LUCRNE >> Kicking off this month, COPTERS, Community Oriented Police Targeted Restoration project aims to get local residents to collaborate with law enforcement to improve quality of life issues.
District 3 Supervisor E.J. Crandell explained the program addresses homelessness and associated law breaking by providing support services to those in need. It weaves together local organizations with government agencies to offer emergency shelter, mental health and substance abuse treatment. A key point is the repurposing of the former Juvenile Hall, now Xamintin Haven, 1111 Whalen Way, managed by Redwood Community Services, will accommodate 35 with essential services. COPTER also engages the input of two Code Enforcement officers and two county Deputies. “The goal is to focus on challenges in Lucerne but branch out into Upper Lake, Lower Lake or Kelseyville if needed,” he said.
Crandell also pointed out the new ordinance on tobacco has nothing to do with tax or banning it but restricting some of its use in and around county buildings and parks. Regarding roads, Crandell added, “I notified Austin (Pratt, vice chair, CeRTH) we went on a ride along with one of the road workers regarding conditions of vegetative and other debris in a discussion about road conditions,” he assured. “It’s a good follow up to show Glen (March) the new public Works Director,” he said. “Glen is putting together a capital improvement plan, of what would go on that list.”
Pratt reminded the audience at the Alpine Senior Center the Shoreline Local Area Plan priorities survey is online with a list of 40 questions and space for essay style responses of what particulars, residents prefer. Residents can access the survey at surveymonkey.com. “We urge everybody to participate before the September 13 deadline, Pratt said. “It regards town planning through 2050 and the mechanism which LAPAC will gather information from residents to help integrate Local Area Plans into the General Plan.”
Crandell also reminded the audience of plans to begin Lucerne Harbor project, scheduled to start September 24. The program aims to dredge 2,500 cubit yards of sediment over three years.
Thirty-five-year resident Charles Behne reminded everybody the Alpine Senior Center’s Thrift Store shall be open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with donations accepted before 2 p.m. They are now seeking winter clothing and a full sack of clothing items can be purchased for $6. The Senior Center itself will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Lunch will be served from 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A suggested donation of $5 for seniors, 60 years and older is requested.
Senior Center activities will continue this fall. A crafts class will be provided the third Thursday of each month with all materials provided by the library. Guitar lessons every Thursday are from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Tai Chi classes is every Friday 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. meanwhile, AA meets 6p.m. to 7 p.m. There will also be Senior Driver refresher classes on October 16 at noon, conducted by the CHP. One benefit will be those completing the course get a certificate from CHP and may be eligible for discounts on their auto insurance. “My wife and me got a $70 deduction,” said Behne. “I’ll have a sign-up sheet by the next CeRTH meeting” he said.
There will also be a fund-raising benefit for the Center. A community breakfast will take place Saturday September 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alpine Senior Center, 3985, Country Club Drive, Lucerne. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10. In addition, the Center is planned to serve as a cooling center whenever temperatures hit 100 degrees or more for two days in a row. Also, in winter it will be a warming center when temperatures fall to 32 degrees or below for two days in a row up until 5 p.m.
