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On Monday, U.S. senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.) joined Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and 10 other Western Democratic senators to sound the alarm over threats to the removal of hazardous fuels on U.S. public lands.
The Bureau of Land Management recently issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America carrying out critical hazardous fuel removal projects on high-risk federal lands.
Delaying these treatments risks missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels, the senators said.
The letter follows President Donald Trump’s executive orders cutting federal funds needed to mitigate and fight wildfires, despite the devastating fires that ravaged Southern California communities last month.
The BLM’s Ukiah Field office told Lake County News, “Hazardous fuels projects that are funded by base appropriations are continuing forward across the West. Fuels reduction work funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is currently undergoing review to ensure consistency with the Executive Order.”
The senators demanded that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington rescind the order to stop work on essential hazardous fuels reduction efforts and any other wildland fire management and risk-reduction programs.
“Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis — and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the senators.
“As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” continued the senators. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.
The hazardous fuel reduction projects are a core component of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, to which Congress appropriated over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments in fuels reduction treatments for high-risk firesheds were recommended in the nonpartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.
In addition to Senators Padilla, Schiff, Merkley, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Last week, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act, the last of which is co-led by Senator Schiff. Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022.
Padilla previously questioned Secretary Burgum on his support for wildfire aid, securing his commitment to responding to wildfires regardless of which state they impact with all necessary resources and support possible.
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington,
We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.
These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week.
In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes.
Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels.
In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis.
Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance.
As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.
By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire.
We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire.
The Bureau of Land Management recently issued stop work orders to small businesses and organizations across America carrying out critical hazardous fuel removal projects on high-risk federal lands.
Delaying these treatments risks missing out on the right seasonal and weather conditions for safely treating hazardous fuels, the senators said.
The letter follows President Donald Trump’s executive orders cutting federal funds needed to mitigate and fight wildfires, despite the devastating fires that ravaged Southern California communities last month.
The BLM’s Ukiah Field office told Lake County News, “Hazardous fuels projects that are funded by base appropriations are continuing forward across the West. Fuels reduction work funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is currently undergoing review to ensure consistency with the Executive Order.”
The senators demanded that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington rescind the order to stop work on essential hazardous fuels reduction efforts and any other wildland fire management and risk-reduction programs.
“Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis — and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels,” wrote the senators.
“As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk,” continued the senators. “One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.
The hazardous fuel reduction projects are a core component of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, to which Congress appropriated over $3 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments in fuels reduction treatments for high-risk firesheds were recommended in the nonpartisan Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report.
In addition to Senators Padilla, Schiff, Merkley, and Heinrich, the letter is signed by U.S. senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Last week, Padilla introduced bipartisan legislation to create a national Wildfire Intelligence Center to streamline federal response and create a whole-of-government approach to combat wildfires. He also announced a package of three bipartisan bills to bolster fire resilience and proactive mitigation efforts, including the Wildfire Emergency Act, the Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act, and the Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act, the last of which is co-led by Senator Schiff. Padilla’s legislation to strengthen FEMA’s wildfire preparedness and response efforts, the FIRE Act, became law in 2022.
Padilla previously questioned Secretary Burgum on his support for wildfire aid, securing his commitment to responding to wildfires regardless of which state they impact with all necessary resources and support possible.
The full text of the letter is below.
Dear Secretary Burgum and Acting Secretary Washington,
We are writing with great concern about reports from our constituents that the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders for hazardous fuels reduction projects. We are further concerned that fuels projects overseen by the U.S. Forest Service will be next. These projects are integral to increased safety and resiliency and any delay in implementation puts those communities at greater risk. We urge you to immediately rescind these stop work orders, halt any further stop work orders or funding freezes, and instead work with the tools and funds Congress has provided to better safeguard our communities from the serious risk of catastrophic wildfire.
These projects are part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, funded by the Infrastructure and Investment in Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Investing in fuels reduction treatments is a primary recommendation in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Report, a nonpartisan strategy document to tackle the myriad challenges associated with wildfire across the country. We also note with alarm that this report was removed from federal websites this week.
In 2022, the Forest Service identified high-risk firesheds across the country to be prioritized for hazardous fuels reduction work through the Wildlife Crisis Strategy and Implementation Plan. The Forest Service chose 10 high-priority landscapes with the enactment of IIJA and an additional 11 landscapes with the enactment of IRA – each of these landscapes require significant investment to reduce wildfire risk. These 21 landscapes were awarded a total of $1.73 billion to protect at-risk communities, critical infrastructure, public water sources, and adjacent Tribal lands in 10 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, States, Tribes, local stakeholders, and small businesses have been working together over the last three years to implement fuels reduction on these landscapes.
Catastrophic wildfires across the United States are an ongoing national crisis and responding to them must be a national priority. These stop work orders and funding freezes jeopardize communities that depend on a robust federal response to our wildfire crisis – and also jeopardize small businesses, often in frontier and rural communities, that are contracted to do the work on the ground to reduce hazardous fuels.
In addition to endangering communities, the President’s Executive Orders freezing funding are flagrantly illegal. The Government Accountability Office, the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel (including in an opinion written by future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, William H. Rehnquist), and the Supreme Court of the United States have all disavowed the notion of some “inherent Presidential power to impound,” as some in the Administration, as well as pending Administration nominees, have tried to argue without legal or textual basis.
Not only does the Constitution vest the power of the purse with Congress and provide no power to the President to impound funds, but there have been several bedrock fiscal statutes enacted to protect Congress’ constitutional power of the purse and prevent unlawful executive overreach, including the Antideficiency Act and the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA). The ICA prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance.
As we’ve seen with the recent fires surrounding Los Angeles, wildfire does not distinguish between homes and trees. But we do have ways to mitigate the risk. One of the most effective strategies to reduce that risk is to reduce the hazardous natural fuels that surround our communities. These fuels reduction projects save lives and property, reduce the danger to firefighters, and return our lands to a fire-adapted ecosystem that can better withstand the threat to human life, communities, infrastructure, and property.
By terminating or even pausing these projects, all of the progress made at protecting these communities is at risk. We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire.
We hope to work with you to combat the scourge of catastrophic wildfire.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors this week will get an update on funding for senior centers, discuss the Clear Lake hitch status with state officials and consider appointing two planning commissioners.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 865 3354 4962, pass code 726865. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,86533544962#,,,,*726865#. The meeting can also be accessed via phone at 669 900 6833.
At 1:10 p.m., the board will hear an update regarding 2025 federal funding for the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino counties.
Social Services Director Rachael Dillman Parsons’ write report to the board explained that the Federal Continuing Resolution authorized on Dec. 20 did not include Older Americans Act reauthorization.
That leaves the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino County with a nearly $1 million shortfall to continue services through June 30, 2025, Dillman Parson said.
She said her presentation will bring to your board and the public her department’s plans to continue services through June 30, 2025, the risks involved with supplanting federal funding with state funding for this effort, and the outlook should the Older Americans Act not be reauthorized, or omit Area Agency on Aging funding.
In other business, at 11 a.m., sitting jointly as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District and the Board of Supervisors, the board will consider a presentation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Clear Lake hitch state activities over the last year.
During that item, the board also will get an update from the United States Geological Survey to discuss the latest in-lake monitoring results and a presentation from Watershed Protection District staff to discuss accomplishments and programs established as a result of the hitch emergency declaration and hitch-focused position allocations in Water Resources.
During untimed items, the board will consider appointments to the Lake County Planning Commission: Monica Rosenthal for District 1 and Maile Field for District 4.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in the county of Lake.
5.2: Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.3: Approve continuation of proclamation declaring a Clear Lake hitch emergency.
5.4: Approve continuation of local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 late January, early February winter storms.
5.5: Approve continuation of proclamation of a local health emergency by the Lake County health officer for the Boyles Fire.
5.6: Approve continuation of a local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 Boyles Fire.
5.7: Approve continuation of local emergency proclamation by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the Glenhaven Fire.
5.8: Approve closing the Community Development Department to the public on Friday, February 14, 2025, for the transition to the new OpenGov software systems.
5.9: Approve ratification of the Board of Supervisors’ approval of findings of fact and decision and denial of the appeal of Amy Hewitt-Novoa and Juan Novoa (AB 24-04).
5.10: Adopt resolution authorizing the Health Services director to sign Grant Agreement #24-10824, in the amount of $47,010, for the California Department of Public Health’s HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program for FY 2025-2029.
5.11: Approve request to close the Probation Department on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. for all-staff training.
5.12: A) Approve the General Services agreement between the county of Lake and EBA Engineering for civil engineering services, and B) approve Supplemental Services Agreement Number One for civil engineering services for the Emergency Operations Center drainage improvements project in the amount of $20,635 and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Approve the plans and specifications for reroof projects at the Chamber of Commerce, District Attorney, Law Library, Special Districts Administration and Veterans Services, and authorize the Public Services Director to advertise for bids.
5.14: Adopt resolution approving the Standard Agreement #24-5052 between county of Lake and California Department of Social Services for Resource Family Approval Program legal services and authorizing the director to sign the standard agreement.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the week.
6.3, 9:04 a.m.: New and noteworthy at the library.
6.4, 9:10 a.m.: Consideration of the Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority "Tree Mortality & Forest Health Task Force Subcommittee" to be transferred to the Lake County Board of Supervisors as the acting authority.
6.5, 9:15 a.m.: Public hearing: Consideration of a revised county of Lake ambulance ordinance; an ordinance amending Article IX of Chapter 9 of the Lake County Code pertaining to permitting and operation of medical transportation services (continued from Dec. 17, 2024).
6.6, 10 a.m.: Consideration of a presentation of the National Flood Insurance Program (continued from Dec. 17, 2024).
6.7, 11 a.m.: Sitting jointly as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District and the Board of Supervisors, consideration of presentation from California Department of Fish and Wildlife to discuss Clear Lake hitch state activities over the last year, including an update from United States Geological Survey to discuss the latest in-lake monitoring results and a presentation from Watershed Protection District staff to discuss accomplishments and programs established as a result of the hitch emergency declaration and hitch-focused position allocations in Water Resources.
6.8, 11:30 a.m.: Consideration of Lake Area Planning Council presentation on the Regional Transportation Plan/Active Transportation Plan for the Lake County region.
6.9, 1 p.m.: Consideration of an update regarding Public Guardian conservatee “BB” placement.
6.10, 1:10 p.m.: Consideration of a presentation regarding 2025 federal funding for the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino counties.
6.11, 1:30 p.m.: Consideration of tentative approval of the annual cost of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio on Mount St. Helena.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of appointment of District 1 planning commissioner.
7.3: Consideration of appointment of District 4 planning commissioner.
7.4: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Animal Control Advisory Board, Big Valley Advisory Council, East Region Town Hall, Emergency Medical Care Council, Kelseyville Cemetery District.
7.5: Consideration of an agreement between the county of Lake and Vanir Construction Management Inc. for construction management services for the sheriff administration facility project in the amount of $665,753.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Closed session item: Public employee evaluation, Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart.
8.2 Closed session item: Conference with legal counsel, existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9 (d)(1) – FERC Project No. 77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The meeting ID is 865 3354 4962, pass code 726865. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16694449171,,86533544962#,,,,*726865#. The meeting can also be accessed via phone at 669 900 6833.
At 1:10 p.m., the board will hear an update regarding 2025 federal funding for the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino counties.
Social Services Director Rachael Dillman Parsons’ write report to the board explained that the Federal Continuing Resolution authorized on Dec. 20 did not include Older Americans Act reauthorization.
That leaves the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino County with a nearly $1 million shortfall to continue services through June 30, 2025, Dillman Parson said.
She said her presentation will bring to your board and the public her department’s plans to continue services through June 30, 2025, the risks involved with supplanting federal funding with state funding for this effort, and the outlook should the Older Americans Act not be reauthorized, or omit Area Agency on Aging funding.
In other business, at 11 a.m., sitting jointly as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District and the Board of Supervisors, the board will consider a presentation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Clear Lake hitch state activities over the last year.
During that item, the board also will get an update from the United States Geological Survey to discuss the latest in-lake monitoring results and a presentation from Watershed Protection District staff to discuss accomplishments and programs established as a result of the hitch emergency declaration and hitch-focused position allocations in Water Resources.
During untimed items, the board will consider appointments to the Lake County Planning Commission: Monica Rosenthal for District 1 and Maile Field for District 4.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in the county of Lake.
5.2: Approve continuation of proclamation of the existence of a local emergency due to pervasive tree mortality.
5.3: Approve continuation of proclamation declaring a Clear Lake hitch emergency.
5.4: Approve continuation of local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 late January, early February winter storms.
5.5: Approve continuation of proclamation of a local health emergency by the Lake County health officer for the Boyles Fire.
5.6: Approve continuation of a local emergency by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the 2024 Boyles Fire.
5.7: Approve continuation of local emergency proclamation by the Lake County sheriff/OES director for the Glenhaven Fire.
5.8: Approve closing the Community Development Department to the public on Friday, February 14, 2025, for the transition to the new OpenGov software systems.
5.9: Approve ratification of the Board of Supervisors’ approval of findings of fact and decision and denial of the appeal of Amy Hewitt-Novoa and Juan Novoa (AB 24-04).
5.10: Adopt resolution authorizing the Health Services director to sign Grant Agreement #24-10824, in the amount of $47,010, for the California Department of Public Health’s HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program for FY 2025-2029.
5.11: Approve request to close the Probation Department on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. for all-staff training.
5.12: A) Approve the General Services agreement between the county of Lake and EBA Engineering for civil engineering services, and B) approve Supplemental Services Agreement Number One for civil engineering services for the Emergency Operations Center drainage improvements project in the amount of $20,635 and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Approve the plans and specifications for reroof projects at the Chamber of Commerce, District Attorney, Law Library, Special Districts Administration and Veterans Services, and authorize the Public Services Director to advertise for bids.
5.14: Adopt resolution approving the Standard Agreement #24-5052 between county of Lake and California Department of Social Services for Resource Family Approval Program legal services and authorizing the director to sign the standard agreement.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:03 a.m.: Pet of the week.
6.3, 9:04 a.m.: New and noteworthy at the library.
6.4, 9:10 a.m.: Consideration of the Lake County Community Risk Reduction Authority "Tree Mortality & Forest Health Task Force Subcommittee" to be transferred to the Lake County Board of Supervisors as the acting authority.
6.5, 9:15 a.m.: Public hearing: Consideration of a revised county of Lake ambulance ordinance; an ordinance amending Article IX of Chapter 9 of the Lake County Code pertaining to permitting and operation of medical transportation services (continued from Dec. 17, 2024).
6.6, 10 a.m.: Consideration of a presentation of the National Flood Insurance Program (continued from Dec. 17, 2024).
6.7, 11 a.m.: Sitting jointly as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District and the Board of Supervisors, consideration of presentation from California Department of Fish and Wildlife to discuss Clear Lake hitch state activities over the last year, including an update from United States Geological Survey to discuss the latest in-lake monitoring results and a presentation from Watershed Protection District staff to discuss accomplishments and programs established as a result of the hitch emergency declaration and hitch-focused position allocations in Water Resources.
6.8, 11:30 a.m.: Consideration of Lake Area Planning Council presentation on the Regional Transportation Plan/Active Transportation Plan for the Lake County region.
6.9, 1 p.m.: Consideration of an update regarding Public Guardian conservatee “BB” placement.
6.10, 1:10 p.m.: Consideration of a presentation regarding 2025 federal funding for the Area Agency on Aging of Lake and Mendocino counties.
6.11, 1:30 p.m.: Consideration of tentative approval of the annual cost of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio on Mount St. Helena.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of appointment of District 1 planning commissioner.
7.3: Consideration of appointment of District 4 planning commissioner.
7.4: Consideration of the following advisory board appointments: Animal Control Advisory Board, Big Valley Advisory Council, East Region Town Hall, Emergency Medical Care Council, Kelseyville Cemetery District.
7.5: Consideration of an agreement between the county of Lake and Vanir Construction Management Inc. for construction management services for the sheriff administration facility project in the amount of $665,753.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Closed session item: Public employee evaluation, Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart.
8.2 Closed session item: Conference with legal counsel, existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9 (d)(1) – FERC Project No. 77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Area Town Hall, or MATH, will meet this week, with its 2025 leadership and a transportation plan on the agenda.
MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Middletown Community Meeting Room/Library at 21256 Washington St., Middletown. The meeting is open to the public.
Zoom will not be available. Viewers can participate via PEG TV at www.youtube.com/LakeCountyPegTV.
On the agenda is the announcement of MATH’s 2025 executive board members.
Also on Thursday, John Speka, senior transportation planner for the Lake Area Planning Council/Dow & Associates will give a presentation for the Regional Transportation Plan/Active Transportation Plan Update.
The purpose of the plan is to identify needs and priority projects over the next 20 years for all modes of transportation including streets and roads, highways, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and public transit. Public input is being sought on the plan.
MATH — established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 — is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.
For more information emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Middletown Community Meeting Room/Library at 21256 Washington St., Middletown. The meeting is open to the public.
Zoom will not be available. Viewers can participate via PEG TV at www.youtube.com/LakeCountyPegTV.
On the agenda is the announcement of MATH’s 2025 executive board members.
Also on Thursday, John Speka, senior transportation planner for the Lake Area Planning Council/Dow & Associates will give a presentation for the Regional Transportation Plan/Active Transportation Plan Update.
The purpose of the plan is to identify needs and priority projects over the next 20 years for all modes of transportation including streets and roads, highways, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and public transit. Public input is being sought on the plan.
MATH — established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 — is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.
For more information email
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee is set to discuss plans and goals when it meets this week.
The committee, or LEDAC, will meet via Zoom from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The meeting also will be available via Zoom.
The meeting ID is 842 2886 1335, pass code is 594383 or join by phone, 1 669 900 6833.
The meeting is open to the public.
On the agenda are economic development updates, the city’s economic development strategic plan and its Business Walk presentation to the Lakeport City Council, and review of progress on the fiscal year 2024-25 city goals along with consideration of the 2025/26 goals.
LEDAC’s next meeting will be April 9.
LEDAC advocates for a strong and positive Lakeport business community and acts as a conduit between the city and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.
Members are Chair Wilda Shock, Bonnie Darling, Candy De Los Santos, Pam Harpster, Lissette Hayes, Amanda Martin, Euline Olinger, JoAnn Saccato, Laura McAndrews Sammel, Bob Santana, Marie Schrader and Tim Stephens. City staff who are members include City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Department Director Joey Hejnowicz, Associate Planner Victor Fernandez and Chief Building Officer Bethany Moss Childers.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
The committee, or LEDAC, will meet via Zoom from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.
The meeting also will be available via Zoom.
The meeting ID is 842 2886 1335, pass code is 594383 or join by phone, 1 669 900 6833.
The meeting is open to the public.
On the agenda are economic development updates, the city’s economic development strategic plan and its Business Walk presentation to the Lakeport City Council, and review of progress on the fiscal year 2024-25 city goals along with consideration of the 2025/26 goals.
LEDAC’s next meeting will be April 9.
LEDAC advocates for a strong and positive Lakeport business community and acts as a conduit between the city and the community for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.
Members are Chair Wilda Shock, Bonnie Darling, Candy De Los Santos, Pam Harpster, Lissette Hayes, Amanda Martin, Euline Olinger, JoAnn Saccato, Laura McAndrews Sammel, Bob Santana, Marie Schrader and Tim Stephens. City staff who are members include City Manager Kevin Ingram and Community Development Department Director Joey Hejnowicz, Associate Planner Victor Fernandez and Chief Building Officer Bethany Moss Childers.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County General Plan Advisory Committee will meet this week to review the draft general plan land use map.
This hybrid, in-person/online meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Attend in-person at the Lake County Board Chambers, on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport, or join via Zoom using this link.
At this meeting, the General Plan Advisory Committee will receive project updates since its last meeting and then review and provide comments on the draft general plan land use map.
There will be an opportunity for questions and comments from the public.
The meeting agenda is available at this link.
The draft General Plan Land Use map that will be discussed during the meeting is available to review here.
For more information and to share your ideas online, visit LakeCounty2050.org.
This hybrid, in-person/online meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Attend in-person at the Lake County Board Chambers, on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport, or join via Zoom using this link.
At this meeting, the General Plan Advisory Committee will receive project updates since its last meeting and then review and provide comments on the draft general plan land use map.
There will be an opportunity for questions and comments from the public.
The meeting agenda is available at this link.
The draft General Plan Land Use map that will be discussed during the meeting is available to review here.
For more information and to share your ideas online, visit LakeCounty2050.org.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Friends, family, community members and local leaders came out on Saturday night to remember a young Lakeport man whose life was cut short by violence at the end of January.
Vicente Zeta Colacion was a friend, brother, grandson, nephew, boyfriend, uncle and much more to those who shared his story at the candlelight vigil at the gazebo in Library Park, about 50 yards away from where the 32-year-old was shot to death on the night of Friday, Jan. 31.
Along with those roles in life, one of his passions was poetry, an art form that many practiced in his memory, sharing their own work and his.
The nighttime event, with about 300 people in attendance, was illuminated by brightly burning candles cupped in the hands of those who knew him and those who didn’t but wanted to remember him. The gathering also served to honor his identity and secure his memory outside of the confines of being a murder victim.
Each of the speakers — whether friends or family members — helped paint a portrait of his life, helping to put the memory of him into sharper focus.
They described him variously as enthusiastic, energetic, fun, generous, sometimes maddening, big, clumsy, a traveler who shared pictures of his many travels, and a complicated human being who, most of all, was brimming with love, talent and whimsy.
The portrait that they painted was of a young man whose life looked a lot like the nighttime sky overhead — as plentiful with promise as the sky was richly hung with stars, and a life growing larger, more prominent, and more accomplished, like the waxing winter moon.
That a life of much given to poetry could be cut short so violently was part of the disbelief and heartache shared at the event. One of his friends, sitting near the gazebo, said it was hard to believe that such a thing could have happened to Colacion.
The investigation so far has revealed that Colacion’s murder was the result of an argument that had begun in the nearby Clearlake Club bar and escalated into a deadly shooting at the park.
Since then, Joshua Jacob Tovar, 33, of Lakeport has been arrested and charged with the killing. He was arraigned last week and is due to return to court to enter a plea on Feb. 11.
Another man, Parker John Coggins, 27, of Lakeport, was in an argument with Colacion at the bar and assaulted him before he was charged. Originally, Coggins was arrested and booked on a murder charge, but he has since been released from custody.
A criminal complaint against Coggins hasn’t yet been filed by the District Attorney’s Office pending further investigation, said District Attorney Susan Krones, who attended the Saturday night vigil.
Police and first responders were thanked for their efforts during the event. “I think we all know you did your best,” one of the speakers noted.
Along with Krones, in attendance at the vigil were several other local leaders, including supervisors Brad Rasmussen and Bruno Sabatier, City Manager Kevin Ingram and Police Chief Dale Stoebe, and several police staffers who worked the case, including Det. Juan Altamirano and Sgt. Andrew Welter.
Ingram said he was glad to see the turnout in Colacion’s honor.
Asked about what concerns community members have shared with him about the killing, Ingram said there were worries at first when the suspect hadn’t yet been arrested.
The city has a police officer dedicated to patrolling the downtown, a program which Ingram said they want to keep going.
He didn’t see the incident as an indication of a larger issue with crime downtown.
Colacion’s murder is the first within the city since October 2002, when Barbara La Forge was shot to death in her downtown frame shop, just blocks away from where Colacion died. Her murder remains unsolved.
‘It didn’t feel real’
One of the key speakers on Saturday night was Georgina Marie Guardado, a two-time Lake County poet laureate and friend of Colacion’s who traced the beginning of their friendship to a poetry event in 2017 at the Middletown Art Center.
She recounted following news of the shooting on Jan. 31, then finding out the next morning, a week to the day before the vigil, that Colacion was the victim.
Guardado, who said she usually visits Library Park for solace and comfort, said of Colacion’s death, “It didn’t feel real,” that is, until she was standing before the crowd that night.
In the week since Colacion’s death, she said she’s gone through all of the messages that she sent, played a playlist he made for her and cried.
“He was larger than life,” she said.
She added, “I don’t know if he ever realized the impact he had on others.”
Vicente Colacion’s younger sisters, Maya and Paloma Colacion, both spoke about their brother, remembering his passions, his complications, his love and dedication to others.
Maya Colacion said her daughter called him “Uncle Stinky.” He checked on his sister every day, was always glad to see her and trusted her.
“I just miss my brother a lot,” she said.
She remembered him fixing sandwiches for hungry people he had met in Library Park, a gesture that illustrated his concern for others.
“They took away my best friend and it’s not fair,” she said. “My family will never be the same.”
He could make those he loved mad, but his sister remembered that he always said he was sorry afterward. “I can’t wait to see him again someday.”
Family members who shared their memories said Colacion’s mother was too distraught to attend.
His grandmother, Brenda Pistek, said Colacion’s mother, her daughter, was “wailing like a wounded animal” in her grief.
Contemplating the idea of a life without her grandson, Pistek said, “I don’t know how to do this ... these are things that should never happen.”
His aunt recalled her sister, Colacion’s mother, as saying, “Vicente tells the truth,” and that he flew away “in a murder of crows.”
His sister, Paloma Colacion, said he loved people, that he didn’t have a hierarchical view of love that limited him to just his family. She said losing him was like losing a part of herself.
“He was love,” she said.
A cousin of his is now putting together a book of his poetry. Colacion was known to write little poems and send them to people, and his family is asking them to reach out and share them for the book.
She read from one of his poems in which he wrote,
“I will whisper,
“I love you,
“I love you,
“I love you.”
Paloma Colacion in turn thanked people for loving her brother.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With lake levels increasing in Clear Lake due to recent storm activity, motorboat users are reminded of local recreation Ordinance 3065, which requires idle speed when boating within one-quarter mile or less from the shore of Clear Lake.
“Idle speed” means operating a motorboat at a speed that does not produce a wake, protecting shoreline property and infrastructure from harmful wave action.
This ordinance goes into effect when the lake reaches 8.0 feet or higher on the Rumsey scale — the special measure for Clear Lake — for a 24 hour period.
The requirements are lifted when Clear Lake drops to 7.9 feet Rumsey, or lower, for a 24-hour period.
Clear Lake has retained over the 8.0 foot Rumsey mark since 8:45 a.m. Saturday and remained there early Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey’s gauge on the lake.
Clear Lake is considered “full” at the 7.56 foot Rumsey mark.
Boaters are responsible for checking the lake level before boating on Clear Lake. Violating this ordinance constitutes a misdemeanor and may result in a fine not to exceed $500, or up to six months imprisonment in the County Jail.
Additionally, all boaters are advised to use extra caution when operating motorboats throughout Clear Lake due to floating and submerged debris hazards resulting from recent storm events.
Floating and submerged debris such as trees, branches, full or partial floating docks, abandoned or detached boats, trash, and other objects can cause significant damage, particularly when coming into contact with boats operating at normal to significant speed.
Boaters should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings and maintain a safe, slower speed when boating throughout all of Clear Lake this time of year.
For questions regarding this topic, or to report in-lake hazards such as debris, floating docks, or missing or found hazard buoys, contact the Water Resources Department at 707-263-2344 or email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
“Idle speed” means operating a motorboat at a speed that does not produce a wake, protecting shoreline property and infrastructure from harmful wave action.
This ordinance goes into effect when the lake reaches 8.0 feet or higher on the Rumsey scale — the special measure for Clear Lake — for a 24 hour period.
The requirements are lifted when Clear Lake drops to 7.9 feet Rumsey, or lower, for a 24-hour period.
Clear Lake has retained over the 8.0 foot Rumsey mark since 8:45 a.m. Saturday and remained there early Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey’s gauge on the lake.
Clear Lake is considered “full” at the 7.56 foot Rumsey mark.
Boaters are responsible for checking the lake level before boating on Clear Lake. Violating this ordinance constitutes a misdemeanor and may result in a fine not to exceed $500, or up to six months imprisonment in the County Jail.
Additionally, all boaters are advised to use extra caution when operating motorboats throughout Clear Lake due to floating and submerged debris hazards resulting from recent storm events.
Floating and submerged debris such as trees, branches, full or partial floating docks, abandoned or detached boats, trash, and other objects can cause significant damage, particularly when coming into contact with boats operating at normal to significant speed.
Boaters should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings and maintain a safe, slower speed when boating throughout all of Clear Lake this time of year.
For questions regarding this topic, or to report in-lake hazards such as debris, floating docks, or missing or found hazard buoys, contact the Water Resources Department at 707-263-2344 or email at
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
