Author: admin_cac

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday October 21, 2021, at 6:30pm
Online via Zoom and Facebook
1. 6:30 CALL TO ORDER by Chairperson McCarthy
2. Roll Call
Present – Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson, Cindy Leonard: Vice-Chairperson, Frank Lincoln: Treasurer, Chris Nettles: Secretary, Jake Stickler: Member-at-large, Joe Schneider: Alternate
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Eliot Hurwitz made a motion to modify the agenda
Motion is to add an item to the Economic Development report:
Authorization for committee to accept an MOU for the LCBS Cobb Broadband pilot project. Item 11f
Amended Agenda –
Motion to approve amended agenda by Cindy Leonard
Seconded by Chris Nettles
No Discussion
Unanimously approved
Motion to amend and approve September minutes made by Cindy Leonard
Typos & clarification on Rebuild Northbay grant was awarded to pay Cobb Resource Hub rent & utilities for 3 months. PG&E grant to county was to cover municipal advisory councils’ overhead costs.
Seconded by Chris Nettles
Discussion: John Carlisi asked if funders need to be notified. Cindy L. clarified funders are aware of the details.
Unanimously approved
4. 6:35 Short Announcements
Check out ExlporeCobbCA website for information on Cobb Businesses
Middletown Area Merchants Association in cooperation with the Cobb Area Council is able to offer a one-year free basic membership to any business located in the Cobb Mountain area.
New fire risk website. New platform to visualize your area’s fire risk: https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2021/10/21/terrafuse-ai-launches-new-platform-visualize-california-wildfire-risk/
Middletown unified school district has a new Superintendent: Tim Gill, a Cobb resident; while, Kelseyville is sad at the loss of their Assistant Superintendent, Tim Gill.
5. 6:40 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins. /individual)
David T. brought up the epidemic of tree beetle issue! It’s on Clear Lake Environmental Research Council’s radar, they’re planning to utilize Fire Prevention Grant funds to deal with the Fox Drive parcel.
6. 6:45 Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Total Current balance is $15,829
General fund: $984
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $5794.50
Cobb Resilient $1,456
Cobb Safe $851.23
Economic Development $1,300.00
Rebuild NorthBay $862
T-shirt fundraising $4,272
Wilder Than Wild fund $161
Broom Busters $146.20
1 Cobbler Festival refund checks still outstanding.
Questions about end year expenses and potentially selling Cobb SWAG on the website.
7. 6:47 Supervisor’s Comments- Supv. Jessica Pyska
PSPS Power outages – PGE came to BOS meeting. Installing backup generator at Cobb school.
Shout out to Lions Club who opened up the Little Red School House as a community resource center during the power shutoff.
Massive tree deaths all around the county – all species of conifers. Effect of the drought. County is working with landowners to clear standing dead trees.
Still in a drought – please conserve water!!
May Darby is the new Community Development Director is working hard
Events: Cobb park visioning in November at the Little Red Schoolhouse
Kelseyville Business Association (KBA) is having a Halloween Event on Main Street
They (KBA) are also planning on the Christmas in the County event
Discussion continued about dead standing trees and notifying landowners. Jessica suggested that the Neighborhood Firewise group identify problematic parcels and forward that information to Jessica. She will work with Code Enforcement to help address those lots.
There are apps that can identify the names of people who own land, for example Huntstand.
8. 7:00 Fire Season Update – Chief Paul Duncan
Chief Duncan welcome’s the rain, with hopes that it will end our fire season; however, the drought is still/will be an issue.
Some recent structure fires that were quickly brought under control, preventing spreading.
No date yet on lifting the burn ban but stay tuned. It will likely be soon. (Maybe Nov 1)
Mentioned that people need to be able to recognize a dead/hazardous tree. Look for information on the South Lake Fire Protection website.
Since the weather is getting cooler, before starting up your wood-burning stove, please make sure your stoves and chimneys are clean and properly maintained.
Operations Force Multiplier will be continuing. They are giving out tools to help regular residents extinguish small fires.
Working on the Fox Drive dead trees issue with CLERC & SSCRA
Candy Cane Run will be happening in 2021
John Carlisi mentioned the What Three Words application
9. 7:10 Lars Ewing to hear Public Input County Parks and Trails in the Cobb Area
Opportunity for Public input on Cobb Area parks needs assessment – November 10th 6pm probably at Little Red Schoolhouse (still confirming)
10. 7:30 Laurel Bard to hear Public Input on CLERC Forest Health Projects
Spoke about Forest Health grant awarded from CalFire to CLERC started this past August 2021. There was about a 1 year delay. Showed project areas. Forest Health grant is intended to improve forest health, ecosystem regeneration, and decrease fire risk in areas across the county. Removing dead trees, thinning, and cleaning hazardous vegetation. Approximately 600 acres in the Cobb Area begin treated. Will be an opportunity for community input. Expect to begin work in February 2022.
Small parcel clearing is funded through the Fire Prevention grant.
11. 7:50 Committee Reports- (Limit to 3 minutes each)
a. Firewise Communities: Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth,
Magdalena V. – Neighborhood Firewise reports:
5 neighborhood groups in existence. Many need to do a community recertification.
Home assessment training available Oct 27th & November 3rd
Evacuation Planning Resources (webinar recordings) are available here
Glenneth: Jones Creek monthly meetings is temporarily on hold.
Gene Yoon mentioned the Lake County Prescribed Burn Association will be presenting as the Cobb Mountain Arts & Ecology event Nov 13th & 14
Wendy Collins discussed the Welcome Wagon program would provide packages to new homeowners about various fire prevention and other community resources. Will be distributed by real estate agents & offices,
No Spark tow-chain covers are available at the Cobb Resource Hub.
b. Communications Committee- Mel
Radios at the Cobb Resource Hub – Cobb Alert Net Wednesday nights are check-ins.
c. Cobbite of the Year-
Cathy McCarthy – Selection to be announced at December meeting/social.
d. Budget Committee
Chris Nettles – Expect to have a 2022 budget for approval at the November meeting.
e. Forest Health Committee
Eliot Hurwitz – Forest Health meeting will be happening within the next couple of weeks. Plan is to chart out goals of group for the coming year.
Cindy suggested that the committee create a list of contractors who can help with tree issues
f. Economic Development Committee
Marketing Initiative- Website Chris
New Cobb Area Council website will be ready by the end of the year.
Please check out https://explorecobbca.com/ for information on Cobb Businesses
Cindy Leonard also mentioned she is working on a “Made in Lake County” sticker for businesses to add to their products.
Memorandums of Understanding: KBA and MAMA
Free membership in the Middletown Area Merchants Association is available to all Cobb Area Businesses
Still waiting for signed agree from Kelseyville Business Association
Upcoming Events: Christmas in the County Float
2nd Monday of every month the Economic Development Committee meets – all are welcome
Suggestion to pull local Tree contractors on ExploreCobbCa website
Motion put forward by Eliot Hurwitz to authorize the CAC Economic Development Committee approve an Memorandum Of Understanding between the Cobb Area Council and Lake County Broadband Solutions regarding a local broadband demonstration project using money from the AHEAD grant.
Motion seconded by Chris Nettles
Motion passes unanimously.
11. 8:20 Project: Cobb Beautification – Phase One– Deborah Doran
Working with the CalTrans for cleaning roadsides. More to come soon.
12. 8:30 Nominations and Elections for Cobb Area Council will take place at
November Meeting for terms to start in January. The alternate is re-elected every year, as well as three seats on the council (the odd numbered year)
Up for elections:
Cathy McCarthy
Cindy Leonard
Frank Lincoln
13. 8:30 Date of Next Meetings:
November 18, 2021 online;
December 16, 2021 social- in person 5 minutes of business followed by social.
14. 8:31 Adjournment
Magdalena moves to adjourn
Cindy seconds
Motion passes without objection.
Attendance:
24 on Zoom
11 on Facebook
Chat from Zoom
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 06:40 PM
New platform to visualize your area’s fire risk: https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2021/10/21/terrafuse-ai-launches-new-platform-visualize-california-wildfire-risk/
From Will Evans to Everyone: 06:45 PM
It’s on CLERC’s radar, we’re planning to utilize Fire Prevention Grant funds to deal with the Fox Drive parcel
From Cathy McCarthy to All Panelists: 06:51 PM
i dropped in!
From Glenneth Lambert to All Panelists: 06:53 PM
Our winters haven’t been cold enough to kill them off .
From Gene Yoon to All Panelists: 07:10 PM
btw our Firewise group was hoping to invite Paul to an event this fall. is there a good email to send the invitation?
From Paul Duncan to Everyone: 07:19 PM
Gene, my state email is paul.duncan@fire.ca.gov
From John Carlisi to All Panelists: 07:21 PM
What3words site info:
What3words site: https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app/
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:22 PM
Will the CAC send out the message confirming the public meeting on the location for the park discussion?
From Me to All Panelists: 07:22 PM
Yes. We can send out that information
From Cathy McCarthy to Everyone: 07:22 PM
YES!
From Me to Cathy McCarthy: (Direct Message) 07:23 PM
Quick question. I don’t see any mention of CAC elections in November on the Agenda. Was someone going to mention that?
From Cathy McCarthy to Me: (Direct Message) 07:24 PM
It’s down at 8:30
From Me to Cathy McCarthy: (Direct Message) 07:24 PM
Date of next meeting?
OK…I must be missing something on the agenda.
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:25 PM
thank you all
From Cathy McCarthy to Me: (Direct Message) 07:27 PM
sent you an email with agenda again, and yes it is included with info about next meetings
From Me to Cathy McCarthy: (Direct Message) 07:28 PM
Awesome. I think I might be working with an earlier version. Thanks!
From Noriko Kawamoto to Everyone: 07:33 PM
What is considered a larger parcel?
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:33 PM
5 acres and up.
From Noriko Kawamoto to Everyone: 07:34 PM
Thanks
From Laurel Bard (CLERC) to Everyone: 07:35 PM
Clear Lake Environmental Research Center
From Will Evans to Everyone: 07:35 PM
www.clerc.co
From Magdalena Valderrama to Everyone: 07:48 PM
FAC Net Evacuation Planning Perspectives webinar series! We hope you enjoyed hearing from both practitioners and researchers who are working to better plan for evacuation. Recordings, supplemental information, and additional resources are now available on FAC Net’s website at https://fireadaptednetwork.org/evacuation-planning-perspectives/
Tribal Eco Restoration Alliance
From Me to Everyone: 07:52 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/N2iizK3EHSo2qy7G7
Link above is the location of the Cobb Resource Hub

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday September 16, 2021, at 6:30pm
Online via Zoom and Facebook
1. 6:32 CALL TO ORDER by Chairperson McCarthy
2. Roll Call
Present – Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson, Cindy Leonard: Vice-Chairperson, Frank Lincoln: Treasurer, Chris Nettles: Secretary Joe Schneider – Alternate
Not present
Jake Stickler: Member-at-large
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Amended Agenda – Item 10D typo correction
Motion to approve amended agenda by Eliot
Seconded by Chris
Unanimously approved
Motion to approve July minutes made by Chris
Seconded by Magdalena V.
Unanimously approved
4. 6:35 Short Announcements
We need a substitute Resource Hub substitute for next 3 Thursdays:
September 23rd, 30th, & October 7th
Please continue to check out ExlporeCobbCA website
5. 6:40 Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins. /individual)
No non-agenda items.
6. 6:45 Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Total Current balance is $15,586.64
General fund: $1,039.81
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $5794.50
Cobb Resilient $1,456.28
Cobb Safe $851.23
Economic Development $1,300.00
Rebuild NorthBay $564.42
T-shirt fundraising $4,272.89
Wilder Than Wild fund $161.31
Broom Busters $146.20
2 Cobbler Festival refund checks still outstanding.
7. 6:48 Grant Awarded:
Cathy announced this award:
“Rebuild NorthBay Foundation (“RNBF”) has awarded a grant in the amount of
$1,815.00 to Cobb Area Council. These funds are intended for the purpose of
supporting the organization’s overhead costs during the Fall of 2021 and Winter of
2022. This grant is made possible through the RiseUp Community Impact Grants
Fund.”
8. 6:50 Supervisor’s Comments- Supervisor Jessica Pyska
1. Power outages – PG&E installed new technology on power lines that cuts power when a tree limb or something falls on a powerline. Jessica is working with them to minimize these outages. They are also doing more vegetation work in the area. Jessica continues to have conversations with PG&G about burying power lines and holding them accountable for their commitments to the community.
2. New Community Development Director hired – Mary Darby will start on Oct 1st.
Welcome to Mary!!
3. 23 COVID deaths – testing & vaccinations van will be in Lake County 5 days a week. Info is on the Lake County website under “COVID information”. Hospitals are still under pressure.
4. Frank Lincoln – appointed to Glennwood Cemetery committee
5. Very happy with the 21-22 Lake County Budget – The county is in the best financial shape in a while. Excited about how this budget will move the county forward.
9. 7:00 Fire Season Update – Chief Paul Duncan
During the last thunderstorm we had 7 confirmed lightening strike with small fires that were quickly contained. Some of those strikes took a couple of days to manifest – called sleepers.
Grant application awarded for masticator & excavator. These will be employed throughout south Lake County on various roads and planned projects. Plan to put into service next year (2022)
Operation Force Multiplier – Handed out extinguishers and tools to public. These are waitlisted others for which we are awaiting more grant funding. Those were also provided to law enforcement as they are often first on the scene. Completely free to residents
Volunteer firefighter applications are available on the South Lake Fire website, as are the waitlist for the tool give-a-ways.
Happy about rain beginning.
Chief Duncan posts social media updates about helicopter activity.
10. 7:05 Committee Reports- (Limit to 3 minutes each)
a. Firewise Communities: Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth,
Glenneth Lambert mentioned recent power outage in his neighborhood. Jones Creek crossing meetings on Zoom continues to meet monthly (see Facebook)
Magdalena Valderrama – Working with Loch Lomond owners association is on firebreak cleanup.
Summit area is currently mapping difficult lots to address
Wendy Collins (and others) are spearheading the No Spark tow chain covers (recycled fire hoses). These are available around the county, including the Cobb Resource Hub, Mendo Mills, ACE in Middletown, and Middletown Farmers Market. Stay tuned for other locations.
Grant application for continued funding of Cobb Resource Hub and renovation work on Little Red School house has been submitted. Expect to hear outcome on this by December.
SSCRA is participating on Best Fit meeting to discuss who is applying for various grants. COCO AIM application for expanding services available at the Cobb Resource Hub.
Homeowner vegetation removal reimbursement grant still has $25000 available. Since last quester 18 new homeowners covered. If you are submitted an application, please complete the work and send the receipts to SSCRA for reimbursement. Still money available for small parcels.
FACnet evacuation planning seminar – Magdalena is sending out a link to that seminar, once it is available.
b. Communications Committee- Mel
Cobb Alert Net continues radio check-ins every Wednesday at 630p.
Radios are always available at the Cobb Resource Hub. Cobbalertnet@gmail.com
Need volunteers for data entry – if interested, please contact
c. Cobbite of the Year- Selection to be announced at December meeting.
d. Economic Development Committee
Marketing Initiative- Website Chris
New Cobb Area Council website is under construction.
Memorandums of Understanding: Kelseyville Business Association (KBA) and Middletown Area Merchants’ Association (MAMA have been written to cement our collaborative projects. Each association will be receiving $1250 to cover Cobb Businesses’ membership fees and other collaborative activities. We need volunteers from the Cobb Area to work with MAMA & KBA on these collaborative efforts.
11. 7:20 Formation of Budget Committee
Chris Nettles put forth to create a standing budget committee whose chartered purpose is to develop and annual budget. This motion includes Chris Nettles as committee chair and Frank Lincoln as the CAC Board designated member. John Carlisi also volunteered to serve on the committee.
(Motion amended by Glenneth to appoint Chris Nettles as Chair)
Seconded by John Carlisi
Motion approved unanimously
12. 7:25 Formation of Forest Health Committee
Eliot Hurwitz put forth a proposal to create a standing Forest Health Committee. This committee is being form as one of the first actions to come out of the Cobb Resilience strategy (coming soon!). The purpose of the committee is to promote a healthy, safe forest on Cobb Mountain. It will primarily attend to all things related to forest health in our area and create an overall strategy. Eliot will chair the committee. Chris Nettles will serve as CAC board designee
John Carlisi made a motion to approve the proposal as is.
Glenneth Lambert seconded
Motion passed unanimously.
13. 7:30 Date of Next Meeting: October 21, 2021 – Virtual meeting
14. 7:31 Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made by Chris
Seconded by everyone.
Unanimously approved!

COBB AREA COUNCIL
ONLINE PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday July 15, 2021 at 6:30pm
Little Red Schoolhouse 157890 Bottlerock Road
Hybrid Online via Zoom and Facebook
Draft Minutes
1. Meeting called to order at 6:31p By Cathy McCarthy
2. Roll Call
Present – Cathy McCarthy: Chairperson;, Cindy Leonard: Vice-Chairperson, Frank Lincoln: Treasurer, Chris Nettles: Secretary, Jake Stickler: Member-at-large
Not present
Joe Schneider – Alternate
3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Amended Agenda – Striking formal request to Jessica about purchasing parcel next to Harvesters
Motion to approve agenda by Cindy
Seconded by Chris
Unanimously approved
Motion to approve June minutes made by Cindy
Seconded by Chris
Unanimously approved
4. Short Announcements
Acknowledgement of the Cobb Area Council’s Five Year Anniversary
Door prizes at the end of the meeting
Congratulations to James Wenckus recognized as Kelseyville Unified School District Teacher of the Year
Eliot mentioned Cobb Lions Club will have Bingo on July 24, July 31st and August 7th at 7p
5. Public and Board Comment on Non-Agenda Items (3 mins./individual)
No items
6. Treasurer’s Report- Frank
Total Current balance is $15,106.03
General fund: $1,045.81
Blackberry Cobbler Festival $6,147.89
Cobb Resilient $1,456.28
Cobb Safe $851.23
Economic Development $1,300.00
Rebuild NorthBay $564.42
T-shirt fundraising $3,432.89
Wilder Than Wild fund $161.31
Broom Busters $146.20
7. Office of Emergency Services/Lake County Sheriff- Siren Testing
Corey Paulich from Lake County Sheriff’s office discussed siren testing. Moving forward siren tests will occur on the first Monday fo each month at 11am. Siren will sound for 30 seconds. Will put out an alert prior to the testing. Will not conduct the test if there is an active fire in the county or an adjacent county
Announced Zone Haven and encouraged us all to know our zone. Go to http://myzone.zonehaven.com and search for your address to determine your zone. Can also call the administration office at 707-262-4200 and they can look up your zone.
Jessica is looking into a full 3-minute siren test in January.
Suggestion was made to create posters about the monthly test.
8. Supervisor’s Comments- Jessica Pyska
Disaster Council met. Jessica asked them for the long (3-minute) test of the siren.
COVID report – Lake County has highest case positivity rate in the state. Delta variant is causing spike here in Lake County and in the state
Drought is an issue on Cobb. Cobb Water Board has reviewed their drought plans. It is important to conserve water.
Jessica stressed knowing your zone: http://myzone.zonehaven.com and search for your address to determine your zone. Can also call the administration office at 707-262-4200 and they can look up your zone.
Risk Reduction Authority has hired a coordinator and for COAD. Seeking additional grant funding.
PSPS may become more frequent and longer duration outages. PG&E is creating microgrids with backup generation.
Jessica answered a question about the new discretionary funds for county supervisor to spend in their districts.
9. 2021 Fire Season Update – Paul Duncan
Jessica has a short update from Jessica. New Firehawk is in Cobb. Visitors are welcome between 9a & 5p. Hire hired 2 new fire captain/paramedics.
Fire prevention tip: Mow early morning with water nearby. Use only string trimmers.
Chief Duncan requests that social media posts about fires be factual and not speculative.
10. Committee Reports- (Limit to 3 minutes each)
a. Firewise Communities: Magdelena, Cindy, Glenneth,
Magdalena Valderama – suggests printing a hard copy of zone map from Zonehaven
Announced South Lake Fire Safe Council is 20 years old on Monday July 19th.
Low cost chipping and information is available from South Lake Fire Council
$34,000 still available for vegetation clearing on lots less than 1 acre until March 2022.
SSCRA is working with Fire Adapted Communities learning network on leaning sit and home assessments.
Firewise community forming in Clearlake Oaks area
Harrington Flat Firewise community is still pending.
Magdalena shared new color coding for fire hydrants.
Wendy announced new tow chain covers – Available at the Hub
Glenneth announced Jones Creek Crossing meeting. – see their Facebook page.
b. Communications Committee- Mel
Now called Cobb Alert Net
Radios are available at the Cobb Resource Hub
Education event next Wednesday after check-in. Look for info in email
For more information contact Mel McMirrin kk6tmn@gmail.com
c. Cobbite of the year
Will be announced at the COBBler festival
d. Economic Development Committee
Eliot will be reporting on the AHEAD grant later in the meeting
e. Collaborative Marketing Initiative- Website Chris
KL Design is working on design ideas to share with the council
Expect website to be ready around the time of the COBBler festival
f. Creating two new committees: a Budget committee and an Emergency Preparedness committee.
Emergency Preparedness Committee: No need to create a standing committee, if one is needed, we can create an ad-hoc committee. The Firewise Community reports will help to keep us informed on emergency preparedness topics.
Tabling discussion of Budget Committee until September meeting.
g. Misc. item from floor
• Rich Curtola made a request for an ad-hoc committee to address siren issues.
• Cathy McCarthy has sent numerous emails to the Sheriffs Dept about this issue
• Jessica Pyska has been in communication with Sheriff Martin about the siren suggested setting up a meeting with Sheriff Marin, the Cobb Area Council, and others about this topic.
Motion from Cindy for Cobb Area Council to set to a meeting with Rich Curtola, Sheriff’s Dept, and any other will participants to discuss the ongoing siren issues.
Glenneth seconded motion
Motion is adopted with unanimous vote.
11. AHEAD Grant Final Update- Eliot
Eliot Hurwitz’s presentation on AHED grant update can be seen on Facebook Recording between 1:25:50 and 1:52:00
12. Blackberry COBBler Festival 2021
Cindy Leonard reported: Rosie has finished our poster for the COBBler festival and it is fantastic!
Thank you to our financial supporters:
CalPine – Platinum Sponsor
PG&E – Gold Sponsor
Hardester’s- Gold Sponsor
California Tendai Buddhists – Bronze sponsor
There are still sponsor forms available if people would be willing to donate to the festival.
In-kind donations:
SSCRA is our non-profit sponsor for the alcohol license
A big thanks to the Strickler family and Whispering Pines resort for providing the venue.
KL Design
Beer & Wine donors : Shannon Ridge; Boatique Winery, Kelsey Creek Brewing
Cobb Mountain Lions is hosting the Blackberry Cobbler Contest
Numerous vendors will be attending, including the County of Lake Parks & Recreation, who is looking or input on potential parks in the Cobb Mountain area.
Local business are have events related to the Blackberry COBBler Festival, see https://explorecobbca.com/ for more information
The festival still needs volunteers! Contact Cobb Area Council (cobbareacouncil@gmail.com) or on Facebook
13. Door prize drawing!!
14. Date of Next Meeting: August 19, 2021, 6:30p
15. 8:21p Adjournment
Cindy moves to adjourn
Frank seconds
Motion passes unanimously
________________________________________
How to Participate in Cobb Area Council Online Public Meeting 8/19/2021
1. By Computer: Join our Zoom Meeting
Or call into the Zoom meeting on any phone:
2. Follow along via CAC Facebook Livestream:
Go to: https://www.facebook.com/CobbAreaCouncil
To make a comment or ask a question, use the Facebook comments section.