UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Music fans are in for a treat on Labor Day evening, Monday, Sept. 4, as one of the best blues bands in the country, headed by the veteran Joe Louis Walker, comes to the Tallman Hotel veranda for the annual Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Fest.
“With the Lake County Fair over and guests gone home, a little quality music in a relaxing outdoor setting is a great way to end the Labor Day weekend,” said Blue Wing owner Bernie Butcher.
The venue is the tree-shaded garden between the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Restaurant in Upper Lake.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts in the cool of the evening at 6:15 p.m. The price of admission ($50 plus tax) includes a gourmet barbeque dinner in addition to the music.
“We’ve been trying to get Joe Louis Walker to the Blue Wing Blues Fest for a number of years,” said Butcher. “The dates didn’t work last year, so we helped to sponsor a show at the Soper-Reese in Lakeport. Anyone who saw Walker tear up the place last year at the Soper-Reese won’t want to miss this one.”
Walker is a Blues Hall of Fame inductee who has toured extensively throughout his career.
He’s earned a legion of dedicated fans while performing at the world’s most renowned music festivals.
His latest album Everybody Wants A Piece cements his legacy as a prolific torchbearer for the blues.
Looking back on his rich history, Walker said, "I'd like to be known for the credibility of a lifetime of being true to my music and the blues. Sometimes I feel I've learned more from my failures than from my successes. But that's made me stronger and more adventurous and helped me to create my own style. I'd like to think that when someone puts on one of my records they would know from the first notes, 'That's Joe Louis Walker.'"
The Walker traveling band will be supplemented for this show by a horn section composed of veteran saxophone players Nancy Wright and Keith Crossan. “I’ve had a great time playing with Joe Louis Walker in the past,” says Nancy Wright, “and I’m delighted that he’s invited Keith and me to join his show at the Blue Wing.”
Opening for Walker will be a scaled down version of local blues harp master Pat Gleeson’s Clean Sweep Blues Band.
Joining Gleeson will be guitarist Mike Gymnaites with David Neft on keyboards. Keith Crossan will also join the group on sax.
Tickets for the Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Fest are limited to 100 only and may be purchased by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.
00:41 SUSP CIRCS 1708150002 Occurred on Kabal, Clearlake. RP STATES SOMEONE WAS POUNDING ON HIS FRONT WINDOW DOES NOT HEAR THEM NOW. Disposition: Log Note Only.
00:53 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150003 Officer initiated activity at Villa Wy/Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake. Disposition: Warning (Cite/Verbal).
01:17 PATROL CHECK 1708150005 Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Creek, (Unknown Address), Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
01:44 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150007 Officer initiated activity at Highland Park, (Unknown Address), Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
02:05 PATROL CHECK 1708150009 Officer initiated activity at El Grande, Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake. Disposition: Gone On Arrival.
02:34 PATROL CHECK 1708150012 Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
03:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150016 Occurred on Palmer Ave, Clearlake. DUE TO 602 SUBJ 594 RESD/RESD IS TO BE UNOCC. Disposition: Log Note Only.
03:19 PATROL CHECK 1708150017 Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Mall, Olympic Dr/Old Highway 53, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
04:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150020 Occurred on Redwood St, Clearlake. No one aloud in res/anyone contacted detain for 602 and contact rp. Disposition: Log Note Only.
04:46 PATROL CHECK 1708150021 Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
08:23 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150032 Occurred at PHILLIPS/39TH, Clearlake. Loose blk k9 running around into the roadway near the roadwork area. Disposition: Log Note Only.
08:24 MUSIC/DOGS/ETC 1708150033 Occurred at Walnut Grove on Smith Ln. , Clearlake. Ongoing issue with neighbors playing loud music. Disposition: Log Note Only.
08:26 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150034 Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. States was bit by a k9 over the weekend went to the hospital yesterday believes he knows where the k9s live. Disposition: Log Note Only.
08:54 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150035 Officer initiated activity at Uhl Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Counseled.
09:11 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150036 Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Behind rays in the turn out. Disposition: Warning (Cite/Verbal).
09:29 RESIDENTIAL ALARM 1708150037 Occurred on Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake. Aud living slider 2. Disposition: False Alarm.
09:43 DOMESTIC 1708150038 Occurred on 5TH St, Clearlake. MALE AND FEMALE YELLING FIGHTING WITH BOYFRIEND AND DISCONNECTED AFTER TRANSFER. Disposition: Log Note Only.
10:04 TRESPASS 1708150039 Occurred at McDonalds on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. TRANSIENT LOITERING ON THE PROPERTY FOR THE PAST HOUR WILL NOT LEAVE WOULD LIKE HIM REMOVED WMA NO SHIRT RED BACKPACK. Disposition: Counseled.
10:11 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150040 Occurred on 8TH St, Clearlake. SUBJS TOOK THE RED TAGGED THE SIGNS OFF THE RESD AND HAVE K9S RUNNING LOOSE IN THE ST. Disposition: Log Note Only.
10:16 FLAGGED DOWN 1708150042 Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
10:18 SUSP CIRCS 1708150043 Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. RP WAS CONFRONTED BY A MALE STATING THE VEH HE IS DRIVING IS STOLEN. Disposition: Log Note Only.
10:59 PETTY THEFT 1708150044 Occurred at Lower Lake High School on Lake. , Lower Lake. CELLPHONE. Disposition: Log Note Only.
11:38 AUTO THEFT 1708150046 Occurred at 32D Av/Pine Ave, Clearlake. WHI GMC YUKON WAS SITTING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNK WHEN WAS TAKEN. Disposition: Report Taken.
11:46 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150047 Occurred on Myrtle Ln, Clearlake. RESD BEHIND THE RP HAS SEVERAL VICIOUS K9'S AND ONE GOT OUT AND RAN OFF WITH THE RPS CAT. Disposition: Log Note Only.
12:12 PATROL CHECK 1708150048 Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Mall, Olympic Dr/Old Highway 53, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
12:27 SUSP CIRCS 1708150050 Occurred at Lakefront Apts on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. ON GOING ISSUE NEIGHBOR IN APT 1 KEEPS GOING INTO THE MAILBOXES. Disposition: Counseled.
12:33 PATROL CHECK 1708150051 Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
12:34 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150052 Occurred on Lakeview Way, Clearlake. VEH PARKED IN THE GRASS OF THE CHURCH. Disposition: Log Note Only.
12:46 SUSP CIRCS 1708150054 Occurred at Courthouse on South Center Dr. , Clearlake. WAS YELLING AT HER AT THE COURTHOUSE PARKING LOT THE MALE HAS A RO AGAINST THE RP AND SHE FEELS HE VIOLATED HIS OWN ORDER. Disposition: Report Taken.
12:49 EXTRA PATROL 1708150055 Occurred at Woodland Dr/Halika, Clearlake. TEENAGERS CONGREGATING AFTER GETTING OFF THE BUS EVERYDAY. Disposition: Log Note Only.
12:55 MISSING PERSON 1708150056 Occurred at Rays Food Place on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. TRANSIENT USUALLY BEHIND RAYS HAS NOT BEEN SEEN SINCE SATURDAY NIGHT. Disposition: Log Note Only.
13:42 TICKET SIGN OFF 1708150057 Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. TICKET SIGN OFF. Disposition: Log Note Only.
14:21 ANY CIVIL PROBLEM 1708150059 Occurred on Laddell Ave, Clearlake. LANDLORD TENANT ISSUES. Disposition: Log Note Only.
14:41 TRESPASS 1708150061 Occurred at McDonalds on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. Refusing to leave the property wfa blu tank top striped shorts / large group assoc w/ a green in a altercation. Disposition: Cited.
15:09 NON INJURY TC 1708150062 Occurred on 18TH Ave, Clearlake. HARLEY DAVIDSON INTO GOLD HONDA ALTA, MC RIDER ON THE GROUND. Disposition: Cited.
15:25 SUSP CIRCS 1708150063 Occurred at Time To Shop on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. Male laying on the ground not responding when spoken to but is breathing. Disposition: Arrest Made.
17:31 TRAFFIC COMPLAINT (SPEEDING, ETC) 1708150064 Occurred at Pomo Rd/Taawina, Clearlake. ON THE BLIND HILL KIDS HAVE A RAMP SET UP AND RP IS AFRAID THAT JUVES WILL GET HIT. Disposition: Counseled.
17:42 ANY CIVIL PROBLEM 1708150065 Occurred at Olympic Village Apartments on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. IS AT THE RPS APARTMENT WAS DROPPED OFF BY HER SISTER IS DRINKING BEER AND HAS HX OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND DOES NOT WANT HER AT HIS APARTMENT ANY LONGER. Disposition: Log Note Only.
18:06 PATROL CHECK 1708150066 Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Mall, Olympic Dr/Old Highway 53, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
18:11 PATROL CHECK 1708150068 Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
18:24 PATROL CHECK 1708150069 Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
18:35 PATROL CHECK 1708150070 Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
18:49 FIGHT COLD INCLUDES COLD DV 1708150072 Occurred on Maple, Clearlake. Rp states her 17 yr old son is bipolar he is very angry and tearing up the house. Disposition: Log Note Only.
19:30 PATROL CHECK 1708150075 Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
19:45 911 WIRELESS HANGUP 1708150077 Occurred at Lakeview Terrace Apartments on Old Highway 53. , Clearlake. 2950953 nothing heard 32 meters not apt. Disposition: Log Note Only.
19:50 PATROL CHECK 1708150078 Officer initiated activity at Yuba College, Dam Road Ext, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
20:55 SUSP CIRCS 1708150080 Occurred at 18TH Av/Phillips Ave, Clearlake. Obstacles in the road from construction rp states he was almost in a head on collision because of them. Disposition: Log Note Only.
21:28 ASSIST OTHER AGENCY 1708150082 Occurred at 37TH Ave/Eureka Ave, Clearlake. Vehicle fire poss wildland fire 16 ft mh no plates. Disposition: Log Note Only.
22:00 PATROL CHECK 1708150083 Occurred on Burns Valley Rd, Clearlake. RP LIVES ALONE AND HAS BEEN HAVING THINGS MOVED OR PUT ON HER PROPERTY SHE IS ELDERLY AND LIVES ALONE. Disposition: Log Note Only.
22:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150084 Occurred on Redwood St, Clearlake. No one aloud in res/anyone contacted detain for 602 and contact rp. Disposition: Log Note Only.
22:10 PATROL CHECK 1708150085 Officer initiated activity at La Rosa Plaza, Hwy 53/OGULIN Canyon Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
22:50 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150088 Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.
22:59 FIGHT IN PROGRESS 1708150089 Officer initiated activity at 5TH St, Clearlake. Loud verbal. Disposition: Log Note Only.
23:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150090 Occurred at Redbud Park on Ballpark Av. , Clearlake. PATROL THE PARK AND LOCK THE BATHROOMS /COP PROJECT. Disposition: Log Note Only.
23:15 FIGHT IN PROGRESS 1708150091 Occurred at Austin Park on N/A. , Clearlake. Hma blk tank top black shorts has numerous warrants is in the parking lot of the pd. Disposition: Arrest Made.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair Foundation’s directors have been named the grand marshals of the 2017 Lake County Fair.
Foundation directors are Ruth Stewart, Jane Alameda, Chuck Doty (honored posthumously), Bob Renker and junior member at large, Erica Illg.
Foundation President Ruth Stewart, has been involved in the Lake County community since 1996. She bought Kelseyville Pharmacy in 2002 and later purchased Coyote Valley Pharmacy in Hidden Valley.
A generous supporter of many Lake County events and activities, Stewart has been a buyer at the Junior livestock auction and a sponsor of prizes and awards for the 4-H and FFA exhibitors. She a generously supports the Lake County Wine Alliance, the Wine Adventure and the Lake County Rodeo. She worked diligently to assist pharmacy customers during the recent Lake County fires.
Also honored is another founding member of the Lake County Fair Foundation, Chuck Doty, who died in March.
Doty was a vital part of Lake County since 1988, involved in many community groups over the years including the Lake County Land Trust, The Children's Museum of Art and Science, Soroptimist, founder of Lake County Business Outreach and Response Team and was on the committee to bring a university to Lake County.
He was a volunteer firefighter for several years, before becoming chief of the Lower Lake Volunteer Fire Department. He also was on the Board of Directors of the Lake County Fire Protection District.
Doty was very involved in the Lake County Fair and over the years implemented financial activities that greatly benefited the Junior Livestock Auction.
As a founding member of the Lake County Fair Foundation, he was instrumental in obtaining the volunteer services of a local contractor to assist in infrastructure improvements on the fairgrounds.
Another founding director of the Lake County Fair Foundation and longtime Lake County resident is Jane Alameda.
Alameda is very much involved in the community through many organizations such the Lake County Arts Council, Clearlake Horsemen’s Association, Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, Soper Reese Theatre and Tango Mike.
She has been involved with Lake County Fair since 1976 as a beef and sewing leader for her girls and held the position of livestock chairperson. She volunteered her time in the fair’s clothing and textile building for many years.
Robert “Bob” Renker is a strong supporter of Lake County and the Fair Foundation. A lifelong resident of Lake County, Renker is an Air Force veteran, a 22-year member of the Kelseyville Lions Club, a 24-year member of American Legion Post 194 and also belongs to the Lake County Farm Bureau.
Renker has supported our community through many outreach and fundraising programs. His children were raised in Lake County and were all participants of 4-H and FFA programs where they learned the importance of the agriculture industry. He also supports the fair through his exhibits and entries each year.
This year’s youngest honoree is Junior Director Erika Illg. In 2004 she came to Lake County, where she and her family have a medium-sized dairy and market goat hobby farm, as well as being a foster family for 26 children in the last four and a half years.
Illg and her family raise Nigerian, La Mancha’s and Boer goats and she will be a participant at this year’s fair.
She is a member of the American Dairy Goat Association and travels through the country showing her goats. She has been involved in 4-H since she was 7 years old. As her 4-H All-Star project, Illg bred, raised, then donated the first animal for auction with all proceeds, close to $9000, benefiting the Lake County Fair Foundation.
The annual Lake County Fair kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 31, with a parade up Main Street in Lakeport, followed at 6 p.m. by the opening ceremonies at the main entrance.
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – A Clearlake Oaks man was seriously injured in a motorcycle wreck on Sunday night.
Scott Oathout, 48, was involved in the crash, which occurred at 9:25 p.m. Sunday on New Long Valley Road north of Highway 20, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office.
The CHP said Oathout was riding a 1989 Harley Davidson motorcycle southbound on New Long Valley Road at approximately 50 miles per hour.
Oathout approached a curve in the roadway and, for reasons that the CHP said are so far unknown, he lost control of the motorcycle.
The motorcycle went off of the roadway and hit a large dirt mound. The CHP said Oathout was thrown from the motorcycle, which subsequently overturned.
Oathout, who was using his safety equipment, suffered major injuries and was flown by an air ambulance to Kaiser Vacaville, the CHP said.
The CHP did not have an update on Oathout’s condition.
No drugs or alcohol are suspected to have contributed to the crash, which is being investigated by Officer Goldstein, the CHP said.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities are warning of a new telephone scam targeting Lake County residents.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports from citizens who have received phone calls from a person claiming to be a sheriff’s office employee.
The caller advised the citizens that they have a warrant for their arrest for not appearing for a grand jury summons. The caller tells them that they are to pay the fine by putting money on a prepaid credit card and then report to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to be booked.
The phone number which was obtained from the caller ID of one citizen was called back and had a recording indicating it was the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division. This is not the phone number for any Lake County Sheriff’s Office phone line.
The sheriff’s office said this is a scam and it is not involved in this activity.
The agency urges anyone who receives such a call to not respond to the caller. Do not provide the caller with any personally identifying information, including your name, date of birth, address, Social Security card, bank information or credit card information.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating these reports of fraud. If you have any information concerning this, you may email your information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Walt Campbell. Courtesy photo. KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On Saturday, Aug. 26, the docents and volunteers of the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum will welcome Walt Campbell of Six Sigma Ranch.
Campbell’s talk, which begins at noon, will take listeners on a tour of Lake County.
Admission is free and refreshments are furnished by the Ely volunteers. Donations are accepted but not required.
Campbell was born and raised in Pacifica. In 1976 an opportunity to teach science and coach football at Lower Lake High School lured Campbell and his wife Janet four hours north to Lake County.
After 21 years at Lower Lake High, Campbell was principal of Coyote Valley Elementary School for 11 years. He joined the Six Sigma Ranch team in July 2009 as director of hospitality.
Campbell is now retired, but you can still see him at events at the ranch.
The Lake County Historical Society’s Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum is located at 9921 State Highway 281 (Soda Bay Road) in Kelseyville, near the Clear Lake Riviera, just north of Highway 29-Kit's Corner. Current hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.
Living History events are held on the fourth Saturday of each month and begin at noon.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Ten smokejumpers are on scene and taking suppression actions on the Harvey fire in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.
The fire is lightning-caused and approximately 20 miles northwest of Paskenta, according to a Monday report from the Mendocino National Forest.
The smokejumpers estimate the size at one acre and describe fire behavior as creeping and smoldering on the upper third of the slope.
Their assessment also indicates high potential for growth due to a large amount of fuel out in front of the fire.
Suppression actions are being taken on the Harvey fire due to the current and forecast weather which includes the possibility of thunderstorms this week, smoke impacts to outlying areas and the high potential for growth.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will hear more about staffing issues in the county’s building department and appoint members to a new town hall.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 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 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
In an item timed for 10:01 a.m., the board will consider an update on staffing issues within the Community Development Department.
Last week, the board held a lengthy discussion on the department’s challenges, which are delaying not just the rebuild effort in the wake of the county’s devastating wildland fires but also creating potential problems for other projects as well.
In untimed items, the board will consider appointments to the Lower Lake Waterworks District One Board of Directors as well as to the Western Regional Town Hall, which will represent the communities of Nice, Upper Lake, Blue Lakes and Lake Pillsbury.
The full agenda is below.
CONSENT AGENDA
7.1: (a) Approve by-laws for the Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council; and (b) amend Resolution 2017-27, a Resolution Establishing the Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council, for a typographical error in the body of the document (changing reference of District 5 to District 3).
7.2: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, from July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, in the amount of $45,000; and authorize the chair to sign.
7.3: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Section Code 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Manzanita House for adult residential support services and specialty mental health services for Fiscal Year 2017-18 for the amount of $120,450 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.
7.4: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Clover Valley Guest Home for adult residential support services and specialty mental health services for Fiscal Year 2017-18 for the amount of $80,300 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.
7.5: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Redwood Community Services Inc. for SUD perinatal program services for Fiscal Year 2017-18 for a contract maximum of $150,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.
7.6: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Catholic Charities for specialty mental health services provided at St. Vincent School for Boys for a contract maximum of $48,801 for Fiscal Year 2017-18; and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.
7.7: (a) Approve the District Attorney’s Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 and authorize the chair to sign; and (b) authorize Doris Lankford to electronically submit the report.
7.8: Approve contract between the county of Lake and TPX Communication for the purchase of SIP Trunking Service in the amount of $1,600 per month and authorize the chair to sign.
7.9: Sitting as Lake County Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, approve agreement between the Lake County Air Quality Management District and Kelseyville Unified School District for the Year 16 and Year 17 Carl Moyer Program project funding, and authorize the chair to sign.
7.10: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and Far Western Anthropological Research Group Inc. for Archaeological Services for the Eastlake Elementary Safe Routes to School and Community Development Block Grant Project in Clearlake Oaks in an amount not to exceed $90,045.85; and authorize the chair sign.
7.11: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and 4LEAF, Inc. for construction management services for the Eastlake Elementary Safe Routes to School and Community Development Block Grant Project, in Clearlake Oaks in an amount not to exceed $197,416.91; and authorize the chair to sign.
7.12: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and Forensic Medical Group Inc. for forensic pathology services for the period of July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2020, with a contract maximum of $35,000 per year; and authorize the chair to sign. Not available.
7.13: Approve request to appoint extra help employees Karen Kelley and Phyllis Murphy from Eligibility Worker II to Eligibility Specialist II at Advanced Salary Step 4.
7.14: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting held June 20, 2017.
TIMED ITEMS
8.2, 9:16 a.m.: (a) Consideration of continuation of a proclamation of a declaration of a local emergency due to wildfire conditions, pertaining to the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires; and (b) update on the Valley fire debris insurance collection project and the Valley fire funding status.
8.3, 9:17 a.m.: Consideration of continuation of a proclamation of a declaration of a local emergency due to Clayton fire.
8.4, 9:18 a.m.: Consideration of Continuation of a proclamation of a declaration of a local emergency due to the atmospheric river storm.
8.5, 9:30 a.m.: Public hearing, continued from June 20, consideration of Appeal (AB 17-03) of the Planning Commission’s decision to deny the Administrative Appeal (AA 16-02) of the departmental issuance of a Categorical Exemption (CE 16-64) for the removal/replacement of a boating structure, for property located at 6460 Soda Bay Drive, Kelseyville; APNs 044-030-01, 044-040-01, 044-050-01 & 044-070-01. The project applicant is Lauri Dohring, on behalf of the Bell Haven Homeowners Association; appellant is Joan Sturges.
8.6, 9:45 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of resolution approving a controlled access highway agreement with the state of California - State Highway Route 29.
8.7, 10 a.m.: Public hearing – THIS ITEM WILL BE CONTINUED TO SEPT. 19 at 10:00 A.M. Continued from August 1, 2017 and June 27, 2017. Consideration of Proposed Ordinance Amending Article 72 of the Lake County Code to Allow the Outdoor Collective Cultivation of Medical Cannabis in "RL" Rural Lands and to Create a Certification of Compliance Process for Cannabis Cultivation.
8.8, 10:01 a.m.: Consideration of update on building division staffing issues.
UNTIMED ITEMS
9.1: Consideration of the Following Appointments: Western Regional Town Hall, (WRTH) Lower Lake Waterworks District One Board of Directors.
9.2: SECOND READING: Consideration of an Ordinance amending Subdivision (c) of Section 27-6 of Article 1 of Chapter 27 of the Lake County Code to revise fire mitigation fees for cases of locally declared emergencies.
9.3: Sitting as Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors: Consideration of a resolution authorizing the Lake County Watershed Protection District to lease properties in the Middle Creek Restoration Project Area for agricultural use.
9.4: Consideration of amendment two to the contract between the county of Lake and the Middletown Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians for tribal cultural monitoring in an amount not to exceed $250,000; and authorize the chair to sign.
9.5: Consideration of resolution approving agreements for the purchase of right-of-way for the South Main Street – Soda Bay Road Improvement Project and authorizing the chair to execute the purchase agreements on behalf of the county of Lake.
9.6: (a) Consideration and Approval of the FY 2017 Emergency Management Performance Grant application in the amount of $138,200; (b) authorization for Sheriff Brian Martin to sign the grant subaward face sheet; and (c) authorization for County Administrative Officer Carol J. Huchingson to act as the authorized agent on behalf of the county to sign the governing body resolution and standard grant assurances.
9.7: Consideration of the submission of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Application in the amount of $15,565, to provide funding for an extra help employee to assist with forensic processing and data collection services; and authorize the county administrative officer to sign the grant documents.
CLOSED SESSION
10.1: Public Employee evaluations title: Air pollution control officer.
10.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): Lakeside Heights HOA, et al. v. County of Lake, et al.
10.3: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(2)(e)(1): One potential case.
10.4: Conference with legal counsel: Decision whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(4): Two potential cases.
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. – A new plan that offers a vision for how Lakeport’s lakefront can be revitalized and developed has received the unanimous support from the Lakeport Planning Commission, and next heads to the city council.
The Lakeport Lakefront Revitalization Plan was the main item of business on the commission’s Aug. 9 agenda.
The plan specifically looks at the area along the waterfront bounded by Clearlake Ave in the north to C Street in the south.
Community Development Director Kevin Ingram told the commission he was very excited to bring the plan before them.
“It's been a very long but fun process,” he said, noting the “tremendous amount” of public comment that the city had received on the plan.
He said he was “still floored” by the fact that after the city reviewed the alternative designs last summer, it received more than 700 comments via an online survey and the public outreach hearings.
“It was a phenomenal turnout,” he said, adding that he was glad to see that the audience that night also was full.
Design Workshop of Stateline, Nev., prepared the plan for the city. Steve Noll, a principal at the firm, gave the commission an overview of the plan.
“You’ve done a lot of planning for this area in the past,” he said, explaining that the planners looked at that past work to see what was implementable.
He called the new plan document “a vision plan with some meat” that has three goals: it's something that elected officials could move forward in using; provides staff with bandwidth to pursue funding; and also shows the community has a vision and can attract investment.
There are underutilized properties throughout the project area, and Noll said they looked at opportunities there and identified both short- and long-term goals, a process that included meetings with stakeholders, the public at large and soliciting input at a summer concert in the park.
Some of the challenges, said Noll, including traffic circulation, private property and economic viability. Opportunities include connectivity between Main Street and the waterfront, enhancing local shops and amenities, building off of existing areas, lakefront access, community events and collaboration with property owners – specifically the Lakeport Unified School District, which owns the prized Natural High property in the 800 block of Main Street.
Focus areas, said Noll, included a promenade area that could extend along the entire waterfront, from the Third Street boat ramp to the city-owned Dutch Harbor property; parking and circulation, with modifications to existing parking areas in order to provide improved pedestrian access; a hotel development, with various locations – including Natural High and Will-O-Point – identified.
Noll said the key priorities in the plan came from the community. They include a promenade, additional restaurants and shopping, improved public open space and waterfront access, a hotel, improved circulation and connectivity to downtown, a community recreation center and water park.
Some of the recommendations that came out of the plan included identifying funding opportunities to make the improvements, expanding the tourism season beyond the busy summer months, development of a waterfront strategic task force to evaluate current and future boat-related uses, meeting with property owners to discuss short- and long-term plans including hotel feasibility, and supporting and encouraging higher density residential units to get more people living downtown again.
Ingram said the plan isn't meant to be an overarching dictation of what will take place in the project area. “This is really illustrating and writing down the community's vision for the area,” he told the commission, explaining that it also gives the city a template against which to compare future projects.
He said the city and those working on the plan found out right away that there is a great deal of interest from the community about what happens at the Natural High property.
When it comes to areas where the lake can be seen from Main Street, “That’s really our last big piece,” Ingram said.
He said it’s the city’s intent that the plan will be put into use, and not simply completed and set on a shelf.
Ingram said there is other connected work – like efforts to upgrade and reopen the Carnegie Library and completion of a hotel feasibility study – that are under way and will fit in with the lakefront plan.
Commissioner Ken Wicks Jr. congratulated the community for its participation, and said the document is a great representation of the work and ideas that people have had for the lakefront.
Wicks added that the plan is both comprehensive and flexible, which is what Lakeport needs.
Commissioner Michael Green said he didn’t want to eliminate residential uses from being considered in the lakefront plan for the Will-O-Point property, which has for years been operated as an RV park with longer-term housing. The park was closed earlier this year as a result of the floods.
Ingram – pointing out that there aren’t many lakefront parcels like Will-O-Point and Natural High left around the county, much less the city – so care needs to be taken about uses allowed there.
“Once they’re gone, once you have a development in place, you're not getting that back,” he said, adding with regard to such properties, “We want to be very strategic in how they're used.”
Commissioner Michael Froio said he didn’t think affordable housing was the best use of the Will-O-Point property.
Froio said he liked the document and everything that went into it. He went on to say that he wanted to see Natural High remain open space, as there isn’t enough of it, and he liked the promenade plan.
Like Wicks, he pointed to the plan document’s flexibility. “My regret is that we can't start building on it tomorrow,” he said but added that he was glad the city was moving forward.
Commission Chair Harold Taylor said that he has seen a lot of changes in the city since he began living there in 1962.
“This document is probably the best change I've ever seen in the city of Lakeport,” said Taylor, noting it’s a doable project and will revitalize businesses and the tourist trade. “I really think this is the direction we need to go.”
Wilda Shock, chair of the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee, said the group had been working for a year and a half on the recently completed economic development strategic plan
She said the group identified three goals that tie into the lakefront plan: reinvigorating economic development activities on a regional basis, business retention and attraction, and enhancing the downtown and lakefront area.
“I think you'll find that the citizens are vitally interested in what happens, particularly in the downtown area and in the lakefront area,” she said, suggesting an effort to work together to find the funds to move the plan forward.
City resident Meg Harper told the commission, “I’m just really excited about the plan.”
Harper said she’s retiring soon and wants to stay in Lakeport, suggesting that the city needed a visual theme. She said the city doesn’t plan up its 1800s history enough.
She added that she agreed with commissioners, that while they needed affordable housing, it shouldn’t be on the lakefront.
Froio said he didn’t want to speak against affordable housing, but emphasized that the lakefront isn’t the best place for it. In revitalizing the downtown and lakefront, the space is meant to be for everybody, not just one group.
Green said he’s interested in lakefront development and the broader economic development of the city, and said that housing has to be on the table.
Business owner Peter Epidendio supported putting a large hotel and marina development at Will-O-Point, noting that other development will follow.
Epidendio said the lake is a draw, despite some complaints about its condition. “Build it and they will come.”
When Green again raised the issue of allowing for affordable housing in the project area, Froio countered that he and the fellow commissioners didn’t support it.
“I think that we can do better for them,” said Froio of those city residents needing affordable housing, noting a recently approved affordable housing project to be built on Martin Street.
Wicks said low-income housing isn’t on the main street in Calistoga or Lake Tahoe. “Lakeport is trying to create an image,” he said, adding that he agreed with Harper that Lakeport needs a visual theme.
He asked if the plan can be used to get funding to repair the seawall at Library Park – damaged during the winter storms – and to enhance the shoreline.
“Absolutely, yes,” said Ingram.
Green moved to adopt a resolution approving the plan, which the commission approved 5-0.
The plan will next go to the Lakeport City Council.
City Associate Planner Dan Chance said the commission meeting was the last public meeting that Design Workshop representatives would attend, adding that it has been “a blast” working with them.
Taylor said the plan is a great thing, and he hoped to see it to the end.
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.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Pastor Chris Gravesen of the Clearlake Church of the Nazarene, with the support of other Lake County churches, announced that on Thursday, Aug. 24, a service will be held to “Pray Against the Hate.”
The service will be held at 6 p.m. and hosted by the Clearlake Church of the Nazarene, 15917 Olympic Drive, Clearlake.
“Recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, are evidence that our country is devolving toward increased racial hatred and intolerance,” said Pastor Gravesen. “Violence is begetting violence.”
Gravesen said another similar rally is planned in San Francisco for Saturday, Aug. 26.
“Unless God intervenes in the hearts of those on both sides of the issue, it stands to bring more confrontation and possible violence,” Gravesen said. “As people of faith, we know that God is able to change hearts. As such, we invite those of all faiths, denominations and beliefs in Lake County to ‘Pray Against the Hate’.”
The service will include music and a time for prayer by area pastors to lift up America, asking God to change the hearts of those blinded by hatred and intolerance, to stop the violence and let the light of God's love bring peace, Gravesen said.
All are encouraged to come. Gravesen and his fellow pastors encourage those who can’t attend to set aside that time in their homes or other locations for prayer.
Gravesen quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Area participants Include Clearlake Church of the Nazarene, Praises of Zion Baptist Church in Clearlake, Harvest Fellowship Church in Clearlake, First Assembly of God of Clearlake, First Baptist Church of Clearlake, Lucerne Community Church, Hidden Valley Lake Community Church and Gideons International-Lakeport Camp.
A Western Grebe on Rodman Slough in Lake County, Calif. Photo by Brad Barnwell. KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On Saturday, Aug. 26, Redbud Audubon will present a program at 1 p.m. at the Clear Lake Park Visitor Center about the chapter’s ongoing conservation project for Western and Clark's grebes.
These water birds are loved for their amazing courtship displays where they “dance” in synchronized pairs across the surface of Clear Lake.
During incubation, the male and female share duties of sitting on the nest and once the chicks are born, the parents carry them on their back for the first weeks of life. A video and photos will be shown during the presentation of these behaviors.
Marilyn Waits, the presenter, is a former vice president of Bank of America in San Francisco and relocated to Lake County with her husband in 1996.
She managed the Woodland College Small Business Development Center for seven years until the grant program ended in 2003.
She was president of Redbud Audubon for eight years and has managed the grebe project since its inception in 2010.
The goal of this three-chapter Audubon conservation project is to educate the public on ways to protect Grebe colonies.
Steps can be taken by boaters and fishermen to avoid disrupting the grebe colonies and endangering their reproduction.
Valuable research is conducted by Dr. Floyd Hayes, head of the Biology Department at Pacific Union College. He and his student interns monitor the number of grebes and their colonies and nests each year.
Entry fee to the park is waived for the presentation. The presentation takes place at the visitor center.
For more information, contact the park office at 707-279-2267.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Air Quality Management District issued a late Saturday report on the source of heavy smoke that has filled the county’s air basin.
The report from Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart said that the smoke and haze currently visible throughout Lake County are primarily the result of transport smoke from numerous fires in Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Gearhart said those fires include the Orleans Complex, Eclipse Complex, Salmon August Complex, Ruth Complex, Umpqua North Complex, Chetco Bar, Miller Complex, High Cascade Complex and Falcon Complex.
Altogether, the fires are currently estimated at more than 45,000 acres and are burning in timber and brush. Gearhart said the fires are burning primarily in National Forests where access is limited.
Satellite imagery shows extreme levels of smoke generation drifting into Northern California and Lake County.
Smoke can be expected to intrude in all of Lake County with potential for moderate to unhealthy levels through the weekend, Gearhart said.
He said the district is actively monitoring the transport smoke impacts.
Current air quality in most of the county is generally considered good to moderate, though Gearhart said the county has experienced significant smoke impacts for several hours that was moderate to unhealthy.
Conditions in localized areas could reach unhealthy levels if the smoke continues to settle in the basin, Gearhart said.
Gearhart said the “moderate to unhealthy” air quality forecast results from higher levels of fine particulates from the Northern fires and the possibility of increased ground-level ozone.
Ozone is generated when combustion products in the smoke combine with the high temperatures, sunlight and humidity, he said.
Health officials advise that when smoke is present in the Lake County Air Basin, individuals with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung or heart diseases should carefully adhere to their medical treatment plans and maintain at least a five-day supply of prescribed medications.
They should limit outdoor activity and unnecessary physical exertion. Air conditioning that recirculates indoor air should be used, when available. Drinking plenty of water to avoid drying of the airways is recommended unless restricted for medical reasons, officials said.
Dust masks are not protective against fine particulate, which is the pollutant most detrimental to health caused by wildfire smoke. Such masks are only useful in filtering out the ash and larger particles that are encountered in burn areas, according to Gearhart’s report.
Air purifying respirators, such as N-95 filtering face pieces, may be effective in reducing harmful particulate matter, but also increase the work of breathing, can lead to physiologic stress, and are not recommended as a general protective measure, Gearhart said.
With the potential for significant smoke from the northern fires, individuals planning to enjoy the outdoors should consider avoiding certain higher elevation areas when smoke is present as they may be more heavily impacted, Gearhart said.
With air quality in the “moderate to unhealthy” range, Gearhart said people are recommended to use caution and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
He said localized areas of unhealthy air, regional haze and particulate from the fires are expected to continue throughout Lake County through the weekend until the weather pattern changes.
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