News

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Department of Social Services has issued an update on the government shutdown’s impact on food benefits.

The agency said California received notice from the federal government that November CalFresh benefits will be disrupted due to the federal shutdown.

Millions of Californians receiving CalFresh benefits will be impacted.

CalFresh benefits are funded for the month of October. November CalFresh benefits will be delayed. People can keep using their existing CalFresh benefits as usual. No action is required.

“We understand this is a difficult situation and will share more information about your November CalFresh benefits as soon as possible,” Social Services reported.

If you need food now, you can click here to find your local food bank. Lake County’s Food Distribution and Pantry List can be found pinned to the top of the agency’s Facebook page.

For more information on CalFresh benefits and impacts from the federal shutdown you may also visit the California Department of Social Services website at www.cdss.ca.gov.

You can check your balance in the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.

At this time, CalWORKs benefits for the month of November 2025 are not impacted.

Details: Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS; Published: 25 October 2025

**Cal Fire celebrated the first graduating class of company officers at its new Atwater Training Center in Merced County on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. Courtesy photo.**

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced the first graduating class of company officers at Cal Fire’s new Atwater Training Center.

Thirty-eight firefighters completed the rigorous Company Officer Academy, earning promotion to company officer — Cal Fire’s frontline leaders in emergency response and crew development.

Located at the former Castle Air Force Base, the Atwater Training Center opened in July to meet growing training demands.

The facility joins three other Training Centers in Ione, Redding, and Riverside, expanding the Cal Fire Training Program’s capacity to run concurrent Fire Control Academies and specialized leadership, aviation and equipment operations training.

Officials said the expansion was essential to accommodate the growth in Cal Fire's permanent and seasonal staffing, prompted by the increasing intensity of fire activity in California.

“With every graduating class, California is expanding its world‑class firefighting force and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. "The new Atwater Training Center represents our state’s commitment to ensuring Cal Fire’s firefighters have the tools, training, and leadership to keep Californians safe in an era of evolving fire risk.”

Company officers play a critical role in Cal Fire’s mission. They lead crews during emergencies, assume initial Incident Command, and oversee readiness, training and fire prevention efforts during non-emergency periods.

The academy prepares them for this leadership transition through standardized, statewide instruction.

With this graduating class, Cal Fire has trained over 500 new company officers in 2025 and expects to surpass 650 by year’s end.

The ceremony concluded with a badge-pinning and oath administered by Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler, who delivered the keynote address.

“The successful graduation of Fire Control Class 25-15 at the Atwater Training Center is a testament to Cal Fire’s enduring commitment to leadership excellence,” said Chief Tyler. “These 38 new company officers have demonstrated the dedication, discipline, and skills required to lead in today’s dynamic emergency response environment.”