Clear Lake City Council approves Clear Lake Promise program for high school graduates

The City of Clearlake City Council convened on December 2, 2021, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the Clear Lake Promise program and updates on the Cache Fire recovery efforts.

The meeting began with a presentation regarding the Clear Lake Promise program, aimed at supporting local high school graduates in pursuing higher education. Councilman Claffey raised a question about the program's criteria, specifically the 12-month period after graduation for eligibility. Dr. Cirilo Cortez, Dean of the Lake County campus for Woodland Community College, explained that this timeframe is designed to encourage recent graduates to enroll in higher education promptly, thereby increasing their chances of success. Dr. Arturo Pimentel, President of Woodland Community College, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of immediate participation in educational programs.

The council received a letter from Becky Solato, Superintendent of the Konocti Unified School District, expressing gratitude for the council's support of the Clear Lake Promise program, highlighting its potential to positively impact the community's youth.

Following the discussion on the educational initiative, City Manager Flora provided an update on the Cache Fire recovery efforts. He reported that approximately 94% of debris cleanup is complete, with ongoing work on a few remaining properties. Flora noted that the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and FEMA representatives are still assessing the situation for potential federal disaster declarations, which could provide additional resources for affected residents. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has also reached out to impacted residents regarding available funding.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the appointment of the 2022 Mayor and Vice Mayor. Council members expressed their appreciation for the current mayor, Dirk Slooten, and Vice Mayor Purdock, citing their experience and leadership during critical times. A motion was made and approved to retain Slooten as Mayor and Purdock as Vice Mayor for another term, reflecting the council's desire for continuity in leadership as the city navigates ongoing challenges.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to education and community recovery, while also addressing the importance of experienced leadership in the face of ongoing development and recovery efforts.