LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – AT&T is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of catalytic converters from company vehicles parked at field operating centers in parts of California and Nevada.
Thieves are removing and stealing the converters, thereby reducing the number of vehicles available to respond to service issues, the company said.
Since mid-November, there have been 12 separate incidents of catalytic converter thefts from AT&T vehicles in the following areas: Reno, Nev.; and the California cities of Redding, Merced, Auburn, Hanford, Clearlake, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Bakersfield, Placerville, Simi Valley and Yuba City.
“AT&T takes this matter very seriously,” said Mark McDonald, director network services, in Northern California, AT&T. “We’re hoping the reward will motivate people in the affected areas to be more alert and to pay close attention to any suspicious activity near AT&T work centers. We are cooperating with law enforcement to make sure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.”
AT&T urges anyone with information on these crimes to call 1-800-807-4205 to begin the investigation process and possibly claim the reward.
Citizens should contact local law enforcement immediately if they observe anyone without AT&T branded apparel in or near AT&T work centers after business hours.
Only one reward will be given per person who calls in a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction. Individuals cannot receive additional reward money for multiple tips or convictions.
LUCERNE, Calif. – State officials are investigating the cause of a waterfowl die-off on Clear Lake.
Last week it was reported that there was a large number of dead ducks – which appeared to be ruddy ducks – at Lucerne’s south end.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Kyle Orr told Lake County News that the agency is aware of the die-off and is involved with the inquiry into the cause.
“Samples have been collected and testing is under way at this point to confirm the cause of mortality,” he said.
“Based on the symptoms and conditions, it is suspected that avian cholera is the cause of the mortality,” Orr added.
Orr said some species – ducks, geese, swans and coots – are more susceptible to avian cholera than others.
Humans are not considered at risk, he said.
Two significant waterfowl die-offs occurred on Clear Lake in 2004 near Lakeport and 2007 on the Northshore, both attributed to avian cholera, as Lake County News has reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department has received another report of a mountain lion having been spotted near the Lakeport Unified School District’s campuses.
School administration forwarded to the Lakeport Police Department a report from a citizen who said they saw a mountain lion in the brushy area along the northern boundary of the Lakeport Unified campuses, authorities said Wednesday.
The schools currently are closed for Christmas vacation, officials said.
The person who saw the lion didn’t report it to the school until two days after the sighting. The Lakeport Police Department said that it notified patrol officers to be on the lookout and also contacted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for assistance in investigating the sighting.
Police said the area of the sighting was thoroughly checked for signs of mountain lion activity; no evidence was found of one actually living in the area.
However the area has significant wildlife, including deer, which are a primary food source for mountain lions, police said.
This latest mountain lion sighting was the fourth reported within the city of Lakeport this year and the second unconfirmed sighting that occurred close to the school campuses, as Lake County News has reported.
The first sighting near the schools took place in September and was reported by a parent. Police and Fish and Wildlife officers were unable to locate an animal, but schools nonetheless went into temporary lockdown over concerns of student safety.
The other two mountain lion sightings occurred in June and October.
In June, a city worker said he saw what was believed to be a young adult mountain lion in the Forbes Creek drainage south of the fairgrounds baseball fields and west of the Lakeport Public Works yard.
Then, in October, a mountain lion was seen in the forested area between Page Drive and 19th Street, traveling west toward Highway 29. Officials said it was not acting aggressive.
Police said it is unknown if this is the same lion related to all sightings.
Below is a list offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for living in and staying safe in mountain lion country, which includes Lake County:
- Don’t feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions. - Deer-proof your landscaping by avoiding plants that deer like to eat. For tips, request “A Gardener’s Guide to Preventing Deer Damage” from the agency’s offices. - Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions. - Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended. - Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house. - Provide sturdy, covered shelters for sheep, goats and other vulnerable animals. - Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk and at night. - Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey. - Do not hike, bike, or jog alone. - Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night. - Keep a close watch on small children. - Do not approach a mountain lion. - If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. - Pick up small children. - If attacked, fight back. - If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
From left to right, Sereno Dominguez, senior, alto saxophonist in the Clear Lake High School Jazz Band; Jill Falconer, Clear Lake High School principal; and Jenni Ingram, band teacher, Lakeport Unified School District, display their veterans awards at the Thursday, December 14, 2017, Lakeport Unified School District Board meeting. Courtesy photo. LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lakeport Unified School District band teacher Jenni Ingram and the Clear Lake High School Jazz Band have been honored for their support of Lake County’s veterans.
Ingram and the band were recognized for their ongoing commitment to Lake County veterans at the Veteran’s Day ceremony at Konocti Vista Casino on Nov. 11, as Lake County News has reported.
John Evalle, district director, presented Ingram and the CLHS Jazz band with a framed Congressional Commendation on behalf of Congressman John Garamendi, Third District, for “their steadfast dedication and selfless commitment to serve, support, and recognize the members of our nation that swore an oath to support and defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America.”
They were also presented with a “Friends of the Veterans” plaque by the Lake County Board of Supervisors and the County Veterans Service Office “for their contributions to improving the quality of life for Lake County’s veterans.”
Ingram and her jazz band members were recognized again at the Lakeport School Board Meeting on Dec. 14.
Ingram says, “We were shocked and humbled to receive the, ‘Friends of the Veterans’ and Congressional Commendation award from the County Veterans Service Office, Lake County Board of Supervisors and Congressman Garamendi,” said Ingram.
Clear Lake High School has been participating in the event for many years. According to Ingram, a true rapport has been established between local veterans and jazz band members.
“Over the years I have witnessed countless veterans go out of their way to engage our students, complimenting their performance, encouraging their goals for higher education, and offering to mentor their musical development,” she said.
A few years again two veterans, Bill Vann and Boyd Green, who play trumpet and perform “Taps” as part of the Honor Guard came to jazz rehearsal. They taught the CLHS trumpeters “Taps”, allowing them to play side by side with the Honor Guard at the Veterans Day ceremony.
Ingram is proud of her music students. “As a teacher, I was moved to hear my students repeatedly express that we go perform not for the recognition to us, but to honor our local Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.”
She added, “We are truly grateful to be considered “Friends of the Veterans” and we thank each and every veteran for their sacrifice and their service.”
There are 346 LUSD students, grades sixth through 12th, taking band daily, working on a diverse repertoire ranging from Masterworks to movie soundtracks pieces. The CLHS concert band is comprised of 118 students.
Both the CLHS Band and the Terrace Middle School Eighth 8th Grade Band will be traveling to out-of-town music festivals this year to perform.
For more information, please go to the Lakeport Unified Band Facebook page.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The new year is almost here and as the festivities continue, the California Highway Patrol wants to remind motorists to celebrate safely and responsibly by designating a sober driver.
The CHP will observe the new year with a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, from 6:01 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
All available personnel will be on duty. Not only will officers focus on keeping the motoring public safe by removing impaired drivers from the road, they will also be watching for distracted driving, speeding, and seat belt violations, as well as motorists in need of assistance.
During last year’s New Year’s Day MEP, 29 people died in collisions on California roadways. In addition, CHP officers made more than 750 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour holiday enforcement effort.
“Impaired driving is a very serious crime that puts your life and the lives of others at risk,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Let’s end this year safely and start the New Year by designating a sober driver, wearing your seat belt, and observing all traffic laws.”
With the new year comes a change in law for California.
In 2016, voters passed the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, more commonly referred to as Proposition 64, which legalized adult recreational use of cannabis.
“The legalization of cannabis does not change the effect it has on the central nervous system. Driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs remains illegal,” added Acting Commissioner Stanley.
The CHP urges everyone to plan a safe ride home before the parties begin.
Calling a taxi or a sober friend or family member, using public transportation or the increasingly popular ride-sharing services can be the difference between life or death.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County’s sheriff will head to Southern California later this week to participate in the 129th annual Rose Parade.
The famed parade, which takes place in Pasadena, will be televised beginning at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day. This year’s theme is “Making A Difference.”
Sheriff Brian Martin said he will appear on the Farmers Insurance “Hometown Heroes” float.
He said Farmers Insurance asked the state fire council for suggestions on who should be featured on the float. The council in turn asked Cal Fire, and Cal Fire asked him.
Martin, now in his third year as sheriff, also heads up Lake County’s Office of Emergency Services.
He’s been lauded for his leadership in dealing with natural and fire disasters in each of his three years as sheriff.
In 2015, the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires combined burned more than 170,000 acres, mostly in Lake County. Those fire were followed in 2016 by the Clayton fire and the Sulphur fire in October.
Early this year, the Office of Emergency Services also was involved in managing the response to Clear Lake’s severe winter flooding.
During the Rose Parade, Martin will ride on the float along with firefighters from Pasadena involved in fighting Southern California’s devastating fires, US Forest Service members and personnel from other agencies.
“It is pretty cool,” Martin said.
Martin said he’ll head down to Pasadena on Dec. 30 to participate in the parade.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County Winegrape Commission and Lake County Winery Association have announced Lake County will be host to a world-class event – the Sauvignon Blanc Experience – scheduled for May 4 to 5.
The event will be held on the grounds of Chacewater Winery in Kelseyville.
The International Symposium will take place on Friday, May 4, to be followed on Saturday, May 5, by the Grand Tasting.
This event will bring together winemakers, sommeliers, grape growers, buyers and wine enthusiasts for two days of learning, presentations, technical tastings and trials, and food and wine pairings.
The two-day event will feature a trade-focused International Symposium on May 4 and a consumer-focused Grand Tasting on May 5.
The International Symposium is supported by community partners such as University of California, Davis, and geared toward a technical audience. It will feature a prestigious lineup of presenters and panelists.
The highlight will be a keynote presentation by Jean Michel Boursiquot, an international authority on plant material and professor of ampelography with the Institute for Higher Education in Vine and Wine, Montpellier Sup Agro in France.
Monsieur Boursiquot will provide an overview of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal and discuss where it fits in the wine family and the cultural differences from Loire and Bordeaux.
“It makes sense to hold this event in the epicenter of Sauvignon Blanc winegrowing in California,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission, which is underwriting the event. “We’re excited to bring people together from around the world for an in-depth exchange of information on a varietal that is so important on a global scale.”
The Lake County Winegrape Commission previously hosted two International Sauvignon Blanc Symposia in 2002 and 2005.
“Lake County winegrowers are some of the most experienced Sauvignon Blanc growers in the country,” Sommerfield said. “Sauvignon Blanc was one of the first varietals they reached for when post-Prohibition replanting began in earnest 50 years ago.”
The Lake County winegrowing region, part of the North Coast AVA, has long been known for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc fruit and today makes up approximately 14 percent of California’s Sauvignon Blanc acreage.
The commission and its collaborative host partner, the Lake County Winery Association, are building on the success of the previous events and the varietal’s new-found popularity. For 2018, the event has been expanded to include a consumer-focused Grand Tasting.
“Sauvignon Blanc has been gaining in popularity among U.S. consumers faster than just about any other wine, according to Nielsen data,” said Maria Brunn, executive director of the Lake County Winery Association. “Sauvignon Blanc has always been a favorite among viticulturalists and winemakers due to its versatility. And now, with the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Experience, consumers can experience the vast breadth of expression as well, with wines at the Grand Tasting ranging in style from bright and crisp to lush and creamy.”
The Grand Tasting will feature Sauvignon Blanc wines from across California, as well as from producers throughout the United States and around the world, providing consumers an opportunity to compare the style and character of Sauvignon Blanc wines grown in some of its most important regions.
Individual wineries and regional associations interested in pouring at the Grand Tasting are encouraged to contact organizers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Custom-branded event sponsorship opportunities also are available.
Registration and online ticket sales will kick off in early February. Preliminary program information is available online at www.sauvignonblancexperience.com.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County showed strong November home sales, according to the Lake County Association of Realtors.
LCAOR said that the number of sales in November increased 10 percent over October and 8.5 percent over November 2016.
Seventy-six single family residences sold in November with 69 selling in October. In November 2016 there were 70 sales.
The November median sales price was virtually unchanged from the October median. In November the median was $249,950 compared to October’s median of $250,000. The November 2016 median was $255,000.
“The market has continued to be active,” said Melissa Chapman, 2018 LCAOR president. “At 5.3 months the unsold inventory index has remained higher than the statewide inventories and that is a good sign for the Lake County real estate market.”
Cash only purchases made up 27.6 percent of the transactions compared to 28.6 percent in November 2016.
Conventional loans accounted for 35.5 percent of the deals with FHA loans being used for 21 percent of the purchases.
The California Association of Realtors, or CAR, reported existing, single-family home sales totaled 440,340 in November on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 2.1 percent from October and down 0.8 percent from November 2016.
November’s statewide median home price was $546,820, up 0.1 percent from October and up 8.8 percent from November 2016, CAR reported.
With housing inventory remaining at stubbornly low levels, CAR said the statewide unsold inventory index dropped to 2.9 months in November.
Mortgage rates edged higher in November as 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rates averaged 3.92 percent in November, up from 3.90 percent in October and from 3.77 percent in November 2016, according to Freddie Mac.
The five-year, adjustable-rate mortgage interest rate also ticked higher in November to an average of 3.24 percent from 3.18 percent in October and from 2.74 percent in November 2016, Freddie Mac reported.
LAKE COUNTY NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
November 2017 Median price: $249,950 Median days to sell: 54 Units sold: 76
October 2017 Median price: $250,000 Median days to sell: 36 Units sold: 69
November 2016 Median price: $255,000 Median days to sell: 82 Units sold: 70
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With 2018 just around the corner, the Lake County Registrar of Voters Office reported that the paperwork that begins the process of running for a number of local offices is now available.
Registrar of Voters Diane Fridley reported her office has released the in-lieu-of-filing fee petitions for the upcoming campaign season.
Fridley said a statewide direct primary election is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, to elect federal, state, legislative and county officials.
Listed below are the county offices in which candidates are to be nominated and voted on solely within Lake County:
– Judge, Lake County Superior Court, Department 1; – Judge, Lake County Superior Court, Department 3; – Judge, Lake County Superior Court, Department 4; – Lake County superintendent of schools; – Supervisor, District 2; – Supervisor, District 3; – Assessor-recorder; – County clerk-auditor; – District attorney; – Sheriff-coroner. – Treasurer-tax collector.
A candidate for the elective offices listed above may submit in-lieu-of-filing fee petitions, which contain signatures of registered voters in the jurisdiction in which he/she seeks nomination, to offset all or part of the cost of his/her filing fee.
The in-lieu-of-filing fee petitions are available to candidates during regular office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; the office is closed on county holidays and weekends.
The deadline to file the in-lieu-of-filing fee petitions with Fridley’s office is the close of business on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
All candidates for elective office must also file within the nomination period of Feb. 12 through March 9, a declaration of candidacy form and nomination papers in order for their name to be printed on the June 5 Statewide Direct Primary Election ballot.
In addition to filing nomination documents from Feb. 12 through March 9, candidates for Superior Court judge also are required to file a declaration of intention between the dates of Jan. 29 through Feb. 7.
Besides the local offices that will appear on the June 5 primary ballot, Fridley said the following federal, state and legislative offices will be up for election at that time:
– State and district offices: Governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, controller, treasurer, attorney general, insurance commissioner, Board of Equalization member District 2.
– Congressional offices: United States representatives, District 3 and District 5.
– Legislative offices: State Senate, District 2; State Assembly Member, District 4.
– Nonpartisan statewide office: Superintendent of public instruction.
For more information contact the Registrar of Voters Office in person at the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N Forbes St., Room 209, in Lakeport or call 707-263-2372.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A man who was ruled insane in a case involving an attack on his grandmother and treated at a state mental hospital was back in custody on Christmas night after police said he drove his pickup into a downtown Lakeport store.
The Lakeport Police Department arrested Jason Kaluna Fugit, 46, of Nice for intentionally driving his Chevy Silverado pickup through the front of Campos Casuals, located on North Main Street between Third and Fourth streets.
Police said Fugit was taken into custody for felony burglary, vandalism and reckless driving. Damage to the building is estimated to be at least $100,000.
The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. Lakeport Fire Protection District firefighters were dispatched to the scene at that time, but cleared the scene a short time later due to there being no injuries.
Lakeport Police Officer Tyler Trouette told Lake County News that he arrived on scene to find Fugit in front of the store and the pickup still inside.
Trouette took Fugit into custody. Fugit sat in the back of a patrol car while the initial investigation was under way and when his disabled pickup – with major front end damage – was pulled backward out of the store with a tow truck cable.
At that time, Fugit hadn’t been interviewed. Trouette said Fugit didn’t appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol but hadn’t yet been tested for intoxication.
More charges could be added as the investigation progresses, Trouette said.
A police officer talks to Jason Kaluna Fugit, 46, of Nice, Calif., after he was arrested for driving into a clothing store in downtown Lakeport, Calif., on Christmas night, Monday, December 25, 2017. Photo by John Jensen/Lake County News. Troutte said it appeared that Fugit had lined up his pickup and then accelerated, driving through the front of the store and continuing all the way to the back, smashing merchandise and displays, and scattering glass everywhere.
“I don’t know what his motives are at this point,” said Trouette.
A support post in the store was knocked down, there was a crack in the ceiling and a wall was pushed in, but Trouette said he hadn’t identified structure damage.
The main damage, Trouette said, was to the glass front entry, counters and the store’s inventory; the merchandise is primarily clothing, shoes and accessories.
Lakeport Public Works staff was called to the scene to clean the smashed glass and debris from the sidewalk and street. One of the store’s owners was on scene to secure the smashed glass storefront.
Fugit has a criminal history that includes drug arrests and, most notably, the attempted killing of his grandmother in Lucerne in 2005.
At the time, Fugit was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery for the attack on his grandmother, who authorities said he tried to kill because he thought she was involved in treasonous acts along with the government, which he believed was persecuting him, as Lake County News reported: http://bit.ly/2lamQWh.
Fugit later pleaded guilty to elder abuse and in May 2008 was sentenced to eight years. At that time he was sent to the Napa State Hospital for treatment after he was found at trial to have been insane at the time of the attack on his grandmother.
A Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by Jason Kaluna Fugit, 46, of Nice, Calif., crashed into Campos Casuals in Lakeport, Calif., on Christmas night, Monday, December 25, 2017. Photo by John Jensen/Lake County News. More recently, Fugit has become a familiar figure in downtown Lakeport.
For several months he has regularly parked his pickup in the downtown – including on Main Street near the Courthouse Museum, just a block over from Campos Casuals – with large cardboard signs mounted on his vehicle complaining of a conspiracy involving the FBI and the government to persecute him.
He also has walked around the park and stood at the street corner with similar signs, the messages written in dark marker, attempting to get the attention of motorists and passersby.
Early Tuesday morning Fugit was booked into the Lake County Jail. His bail is set at $500,000 for the first-degree burglary charge.
He’s tentatively set to appear in Lake County Superior Court for arraignment on Wednesday, according to his booking sheet.
John Jensen contributed to this report.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Jason Kaluna Fugit, 46, of Nice, Calif., was booked into the Lake County Jail early on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, for driving into a Lakeport, Calif., store on Christmas night. Lake County Jail photo.
Ronald Evans and Glenda Callison celebrated their new home in Clearlake, Calif., on Saturday, December 16, 2017, with Habitat for Humanity Lake County. Courtesy photo. CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A family that lost its house in the August 2016 Clayton fire got to go home for Christmas.
On Saturday, Dec. 16, Habitat for Humanity celebrated with the Callison-Evans family as they were welcomed back into their home for the first time since the Clayton fire destroyed their house.
Since the fire, Glenda Callison and and Ron Evans have been living in a small travel trailer on their property in Lower Lake.
The trail’s heat, cooking appliances and space were inadequate. Ron’s disability and need for a wheelchair made the cramped quarters especially challenging, and the pair are grateful for the opportunity to get into a house once again.
“Everyone’s worked so hard,” said Callison. “We thank everyone so much for everything they’ve given us, to make this happen.”
“We look forward to the chance to give back. We’re givers, not takers,” said Evans. “If we can help Habitat as much as they’ve helped us, that’ll be something.”
The Clearlake Grocery Outlet once again provided a generous donation of pantry and household items as well as a gift certificate to help the family stock their new home.
If you or someone you know lost their housing in any of Lake County’s fires, or is living in unsafe, unhealthy or crowded conditions, please contact Habitat for Humanity Lake County at 707-994-1100, Extension 106, for a preapplication and to see if you qualify for the Homeownership Program.
Children from LCOE’s Pomo Preschool in Clearlake, Calif., enjoying the 2017 holidays. Photo courtesy of Jill Ruzicka. LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Education State Preschools recently received strong ratings on the Quality Counts California matrix, which measures the quality of preschools in California.
All eight LCOE State Preschools were rated, and all eight preschools were given a Tier 4 rating, with a Tier 5 rating being the highest achievable.
According to the State of California’s Web site, a Tier 4 rating means that each preschool is demonstrating quality across almost all elements of their programs.
Those LCOE State preschools receiving a score of Tier 4 include:
– Burns Valley Early Connection Preschool; – East Lake Early Connection Preschool; – Kelseyville Early Connection Preschool; – Lakeport Early Connection Preschool; – Lower Lake Early Connection Preschool; – Lucerne Early Connection Preschool; – Middletown Early Connection Preschool; – Pomo Early Connection Preschool.
“I am so proud of all our Site Coordinators who worked incredibly hard over the last year,” Megan McDonald, interim director of the LCOE State Preschools said. “We aimed for a challenging goal of having all sites reach a Tier 4 and we did it!”
The Quality Counts California matrix is used to measure the effects of the Quality Rating and Improvement System, or QRIS, a voluntary statewide program which was introduced into Lake County in 2015 through the Lake County Office of Education.
The primary focus of QRIS is to enhance program quality for all children involved in participating preschool programs, and focuses on providing information, resources, and support to early care and education programs, in a consistent, state-wide manner.
The ratings of the preschools were performed by Angela Cuellar-Marroquin, coordinator of the Lake County QRIS and the Child Care Planning Council, and her staff.
“Outside assessors from Sonoma County also participated in the ratings to ensure objectivity and to make sure that California standards were being met,” explained Cuellar-Marroquin.
She added, “When preschool sites choose to participate, they go through a process of coaching, improving, and rating.”
Each preschool participating in the QRIS program is rated on child development and school readiness, social and emotional development, effective teacher-child interactions, classroom environments, professional development and family engagement.
Other sites that recently joined the program include Pine Summit Seedlings, The Learning House, Yuba College Child Development Center, Bundle of Joy Nature Preschool, Alphabet Soup Children’s Learning Center, Early Learning Centers in both Clearlake and Lakeport, and Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Education Center.
These sites will receive their ratings within the next two to eight months. That timeframe is based on when they joined the program.
“This is just a small sample of the quality that we have in early care here in Lake County,” said Cuellar-Marroquin.
“I think we are truly helping to set a precedent in this county for what high quality early education should look like,” McDonald said. “The leadership and staff at LCP and QRIS inspire me on a daily basis.”
Cuellar-Marroquin was thrilled with the rating results of the initial preschools. “If you have a child at any of these sites please join us in congratulating the hard working teachers who are providing the high quality care to your children.”
“I am pleased that our LCOE State Preschools earned such a strong rating, and are providing quality early childhood education (ECE) to Lake County preschoolers,” Lake County Superintendents of Schools Brock Falkenberg said. “Research shows that quality ECE is associated with higher measures of early language and math development, preparing our youngest members of Lake County for kindergarten.”
If you would like more information about the Quality Rating and Improvement System or about joining the Child Care Planning Council, please contact Angela Cuellar-Marroquin, LPC/QRIS coordinator, at 707-262-4162 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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