Lake County Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum

Recommendations 6

• R1

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  That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. F4, F5
• R2

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  That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. F4, F5
• R3

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  That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. F1
• R4

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  That DPW ensure that PG&E make all required emergency service and residential notifications in a timely manner. F2, F3 RESPONSE As per the California Penal Code, Section 933.05(a), (b), (c), the following responses are required: Lake County Department of Public Works (DPW) R1, R2, R3, R4 90 days Steam Dredger 51 EXHIBITS: Exhibit A: SIGNATORY PAGE OF THE CATTCH HANDBOOK 52 Exhibit B: Excerpts from the California Temporary Traffic Control Handbook “Many cities and counties have granted Southern California Edison, as an electric utility, Southern California Gas Company (SoCal Gas), as a gas utility, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company as an electric and gas utility the right to use public streets. These grants, known as the city or county franchises, are granted in accordance with: (1), the Broughton Act, set forth in Section 6001, et seq. of the Public Utilities Code, or (2) the Franchise Act of 1937, set forth in Section 6201, et seq. of the Public Utilities Code. … Illustrative of the franchise rights granted by counties and cities to public utilities, Section 6265 of the Public Utilities Code provides that: … : … g. Early coordination with officials having jurisdiction over the affected cross streets and providing emergency services should occur if significant impacts to roadway operations are anticipated. … : … R. Good public relations should be maintained by applying the following principles: a. The needs of the road user should be 53 assessed such that appropriate advance road notice is given and clearly defined alternative paths are provided. California Temporary Traffic Control Handbook 12 b. The cooperation of the various news media should be sought in publicizing the existence and reasons for TTC zones because news releases can assist by keeping the road user well informed. C. The needs of abutting property owners, residents, and businesses should be assessed and appropriate accommodations made. D. The needs of emergency service providers (law enforcement, fire, and medical) should be assessed and appropriate coordination and accommodations made. [emphasis added] The needs of railroads and transit should be assessed and appropriate coordination and accommodations made. F. The needs of operators of commercial vehicles such as busses and large trucks should be assessed and appropriate coordination and accommodations made. Cliff Face With Apparent Mine Shaft At Base 55 QUAGGA MUSSEL FUNDING 56
• R5

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  That the Clearlake City Council ensure that NBAS comply with the terms of the contract regarding the University of California at Davis, Veterinary School’s recommendations for cleanliness. F-5
• R6

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  That the Clearlake City Council support regular food deliveries through a local food distributor. F-6 RESPONSES According to the Penal Code, Section 933.05 the following responses are required: Clearlake City Council (R-1), (R-2), (R-3), (R-4), (R5), (R-6) 60 days City of Clearlake Police Chief (R-1) 90 days 18 Polk’s Grocery and Odd Fellows Hall Oxen Pulling Logs Upper Buck Ridge Sawmill 19 HOMELESSNESS IN LAKE COUNTY SUMMARY "The number of homeless Californians has increased by 50% in despite the state's spending about $20 billion on the various anti- homelessness programs during the last five years." Dan Walters, CALmatters Commentary, April 12, 2024, (10) The article quoted above demonstrates the failure of the California Legislature's scattergun approach to addressing crises, particularly homelessness. Despite the significant funds allocated to various anti-homelessness programs over the years, State Auditor Grant Parks' recent critical report reveals a lack of coordination and efficacy in these efforts. Despite the creation of the California Inter-agency Council on Homelessness (ICH) in 1971, which aimed to coordinate activities, the new audit suggests persistent issues with tardy reporting, misaligned action plans, and inaccurate data collection. The public's skepticism, reflected in the recent narrow approval of Proposition 1, Homeless Mental Health Spending Bill underscores growing disillusionment with politicians' promises to tackle homelessness effectively. Overall, the article highlights the need for more effective coordination, evaluation, and accountability in addressing California's homelessness crisis. Mr. Walters' article addresses the issue as a state problem in the aggregate which is most prominent and visible in the metropolitan areas of Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles. Lake County is no exception to the general homelessness predicament in which the State of California finds itself. The population of Lake County is approximately 68,000. Unofficial estimates put the number of homeless at approximately 1000 or 1.5 per cent. Temporary group shelters are available for less than 100 of these. There are virtually no Section 8 rental housing assistance vouchers available and approximately only 2 per cent of the homeless population, or around 20 people per year, are able to get Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV's) for families with critical short-term housing needs. The term "under-served" is certainly in-line with where Lake County stands in the overall situation the State of California finds itself in with respect to the homeless. METHODOLOGY Several Lake County career professionals involved and dedicated to serving the homeless community were interviewed. Government websites and news sources were researched. The Lakeport homeless shelter was visited, and informal conversations were held with operating personnel. The county-wide Forum on Homelessness was also attended late last year. DISCUSSION I. INFLUENTIAL FACTORS A. CAUSES: Financial: Economic instability and poverty contribute significantly to homelessness in Lake County. Many individuals and families struggle to afford housing due to low wages, unemployment, or insufficient financial resources. Disaster: Natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods can displace residents and lead to homelessness. These events can destroy homes and disrupt communities, leaving individuals without shelter or resources. Job Loss: The loss of employment is a common trigger for homelessness. Without a steady income, individuals may struggle to afford rent or mortgage payments, leading to eviction or foreclosure. Lack of Low-Income Housing: Lake County faces a critical shortage of affordable housing options, making it difficult for low-income residents to find suitable accommodations. The high cost of housing, relative to income levels, exacerbates the problem of homelessness. Resource Limits: Limited access to social services, support programs, and community resources can hinder individuals' ability to overcome homelessness. Insufficient funding and capacity constraints may restrict the availability of essential services. Local and Regional Economic Limitations: Economic challenges specific to Lake County, such as a lack of diverse industries or limited job opportunities, can contribute to homelessness by restricting residents' ability to find stable employment or affordable housing. Demotivational Factors – Hopelessness: Prolonged experiences of homelessness can 21 lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, making it challenging for individuals to pursue opportunities for housing stability or self-improvement. Substance Abuse/Dependency - Alcohol and Drugs: Substance abuse and addiction issues are prevalent among the homeless population in Lake County. Dependency on alcohol or drugs can exacerbate homelessness by impairing individuals' ability to maintain employment, housing, and social relationships. Mental Health Factors Affect Income Stability: Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, can impact individuals' ability to maintain stable employment and housing. Without access to adequate mental health services and support, individuals may struggle to address underlying issues contributing to homelessness. Lifestyle Habits - Criminal Behavior: Involvement in criminal activities or a history of incarceration can contribute to homelessness by limiting individuals' access to housing, employment opportunities, and social support networks. Substance abuse, mental health issues, and socioeconomic factors may intersect with criminal behavior, further complicating efforts to address homelessness. Disabilities - Mental & Learning: Individuals with mental or learning disabilities may face additional barriers to accessing housing, employment, and support services. Discrimination, stigma, and lack of accommodations can exacerbate their vulnerability to homelessness. Physical Health: Physical disabilities or chronic health conditions can impact individuals' ability to maintain stable housing and employment. Without access to appropriate medical care and support services, individuals with disabilities may face increased risk of homelessness and social isolation. Legal, Statutory, and Enforcement Changes with Unintended Consequences: Changes in laws, regulations, or enforcement practices may inadvertently contribute to homelessness by limiting individuals' access to housing, support services, or legal protections. Unintended consequences of policy decisions can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and perpetuate cycles of homelessness. B. THOSE AFFECTED: “VICTIMS”/ “CLIENTS” PERCEPTIONS & ATTITUDES: Temporary, Just Need Some Help: Some individuals experiencing homelessness may view their situation as temporary and believe they just need temporary assistance or support to regain housing stability. Trapped, Need Help to Change: Others may feel trapped in their circumstances and recognize the need for external assistance or intervention to overcome barriers to housing stability, such as financial insecurity, substance abuse, or mental health issues. Defeated, But Will Take Aid to Survive: Individuals who feel defeated by their experiences of homelessness may be willing to accept aid or support to meet their immediate survival needs, even if they lack hope for long-term improvement. Survivalist: Don't Help Me/Won't Change: Some individuals may adopt a survivalist mindset, rejecting offers of assistance or support and preferring to rely on their own resources or strategies to meet their basic needs. Resistance to external help may stem from distrust, self- reliance, or autonomy concerns. C. ISSUES: Government Legal and Bureaucratic Environment Provides Little Motivation or Encouragement for the Homeless Individual to Attain Self-Improvement Without Outside, Expert Help: The bureaucratic nature of government systems and legal frameworks may create barriers to accessing support services or navigating complex eligibility requirements for housing assistance, employment programs, or social benefits. Individuals experiencing homelessness may require additional support from trained professionals or advocates to effectively engage with government agencies and achieve sustainable outcomes. Section 8 Housing Has a Bad History: It is repugnant to most landlords and is therefore, mostly unavailable. Housing vouchers can only be obtained for 1 to 2% of eligible homeless. Negative perceptions of Section 8 housing programs among landlords, property owners, and community members can limit the availability of affordable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, bureaucratic challenges and limited funding may restrict access to housing vouchers, leaving many eligible individuals without timely support or resources to secure stable housing. Legal, Statutory, and Enforcement Environment Contributes and Exacerbates Conditions for Homelessness: Existing legal frameworks, statutes, and enforcement practices may inadvertently perpetuate homelessness by criminalizing behaviors associated with poverty, addiction, or mental illness, rather than addressing underlying systemic issues or providing support services and resources to individuals in need. The criminalization of homelessness, 23 restrictive zoning laws, and lack of affordable housing policies may exacerbate vulnerabilities and barriers to housing stability for marginalized populations. II. SERVICES BEING PROVIDED TO THE HOMELESS POPULATION Lake County has three Departments which provide a variety of services to the homeless community: Behavioral Health, the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Veterans Services. The discussion that follows lists and details some of the major services provided by these departments. Though comprehensive, it is not all-inclusive, but intends to show how the county services can partner with HUD’s Continuum of Care (COC) as they strive to achieve COC’s Mission to “End Homelessness.” Every year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) compiles a Point in Time (PIT) report, publishing data regarding population, factors that contributed to lack of housing, and the amount of time spent unhoused. The PIT count is used by HUD to determine the level of funding to be used for Lake County’s Behavioral Health and Social Services Departments in support of homeless care and service needs. In 2022-2023, Lake County, California allocated funding for homeless services and relief through various sources. Lake County Behavioral Health Services received $3,039,323.00 for the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) from the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission. [2] Additionally, Lake County Behavioral Health Services received funding for housing and homelessness programs within the Department of Housing and Community Development in the 2022-23 California spending plan, which authorized $7.2 billion over three years to 20 major housing and homelessness programs in various counties. [1] At the present time, it is unknown what portion is made available to Lake County. Homeless Shelters: Xamatin Haven Xamatin Haven, located at 1111 Whalen Way in Lakeport, provides up to 35 guests with stable shelter, breakfast, dinner, showers, laundry support, and most importantly, navigational housing services with the goal of finding permanent, affordable housing. Xamatin Haven is operated by Redwood Community Services, a non-profit organization under contract with Behavioral Health for the COC, which authorizes the funding from HUD. The three-year contract amounts to $2,417,489.00 which covers shelter service only. The Lakeport facility is not ideal for the restorative and recovery services they provide because of the location away from city center, and it is still configured as a correctional facility, from which it was adapted. Staff are trained to handle mental health disorders and substance abuse problems. Hope Center Hope Center, located at 3400 Emerson St., in Clearlake, provides housing and supportive services to 20 persons experiencing homelessness. It is an interim housing facility as well as a Housing Navigation Hub which provides additional navigation services and resources for those not sheltered at Hope Center. The program’s goal is to provide safe housing and services that would remove barriers to housing, employment, and economic self-sufficiency, and allow for the development of skills needed to transition to permanent housing, thus reducing homelessness in the county. Hope Center is operated by Hope Rising Lake County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community benefit organization composed of health systems and services, county leaders, non-profits and other relevant organizations that serve Lake County. Examples of services available to participants include (but are not limited to): • Housing case management • Medical services and health screenings • Mental health and substance use disorder treatment • 12-step meetings • Health and nutrition education • Benefit enrollment • Legal assistance • Transportation. Lake County Housing Programs The County provides various housing services (not restricted to housing the homeless) with funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (CDHCD), and HUD. The primary functions of these services are described below: Section 8 The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), commonly known as Section 8, is a rental assistance program for low-income households. It is funded by HUD. The purpose of this program is to meet three primary goals: • Provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for very low-income households while maintaining their rent payments at an affordable level. • Promote freedom of housing choice and spatial de-concentration of low-income households of all races and ethnic backgrounds • Provide an incentive to private property owners to rent to low-income households by offering timely rental payments The program also supports the local rental market by encouraging unit maintenance by property owners, responsible tenancy by program participants, and self-sufficiency among participating families. The Lake County Department of Social Services administers the Section 8 program. The annual budget is approximately $270,000. The HCVP waiting list is currently closed and not accepting applications at this time. Two Hundred Twenty-Four (224) housing vouchers, plus 15 Veterans Affairs Housing Support vouchers are available from HUD for those who qualify. These vouchers are available to low-income families to pay for housing. One hundred eighty-nine (189) of the vouchers have been issued by Lake County to eligible families. There is no shortage of eligible families wanting housing assistance, but voucher holders are unable to find eligible housing within allowable HUD-established payment standards. This is due, in part, to the loss of 5.5% of our housing supply due to wildfires since 2015. There are currently zero subsidized housing units available in the county. Local apartment unit complexes report wait-lists of approximately 4 years for subsidized units. Although there are vouchers available for use and a list of qualified potential voucher recipients, there is no housing available, resulting in vouchers going unused. Emergency Housing Voucher Program The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program is available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Through EHV, HUD is providing housing choice vouchers to local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in order to assist individuals and families who are: • Homeless • At risk of homelessness • Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking • Were recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instability Less than 2% of homeless actually received an EHV. Here is a detailed report on the HCVP and its eligibility criteria in Lake County, CA: Application Process: The application process for the HCVP in Lake County involves the following steps: 1. Completion of pre-application during specific open periods. 2. Typically, there are more pre-applications submitted than the limited number of vouchers. A lottery system is then used to randomly select applicants for placement on a waiting list. 3. Applicants are required to list all family members, provide details about income, and select applicable preferences. Completion of a pre-application must be made during specific open periods. 4. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and only one application per family is permitted. 5. P