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California deploys additional Urban Search and Rescue personnel to support response to Hurricane Milton
With Hurricane Milton making landfall in Florida, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced the deployment of an additional 70 California-based firefighters to assist with search and rescue efforts.This additional aid follows the deployment of 144 California Urban Search and Rescue personnel earlier this week who are currently prepositioned in Florida.
The governor previously deployed California Urban Search and Rescue resources to support the response to Hurricane Helene, including 140 firefighters and support personnel.
In total, California has now deployed 354 personnel to support hurricane response efforts.
Together, the teams can provide support for search and rescue operations around the clock when conditions permit.
“In times of crisis, Americans unite to lend a helping hand. California is sending hundreds of emergency personnel to aid Florida as the state endures devastating hurricanes. Floridians, please stay safe and follow all emergency guidance,” said Gov. Newsom.
In close coordination with FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, has deployed the additional 70 Task Force members from Orange County and Menlo Park.
These highly specialized personnel are trained in structural collapse and swift water/flood environments.
This deployment has no impact on California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.
“California is dedicated to helping those in the path of this major storm,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “With the deployment of these additional resources, we can help bolster ongoing response and recovery efforts as Hurricane Milton impacts communities across Florida.”
Last month, Gov. Newsom deployed California support to Florida to bolster the response to Hurricane Helene.
California also sent aid to Texas in July and Georgia in August in response to tropical storms. In the past two years, California has also deployed firefighters to New Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon and Montana.
Supervisors ratify Glenhaven fire emergency declaration
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday ratified a local emergency declaration Sheriff Rob Howe issued on Friday in response to the Glenhaven fire.As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, ahead of the board’s action, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office had lifted the final evacuation warnings for the fire, which has burned a total of 417 acres, and destroyed two homes and damaged another.
Sheriff Howe thanked the board for adding the emergency proclamation to its agenda that morning as an extra item.
During the discussion, it was noted that the sheriff’s office brought Starlink to the scene to help with internet connectivity, which Supervisor Jessica Pyska said was a “gamechanger.”
“That was a critical investment that made a really big difference,” Pyska said.
Howe said the sheriff’s office immediately had help from other agencies in responding to the incident.
Supervisor EJ Crandell said Northshore Fire used a special hose to bring water directly from the lake in fighting the fire. That equipment was funded by the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake.
Crandell moved to approve the proclamation, which the supervisors approved unanimously.
The fire was at 70% containment at the time of the board meeting. By nightfall, the fire’s containment was up to 90%.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Blue Zones Project – Lake County reaches community engagement goal two years ahead of schedule
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Blue Zones Project – Lake County reported that it has successfully reached its community engagement goal two years ahead of schedule, demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to creating a healthier, more vibrant county.This milestone is the result of widespread participation in a variety of programs designed to inspire lasting change and well-being throughout Lake County.
Since the project’s launch in 2021, with Adventist Health sponsorship, residents have eagerly joined walking moais, cooking demonstrations, and purpose workshops, each of which has helped deepen engagement and foster healthier habits.
Local organizations working toward Blue Zones Project approval have also contributed by hosting events that educate participants on the origins of the Blue Zones and highlight the project’s mission to transform Lake County.
Over 65 local organizations have joined the project in striving to create positive change in the health and well-being of the community. Their collaboration and dedication have been key to the project's success, making a lasting impact on the lives of Lake County residents.
“We’ve listened closely to the needs and aspirations of our community, and their passion for improving well-being has truly driven this success,” said April Strait, engagement lead for Blue Zones Project – Lake County. “Reaching our engagement target two years ahead of schedule shows the power of community involvement and the willingness of Lake County residents to embrace healthier ways of living.”
Executive Director Jamey Gill echoed this sentiment, saying, “Partnering with Adventist Health Clear Lake during our community kickoff gave us a significant early boost, and the ongoing efforts of our schools, businesses, and local organizations have kept the momentum going. Adventist Health Clear Lake is committed to achieving Blue Zones worksite certification by the Fall of 2025, and Konocti Unified School District’s commitment to becoming the first Blue Zones Certified School District in the nation has been especially impactful, providing unique engagement opportunities for employees and setting an example for the community.”
While this milestone marks an important achievement, the work of Blue Zones Project – Lake County is far from complete. The initiative will continue to offer diverse programs and events aimed at helping residents live longer, healthier, and more purposeful lives.
“We may have hit our goal early, but this is just the beginning,’ added Strait. “We’re committed to keeping the momentum going by continuing to bring health and well-being focused engagement opportunities to every corner of Lake County.”
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit the Blue Zones website.
Lake County 2050 seeks community input
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Do you love Lake County? Do you want to make a difference in the future of your community?The Lake County 2050 Project is working to update general and area plans within the jurisdiction of the county of Lake right now.
Local Area Plan Advisory Committees, or LAPACs, will hold meetings in October and November to hear public input and discuss visions for each community over the next 10 to 20 years.
Two virtual meetings will be held to gather input from each planning area.
Additionally, two in-person meetings will take a county-wide focus. The virtual meeting schedule is listed below.
Microsoft Teams links to the meetings are available at https://LakeCounty2050.org/ and https://www.lakecountyca.gov/AgendaCenter.
Cobb Mountain
Virtual meeting No. 1: Monday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Virtual meeting No. 2: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Kelseyville
Virtual meeting No. 1: Friday, Oct. 25, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Virtual meeting No. 2: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Lakeport
Virtual meeting: To be announced.
Lower Lake
Virtual meeting No. 1: Friday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Virtual meeting No. 2: Monday, Oct. 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Middletown
Virtual meeting No. 1: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Virtual meeting No. 2: To be announced.
Rivieras
Virtual meeting No. 1: Friday, Oct. 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Virtual meeting No. 2: Friday, Oct. 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Shoreline Communities (Lucerne, Glenhaven, Clearlake Oaks, Double Eagle, Spring Valley, Clearlake outside city limits)
Virtual meeting No. 1: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Virtual meeting No. 2: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Upper Lake/Nice
Virtual meeting No. 1: Tuesday, Oct. 14, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Virtual meeting No. 2: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The in-person meetings regarding all County of Lake jurisdictions will be held Thursday, Oct. 17, and Monday, Oct. 21, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
For more information, please contact the Community Development Department's Planning Division at 707-263-2221.
