Regional
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
On Monday, the Cal Fire – Office of the State Fire Marshal, or OSFM, announced it had completed its investigation into the 2025 Oakdale Fire, which ignited near Esparto.
The report, produced with assistance from local, state, and federal agencies, includes evidence of illegal activities uncovered in the investigation, and has been provided to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office to determine next steps.
The July 1, 2025, fire ignited following a series of explosions. Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit resources assisted local firefighters quickly containing the fire at 78 acres.
An OSFM Arson and Bomb Unit team was requested, promptly responded, and began gathering evidence to investigate the explosions that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals.
“After months of investigation, our Arson and Bomb investigators have compiled a report that reflects the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s commitment to uncovering what happened in Esparto,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State fire marshal. “This complex investigation took many turns as new information emerged, but the team diligently followed leads and gathered the facts that form the basis of the report.”
OSFM Arson and Bomb Unit investigators will continue to support the Yolo County District Attorney's Office with its criminal investigation as needed.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
NAPA, Calif. — On Thursday, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) joined Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02), U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and every member of the Bay Area delegation to introduce legislation to help designate the 550+ mile Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail.
This designation would enhance the trail’s visibility as a world-class recreation opportunity and attract new visitors, in addition to helping connect the different routes within the trail.
“The Bay Area Ridge Trail provides over 400 miles of public trails and counting, opening our beautiful outdoors to walkers, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders,” said Thompson. “The beauty and ecological diversity of the San Francisco Bay ridge is unparalleled anywhere else in our country and I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting this critical first step toward designating the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail.”
“The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a crown jewel of our region, providing millions of people with access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country and connecting our communities to the outdoors,” said Huffman. “Designating it as a National Scenic Trail would not only help complete it – it would set it on par with iconic trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest and elevate the incredible and diverse Bay Area landscapes. This would be a major boost for the recreation economy, and our bill gets that ball rolling.”
“The Bay Area Ridge Trail gives visitors to the Bay Area and its residents the opportunity to enjoy more than 500 miles of some of California's most incredible outdoor beauty, including parks and preserves. Providing federal recognition to this ridgeline trail will help preserve it for future generations, and I'm proud to partner with Congressman Huffman and our Bay Area delegation in the effort to make it so,” said Schiff.
“This legislation kicks off a quest to add the Bay Area Ridge Trail to an elite group of National Scenic Trails, like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. The Ridge Trail traces the ridgelines around San Francisco Bay, offering hikers, equestrians, and cyclists access to stunning views and diverse scenic, historic and cultural landscapes, for both close-to-home jaunts and epic adventures,” said Janet McBride, executive director, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. “NST status would raise awareness and expedite completion of this world-class trail, which boasts over 400 completed miles, on the path to a 550-mile fully connected loop. We applaud Congressman Huffman for spearheading this legislation, and the entire Bay Area delegation for signing on as co-authors. We invite everyone to join us on this journey!”
The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a scenic multi-use trail stretching 550 miles along the natural features that surround the San Francisco Bay. With over 415 miles already complete, the trail connects more than 75 parks and open spaces and provides recreational opportunities for hikers, cyclists, tourists, and more across nine Bay Area counties. This bill directs the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study on making this designation, which is currently held by only 11 trails across the country.
The legislation requires the National Park Service to complete the feasibility study within one year, in consultation with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and relevant federal and state agencies. The trail meets all the required criteria established in the National Trails System Act of 1968 for National Scenic Trail designation, including:
• Extended trail route of more than 100 miles;
• Provides maximum outdoor recreation potential;
• Provides for enjoyment of nationally significant scenic, historic, and cultural qualities;
• Represents desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, and forest;
• Represents landforms that exhibit significant regional geographic characteristics;
• Connects with side trails, which provide additional public access.
Full text of this legislation can be found here.
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
TRINITY COUNTY, Calif.— Four people died, and two others suffered serious injuries in a head-on crash on State Route 299 near Del Loma on Saturday evening, Jan. 24.
At about 6:50 p.m., the California Highway Patrol received a report of a crash on SR-299 west of Big Bar.
Officers from the CHP Trinity River Area responded and found two vehicles involved in a head-on crash.
Investigators said a white Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane while negotiating a curve.
The Jeep struck a red Chevrolet Impala traveling eastbound. Five people were inside the Chevrolet.
The crash killed four occupants of the Chevrolet. A fifth occupant suffered major injuries and was transported by air ambulance to a hospital. The driver of the Jeep also suffered serious injuries.
Investigators are evaluating alcohol as a possible factor in the crash.
“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones who lost someone in this tragic crash. This is a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be changed on our roadways. We urge everyone to drive safely, obey the speed limit, and never get behind the wheel while impaired,” said Lt. Commander Paul Gullick.
The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office is handling the coroner’s investigation.
The CHP Trinity River Area continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the CHP Trinity River Area Office at 530-623-3832.
The CHP thanks its partner agencies for their help at the scene.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
ANDERSON, Calif. — Multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition were recovered in Anderson following a tip and subsequent investigation that led to an illicit cannabis cultivation operation and underground bunker.
In December 2025, the California Highway Patrol Northern Division Canine Unit received information about a suspected illegal marijuana cultivation operation on a property in Anderson.
After securing a search warrant, CHP Air Operations conducted an overflight of the area, further confirming the information received.
Following an approximate month-long investigation, members of the CHP Northern Division Warrant Service Team executed a search warrant at the property on Jan. 20.
During the search, officers discovered an underground bunker accessible through a 100-foot-long culvert. The bunker was equipped with power, ventilation, a concrete floor with built-in drainage and the necessary supplies to cultivate marijuana.
In addition to the bunker, officers seized 13 firearms, four soft body armor vests, 30 high-capacity magazines, and approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds.
Among the seized firearms were a sawed-off shotgun, three AR-15 style assault rifles, one with an obliterated serial number, and two firearms reported stolen in 2016 and 1978 respectively.
“This operation went far beyond an illegal grow. The combination of a hidden bunker and an alarming cache of illegal firearms and ammunition highlights the threat posed to public safety. I am proud of the tireless work of our Northern Division personnel that led to this arrest,” said CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli.
Michael Jay Kamfolt, age 40, of Anderson, was arrested and booked for possession of an assault rifle, manufacturing of an assault rifle, manufacturing of a short barreled rifle, possession of a machine gun, converting a firearm into a machine gun, possession of an altered firearm serial number, manufacturing and possession of an undetectable firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, manufacturing of a “ghost gun,” possession of armor penetrating ammunition and possession of high capacity magazine.
This investigation is ongoing as detectives continue to follow up on additional leads.
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