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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Last week, the Lake County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved sending a letter to Congressman Mike Thompson supporting a bipartisan bill to reauthorize essential federal funding for rural schools and infrastructure — funding omitted from the budget passed by Congress in March.
The Secure Rural Schools program helps fund public services like schools and roads in counties with large tracts of federal land. Last year, it brought more than $33 million to rural communities across California.
However, it expired in June and was not reauthorized, as CalMatters has reported. Although it was passed unanimously in the Senate in the fall, it was not included in the temporary budget passed in December and the congressional budget passed in March.
“We will stop receiving funding as of April of this year,” said Lake County Officer of Education Director Brock Falkenberg during the Board of Supervisors meeting last Tuesday.
Without renewal, schools may face layoffs and program cuts, while infrastructure projects risk stalling.
“The Secure Rural Schools Program has been instrumental in providing stable funding for our schools and infrastructure,” the supervisors’ letter to Thompson said.
“Rural roads that ensure access to schools, ingress and egress in the event of wildfire emergencies, and promote rural economic opportunity are maintained using this crucial funding source. Any reduction in either education or roads funding would be detrimental to Lake County; public safety, long-term economic vibrancy, and access to critical services will all be affected,” the letter said.
Now, over 50 congressmembers across states and partylines, including Thompson, have cosponsored the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act 2025, seeking renewal of this critical funding.
“I know we're speaking to the choir with our congressman, but appreciate what he's doing and anything we can do to back him up and let him know that we can help his voice become louder,” District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier said before the board voted unanimously in favor of sending the letter.
Rural California — including Lake County — is taking the hit
The Secure Rural Schools funding is distributed based on the acreage of federal forest land in each eligible county. For example, the counties with largest federal land include Siskiyou which received $4.3 million in the past year; Trinity, $3.5 million; and Plumas, $3.4 million.
Lake County, with 258,602 acres of the Mendocino National Forest, received $465,316.51.
Affected rural communities in California have been raising concerns over the loss of the funding — and Lake County is no exception.
“Our county is not being hit as hard as other counties in Northern California that have bigger areas, larger tracks of forest lands, but it is significant,” said District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska. “It’s significant enough for us to really have concerns and see the impact to our schools.”
The funding is usually split into half between the county and the schools, said Falkenberg, who went on to explain the impact of the funding cuts on Lake County schools.
“If we were not to receive this funding, ultimately we would have to answer the question of how do we continue to fund the observatory, the planetarium, and the funds that are passed through to the school districts, which would equal about two and a half full time equivalent teaching positions,” he said, adding that the Upper Lake Unified School District will take the hardest hit as it has the largest acreage of federal land.
Falkenberg said the schools received roughly $200,000 to $250,000 each year over the last few years. “The bulk of that money goes to the Upper Lake Unified School District,” he later told Lake County News. “So for them, it's significant. It might not be huge, but it's significant.”
On the county’s road projects, the Secure Rural Schools funding “would be used for school area signage and for pavement markings and speed studies,” said Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein at the meeting, drawing from notes given by Public Works Director Glen March who was absent.
The project is meant to mitigate concerns over traffic patterns around schools and to “encourage people to slow down in the areas of our schools,” Rothsten said.
“The infrastructure piece from the county is to make our schools safer. So that's why I thought it was urgent to bring this to us,” Supervisor Pyska said. “This funding cut directly impacts us in Lake County.”
“This is a bipartisan issue,” said Sabatier, recalling a recent meeting with Modoc County officials at Washington D.C.
“I sat down in the White House with Modoc County, who is very red, very conservative and they were very concerned about their losses as well,” said Sabatier. “So I think this goes across the board, that people are not wanting to see this go away.”
“Federal funding is absolutely critical for our local schools in Lake County. This funding ensures Lake County teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed and helps fund repairs for our local roads,” Thompson said in response to Lake County News’ request for comment.
“Any cuts to the Secure Rural Schools program, or to any other federal education funding, would hurt our kids. I will continue to work to renew this program and to protect all of the federal programs Lake County residents rely on every day,” he added.
The history of Secure Rural Schools funding in Lake County
For more than a century, the federal government has been subsidizing counties with large federal forest land.
Since 1908, the Forest Service Act has been enacted to set a portion — 25% of the revenue generated from activities like timber production and special permit use — to the local governments as compensation for not collecting tax on the federal land.
After the agency’s revenue declined for decades, in 2000, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act to “help stabilize the funds available to rural counties,” according to the Forest Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
During the board meeting, Falkenberg explained that the timber sale declined because the Endangered Species Act had started to “limit or make it much more difficult to harvest timber on national forest land.”
The Secure Rural Schools Act, then, was established as “a temporary, short term funding model,” while Congress tried to reconcile the tension between the two acts, Falkenberg said. “They have never been able to come to a consensus on how to manage that.”
With the new source of funding, counties could choose one of the two funding channels: either through the 1908 Act that pays 25% of timber revenues, or through Secure Rural Schools.
“The local county can elect to receive the greater of the two,” Falkenberg explained over a phone call with Lake County News.
Congress periodically allows counties to choose between the two payment types, with the last selection in 2013 and the choice locked.
In an approved 2012 resolution provided by Rothstein, Lake County opted for Secure Rural Schools.
“So for the last 25 years, counties and schools have continued to receive the secure rural schools funding in lieu of the 25% payment passed through with the exception of 2015/16—there was not a reauthorization,” Falkenberg said during the meeting. “So that particular year … we went from roughly half a million dollars to $14,000.”
The Secure Rural School funding allocates dollars under three titles: Title I for roads and schools, Title II for projects on federal lands and TITLE III for county projects. While Title II funds are retained by Forest Service, Title I and II go to local entities.
The chart below shows the total funding distributed to Lake County entities in the past five years under Title I and III.
“Distribution for the payments is off by a year,” explained Lauren Ott of Congressman Thompson’s office. So the Fiscal Year 2023 figures reflect money distributed in Fiscal Year 2024, she added.
Falkenberg is concerned that Lake County will receive even less than 2015/16 if Secure Rural Schools does not get reauthorized.
“If we revert back to the 25% funding rule, we're going to see that number drop to, I don't know, less than 10% or less than $10,000,” he told Lake County News.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The Secure Rural Schools program helps fund public services like schools and roads in counties with large tracts of federal land. Last year, it brought more than $33 million to rural communities across California.
However, it expired in June and was not reauthorized, as CalMatters has reported. Although it was passed unanimously in the Senate in the fall, it was not included in the temporary budget passed in December and the congressional budget passed in March.
“We will stop receiving funding as of April of this year,” said Lake County Officer of Education Director Brock Falkenberg during the Board of Supervisors meeting last Tuesday.
Without renewal, schools may face layoffs and program cuts, while infrastructure projects risk stalling.
“The Secure Rural Schools Program has been instrumental in providing stable funding for our schools and infrastructure,” the supervisors’ letter to Thompson said.
“Rural roads that ensure access to schools, ingress and egress in the event of wildfire emergencies, and promote rural economic opportunity are maintained using this crucial funding source. Any reduction in either education or roads funding would be detrimental to Lake County; public safety, long-term economic vibrancy, and access to critical services will all be affected,” the letter said.
Now, over 50 congressmembers across states and partylines, including Thompson, have cosponsored the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act 2025, seeking renewal of this critical funding.
“I know we're speaking to the choir with our congressman, but appreciate what he's doing and anything we can do to back him up and let him know that we can help his voice become louder,” District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier said before the board voted unanimously in favor of sending the letter.
Rural California — including Lake County — is taking the hit
The Secure Rural Schools funding is distributed based on the acreage of federal forest land in each eligible county. For example, the counties with largest federal land include Siskiyou which received $4.3 million in the past year; Trinity, $3.5 million; and Plumas, $3.4 million.
Lake County, with 258,602 acres of the Mendocino National Forest, received $465,316.51.
Affected rural communities in California have been raising concerns over the loss of the funding — and Lake County is no exception.
“Our county is not being hit as hard as other counties in Northern California that have bigger areas, larger tracks of forest lands, but it is significant,” said District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska. “It’s significant enough for us to really have concerns and see the impact to our schools.”
The funding is usually split into half between the county and the schools, said Falkenberg, who went on to explain the impact of the funding cuts on Lake County schools.
“If we were not to receive this funding, ultimately we would have to answer the question of how do we continue to fund the observatory, the planetarium, and the funds that are passed through to the school districts, which would equal about two and a half full time equivalent teaching positions,” he said, adding that the Upper Lake Unified School District will take the hardest hit as it has the largest acreage of federal land.
Falkenberg said the schools received roughly $200,000 to $250,000 each year over the last few years. “The bulk of that money goes to the Upper Lake Unified School District,” he later told Lake County News. “So for them, it's significant. It might not be huge, but it's significant.”
On the county’s road projects, the Secure Rural Schools funding “would be used for school area signage and for pavement markings and speed studies,” said Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein at the meeting, drawing from notes given by Public Works Director Glen March who was absent.
The project is meant to mitigate concerns over traffic patterns around schools and to “encourage people to slow down in the areas of our schools,” Rothsten said.
“The infrastructure piece from the county is to make our schools safer. So that's why I thought it was urgent to bring this to us,” Supervisor Pyska said. “This funding cut directly impacts us in Lake County.”
“This is a bipartisan issue,” said Sabatier, recalling a recent meeting with Modoc County officials at Washington D.C.
“I sat down in the White House with Modoc County, who is very red, very conservative and they were very concerned about their losses as well,” said Sabatier. “So I think this goes across the board, that people are not wanting to see this go away.”
“Federal funding is absolutely critical for our local schools in Lake County. This funding ensures Lake County teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed and helps fund repairs for our local roads,” Thompson said in response to Lake County News’ request for comment.
“Any cuts to the Secure Rural Schools program, or to any other federal education funding, would hurt our kids. I will continue to work to renew this program and to protect all of the federal programs Lake County residents rely on every day,” he added.
The history of Secure Rural Schools funding in Lake County
For more than a century, the federal government has been subsidizing counties with large federal forest land.
Since 1908, the Forest Service Act has been enacted to set a portion — 25% of the revenue generated from activities like timber production and special permit use — to the local governments as compensation for not collecting tax on the federal land.
After the agency’s revenue declined for decades, in 2000, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act to “help stabilize the funds available to rural counties,” according to the Forest Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
During the board meeting, Falkenberg explained that the timber sale declined because the Endangered Species Act had started to “limit or make it much more difficult to harvest timber on national forest land.”
The Secure Rural Schools Act, then, was established as “a temporary, short term funding model,” while Congress tried to reconcile the tension between the two acts, Falkenberg said. “They have never been able to come to a consensus on how to manage that.”
With the new source of funding, counties could choose one of the two funding channels: either through the 1908 Act that pays 25% of timber revenues, or through Secure Rural Schools.
“The local county can elect to receive the greater of the two,” Falkenberg explained over a phone call with Lake County News.
Congress periodically allows counties to choose between the two payment types, with the last selection in 2013 and the choice locked.
In an approved 2012 resolution provided by Rothstein, Lake County opted for Secure Rural Schools.
“So for the last 25 years, counties and schools have continued to receive the secure rural schools funding in lieu of the 25% payment passed through with the exception of 2015/16—there was not a reauthorization,” Falkenberg said during the meeting. “So that particular year … we went from roughly half a million dollars to $14,000.”
The Secure Rural School funding allocates dollars under three titles: Title I for roads and schools, Title II for projects on federal lands and TITLE III for county projects. While Title II funds are retained by Forest Service, Title I and II go to local entities.
The chart below shows the total funding distributed to Lake County entities in the past five years under Title I and III.
“Distribution for the payments is off by a year,” explained Lauren Ott of Congressman Thompson’s office. So the Fiscal Year 2023 figures reflect money distributed in Fiscal Year 2024, she added.
Falkenberg is concerned that Lake County will receive even less than 2015/16 if Secure Rural Schools does not get reauthorized.
“If we revert back to the 25% funding rule, we're going to see that number drop to, I don't know, less than 10% or less than $10,000,” he told Lake County News.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
- Details
- Written by: LINGZI CHEN
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said it has positively identified the woman whose remains were found in May in Rodman Slough, as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances behind her death and her family offer a reward for more information.
The remains belong to 62-year-old Ellen Adams of Napa, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Lauren Berlinn.
Berlinn said Major Crimes Unit detectives are still actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Adams’ death.
On Friday, May 24, 2024, around 6 p.m., Adams was seen at the Robinson Rancheria Casino.
Berlinn said surveillance footage later captured Adams leaving the casino in her white Kia Rio sedan with a male subject on the following day at around 1 a.m.
Detectives have already identified and interviewed that individual seen with Adams. At this time, detectives do not believe that individual to be connected to Adams’ death, Berlinn said.
After leaving the casino, Adams and the male subject drove to the Rodman Slough, which Berlinn said was confirmed by speaking with additional witnesses who spoke with Adams.
On May 27, 2024, Adams was located deceased in the Rodman Slough, and on Sunday, June 2, 2024, Adams’ vehicle was discovered abandoned near Pyle Road in Nice, Berlinn said.
Berlinn said the Major Crimes Unit continues to actively investigate this case and is working closely with Adams’ family.
Detectives have reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, utilized license plate readers, collaborated with crime scene investigators, and worked with allied law enforcement agencies.
Berlinn said detectives have also interviewed several witnesses who may have seen Ellen between May 24 and May 27, 2024.
Detectives were able to track Adams’ movements through the afternoon of Saturday, May 25, 2024. However, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who had contact with Adams or who saw her during the time period of May 24 to May 27, 2024, to come forward.
Adams’ family is offering a reward to anyone who provides information that helps solve her case.
Those with information can call the Major Crimes Unit tip line at 707-262-4088 or Sgt. Jeff Mora at 707-262-4224.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKEPORT, Calif. — City of Lakeport employees apprehended a Northshore man on Monday morning after he took a city-owned vehicle.
Daniel Louis Miller, 33, a transient from Nice was arrested in the case, the Lakeport Police Department reported.
Lakeport Police’s report said its officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a physical altercation involving a city employee and Miller.
Miller was taken into custody for vehicle theft and violation of parole after the city employee told officers that he had witnessed Miller steal a 2018 Kubota UTV and attached hydraulic dump trailer belonging to the city of Lakeport Parks Department.
The equipment was being used for trash removal at Xabatin Community Park when it was taken, authorities said.
The city employee pursued Miller and was able to physically detain the uncooperative Miller near the intersection of 9th and North Forbes streets after the attached trailer tipped onto its side.
Officers arrived shortly thereafter and took Miller into custody without incident.
Miller was booked and is being held without bail for the parole violation.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
As National Library Week begins, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration after millions of dollars in grants to state libraries were terminated abruptly through the Trump administration’s efforts to illegally shutter the agency that administers them.
This threatens federal funding to California libraries that support library staff and critical library programs, including literacy and language tutoring and summer reading and activity programs.
“In California, we know libraries hold more than books,” said Gov. Newsom. “Libraries, and librarians, stand at the crossroads of opportunity and information, offering countless programs and supports for everyone in the community, from career help to free meals for children. An attack on libraries is an attack on communities – and California is fighting back.”
"Our libraries are hubs for learning, civic engagement, and community. They provide important services to Californians, from kids summer reading and meal programs, to programs that help families, seniors, and veterans navigate an increasingly digital world," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "On Friday, we sued the Trump Administration for unlawfully attempting to shutter the Institute of Museum and Library Services—a federal agency that supports libraries across the nation. This National Library Week, we recognize the essential role that libraries play in our communities and to preserve our rich cultural heritage, and vow to continue the fight to ensure that all Californians can access the public services libraries provide our communities every day."
Executive Order No. 14238 continues the Trump administration’s unlawful attack on several Congressionally-established agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, which supports educational and cultural institutions and programs across the country.
Through IMLS’s Grants to States Program, the California State Library received $15.7 million in federal funding to support statewide library programs and staffing — less than 40 cents per Californian.
Over 21 percent of that funding has yet to be sent to California.
IMLS funds support numerous programs that serve all Californians — especially lower-income families, seniors and veterans.
These funds also help expand access to the Career Online High School program that enables adults to earn their high school diplomas through local libraries, and the Braille and Talking Book Library that ensures that visually impaired Californians have free access to books in accessible formats.
If the order stands, all functions and staff positions paid for with IMLS funding will be at risk.
Attorney General Bonta joined the lawsuit alongside the attorneys general of New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
This is California’s 12th lawsuit against the Trump administration. A copy of the lawsuit is published below.
More on California’s State Library
With IMLS funding, the State Library works with the 1,127 libraries across the state to provide high-quality literacy and summer programs, high-speed broadband, disaster preparedness, early learning, homework help, teen services, career resources, and collections.
It supports transparency, providing free and open access to government information through the Federal and State Depository Library Programs.
The State Library also maintains and expands the Braille and Talking Book Library, providing audio and braille books, magazines, and descriptive videos to blind and print disabled Californians.
This threatens federal funding to California libraries that support library staff and critical library programs, including literacy and language tutoring and summer reading and activity programs.
“In California, we know libraries hold more than books,” said Gov. Newsom. “Libraries, and librarians, stand at the crossroads of opportunity and information, offering countless programs and supports for everyone in the community, from career help to free meals for children. An attack on libraries is an attack on communities – and California is fighting back.”
"Our libraries are hubs for learning, civic engagement, and community. They provide important services to Californians, from kids summer reading and meal programs, to programs that help families, seniors, and veterans navigate an increasingly digital world," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "On Friday, we sued the Trump Administration for unlawfully attempting to shutter the Institute of Museum and Library Services—a federal agency that supports libraries across the nation. This National Library Week, we recognize the essential role that libraries play in our communities and to preserve our rich cultural heritage, and vow to continue the fight to ensure that all Californians can access the public services libraries provide our communities every day."
Executive Order No. 14238 continues the Trump administration’s unlawful attack on several Congressionally-established agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, which supports educational and cultural institutions and programs across the country.
Through IMLS’s Grants to States Program, the California State Library received $15.7 million in federal funding to support statewide library programs and staffing — less than 40 cents per Californian.
Over 21 percent of that funding has yet to be sent to California.
IMLS funds support numerous programs that serve all Californians — especially lower-income families, seniors and veterans.
These funds also help expand access to the Career Online High School program that enables adults to earn their high school diplomas through local libraries, and the Braille and Talking Book Library that ensures that visually impaired Californians have free access to books in accessible formats.
If the order stands, all functions and staff positions paid for with IMLS funding will be at risk.
Attorney General Bonta joined the lawsuit alongside the attorneys general of New York, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.
This is California’s 12th lawsuit against the Trump administration. A copy of the lawsuit is published below.
More on California’s State Library
With IMLS funding, the State Library works with the 1,127 libraries across the state to provide high-quality literacy and summer programs, high-speed broadband, disaster preparedness, early learning, homework help, teen services, career resources, and collections.
It supports transparency, providing free and open access to government information through the Federal and State Depository Library Programs.
The State Library also maintains and expands the Braille and Talking Book Library, providing audio and braille books, magazines, and descriptive videos to blind and print disabled Californians.
040725 State Library Lawsuit by LakeCoNews on Scribd
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
At a time when libraries are facing new fiscal challenges, state officials are honoring their contribution to society.
On Monday, acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis issued a proclamation declaring April 6 to April 12, 2025 as California Library Week.
The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below.
During National Library Week, we celebrate the essential services, resources, and opportunities that libraries and library workers provide for all Californians. Free and open to all, each of our 1,127 public libraries is a community hub for education and lifelong learning, health and wellness, civic engagement, and workforce and economic development.
Libraries are gateways not just to learning but to new opportunities and ideas. Our state’s public libraries provide hundreds of thousands of programs each year and continually evolve and adapt to the needs of all Californians. They offer online tutoring, adult literacy programs, summer reading, test prep, resources for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM), early learning for infants and toddlers, meals for children, and services for job seekers.
Libraries are community centers and shelters, serving as heating and cooling centers, technology and communication providers, and safe places during emergencies. They provide free Wi-Fi and offer collaborative workspaces, career centers, quiet spaces for studying, and community gardens.
But the heart and soul of California’s libraries are the workers who help people of all ages and all backgrounds access the resources, programs, and services they need and serve as a key source for trusted information. Librarians help us start new chapters at every stage of our lives, from showing us the magic of reading as children to teaching us new skills in our golden years, with expanded digital access offering more opportunities than ever before.
School and library book challenges have been on the rise for some time, many targeting LGBTQ+ authors and writers of color. But now libraries themselves – and their critical programs and supports – are under attack, too. Now more than ever, we must celebrate and support the vital role that libraries, and all that they offer, play in keeping Californians informed and supported. These institutions house millions of books and materials that reflect the breadth of our rich diversity and defend the essential role of public libraries in protecting intellectual freedom.
In California, we know libraries hold more than books — they are the heart of our communities. During National Library Week, we honor our libraries and the dedicated library workers who offer endless possibilities to enrich the lives of Californians across the state.
NOW THEREFORE I, ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Acting Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 6 to April 12, 2025 as “California Library Week.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 3rd day of April 2025.
ELENI KOUNALAKIS
Acting Governor of California
ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State
On Monday, acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis issued a proclamation declaring April 6 to April 12, 2025 as California Library Week.
The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below.
PROCLAMATION
During National Library Week, we celebrate the essential services, resources, and opportunities that libraries and library workers provide for all Californians. Free and open to all, each of our 1,127 public libraries is a community hub for education and lifelong learning, health and wellness, civic engagement, and workforce and economic development.
Libraries are gateways not just to learning but to new opportunities and ideas. Our state’s public libraries provide hundreds of thousands of programs each year and continually evolve and adapt to the needs of all Californians. They offer online tutoring, adult literacy programs, summer reading, test prep, resources for science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM), early learning for infants and toddlers, meals for children, and services for job seekers.
Libraries are community centers and shelters, serving as heating and cooling centers, technology and communication providers, and safe places during emergencies. They provide free Wi-Fi and offer collaborative workspaces, career centers, quiet spaces for studying, and community gardens.
But the heart and soul of California’s libraries are the workers who help people of all ages and all backgrounds access the resources, programs, and services they need and serve as a key source for trusted information. Librarians help us start new chapters at every stage of our lives, from showing us the magic of reading as children to teaching us new skills in our golden years, with expanded digital access offering more opportunities than ever before.
School and library book challenges have been on the rise for some time, many targeting LGBTQ+ authors and writers of color. But now libraries themselves – and their critical programs and supports – are under attack, too. Now more than ever, we must celebrate and support the vital role that libraries, and all that they offer, play in keeping Californians informed and supported. These institutions house millions of books and materials that reflect the breadth of our rich diversity and defend the essential role of public libraries in protecting intellectual freedom.
In California, we know libraries hold more than books — they are the heart of our communities. During National Library Week, we honor our libraries and the dedicated library workers who offer endless possibilities to enrich the lives of Californians across the state.
NOW THEREFORE I, ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Acting Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 6 to April 12, 2025 as “California Library Week.”
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 3rd day of April 2025.
ELENI KOUNALAKIS
Acting Governor of California
ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif, — The Board of Supervisors this week will discuss multiple federal updates, including $500 million in cuts to food bank programs, and consider million-dollar agreements with contractors for road projects.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 8, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 865 3354 4962, pass code 726865. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,86533544962#,,,,*726865#. The meeting can also be accessed via phone at 669 900 6833.
At 9:30 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing on an ordinance regarding the Water Vessel Inspection Program.
The proposed ordinance will update the current code that protects the county’s water bodies from the invasive quagga and zebra mussels, to also address the recently discovered invasive golden mussels in the Bay Area.
“There is a pressing need to expand the scope of our county ordinance to proactively address this new invasive threat, along with any other future freshwater mussel invasions,” said Water Resources Director Pawan Upadhyay in the staff report.
Starting at 10 a.m., the board will consider multiple federal updates, including but not limited to Administration for Children and Families layoffs, Health and Human Services layoffs and program funding cuts, elimination of the Administration for Community Living and claw backs of federal Library Services and Technology Act funding.
At 10:15 a.m., the board will consider the $500 million cut in the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, or the TEFAP, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This cut will slash funding for CalFresh that 16,000 people — 25% of Lake County’s residents rely on.
The report said the cut is “particularly troubling” given the skyrocketing cost of groceries and will increase food insecurity nationwide.
“The cancelled USDA TEFAP truckloads included a variety of milk, frozen protein, canned protein, eggs and dried fruit, all desirable and preferred by people who come to our food banks for groceries,” the report said.
In an untimed item, the board will consider awarding the construction contract — in the amount of $5,113,696.75 — for the construction of the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project to the lowest bidder Argonaut Constructors, Inc, and authorizing the chair to sign the contract.
Construction costs will be paid from Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funds.
In another untimed item, the board will consider adding $625,700 to the agreement with Consor, the contractor for final design and right-of-way services for the South Main Street and Soda Bay Road improvements. The amendment also limits the total amount to not exceed $3,521,213.31 for the project.
The staff report said that Consor, County, and Caltrans worked together in developing the scope of work and that funding for the project comes from various federal, state and local contributions.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.2: Approve continuation of proclamation declaring a Clear Lake hitch emergency.
5.3: Approve continuation of local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 late January, early February winter storms.
5.4: Approve continuation of proclamation of a local health emergency by the Lake County health officer for the Boyles fire.
5.5: Approve continuation of a local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 Boyles fire.
5.6: Approve continuation of local emergency proclamation by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the Glenhaven fire.
5.7: Approve continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in the County of Lake.
5.8: Adopt a resolution amending Resolution No. 2024-34, a resolution approving an application for funding and the execution of a grant agreement and any amendments thereto from the 2023-2024 funding year of the State CDBG Mitigation Resilience Infrastructure (MIT-RIP) program.
5.9: Approve request to waive 900-hour limit for extra-help accountant, Gloria Martinez.
5.10: Adopt proclamation designating the week of April 7–13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Lake County.
5.11: Adopt proclamation designating the month of April 2025 as Celebrate Diversity Month.
5.12: (Sitting as the Lake County Sanitation District Board of Directors) Approve Sewer Mainline Extension Agreement between the County of Lake and Jordan Rivera, for the installation of a sewer collection line to serve parcel 042-262-030, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Adopt resolution expressing support for the Lower Lake Daze Parade and Street Fair; and authorizing temporary road closures, parking restrictions, posting of signs, and removal of vehicles.
5.14: Adopt resolution accepting the work of the 14C-0061 Cole Creek Bridge (Soda Bay Road) oak mitigation project (BRLO-5914(108)) and 14C-0085 Highland Creek Bridge (Highland Springs Road) oak mitigation project (BRLO-5914(109)) and directing the Public Works director to file the notice of completion with the County of Lake Recorder’s Office.
5.15: Approve the Supplemental Service Agreement No. 3, in the amount of $218,700.00, with NCE for the design of the Nice-Lucerne cutoff pavement rehabilitation and authorize the chair to execute supplemental service agreement no. 3.
5.16: Adopt resolution authorizing (1) the submittal of an application, (2) acceptance of an allocation of funds, (3) execution of a grant agreement with the California Department of Transportation, for an airport improvement program (AIP) matching grant.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the week.
6.3, 9:04 a.m.: National Poetry Month poem of the week.
6.4, 9:05 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of April 2025 as Celebrate Diversity Month.
6.5, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the week of April 7–13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Lake County.
6.6, 9:30 a.m.: Public hearing – Consideration of an ordinance amending Article IX, Chapter 15 of the Lake County Code – Updating water vessel inspection program.
6.7, 10 a.m.: Consideration of federal updates.
6.8, 10:15 a.m.: Consideration of Federal Update – Food Bank Funding for Discussion
NONTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of use of staff time in excess of 8 hours in response to Potter Valley Project decommissioning.
7.3: Consideration of amended Eastern Region Town Hall (ERTH) bylaws.
7.4: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Central Region Town Hall (CeRTH).
7.5: Consideration to (1) award of the construction contract for the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, Bid No. 24-39, to Argonaut Constructors, Inc. and (2) authorize the Chair to sign the notice of award and execute the contract, in the amount of $5,113,696.75, between County of Lake and Argonaut Constructors, Inc. for the construction of the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
7.6: Consideration of Amendment Six, in the amount of $625,700.00 for a total not to exceed amount of $3,521,213.31, to the agreement between the County of Lake and Consor for final design and right-of-way services for the South Main Street and Soda Bay Road corridor improvements and authorize the Chair to execute the amendment.
7.7: Consideration of (a) the draft county Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); and (b) direction to staff as needed with a plan to return on April 22, 2025 for approval.
7.8: Consideration of placing a Child Abuse Prevention flag on the courthouse.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee evaluation: Title: Health Services director.
8.2: Public employee evaluation: Title: Information Technology director.
8.3: Public employee discipline/dismissal/release.
8.4: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) Chief negotiator: C. Torrez; County negotiators: S. Parker, S. Carter, C. Moreno, P. Samac, and D. Rico; and (b) Employee organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA, and LCSMA.
8.5: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9 (d)(1) – FERC Proceeding No. P-77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
8.6: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(1) – Center for Biological Diversity, et al. v. County of Lake, et al.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 8, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 865 3354 4962, pass code 726865. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,86533544962#,,,,*726865#. The meeting can also be accessed via phone at 669 900 6833.
At 9:30 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing on an ordinance regarding the Water Vessel Inspection Program.
The proposed ordinance will update the current code that protects the county’s water bodies from the invasive quagga and zebra mussels, to also address the recently discovered invasive golden mussels in the Bay Area.
“There is a pressing need to expand the scope of our county ordinance to proactively address this new invasive threat, along with any other future freshwater mussel invasions,” said Water Resources Director Pawan Upadhyay in the staff report.
Starting at 10 a.m., the board will consider multiple federal updates, including but not limited to Administration for Children and Families layoffs, Health and Human Services layoffs and program funding cuts, elimination of the Administration for Community Living and claw backs of federal Library Services and Technology Act funding.
At 10:15 a.m., the board will consider the $500 million cut in the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, or the TEFAP, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This cut will slash funding for CalFresh that 16,000 people — 25% of Lake County’s residents rely on.
The report said the cut is “particularly troubling” given the skyrocketing cost of groceries and will increase food insecurity nationwide.
“The cancelled USDA TEFAP truckloads included a variety of milk, frozen protein, canned protein, eggs and dried fruit, all desirable and preferred by people who come to our food banks for groceries,” the report said.
In an untimed item, the board will consider awarding the construction contract — in the amount of $5,113,696.75 — for the construction of the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project to the lowest bidder Argonaut Constructors, Inc, and authorizing the chair to sign the contract.
Construction costs will be paid from Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account Funds.
In another untimed item, the board will consider adding $625,700 to the agreement with Consor, the contractor for final design and right-of-way services for the South Main Street and Soda Bay Road improvements. The amendment also limits the total amount to not exceed $3,521,213.31 for the project.
The staff report said that Consor, County, and Caltrans worked together in developing the scope of work and that funding for the project comes from various federal, state and local contributions.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.2: Approve continuation of proclamation declaring a Clear Lake hitch emergency.
5.3: Approve continuation of local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 late January, early February winter storms.
5.4: Approve continuation of proclamation of a local health emergency by the Lake County health officer for the Boyles fire.
5.5: Approve continuation of a local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 Boyles fire.
5.6: Approve continuation of local emergency proclamation by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the Glenhaven fire.
5.7: Approve continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in the County of Lake.
5.8: Adopt a resolution amending Resolution No. 2024-34, a resolution approving an application for funding and the execution of a grant agreement and any amendments thereto from the 2023-2024 funding year of the State CDBG Mitigation Resilience Infrastructure (MIT-RIP) program.
5.9: Approve request to waive 900-hour limit for extra-help accountant, Gloria Martinez.
5.10: Adopt proclamation designating the week of April 7–13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Lake County.
5.11: Adopt proclamation designating the month of April 2025 as Celebrate Diversity Month.
5.12: (Sitting as the Lake County Sanitation District Board of Directors) Approve Sewer Mainline Extension Agreement between the County of Lake and Jordan Rivera, for the installation of a sewer collection line to serve parcel 042-262-030, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Adopt resolution expressing support for the Lower Lake Daze Parade and Street Fair; and authorizing temporary road closures, parking restrictions, posting of signs, and removal of vehicles.
5.14: Adopt resolution accepting the work of the 14C-0061 Cole Creek Bridge (Soda Bay Road) oak mitigation project (BRLO-5914(108)) and 14C-0085 Highland Creek Bridge (Highland Springs Road) oak mitigation project (BRLO-5914(109)) and directing the Public Works director to file the notice of completion with the County of Lake Recorder’s Office.
5.15: Approve the Supplemental Service Agreement No. 3, in the amount of $218,700.00, with NCE for the design of the Nice-Lucerne cutoff pavement rehabilitation and authorize the chair to execute supplemental service agreement no. 3.
5.16: Adopt resolution authorizing (1) the submittal of an application, (2) acceptance of an allocation of funds, (3) execution of a grant agreement with the California Department of Transportation, for an airport improvement program (AIP) matching grant.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the week.
6.3, 9:04 a.m.: National Poetry Month poem of the week.
6.4, 9:05 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the month of April 2025 as Celebrate Diversity Month.
6.5, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of proclamation designating the week of April 7–13, 2025 as National Public Health Week in Lake County.
6.6, 9:30 a.m.: Public hearing – Consideration of an ordinance amending Article IX, Chapter 15 of the Lake County Code – Updating water vessel inspection program.
6.7, 10 a.m.: Consideration of federal updates.
6.8, 10:15 a.m.: Consideration of Federal Update – Food Bank Funding for Discussion
NONTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of use of staff time in excess of 8 hours in response to Potter Valley Project decommissioning.
7.3: Consideration of amended Eastern Region Town Hall (ERTH) bylaws.
7.4: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Central Region Town Hall (CeRTH).
7.5: Consideration to (1) award of the construction contract for the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, Bid No. 24-39, to Argonaut Constructors, Inc. and (2) authorize the Chair to sign the notice of award and execute the contract, in the amount of $5,113,696.75, between County of Lake and Argonaut Constructors, Inc. for the construction of the 2024 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.
7.6: Consideration of Amendment Six, in the amount of $625,700.00 for a total not to exceed amount of $3,521,213.31, to the agreement between the County of Lake and Consor for final design and right-of-way services for the South Main Street and Soda Bay Road corridor improvements and authorize the Chair to execute the amendment.
7.7: Consideration of (a) the draft county Emergency Operations Plan (EOP); and (b) direction to staff as needed with a plan to return on April 22, 2025 for approval.
7.8: Consideration of placing a Child Abuse Prevention flag on the courthouse.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Public employee evaluation: Title: Health Services director.
8.2: Public employee evaluation: Title: Information Technology director.
8.3: Public employee discipline/dismissal/release.
8.4: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) Chief negotiator: C. Torrez; County negotiators: S. Parker, S. Carter, C. Moreno, P. Samac, and D. Rico; and (b) Employee organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA, and LCSMA.
8.5: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9 (d)(1) – FERC Proceeding No. P-77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
8.6: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9(d)(1) – Center for Biological Diversity, et al. v. County of Lake, et al.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
- Details
- Written by: LINGZI CHEN
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee will meet this week to discuss projects and updates.
The committee, or LEDAC, will meet via Zoom from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The meeting also will be available via Zoom.
The meeting ID is 842 2886 1335, pass code is 594383 or join by phone, 1 669 900 6833.
The meeting is open to the public.
There will be economic development updates from Ben Rickelman, Lake County deputy county administrative officer for economic development, and Nicole Flora, executive director of Lake County Economic Development Corp.
There also will be a project review by city of Lakeport staff and a discussion of LEDAC engagement with implementing city goals.
Also on Wednesday, LEDAC will hold a Brown Act review led by Lakeport City Clerk Kelly Buendia.
LEDAC will next meet on June 11.
LEDAC advocates for a strong and positive Lakeport business community and acts as a conduit between the city and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.
Members are Chair Wilda Shock, Bonnie Darling, Candy De Los Santos, Pam Harpster, Lissette Hayes, Amanda Martin, Euline Olinger, JoAnn Saccato, Laura McAndrews Sammel, Bob Santana, Marie Schrader and Tim Stephens. City staff who are members include City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Department Director Joey Hejnowicz, Associate Planner Victor Fernandez and Chief Building Officer Bethany Moss Childers.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
The committee, or LEDAC, will meet via Zoom from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The meeting also will be available via Zoom.
The meeting ID is 842 2886 1335, pass code is 594383 or join by phone, 1 669 900 6833.
The meeting is open to the public.
There will be economic development updates from Ben Rickelman, Lake County deputy county administrative officer for economic development, and Nicole Flora, executive director of Lake County Economic Development Corp.
There also will be a project review by city of Lakeport staff and a discussion of LEDAC engagement with implementing city goals.
Also on Wednesday, LEDAC will hold a Brown Act review led by Lakeport City Clerk Kelly Buendia.
LEDAC will next meet on June 11.
LEDAC advocates for a strong and positive Lakeport business community and acts as a conduit between the city and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.
Members are Chair Wilda Shock, Bonnie Darling, Candy De Los Santos, Pam Harpster, Lissette Hayes, Amanda Martin, Euline Olinger, JoAnn Saccato, Laura McAndrews Sammel, Bob Santana, Marie Schrader and Tim Stephens. City staff who are members include City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Department Director Joey Hejnowicz, Associate Planner Victor Fernandez and Chief Building Officer Bethany Moss Childers.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
