LAKEPORT— The Lakeport Board of Supervisors held their weekly meeting at the Lakeport County Courthouse and online via Zoom after a week’s absence due to Memorial Day. The board heard a presentation from Sheriff Brian Martin regarding the usage of military equipment as well as a presentation from the Lake County Museum curator. The board also proclaimed the Month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and heard from Community Development Director Mary Darby on further development and formation of the Cannabis Committee.
June was officially proclaimed LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Lake County in a heartfelt moment during a speech made by Harold Riley where he shared, “That rainbow flag flying above the courthouse is a hallmark for all of humanity, for the oppressed, it has a special meaning, it’s a kind of triumph.” Kelseyville resident Joey Luiz also stated “That’s why the rainbow flag is so important not just to our community but to everyone because it’s about pride, it’s about love, it’s about acceptance and justice!”
Martin and Lt. Luke Bingham presented on their inventory of military equipment and adoption of a Military Equipment Policy. Included in the discussion was their intention of purchasing drones as part of a small unmanned aerial systems program. District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell asked “The SUAS I know your probably looking to get one of those, would that be available for cannabis situations as well?” to which Martin responded, “It will be available for a variety of things” further detailing its possible use in code enforcement and search and rescue missions.
The pair also detailed their current equipment which is comprised of sting balls, projectiles, flash bangs, and non-lethal firearms and said they keep expired items for training purposes. Martin said these items are mainly stored for use in a riot situation at the Correctional Facility, but the public wondered why such equipment is actually necessary, and how well trained the officers using such equipment will be. District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon noted, “during civil rights fights water cannons and other things were used in manners that I’d rather not us carry on here in Lake County.” Martin responded that they understand and have no intention of purchasing water cannons. Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen expressed his support stating “If we were to have a tactical situation in the city we don’t have a SWAT Team or Crisis Response Team so we would rely on a mutual aid request to the Sheriff to come and assist with that and for him to be able to use that equipment and effectively help us this would have to be approved.” The board will revisit the matter in a few months.
In other business, Mary Darby proposed her list of potential positions and deadlines for the formation of a Cannabis Task Force to the board after careful consideration of public input from their community review event on May 25. Her proposal included nine positions with an application deadline of June 16, bringing it back to the Board to appoint individual positions. Each Supervisor had slightly differing opinions with Supervisor Crandell suggesting a position be filled by a member of the Department of Cannabis Control, while District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska thought more members of the cannabis industry were necessary. District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier said he would like to see a representative of the agricultural industry on the task force.
After hearing public input and with Darby’s guidance, the board approved seven positions on the task force consisting of a member from Tribal Government, one from the Lake County Cannabis Association, two members of the community, a member of the Farm Bureau, an agricultural commissioner and a member of the cannabis community with a deadline for applications set for June 15. The board will be revisiting this matter at the June 21 meeting.
The Board also heard an update from the Lake County Museum Curators Lars Ewing and Clark McAbee regarding recent funding, upgrades, and upcoming events at the three historical museums located in Lake County. Upgrades included security cameras, new exhibits, and audio equipment for upcoming events like campfire stories, family fun days in Lakeport and Thrilling Thursdays in Lower Lake. Admission to the museums and their events is free. Supervisor Pyska added, “On a hot day in the afternoon it’s a nice cool place to pop in with your kids.”
Minutes, agendas and video for the Board of Supervisors meetings can be found on the County website at lake county.ca.gov and their Facebook Page.
