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CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Following a standoff, police have arrested a man who they said is a suspect in a murder discovered on Wednesday morning.
The Clearlake Police Department said Martin Jimenez, 55, was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon.
The agency reported that at around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday its officers were dispatched to a residence in the 5900 block of James Street for a report of a deceased person.
The department’s report said the officers arrived on the scene within minutes and contacted the reporting party, who directed officers to a deceased 47-year-old male.
Based on the evidence at the scene it was apparent the deceased male was a homicide victim, police said.
At that point, a male suspect later identified as Jimenez was still inside the residence and refused to come out, according to the report.
Clearlake Police officers and detectives secured the property and attempted to talk the male subject into coming out of the residence.
A Lakeport Police Detective who frequently assists with Clearlake Police investigations obtained a search warrant for the residence, the report said.
The Lake and Mendocino County Regionalized SWAT team was requested and responded to the scene. Police also put out a Nixle alert asking the community to avoid the area.
Over the next few hours, Jimenez refused to come out but eventually did after chemical agents were deployed inside the residence, police said.
After he emerged from the residence, police arrested Jimenez for murder. Police said he will be booked into the Lake County Jail on the charge.
Police Chief Tim Hobbs told Lake County News that they are not yet sure of when the victim was killed.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, the case remained under investigation and police said no further details would be released.
“Thank you to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Lakeport Police Department, Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, and the Ukiah Police Department for their assistance in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion,” the Clearlake Police Department said in its statement.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article said the murder occurred on Wednesday. The article has been updated to show that police are not sure when it took place.
The Clearlake Police Department said Martin Jimenez, 55, was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon.
The agency reported that at around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday its officers were dispatched to a residence in the 5900 block of James Street for a report of a deceased person.
The department’s report said the officers arrived on the scene within minutes and contacted the reporting party, who directed officers to a deceased 47-year-old male.
Based on the evidence at the scene it was apparent the deceased male was a homicide victim, police said.
At that point, a male suspect later identified as Jimenez was still inside the residence and refused to come out, according to the report.
Clearlake Police officers and detectives secured the property and attempted to talk the male subject into coming out of the residence.
A Lakeport Police Detective who frequently assists with Clearlake Police investigations obtained a search warrant for the residence, the report said.
The Lake and Mendocino County Regionalized SWAT team was requested and responded to the scene. Police also put out a Nixle alert asking the community to avoid the area.
Over the next few hours, Jimenez refused to come out but eventually did after chemical agents were deployed inside the residence, police said.
After he emerged from the residence, police arrested Jimenez for murder. Police said he will be booked into the Lake County Jail on the charge.
Police Chief Tim Hobbs told Lake County News that they are not yet sure of when the victim was killed.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, the case remained under investigation and police said no further details would be released.
“Thank you to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Lakeport Police Department, Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, and the Ukiah Police Department for their assistance in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion,” the Clearlake Police Department said in its statement.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article said the murder occurred on Wednesday. The article has been updated to show that police are not sure when it took place.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Registrar of Voters Office has released the final results of the Nov. 5 election, which show a definitive win for a south county supervisorial candidate and the challengers for the three seats on the Clearlake City Council sweeping out the incumbents.
Registrar of Voters Maria Valadez released the final, certified election results on Tuesday, the deadline for her office to complete the official canvass process.
Among the races awaiting the final count in order to be definitively called was the one for District 1 supervisor, which the final results showed was won by longtime Middletown resident and rancher Helen Owen.
Owen and John Hess, a retired congressional staffer and a Lake County Planning Commission member, had a tight race in the March primary, when Owen bested him by just 179 votes.
The race remained tight in November’s initial count. On election night, the preliminary numbers indicated that Owen led Hess by 118 votes.
The final results released Tuesday showed that, in the end, Owen pulled away from Hess in a clear victory, receiving 3,118 votes, or 57.63%, to Hess’ 2,292 votes, or 42.37%.
Owen led both in vote-by-mail ballots and in election day voting, based on the results.
One result that didn’t change much between the preliminary and final counts was Measure U, the question for the county’s voters on whether or not Kelseyville should have its name changed to “Konocti.”
The election night result put “no” votes at 5,429 or 71.99%, versus “yes” votes of 2,112, or 28.01%.
In the final count, the “no” votes totaled 17,934 votes, or 70.58%, compared to 7,474 “yes votes,” accounting for 29.42% of the vote.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss those results at a meeting later this month.
City council races
In other election news, in the city council races, both saw mayors being voted out and, in the case of Clearlake, all of its incumbent council members losing their reelection bids to three challengers.
Those incumbents seeking reelection in Clearlake were Mayor David Claffey, completing his first term; Joyce Overton, who was seeking her sixth term; and Russell Perdock, who first won a council seat in 2014, resigned to apply for police chief in early 2018 only to run unsuccessfully later that year in a bid to return to the council, was appointed to a vacant seat in 2019 and won a write-in bid in 2020.
An eight-person field had developed for the three council seats over the summer, and in the end Mary Wilson, Tara Downey and Jessica Hooten won the available seats.
Wilson is an adult education specialist for Woodland Community College’s Lake County Campus, while Downey is a high school secretary in the Konocti Unified School District and Hooten is a real estate agent.
The race’s placements are as follows:
• Mary Wilson: 1,360 votes, 15.52%.
• Tara Downey: 1,262 votes, 14.40%.
• Jessica Hooten: 1,256 votes, 14.33%.
• James Rivera: 1,076 votes, 12.28%.
• David Claffey: 1,070 votes, 12.21%.
• Brett Freeman: 1,015 votes, 11.58%.
• Joyce Overton: 982 votes, 11.21%.
• Russell Perdock: 742 votes, 8.47%.
In the Lakeport City Council race, which similarly had a larger-than-ordinary field, incumbents seeking reelection included Kim Costa, an appointed incumbent seeking her first full term; Michael Froio, this year’s mayor who is completing his first term; and Kenny Parlet, a local businessman seeking his fourth term.
The challengers included Carl Porter, a retired teacher, and real estate agent Christina Price, with Andre Williams coming on late in the race as a write-in candidate.
In the end, voters did not return Froio, who finished just out of the running, but elected Costa and Price, and reelected Parlet.
The race standings are as following:
• Christina Price: 944 votes, 22.37%.
• Kenny Parlet: 896 votes, 21.24%.
• Kim Costa: 842 votes, 19.96%.
• Michael Froio: 769 votes, 18.23%.
• Carl Porter: 701 votes, 16.62%.
• Andre Williams (write-in): 67 votes, 1.59%.
Incumbent Brandon Disney ran unopposed for a two-year unexpired seat, receiving 1,803 votes.
School board races
Five school board races were on the November ballot.
In the race for the Yuba Community College District Governing Board Member Trustee Area 7 seat, incumbent Doug Harris topped challenger Jeffrey Dryden.
The seat covers Colusa, Glenn and Lake counties, and a portion of Sutter County. The two men had run against each other in November 2022 for the seat when it was a two-year unexpired term.
While Dryden led Harris by small margins in Colusa, Glenn and Sutter counties, in Lake County Harris more than made up the deficit.
In Lake County, Harris received 5,467 votes, or 56.20%, to Dryden’s 4,260 votes, accounting for 43.80% of the vote.
Altogether, in all four counties, Harris received 6,856 votes and Dryden received 5,772 votes.
In other school board races, retired Lucerne Elementary Principal/Superintendent Mike Brown was the top vote-getter by far in the race for the Kelseyville Unified School District Governing Board.
Three seats were up for election. Brown received 3,338 votes, or 35.80%, followed by another challenger, Sabrina Andrus, with 2,527 votes or 27.10%. Winning the third seat was incumbent Gilbert Rangel with 1,905 votes or 20.43%.
Another incumbent, Mary Beth Mosko, finished outside of the running with 1,555 votes, or 16.68%.
In the race for two seats on the Konocti Unified School District Board, Joan Shelley Mingori topped the three-woman field with 2,896 votes, or 35.41%. Mingori is a previous board member who narrowly lost reelection in 2022.
Winning the second seat is incumbent Zabdy Neria with 2,829 votes, or 34.59%. Challenger Tina Viramontes received 2,454 votes, or 30%.
The Lakeport Unified School Board had three seats on the ballot. Challenger Catherine “Cat” Dunne received the most votes, 2,727 or 34.29%, followed by another challenger, Scott Johnson, with 2,002 votes or 25.17%.
Incumbent Jennifer Richardson won the third and final seat with 1,738 votes, or 21.85%. The second incumbent seeking reelection, Dan Buffalo, finished outside of the running with 1,486 votes or 18.68%.
In the Middletown Unified School District Board race, Annette Lee, a former board member seeking to return to service, topped the field for two four-year seats with 2,149 votes or 39.45%, followed by incumbent Zoi Ann Bracisco with 2,085 votes, or 38.28%.
Challenger Frederic Lahey received 1,213 votes or 22.27%, finishing out of the running.
In the race for a two-year unexpired term on Middletown Unified’s Board, Patricia Pachie received 2,278 votes or 56.08%, defeating Nathan Willis, with 1,784 votes or 43.92%.
School bonds
Two school bond measures also were on the Nov. 5 ballot, both of which required at least a 55% majority to pass.
The Konocti Unified School District put Measure S before voters, seeking $50 million in bonds for school facilities projects.
The final count showed that Measure S passed after receiving 4,191 “yes” votes, or 60.03%, to 2,791 “no” votes, or 39.97%.
At the same time, Kelseyville Unified School District asked voters to approve Measure R, a $36 million bond measure to make upgrades to school facilities.
Measure R fell just short of the required 55%, receiving 2,927 “yes” votes, or 52.51%, to 2,647 “no” votes, or 47.49%.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
Registrar of Voters Maria Valadez released the final, certified election results on Tuesday, the deadline for her office to complete the official canvass process.
Among the races awaiting the final count in order to be definitively called was the one for District 1 supervisor, which the final results showed was won by longtime Middletown resident and rancher Helen Owen.
Owen and John Hess, a retired congressional staffer and a Lake County Planning Commission member, had a tight race in the March primary, when Owen bested him by just 179 votes.
The race remained tight in November’s initial count. On election night, the preliminary numbers indicated that Owen led Hess by 118 votes.
The final results released Tuesday showed that, in the end, Owen pulled away from Hess in a clear victory, receiving 3,118 votes, or 57.63%, to Hess’ 2,292 votes, or 42.37%.
Owen led both in vote-by-mail ballots and in election day voting, based on the results.
One result that didn’t change much between the preliminary and final counts was Measure U, the question for the county’s voters on whether or not Kelseyville should have its name changed to “Konocti.”
The election night result put “no” votes at 5,429 or 71.99%, versus “yes” votes of 2,112, or 28.01%.
In the final count, the “no” votes totaled 17,934 votes, or 70.58%, compared to 7,474 “yes votes,” accounting for 29.42% of the vote.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss those results at a meeting later this month.
City council races
In other election news, in the city council races, both saw mayors being voted out and, in the case of Clearlake, all of its incumbent council members losing their reelection bids to three challengers.
Those incumbents seeking reelection in Clearlake were Mayor David Claffey, completing his first term; Joyce Overton, who was seeking her sixth term; and Russell Perdock, who first won a council seat in 2014, resigned to apply for police chief in early 2018 only to run unsuccessfully later that year in a bid to return to the council, was appointed to a vacant seat in 2019 and won a write-in bid in 2020.
An eight-person field had developed for the three council seats over the summer, and in the end Mary Wilson, Tara Downey and Jessica Hooten won the available seats.
Wilson is an adult education specialist for Woodland Community College’s Lake County Campus, while Downey is a high school secretary in the Konocti Unified School District and Hooten is a real estate agent.
The race’s placements are as follows:
• Mary Wilson: 1,360 votes, 15.52%.
• Tara Downey: 1,262 votes, 14.40%.
• Jessica Hooten: 1,256 votes, 14.33%.
• James Rivera: 1,076 votes, 12.28%.
• David Claffey: 1,070 votes, 12.21%.
• Brett Freeman: 1,015 votes, 11.58%.
• Joyce Overton: 982 votes, 11.21%.
• Russell Perdock: 742 votes, 8.47%.
In the Lakeport City Council race, which similarly had a larger-than-ordinary field, incumbents seeking reelection included Kim Costa, an appointed incumbent seeking her first full term; Michael Froio, this year’s mayor who is completing his first term; and Kenny Parlet, a local businessman seeking his fourth term.
The challengers included Carl Porter, a retired teacher, and real estate agent Christina Price, with Andre Williams coming on late in the race as a write-in candidate.
In the end, voters did not return Froio, who finished just out of the running, but elected Costa and Price, and reelected Parlet.
The race standings are as following:
• Christina Price: 944 votes, 22.37%.
• Kenny Parlet: 896 votes, 21.24%.
• Kim Costa: 842 votes, 19.96%.
• Michael Froio: 769 votes, 18.23%.
• Carl Porter: 701 votes, 16.62%.
• Andre Williams (write-in): 67 votes, 1.59%.
Incumbent Brandon Disney ran unopposed for a two-year unexpired seat, receiving 1,803 votes.
School board races
Five school board races were on the November ballot.
In the race for the Yuba Community College District Governing Board Member Trustee Area 7 seat, incumbent Doug Harris topped challenger Jeffrey Dryden.
The seat covers Colusa, Glenn and Lake counties, and a portion of Sutter County. The two men had run against each other in November 2022 for the seat when it was a two-year unexpired term.
While Dryden led Harris by small margins in Colusa, Glenn and Sutter counties, in Lake County Harris more than made up the deficit.
In Lake County, Harris received 5,467 votes, or 56.20%, to Dryden’s 4,260 votes, accounting for 43.80% of the vote.
Altogether, in all four counties, Harris received 6,856 votes and Dryden received 5,772 votes.
In other school board races, retired Lucerne Elementary Principal/Superintendent Mike Brown was the top vote-getter by far in the race for the Kelseyville Unified School District Governing Board.
Three seats were up for election. Brown received 3,338 votes, or 35.80%, followed by another challenger, Sabrina Andrus, with 2,527 votes or 27.10%. Winning the third seat was incumbent Gilbert Rangel with 1,905 votes or 20.43%.
Another incumbent, Mary Beth Mosko, finished outside of the running with 1,555 votes, or 16.68%.
In the race for two seats on the Konocti Unified School District Board, Joan Shelley Mingori topped the three-woman field with 2,896 votes, or 35.41%. Mingori is a previous board member who narrowly lost reelection in 2022.
Winning the second seat is incumbent Zabdy Neria with 2,829 votes, or 34.59%. Challenger Tina Viramontes received 2,454 votes, or 30%.
The Lakeport Unified School Board had three seats on the ballot. Challenger Catherine “Cat” Dunne received the most votes, 2,727 or 34.29%, followed by another challenger, Scott Johnson, with 2,002 votes or 25.17%.
Incumbent Jennifer Richardson won the third and final seat with 1,738 votes, or 21.85%. The second incumbent seeking reelection, Dan Buffalo, finished outside of the running with 1,486 votes or 18.68%.
In the Middletown Unified School District Board race, Annette Lee, a former board member seeking to return to service, topped the field for two four-year seats with 2,149 votes or 39.45%, followed by incumbent Zoi Ann Bracisco with 2,085 votes, or 38.28%.
Challenger Frederic Lahey received 1,213 votes or 22.27%, finishing out of the running.
In the race for a two-year unexpired term on Middletown Unified’s Board, Patricia Pachie received 2,278 votes or 56.08%, defeating Nathan Willis, with 1,784 votes or 43.92%.
School bonds
Two school bond measures also were on the Nov. 5 ballot, both of which required at least a 55% majority to pass.
The Konocti Unified School District put Measure S before voters, seeking $50 million in bonds for school facilities projects.
The final count showed that Measure S passed after receiving 4,191 “yes” votes, or 60.03%, to 2,791 “no” votes, or 39.97%.
At the same time, Kelseyville Unified School District asked voters to approve Measure R, a $36 million bond measure to make upgrades to school facilities.
Measure R fell just short of the required 55%, receiving 2,927 “yes” votes, or 52.51%, to 2,647 “no” votes, or 47.49%.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A vote by the Lakeport City Council on Tuesday evening became the latest in what county health officials said is a series of tobacco prevention policy milestones meant to improve public health.
On Tuesday, the Lakeport City Council held its second and final reading of a tobacco retailer licensing ordinance, approving it 4-1, with Councilman Kenny Parlet being the loud and only dissenting vote.
Later that night following the Lakeport City Council’s vote, Lake County Health Services released a statement in which it announced “the culmination of years of dedicated collaboration and community engagement in achieving a Tobacco Retail Licensing ordinance, alongside critical Smoke-Free Outdoor Policies. These initiatives underscore Lake County’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing tobacco-related harm, particularly among youth.”
Lake County Health Services said the groundwork for these policies was laid beginning in 2017 with the city of Clearlake.
In an effort to work towards a tobacco retail license, the Clearlake City Council passed a moratorium preventing new tobacco retailers in 2018. This action set the stage for the development of a comprehensive tobacco retail license and smoke-free outdoor policies. By 2019, the city of Clearlake had extended the moratorium twice and adopted a smoke-free outdoor policy.
Concurrently, Lake County Health Services engaged with the Board of Supervisors to present the framework for tobacco retail licensing and smoke-free policies, including discussions on fee structures, enforcement and penalties. However, those efforts were temporarily paused due to the pandemic disruptions in 2020.
In 2022, the Board of Supervisors directed Lake County Health Services to revisit these policies.
In February 2023, a collaborative presentation detailed the public health benefits of tobacco retail licensing and smoke-free outdoor policies. Representatives from NorCal 4 Health, Tobacco Free North Coast, the Health & Social Policy Institute Communities Against Nicotine, Blue Zones Lake County and the Lake County Office of Education’s TUPE program joined the presentation, emphasizing the shared mission to curb youth tobacco use and improve health outcomes.
Countywide, achievements on this effort to date include the following developments this year.
Aug. 13: The Board of Supervisors passed the tobacco retail licensing ordinance with rigorous enforcement measures, setting a Jan. 1, 2025, implementation date.
Sept. 10: Adoption of a smoke-free outdoor air policy covering county-owned and leased properties, as well as multi-unit housing common areas.
Nov. 21: The Clearlake City Council passed the tobacco retail license ordinance, mirroring the efforts of the county of Lake.
Dec. 3: The Lakeport City Council joined efforts to provide a seamless plan across the county for the implementation and enforcement of the local tobacco retail license ordinance.
“It’s inspiring to see our community rally together to protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco addiction,” said Liberty Francis, project director of the Tobacco Education and Prevention program. “This united front demonstrates the power of collaboration.”
Francis was on hand at the council meeting Tuesday night and offered answers and clarifications on some of the issues raised during the meeting.
Health Services said the tobacco retail license ordinance and smoke-free policies represent “more than legislative victories; they are steps toward a healthier future for all Lake County residents. These efforts have already inspired ongoing partnerships with the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport, where TRL [tobacco retail license] ordinances have been adopted to mirror compliance and enforcement efforts.”
Lake County Health Services thanked the Lake County Board of Supervisors, local government leaders, public health organizations, and community members for their unwavering support.
“Together, they’ve achieved monumental progress in the fight against tobacco-related harm,” the agency said.
On Tuesday, the Lakeport City Council held its second and final reading of a tobacco retailer licensing ordinance, approving it 4-1, with Councilman Kenny Parlet being the loud and only dissenting vote.
Later that night following the Lakeport City Council’s vote, Lake County Health Services released a statement in which it announced “the culmination of years of dedicated collaboration and community engagement in achieving a Tobacco Retail Licensing ordinance, alongside critical Smoke-Free Outdoor Policies. These initiatives underscore Lake County’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing tobacco-related harm, particularly among youth.”
Lake County Health Services said the groundwork for these policies was laid beginning in 2017 with the city of Clearlake.
In an effort to work towards a tobacco retail license, the Clearlake City Council passed a moratorium preventing new tobacco retailers in 2018. This action set the stage for the development of a comprehensive tobacco retail license and smoke-free outdoor policies. By 2019, the city of Clearlake had extended the moratorium twice and adopted a smoke-free outdoor policy.
Concurrently, Lake County Health Services engaged with the Board of Supervisors to present the framework for tobacco retail licensing and smoke-free policies, including discussions on fee structures, enforcement and penalties. However, those efforts were temporarily paused due to the pandemic disruptions in 2020.
In 2022, the Board of Supervisors directed Lake County Health Services to revisit these policies.
In February 2023, a collaborative presentation detailed the public health benefits of tobacco retail licensing and smoke-free outdoor policies. Representatives from NorCal 4 Health, Tobacco Free North Coast, the Health & Social Policy Institute Communities Against Nicotine, Blue Zones Lake County and the Lake County Office of Education’s TUPE program joined the presentation, emphasizing the shared mission to curb youth tobacco use and improve health outcomes.
Countywide, achievements on this effort to date include the following developments this year.
Aug. 13: The Board of Supervisors passed the tobacco retail licensing ordinance with rigorous enforcement measures, setting a Jan. 1, 2025, implementation date.
Sept. 10: Adoption of a smoke-free outdoor air policy covering county-owned and leased properties, as well as multi-unit housing common areas.
Nov. 21: The Clearlake City Council passed the tobacco retail license ordinance, mirroring the efforts of the county of Lake.
Dec. 3: The Lakeport City Council joined efforts to provide a seamless plan across the county for the implementation and enforcement of the local tobacco retail license ordinance.
“It’s inspiring to see our community rally together to protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco addiction,” said Liberty Francis, project director of the Tobacco Education and Prevention program. “This united front demonstrates the power of collaboration.”
Francis was on hand at the council meeting Tuesday night and offered answers and clarifications on some of the issues raised during the meeting.
Health Services said the tobacco retail license ordinance and smoke-free policies represent “more than legislative victories; they are steps toward a healthier future for all Lake County residents. These efforts have already inspired ongoing partnerships with the cities of Clearlake and Lakeport, where TRL [tobacco retail license] ordinances have been adopted to mirror compliance and enforcement efforts.”
Lake County Health Services thanked the Lake County Board of Supervisors, local government leaders, public health organizations, and community members for their unwavering support.
“Together, they’ve achieved monumental progress in the fight against tobacco-related harm,” the agency said.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services invites community members to review and provide feedback on the revised Lake County Operational Area Emergency Operational Plan, or EOP, during the open public review period.
The comment period runs from Dec. 3 to Dec. 30 at 5 p.m.
This is an important opportunity for residents, business owners, community organizations and other stakeholders to help shape how Lake County prepares for, responds to and recovers from emergencies and disasters.
The EOP serves as the central framework for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across the Lake Operational Area.
It outlines critical roles, responsibilities, and procedures to manage emergencies effectively and ensure public safety.
The plan facilitates multi-jurisdictional coordination and includes processes for activating the emergency operations center, or EOC, during emergencies.
While the EOP sets the overall structure and operational framework, its Annexes provide detailed, function-specific, and hazard-specific guidance.
This review period focuses on the base plan, with current annexes under review and new ones in development.
To review the EOP and complete a brief survey designed to make feedback submission easy, please visit https://www.lakesheriff.com/about/oes/plans.
Officials said public input is invaluable in ensuring the EOP reflects the needs and priorities of our community.
The comment period runs from Dec. 3 to Dec. 30 at 5 p.m.
This is an important opportunity for residents, business owners, community organizations and other stakeholders to help shape how Lake County prepares for, responds to and recovers from emergencies and disasters.
The EOP serves as the central framework for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across the Lake Operational Area.
It outlines critical roles, responsibilities, and procedures to manage emergencies effectively and ensure public safety.
The plan facilitates multi-jurisdictional coordination and includes processes for activating the emergency operations center, or EOC, during emergencies.
While the EOP sets the overall structure and operational framework, its Annexes provide detailed, function-specific, and hazard-specific guidance.
This review period focuses on the base plan, with current annexes under review and new ones in development.
To review the EOP and complete a brief survey designed to make feedback submission easy, please visit https://www.lakesheriff.com/about/oes/plans.
Officials said public input is invaluable in ensuring the EOP reflects the needs and priorities of our community.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
On Tuesday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) voted to pass the America's Conservation Enhancement, or ACE, Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Thompson’s office said the comprehensive legislation will enhance the preservation of America's natural resources, wildlife and habitats.
Thompson served as an original co-sponsor for this legislation in the House of Representatives.
“Reauthorizing our most critical wildlife conservation programs just makes sense,” said Thompson. “I was proud to vote today to reauthorize ACE and ensure the longevity of our North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Program. NAWCA has already helped conserve over 32 million acres of wetlands across our country and I look forward to seeing its continued positive impact in the years to come.”
A longtime advocate for wildlife and land conservation, Rep. Thompson serves as a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, Land Conservation Caucus, and Wildlife Refuge Caucus.
To date, he's voted to conserve 2.8 million acres of land through the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and sponsored legislation that led to the permanent protection of nearly 1 million acres.
The ACE Act includes the following legislation, among other bills.
North American Wetlands Conservation Act:
• Protects waterfowl, fish, wildlife resources, and wetland habitats.
• Supports local economies that depend on outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture.
• Preserves American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching.
National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act:
• Strengthens partnerships and projects to help maintain healthy fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.
• While making major investments in conservation of natural resources, the bill also includes important measures to enhance accountability and reporting to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of funded projects.
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
Thompson’s office said the comprehensive legislation will enhance the preservation of America's natural resources, wildlife and habitats.
Thompson served as an original co-sponsor for this legislation in the House of Representatives.
“Reauthorizing our most critical wildlife conservation programs just makes sense,” said Thompson. “I was proud to vote today to reauthorize ACE and ensure the longevity of our North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Program. NAWCA has already helped conserve over 32 million acres of wetlands across our country and I look forward to seeing its continued positive impact in the years to come.”
A longtime advocate for wildlife and land conservation, Rep. Thompson serves as a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, Land Conservation Caucus, and Wildlife Refuge Caucus.
To date, he's voted to conserve 2.8 million acres of land through the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and sponsored legislation that led to the permanent protection of nearly 1 million acres.
The ACE Act includes the following legislation, among other bills.
North American Wetlands Conservation Act:
• Protects waterfowl, fish, wildlife resources, and wetland habitats.
• Supports local economies that depend on outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture.
• Preserves American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching.
National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act:
• Strengthens partnerships and projects to help maintain healthy fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.
• While making major investments in conservation of natural resources, the bill also includes important measures to enhance accountability and reporting to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of funded projects.
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council this week will accept the November election results, consider development agreements, and a number of other proposed ordinances and resolutions.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
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 873 6220 2718, the pass code is 074808. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,87362202718#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.
The council has an extensive list of items of business on Thursday, and toward the end of the meeting they will consider approving the final Nov. 5 election results, which still were in preliminary form at the time of publication of this article.
After the adoption of the resolution accepting the results, City Clerk Melissa Swanson will deliver the oath of office to the newly elected council members.
Once seated, the council members will appoint the mayor and vice mayor for 2025.
Also on Thursday, the council will hold three public hearings, one to consider zoning ordinance text amendments and two for the purpose of approving development agreements with commercial cannabis operations at 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, Units C/D/E/F, and 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, units A/B2.
Under business, the council has a lengthy slate of items, including the approval of a memorandum of understanding with the city of Lakeport and county of Lake authorizing the formation of a Lake County Regional Housing Trust Fund and award of a contract for the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program towing, storing, dismantling and disposal services.
The council also will discuss a resolution recommending the Lake County Redevelopment Agency Oversight Board amend the loan terms for Olympic Village Apartments; a resolution approving the appraisal, fixing the amount of just compensation and authorizing offer to owner of a portion of 12105 San Joaquin Extension for right-of-way; the first reading of an ordinance adjusting councilmember compensation; and an update on the senior/community center project.
Also on Thursday, there will be presentations by Mayor David Claffey and Vice Mayor Joyce Overton, and the adoptable dogs for December.
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; the second reading of an ordinance amending the municipal code regarding fire mitigation fees; second reading of an ordinance establishing standards for utility construction and maintenance in the public right-of-way and standards for relocation of underground utilities; authorization of an amendment of the contract for the Clean California Austin Park Shade Structure Project in the amount of $19,333; authorization of an amendment of the contract with California Engineering Co. for the Burns Valley/Arrowhead Project in the amount of $189,569.11; discontinuance of the local emergency for winter storms; continuation of the local emergency for the Boyles fire; adoption of the 2024 conflict of interest code; adoption of the annual calendar of meetings for 2024; and the mayor’s appointment list.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
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 873 6220 2718, the pass code is 074808. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,87362202718#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.
The council has an extensive list of items of business on Thursday, and toward the end of the meeting they will consider approving the final Nov. 5 election results, which still were in preliminary form at the time of publication of this article.
After the adoption of the resolution accepting the results, City Clerk Melissa Swanson will deliver the oath of office to the newly elected council members.
Once seated, the council members will appoint the mayor and vice mayor for 2025.
Also on Thursday, the council will hold three public hearings, one to consider zoning ordinance text amendments and two for the purpose of approving development agreements with commercial cannabis operations at 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, Units C/D/E/F, and 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, units A/B2.
Under business, the council has a lengthy slate of items, including the approval of a memorandum of understanding with the city of Lakeport and county of Lake authorizing the formation of a Lake County Regional Housing Trust Fund and award of a contract for the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program towing, storing, dismantling and disposal services.
The council also will discuss a resolution recommending the Lake County Redevelopment Agency Oversight Board amend the loan terms for Olympic Village Apartments; a resolution approving the appraisal, fixing the amount of just compensation and authorizing offer to owner of a portion of 12105 San Joaquin Extension for right-of-way; the first reading of an ordinance adjusting councilmember compensation; and an update on the senior/community center project.
Also on Thursday, there will be presentations by Mayor David Claffey and Vice Mayor Joyce Overton, and the adoptable dogs for December.
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; the second reading of an ordinance amending the municipal code regarding fire mitigation fees; second reading of an ordinance establishing standards for utility construction and maintenance in the public right-of-way and standards for relocation of underground utilities; authorization of an amendment of the contract for the Clean California Austin Park Shade Structure Project in the amount of $19,333; authorization of an amendment of the contract with California Engineering Co. for the Burns Valley/Arrowhead Project in the amount of $189,569.11; discontinuance of the local emergency for winter storms; continuation of the local emergency for the Boyles fire; adoption of the 2024 conflict of interest code; adoption of the annual calendar of meetings for 2024; and the mayor’s appointment list.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The California State Senate, led by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), convened to begin the 2025-26 Legislative Session on Monday, welcoming in newly elected, re-elected and returning members, and kicking off the extraordinary session that is focused on protecting California’s people, policies and progress from federal interference.
Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proclamation, the California Legislature convened the first day of the special session to provide legal resources to protect California values, the state’s economy, fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, clean air and clean water, and working families — including immigrant families.
The special session, which will establish a new litigation fund, comes in response to the incoming federal administration's signaled policy proposals that Newsom’s office said would harm Californians.
The extraordinary session will run concurrently with the regular Legislative session.
“California is a tent pole of the country — from the economy to innovation to protecting and investing in rights and freedoms for all people,” said Newsom. “We will work with the incoming administration and we want President Trump to succeed in serving all Americans. But when there is overreach, when lives are threatened, when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action. And that is exactly what this special session is about — setting this state up for success, regardless of who is in the White House.”
“With potentially billions of dollars in federal funding on the line if the President-elect follows through on his promises, we must be — and we are — ready to act on day one," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "I am looking forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to ensure my office has the resources we need to meet the demands of the moment and robustly defend California’s people, progress, and values.”
“Where we can work with the incoming federal administration, we will," Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire. "Where the rights, safety, and economic security of Californians may be in danger, we will be prepared and we will respond. New and returning members of the Senate all took a solemn oath today to defend California. We believe in that oath. And we will act accordingly with the Governor and our colleagues in the Assembly.”
“While we always hope to collaborate with our federal partners, California will be ready to vigorously defend our interests and values from any unlawful action by the incoming Trump Administration,” said Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel. “We know from President-elect Trump’s statements — and from the more than 120 lawsuits that California filed during the first Trump Administration — that we must be prepared to defend ourselves. We’re not going to be caught flat-footed.”
New litigation fund
The governor is working with lawmakers to establish a litigation fund to bolster the state’s legal resources in response to the incoming federal administration's signaled policy proposals that would harm the state.
Senate Democrats, led by Pro Tem McGuire and in partnership with Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), have introduced a budget bill as part of the special session.
SBX1-1, authored by Sen. Wiener, includes $25 million in funding proposed by Gov. Newsom for the California Department of Justice to bolster legal resources, and adds $10 million for county counsels and city attorneys for similar purposes. It also expands on that effort by including $25 million for legal aid efforts and legal services for local communities.
In keeping with the focus of the governor’s proclamation, the bill specifies that the grant funding for county counsels and city attorneys would be related to issues of reproductive health, the state’s clean air, clean water and climate laws, immigrant rights and LGBTQ civil rights. It also would add funding for legal services focused on grants for nonprofit pro bono legal teams, immigration and detention legal services, and data security projects.
Newsom’s office said the fund is meant to defend California from unconstitutional federal overreach, challenge illegal federal actions in court and take administrative actions to reduce potential harm.
The proposed legal investment has the potential to yield significant returns for California families and protect billions of dollars in state funding, Newsom’s office reported. The new litigation fund will help safeguard critical funding for disaster relief, health care programs and other vital services that millions of Californians depend on daily.
It will also position the state to defend against unlawful federal actions that could jeopardize not only tangible resources but also immeasurable protections, such as those related to health and civil rights, Newsom’s office said.
During President-elect Trump’s first term, his administration made multiple attempts to withhold federal funds from California and harm the state.
From 2017 to 2021, the California DOJ filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration in response. The state invested approximately $42 million to support this litigation.
This legal action not only safeguarded California’s values and residents but also delivered tangible financial benefits, Newsom’s office said.
For example, in just one successful case, the federal government reimbursed California nearly $60 million in federal public safety grants as a result of litigation. In another case won against the Trump administration for delaying energy efficiency standards, the state's victory was estimated to generate over $8 billion in energy savings for consumers over the next three decades.
In another separate case, the state’s litigation protected billions of dollars in federal funding for California’s public health care and other federally funded programs that provide crucial health, education and labor services.
What comes next
Proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the state Legislature. In the coming weeks, the Legislature has indicated it will hold committee hearings on the legislation. During this process, the governor will actively collaborate with legislative leaders and the attorney general to refine and advance the measure.
The legislation is expected to reach the governor’s desk and be signed into law before Jan. 20, 2025, the day Trump takes office.
While the state is prepared to lead efforts to challenge any unlawful actions by the federal government, Gov. Newsom said he is committed to working with President-elect Trump wherever there is common ground to improve the lives of nearly 40 million Californians.
Last month, Governor Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for a series of meetings at the White House and on Capitol Hill to discuss the approval of key initiatives to improve health care, mental health and clean air in the state, as well as the approval of disaster relief funds.
Newsom’s office said he is looking to build on that momentum to continue to deliver for millions of Californians who rely on essential federal funding and programs that support their daily lives.
Following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proclamation, the California Legislature convened the first day of the special session to provide legal resources to protect California values, the state’s economy, fundamental civil rights, reproductive freedom, clean air and clean water, and working families — including immigrant families.
The special session, which will establish a new litigation fund, comes in response to the incoming federal administration's signaled policy proposals that Newsom’s office said would harm Californians.
The extraordinary session will run concurrently with the regular Legislative session.
“California is a tent pole of the country — from the economy to innovation to protecting and investing in rights and freedoms for all people,” said Newsom. “We will work with the incoming administration and we want President Trump to succeed in serving all Americans. But when there is overreach, when lives are threatened, when rights and freedoms are targeted, we will take action. And that is exactly what this special session is about — setting this state up for success, regardless of who is in the White House.”
“With potentially billions of dollars in federal funding on the line if the President-elect follows through on his promises, we must be — and we are — ready to act on day one," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "I am looking forward to working with the governor and the Legislature to ensure my office has the resources we need to meet the demands of the moment and robustly defend California’s people, progress, and values.”
“Where we can work with the incoming federal administration, we will," Senate President pro Tem Mike McGuire. "Where the rights, safety, and economic security of Californians may be in danger, we will be prepared and we will respond. New and returning members of the Senate all took a solemn oath today to defend California. We believe in that oath. And we will act accordingly with the Governor and our colleagues in the Assembly.”
“While we always hope to collaborate with our federal partners, California will be ready to vigorously defend our interests and values from any unlawful action by the incoming Trump Administration,” said Assembly Budget Chair Jesse Gabriel. “We know from President-elect Trump’s statements — and from the more than 120 lawsuits that California filed during the first Trump Administration — that we must be prepared to defend ourselves. We’re not going to be caught flat-footed.”
New litigation fund
The governor is working with lawmakers to establish a litigation fund to bolster the state’s legal resources in response to the incoming federal administration's signaled policy proposals that would harm the state.
Senate Democrats, led by Pro Tem McGuire and in partnership with Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), have introduced a budget bill as part of the special session.
SBX1-1, authored by Sen. Wiener, includes $25 million in funding proposed by Gov. Newsom for the California Department of Justice to bolster legal resources, and adds $10 million for county counsels and city attorneys for similar purposes. It also expands on that effort by including $25 million for legal aid efforts and legal services for local communities.
In keeping with the focus of the governor’s proclamation, the bill specifies that the grant funding for county counsels and city attorneys would be related to issues of reproductive health, the state’s clean air, clean water and climate laws, immigrant rights and LGBTQ civil rights. It also would add funding for legal services focused on grants for nonprofit pro bono legal teams, immigration and detention legal services, and data security projects.
Newsom’s office said the fund is meant to defend California from unconstitutional federal overreach, challenge illegal federal actions in court and take administrative actions to reduce potential harm.
The proposed legal investment has the potential to yield significant returns for California families and protect billions of dollars in state funding, Newsom’s office reported. The new litigation fund will help safeguard critical funding for disaster relief, health care programs and other vital services that millions of Californians depend on daily.
It will also position the state to defend against unlawful federal actions that could jeopardize not only tangible resources but also immeasurable protections, such as those related to health and civil rights, Newsom’s office said.
During President-elect Trump’s first term, his administration made multiple attempts to withhold federal funds from California and harm the state.
From 2017 to 2021, the California DOJ filed 122 lawsuits against the Trump administration in response. The state invested approximately $42 million to support this litigation.
This legal action not only safeguarded California’s values and residents but also delivered tangible financial benefits, Newsom’s office said.
For example, in just one successful case, the federal government reimbursed California nearly $60 million in federal public safety grants as a result of litigation. In another case won against the Trump administration for delaying energy efficiency standards, the state's victory was estimated to generate over $8 billion in energy savings for consumers over the next three decades.
In another separate case, the state’s litigation protected billions of dollars in federal funding for California’s public health care and other federally funded programs that provide crucial health, education and labor services.
What comes next
Proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in the state Legislature. In the coming weeks, the Legislature has indicated it will hold committee hearings on the legislation. During this process, the governor will actively collaborate with legislative leaders and the attorney general to refine and advance the measure.
The legislation is expected to reach the governor’s desk and be signed into law before Jan. 20, 2025, the day Trump takes office.
While the state is prepared to lead efforts to challenge any unlawful actions by the federal government, Gov. Newsom said he is committed to working with President-elect Trump wherever there is common ground to improve the lives of nearly 40 million Californians.
Last month, Governor Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., for a series of meetings at the White House and on Capitol Hill to discuss the approval of key initiatives to improve health care, mental health and clean air in the state, as well as the approval of disaster relief funds.
Newsom’s office said he is looking to build on that momentum to continue to deliver for millions of Californians who rely on essential federal funding and programs that support their daily lives.
- Details
- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
