LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Fires to the north continue to send large amounts of smoke into Lake County’s summer skies.

This week regional fires and well as fires out of state have contributed to a thick haze over many parts of Lake County.

Doug Gearhart, air pollution control officer at the Lake County Air Quality Management District, said most of the smoke appears to be coming from fires in Northern California, and possibly from Southern Oregon.

Gearhart explained that smoke from the large fires in Northern California and Southern Oregon are pushed over the ocean, with that smoke then traveling down to the Bay Area and circulating back up over Lake County and the North Coast.

Fires burning in Northern California include the Clear fire, just over 6,700 acres near Happy Camp; the 6,943-acre Orleans complex in Siskiyou County; the Island fire, at 1,470 acres in the Marble Mountain Wilderness west of Etna; and the Ruth complex, at 4,600 acres south of Ruth Lake.

All of those fires are reported to have been caused by lightning.

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. – County officials reported that they are working on ways to address the issues that have led to major slowdowns in the planning processes vital to Lake County’s rebuilding effort.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Supervisors, the board heard from many members of the public including contractors, as well as staff with regard to staffing issues and concerns in the Building Division of Community Development.

Human Resources handed out more than 20 extra help employment applications at the end of the open discussion.

Although there was a positive outcome with several options presented by county representatives and contractors, supervisors Rob Brown and Moke Simon still felt it necessary to dig deeper with county staff, officials said.

Immediately following the public meeting, Brown and Simon met with staff for nearly three hours.

Those at the table included Community Development, Environmental Health as well as Administration, County Counsel and Human Resources.

Environmental Health reported the lead time on septic inspections was roughly 10 days.

During the meeting with staff, there was discussion of community concerns regarding build/rebuild efforts surrounding lead times on inspections and plans review.

Staff spoke to backlogged work and how they are handling it, as well as the possibility of trainee programs, contracting with surrounding cities and counties, reaching out to retirees, hiring extra help and even bringing on volunteers as possible solutions for staffing shortages.

The immediate goal is to get inspections done while Community Development explores additional program efficiencies, including the possibility of Class K permits enabling owner built homes to be inspected when finaled.

Offers are pending to fill open permanent positions.

Supervisor Brown also announced a special town hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., in Lakeport. The event is specific to Lake County build/rebuilding and other construction related issues throughout the county. 

Supervisor Brown also announced a special town hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. specific to Lake County build/rebuilding and other construction related issues throughout the county.

“Contractors, engineers, architects and suppliers, and anyone else related to the construction industry are encouraged to attend,” said Brown.

This forum is not intended for discussion of specific cases of complaints by homeowners.

Simultaneously, the county of Lake will hold a job fair on Tuesday, Aug. 22, between 4 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the courthouse to accept extra help employment applications for plans examiners and building inspectors.

A quick screening process will be used given the immediate need to fill the positions within Community Development.

Interested persons should arrive prepared with resumes, to fill out applications, be pre-screened by Human Resources. Qualified applicants could be interviewed on the spot.

Applications can be downloaded/completed online prior to the job fair.

The extra help application can be found at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Human_Resources/Job_Opportunities/Extra_Help_Jobs.htm.

For more information about the application process, contact the Human Resources Department at 707-263-2213.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Staff of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Central Valley Region will hold a public outreach meeting in Lake County this month to discuss the need and options for amending portions of the Clear Lake Nutrient Total Maximum Daily Load Control Program, including the compliance date.

The meeting will take place beginning at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The public outreach meeting will provide a forum for interested parties to give input on potential amendment alternatives and their potential environmental impacts.

Water board staff will present an overview of the program’s regulatory performance to date and discuss several preliminary alternatives for an amendment that are being considered.

The Central Valley Water Board is considering amending the compliance date of 19 June 2017 for the total maximum daily load, or TMDL, and waste load allocations required by the Basin Plan’s Clear Lake Nutrient Control Program to reduce phosphorus contributions to Clear Lake.

The Clear Lake Nutrient Control Program was adopted in 2007 and implements the Clear Lake Nutrient TMDL to decrease the incidence of nuisance algal blooms in Clear Lake.

The Nutrient Control Program was based in part on modeling studies that predicted that a 40-percent reduction in average phosphorus loading will significantly reduce the incidence of algae blooms.

In September 2012, five years after TMDL adoption, the Clear Lake Nutrient Control Program was evaluated to determine if the TMDL was still appropriate based on new information. The Central Valley Water Board determined that the TMDL was still appropriate and phosphorus reductions should continue.

The Basin Plan states compliance with load and waste load allocations for phosphorus in Clear Lake is required by 19 June 2017. Many implementation activities have been completed and are in progress.

However, available information indicates it is not possible to attain all allocations by the compliance date primarily due to delays in acquiring funding to complete the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project.

Approximately half of the properties needed for the restoration project have been acquired to date. Completion of the restoration project will restore a historical wetland where approximately 50 percent of the runoff from the Clear Lake watershed enters Clear Lake. The restoration project is expected to accomplish the majority of the Clear Lake’s nutrient load reduction goal.

As a result, Central Valley Water Board staff will evaluate the need and options for amending portions of the Nutrient Control Program including the compliance date.

Staff will consider several preliminary amendment alternatives, including extending the compliance date by 10 years for allocations not yet met; extending the compliance date by 20 years for allocations not yet met; developing milestones to track progress should the compliance date be extended; or no action, meaning the compliance date is not amended.

Other approaches may be considered as stakeholders and interested parties provide information during the public participation process.

Questions to consider during the public outreach meeting include:

– Can the TMDL load and waste load allocations be met within 10 years (by June 2027) or 20 years (by June 2037)?
– Is there justification to consider other reasonable time frames to achieve compliance with the allocations?
– Are there any feasible alternatives to revising the compliance date? What are the reasonably foreseeable options for complying with each alternative?
– Is there information in addition to that associated with compliance with the current Nutrient Control Program that the Board should consider in making their decision?
– What are the potential environmental impacts of revising the compliance date, or of any alternatives? How might those impacts be mitigated?

If you have further questions, need to access background documents, or wish to make a presentation at the workshop, please contact Holly Grover at 916-464-4747 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday hosted a lengthy discussion with staff, contractors and fire survivors regarding county building department staffing issues that are causing delays in the rebuilding effort, with the board voting to contract with an outside firm to help address the problem.

The discussion ultimately would lead to the board voting unanimously to waive the formal bidding process and contract with Bureau Veritas of Sacramento, for an amount not to exceed $250,000, for plan check and building official services.

While the concerns were framed primarily in light of the Valley and Clayton fire rebuilding efforts, board members would agree that the Community Development Department’s struggles are impacting the county as a whole.

During the meeting, Community Development’s building division delays were primarily attributed to a staffing shortage.

On Wednesday, the county of Lake provided Lake County News with a detail of the Community Development Department’s openings.

Out of 29 total budgeted positions, 11 are vacant, including three of four building inspectors, two assistant planners, the single chief building official position, the only plan examiner, a senior planner, a community development technician, an accountant and a secretary.

The county reported that all but the two assistant planners and the secretary position are in the recruitment process.

Supervisor Rob Brown asked to have the matter placed on Tuesday’s agenda. “This has gotten to a point that’s really serious.”

Brown explained that he and Supervisor Moke Simon are getting barraged with calls over building department delays.

Solving the issues in order to move the rebuild forward is key, said Brown. “I think this is a higher priority, probably, than anything else at this point.”

“I think we do really need to make some hard decisions today,” said Simon, noting that the rebuild would be at least a five-year project.

He agreed that the most important thing was to get people back into their homes.

Community Development Director Bob Massarelli said that in the 14 months he’s been with the county, he’s had to deal with several issues that have impacted his ability to respond to the fire rebuild, including sprinkler requirements, zoning clearances, three staff resignations and one staffer being out for two months.

Over the past six weeks, he said an associate planner has been working to clear up a backlog.

He’s now beginning a third recruitment for a chief building official after holding two unsuccessful efforts. That job has been open for a year; additionally, the plans examiner resigned in July. He’s also making offers to building inspector candidates.

Massarelli said he sent out a request for proposals to five firms seeking assistance and received two responses, one of them from Bureau Veritas.

He said he is exploring other ways of improving the process, including potentially establishing a reroofing self-certification program. “We’re being very careful about how we proceed ahead,” and making sure it follows building code and county building code, he said.

Bureau Veritas has a chief building official ready to start on Monday, and Community Development already has sent plans over to the firm and asked them to look at them as soon as possible. Massarelli said he and his staff will be on regular calls with the company.

“We understand the pain that this is causing and we’re trying very hard to address it as thoroughly as we can,” he said.

Board Chair Jeff Smith agreed about the urgency of finding solutions. “We need to do whatever we need to do, that’s all there is to it. At this point, this is an emergency item, as far as I’m concerned, and we need to get things done.”

County Counsel Anita Grant pointed out that recently the board had approved a temporary loan of Agricultural Commissioner Steve Hajik to do seals and measures work for Mendocino County. She suggested county officials reach out to Mendocino or other counties to see if they have building inspectors whose services they would be willing to share.

“Lake County’s a really good neighbor, so it might be worth it to try that,” she said.

Builders, fire survivors share frustrations, offer suggestions

During public comment, the board heard a range of frustrations – from plan checks and inspections taking weeks longer than in the past, to contractors having to stop work or lay off employees because of excessive delays.

Mark Borghesani, whose family owns Kelseyville Lumber, said during his career he’s seen peak activity where 200 to 400 homes were being built in a year in Lake County. More recently, he said the pace was between 25 to 30 homes.

He said that because the industry had gotten into that groove, he knew there would be problems during the rebuild, so he and others reached out to the county, but got no return calls.

He said members of the local building industry also tried to get a meeting with Massarelli in December. “We were just flat blown off.”

Middletown resident Fletcher Thornton, a former builder who lost his home in the Valley fire, said he had been told by planning to get his plans in for the fall so they could be reviewed in the winter and building could start in the spring.

Thornton said he pushed forward with starting his home rebuild in November, and was red-tagged three times, with an inspector noting that it didn’t appear that he was slowing Thornton down.

Lisa Kaplan, another Middletown resident who lost her home in the Valley fire, said she’s still trying to rebuild, with her insurance coverage for her rental having run out. So she’s now paying both a mortgage and rent.

She encouraged the board to look at the department’s systemic problems, and not make long-term decisions like a contract they can’t get out of. “Let’s slow down just a little bit.”

Mark Mitchell of Lake County Contractors said he had many ideas that could solve the problems immediately if someone would listen.

He said he had sent a two-page email to the board and the Community Development director – then Rick Coel, before Massarelli’s arrival – on Sept. 23, 2015, but never received a return email. Brown replied that they had talked, and also pointed out during the discussion that the Valley fire was still under way when the email was sent.

Mitchell said that back in 2005, it took 15 minutes to get plans approved in Community Development. Recently, he’s had plans sit in the office for seven weeks. Plan checks have gone from five minutes to 10 days.

He asked the board to find ways to speed up the process by offering exemptions and streamlining how the county’s agencies work together. He said he’s pulled 31 permits for the Valley fire, so he knows how all of the parts intertwine

Brown asked if people could hire inspectors to sign off on work. Massarelli said there are issues with that, saying it should be an “arm’s-length” transaction that doesn’t involve a paid arrangement between the parties.

During the discussion Massarelli also noted, “We’re having serious problems with foundations with a lot of contractors.”

Lake County Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Melissa Fulton said Massarelli walked into a hornet’s nest after the fires. She said he then got hit with the situation involving marijuana-related planning, which she said has taken up to much of his time and taken away from what needs to be done to get people back in their homes.

She said the board needed to listen to the building professionals in the room, adding that the suggestions they made to improve the planning process should have come from Community Development’s management and been acted upon a long time ago.

Fulton said there are other important projects in the department’s pipeline – which aren’t fire-related – that will make a difference in Lake County. She said the county can’t afford to lose them because of the department’s problems.

“I think we need to have a sincere review of the attitude from the top down,” she said, adding that there is an atmosphere in the department that makes staff afraid to make decisions and want to leave. “It needs to be fixed.”

Kevin Cox of Hope City, which is working to rebuild homes in the fire area, told the board, “I’ve experienced meetings like this all over this country during disaster response.”

Cox said he was in awe of the passion in the room, and said there was good dialog taking place. That passion, he added, was what has kept Hope City in Lake County.

He was complimentary of Community Development employees, calling them “phenomenal staff.”

Cox added, “I’ve never seen a community get built back up so quickly after a disaster as I’ve seen Lake County.”

The board ultimately voted unanimously to waive the formal bidding process on the basis that it was not in the best interest of the county in this circumstance so it could approve the contract with Bureau Veritas, and also directed staff to take immediate action in order to alleviate the building inspection backlog.

Brown also announced that he would host a workshop for builders in the board chambers at the Lakeport Courthouse at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22.

At Tuesday’s board meeting, a number of individuals had stated their willingness to volunteer.

County Human Resources Director Kathy Ferguson was asked to join the meeting, and told the group that the county could take applications for jobs or volunteer applications that day. Human Resources staff also were on hand to offer applications to anyone willing to help.

Applications also can be submitted on the county’s Web site at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Human_Resources/Job_Opportunities/openjobs.htm. Click on the job title and then hit “apply” in the right-hand corner.

As of Wednesday night, Brown said no applications had been received.

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 Kelseyville man who was arrested Monday after authorities say he shot at a group of law enforcement officers and officials in a confrontation near his home made a court appearance on Wednesday.

Joshua Caleb “Buck” Brown, 43, was arraigned in Lake County Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.

Authorities said Brown shot at California Highway Patrol officers Rob Hearn and Glen Thomas, Supervisor Rob Brown and two Caltrans workers on Monday morning.

Rob Brown told Lake County News that the group was at the site of an illegal road easement Buck Brown had cut between Cruickshank Road and Cole Creek Road on Highway 29 as the result of a property dispute. Caltrans was there to place k-rail in front of the cut Buck Brown made.

Buck Brown first approached the group on foot with a handgun, then left and returned in a pickup, got out and began shooting at them with a rifle before retreating into nearby trees and brush, according to CHP and Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports.

After a six-and-a-half-hour-long search for Brown, SWAT teams located him while serving a search warrant on his property. He surrendered without incident, authorities said.

While Brown was arrested at about 5 p.m. Monday, he wasn’t booked into the Lake County Jail until shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday, based on jail records.

Hinchcliff said Brown has so far been charged with two counts of assault with a firearm on a peace officer, two counts of felony threats for the two Caltrans workers and two counts of negligent discharge of a firearm.

Brown also is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, Hinchcliff said.

In 2003, Brown was convicted of felony drug possession, Hinchcliff said.

The court later reduced the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor because Brown attended drug court. However, Hinchcliff said the reduced conviction still prevents Brown from being able to possess a firearm.

When Brown was booked, the charges against him also included attempted murder. However, that so far has not been formally charged by the District Attorney’s Office, with Hinchcliff explaining that a great deal of investigative work remains to be done and the counts against him could change.

“We’ve just started, really,” he said of the District Attorney’s Office’s work on the case.

Brown’s bail has been set at $230,000, with attorney Mitchell Hauptman appointed as defense counsel, Hinchcliff said.

Hinchcliff said Brown is set to return to court on Tuesday, Aug. 22, for the appearance of counsel.

Because there were shots fired and officers were involved – although they didn’t return fire – the county’s officer-involved shooting protocol calls for an investigation, Hinchcliff said.

Hinchcliff said the District Attorney’s Office is handling that investigation, and on Wednesday was interviewing witnesses and people involved in the incident.

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.

NORTH LAKEPORT, Calif. – A vehicle rollover early Saturday morning left two people seriously injured, with one of them arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Michael Dale Bryant, 20, of Lakeport was arrested following the wreck, which occurred at 12:45 a.m. Saturday on Lakeshore Boulevard north of Deer Hill Lane in north Lakeport, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP said Bryant was driving his 1997 Chevy 1500 pickup southbound on Lakeshore Boulevard with 17-year-old Shayla Munch, also of Lakeport, riding as his passenger.

For reasons the CHP said are yet to be determined, Bryant lost control of his pickup and exited a curve in the roadway.

Bryant’s pickup veered across the northbound lane of Lakeshore Boulevard, with the front of the truck hitting a post before exiting the shoulder and going into a ditch. The CHP said the pickup came to rest on its roof, east of Lakeshore Boulevard.

Bryant was not wearing his seatbelt and was partially ejected from the pickup, the CHP said.

The CHP said Bryant suffered major injuries to his right arm, shoulder and head, and was transported by REACH air ambulance to Kaiser Hospital in Vacaville.

Alcohol was determined to be a factor in the crash and the CHP said Bryant was placed under arrest prior to being transported to the hospital.

Munch, who was riding in the right front seat, was wearing a lap and safety belt at the time of the crash. The CHP said she sustained major injuries to her head and face.

The CHP said Munch was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital before she was flown by REACH air ambulance to UC Davis Medical Center.

CHP Officer Kory Reynolds said he did not have an update on the conditions of Bryant or Munch on Wednesday.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation, 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.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Konocti Lioness Club will host its inaugural “Camp Discovery Lake County” day camp for children in first through fifth grades next month.

The fun, free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10, at Clear Lake State Park, 5300 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville.

The camp will host first through third graders on Saturday and fourth and fifth graders on Sunday.

Children should arrive by 8:45 a.m. to register. After registration, the children will be given a T-shirt and a morning snack.

There will be sport races; a visit with a police officer; basic first aid, as well as dental health and hand washing; arts and crafts; face painting; a visit to an ambulance and a fire truck; nutrition and diabetes education; story time; a challenge course; and a scavenger hunt.

Organizers said the children will be in teams of 10 with a chaperone at all times. Teams with animal names will separate and begin respective activities.

Free lunch is included for the participating children. If parents stay, their cost for lunch is $5.

During lunch, there will be a canine display, and the day will end with a yoga cool down and popcorn.

For more information visit the event’s Facebook page or to register call 707-812-4869, email Anna Hess at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or stop in at Common Grounds Coffee Shop in the Clear Lake Riviera.

There is a limit of 100 children per day.

Permission slips are required, and a parent or guardian must accompany the child to registration even if the form has been emailed in.

There is no charge to enter and exit the park for participants.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council on Tuesday granted a Texas company’s appeal for its plan to build a Dollar General store, finding that the project qualified for environmental law exemptions that staff had suggested but the planning commission did not accept.

The council’s vote to grant Cross Development’s appeal was 4-1, with Councilman George Spurr voting no.

Cross Development wants to build a 9,100-square-foot Dollar General store on a three-acre parcel at 1405 S. Main St.

The company successfully pursued plans for Dollar General stores built in Clearlake Oaks and Nice, has tried to get stores in Kelseyville and Middletown, and has floated a plan for a store in Lucerne.

Cross Development appealed the Lakeport Planning Commission’s July 12 split decision to deny its architectural and design review application.

Planning staff had suggested that the project qualified for a categorical exemption from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, based on several factors: it’s on a parcel less than five acres, is substantially surrounded by urban uses, is consistent with the general plan and zoning, has been determined to have no impacts on rare, threatened and endangered species, and there are no traffic, noise, air quality or water quality impacts.

The commission majority, however, didn’t accept that the project was exempt, and instead determined that the application wasn’t complete because it required more environmental review and an initial study.

Sabrina Teller, the attorney representing Cross Development, said they appealed because they felt the commission got off track on what factors should be considered.

Teller said the city needs to have substantial evidence in support of the stated criteria for the exemption, adding that it was amply documented why the project met those criteria.

Spurr asked staff about what could be done to address the planning commission’s concerns.

Community Development Director Kevin Ingram said city staff felt there were a number of requirements that didn’t need to be completed until the building permit stage, such as providing specifics about grading and storm drainage.

Ingram said those requirements remain. “It’s just at what stage they will have to meet them.”

Joe Dell of Cross Development said the company agreed with the conditions approved by staff, that they would abide with all city ordinances and mitigate any potential concerns.

He asked that the appeal be granted and the plan sent back to the planning commission for review so the project could move forward.

Lakeport resident Christine Fowler – an employee of Shoreline Center LTD, which owns the property where the store is proposed to be built – spoke to the council in favor of the project.

Fowler said the store will bring jobs, property tax and sales tax revenue, community investment, and improved infrastructure and aesthetics.

Fowler, initially, was the only community member to speak during the public hearing, which Mayor Stacey Mattina closed before the council began deliberating.

City Manager Margaret Silveira told the council that the city is trying to be more business friendly by not requiring so many studies up front before project approval.

“It’s part of the economic development and business-friendly environment we're trying to create for the city also,” Silveira said.

Ingram added that there is a perception by the developer community that Lakeport’s planning department requires a lot of plan submittals, design modifications and last-minute changes before projects can move forward, noting many of those plans are very expensive.

He said that, in some cases, some of those studies and plans aren’t appropriate to require if it’s not yet known if a project will be approved.

Councilman Kenny Parlet, who owns the Lakeview Market in Lucerne, brought up findings in the city’s recently approved economic development strategic plan that showed Lakeport has 450-percent more grocery inventory than it needs.

He said Dollar General isn’t going to bring more retail business, but that the current revenue would just be sliced up more between retailers.

While he said he has concerns about Dollar General, he didn’t agree with the planning commission’s finding, adding that he felt everyone – but the commission – had done the proper work in approaching the plan.

“As much as it kills me to do this, I have to say that I can’t really believe that we can deny this because they’ve done their homework and they’ve done a darn good job,” he said.

Parlet also referenced the fact that one of the studies Cross Development had completed was a traffic study, which had found no impacts.

Mattina said staff did a lot of work to make its determinations, and found that the project is consistent with the zoning. The property owner, she added, has the right to do with the property what fits in the zoning.

She told Dell that she felt his time had been wasted, and she felt bad about that.

Councilwoman Mireya Turner, who works for the county of Lake’s Community Development Department, said she had read the geotechnical study and didn’t see how an initial study would have improved it. She agreed that staff was thorough in its work.

Planning Commissioner Michael Froio asked for the council to reopen the public hearing so he could speak, as he was concerned that the commission took a “dirty beating” over the matter.

As a newer member of the commission, Froio said he had tried to do the best he could in considering the project, which he said many people have told him they don’t want in the city.

Froio said Dollar General won’t bring excitement or more money to the city, adding he felt strongly that the city needs to protect existing businesses which will lose revenue.

“I’m telling you from my heart that this project doesn't belong in our city,” he said, adding that the commission doesn’t have the tool which it desperately needs – to be able to say no to businesses they don’t want in the city.

Fowler returned to the microphone to disagree with Froio, maintaining that the city will benefit, and that the store won’t destroy the image of downtown Lakeport.

“They are investing in our town and we desperately need it,” he said.

Parlet thanked Froio for his comments, and Councilman Tim Barnes suggested that those passionate about keeping Dollar General out should rally other residents who are like-minded.

“That's the only recourse I can see from where we're sitting now,” said Barnes.

Parlet said the city needs to look at ordinances and other measures in the future if it wants to control its vision and ideals, but he added that the project may be a done deal.

He then moved to grant the appeal and find that it qualifies for the categorical exemption. Barnes seconded and the council voting 4-1, with Spurr voting no.

In other news on Tuesday, Mattina received a donation check for $9567.43 from Lake County Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Melissa Fulton in support of the city’s annual Independence Day fireworks display.

Fulton said the funds, raised from chamber members, topped last year’s donation, which was a little over $5,000.

Also on Tuesday, the council got an update on this summer’s criterium bike race, Grillin’ on the Green and Shakespeare at the Lake events; adopted a resolution to formally declare an end to the stage one water emergency and to address ongoing water conservation efforts by restricting wasteful practices; and approved an updated Gann limit revision for city appropriations.

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 annual “Grillin’ on the Green” fundraiser broke records for attendance and money raised to continue to develop Westside Community Park.

The event was held at the park on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Dennis Rollins, chair of the Westside Community Park Committee, and event organizers deemed this year’s event a success with over $20,000 in revenue from ticket and drink sales, sponsorships and donations.

More than 390 people attended the fundraiser and enjoyed tastes from the 10 grilling teams, dancing to music by the LC Diamonds, kids’ water activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a show of classic and vintage cars.

"The Westside Community Park Committee is grateful for the support of the community for this year's Grillin',” said Rollins. “It was our biggest crowd yet – a wonderful turnout. The grillers and other food providers, our sponsors, volunteers, the musicians, the car clubs, the Horse Council, and the people who came out to enjoy the evening in the park all made for a highly successful event. We thank Paul Larrea who announced our winners and gave shout-outs to our sponsors and other people who stepped up to assist with this year’s Grillin’ festivities.”

Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s team walked away with top honors at this year’s Grillin’ on the Green barbecue cook-off, capturing the celebrity judges’ “Rookie of the Year” award, first place in the People’s Choice awards, and the “Best Decorated Booth” award.

Jesse Richardson and the Beefcakes, last year’s cook-off runner-up, was selected by the celebrity judges as the team with the best barbecue.

Attendees voting for their favorites in the cook-off chose Sutter Lakeside (David Rasner - Nurses Association for Sutter Health) in first, followed by the Delta Iota Tau sorority in second, and the celebrity judges’ favorite, Richardson and the Beefcakes, for third place. Ten teams participated in the Grillin’ cook-off this year.

Grillin’ attendees also picked their favorite vintage vehicle, selecting Chuck Worthen’s 1931 Model A. In addition, Fran Rehled’s 1936 Ford Phaeton was voted “Best Make-out Vehicle.” Fifteen vehicles from local car clubs were on display.

The winners were selected following the competition and festivities Saturday, Aug. 5, at the eighth annual fundraiser at Westside Community Park.

Celebrity judges Dave Faries, managing editor of the Lake County Record-Bee, along with Sheriff Brian Martin and culinary instructor Christine DePasquale, cast their votes for favorites separate from the public.

“We appreciate the time and expertise provided by our three judges,” said Rollins. “They were a welcome addition to our successful, fun-filled event.”

Cook-off teams this year included the City of Lakeport, the Lakeport Kiwanis, the Early Lake Lions, Team Smokin’ Aces (Adam Bruch), JQ’s (Jason Strickler and Dave Hansen), Just the Tri Tip (Tim Biasotti), and Livin’ Made E.Z. (Adam Newell).

“We have enjoyed the best barbecue every year and super support from the community,” said Cindy Ustrud, chair of the event committee. “The food is always outstanding. I can't thank the grillers enough for their enthusiasm and generosity.” Competing teams and their sponsors supply the food and volunteer their time and services to the fundraiser.

Attendees were treated to additional dishes to complement the barbecue tastes. Salads, beans, desserts and beverages were provided by Lakeview Market, Main Street Bicycles, Nancy Ruzicka and Ruzicka Associates, Angelina’s Bakery and Espresso, Val Schweifler, Moylan’s Brewery, Thorn Hill Winery and the Park Committee.

Several attendees took advantage of free horse-drawn wagon rides sponsored by the Lake County Horse Council and provided by Susan and Kenn McCarty of the Live Oak Belgians Ranch.

“I’m happy to say that for the third year, the wagon rides were well received,” said Rollins. “Dozens of people enjoyed rides around the park and learning about the plans for the future equestrian area off Highway 175. The Committee thanks the McCartys and the Lake County Horse Council for providing this popular activity.”

In addition, the committee is grateful to the car enthusiasts who showed off their vehicles. “The display of vintage vehicles is always a favorite of attendees,” said Rollins.

Participating clubs included the No Name Car Club, Clear Lake Car Club, The Model A’s, The Lake Lords, and The Antique Automobile Club of America, Mt. Konocti Division.

Rollins recognized this year’s major sponsors: the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation, which pledged matching funds of $3,000, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, which added an additional $2,500 in matching funds, the Rotary Club of Lakeport, the Ustrud-Rollins Family, and Kelseyville Lumber & Supply Co.

Park founder Charlie Jolin was recognized for his vision; and the assembled guests, accompanied by the LC Diamonds, participated in a rousing “happy birthday” tribute in honor of his 94th birthday later this month.

Special sponsorships of grilling teams were acknowledged: the Lakeport Lions, the Rotary Club of Lakeport, Sutter Lakeside Hospital and the city of Lakeport.

Additional sponsors included Alexander McGeoch, DDS, Brian L. Grey, DDS, Lincoln Leavitt Insurance Agency Inc., Matt Mazzei Auto Dealership, Clear Lake Redi Mix Inc., Susie LaPointe, Jim and Wilda Shock, attorney William Kranz, Community First Credit Union, Lake Parts/Napa Auto Parks, Eye Care Optometric - Dr. David Browning, Lakeport Main Street Association, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, and The Dock Factory and Supply Co.

Additional contributions were made by Lake County News, KNTI radio, Lake County Publishing and the Lake County Record-Bee, Lakeport Cinema 5, S2 Tutoring & PR, Lake Event Design, RAHamilton, Kelseyville High School, Disney Trophies and Awards and UCC Rental Center.

Rollins also thanked the Grillin’ on the Green committee of volunteers: Ustrud, Wilda Shock, Susie LaPointe, Beth Havrilla, Alice Holmes, Sue Stout, Tami Cramer, Val Schweifler, Jessica Kelley and Mireya Turner.

Westside Community Park is a city of Lakeport recreational facility that has been in development since 1998.

The nonprofit Park Committee is developing the park in conjunction with the City of Lakeport, volunteers, and numerous contributions by individuals and businesses dedicated to constructing a recreational facility for the youth and adults of Lake County.

More information can be found on the park’s Web site, www.westsidecommunitypark.org.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 9, when “Bluegrass at the Ely,” will be presented at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum from noon to 5 p.m.

The fun event is being produced by the Lake County Historical Society and the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association.

The concert will benefit the two groups, which are charitable nonprofits that work on preserving and protecting both the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

The groups have joined together this year to present the Bluegrass event on the Ely Stage Stop grounds on Highway 281, between the Clear Lake Riviera and Highway 29.

Tickets are $20 at the gate, and $15 advance sale at Catfish Coffee House in Clearlake and Watershed Books in Lakeport.

Tickets are also available online at www.andersonmarsh.org to be picked up “on call,” at the event.

There will be craft and food booths, a lemonade stand and beer and wine available for sale.

Popular groups being featured include: Pat Ickes and Bound to Ride, delivering traditional bluegrass songs; Barwick and Siegfried from Grass Valley performing folk and bluegrass songs on mandolin and guitar; The Thin Air String Band, gifted Mendocino College teachers performing a blend of folk and acoustic songs with rich harmonies; local artists, the Cobb Stompers featuring banjo, fiddle, and guitar; Uncorked, a band of talented musicians that has been performing Irish and bluegrass for many years in Lake County and the Konocti Fiddle Club consisting of gifted young fiddlers led by Kelseyville’s Andy Skelton.

For more information, visit www.andersonmarsh.org or call 707-533-9990.