Memorandum
Date: June 17, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Brad Rasmussen, District 4 Supervisor
Subject: Consideration of an Update on Blue Ribbon Committee Priorities and a Coalition Letter Sent on Behalf of the Committee Seeking State General Fund or Proposition 4 Funding
Executive Summary:
As all members of this Board are aware, the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Rehabilitation of Clear Lake was established in response to 2017’s AB 707, championed by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. Administered by the California Natural Resources Agency, this critical Committee includes, for example, representation of Environmental, Economic, Agricultural, Local and Tribal Government and Water Supply-focused interests, with the intent of making evidenced-based interventions to promote the sustainable health and vibrancy of Clear Lake. Through the Committee’s years of hard work and public engagement, solutions across three categories have been proposed:
• In-lake phosphorus sequestration to reduce the nutrient pollution in sediments driving poor water quality, including blooms of toxic algae.
• Hypolimnetic oxygenation - a technique that adds oxygen to deeper lake waters, helping reduce phosphorus release from sediments and creating a healthier environment for fish and aquatic life.
• Early warning systems to detect harmful algal blooms before they become public health emergencies.
Late last week, members of the Blue Ribbon Committee were alerted of an urgent need to advocate for State General Fund or Proposition 4 Funding support for the Committee, in light of the absence of its primary funding source in the State Budget.
As our Board’s assigned Committee member, I signed the Letter.
This item is scheduled to provide an informational update, and ensure public awareness and transparency.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☒ Clear Lake
Recommended Action:
No action. Informational Update, only.