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- Written by: Lingzi Chen
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Starting as soon as next Monday, residents in unincorporated Lake County can choose to place their food scraps in their green waste bin for composting and recycling purposes, as the Board of Supervisors approved amendments to the garbage service contract on Tuesday.
With the service change, the board approved requests from Lake County Waste Solutions and South Lake Refuse & Recycling — the county’s two garbage haulers, which are merging — to add a one-time 4.8% rate adjustment for organic waste processing for residents who choose the service.
While the service will begin immediately, the accompanying fee increase — averaging between $1.20 and $1.50 per month — will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2026.
Supervisor Bruno Sabatier pushed for a delay in a fee change, noting that many residents are already struggling to afford basic necessities like food amid the federal shutdown. With language added to the contract indicating the new timeline, the board voted unanimously in favor of the new service, with Supervisor Jessica Pyska absent.
Public Services Director Lars Ewing said combining food waste with green waste will help reduce the amount of organic material going into the landfill, saving landfill space and cutting emission of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that accelerates global warming and harms human health by contributing to air pollution.
The change, he said, benefits the environment and lowers the county’s costs for methane management.
Historically, the haulers have been providing green waste disposal services at no charge, even with the waste volume expanding over time, Ewing noted. However, with the transition into a mixed organic waste stream containing both yard debris and food waste, the haulers face financial challenges without a pass-through fee to offset the disposal costs.
“The cost of this thing is relatively minimal,” said Ewing of the slight fee increase. “But the benefits are significant in terms of methane reduction and landfill management.”
The process also helps “turn material that would normally go to the landfill into a beneficial use, such as compost,” said Bruce McCracken, vice president of C&S Waste Solutions, which owns both haulers, in a phone call with Lake County News.
“We actually have a landfill in Lake County,” said the company’s Operations Manager Michelle Goodman in the same call. “It definitely has a local impact.”
“Educational information will be mailed out early next week,” McCracken responded in an email to Lake County News. “Beginning next Monday drivers have been instructed to collect food waste in the green cart.”
“I would like everybody to put their turkey carcass from Thanksgiving into the green can this year,” said McCracken at the board meeting.
Voluntary participation toward future compliance
While state law mandates local jurisdictions to recycle organic waste, all of Lake County — including Lakeport and Clearlake — remains exempted from the requirement of a rural entity facing substantial challenges in developing recycling infrastructure.
Participation in organic recycling remains voluntary in the county, even with services now available.
Lake County Waste Solutions, which South Lake Refuse & Recycling is merging into, has voluntarily expanded its services to include organic recycling for unincorporated Lake County. Its affiliate Clearlake Waste Solutions has already been providing similar services for the city of Clearlake, according to McCracken.
Goodman and McCracken said their discussions with the county on the matter began in late 2023. After reviewing data and weighing the benefits, the county’s Solid Waste Task Force also supported the voluntary expansion.
At Tuesday’s board meeting, Ewing noted that although Lakeport does not yet have the service, most surrounding areas do, including much of Mendocino and Napa counties.
The contract amendment for the franchised haulers helps facilitate “standardization for the area,” ensuring contractors manage their waste stream in an environmentally responsible way and in compliance with state regulations, Ewing explained to the supervisors.
“Where does the future lie? It certainly is with reducing the amount of material inbound at the landfill,” Ewing said.
How waste streams are handled
Even with weekly hauler truck visits, some residents remain confused about how the waste streams are managed. From afar, some may think all types of trash are dumped together into the truck.
McCracken told Lake County News that the company has been using “split body trucks” for the job since 2008.
“So on one side [of the truck] you can collect trash, and on one side you can collect recycling, and then our trucks will go back at the end of the day to get their yard waste.” Goodman further explained.
“Instead of making three trips like we used to, we make two now,” McCracken said of the routes after 2008.
“It makes no sense for us to mix everything, because we take the recycling back to our material recovery facility in Ukiah, the green waste gets processed, and the garbage goes to landfill,” he said.
Once residents place food waste in the green bin, it will be collected along with yard debris during the regular truck route. They will remain in the “same cart, same collection time and processed together,” McCracken said in an email.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Lake County’s chief public defender, two weeks after he was hired to do the same job for the county of Monterey.
The County Administrative Office, in a brief statement released to Lake County News, said the supervisors took the action involving Raymond Buenaventura’s resignation during closed session, which occurred at the end of the regular Tuesday meeting.
After emerging from the closed session, Supervisor Brad Rasmussen moved that the board accept the resignation, a motion Supervisor Bruno Sabatier seconded and the board approved 4-0. Supervisor Jessica Pyska was absent.
Buenaventura’s resignation from the county of Lake is effective Nov. 4.
“During his County service, Mr. Buenaventura’s commitment to ensuring fair and effective representation for all clients strengthened the County’s justice system and advanced its mission to serve residents with integrity and compassion,” the County Administrative Office said in its statement on Buenaventura’s departure.
“The County of Lake extends appreciation to Mr. Buenaventura for his contributions and wishes him the very best as he embarks on the next chapter of his career,” the county’s statement said.
Buenaventura began working for Lake County in October 2023, tasked with creating a new public defender’s office four decades after a previous iteration of the agency ended due to the high costs of dealing with the attorneys’ conflicts of interest.
The employment contract the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approved with Buenaventura on Oct. 14 goes into effect on Dec. 1, at an annual salary of $273,245. His current salary with Lake County is $204,360.
Following the vote to accept his resignation, the board took no further action. They did not announce the appointment of an interim chief public defender, which was a closed session discussion that was on the Tuesday agenda.
The county said the recruitment for a new chief public defender will be announced soon.
With Buenaventura’s departure, the county now has three department head positions to fill. In addition to the chief public defender, the county is recruiting for new directors for Animal Care and Control and Public Works.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol will launch a 12-hour maximum enforcement period, or MEP, from 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, through 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, to protect motorists and prevent impaired driving.
During the operation, all available CHP officers will be on patrol statewide, focusing on identifying and arresting impaired drivers before they cause harm.
“Impaired driving destroys lives, and even one life lost is one too many. This Halloween, we’re asking everyone to do their part before the festivities begin, arrange a sober ride and help us keep California’s roads safe for everyone who uses them,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of both can have deadly consequences.
On average, more than 800 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers claim over 900 lives each year in California, reinforcing the CHP’s commitment to removing impaired drivers from the road.
Impairment is not limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and cannabis products can all affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Penalties for impaired driving
Drivers arrested for driving under the influence face serious penalties, including:
• Driver’s license suspension;
• Fines;
• Mandatory DUI education programs;
• Jail time.
During last year’s 12-hour Halloween MEP, officers investigated nearly 500 crashes statewide. About 90 of those involved impaired drivers, resulting in two deaths and more than 60 injuries. CHP officers also made nearly 120 DUI arrests during that period.
For more information about DUI penalties, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Make the right choice
To help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely, the CHP urges motorists to:
• Designate a sober driver.
• Use ride-sharing services, taxis or public transit.
• Never drive impaired or ride with someone who is.
If you see someone who appears to be driving impaired, call 9-1-1 immediately.
“Whether it’s Halloween or any night of the year, the decision to drive sober can save a life,” Commissioner Duryee added. “Together, we can make our roads safer and prevent tragedies before they happen.”
The CHP reminds all drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel — never drive under the influence, always wear your seat belt and follow the speed limit.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
On Tuesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that California, along with a coalition of 24 other states, is suing the Trump administration over the administration’s unlawful refusal to fund SNAP benefits due to the nearly month-long federal government shutdown, despite possessing funds to support SNAP in November.
The 25 states that are taking the legal action allege that, under President Trump, the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, is needlessly suspending November SNAP benefits, causing 5.5 million Californians to lose critical access to $1.1 billion in food assistance.
“While Donald Trump parades around the world trying to repair the economic damage he's done with his incompetence, he's denying food to millions of Americans who will go hungry next month. It's cruel and speaks to his basic lack of humanity. He doesn't care about the people of this country, only himself,” said Gov. Newsom.
“When families don’t know where their next meal will come from, our government has failed its most basic duty to care for its people. The Trump administration’s decision to withhold food assistance that’s already been funded has left millions of Americans in fear and uncertainty. As a state, we know we must stand up and fight back. We are taking action for our families, for our children, and for the 5.5 million Californians who deserve the simple dignity of knowing there will be food on the table,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
“Let’s be clear about what’s happening: For the first time ever, SNAP benefits will not be available to the millions of low-income individuals who depend on them to put food on the table," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "November SNAP benefits can and must be provided, even with the government shutdown. USDA not only has authority to use contingency funds, it has a legal duty to spend all available dollars to fund SNAP benefits. The Trump Administration, however, has chosen instead to play politics with this essential safety net that so many people depend on — including 5.5 million individuals in California alone.”
Bonta added, “With the holidays around the corner, we are seeing costs for groceries continue to increase and food banks facing unprecedented demand. We are taking a stand because families will experience hunger and malnutrition if the Trump Administration gets its way.”
Trump choosing to delay SNAP benefits
The federal government is legally required to make payments to SNAP. Congress appropriated $6 billion to the USDA in SNAP-related contingency funds through September 2026 to continue funding SNAP benefits in instances like the current government shutdown.
Instead of helping, the Governor’s Office said the Trump administration chose to suspend November SNAP benefits despite contingency funding in place to help feed American families.
The USDA is selectively choosing what programs to keep open during this shutdown, as it has provided billions in aid for farmers and been able to temporarily fund WIC benefits. Trump is simply choosing not to use this authority to fund SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, including veterans and vulnerable populations, such as children and seniors.
California’s assistance to food-insecure families
While food benefits are delayed for 5.5 million residents, California is stepping up to protect families from hunger by fast-tracking $80 million in state funds to stabilize food bank food distribution and offset delays in federal CalFresh benefits.
Gov. Newsom has also mobilized the California National Guard and California Volunteers on a humanitarian mission to support food banks and Californians by planning, packing, distributing and delivering meals to families in need throughout the state — similarly to his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Contract negotiations between Sutter Health and employees at eight of its medical facilities — including Sutter Lakeside — have come to a successful and amicable conclusion, with the two sides confirming they signed a new contract agreement on Monday.
More than 4,700 frontline health care workers “overwhelmingly” approved a new contract agreement with Sutter executives, said SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, or SEIU-UHW, the union representing those staff members.
The agreement averted a strike at eight Sutter Health facilities in nine cities across Northern California that workers had authorized earlier this month, following informational pickets in August and September.
In addition to Lakeport, the new agreement covers facilities located in Antioch, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Oakland, Roseville, San Francisco, Santa Rosa and Vallejo.
SEIU-UHW said the Sutter Health workers it represents voted by a margin of 98% to approve the new agreement, which “addresses critical issues around staffing and working conditions by ensuring fair pay and benefits for frontline healthcare workers, allowing them to continue serving patients without disruption.”
In a statement released Monday night to Lake County News, Sutter Health said, “We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that supports our frontline employees while maintaining our shared focus on patient care and safety. As Sutter Health continues to achieve high safety scores, expand access to care, add new services and bring more physicians to the communities we serve, we’ll continue investing in and supporting the teams who make that care possible.”
The newly approved contract agreement provides 14 percent across-the-board raises over the life of the contract for workers, the union said.
The union reported the agreement also protects health care and retirement benefits for these frontline health care workers.
“This new contract shows that when we stand united, we can win improvements that protect both healthcare workers and our patients,” said Dinora Garcia, a dietary clerk from Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “Reaching this contract agreement wasn’t easy, but we stood together to advocate for worker and patient safety, improved staffing levels, and fair wages and benefits that reflect the vital work we do daily.”
SEIU-UHW represents Sutter Health workers who serve as nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, licensed vocational nurses, X-ray technicians, environmental and food services workers, among others.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Air Quality Management District reported that the county’s burn ban will be lifted on Saturday, Nov. 1.
The district’s burn permits are required for all outdoor burning in the Lake County Air Basin.
Residential burning requires a one acre or larger parcel. Only clean dry vegetation that was grown on the property may be burned. Burning vegetation that was transported from another parcel is prohibited.
District residential and agricultural burn permits will be available online Nov. 1 at www.lcaqmd.net from any device that has internet access.
The fee for a residential burn permit is $63 and the fee for an agricultural burn permit is $94. Residential and agricultural burn permits issued online are paid by credit card at time of issuance. If an alternative permit issuance or payment method is needed please call the district office to make arrangements.
A district smoke management plan burn permit is required for any of the following types of burning: multi-day or overnight burning, smoke impact potential, tule burning, piles greater than 10 feet diameter, more than one acre of standing vegetation, whole vines, whole trees or burning more than 20 acres in one day.
Smoke management plan burn permits will be available starting Nov. 3 at the district office by appointment only. Call 707-263-7000 to schedule an appointment. Bring the following information to your appointment: a map showing the burn location (https://gis.lakecountyca.gov/portal/home/index.html), burn site coordinates (GPS locations), parcel number or address, acres to be burned and details of vegetation to be burned.
The fee for a smoke management plan burn permit varies by size, type and number of parcels. Fees for the first parcel ranges from $125 for pile burning; $188 for standing brush; and $625 for complex burns such as levees, dams, right of ways, and reservoir burns. Additional parcel fees may apply. Payment must be made at the time of issuance by cash, check or money order to the District. Credit card payment is not available at this time.
District burn permits must be printed and readily available during burning. Read your burn permit carefully and follow all the conditions.
Be advised, a Cal Fire general or broadcast burn permit may be required for agricultural burning. For more information visit https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov.
Consider composting or using the vegetative waste pickup provided with your waste collection service as an alternative to burning leaves. Greenwaste bins and dumpsters are available through your local waste collection provider. Thank you for your cooperation this burn season.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — At its next meeting this week, the Clearlake Planning Commission is set to discuss the proposed expansion of an early childhood education center.
The commission will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
The agenda can be found here.
Submit comments and questions in writing for commission consideration by sending them to Administrative Services Director/City Clerk Melissa Swanson at
Community members also can participate via Zoom. To register, visit this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the
webinar.
The meeting also can be watched on the city’s YouTube account, on PEG TV8 and its YouTube account.
To give the planning commission adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit written comments before 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The main item on the agenda is a public hearing regarding the expansion of The Learning House, located at 14840 Burns Valley Road.
The commission will consider a conditional use permit to allow the expansion of a previously approved use for an early education center and the conversion of a manufactured home
1,945 square feet in size into a commercial use, as proposed by Elaine Robinson.
The staff report explained that in 2009, Robinson received approval of a use permit to establish an early education center at the site, which allowed for the conversion of a single family dwelling into a garage into the educational facility, which is licensed for up to 78 students.
“Since approval, the center has experienced growth, resulting in the need for expansion to accommodate increasing demand for services,” the staff report explained.
The proposed expansion would allow for another 18 students under the age of 2, city staff said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
