A new look for the busy South Main Street corridor in Lakeport. The city has wrapped up work that includes a new sidewalk, other enhancements, and new pavement between First Street to Lakeport Boulevard. Now, attention will turn to Martin Street from Main to Bevins, and on Lakeshore Boulevard. That includes a new road surface and other improvements starting in September. The city says the projects are part of its commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing safety, and extending the service life of important roadways.
An immigrant from Mexico who’s become an active member of the Lake County community has been given an award recognizing his accomplishments. Congressman Mike Thompose says his “American Dream” award recognizes Edgar Ontiversos for his accomplishments –and the role that immigrants play in our society. Ontiveros has been the supervisor of Lake County Behavioral Health Services La Voz de Esperanza, and is an ordained minister. has helped in several roles following wildfires. Thompson also honored immigrants in 4 other counties that make up his fourth congressional district,
Governor Newsom has signed a bill that eases a California environmental law that democrats and republicans agree contributed to the state’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis. The bill allows more developments that were once subject to the strict California Environmental Quality Act. Critics of the CEQA say the law choked many projects because of lawsuits and other challenges by people who opposed the plans. Lawmakers say the hurdles made it impossible to build enough housing to meet growing demand. In singing the revisions, the governor said–in his words–we’ve got to get out of our own damn way. Environmental groups, though, aren’t happy. They say the weaker regulations will hurt sensitive ecosystems and allow projects that would add to pollution.
The excise tax on California’s legal cannabis market went up today. The new rate–19 percent, up from 15 percent–is part of a deal reached three years ago that was meant to ensure money went to offset costs associated with any harms associated with cannabis sales. Now, the industry says it is another blow to their business and could force them to raise prices and drive customers back to the underground, illegal market
Also, today, a number of new laws take effect. Among them, it will be illegal for companies to automatically renew online subscriptions without notifying you first. It only applies to any subscriptions started after today, so you could still be hit with charges for those auto-renewals you’ve forgotten about in the past.
