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- Written by: Lake County Chamber of Commerce
The board said this temporary, in-person position will play a crucial role in maintaining the chamber's operations and supporting its members during this transitional period.
The interim administrator will be responsible for key areas including membership services, fundraising, event planning, and the day-to-day oversight of chamber activities.
This move is designed to ensure the chamber continues to provide exceptional service to its members while the board of directors focuses on strategizing and planning for the organization’s long-term future.
“This interim position is essential for maintaining the high level of service our members expect and deserve,” said Pamela Heston Bechtol, chair of the CEO Search Committee and Director on the Board. “We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition and are excited about the future direction of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.”
The position is expected to be filled immediately and will continue until on or before Dec. 1. During this time, the interim administrator will work closely with the board and chamber staff to support ongoing initiatives and prepare for upcoming events.
The board of directors appreciates the continued support of its members and looks forward to sharing more updates in the coming weeks.
For anyone interested in applying for the Interim Administrator position, please email a resume and cover letter to
Candidates may be asked to attend the next board meeting on the morning of Tuesday, July 23, at Mendocino College’s Lake County Campus in Lakeport.
Insurance Department files cease and desist order against company for health insurance product sales
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- Written by: DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
During the investigation the Department of Insurance interviewed several California residents that became Jericho Share members in 2021 and 2022 and experienced problems regarding coverage for medical issues and cancellation of their membership.
The investigation found Jericho Share is not currently licensed or authorized by the insurance commissioner to act in any capacity regarding the transaction of insurance in California.
The company sold misleading lookalike health plans marketed as “health care sharing ministries” that do not comply with California laws put in place to protect consumers.
These plans were marketed as cheaper alternatives to traditional coverage when, in reality, they do not provide comprehensive coverage for pre-existing conditions and other coverage as required by state and federal laws.
The investigation and resulting order will require Jericho Share to pay a monetary penalty of $10,000 and permanently discontinue operations in the state of California.
The department urges consumers who purchased products from Jericho Share to contact Covered California at 855-295-4357 or online at www.coveredca.com, to determine if they have experienced a qualifying life event that entitles them to a special enrollment opportunity.
Consumers are also encouraged to contact the Department of Insurance’s Hotline at 800-927-4357 to learn about their options or to file a complaint if they were faced with unexpected costs or other problems with Jericho Share, or any other health care sharing ministry.
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- Written by: PG&E Foundation
The PG&E Foundation is contributing $900,000 this year to help build more resilient hometown businesses for the long term. The contribution will fund $5,000 grants to 154 restaurants and commercial caterers in Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s service area.
In total, the California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund will provide grants across California of nearly $1.4 million to 278 independent restaurants this year.
The $5,000 grants can be used to support vital business needs, including technology and equipment upgrades, employee training and retention, and unforeseen hardships. The grants reflect a commitment to strengthen restaurants so that they can continue contributing to local economies and communities.
California Restaurant Foundation officials said that this year’s decision to open the grants to commercial caterers was based on appeals for support with catering companies noting that they too are a part of the local food scene.
Since 2021, PG&E and the PG&E Foundation have contributed $3.2 million in funding to the California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund providing grants ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.
Last year, the PG&E Foundation funded $5,000 grants to 154 hometown restaurants in Northern and Central California. One of the grant recipients was La Cheve Bakery and Brews.
“Our restaurant is in a small historic building in Napa and is known for our bustling brunch. Kitchen space is tight, which has posed challenges in keeping up with guest orders,” said Cinthya Cisneros, owner of La Cheve Bakery and Brews. “We used our Resilience Fund grant to invest in a crucial addition to our kitchen equipment, which has significantly boosted our capacity and elevated guest service. Receiving the grant made us feel acknowledged and valued by our community.”
“We all have favorite gathering spots in our communities where we come to relax or celebrate a special occasion over a great meal — our local restaurants are where we connect with one another and where memories are made. We are proud to continue our partnership with the California Restaurant Foundation to help boost our local eating establishments and our local economies,” said Carla Peterman, executive vice president, corporate affairs, PG&E Corp., and chair of the board, the PG&E Corporation Foundation.
California Restaurant Foundation began the Resilience Fund in 2021 to support restaurants recovering from economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which contributed to many restaurants closing their doors temporarily or permanently.
PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation have supported the program since its inception.
“We are tremendously grateful to The PG&E Corporation Foundation for funding another cycle of grants. The Resilience Fund has helped more than 1,300 restaurant owners since 2021, with hundreds more to be added in this newest cycle,” said Alycia Harshfield, executive director of the California Restaurant Foundation. “We are thrilled to offer another round of grants to deserving independent restaurant owners, helping to fortify small businesses at the center of our communities.”
Resilience Fund applications will be open June 15 through June 30, 2024, and can be found at www.restaurantscare.org/resilience.
Grants are open to all California-based restaurant owners and commercial caterers in PG&E’s service area that have fewer than five locations and less than $3 million in annual revenue.
Priority will be given to restaurants that have not previously received a grant; however, former recipients can also apply.
To date, the CRF has awarded 1,325 grants to independent restaurant owners across the state. Of the past recipient businesses, 66% are women-owned and 77% minority-owned.
The PG&E Foundation’s funding for this charitable donation comes from PG&E shareholders, not PG&E customers.
Assisting restaurants and small and medium businesses
PG&E remains committed to providing ways for its small and medium business customers to save energy and money amid recent economic hardships including the pandemic and recent inflation.
Here are some ways PG&E is helping its customers:
On-Bill Financing: PG&E offers 0% interest loans for replacing old and worn-out equipment with more energy-efficient models. Watch this video to explore how energy savings are reinvested back into your business to help improve your bottom line.
Rebates for food service equipment: PG&E offers several rebate programs that will help you save money and improve productivity when you upgrade your food service equipment.
Budget billing: If you are a small business owner, you can have a predictable bill each month by enrolling in Budget Billing. The program averages out your monthly bill to determine your monthly payment, instead of having unpredictable summer bills.
Energy efficiency programs: PG&E contracts with external companies to provide a customize solution for different business sectors.
Find your best rate plan: Customers can use this online tool to run a rate analysis to see if they are on the best rate plan for their operations. The tool is projected to save customers over $9.5 million this year.
Economic development rate: This offers eligible business customers the opportunity to lower costs through one of three reduced electric rate options. PG&E developed this rate to help businesses grow or maintain jobs in California. The standard 12% rate is available throughout our service territory.
For more information on PG&E Small and Medium Business customer support, visit www.pge.com/smbsupport.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Snake Aware K9 will offer the training on Sunday, June 30, at Wasson Memorial Veterinary Clinic in Lakeport.
Snake Aware K9 is a joint partnership between Sean Dewil of Canine Energetics, a seasoned canine training specialist, and Roy Arthur Blodgett of Rattlesnake Relations, offering rattlesnake mitigation services to the North Bay region for many years.
The training is usually about 15 minutes per dog, and it's been the most effective method the partners have found in making dogs more snake aware — helping dogs, snakes, and people to coexist a bit more peacefully.
Space is limited. To book a slot, call or text Roy Blodgett at 707-331-4010, or email