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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
These Cannabis Local Equity Program Grants are made possible through the partnership of the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, or GO-Biz: https://www.lakecountyca.gov/162/Cannabis.
Applications are now being accepted from new applicants for a second round of Cannabis Local Equity Program Grant funding.
As with the initial 2022 cycle, the primary focus of this opportunity will be direct grants.
These will be prioritized through awards to smaller cultivators first.
Please note, if you have previously applied and were awarded funding, you do not need to reapply. If you are a previously approved and awarded applicant, and have questions regarding 2023 Round 2 funding, write to
Additional programs envisioned in the application are not currently operational. If you are interested in those, we encourage you to apply and complete the relevant sections.
Providing this information will help the county partner with the state to establish demonstrated interest and need as future funding becomes available and program expansions are considered.
Please also note, demographic information requested on the county’s grant application is required pursuant to state-established guidelines for this funding opportunity. Gathering this data is intended to ensure equitable access to funds, over time, by all eligible Californians.
Lake County’s Cannabis Local Equity Program was developed in response to California Senate Bill 1294, the California Cannabis Equity Act of 2018.
Through interviews and data, the Lake County Cannabis Equity Assessment identified the populations and neighborhoods most affected by the criminalization of cannabis in Lake County. The County’s Assessment found small growers, for example, were disproportionately affected by past policies.
The findings of the Cannabis Equity Assessment were then used to create the program's equity eligibility requirements, which are outlined in the Local Equity Program Manual.
Additionally, the Local Equity Program Manual outlines services available to those who meet the eligibility requirements. The program implements state of California and county of Lake legislative goals to further equity among those impacted by the criminalization of cannabis.
Program details
The county of Lake Cannabis Local Equity program provides services to individuals, not businesses, who have experienced negative effects due to the criminalization of cannabis.
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria as outlined in the County of Lake Local Equity Program Manual (2021). Funds are intended to assist those deemed “equity eligible” to enter into, or remain in, the commercial cannabis marketplace.
The County of Lake is administering the Cannabis Local Equity Program through grants received from California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. Lake County’s total allocation from the GO-Biz for this second round of equity grants is $1,941,121.72. A subsequent third round is expected to provide $836,678.29 in grants.
Grant funds will be used to supply services to those meeting eligibility criteria, as defined in the Lake County Local Equity Program Manual.
Eligible equity applicants may initially qualify for up to $150,000, unless otherwise indicated, or until funding is fully exhausted.
Submission deadline for all applications is 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, May 8.
Applications and further information are available at https://www.lakecountyca.gov/162/Cannabis.
Specific questions about applications can be submitted via email, to
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
SACRAMENTO — The Contractors State License Board, or CSLB, is warning consumers around the state about misleading and possibly illegal advertisements being distributed by way of door flyers, door-to-door salespersons, and direct mail (see enclosed example in this release). These advertisements could lead to solar and other contracting scams.
The scams often resulting from these types of advertisements can be financially devastating to homeowners. They usually involve contractors who use high-pressure sales tactics to convince homeowners to sign contracts for work they may not be able to afford, or under the pretext there will be no cost to them.
The enclosed example falsely implies that Senate Bill (SB) 100 requires the federal government and PG&E provide solar for consumers “with no out of pocket expense.”
SB 100 (among other things) requires renewable energy and zero-carbon resources supply 100 percent of electricity retail sales to end-use customers by 2045. SB 100 does not provide consumers with free solar.
Homeowners may lose thousands of dollars by entering into a contract for a solar system that is significantly overpriced, they cannot afford, or obtain a loan that pays the contractor directly for work that may not be performed or completed.
In response to this issue, CSLB recommends that consumers take the time to carefully research any contractor they consider hiring. They should check the contractor's license status on the CSLB website to be sure it is active and there are no pending complaints. Consumers should also get at least three bids for any work they are considering, ask contractors for references, and never agree to contractual or lending terms that are not in writing or they do not understand.
"Consumers need to be careful when considering any home improvement project, including solar installations," said CSLB Registrar David Fogt. "It is important to take the time to fully understand the contract terms and any payment obligations to avoid becoming the victim of a scam."
CSLB encourages consumers to report any illegal advertisements by filing an Advertising Complaint. CSLB also provides information to consumers considering solar on its Solar Smart page.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Century 21 Epic has 15 locations in Northern California and serves Sonoma, Solano, Contra Costa and Lake counties with over 350 sales associates.
RISMedia, the leader in U.S. real estate news and information services, announced its more than 300, 2023 Real Estate Newsmakers in both an online directory on RISMedia.com and in the February issue of its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine.
RISMedia’s 2023 Real Estate Newsmakers were nominated in 2022 by RISMedia readers and editors and are showcased in the following categories: Influencers, Trailblazers, Futurists, Achievers, Crusaders and Luminaries.
“It’s always so inspiring to see the incredible accomplishments of so many real estate professionals around the country and this year’s group of 2023 Newsmakers takes that concept to a whole new level. From the creativity and innovation being implemented through our changing times, to industry records being broken, to the wonderful charitable work being done across the nation, we continue to be amazed by the ingenuity and success of these real estate professionals, over 300 of whom we are honoring on our sixth year of publishing Real Estate Newsmakers," said John Featherston, founder, CEO and publisher of RISMedia.
"We are so proud every year to recognize the hard work, dedication and determination of these finest industry professionals — the 2023 Real Estate Newsmakers — who went above and beyond in 2022 amid the challenges and opportunities of this historic market. Help us in celebrating their hard-earned recognition," Featherston added.
Within RISMedia’s Newsmakers showcase, you’ll also meet this year’s “Hall of Fame” class — a select group of eight industry icons who have gone above and beyond toward the betterment of the real estate industry.
RISMedia will honor this year's Real Estate Newsmakers, including the 2023 Hall of Fame, at a reception and dinner on Sept. 6 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with our 2023 CEO & Leadership Exchange.
“This is truly a privilege to represent and share this spotlight with my co-owners Pat Provost, Glenn Gephart, agents, clients and staff. We truly love the communities we live and work in. I would like to also congratulate the other participants in their achievements and I am humbled to share this stage, Ensign said.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
In collaboration with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, Lake County Economic Development Corp., or Lake EDC, launched the California MicroBusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program last August.
The grant program provides $2,500 to microbusinesses in Lake County, who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently there are still grant funds available, and the last day to apply for this program is May
31, 2023.
If the funding is not granted to businesses, the state of California will reclaim the funds and it will no longer be available to Lake County businesses.
For business owners who are interested in applying, do not delay.
Information can be found on the Lake EDC website or by calling the Lake County EDC office at 707-263-6217.
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