The California Highway Patrol Incident Logs reported that Farrington, 37, was involved in the crash in the Cow Mountain area sometime between 5 and 6 p.m.

The accident was called in from Sutter Lakeside Hospital, where a CHP officer reportedly responded.

The collision involved a pickup and a motorcycle, but CHP's logs did not specify which vehicle was Farrington's.

The log reported Farrington suffered minor injuries.

CHP's Ukiah Dispatch Center reported that the collision is still under investigation and no further information was available Sunday night.

A call to Farrington's home Sunday evening was not returned.

Farrington represents District 4 on the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

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Clay Shannon of Shannon Ridge Vineyards talks about the Ridgeline Trail with Congressman Mike Thompson during a Sept. 13 meeting. Courtesy photo.

NORTHSHORE – The proposed Northshore Ridgeline Trail system has received an important piece of news: it's being recommended for a federal grant that will support its development process.

Lake County's Public Services Department, which oversees the county's park system, reported that earlier this summer it submitted an application to the National Parks Service (NPS) for technical support from its Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program. The application seeks support for developing nonmotorized land and water trails along the Highway 20 corridor.

This spring, Clearlake Oaks residents Holly Harris and Chuck Lamb took the concept of developing a series of interlinking recreational trails to benefit both residents and visitors to county staff, as Lake County News previously reported.

Harris and Lamb proposed developing 20 to 25 miles of land trails along the ridgeline above Highway 20 from Highway 53 to Upper Lake, which will give expansive views of the lake, Mt. Konocti, vineyards, valleys and the National Forest. The plan includes using High Valley Road and Pacific Gas & Electric easements where ridgeline access is not possible.

Connector trails will link the main Ridgeline Trail to Northshore communities. The trails will include interpretative signage to highlight wildlife, topographical, cultural and historical viewspots.

Last week, RTCA Leader Barbara Rice notified the county that she is forwarding the proposal to the Washington, D.C. office with her recommendation that the project receive full support.

Harris told Lake County News that the grant is for part-time technical assistance by RTCA staff – up to 300 hours for one year, with the possibility of renewing for a second year. The grant will support the development of a master work plan and identification of funding sources.

“We are very excited about getting the technical assistance award, as the NPS expertise is invaluable,” said Harris.

Harris said this was a tougher year to receive funding, with limited resources due to RTCA granting several new awards last year that are continuing in the coming year.

She said they're also excited because Rice is personally taking on the Ridgeline Trail project. “Barbara was very impressed with Lake County and its potential.”

Rice told the county that formal approval is expected mid-October.

"Your proposal was excellent and all the right partners are at the table," Rice said in her letter to the county.

Those community partners include the Board of Supervisors, who on July 24 approved the trail concept; state and federal legislators, the Northshore Fire Protection District, Northshore business groups, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Chamber of Commerce, Land Trust and Lake County Tribal Health, among others.

Part of the overall trail system would include water pathways. Northshore water trails would be the first in an integrated Clear Lake Shoreline trail system, giving kayakers and canoers the opportunity to experience ecological, geological and cultural perspectives from the lake, Public Services reported. Established public access points, including waterfront county parks, will provide access to a variety of water-based adventures for both the novice and expert.

Eventually, there are plans to connect Lake County's trails with other regional trails including those in the Mendocino National Forest, Snow Mountain Wilderness Area and Blue Ridge-Berryessa Natural Area, Public Services reported.

On Sept. 13, Congressman Mike Thompson visited Shannon Ridge Vineyards in Clearlake Oaks, a point along the trail, to hear more about the trail plan, joining a group that included District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing, county Chief Administrative Office Kelly Cox, Clay and Margarita Shannon of Shannon Ridge Vineyards, Thompson aide Brad Onorato and county Deputy Redevelopment Director Eric Seely. Harris and Lamb gave a presentation to the group explaining the plans for the trail system.

Harris said the trails proposal was well received by Thompson, who was able to see the view from potential Ridgeline Trail route at the Shannon Ridge location, as well as Snow Mountain back country, Mt. Konocti, and Clear Lake and its potential water trails. She added that Onorato also pledged as much help as possible to make the trail system a reality.

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Holly Harris (at easel) explains the trail system proposal to county Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Cox, Clay Shannon and Congressman Mike Thompson, among others. Courtesy photo.

Photographed last year and returning this year is a fully restored 1958 Piper Apache co-owned by Randy Fiorini from Turlock. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

LAKEPORT – This weekend the sky over Lakeport and and the waters of Clear Lake will play host to a colorful display of aircraft that are a mixture of high-performance aeronautics and artistry. {sidebar id=9}

The oldest and largest seaplane gathering in the Western United States, the Clear Lake Splash-In is coming to town Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-23. The event is shaping up to be the biggest and most diverse of all the previous seaplane events, with lots to look forward to – from just enjoying the seaplanes themselves to a new festival debuting this year.

Both the Board of Supervisors and the Lakeport City Council awarded proclamations to the event this week, with the council declaring Sept. 17-23 as Seaplane Appreciation Week.

Seaplanes – sometimes referred to as floatplanes – have been featured twice during local events earlier this year. During last month's Taste of Lakeport, four of the high-performance aircraft powered down Main Street and sat on display during the food and wine event.

A SeaWind owned by Ron Boyles from San Rafael. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

Local promoters have organized a Seaplane Festival that will bring more than just the casual observer to downtown Lakeport. Several classic and custom automobiles will be on display as well as a full day of arts and crafts booths with many offering items for sale.

Many of the aircraft scheduled to participate will begin arriving Friday with the real action taking place Saturday, Sept. 22. This time around the majority of the action will be closer to the public.

A SeaBee owned by Steve Lantz. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

As in previous years the large field adjacent to Natural High School will be home to about three dozen aircraft. This year the flying displays and demonstrations will take place in front of Library Park, giving more people the opportunity to view the many skill challenges scheduled for the visiting pilots.

Clear Lake itself will see more large seaplanes landing on its surface than most local pilots can recall. Expected to splash in Friday are at least two Grumman Albatross and one Mallard, true seaplanes designed and first built in the 1940s.

At 61 feet long, and with a wing span up to 96 feet, the amphibious Albatross required a small crew but its large hold could bring several thousand pounds of cargo to a wide range of remote locations at nearly two hundred miles an hour.

A few dozen collectors have purchased and renovated these amazing machines and perhaps a handful around the globe have customized their aircraft to true luxury status with interiors rivaling the fanciest land-based RVs and hotels. These magnificent seaplanes will remain in the water as no shore side egress is available.

An Albatross at Lake Mead. Photo by Roger Cain.

Two regional flying outfits will offer discounted floatplane rides and many of the attending owners and pilots will be more accessible to the public. Several dozen land-based aircraft owners from the western region are also expected to attend making Lampson field and the skies around it a busy area all weekend.

Classic cars, wet planes and a ton of cool arts and crafts make for a great end of summer weekend event. But there is more to be sure. As this year’s event has grown so has the interest of three of California’s most proactive flying and safety organizations. The California Highway Patrol and REACH, the regional emergency response and transport group, will each display one of their helicopters. The CHP copter, a blue and white Eurocopter AS-350, will be on hand. The REACH helicopter, a red Bell 407, will remain on standby with full crew ready to answer questions or fly off if needed.

The third group consists of aircraft pilots and sea captains. The U.S. Coast Guard will play a pivotal role both on the water and in the air. Working closely with local pilots. the area Flotilla 88 and Splash-In organizers will be on hand to help manage the waterways as well as the airspace north and south of Lakeports shoreline. With so many airplanes in the area and more active aircraft than in past years the coordination of those in the air as well as those on the water is critical to a successful and ultimately safe festival experience.

The commitment by the US Coast Guard is considerable. Not only will they be providing logistical personnel but the Coast Guard will be sending their own helicopter. And it's not just any helicopter and not just any crew. Their crew will demonstrate actual rescue activities that are scheduled to include several low and slow passes by a C-130, the largest of all the aircraft visiting this weekend and one of the few that requires asphalt to land on.

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A US coast Guard helicopter like this Aerospatiale HH-65a Dolphin Helicopter will visit this weekend's event. Photo courtesy of the US Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Lockheed Hercules will make passes over the Seaplane Splash-In. Photo courtesy of the US Coast Guard.

County Chief Administrator Kelly Cox took a proposed option agreement on the property to the board after the island’s owner, Carlton Clark of Santa Rosa, agreed to sell it to the Redevelopment Agency for $500,000. {sidebar id=8}

The 1.48-acre property is located at 12565 E. State Highway 20.

Cox told the board Tuesday that the $500,000 purchase price is half of the amount Clark originally sought.

The purchase option runs out Dec. 15, and in that time Cox said the county has a lot to do to determine whether or not buying the island is feasible. The county has received a grant to will fund the property study, including possible uses, an appraisal, an environmental assessment and a relocation plan for the island’s residents.

Clark told Lake County News in a Wednesday interview that the island currently has 13 rental spaces, all of which are filled. Of those, six of the spaces are occupied by full-time residents, and seven spaces by those who visit the county on the weekends.

Some of the residents have lived there for 35 years, Clark said.

One of the spaces, Cox said Tuesday, is occupied by a motor home. There are no stick-built structures on the island, he added.

Cox said the matter of relocation is the deal’s biggest obstacle. “We think the relocation costs may be significant.”

So significant, that it could put the project beyond the county’s reach. Cox estimated that relocation could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, buying Clark’s Island has a great deal of community support, said Cox, citing a Clearlake Oaks community survey last year.

In order to afford the property, Cox suggested the board not pursue a proposed park near Schindler Creek, which had much less support in the survey. The $365,000 set aside for that property could go toward buying Clark’s Island, Cox said.

The homes on Clark’s Island would be removed and the island would be used as a park and picnic area, connected to a county park on Island Drive by a foot bridge, said Cox.

If the Redevelopment Agency buys Clark’s Island intending to remove the structure, Cox said the county’s new mobile home park conversion ordinance will come into play, which will require relocation costs. It will be the first time the Redevelopment Agency has carried out a relocation project, he said.

The process will be further complicated, Cox said, by additional state and federal rules the county must follow.

One of those requirements includes immediately notifying the island’s residents that the county is considering the purchase.

Plan gets unanimous support

Supervisor Rob Brown, who has in the past questioned Redevelopment Agency projects and how the agency’s expenditures, had no qualms about this project.

“This is probably the best deal we’ll make for a long time on property,” said Brown.

It also solves the county’s concerns about the condition of the residences on the island and their impact on the environment, Brown said. “This would be good for us to do.”

Replied Board Chair Jeff Smith said he had to pause while he picked himself up off the floor. “I can’t believe what I’ve heard. God, Rob, you are coming around.”

Supervisor Denise Rushing said the environmental issues would go away if the residents were relocated. “This is one of the highest priorities as indicated by the citizens of the Oaks.”

Rushing said the island has great potential as a community space and a gateway to Clear Lake.

It’s a very visible space, she said, which currently has a significant amount of what the community considers to be blight. Investing in it would come at a time when the Clearlake Oaks community also is seeing increased investment by residents. Rushing said she considers Clearlake Oaks’ revitalization one of the best examples of how government, private partnerships and citizen involvement can work together successfully.

Supervisor Anthony Farrington said it was an “exciting moment” to arrive at a point where buying Clark’s Island could actually be feasible.

He said a marina is one possible use for the island that is sorely needed on the lake. “I hop that’s a fit down the road.”

Later in the meeting he mentioned grants that could help fund the marina plan. Cox said there are many grants they could pursue.

He added, “All we intend to do right now is clear it off. That will be a huge improvement.”

Both Smith and Supervisor Ed Robey said they also supported the purchase, saying that it would benefit Clearlake Oaks and exemplify the proper use of redevelopment money.

There are some immediate concerns, said Cox, such as the condition of the bridge that vehicles use to access the island. Clark has applied to have a few of the rental trailers removed through the county’s resort revitalization program, but Cox said the county is concerned that the bridge might not be able to support the weight of the trailers.

“I’m really excited about this,” said Cox, although he cautioned, “It can’t be considered definite at this point.”

There’s still the matter of the appraisal, said Cox. If the property were to be appraised for a significantly higher amount that the proposed purchase price, Clark could require the county to pay it.

A higher appraised price, coupled with relocation costs, could make the project too expensive, said Cox. “Hopefully, we’re paying fair market value when all things are taken into consideration.”

Rushing moved to accept the proposed option agreement, which the board accepted 5-0.

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THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED, WITH A CLARIFICATION ON THE NUMBER OF LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOUSING UNITS THE CITY MUST BUILD. 

LAKEPORT – An affordable housing project seeking financial support from the city received a cold reception Tuesday night.

The Lakeport City Council, sitting as the Lakeport Redevelopment Agency, voted to deny a request for a $600,000 deferred loan made by Sebastopol-based Terra Partners.

On May 1, the council and agency voted to set aside the redevelopment funds to assist Terra Partners in purchasing the five-acre property at the corner of Martin and Bevins, the proposed location of the 62-unit residential complex. The $18 million project, according to Terra Partners, was to have broken ground in late 2008.

Community Development Director Richard Knoll told the council that affordable housing projects such as this one have complex financing, involving local, state and federal funding sources.

Knoll and his planning staff have worked with Terra Partners for 16 months on the project. The Planning Commission reviewed the plans and encouraged Terra Partners to move forward.

There is risk in loaning the money, said Knoll, especially if the project fell through. But that would leave the city with the property’s ownership.

The city’s housing element calls for 367 housing units to be built between 2003 and 2008, said Knoll. Of those, 213 must range between very low income and moderate income.

“We haven’t quite got there yet,” he said, estimating that the city has about 150 housing units governed by affordable housing agreements.

Terra Partners was seeking a 55-year deferral on the $600,000 loan, said Knoll.

“We haven’t had a whole lot of willing and able developers in doing these kinds of projects in Lakeport, so I believe that’s a positive,” said Knoll.

Councilman Bob Rumfelt said the city should encourage developers willing to build low-income housing in Lakeport. “I think the risks that we have can easily be outweighed by the benefits,” he said. “I think we would be remiss if we let this opportunity go by, by not approving the loan.”

Plan meets council opposition

Councilman Jim Irwin said he was not willing to consider a loan with no payback for 55 years. “I don’t like the idea of putting all our eggs in one basket,” he said.

Irwin said he didn’t approve of putting all of redevelopment’s housing money toward one project, and questioned why Terra Partners hadn’t invested more of its capital in the development.

Councilman Ron Bertsch said he was concerned that full funding hadn’t yet been secured by Terra Partners. He said he believed only half of the five-acre property – which Terra reported was appraised for $588,000 – was buildable. In addition, with the cease and desist order on the city’s sewer system, there is no guarantee the project could hook up to the system once completed.

Councilman Buzz Bruns said he didn’t like the fact that the development company was coming with its hand out instead of its checkbook, and he wouldn’t support the project.

City Manager Jerry Gillham said they have an obligation under state law to do something about affordable housing, but there is a wide range of options.

The loan would require the city to use all of the redevelopment housing funds, plus funds earmarked for economic development. In light of the city’s current economic situation, Gillham said he didn’t believe it was a good idea.

The loan also would hamper the city’s $7 million Main Street revitalization, said Gillham. Every dollar of capital investment results in $10 of private investment.

“I would emphasize focus, focus, focus,” said Gillham – with the focus being placed on key projects that create jobs.

Terra responds to council concerns

Scott Johnson of Terra Partners, speaking to the council, seemed both surprised and confused by the council’s change of heart. “I’m a little bit confused, I must admit, with what exactly the formal action here is tonight by the council.”

Johnson said Terra Partners has been upfront from the beginning about the possible risks involved with the project. “There are no guarantees.”

He said the development company also has been very clear about the public-private partnership involved in setting up the project.

The company has invested risk capital in working on preliminary environmental mitigations and clearances, said Johnson.

In response to Irwin’s statement about Terra’s lack of investment, Johnson said that the city can’t expect the company to invest on a speculative basis in a project to benefit Lakeport residents considering the sewer hookup issues.

Johnson also explained that, for the project to get all the funding it needs, the city needs to make an initial financial commitment.

In light of the city’s limited finances, Johnson said Terra Partners was proposing fee waivers rather than requesting more money. “This was our effort to try to lessen the demand that this project was placing on scarce resources.”

Johnson said housing development is itself an economic engine, and said every dollar invested in housing has a fivefold multiplier across the economy.

Gillham interjected, saying Johnson was wrong “but that’s OK.”

The May 1 meeting during which the council made an initial commitment to loan the $600,000 was Gillham’s first, he said. He told the council that they weren’t locked into an agreement to make that loan.

“I’m not against this project. I’m against doing it now,” said Gillham.

Different opinions on city obligations

Knoll said affordable housing projects have to be looked at differently. State law motivates and, in some cases, forces redevelopment agencies to develop affordable housing.

He continued that the city has an obligation to produce an affordable housing project, a statement that caused Gillham to say, “That’s not true.”

Knoll continued, saying that the city has actively tried to encourage and particpate in affordable housing developments, primarily because of the mandated requirements in its housing element.

Gillham said that the city is not required to participate in such projects, but must use 20 percent of its redevelopment money for affordable housing. He said the city has not discussed how to spend those funds.

“Until you exhaust that discussion it’s not the time for us to jump in on the first opportunity that’s been brought to you,” said Gillham.

Johnson replied, “It’s clear to me the city does not consider this proposal a worthy proposal going forward.”

Gillham told the council he and Knoll had a difference of opinion on the issue, and asked Knoll if he wanted to offer another counterpoint. Knoll said no.

Bertsch moved to deny the loan request, which the council supported 4-1, with Rumfelt voting no.

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The Lakeport City Council decided Tuesday to sell the Vista Point Shopping Center land and lease to developer Matt Riveras, son-in-law of Councilman Buzz Bruns. Photo by Elizabeth Larson.

LAKEPORT – Representatives from two Bay Area companies went to the Lakeport City Council Tuesday to ask for an opportunity to make a purchase proposal for the Vista Point Shopping Center.

The presentation from Jeff Walters on behalf of Oakland-based Meridian Investments, which holds the lease on the shopping center's buildings, and Easton McAllister of Presidio Development Partners LLC of San Francisco included a vision of redeveloping the center to be a gateway to the city, with estimations of revenue for the city between $300,000 and $500,000 annually.

However, Meridian and Presidio won't get their chance to make a proposal, at least not now.

The City Council adjourned from open session shortly before 8 p.m. and held a 20-minute closed session discussion on negotiations for the shopping center.

They emerged at 8:15 p.m. with Mayor Roy Parmentier announcing that the council had decided to sell the shopping center land and its lease for $1,001,000 to Matt Riveras, a Sonoma County developer who also owns a home in Lakeport and is the son-in-law of Councilman Buzz Bruns.

Because of his family relationship with Riveras, Bruns had to recuse himself from the closed session, as he's had to do in other sessions related to the negotiations.

Councilman Jim Irwin, who had a contractual agreement for a $500 contribution for a common fence between homes he and Riveras were building in Lakeport's Lands End neighborhood, also sat out of the discussion on City Attorney Steve Brookes' advice.

That left Parmentier, Ron Bertsch and Bob Rumfelt to make the decision, counseled by City Manager Jerry Gillham.

On Aug. 3, the council voted to enter sales negotiations with Riveras. He was one of only two individuals – the other being Barry Johnson, owner of Willopoint Resort – to submit formal bids for the property.

The city's appraisal of the 9-acre parcel valued it at $900,000 “as is,” as Lake County News previously reported. Also being sold is the lease, held by Meridian.

Parmentier said the Vista Point sale is for cash. Riveras now has seven days to accept the city's terms and deposit $90,000 in an escrow account. Escrow must close 14 days after that seven-day period or the deal falls through, Parmentier said.

The terms of the sale do not have any effects on the lease holders, Parmentier said.

Meridian holds a lease on the property with 21 years remaining on it, said Walters, which the city also is selling to Riveras. That means that, while Riveras owns the land and can collect the annual rent – amounting to $42,337.37 for the 2006-07 fiscal year and rising 5 percent annually – the buildings and their renovation still fall to Meridian's responsibility.

Having less than a 30-year lease also makes it difficult to attract some potential businesses, said McAllister.

Walters told the council during his presentation that one of the keys to successfully redeveloping Vista Point is unity of the lease and property ownership.

In the plan Walters and McAllister set forth, Presidio, a company with retail and mixed use projects across the US – including downtown Boise, Idaho, San Francisco's Financial District and Spokane, Wash. – would be the managing partner, with Meridian bringing the lease as an asset into their partnership.

"There is tremendous untapped tax revenue potential for this property," said Walters.

He and McAllister emphasized a desire to put in a purchase offer and move forward on a sale within 30 days. They said they would redevelop the site according to city, community and market demands.

Bruns asked why all of a sudden they were interested in the shopping center. "We've been staring at that monstrosity up there for five or six years."

Walters, who is from the East Coast, explained that he became involved with Meridian in August, following the sudden death of his father, Bill Walters, a Meridian partner.

At that point Jeff Walters came to Lakeport and started evaluating Vista Point, concluded that it offered a great opportunity for the business and the city, and assembled a team including Presidio and experienced investors to approach the city with its proposal.

Walters spoke to the council Sept. 4 to ask for the opportunity to submit a bid.

He told the council Tuesday that there are hindrances to success if the land and lease are owned separately, an issue the Presidio-Meridian partnership would address.

Walters said in an interview after the City Council's open session that Meridian had, in the past, approached the city to purchase the property.

The main obstacle, said Walters, was that the city lacked a parcel map for the property. "You can't sell something you can't define."

The city finalized a parcel map on Vista Point in April, which concluded an effort that stretched over the last few years.

Riveras contacted Meridian early in the negotiation process, said Walters, but that they have not had any further discussions with him about the property or lease.

Walters said Meridian remains committed to rehabilitating the 113,288 square foot shopping center, and that he met with a local property management company Tuesday to explore property uses.

"I'm sorry we're late to this dance," said Walters.

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