[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6382282,"mediaKeyId","2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f","parentId",2127340,"title","Board accepts withdrawal of Highland Farms permit and overturns Planning Commission approval","audioSeconds",14623,"startMs",2700000,"endMs",17323000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f&start=2700&end=17323","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f/thumbnail_2700000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6382282/Lake-County/California/Board-accepts-withdrawal-of-Highland-Farms-permit-and-overturns-Planning-Commission-approval","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382282-0d1147729fdadf8626c3e681ea67f522/orig.mp4?Expires=1773183192&Signature=WY0oVzk0Es5Vz0TPQrR9us3UOO~k6DOsfDlQUis9plxqQI39Eco0SWyiQskRgBbPuVYVMuqjG4JFqbyn8WVZAMTd7iZvC8vPWlyPZMqk4J~IpAdVBvBAhE~wEL5A-bCI6x8ptt8Z2BxKGx3DB6tGNi5v9py9ZYeTq6-cD1urKulQ9cNsO--~btt1dBZHuF-4-Prlfg4uTuSTSl-yNpXY32D99ooWuIK5SlFfkaalrexpsY5pO5TcdQxRLCeVpZFI7PK1Kz8frXm~QtGTcdGmQ-Ns-yJlVVxZ5vxleRo1w2WR9newnkYXMRCOEFe89oLJTKB3ucrUI93YFo6sh7h7Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lake County CA","date","2025-01-17T04:50:29Z","article","The Board of Supervisors accepted a last-minute written withdrawal of a major use permit application for the Highland Farms project (UP 20-96) and, after hearing appellants and members of the public, voted to overturn the Planning Commission's earlier approval.

Background: The Highland Farms application had previously been approved by the Planning Commission and was the subject of an appeal to the Board. Late on Jan. 13 the applicant submitted a written request to withdraw the major use permit. The Board followed county procedure by considering whether the appellants would also withdraw their appeal or whether the Board should act on the appeal despite the withdrawal of the underlying application.

Appellants Tom Lasik and Margo Cambara told the board they wanted the appeal heard on the merits and requested that the Planning Commission's decision be overturned; they argued the environmental review (a mitigated negative declaration) was deficient and that the project threatened the Highland Springs Recreation Area and cultural resources. Appellants also said they had invested months and legal fees in the appeal.

After deliberation the Board accepted the applicant's withdrawal of the permit and, citing procedural options presented by County Counsel and staff, moved to overturn the Planning Commission's approval of the use permit so the record would reflect a nullified approval in light of the withdrawal. The motion to overturn the Planning Commission's decision passed; staff were directed to prepare findings of fact reflecting that action.

Why it matters: The decision resolves this appeal without the Board taking new environmental findings on the project's merits. The Board's overturning of the Planning Commission approval in light of the withdrawal removes the current approval from the county record and means any future application for a similar project would be processed as a new application (and would carry the county's standard environmental review obligations). Appellants said they would prefer the Board to rule on substantive concerns, but the Board chose the procedural route.

What to watch: If the applicant re-files or a similar project is submitted, the Board indicated that the new filing will be treated as a new permit application subject to CEQA and the county's current rules. The appellants and community groups may pursue further administrative or legal avenues if they disagree with the Board's procedural approach.

Provenance: Board discussion and public comment on Jan. 14, 2025.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Supervisors Tuesday Mtg. 01-14-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Supervisors accepted the applicant's withdrawal of a major use permit for the Highland Farms cannabis project and voted to overturn the Planning Commission's prior approval, effectively nullifying the earlier decision.","taxTitle","Lake County, California","taxId",17505,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6382286,"Lake County cannabis task force nears final recommendations as debate over farmland protection zone continues",1021,10965000,11986000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f&start=10965&end=11986","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f/thumbnail_10965000.jpg","/articles/6382286/Lake-County/California/Lake-County-cannabis-task-force-nears-final-recommendations-as-debate-over-farmland-protection-zone-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382286-bc2128d5d1c2b021a8167822d0c31ee9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773183192&Signature=lc7iJHXW4eB~NMLL0ErMglbXkzY6fP-S4jlgodku81ihET8nLiCvjJ6sJJaNNyyAMb1Kopf9GbNzKEVFXzuoyW2PRf4F7fpgiMhtIDhHysDDL~hAvVeyC9nkqvFFgFZt17wXFw3yaYNXCNHHuWrhoAqJ07OHSPpQavHqMhJJQieSUjG43n2Ry~xPIDUC-k7vNh4pQ5QZDNJ3QpQNBNR~N3bxl1hYv3z2B3cKLe0wPX7c7TOyZ6zH6n0qjD-UuX3z0Dz0STdo~I401WFHh9A80Rv~5okZEIORhjysEjRsGaCep4l2tgZmWq1RyBnYlVIyYAjzik81-jaGpuQu9FKEhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake County Cannabis Ordinance Task Force delivered an update to the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 14 outlining remaining topics before the group finishes recommendations to update county cannabis rules, but a sharp public debate over whether to expand the county's Farmland Protection Zone (FPZ) marked the meeting.

Task force staff said progress has been steady on definitions, permitting pathways and inspection schedules but listed a set of topics still under discussion, including: how to treat incomplete or abandoned cannabis applications; records retention and electronic reporting; potential increases to setbacks for odor complaints; limits on third-party contractors and farm labor registrations; whether the county's October 31, 2020 Water Board cutoff should remain in place; limits on application submittals; and how to calculate canopy.

The standing recommendation to require annual inspections for years 1\u0005 and 5 after permit approval, and reduce inspection frequency for permits in good standing thereafter, remains in place. Task force members also recommended clarifying generator and pesticide rules; keeping Clear Lake off-limits to cultivation; and revising rules about greenhouse structures in FPZs. The task force reported ongoing discussion about whether to allow hoop houses in farmland protection areas or keep greenhouse requirements intact.

The most contested item was a task-force recommendation discussed in recent meetings to expand the FPZ to include additional categories of \u001cimportant\u001d agricultural soils (prime, unique and statewide-local importance). Supporters said the expansion would better protect soil and long-term agricultural uses. Opponents, including representatives of the Lake County Cannabis Alliance and landowners, warned the change would make many existing permitted or permitted-in-process cannabis operations nonconforming and could push growers to operate outside the permitting system. Speakers for both sides urged the board to consider economic, environmental and cultural impacts; tribal representatives and several environmental and trails groups also weighed in in favor of stronger protections for the Highlands Springs recreation area and other public lands.

The task force also reported that the Lake County Fire Chiefs collectively resigned their seat on the task force and asked that the fire chiefs' position be removed from the roster because of staffing constraints; the board approved that change later in the meeting. Staff said the department had sufficient record of the chiefs' input and that fire chiefs will be invited to comment on the draft ordinance during the formal public review phase.

Board members and staff agreed the task force has made progress but needs to resolve the FPZ question and other outstanding items. Director of Community Development Maria Turner said staff will continue to consolidate the task force's recommendations and expects to draft ordinance language once remaining topics are resolved. She asked the board for continued patience while staff prepares a legally consistent draft for public hearings.

The public comment period included more than a dozen speakers over the course of the item. A coalition calling itself the Community Action Project (CAP) urged disbanding the current task force and starting over, saying the group had been taken over by \u001can anti-cannabis minority.\u001d Representatives of the Lake County Cannabis Alliance and local cultivators said the FPZ expansion would remove productive agricultural opportunities and impair small farmers' ability to diversify. Other speakers pressed for stronger rules on oak tree protection, pesticides, site-reclamation bonds and enforcement of existing requirements. Several residents described odor and quality-of-life impacts from outdoor grows and urged larger setbacks. Tribal representatives and conservation groups urged protection of cultural and natural resources, especially around Highland Springs.

Next steps: staff said the task force will finish its remaining discussions and forward a consolidated package of recommendations for internal ordinance drafting and public hearings. Because the task force is an advisory group, any final code changes will be subject to Planning Commission review and formal hearing by the Board of Supervisors before becoming law.

Why it matters: The task force's work will guide how Lake County balances a legal cannabis sector, agriculture, public-safety considerations and environmental protections. The FPZ question in particular could reclassify land use across the county and affect dozens of applicants and existing permittees.

What to watch: Watch for a staff-proposed draft ordinance and formal Planning Commission hearings; county staff said it will publish a consolidated recommendations packet once remaining task-force items are resolved.","The county's Cannabis Ordinance Task Force reported progress toward a draft ordinance but left several key policy questions unresolved, including whether to expand the county's Farmland Protection Zone. The board accepted the Fire Chiefs' resignation from the task force; public testimony was extensive and divided.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6382271,"Board approves Paragon Government Relations federal advocacy contract for Lake County",10315,1450000,11765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f&start=1450&end=11765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f/thumbnail_1450000.jpg","/articles/6382271/Lake-County/California/Board-approves-Paragon-Government-Relations-federal-advocacy-contract-for-Lake-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382271-857b3a39cdf453ca5e9d047424a20c29/orig.mp4?Expires=1773183192&Signature=NQTr1LaSIL86Ze-1U21ifcncklKyQVN1ZUe6jWhflcxxHs3-JMudhF3E3kg2HNBoZUZDruSJB5QHbafz-m6AhBF2-EFYmm0Ibw2o9SKqCmwmYiEs4q3FXM3SXHJX-NuCxJyBpjJlbuR~p47S7Z2mFw6TRcx5vtBxtoOSOKcPP9BQWyTD6nNXY~NIKwe934Qthb6dP1zdaVeeUsBAkuDp-AWhtVN9r77ZDtkQAhgNnjm7YEX8z2ULJqY7aNuPqR0z6KbeWwePKkTlgs0FP2IXOdlg1iWLSfcbxRDmaWEmpeWJuE5vYN~QkxH0Jeh-bEUAdC0YQMgrSJBUMTivUmTrXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 14 to approve an agreement with Paragon Government Relations to provide federal legislative and regulatory advocacy services for the County of Lake. The contract was approved in a not-to-exceed amount of $187,660 and allows the county to begin work ahead of its governance workshop on Jan. 28.

Staff summary: Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein told the board that the county ran a competitive Request for Proposals and convened a selection panel including city and county staff; Paragon emerged as the top-ranked firm. The agreement includes a $7,000 monthly retainer and reimbursement for travel and direct expenses when Paragon personnel must travel to California on county business. Paragon currently represents the California State Association of Counties and other California counties, and the firm said it would manage potential conflicts of interest with other clients in coordination with county staff.

Board questions and public comment: Supervisors asked about conflict management since Paragon represents multiple counties; Paragon responded that potential conflicts would be raised promptly and handled through notice and coordination. A public commenter asked that the contract include explicit deliverables and timelines; staff said the board's priorities and policy direction (set during the governance workshop) will determine Paragon's work plan.

Outcome: The board approved the agreement and authorized the chair to sign. No protest was filed during the statutory protest period.

Why it matters: The county will now have dedicated federal advocacy capacity in Washington, D.C., to press for funding and federal policy priorities that affect Lake County projects and programs.

What to watch: County staff said Paragon could begin work in advance of the Jan. 28 governance workshop and will follow the board's direction on priorities.","The Board approved a professional federal lobbying agreement with Paragon Government Relations in a not-to-exceed amount of $187,660, enabling the county to secure federal representation for upcoming priorities and the January 28 governance workshop.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6382276,"Board orders owner to cure conditions or pay costs in Elk Mountain vicious-animal case; hard deadline set",7964,7064000,15028000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f&start=7064&end=15028","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2127340-d12b2189180b20927c4e5d887d48d66f/thumbnail_7064000.jpg","/articles/6382276/Lake-County/California/Board-orders-owner-to-cure-conditions-or-pay-costs-in-Elk-Mountain-vicious-animal-case-hard-deadline-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6382276-c49f80b50a07f9f185711f9cfb5f0508/orig.mp4?Expires=1773183192&Signature=FQj5IapfXxExJOYAOklxEEFi~cPdM0VenwsugQIW6mmVyN8eRyqeak8kEjK8lE2q0NiJP-1sY-jgrXuIiouKAr419gkopop1Py2N6RZmC8Q-d8YT~IwtaVXr-w1tZZJX1lcNeaQspIUt3NY~d6YY0-qnPrB7jWRr-Sm8sMgVJeUSMd5Z4s-BmpyhHpDfe5GNnO4fTZRw9NHgqt7jNUu2dKxud2PURB3ww3CJo8LT85uQ8l32a2cfc9SVh08NGo8i2T3HD9hdHR7ukqqGtRXT3UTRNhtF-CDIwCV-yeyM4gG~PN7qySWzxyjN8fonMIdXREe9D56m04QQSz0WE4Fq3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Supervisors modified an animal control abatement order at its Jan. 14 meeting and directed staff to return the final paperwork: the owner of four impounded dogs must meet containment and licensing conditions and pay the county's impound and veterinary costs before any animals are released. The board set a firm compliance deadline (Jan. 21, 2025) and warned that failure to comply could lead to euthanasia of the impounded animals.

Background: County animal control placed four dogs into custody after neighbors reported repeated livestock attacks in the Elk Mountain area and presented photographic evidence of dead and maimed cattle and sheep. Neighbors and witnesses described multiple incidents stretching back to November; several said they saw dogs chasing or attacking calves and adult cattle. Animal control staff recounted prior contacts with the owner and a record of prior impoundments of dogs associated with the same household.

Board action: After public comment and testimony from witnesses, the board voted to modify the abatement order to require the owner to comply with all conditions (including microchip, licensing, rabies vaccinations, spay/neuter and construction of approved kennels) and to pay all related fees and veterinary costs. The board directed staff to record the hard deadline (Jan. 21, 2025) and to proceed with humane destruction of the animals if conditions were not met by that date.

Why it matters: The decision moves the county from investigation to a firm timeline for resolution. Residents said they had lost livestock and asked for decisive action; animal-control staff said they will enforce the abatement conditions and that the department had arranged temporary housing and care while the appeal was pending.

What to watch: County animal control will track compliance and report back to the public; owners who disagree with the outcome may pursue civil remedies for damages (the board notes that animal-control proceedings do not replace civil claims for livestock losses). The order requires payment of the county's impound and care costs; the county will also accept any civil claims the livestock owners pursue.

Evidence and record: Multiple speakers, property owners and a wildlife specialist testified on the record; the board acknowledged that while not every incident had video proving a specific dog killed a particular calf, multiple witnesses and a documented history of prior incidents supported a firm enforcement approach.","After lengthy testimony about multiple close incidents, the Board modified a county abatement order for four impounded dogs tied to livestock losses on Elk Mountain, setting a hard compliance deadline and requiring payment of impound and veterinary costs before any release.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board accepts withdrawal of Highland Farms permit and overturns Planning Commission approval

Lake County cannabis task force nears final recommendations as debate over farmland protection zone continues

Board approves Paragon Government Relations federal advocacy contract for Lake County

Board orders owner to cure conditions or pay costs in Elk Mountain vicious-animal case; hard deadline set