LAKEPORT — The Board of Supervisors voted to pass a resolution establishing a local emergency due to tree mortality Lake County at Tuesday’s meeting. They also heard a presentation from the Watershed Protection District requesting money, in addition to hearing from Code Enforcement regarding another abated property.
Several of the previous meetings have seen presentations regarding the immediate threat faced by the county over tree mortality and a need to proclaim a local emergency to help secure funds and eradicate masses of dead and dying trees. Many community members attended and spoke in support of this, pleading for help and claiming that there are potentially 10,000 lives at risk in the Kelseyville Riviera area during the peak of fire season. Ultimately the board signaled its support for the declaration with District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska stating, “You declare the local emergency for yourself, for us to identify this as an emergency and a path that we’re going to be moving forward on.” The board passed the declaration for a local emergency.
The board also heard a presentation from Angela De Palma Dow from the Watershed Protection District requesting $500,000 in matching funds as part of a Blue Ribbon Committee Storm Water Project Grant. The department provided its plan, which includes hiring experts to help assess structurally damaged areas and replacing outdated infrastructure. It is seeking the board’s commitment to the grant and a $50,000 advance for the beginning of projects as grant funds continue to come in. The board was in agreement with District 2 Supervisor Sabatier, who stated, “I’m glad that the Blue Ribbon Committee is joining forces with the Clean Water Act to be able to move this forward as well, but I’m very interested in the financial portion of it and hearing from the admin office as far as where does that fit into the cannabis taxes and other general funds that are being utilized.” The request was approved with $50,000 awarded now and the remainder to be paid during the next several years.
Marcus Beltramo and Joey Valdez with Code Enforcement also discussed another abatement effort for the property located at 2853 Merced St. in Nice. The property was in tax default with over $26,000 owed to the county. The total cost of abatement was more than $2,000 and Code Enforcement suggested the board move forward and record a notice of lien against the property owner. Pyska said she appreciated the efforts and added, “Thank you for doing the cleanup, it’s really important work that you’re doing.”
Lake County Animal Control presented their pets of the week, which were six shepherd puppies who were previously stray and are ready for new homes. The Department of Animal Control currently has four litters totaling 20 puppies and is asking the public to explore the idea of adoption and to “come meet your next best friend.” More Information as well as applications can be found on its website https://www.lakecountyca.gov/ and on its Facebook page.
Video recordings of the Board of Supervisors meetings are available online on the County Facebook page or the County You Tube channel. Minutes and agendas as well as additional information can be found on the County website at https://www.lakecountyca.gov/
