LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Fireworks will light up the skies this week in Lake County as part of the annual Independence Day holiday.

Several fireworks displays are planned from Thursday through the weekend in Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks and Lakeport.

Besides the public displays, only in the city of Lakeport are safe and sane fireworks allowed to be purchased and used through the end of July 4.

The following is a schedule of the planned fireworks displays.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Lakeport

Lakeport will celebrate July 4 with a day of events that begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 10 p.m.

The annual event will include a street fair, and food and craft vendors.

There will be fireworks over the lake beginning at dusk.

Discharge of safe and sane fireworks will be permitted on Fourth Street's intersection with Park Street during the July 4 event. The location will be cordoned off by barrier tape but great caution still needs to be taken. Safe and sane fireworks are not allowed along the lakefront or parklands between Ninth Street and First Street, including all of both Library and Xabatin parks.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Clearlake Oaks

The Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks Display will take place on Friday, July 5.

It will be held between 9 and 10 p.m.

The fireworks will be launched from the lake at the Clearlake Oaks public launch ramp.

Lakeport

Big Valley Rancheria’s Konocti Vista Casino will hold its 30th anniversary fireworks display on Friday, July 5.

The event will be held on the hotel marina lawn.

Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be entertainment, food trucks and craft booths. There is no cover charge to attend and all ages are welcome.

The fireworks will start at approx. 9:45 p.m. over the lake and will be viewable from the marina as well as the parking lot.

Konocti Vista Casino is located at 2755 Mission Rancheria Road in Lakeport.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Clearlake

The Lakeshore Lions Club of Clearlake will sponsor the 66th annual Redbud Parade and Festival.

The day begins at 11 a.m. with the parade starting at Redbud Park.

The festival includes vendors, food and entertainment throughout the day at Austin Park.

An annual highlight is the International Worm Races. That event is marking its 54th year.

The Lakeshore Lions Club will sponsor the firework display at dark off of Austin Beach.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Lakeport Fire Chief Patrick Reitz has ordered the temporary closure of Vista Point.

Vista Point, located at 875 Lakeport Blvd. in Lakeport is home of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

This closure will be in effect from 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, until 8 a.m. on Friday, July 5.

This precautionary measure is being taken in response to an excessive heat warning that significantly increases the risk of fires in the area.

Fire equipment and personnel will be staged at Vista Point during this period. Their presence will help to monitor the area closely and respond quickly to any fire-related incidents that may arise.

Chief Reitz emphasized the importance of community safety and urged all residents to remain vigilant and adhere to the closure notice.

"The excessive heat poses a serious threat, and we are taking all necessary steps to protect our community. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the public during this time," said Reitz.

For further information, contact the Lakeport Fire Protection District at 707-263-4396.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Cal Fire is reminding everyone that it is illegal to sell, transport or use fireworks that do not carry the “safe and sane” seal, as well as possess or use fireworks in a community where they are not permitted.

If convicted, a violator could be fined up to $50,000, as well as be sent to jail for up to one year.

Over the past few months Cal Fire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal’s specialized arson and bomb investigators have been providing intelligence and support to local and federal illegal fireworks enforcement efforts.

Illegal fireworks include:

• Skyrockets;
• Bottle rockets;
• Roman candles;
• Aerial shells;
• Firecrackers;
• Sparklers.

Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner.

“Our arson and bomb investigators have been busy assisting with numerous illegal fireworks enforcement operations and as a result, along with our local fire and law enforcement partners, have successfully seized over 122,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from all over California since July 2023,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “We have a zero tolerance toward the use, transportation, and possession of illegal fireworks. Even ‘safe and sane’ fireworks are banned in many communities and bring large fines for their illegal use.”

“Vegetation and especially grasses at lower elevations are dry across the state and we are already seeing a more intense fire season as a result,” said Chief Joe Tyler, Cal Fire director and fire chief. “As the conditions dry and warm in the coming weeks, these sources of fuel for wildfires will become more susceptible to burning. Fire conditions are elevated, and the 4th of July, along with the use of fireworks, only increases the risk for wildfires.”

As we gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, make sure your festivities are both enjoyable and safe. Check your local laws and ordinances to find out if fireworks are illegal where you live, or if certain “safe and sane” fireworks are permitted. In certain areas of California, all fireworks are illegal.

Prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks this July 4. Since 2013, in the state of California, there have been over 22,000 acres burned with fireworks being the ignition source of $62 million in property and content loss.

To learn more about fireworks safety, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org/more/fireworks-safety/.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — This month, the Lake County Library is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a countywide library system.

The rich history of our libraries showcases the power of community, stretching back much further than five decades.

“What I love most about our library system is they all got their start because people got together and decided they wanted a library,” said County Librarian Christopher Veach.

A legacy of community effort

In 1906, civic-minded citizens in Lakeport formed a library committee to establish a town library. With about 80 volunteers, they rented, painted, and refurbished a small space, opening the first library in the Board of Trade rooms in the Levy Building in 1907.

As the library grew, local groups like the Lakeport Ladies' Town Improvement Club successfully petitioned Andrew Carnegie, famous industrialist, for an $8,000 grant. The new library, completed in February 1918, still stands proudly in Library Park today.

Similar grassroots efforts led to the establishment of the other present-day libraries in Middletown, Clearlake, and Upper Lake.

Formation of the Lake County Library System

In the early 1970s, work began on creating a unified county library system, integrating the libraries in Lakeport, Middletown, Clearlake and Upper Lake.

Lake County was the last in the state without a countywide library service.

Sponsored by a federal grant through the State Library, the Lake County Library project demonstrated the benefits of a county library system, also introducing the first bookmobile.

In 1974, Lake County residents voted, with 65% voting yes, to establish the county library system, approving a property tax of 12 cents per $100 assessed valuation, which still funds our libraries today.

Celebrating 50 years

To celebrate this golden anniversary, the library invites the public to share their library memories on our website or at any branch on our memory display.

Photos, pictures and written statements will be showcased both online and at our libraries.

Residents can read statements from former library staff members, such as the first county librarian, Stephen C. Klein, as well as members of the public. There are also historical photographs showing the library system over the years.

Additionally, commemorative fifty-year anniversary library cards will be available at all locations, while supplies last. Join us at various library events and clubs throughout the year to mark this milestone.

The community is invited to celebrate with library staff and be a part of Lake County Library’s rich history.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.lakecountyca.gov/597/Library.

The California Highway Patrol announced this week more than $25 million in grant funding to 102 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, with some of that money set to come to Lake County.

The grants are the result of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which tasked the CHP with administering grants for education, prevention, and enforcement programs to help communities combat impaired driving.

Money is also available to crime laboratories conducting forensic toxicology testing. Funding for the grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products sold in California.

The Lakeport Police Department is one of the grant awardees.

“The substantial increase in the amount of grant funds being dispersed this year to even more recipients will help make California’s roadways safer for all who use them,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The funds will be allocated to enhance traffic safety by educating the public about the dangers of impaired driving, conducting enforcement operations to remove impaired drivers from the roads, and advancing research on this critical issue.”

Eighty-two recipients of law enforcement grants will use funds to address impaired driving within their communities. In addition to traditional impaired driving enforcement, funds will also be used for drug recognition evaluator training to enhance their respective agency’s ability to detect drug-impaired drivers.

Additionally, funding will allow for public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Listed below are the law enforcement grant recipients for state fiscal year 2024-2025, which begins July 1:

Angels Camp Police
Arroyo Grande Police Department
Auburn Police Department
Azusa Police Department
Baldwin Park Police Department
Barstow Police Department
Bell Gardens Police Department
Berkeley Police Department
Brawley Police Department
Brea Police Department
Burbank Police Department
Calexico Police Department
Calistoga Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
Citrus Heights Police Department
City of Corona Police Department
City of El Monte Police Department
City of Fullerton Police Department
City of Glendale Police Department
City of Huron Police Department
City of Lodi Police Department
City of Montebello Police Department
City of Palo Alto Police Department
City of Visalia Police Department
Claremont Police Department
Covina Police Department
Danville Police Department
Dixon Police Department
Dublin Police Services
El Cajon Police Department
El Centro Police Department
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office
Emeryville Police Department
Folsom Police Department
Galt Police Department
Garden Grove Police Department
Gilroy Police Department
Greenfield Police Department
Grover Beach Police Department
Hanford Police Department
Hayward Police Department
Huntington Beach Police Department
Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
Irvine Police Department
La Habra Police Department
La Mesa Police Department
La Palma Police Department
Lakeport Police Department
Lincoln Police Department
Los Angeles Police Department
Manteca Police Department
Marysville Police Department
Menifee Police Department
Modoc County Sheriff's Office
Montebello School Police
Monterey Park Police Department
Morgan Hill Police Department
Napa Police Department
Oceanside Police Department
Oakland Police Department
Ontario Police Department
Orange Police Department
Oxnard Police Department
Pacifica Police Department
Petaluma Police Department
Pismo Beach Police Department
Pittsburg Police Department
Riverside Police Department
Rocklin Police Department
San Bruno Police Department
San Diego Police Department
San Fernando Police Department
San Gabriel Police Department
San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office
Shasta County Sheriff's Office
Sierra Madre Police Department
Simi Valley Police Department
Soledad Police Department
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department
Sutter County Sheriff's Office
Union City Police Department
Wheatland Police Department

Nine recipients of education grants will use funds to teach local communities about impaired driving laws, while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Below are the education grant recipients for state fiscal year 2024-2025.

Amador County Sheriff's Office
Chino Police Department
City of Lancaster
City of Long Beach
County of Solano-District Attorney's Office
Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
Sacramento County District Attorney Laboratory of Forensic Services
Solano County Office of Education
Tulare County Office of Education

Eight recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants will use funds to eliminate backlogs in the analysis of forensic science evidence and to purchase and/or upgrade laboratory equipment to improve testing capabilities.

Below are the toxicology crime laboratory grant recipients for state fiscal years 2024-2026.

Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division
Imperial County Sheriff's Office
Oakland Police Department Crime Lab
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, City and County of San Francisco
Orange County (CA) Crime Laboratory
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
Ventura County Forensic Services Bureau

Three recipients of two-year toxicology medical examiners/coroner’s office grants will use funds to help improve and advance the data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Below is the medical examiners/coroner’s office grant recipient for state fiscal year 2024-2026.

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
Orange County Sheriff's Department Coroner's Division
San Diego Medical Examiner Department

The application process for future grant funding is expected to open again in early 2025. Additional information is available on the CHP Web site, at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With high temperatures and weather warnings in effect for this week, county officials are offering options for staying cool.

Staff from the Lake County Library system and county-operated peer support centers want to ensure members of the public know their facilities’ doors are open during normal business hours except on Thursday, July 4, when county-operated facilities will be closed for the Independence Day holiday.

Shopping at local businesses and eating at local restaurants with air-conditioned facilities during the warmest hours of the day can also be great ways to support your communities while cooling off.

Additionally, other non-governmental organizations may also make their facilities available to the public during this excessive heat warning. Information for those facilities will be updated on webpages of the Lake County Office of Emergency Services at https://lakecountyca.gov/927/Lake-Co-Ready.

Stay safe during warm weather

County officials and the National Weather Service urge residents to stay safe! Residents can find information on local facilities that will be open to the public for this Excessive Heat event.

Here is some information from https://www.ready.gov/heat on recognizing the signs of heat-related illness and making safe choices during hot weather:

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day;
• If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a cooled facility, like Lake County’s Library Branches and Peer Support Centers (details below);
• Take cool showers or baths;
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home;
• If you’re outside, find shade and wear a hat wide enough to protect your face;
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (don’t wait until you’re thirsty!);
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible;
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors;
• Consider pet safety – if they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade;
• Remember, asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet;
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke;
• Remember, heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

What are the signs of heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion?

Heat-related illnesses can require urgent action. What are the signs?

Heat stroke: Signs include extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F, temperature taken orally); red, hot and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; or dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Heat cramps: Signs include muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs.

Heat exhaustion: Signs include heavy sweating, paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; fast or weak pulse; dizziness; headache; Fainting, nausea or vomiting.

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Beating the heat at Lake County’s libraries and peer support centers

While none of these are formal cooling centers, and capacity is limited at each site, they are invaluable community resources, as temperatures rise. Here is information on normal operating hours and services available at each facility.

County library facilities

Lake County’s four Public Library Branches are open and accessible to all during their normal business hours. While you cool off, check out the many new materials and digital services the library has to offer – there is something for everyone! Here is a list of Lake County Library locations, and their customary hours of operation:

Normal business hours of Lake County Library branches: All will be closed on Thursday, July 4

Lakeport Library
1425 N. High St.
Lakeport, CA 95453
707-263-8817
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on July 4)

Redbud Library (Clearlake)
14785 Burns Valley Road
Clearlake, CA 95422
707-994-5115
Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on July 4)

Middletown Library
21256 Washington St.
Middletown, CA 95461
707-987-3674
Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Upper Lake Library
310 Second St.
Upper Lake, CA 95485
707-275-2049
Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please note, all county Library branches are closed each Monday, and will be closed on Thursday, July 4.

Peer support centers

Lake County Behavioral Health Services also reminds their peer support centers are open as a refuge from the heat. Each provides an air-conditioned place to sit and rest. Water and light snacks are offered to guests, and restrooms are available. Referrals to social services can also be made.

All are welcome!

Below is a list of Peer Support Centers, with their customary hours and locations. All will be closed on July 4.

The Big Oak Peer Support Center
13300 East Highway 20, Suite O
Clearlake Oaks
707-998-0310
Sunday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on July 4)

Circle of Native Minds Cultural Center
525 North Main St.
Lakeport
707-263-4880
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Harbor on Main
154 South Main St.
Lakeport
707-994-5486
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

La Voz de la Esperanza Centro Latino
14092 Lakeshore Drive
Clearlake
707-994-4261
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — Increased risk of fire starts have prompted forest officials to issue fire restrictions ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Forest Order No. 08-24-13 will go into effect beginning July 3 through the end of the 2024 fire season.

“Given the red flag weather warnings, risk of wildland fire is increasing with gusty winds and rapidly drying forest fuels. These restrictions are designed to minimize the chances of human-caused fires in undeveloped areas of the forest,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Curtis Coots.

“Visitors can still enjoy a campfire or stove fire in designated fire-safe campgrounds or in Wilderness Areas so long as they have a valid California Campfire Permit,” Coots said.

Fire restrictions prohibit the following activities:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or within the designated recreation sites shown in Exhibit A of the forest order.
• Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails.
• Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
• Using an explosive.
• Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.

With a valid California Campfire Permit visitors may use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.

Additionally, visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit may enjoy a campfire or stove fire in the Designated Fire Safe Recreation Sites (see Exhibit A), as well as in federally designated wilderness areas.

Forest Service officials stated that more than 90% of all fires are human caused. Visitors to national forests can help prevent wildfires with just a bit of planning and common sense.

Campfires: Attend your campfire at all times. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished—drown with water (NOT dirt), stir with your shovel, drown again and feel for any heat using the back of your hand. Continue this process until no heat remains.
Stoves: If using pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, lanterns, or heating devices, use in barren areas with at least 3 feet of clearance from grasses and other debris that may catch fire. Prevent stoves from tipping.
Vehicles: When traveling, ensure your chains are properly connected. The hot underside of the vehicle and dragging chains can start a fire. Stick to driving on designated roads and trails and be careful to not park your car or OHV in tall, dry, vegetation, including grass.

Spark Arrestors: Ensure that all internal or external combustion engines have a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
Smoking: Extinguish all smoking materials dead out on bare soil. Pack out all cigarette butts and filters.

Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited on all national forests year-round, leave them and all other pyrotechnic devices at home.

Similar restrictions are also in effect on neighboring public lands. Because restrictions can vary by jurisdiction, visitors should contact the area they plan to visit for specific fire restrictions and conditions.

California campfire permits are available online at https://readyforwildfire.org. The fire restrictions and list of designated fire safe campgrounds are available on the Mendocino National Forest website.

Visitors can check the latest alerts, orders and recreation information at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino.

LAKEPORT, Calif. — Lakeport’s long-awaited new courthouse project will have its groundbreaking this week.

The Lake County Superior Court is inviting the community to the event, which will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at the site of the new building, 675 Lakeport Blvd.

To attend the event, enter via the Bruno’s Shop Smart parking lot. The ceremony will be held in the southwest corner of the parking lot near Stone Fire Pizza.

The Judicial Council of California said the facility is expected to cost $83.8 million.

The funding for the project does not come from the city of Lakeport nor the county of Lake. Rather, it comes from dedicated funding streams created through the Legislature.

Specifically, the Judicial Branch Five-Year Infrastructure Plan for Fiscal Year 2024–25 explains that a key piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1407 — which became law in 2008 — “authorizes various fees, penalties, and assessments to be deposited in the Immediate and Critical Needs Account (ICNA) to support the construction, renovation, and operation of court facilities, including the payment of rental costs associated with completed capital-outlay projects funded with lease revenue bonds.”

That five-year infrastructure plan also lists the Lakeport Courthouse as the No. 1 immediate and critical need trial court capital-outlay project statewide. The Clearlake Courthouse is listed as No. 6. Lake is the only county to have two projects in the top 10.

Even so, despite the need, the state’s dedicated revenues for court projects were lower than expected, “which led to the curtailment of the Judicial Council’s capital program,” the five-year plan explained.

That curtailment pushed back Lake County’s project for several years. Now, however, the project is moving full-speed ahead.

The Judicial Council reported in June that the project’s working drawings phase had been completed and was to be submitted for final permits.

Once the permits and environmental regulatory approval is completed, construction can begin, officials said.

The Judicial Council expects construction to begin this summer and to be completed by early 2026.

The new 45,300 square foot building will have four courtrooms, a jury assembly room, self-help center, attorney/client meeting rooms, and on-site parking with solar generation.

It will replace the court’s current 15,332 square feet of space on the fourth floor of the 1960s-era courthouse on North Forbes Street.

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.

Editor's note: Highlands Senior Center will not be able to operate at the Masonic Lodge due to equipment issues so they have withdrawn for this heat event. The article has been updated accordingly.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — In response to the forecasted extreme heat, facilities that are part of the Lake County Community Organizations Active in Disaster Resilience Hub Network are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the community by opening for cooling this week.

These centers will provide a safe and cool environment for residents to escape the heat.

The non-governmental organizations that are part of the Community Organizations Active in Disaster, or COAD, which will open for the first time in this capacity in response to the early July heat event are the Cobb Mountain Lions Club, Galilee Lutheran Church, Kelseyville Senior Center, Lakeport Senior Center, Lucerne Alpine Senior Center and United Christian Parish.

With temperatures expected to soar above 100, it is crucial for everyone, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions, to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

The county of Lake does not routinely open official extreme weather centers; however, there are numerous county operated facilities with routine open hours that are excellent cooling/warming options such as libraries and peer centers.

Stay informed about extreme heat updates and additional resources by visiting https://lakecountyca.gov/927/Lake-Co-Ready.

What to bring

Residents visiting the resilience centers are encouraged to bring any necessary medications, snacks and activities to stay comfortable.

You may also wish to bring charging cords for your cellular devices.

Personal water bottles, which can be filled at the centers, are encouraged to reduce single use plastic waste.

COAD schedule

The purpose of the COAD of Lake County is to develop and support partnerships for communication, coordination, cooperation and collaboration amongst the whole community including voluntary, charitable, not-for-profit, faith-based organizations and government agencies, both in public and private sectors, during all phases of a disaster.

The schedule for the COAD members through Sunday follows.

TUESDAY, JULY 2

Kelseyville

Galilee Lutheran Church
8860 Soda Bay Road
Telephone: 707-279-4832
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.
Pets OK: Cats in crates, dogs on leash.

Lakeport

Lakeport Senior Center
527 Konocti Ave.
Telephone: 707-263-4218
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lucerne

Lucerne Alpine Senior Center
3985 Country Club Drive
Telephone: 707-274-8779
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Kelseyville

Galilee Lutheran Church
8860 Soda Bay Road
Telephone: 707-279-4832
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.
Pets OK: Cats in crates, dogs on leash.

Lakeport

Lakeport Senior Center
527 Konocti Ave.
Telephone: 707-263-4218
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lucerne

Lucerne Alpine Senior Center
3985 Country Club Drive
Telephone: 707-274-8779
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Kelseyville

Galilee Lutheran Church
8860 Soda Bay Road
Telephone: 707-279-4832
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.
Pets OK: Cats in crates, dogs on leash.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Kelseyville

Galilee Lutheran Church
8860 Soda Bay Road
Telephone: 707-279-4832
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.
Pets OK: Cats in crates, dogs on leash.

Lakeport

United Christian Parish
745 N Brush St.
Telephone: 707-263-4788
Hours: 2 to 5 p.m.

Lucerne

Lucerne Alpine Senior Center
3985 Country Club Drive
Telephone: 707-274-8779
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Cobb

Cobb Mountain Lions Club
15780 Bottle Rock Road
Telephone: 707-715-7008
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.

Kelseyville

Galilee Lutheran Church
8860 Soda Bay Road
Telephone: 707-279-4832
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.
Pets OK: Cats in crates, dogs on leash.

Kelseyville Presbyterian Church
5340 Third St.
Telephone: 707-279-1104
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Hours: 1 to 6 p.m.

Lakeport

United Christian Parish
745 N Brush St.
Telephone: 707-263-4788
Hours: 2 to 5 p.m.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Early on Tuesday morning Pacific Gas and Electric began turning off power to a small number of Lake County residents and thousands more around the region due to a red flag warning and heightened fire danger.

The number of Lake County customers originally expected to be part of the PSPS was 49, a number which on Monday grew to 153 and included areas east of Lower Lake and southeast of Boggs Mountain.

As of 3 a.m., power had been turned off to more than 130 customers near Boggs Mountain.

Power is expected to be restored by 10 p.m. Wednesday.

Altogether, PG&E said the total number of customers set to be impacted across the 10 counties to be included in the PSPS is 12,000.

In addition to Lake County, that number covers 277 in Butte, 550 in Colusa, 361 in Glenn, 16 in Napa, 8,888 in Shasta 96 in Solano, 12 in Sonoma, 1,873 in Tehama and 204 in Yolo.

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. — In preparation for the Independence Day holiday, the California Highway Patrol is launching a statewide enforcement effort aimed at keeping the public safe on our roads.

With unsafe speed being the main contributor to crashes in California, the CHP will focus on speed control and promoting safe driving practices throughout the holiday weekend.

“Speeding isn’t just breaking the law — it’s putting lives at risk. Every additional mile per hour reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a crash,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “We’re asking the public to choose safety over speed to ensure everyone gets home safely.”

To help keep the roadways safe, the CHP will initiate a statewide maximum enforcement period, or MEP, beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.

During this extended holiday weekend, all available CHP officers will be on patrol to encourage safe driving and assist motorists when needed.

Last year during the Independence Day MEP, 68 people were killed in crashes throughout the state.

Tragically, nearly half of the vehicle occupants killed in a crash within CHP jurisdiction were not wearing a seat belt.

Additionally, CHP officers made 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence during the 102-hour holiday enforcement period. This equates to an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.

Keep yourself and others safe by designating a sober driver or using public transit or a ride-share service.

If you see a driver who seems impaired, call 9-1-1 right away. Be prepared to give the dispatcher details about the vehicle, including license plate number, location, and direction of travel. Your call could save a life.

“The safety of the public is our top priority. Slow down, drive responsibly, and ensure you and your loved ones reach your destination safely,” added Commissioner Duryee.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate pro Tem Mike McGuire and Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, on Monday announced what they called a “robust” ballot measure to tackle property crime and the fentanyl crisis, including through targeted reforms to Proposition 47.

The proposed ballot measure would implement new penalties for repeat offenders, crack down on serial shoplifters, enhance felony prosecutions for fentanyl dealers, and increase resources for drug treatment programs.

“With targeted reforms to Prop 47, this ballot measure is a critical step forward in our efforts to strengthen California’s public safety laws and provide law enforcement with additional tools to address the growing concerns of property crime and the fentanyl crisis. This balanced approach cracks down on crime and protects our communities — without reverting to ineffective and costly policies of the past,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“Californians want safer, stronger communities, and we’re delivering exactly that with this commonsense approach,” said Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “These are a methodical set of measures that will crack down on retail theft and hold offenders accountable for hardcore drug crimes, without enacting the draconian policies of the ‘80s and ‘90s that devastated communities of color and cost taxpayers billions of dollars.”

“Here’s what Californians tell us: They don’t want to go back to mass incarceration, and spending billions of dollars to imprison people for years over minor offenses,” said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas (D-Salinas). “Californians know that approach failed. They want tax dollars going to education, jobs, drug rehab and mental health programs. And they want smart public-safety laws on the books, enforced consistently with clear consequences. Our proposition and legislative package delivers on their priorities. It will stop fentanyl traffickers and hold those who steal from local businesses responsible for their bad actions. It will deliver real results that we can afford. We listened to Californians and are giving them a better choice.”

“Retailers have faced significant challenges with property crime in recent years across the nation,” said Rachel Michelin, President of the California Retailers Association. “Coupled with a robust retail theft legislative package, this proposed ballot measure is a smart solution that will protect our stores, employees, and customers. By establishing targeted penalties and aggregating theft amounts, this balanced approach holds criminals accountable and deters organized crime and serial shoplifters in California — without resorting to outdated and ineffective policies of the past.”

What this measure does

Takes down serial shoplifters: Establishes penalties for repeat offenders who are convicted three times for petty theft or shoplifting within three years. Under this measure, an offender with three theft-related convictions over a three-year period, could face up to three years in jail.

Aggregates theft amounts: Empowers law enforcement to combine the value of multiple thefts — even from different victims — to charge a felony.

Cracks down on fentanyl lacers: Introduces stiffer penalties for knowingly selling or providing drugs mixed with fentanyl without informing the buyer.

Holds fentanyl dealers accountable: Establishes a statewide fentanyl admonishment requirement, making it easier for prosecutors to ensure drug dealers who repeatedly sell deadly amounts of fentanyl can be charged with murder if a death occurs.

Increases resources for drug treatment: Expands mental health and drug addiction treatment programs in communities, improving public safety.

Targeted reforms to Prop 47

Under the proposed measure, the coalition seeks to implement targeted reforms to Prop 47 to allow for increased felony prosecutions, crack down on serial offenders, and hold fentanyl dealers accountable.

Passed by voters in 2014, Prop 47 classified certain crimes as misdemeanors, changed resentencing laws, and created the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Fund to support rehabilitation programs and fund drug and mental health treatment.

Since implementation, Prop 47 has saved taxpayers over $816 million through reduced incarceration costs.

Prop 47 was previously reformed once before in 2016 — by Prop 63, which was led by then Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom.

California law is already among the toughest in the nation

California law has existing robust tools for law enforcement and prosecutors to arrest and charge suspects involved in organized retail crime, including up to three years of jail time for organized retail theft.

The state has the 10th toughest threshold nationally for prosecutors to charge suspects with a felony, $950.

Forty other states — including Texas ($2,500), Alabama ($1,500), and Mississippi ($1,000) — require higher dollar amounts for suspects to be charged with a felony.

California’s efforts to tackle property crime

Since Gov. Newsom took office in 2019, California has invested $1.1 billion to fight crime, hire more police and improve public safety.

As part of the Real Public Safety Plan, last year the state announced the largest-ever investment to combat organized retail crime in California history, an annual 310% increase in proactive operations targeting organized retail crime, and special operations across the state to fight crime and improve public safety.

Complementing this proposed ballot measure, the Legislature is poised to pass a comprehensive and bipartisan package of legislation to further crack down on property crime.

This package of bills responds to the Governor’s proposed legislative framework from January that calls for the creation of new laws and expanding criminal penalties to further crack down on professional thieves — those who profit from stealing goods for resale.

The legislation will bolster law enforcement’s ability to arrest suspects, create a new crime addressing organized auto burglary committed to resell stolen property, and eliminate the sunset provision for the organized retail crime statute.

For more information about the proposed ballot measure, click here.