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Body washes ashore near Clearlake
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Authorities are investigating the discovery of a body found in Clear Lake.The body was reported to have come ashore at the Bella Laguna beach area off Golf Avenue in Clearlake on Tuesday afternoon.
Clearlake Police Chief Tim Hobbs confirmed to Lake County News that a deceased individual was recovered from the lake on Tuesday in that area.
Because the body was in the lake, which is the county jurisdiction, the Lake County Sheriff's Office is conducting the death investigation, Hobbs said.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Lauren Berlinn confirmed on Wednesday that the agency responded to the scene and conducted a coroner's investigation.
“At this time, the decedent has not been positively identified,” Berlinn said.
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Big Valley Rancheria holds ribbon cutting for new tribal apartments
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Fifteen tribal families now have long-term, sustainable housing thanks to a new project completed by Big Valley Rancheria’s Tribal Housing Department.The project, located at 902 S. Forbes St. in Lakeport, was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 25.
It was completed through the First Home Housing Program via the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Native Americans have some of the highest rates of homelessness in the nation, according to the American Community Survey.
The decennial Census suggests that Native American’s rates are second only to Black Americans.
“As Native Americans and as citizens of the great state of California, we know all too well the enormous need and demand for housing,” said Big Valley Tribal Chairman Flaman McCloud Jr. “This is just the first step of many to come. Housing is a barrier for so many of our tribal members who want to lift themselves up, but without a safe and warm roof over their heads, employment, education, health and wellness will continue to be a struggle.”
Vice-Chairman Nick Jack thanked the tribe's employees and housing board. “As Native people, we’ve always known that it takes a village … housing and good paying jobs is what Big Valley wants to bring to Lake County, and we hope that the state and our neighbors will continue to work with and support our vision for our communities.”
“We’re challenging our tribal citizens, elders, employees and federal and state partners to join us in continuing to improve the lives of our tribal members and fellow Lake County community members, so that our young people will continue and carry-on our vision and this journey,” said Veronica Rael-Aparicio, executive assistant and Tribal Transportation Program coordinator.
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California attorney general secures nationwide preliminary injunction blocking Trump Administration’s NIH funding cuts
On Wednesday, the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction that continues blocking the Trump Administration’s unlawful and drastic National Institutes of Health funding cuts from taking effect.The preliminary injunction is in effect with respect to institutions nationwide until further order by the court.
On Feb. 10, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, announced a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over the NIH funding cuts and sought a temporary restraining order.
Less than six hours later, the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts granted the temporary restraining order.
On Feb. 21, the court held a preliminary injunction hearing, and in advance of the hearing, Attorney General Bonta and his fellow attorneys general released a joint statement that said, in part, “The Trump Administration’s attempt to cut research funding at thousands of research institutions across the country is not only unlawful; it undermines public health, our economy and our competitiveness. There are laws in place that protect this funding, and the president cannot simply toss those laws aside.”
They said the research funding covers expenses that facilitate critical components of biomedical research, such as lab, faculty, infrastructure and utility costs.
“Without it, lifesaving and life-extending research, including clinical trials, would be significantly compromised. These cuts would have a devastating impact on universities around the country, many of which are at the forefront of groundbreaking research efforts — while also training future generations of researchers and innovators. They would force many universities to redirect funds and ultimately reduce research activities. Research funded by the National Institutes of Health has furthered our understanding of medical conditions and found new treatments for adult and childhood cancer, ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, heart disease, PTSD and more,” the attorneys general said.
On Wednesday, Bonta said, “Last month, my fellow attorneys general and I secured a temporary restraining order, which blocked the Trump Administration from eviscerating funding for life-saving medical research. Now, we have secured a preliminary injunction that continues barring the Trump Administration from implementing the NIH funding cuts. The court’s order also notes that we are likely to succeed on the merits of our claims. As we have said before, we will not allow President Trump to play politics with our public health or to break the law.”
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Clearlake City Council to hold budget workshop, consider appointments
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council this week will hold a midyear budget workshop and then consider appointments during its regular meeting.The council will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, for the midyear budget workshop, to be followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.
The agenda can be found here.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel.
Community members also can participate via Zoom. The webinar ID is 876 2019 6049, the pass code is 581645. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,87620196049#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.
The meeting will start Police Chief Tim Hobbs making a presentation to Det. Chris Kelleher and a proclamation declaring March 2025 as March for Meals Month.
The council will hold public hearings to close out grants regarding Code Enforcement and the Clearlake Senior Center.
Under business, the council will discuss and possibly give staff direction regarding street lighting in the city.
The council also will consider appointments to the Clearlake Planning Commission and the Measure V Oversight Committee.
In other business, the council will discuss the fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding Request to Congressman Mike Thompson.
The council also will get an update regarding Lake County Sanitation District's Southeast System governance request, which the Board of Supervisors has agreed to consider.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; City Council minutes; approval of audit contract with Van Lant & Frankhanel, LLP for a total of $34,750; consideration of adoption of the third amendment to the FY 2024-25 Budget (Resolution 2024-30) for mid-year adjustments; continuation of director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for the Boyles Fire; acceptance of Property Donation at 16393 Third Ave. and 16182 10th Ave.; approval of acceptance and authorization for the city manager to sign the certificate of acceptance; approval of allocation of funding and grand agreement for CDBG DR Funding 2017/18 Disasters; and adoption of Fair Housing Policy.
The council also will hold a closed session to discuss litigation involving the Koi Nation and a case of anticipated litigation.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson