LAKEPORT
LAKEPORT SHELTER REPORTS COVID-19 OUTBREAK
On Wednesday July 12 the newly positioned Director of the Sunrise Special Services Emergency Warming Shelter in Lakeport Christopher John Bloodworth was arrested by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department on charges related to inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. He was released the same day. The arrest came shortly after the shelter confirmed a COVID-19 outbreak at the shelter facility.
“First and foremost, we want to emphasize that this is a private matter involving personal relationships, and it is important to respect the privacy of all individuals involved. The incident occurred outside the workplace and does not reflect the values and principles we uphold as an organization,” said Rayan Aava, Chief Executive Officer of Sunrise Special Services Foundation via a recent press release. The foundation is contracted by the county to run the shelter.
“We firmly believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, both within and outside of the workplace.” Aava noted that the primary focus was the safety and well-being of everyone involved noting that “Both parties have voluntarily sought counseling services and have actively engaged in anger management classes, and parenting classes.”
Aava added that charges related to the arrest have been dropped. “While we recognize the legal process and its outcomes, it is crucial to understand that the organization’s focus is on providing support and guidance to our employees during difficult times,” he noted. Bloodworth was unavailable for comment. The release was unclear as to the status of Bloodworth’s employment.
In a separate email on July 13, Aava also shared information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak noting the “Shelter has been in quarantine since Thursday July 6.” The shelter is currently operating 24/7 to accommodate the quarantine and while some individuals who didn’t test positive asked to stay and quarantine with the rest, which was approved. Staff and guests are wearing masks, washing their hands every 30 minutes with soap and warm water (for 20 seconds minimum,) and practicing social distancing and the shelter has a minimum of a twice per day sanitization policy in place. Aava also mentioned in the email, “We are asking the public for food and water donation please,” as the shelter is currently providing more daily meals due to the quarantine. At press time, Aava also included the following data regarding case numbers from last week:
Thursday July 6, 18 positive out of 31
Saturday July 8, 13 positive out of 18
Thursday July 13, only five positive out of 18.
—Nikki Carboni
CLEARLAKE
Golden State Water Company acquires Crescent Bay Water System
Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) announced on Friday that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the company’s request to acquire Crescent Bay Improvement Company (aka Crescent Bay Water System or Crescent Bay). The aging water system will be consolidated into the company’s Clearlake customer service area.
“Golden State Water is committed to using its resources and technical experience to rebuild Crescent Bay’s failed water system,” said Paul Schubert, General Manager of Golden State Water Company’s Northern District. “By investing in the treatment and delivery of water, there will come the day when our new customers will no longer have to think twice about their water quality.”
The Crescent Bay Improvement Company (Crescent Bay) was formed in the 1930s and serves approximately 24 residential service connections. The current source of water is surface water from Clear Lake. The water system has been unable to meet federal and state water quality standards due to the inability to finance infrastructure improvements critical to the treatment and delivery of water.
“Our water system is simply broken, and the state says our tap water is unsafe to drink,” said Mary Benson, a resident of Crescent Bay. “Our community is thrilled that Golden State Water is committed to replacing an aging water system that cannot provide safe drinking water or fire hydrants critical to protecting our homes.”
As part of the acquisition, Golden State Water will replace the water system’s infrastructure, tanks, and treatment plant and install fire hydrants that currently do not exist. The acquisition helps the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the CPUC achieve their policy goals of upgrading small water systems throughout the state so that all Californians have access to reliable, quality water regardless of their ZIP code. Golden State Water is seeking grant funding from the State Water Resources Control Board to pay for the rehabilitation of the water system. Crescent Bay customers will receive free bottled water from the company until the water system meets federal and state water standards. All Clearlake Customer Service Area customers have access to the company’s customer assistance program that provides monthly credit for low-income customers.
—Submitted
