Lake County Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum

Recommendations 7

• R1
  That DPW explore funding additional inspectors, at the expense of PG&E. F4, F5
• R2
  That DPW contract with a licensed engineering firm to perform inspections of PG&E, and their subcontractors, during heavy inspection times. F4, F5
• R3
  That DPW enforce the CATTCH guidelines, per their encroachment permits. F1
• R4
  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 SUMMARY The Grand Jury received a complaint about a lack of response from the Lake County Board of Supervisors, concerning tax dollars expended on the Quagga Mussel Program. The complaint was received by the Grand Jury on November 20, 2023. METHODOLOGY Requesting financial statements from the County of Lake Department of Water Resources. Visual observations of highway signs and boat launching facilities. Internet resources are provided by official Lake County web pages. BACKGROUND Lake County Quagga and Zebra Mussel Prevention Plan Purpose: To guide the implementation and maintenance of the Lake County Quagga and Zebra (“Q/Z mussels”) Invasive Mussel Program. The purpose of this program is to prevent the introduction and establishment of invasive mussels in Lake County waterbodies, including Clear Lake, Indian Valley Reservoir, Blue Lakes, Hidden Valley Lake, Highland Springs Reservoir, and Lake Pillsbury (“Lake County waterbodies”). These waterbodies are located within Lake County and are wholly or partially managed by the Lake County Watershed Protection District and their affiliated partners. DISCUSSION Authorization of Responsibility The County of Lake accepted responsibility for the protection of Clear Lake’s basin from the State Lands Commission in 1973; This transfer of responsibility resulted in lakebed management and shoreline protection ordinances in Lake County’s Municipal Code. In 2009 Lake County’s Water Resources Department, (Water Resources) separated from the Department of Public Works, and responsibility for District management was transferred to Water Resources. California delegates the responsibility for preventing and managing dreissenid (aka quagga and zebra mussels) mussel infestations to local water body managers (Fish and Game Code, and Title 14 of California Code of Regulations). Local codes and ordinances are therefore critically important in establishing local authorities to create prevention groups. Due to the large numbers of private boat launching facilities around all areas of Clear Lake and surrounding lakes, self-enforcement of preventing the spread of invasive mussel, and other aquatic plants is dependent on responsible boaters following the guidelines. At the request of the Civil Grand Jury, The Department of Water Resources provided financial information regarding the Quagga Mussel Program, which is set forth in Exhibits A, B and C. Photographs contained in Exhibit D shows the result of lake infestation of the quagga and zebra mussels and were obtained from the website for California Department of Water Resources. 58
• R5
  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
  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. Preferences are given to families currently living in non-subsidized housing, those who live/work in Lake County, and households with seniors or disabled individuals. 6. Once placed on the waiting list, applicants must promptly notify the housing authority of any changes in their application information. Obtaining a Voucher Once an eligible family reaches the top of the waiting list, the housing authority issues 27 them a housing choice voucher (HCV). The family then needs to find a suitable rental unit in the private market that meets the program's housing quality standards. Rental Assistance The housing authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord on behalf of the HCVP participant. The amount of assistance is based on factors such as family income, family size, income deductions, and the contract rent for the unit. Generally, the HCVP participant is required to pay approximately 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent and utilities. In summary, the HCVP in Lake County is intended to provide critical rental assistance to low-income families and individuals, with eligibility determined by total annual gross income and family size. The application process involves a pre-application, lottery selection, and preferences for certain household types. GENERAL RELIEF PROGRAM The General Relief Program provides necessary assistance to eligible persons who are without resources to meet their minimum basic needs for food, sanitation services, clothing and medical care. The Behavioral Health Department has several mobile units that travel around the county to those living in tents, cars, doorways or other makeshift shelters to provide meals, showers, clothing and medical services where needed. The annual budget for Lake County is approximately $50,000. CalWORKS Eligible families receive cash payments on a monthly basis to help pay for housing, food, utilities and other necessary expenses. Additional payments can be made if there are special circumstances, such as pregnancy or homelessness. The annual budget for Lake County CalWORKS is approximately $5 million. CalFRESH CalFRESH is the California implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, which provides financial assistance for purchasing food to low-income California residents. OTHER PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTY: In addition, the county’s Community Development Department (CDD) is designing a program, in compliance with Accessory Dwelling Units; Preapproved Plans, Assembly Bill 1332, that went into effect January 1, 2024, to foster development of accessory dwelling units with the intent of adding housing stock and reducing overcrowding. Leaders of the CDD are expected to execute this program by the third quarter of 2024. North Coast Opportunities North Coast Opportunities (NCO), a private non-profit organization, operates the New Digs Program in Lakeport. This program helps community members that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to secure permanent housing. New Digs works to end homelessness as soon as possible, through interim or permanent housing, offering tiered financial assistance for a minimum of 6 months. Once a client is placed in housing, New Digs Housing Case Managers work to address any barriers that contributed to prior homelessness, whether that is job skill development or mental health support. NCO also operates a Disaster Case Management Program that supports the needs of survivors from the wildfires of 2015-2018. Redwood Community Services NEST program Redwood Community Services offers the Nurturing Education and Skills Training program (NEST), which provides transitional housing for young (age 18-25) pregnant or parenting families and their children for 15 months. It also offers the Healthy Opportunities for Mothering Experiences Sober Living Environment (HOME), which provides long-term residential support for homeless families. Lake Family Resource Center Lake Family Resource Center provides housing support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and/or stalking. They offer up to 90 days of transitional housing in their 17-bed facility and up to one year of rent payments in market housing. The Lake County Resource Center’s annual budget is $4.5 million, of which approximately $200,000 per year is provided by Lake County. Restoration House Adventist Health operates a 10-bed transitional housing facility for individuals with complex medical needs. Miracle Messages Program Miracle Messages provides reunion services for individuals experiencing 29 homelessness. After a homeless individual records a message to a loved one (or vice versa), they attempt to locate the loved one to deliver the message. Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California The Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California prepared an Environmental Assessment in August 2023 describing their plan to develop low-income housing on 62.87 acres near the Twin Pines Casino. The project foresees development of up to 45 homes, 5 cabins, and a 21-space RV park. Hospitals Hospitals offer charity care programs which provide free or low-cost medical treatment at hospitals for people who can’t pay. This includes all emergency room care. For patients who are admitted, it also includes inpatient care. The American Hospital Association reports that for 2020, the most recent year available, more than $8 million per hospital of uncompensated care was provided. Others The Sheriff’s Office, police departments, fire departments, ambulance services, District Attorney’s Office, Public Defenders Office, all spend significant portions of their annual budgets dealing with homeless individuals. These individuals are at a higher risk of needing health and legal interventions and therefore often have recurring needs. Homeless Management Information System Federal regulations (24 CFR 578) require the Continuum of Care to: “In consultation with recipients of Emergency Solutions Grants program funds within the geographic area, establish and operate either a centralized or coordinated assessment system that provides an initial, comprehensive assessment of the needs of individuals and families for housing and services. The Continuum must develop a specific policy to guide the operation of the centralized or coordinated assessment system on how its system will address the needs of individuals and families who are fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, but who are seeking shelter or services from nonvictim service providers. This system must comply with any requirements established by HUD by Notice.” The Continuum of Care has established a Homeless Management Information System 30 (HMIS) to be responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating the implementation of HMIS for Lake County. The HMIS is intended to provide data needed by policymakers to better understand the complex factors contributing to homelessness and develop more targeted solutions. The HMIS is expected to collect the following types of data: • Demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, family composition) • Housing history (length of time homeless, previous housing, history of homelessness) • Health (physical and mental health conditions, substance abuse issues) • Income and employment (source and stability of income, employment status and history, education level) • Access to services (utilization of shelters/food assistance, access to healthcare) • Geographic information – location of homelessness, concentration of homelessness • Causes of homelessness – job loss, eviction, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse • Risk factors – history of trauma or abuse, involvement in criminal justice system • Service needs – housing preferences, supportive services needed, barriers to access • Outcomes – housing stability, employment status, health improvements • Qualitative data – personal narratives, feedback from stakeholders FINDINGS
• R7
  That the school districts provide after-school programs that build skills and enhance growth. (F-7) RESPONSE: KVUSD: KVUSD partners with Edventure More (EDMO) to offer programming until 6:00p.m. on all regularly scheduled days to students in Grades K-6. Additionally, the KVUSD after school program is also offered during the summer break on both elementary school campuses. All students at KVUSD are welcome to participate in our after-school programs. Edventure More’s mission is providing equitable access to out-of-school programs that combine STEAM curriculum with social emotional learning to help every kid cultivate a sense of self, own their impact and show up in the world with curiosity, courage and kindness. FLOODING IN UPPER LAKE AND THE HITCH FINDINGS