welton, Hidden Valley Lake

7. Kayla Wood, Middletown

8. Kimberly Walker, Lower Lake

9. Nycole Copping, Lakeport

10. Freza Paro, Middletown

11. Alma Martinez, Clearlake

12. Thonyoon Chao, Upper Lake

AGRICULTURE AWARD

Sponsored by Gossett Alarm

1. Lake County Community Co-Op, Clearlake

2. Barrett Farms, Finley

3. Shannon Ranches, Clearlake Oaks

ARTS AWARD/AMATEUR

Sponsored by Shannon Ridge Winery & Vineyards

1. Patsy Mitchell, Kelseyville

2. Kelseyville Art Group, Kelseyville

3. Konocti Artists, Kelseyville

4. Alice Stone, Lakeport

ARTS AWARD/PROFESSIONAL

Sponsored by Jonas Heating & Cooling

1. Bernadette and Suzanne Alverio, Middletown

2. Gail Salituri, Kelseyville

3. John Parkinson, Lakeport

4. The Lost Boys, Lakeport

5. George Waterstraat, Kelseyville

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Barry Parkinson, Attorney at Law

1. Dick Michaels, Kelseyville

2. Bill and Carolyn Tobin, Middletown

3. Myra Wendt, Lakeport; Pat Norcio, Lakeport; Bill Knoll, Lakeport; Beth Truman-Nunes, Clearlake Oaks; Barbara Lee, Lower Lake.

4. Brondell Locke Jr., Clearlake Oaks

5. Raymond A. Lanfear, Lucerne

6. Margaret Eutenier, Kelseyville

7. Bill Edmunds, Clearlake

MARLA RUZICKA HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Cliff and Nancy Ruzicka

1. Faith Hornby, Lakeport

2. Mina Pierce, Clearlake Oaks

3. Allen and Donna Thomas, Lakeport

4. Mark Shapiro, MD, Clearlake

SENIOR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by WestAmerica Bank

1. Edward McDonald, Lakeport

2. Donald Stewart, Finley

3. Treva Ryan, Nice

4. Rita Doyle, Clearlake

BEST IDEA OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kathy Fowler Auto Dealerships

1. Creative Expressions-Mary McMillan, Kelseyville

2. Ageless Dream Day-Orchard Park Assisted Living, Clearlake

3. Mt. Konocti Acquisition, Lakeport

4. “It’s Never Too Late to Be Remembered,” Kelseyville

ORGANIZATION – VOLUNTEER

Sponsored by Strong Financial Network

1. Operation Tango Mike, Kelseyville

2. Soroptimist International of Clear Lake, Clearlake

3. KPFZ Radio, Lakeport

4. Interact Club of Middletown High School, Middletown

5. VFW Post 2015, Lakeport

6. The Acme Foundation, Cobb

7. Lake County Milers, Middletown

ORGANIZATION – NONPROFIT

Sponsored by Rural Communities Housing Development Corp.

1. Wiloth Equine Therapy and Riding Center, Lower Lake

2. People Services Inc., Lakeport

3. Adult Day Care/Respite Lake County, Kelseyville

4. Lake County Child Care Planning Council, Lower Lake

5. Healing Rooms of Lake County, Clearlake

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – WOMAN

Sponsored by Lakeview Market & Deli

1. Dr. Frances Crary, Lakeport

2. Pamela Phillips, Nice

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT – MAN

Sponsored by Orchard Park Assisted Living & Memory Care

1. Ed Robey, Lower Lake

2. Father Phillip Ryan, Lakeport

HERO OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by U. S. Representative Mike Thompson

1. Mike Botto, Clearlake

2. Gavin Wells, Lakeport

3, Lance Corporal Ivan Wilson (Posthumous)

4. Walt Foster, Clearlake

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Kelseyville Lumber

1. Harbor Village Artists, Lucerne

2. Lake County Wine Studio, Upper Lake

3. Chic Le Chef, Hidden Valley Lake

4. Jimmy’s Deli, Lakeport

5. Furry Tail's Pet Boutique, Kelseyville

6. Clear Lake Bed & Breakfast, Lakeport

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

Sponsored by Lake County Land Trust

1. Leona Butts, Clearlake Oaks

2. Clear Lake Trowel & Trellis Garden Club, Lakeport

3. Dwight Holford, Middletown

4. Kim Clymire, Lakeport

5. Peter Windrem, Lakeport

6. Greg Giusti, Lakeport

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Lakeport City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approval of the Proposed City of Lakeport General Plan Update. The General Plan Update sets forth a 20-year development plan for the City of Lakeport.

The City of Lakeport Planning Commission recommended approval of the Proposed General Plan Update and the related EIR on February 25, 2009 with a vote of 4-0 (one member absent).

The public hearing will be held on March 24, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Lakeport City Hall, located at 225 Park Street, Lakeport, CA 95453. Lakeport City Hall is a handicapped accessible building via the Second Street entrance.

Copies of the General Plan Update and EIR are available for review on the City’s Web site at www.cityoflakeport.com or purchase at Lakeport City Hall.

Questions or comments concerning the Proposed General Plan Update and EIR may be made in writing and directed to the Lakeport Community Development Department at the address above. Telephone inquiries or comments regarding the Proposed General Plan Update may be made to Community Development Department staff by calling (707) 263-5613 x25 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Dated this 4th day of March, 2009.

_______________________________

MARK BRANNIGAN

Community Development Director

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LAKEPORT – The city of Lakeport's schedule of parking fines appears set to change soon, following a discussion at the Lakeport City Council's Tuesday meeting on raising the fine amounts.

Kevin Burke, police chief and interim city manager, asked the council to consider the fine changes based on a survey of other Northern California cities comparable to Lakeport, most of which had substantially higher fines.

The point of higher fines, Burke emphasized, is to deter violators, which the current fines aren't doing.

Parking tickets for various offenses currently are either $15, $17 or $27; the big ticket item, parking in a handicapped space without a placard, incurs a fine of $275.

The current fine schedule was last updated in 1998 by a council resolution, but the range of fines actually goes back much earlier, although Burke wasn't able to determine precisely when the amounts were set.

Burke and the council went over the offenses one by one, and came up with the following consensus proposals. Listed are the current amounts and the new, proposed fines.

• Blocking driveway, parkway, crosswalk or alleyway: $27 to $35;

• Vehicle for sale (being parked on display in a public place): $17 to $25;

• Parallel parking: $17 to $25;

• Posted “no parking”: $17 to $35;

• Parked on a hill with wheels curbed: $17 to $30;

• Vendors and peddlers: $17 to $30;

• Green curb, 20 minutes: $17 to $30;

• Yellow curb, 20 minutes: $17 to $30;

• White curb, three minutes: $15 to $25;

• School bus zone, $17 to $35;

• Red zone: $17 to $50;

• Vehicle storage/parked in excess of 72 hours: $17 to $75;

• Diagonal parking: $17 to $30;

• Blue curb/handicapped parking: $275 to $300;

• Two hour parking (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.): $15 to $30.

Burke said some of the parking violations are infrequent, but vehicles being parked in excess of 72 hours “definitely is an issue.” He said it's also difficult to recover fines on those vehicles; fines usually are collected when a vehicle is registered, but some of those which are cited aren't registered again.

To get a ticket in a two-hour parking area, a person would have to be parked there a lot longer than two hours, Burke said.

Mayor Ron Bertsch noted that the police have been generous in dealing with parking citations.

“We're pretty flexible,” said Burke. “We're not talking about changing that.”

The council voted unanimously to direct staff to prepare an updated resolution and bring it back for approval.

Considering increased parking enforcement

Burke's staff report on the parking fines noted that due to council members' concerns and complaints from the public police staff had increased parking enforcement. Even Burke himself has been seen out writing parking tickets around town.

Parking enforcement overall appears to be a council priority.

During a business plan update before the regular council meeting, Burke asked the council for direction on whether or not to increase the amount of time police staff devote to parking enforcement.

City Attorney Steve Brookes noted during the discussion that he doesn't believe the city has a parking problem.

Councilman Roy Parmentier said they need a parking enforcement officer and a code enforcement officer.

“I don't know how the hell it got by us but it did,” Parmentier.

He told Burke, “When I vote on your budget it better have a parking officer.”

Burke responded that it depends on what the department can afford. Lakeport Police currently has two unfilled officers' positions due to the city's hiring freeze.

Councilman Bob Rumfelt said the city used to have a parking enforcement officer who made the city more money than her salary and benefits cost them.

“She liked it way too much. I had eight in one year,” said Brookes, adding that he holds the city record for most tickets in a year.

Burke suggested an alternative – he asked the council if he could bring to them the option of privatizing parking enforcement in the city.

He said he's been informally discussing the idea with someone who wants to bid on the chance to provide the service.

“It addresses half the problem,” said Mayor Ron Bertsch, the other half being code enforcement.

Burke said a larger issue for the department is to eventually get that dedicated code enforcement position.

Bertsch said he was under the impression that the last person the department hired was to be a code enforcement officer.

“No, sir,” Burke replied.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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LAKEPORT – Modifications to the zoning of a subdivision near Lakeport is among the items on this week's agenda for the Board of Supervisors.

The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. in the board chambers at the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport. TV Channel 8 will broadcast the meeting live.

The 9:45 a.m. public hearing on Eachus View Estates, proposed by developer Mark Mitchell at 3565, 3585 and 3595 Hill Road near Lakeport, will look at modifications to part of the project's zoning. Eachus View Estates includes the subdivision of 87 acres into three residential lots.

The board will consider the Lake County Planning Commission's recommendation for approval of a rezone consisting of 8.7 acres from Agricultural District, Scenic Combining District, Floodway Fringe

Combining District to Agricultural District, Scenic Combination District, Floodway Fringe Combining District, and Rural Residential District, Floodway Fringe Combining District, Wetlands Combining

District, Waterway Combining District Special Lot Size/Density Combining District; and the adoption of a negative declaration based on the initial study.

The project had been the subject of an appeal hearing before the board last October, with the Sierra Club Lake Group concerned about the project for reasons including a proposed agricultural rezone. The Board of Supervisors denied the appeal on the project, which Mitchell had previously reduced in size.

Other agenda items include the following.

Timed items:

9:15 a.m.: Public hearing and discussion of the Lake County Housing Authority PHA Five Year and/or Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2010-2014, HUD’s required Certificate of Compliance and other required documents.

9:30 a.m.: Hearing on the consideration of proposed resolution declaring the public necessity for taking and condemning property, Soda Bay Road/Big Valley Rancheria Road Rehabilitation Project and four other properties adjacent to Meadow Drive.

10:15 a.m.: Consideration of proposed amendment to the agreement between the county of Lake and Lake County Community Action Agency for provision of alcohol and drug counseling services to

Lake County adolescents attending New Beginnings Highland School (increasing compensation from $75,000 to$150,000).

10:30 a.m.: Presentation by Business Strategies regarding a proposal to establish a technology business incubator in Lake County.

Non-timed items:

– Update on status of Building and Safety Division Budget in follow-up to the Feb. 3 mid-year budget review and consideration of staff recommendations.

– Consideration of proposed resolution canceling designated reserves for building and infrastructure projects to provide for a loan to the Lake County Redevelopment Agency; and consideration of proposed Agreement between the county of Lake and the Lake County Redevelopment Agency providing a loan from the county to the agency.

– Consideration of appointments to the Heritage Commission.

– Second reading of an ordinance amending Article XII of Chapter 19 of the Lake County Code concerning weight and speed limits on county bridges (advanced from Feb. 24).

The board also will hold a closed session to discuss labor negotiations.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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LAKEPORT – Proposed increases in city parking fines and an updated list of potential road projects for state funding will be among the items up for discussion and possible action at this week's Lakeport City Council meeting.

The Lakeport City Council will meet in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

A 5 p.m. staff and council workshop for the purposes of updating the city's business plan is scheduled, which will be followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

During the council meeting, Kevin Burke, the city's police chief and interim city manager, will ask the council to review and evaluate the city's current parking fine structure in comparison to other cities.

Burke's report to the council explains that the current fine schedule was established in 1998, with most violations costing $15 or $17. Out of that amount, $2.50 was paid to the county's courthouse construction fund. Since that time, however, the courthouse construction fund amount has grown to $5 per violation.

“The level of parking enforcement by the police department varies,” Burke noted in his report. “Recently, after some citizen complaints and City Council member concerns, parking enforcement has increased.”

He said that parking fines “should be set so they are sufficiently high to deter parking violations.”

Lakeport Police conducted a survey of parking violation fines in cities similar to Lakeport, according to Burke. “The results showed that our parking fines are consistently lower than other cities.”

While Lakeport charges $15 for a two-hour parking violation, the range for most of the other cities is between $25 and $40. The city of Williams charges $17, he noted.

Burke's report shows that Lakeport's highest ticket amount, $275, is for parking in a handicapped parking zone without a placard. Parking in a red zone only brings a $17 ticket.

In comparison, the city of Clearlake charges $275 for handicapped parking violations, while Ukiah's fine is $351. For parking in a red zone, Clearlake Police will give a ticket with a $30 fine, while Ukiah's fine for that offense is $25.

Burke states in his report that the council will have to adopt a bail schedule resolution to raise its parking fines. He noted that higher fines should encourage parking regulation compliance and also will increase revenue “to some extent,” which he said will help pay for having parking enforcement.

In other news, City Engineer Scott Harter will take to the council proposed revisions to an approved plan for Proposition 1B funding, which California voters approved for transportation projects.

The city adopted a plan for the funds last May but now wants to change it, Harter's report explains.

The revised list includes S. Main Street drainage and pedestrian improvements (estimated cost, $362,250; Proposition 1B funding, $185,000); double chip sealing and micropaving on Armstrong, 16^th, Forest, Forbes, Second and Third streets (estimated cost, $298,564.70; Proposition 1B funding, $150,000); pavement marketing throughout the city (estimated cost, $40,000; Proposition 1B funding, $40,000); and the Forbes Creek trail (Proposition 1B match amount, $25,000).

The council also will meet jointly as the Lakeport Redevelopment Agency.

During that joint session, the council is expected to approve tax increment revenue pass through payments to affected local taxing agencies.

A report from Redevelopment Director Richard Knoll explains that the city is required by state law to disburse a pro rate share of tax increment revenue to agencies that exist within the city's redevelopment project area. Those agencies include the Lakeport Fire Protection District, Mendocino College and Lakeport Unified School District.

Pass through funds being approved at this time amount to just over $96,000, with a deduction of more than $22,000 due to previous city overpayments, Knoll's report explains.

The redevelopment agency also is proposed to cover invoices submitted by the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce for the 2008 fireworks display and the Dickens Christmas Market. The chamber has invoiced the city for more than $18,000 for the two events – more than $13,000 for the fireworks and $5,000 for the market. The city is propose to pay a total of $10,000 for both events.

The council and redevelopment agency also is expected to adopt a revised redevelopment five-year implementation plan, give a report on a new Superior Court construction project, receive approval to create a part-time clerical position in the Redevelopment and Housing Department and authorize hiring, and direct staff to initiate design of the Downtown Phase II Improvements.

Under council communications, the council will receive a status report regarding Westside park and discuss a water service line for a proposed community garden.

The council also is scheduled to have a closed session to discuss property negotiations, existing litigation and labor negotiations.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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SACRAMENTO – Despite recent rains, state officials are taking action in response to drought conditions across the state.

On Friday Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency and ordered immediate action to manage the crisis.

In the proclamation, the governor uses his authority to direct all state government agencies to utilize their resources, implement a state emergency plan and provide assistance for people, communities and businesses impacted by the drought.

“Even with the recent rainfall, California faces it third consecutive year of drought and we must prepare for the worst – a fourth, fifth or even sixth year of drought,” Schwarzenegger said. “Last year we experienced the driest spring and summer on record and storage in the state’s reservoir system is near historic lows.”

Schwarzenegger said the drought is having a devastating impact on the state's residents, communities, economy and environment, which he said made his action on Friday necessary.

“This is a crisis, just as severe as an earthquake or raging wildfire, and we must treat it with the same urgency by upgrading California’s water infrastructure to ensure a clean and reliable water supply for our growing state,” he said.

Schwarzenegger's action comes in the wake of a vote last Tuesday by the Lake County Board of Supervisors to seek conservation in county-run water and sewer districts due to the dry year, as Lake County News has reported.

The board also asked county staff to prepare a package of suggestions for how to deal with dry conditions in case the rains don't continue.

Over the weekend, Clear Lake had risen to 2.97 feet Rumsey, up from 1.22 feet Rumsey early in February, which officials said was the lowest lake level in 19 years. The lake isn't full until it reaches 7.56 feet Rumsey.

In other parts of the county, streams still are running at low levels for this time of year, with groundwater well measurements also down, according to the Lake County Water Resources Division.

State officials are planning to conduct the third Sierra snowpack survey of the year on Monday. This past January was the eighth driest on record, according to the state Department of Water Resources (DWR).

The order Schwarzenegger released on Friday directs various state departments to engage in activity to provide assistance to people and communities impacted by the drought.

The proclamation requests that all urban water users immediately increase their water conservation activities in an effort to reduce their individual water use by 20 percent.

It also directs DWR to expedite water transfers and related efforts by water users and suppliers, offer technical assistance to agricultural water suppliers and agricultural water users, including information on managing water supplies to minimize economic impacts and implementing efficient water management practices, and implement short-term efforts to protect water quality or water supply, such as the installation of temporary barriers in the Delta or temporary water supply connections. The agency also is directed to join with other appropriate agencies to launch a statewide water conservation campaign calling for all Californians to immediately decrease their water use.

The governor has ordered the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to assist the labor market, including job training and financial assistance.

All state agencies are to immediately implement a water use reduction plan and take immediate water conservation actions and requests that federal and local agencies also implement water use reduction plans for facilities within their control.

By March 30, Schwarzenegger wants an updated report from DWR on the state’s drought conditions and water availability.

According to the proclamation, if the emergency conditions have not been sufficiently mitigated, the governor will consider additional steps that could include the institution of mandatory water rationing and mandatory reductions in water use; reoperation of major reservoirs in the state to minimize impacts of the drought; additional regulatory relief or permit streamlining as allowed under the Emergency Services Act; and other actions necessary to prevent, remedy or mitigate the effects of the extreme drought conditions.

DWR and California’s Department of Food and Agriculture will also recommend, within 30 days, measures to reduce the economic impacts of the drought, including but not limited to water transfers, through-Delta emergency transfers, water conservation measures, efficient irrigation practices, and improvements to the California Irrigation Management Information System.  

Late last month, DWR announced that California’s severe drought had prevented it from increasing its State Water Project (SWP) delivery allocations for the first time since 2001. This year’s allocation as of February is at just 15 percent of SWP contractor’s requests. This is only the second time in SWP history that the February allocation has been this low.

The drought conditions and water restrictions are causing additional devastating economic and business losses. Agricultural revenue losses exceed $300 million to date and could exceed $2 billion in the coming season, with a total economic loss of nearly $3 billion in 2009.

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