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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Pace’s update on COVID-19 to the council – following a lengthy discussion with the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday morning – took up about half of the council’s two-hour meeting.
On the national level, Pace said there are still high case numbers, with more than 1,000 deaths a day. That’s projected to go up over the next few months, and he said the nation could see more than 3,000 deaths a day in the summer.
There was an expectation that the virus’ numbers would drop over the summer. “The current thinking is, that’s probably not going to happen,” said Pace.
He said he suspects there will be a “whack a mole” experience of cases popping up throughout the summer and fall. While the virus’ impacts have been more severe in urban areas, it has moved into rural areas as restrictions relax and people start traveling more.
Of Lake County’s eight cases so far, six have completed their isolation, while Pace said the two most recent cases – including one involving a jail inmate confirmed on Monday – remain in isolation. In the jail case, he said they are tracing contacts and testing those who came in contact with the individual, including other inmates and staff.
“Jail outbreaks are very concerning. It’s a vulnerable population,” Pace said.
Testing has remained a challenge. Pace said more than 600 county residents have been tested for the virus, which he said is a fraction of what he wanted.
A Public Health nurse has conducted more than 100 tests over the past month, and on Tuesday Public Health held the county’s first drive-thru testing in Lakeport, Pace said. People who want to be tested have to call the agency and go through a screening process before being directed to the site.
Pace said they thought they would have help from the state to get the drive-thru testing started but ended up doing it on their own. The site was staffed by volunteers, with help from the fire department.
Forty tests were done on Tuesday, with Pace reporting a 50-test-per-day capacity. The next testing is planned for Thursday, with a goal of doing four testing events a week around the county.
Later, it can be transitioned to a state-run site, but until then, “We’re not waiting for them,” said Pace.
Stepping up testing capacity is important to meet guidelines set out by the governor which set a goal of between 60 and 100 tests per day for Lake County, Pace said.
Pace said Gov. Gavin Newsom is directing entry into “phase two” of the pandemic response, which allows some businesses and facilities to reopen if they can meet social distancing and health guidelines.
If the case numbers can be kept down locally and any outbreaks managed, Pace said Lake County can likely move through phase two and into phase three more quickly than other areas. He said a list of preconditions for business reopenings is still being worked out, and he expected he should get it on Thursday.
There is a template on the Public Health website to help businesses plan for reopening, he said.
Pace said large group activities are probably not going to happen any time in the near future. “It’s just too risky,” he said, explaining that “superspreader” events grow out of such activities.
Councilmember Stacey Mattina asked what is considered a large group.
“Right now, no groups can meet,” said Pace, explaining that groups of 50 or more aren’t likely to be able to meet for the rest of this year.
Mayor George Spurr asked about vaccines. Pace said many groups are working hard on a vaccine, but it could be a way off. He said the quickest vaccine ever developed was created in the 1950s, and there has never before been a coronavirus vaccine.
While there might be workable vaccines in a few months, there is then a testing requirement. Pace said most experts are estimating one to two years, maybe longer, for a vaccine to be produced.
“We are in some kind of altered state of society for the next year or two,” said Pace, and how loose or tight the rules will be will depend on people following social distancing guidelines.
During public comment, Barbara Breunig, president of the Lakeport Main Street Association, said the group won’t be doing its annual July 4 celebration downtown, but she asked if charity groups could continue to sell fireworks. Pace said he didn’t know, explaining that fireworks are an activity that brings people together.
Michael Green, a city resident and planning commissioner, suggested a “no mask, no service” policy should be more widely accepted, and that such a policy could accommodate local business. He said he believed that if more was done on the public policy side to encourage masking and social distancing, that even large events would be possible.
Pace, who strongly recommends community members use face masks, said it’s nonetheless new territory. He said it’s a matter of trying to walk a fine line between people feeling like the government is taking away their life and keeping people safe. “It’s a pretty tricky line.”
He added, “If I had my way, everybody would be wearing masks by now,” explaining that more masking will be needed as the backing off on restrictions continues.
Councilman Kenny Parlet said he believed mandatory masking would be a “blatant intrusion.”
“I think that people have been beaten up enough,” he said, adding that making masking mandatory will really cross the line.
Council considers whether to approve events
Pace sat in on the council’s discussion of how the city should handle upcoming events from May through September.
City Manager Margaret Silveira said the Lake County Chamber of Commerce had applied for its July Rhythm & Brews – which it was reported later in the meeting is likely to be moved to the fall – but with the city getting so many questions about events, she asked for a discussion about events as a whole so they can give people some direction.
The city’s popular Memorial Day parade and pancake breakfast already have been canceled, as has an upcoming art walk, Silveira said.
Organizers of the summer Concerts in the Park have asked to switch the first two concerts to the end of the summer lineup, but they hadn’t decided to cancel. “They’re awaiting your decision tonight,” said Silveira.
Councilman Tim Barnes, who previously owned businesses on Main Street in the downtown, said the summer business kept him going.
If they take the summer season away from Main Street, “There will be nothing left on Main Street,” said Barnes, who called the situation “terrifying.”
Mattina said she felt the city should defer to Pace’s guidelines, as he’s determined what people and can’t do.
City Attorney David Ruderman said the council had some discretion, from approving applications contingent on the event’s ability to comply with the health officer’s and governor’s orders to the more sweeping option of canceling every event through September.
During public comment, Green told the council, “This is where you get to push the envelope with public policy.”
He said people will have a chance to up their game. The county can’t be shut down forever, and he said the community has to start thinking about its response to COVID-19.
Chamber Chief Executive Officer Melissa Fulton said she and her board are in limbo in their planning for the evening.
“I hate to see anybody throw away the summer,” not just in Lake County but across the nation, she said.
Fulton said plans are still underway for the annual Seaplane Splash-In Sept. 17 and 18.
Lakeport’s Main Street has been hurting for a long time and the pandemic isn’t helping, Fulton added.
“I understand that this is the biggest letdown ever,” said Mattina, noting it’s hard not to cry over it, with favorite events being canceled. However, she said she also didn’t want people putting a lot of effort into events that would end up not taking place.
Pace said it’s almost impossible to know what it’s going to be like in August. He pointed to adaptations like those made by the organizers of Shakespeare at the Lake, who are moving their production entirely online.
“We’re having to make this up as we go along,” he said, and such changes will need to be addressed over the next few years.
Ruderman suggested the council could approve event applications contingent upon meeting requirements in the orders issued by Dr. Pace and Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Barnes moved to approve that proposal, with Councilwoman Mireya Turner seconding and the council approving it 5-0.
Silveira told the council that the police department is not planning to do its National Night Out event in August. She said the contract for the July 4 fireworks display is coming up and she will bring it to the council at its next meeting for consideration.
Also on Tuesday, the council approved the preparation of a Community Development
Block Grant application for $70,681 in aid through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act, for commercial kitchen upgrades at the city’s community center at 500 N. Main St.
According to Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram’s written report to the council, “The City is considering entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lakeport Homeless Shelter, Lake County Public Health Office and possible additional community organizations to utilize this space in support of their COVID-19 related efforts.”
The adoption of the Eleventh Street Corridor Multimodal Engineered Feasibility Study was pulled from the agenda for reconsideration at a future meeting.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
This is the fourth in a series of virtual town halls in which Thompson and experts from across our district are answering questions on the response to the fallout from coronavirus.
All constituents of California’s Fifth Congressional District and members of the press are invited to join.
For this week’s virtual town hall, Thompson will be joined by Contra Costa Health Services Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs Dr. William Walker and Martinez Police Chief Manjit Sappal.
This event will be held over Zoom and interested participants must email Thompson’s office at
Interested participants will be notified via email with instructions on how to join.
The event will also be streamed on Facebook Live via Thompson’s page, https://www.facebook.com/RepMikeThompson/ .
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Since the “stay-at-home” directive brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people in California have taken to their bicycles for exercise and a change of scenery.
“In this uncertain time, more people are out on the streets biking for exercise, recreation, mental health, and affordable transportation,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists must stay alert to keep everyone safe.”
The events traditionally held throughout California by the CHP for Bicycle Safety Month may be somewhat curtailed in 2020.
However, many CHP Area offices will continue to give helmets to children who do not have them. Their parents or guardians are urged to call their closest CHP office for information on how to obtain one.
According to the National Safety Council, cyclists who wear a helmet reduce their risk of head injury by an estimated 60 percent. California law requires cyclists under 18 to wear a helmet, but it is a good idea for all who ride.
“If you are out riding a bicycle during the current pandemic, the same safety rules and habits still apply,” said OTS Directory Barbara Rooney. “To maximize safety, we encourage you to both be aware of your surroundings and practice physical distancing for the sake of you, your family, and others.”
Statistics from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show that, during the past five years, 792 bicyclists were killed and more than 56,000 were injured in traffic crashes. The data also shows that riding on the wrong side of the roadway and right-of-way violations are the major causes of bicycle-involved crashes.
Motor vehicle drivers are reminded to give bicyclists extra room when passing – at least three feet is required by law. When turning right, drivers should look over their right shoulder to scan for bicyclists, especially when crossing into a designated bike lane. Before opening a car door, drivers should always look for passing bicyclists, especially when next to a bike lane.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security. The OTS administers traffic safety programs with the goal of reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
This bill allows the federal government to pay 100 percent of the cost to states and localities so that they can partner with restaurants and nonprofits to prepare nutritious meals for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and underprivileged children.
These partnerships will support businesses and small farmers as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
“So many of our most vulnerable people are going without enough food and so many of our local restaurants and small farmers are struggling to get by as this crisis goes on. The FEED Act we introduced today will facilitate partnerships between small restaurants and states and local governments to provide nutritious meals to those who need them most,” said Thompson. “I’m deeply honored to have the support of world-renowned humanitarian and Chef José Andrés as we fight to support those in our communities who most need our help.”
“Too many families are going hungry during this pandemic, and it’s not because America is running low on food,” said McGovern. “This hunger crisis is a political problem, and we need to think outside the box to solve it. As millions of restaurants and their employees struggle to get by, the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act will give states more flexibility to provide meals for vulnerable populations while supporting local businesses at the same time. I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside Representatives Thompson and Davis and Senators Harris and Scott.”
“If this pandemic has shown us anything, it’s the need to innovate and that’s exactly what the FEED Act does,” said Davis. “This bill helps utilize our restaurant industry, which has been hit hard during this pandemic, in a way that’s never been done before. By creating these partnerships between local governments and local restaurants, we can help get meals to people in need more quickly and help the food industry, which is a major employer and a critical part of our economy, during this difficult time.”
“Americans are experiencing greater levels of food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, restaurants, their workers, and their suppliers are struggling,” said Harris. “I’m proud to introduce the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act with Representatives Thompson and McGovern. This legislation will help states feed people in need while supporting local restaurants and their suppliers. We need to ensure that states have maximum flexibility so that no one goes hungry during this pandemic.”
“By supporting both families in need and our struggling restaurants, small farms and their workers, the FEED Act is truly a win-win,” said Scott. “This legislation will help our food producers and preparers partner with their states to feed families in need of a meal, and in turn ease some of the economic and personal anxiety they are all facing during this pandemic. I want to thank Chef José Andrés and our bipartisan, bicameral team for coming together to find a solution that can help millions of folks across the country.”
“Our work providing nourishment and hope in the wake of disaster has taught us an important lesson,” said Chef Andrés, founder of the relief organization World Central Kitchen. “When we empower neighbors to care for one another, and restaurants and non-profits to ensure food and nutrition are not forgotten, we give our communities an opportunity to combine response with recovery to create the possibility of a better tomorrow. I am proud to join Representatives Thompson, McGovern, and Davis and Senators Harris and Scott in this effort to make sure we reach every American in need of a humble plate of food.”
The FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries Act aims to provide nutritious meals to people in need in response to the Coronavirus crisis. The bill waives section 403(b) and 503(a) of the Stafford Act, which allows for FEMA to cover the cost of emergency and disaster related expenses.
Under this legislation, the federal government would cover 100 percent of the cost of disaster-related expenses, instead of the typical 75 percent. This would eliminate any state costs during the COVID-19 crisis and allow more states to take a proactive approach to distributing meals and providing more financial relief to restaurants.
You can click here to read the text of the FEED Act.
Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.