LAKEPORT >> Seasoned by last year’s Valley Fire disaster, the Lake County Board of Supervisors appeared confident while passing measures and giving updates on the Clayton Fire recovery at its regular meeting Tuesday.
“Even though there are different challenges here, we’re able to adapt to them pretty quick,” Rob Brown said. The District 5 supervisor is co-leading the recovery effort with County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson.
Wasting little time on the matter, the board unanimously passed two resolutions that approved those with destroyed homes to safely set up temporary dwellings on their lots for up to three years while simultaneously waiving the $75 fee for the related zoning permit.
The update, which was led by Brown, was also brief, and with an air of assurance.
He reported that he has initiated discussions with non-profits about helping displaced survivors. He told them that they would “play the role of FEMA,” since it is unlikely the federal government will provide assistance.
“We’re focusing our attention now on people who lost homes,” he said. “There’s a surprising amount of people that have insurance so I am happy about that.”
According to the District 5 Supervisor, Greg Bennett of Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa has opened 25 units for survivors while he also plans to work with the Lake Area Rotary Club Association (LARCA) today, giving 54 children “who lost everything” in the Lower Lake blaze a shopping spree at Wal-Mart for clothes and school supplies.
LARCA has approved $10,000 for the event, he added. Brown said Tuesday on his Facebook page he is attempting to raise a similar amount.
Good news also came in regards to the cleanup effort — particularly those with insurance — the supervisor and Environmental Health Director Ray Ruminski gave the green light for them to start removing debris from their lots.
“They can start cleanup right now,” Brown said, adding that local contractors who assisted with the Valley Fire debris removal are still licensed. “There’s a lot of things we can take advantage of.”
However, Ruminski reminded those who plan to do the job independently to get an inspection by a certified asbestos consultant.
“We have homes side by side that will be occupied with individuals and right across the road is a dust hazard,” he said.
As for survivors without insurance, Brown suggested that they wait for the state to provide help.
Lake County Rising is also working on providing rental assistance, according to him.
