Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lake County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in environment
Quagga Mussel Prevention Program fees
The Watershed Protection District board was set to hear a pitch for raising sticker fees and adding a Special Event Lake Access permit to fund mussel prevention on Clear Lake. A dedicated funding source was also on the table.
Clover Creek sediment removal and Upper Lake levee safety
A $123,750 contract will clear sediment and vegetation from the Clover Creek diversion channel before winter storms. A resident warned that the levees' original soils engineering is deficient and the town could flood within 15 minutes to two hours of a levee failure, urging monitoring during high water.
County Energy Policy Direction
A commenter urged the county to adopt an energy policy and moratorium on data centers, citing 161 years of contamination from the Sulphur Bank mine and a Press Democrat article on energy development interest in the county.
Eastlake Sanitary Landfill Expansion
The county bought real property next to the Eastlake Landfill in Clearlake, a step in the landfill's planned Phase Two and Three expansion. The expansion supports long-term local waste disposal capacity.
Data center and geothermal energy development
Several speakers demanded a moratorium on data centers, pointing to a geothermal hydrogen project and pre-applications from EGX. Supervisor Crandell explained the Energy Ad Hoc Committee is holding off on a moratorium until a real permit application arrives, to avoid a gap when a two-year moratorium expires.
Lake Pillsbury / FERC relicensing
The Board signed onto a coalition letter urging federal protection of Lake Pillsbury (4-1) and sent its own letter with all five supervisors' signatures (5-0), leveraging relationships with federal officials.
Clear Lake Watershed Co-Management with Koi Nation
The county and the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians will jointly manage the Clear Lake watershed under a memorandum of understanding. It's a milestone in shared stewardship of the lake that the whole county depends on.
Clear Lake Watershed Co-Management Agreement
Sitting as the Watershed Protection District, the board approved two fish and wildlife management contracts totaling $1.148 million.
Hidden Valley Lake flood mitigation grant
The county will team up with the Hidden Valley Lake CSD to apply for FEMA flood mitigation money.
Wildfire resilience strategy adopted
The county formally adopted the state's wildfire and outdoor recreation strategy as a guiding document — it shapes funding pitches and policy on fuels reduction, recreation and public safety.
Glassy-winged sharpshooter response
Infested plants from a Fresno nursery were shipped to Costco stores statewide. County ag staff have visited 15 local properties, collected and destroyed plants, and set traps; Lake County has no known infestation.
Clear Lake rehabilitation committee appointment
Serena Onate joins the Blue-Ribbon Committee working on the long-term rehabilitation of Clear Lake.
Clear Lake Hitch hydrology study
Scientists presented findings on the threatened Clear Lake hitch fish, whose emergency proclamation the Board again continued. The study informs how water management can help the species recover.
TERA EcoCultural Stewardship Training Center
The board sent a letter of support for the Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance's 'Putting Down Roots' training center, backing Tribal-led land stewardship and workforce training in the county.
Clear Lake phosphorus management contract
The Watershed Protection District awarded a $3.36 million contract to EutroPHIX to manage phosphorus in Clear Lake — the nutrient behind harmful algae blooms. Cleaner water means better recreation, tourism, and health outcomes around the lake.