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- Written by: Lake County News reports
The Local Assistance Center, or LAC, will be a “one-stop” shop, where individuals and businesses that have suffered disaster-related loss or damage can find assistance and access services all in one place.
This year marks the sixth straight year in which large wildfire disasters have had a major impact on Lake County communities and the local economy.
This year, to ensure they provide accessible services to the public in a safe manner, in light of COVID-19, the LAC will run in a virtual format, accessible online.
Disaster resources available include Individual Assistance for clients whose homes were destroyed or damaged, vital records replacement, immigrant and veteran’s disaster services, postal service address changes and forwarding information, unemployment benefits information if the fire impacted your ability to work, driver’s license and car registration/title replacement, local food resources, utility assistance programs, emotional supports and more.
Local businesses can connect with the Small Business Administration for business loan assistance to cover losses. Local, state and federal agencies assisting in disaster recovery are all accessible through the LAC website.
Disaster survivors whose homes were destroyed or sustained damage will find links to recovery resources and information including property debris removal, hazardous materials cleanup, property tax evaluation and relief, utility and wastewater information, home repair and rebuilding information, tips on navigating the insurance industry, disaster recovery guides and links to local agencies active in community disaster assistance.
Community members are encouraged to access the LAC website.
Phone assistance will be available for clients without the ability to access the website for a limited period of time only, Sept. 7 to 11, at 707-995-4335, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Lake County 2-1-1 emergency line has also been activated for disaster and recovery information.
Requests for information by email may be sent to
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Lt. Corey Paulich said Renea Pillow, 41, of Clearlake died in the wreck.
At about 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, Pillow was driving her 2005 Mercedes ML350 northbound on Highway 53, north of Ogulin Canyon Road, at approximately 70 miles per hour when she crossed a broken yellow center line, entering into the southbound lane, in order to pass a large vehicle, the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office said.
The CHP said Pillow collided head-on with a 2016 Toyota Camry driven by Jesus Valdes, 53, of Novato, whose wife, Elisha Valdes, 49, of Clearlake Oaks was following him in a 2015 Nissan Altima.
After Pillow and Jesus Valdes collided head-on, Elisha Valdes’ vehicle hit the driver's side of her husband’s Toyota, the CHP said.
Pillow, who was not wearing her seat belt, died at the scene. Jesus Valdes was flown out of county for treatment of major injuries and Elisha Valdes was treated for minor injuries at Adventist Health Clear Lake, the CHP said. The couple was wearing their seat belts.
The CHP said drugs or alcohol are not believed to have been contributing factors.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The following dogs are ready for adoption or foster.
‘Bella’
“Bella” is a female American Bully mix.
She has a short beige and tan coat.
She is dog No. 3537.
‘Boog’
“Boog” is a senior male American Bully mix with a short brown and white coat.
He is dog No. 4012.
‘Diesel’
“Diesel” is a male border collie mix with a black and white coat.
He is dog No. 4023.
‘Jack’
“Jack” is a male Labrador Retriever mix with a short yellow coat.
He is dog No. 4155.
‘Lady’
“Lady” is a female German Shepherd mix.
She has been spayed.
She is dog No. 3683.
‘Nibbler’
“Nibbler” is a senior male Australian Kelpie mix with a short brown and tan coat.
He is dog No. 4158.
‘Wilbur’
“Wilbur” is a male American Bully mix with a short gray and white coat.
He is dog No. 3999.
Clearlake Animal Control’s shelter is located at 6820 Old Highway 53, off Airport Road.
The shelter is open by appointment only due to COVID-19.
Call the Clearlake Animal Control shelter at 707-273-9440, or email
Visit Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook or on the city’s website.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Joseph Fitzgerald, 37, and Allison Strout, 27, were taken into custody early on the morning of Friday, Aug. 28, according to a report from Sgt. Eric Riboli of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
Riboli said that at 3:15 a.m. that day, Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies were on routine patrol when they observed a bronze-colored Jeep traveling northbound on North State Street in Redwood Valley.
The vehicle displayed expired registration tabs, which is a violation of the California Vehicle Code. As a result, Riboli said the deputies conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle in the 7700 block of North State Street.
Riboli said the deputies contacted the driver and identified him as Fitzgerald, with Strout identified as the passenger.
A warrants check revealed two outstanding Humboldt County arrest warrants for Strout's arrest. The deputies also learned Strout was on probation with search terms. Fitzgerald came back clear in all systems, Riboli said.
Riboli said a probation search of the Jeep revealed a large quantity of heroin and a smaller quantity of methamphetamine.
As their investigation continued, the deputies developed probable cause to believe Fitzgerald possessed the heroin with the intent to sell, Riboli said.
Fitzgerald was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale and Strout was arrested for the two active Humboldt County arrest warrants, according to Riboli’s report.
Riboli said the two were transported to the Mendocino County Jail. Fitzgerald was booked for the listed charge and was released on zero bail at the conclusion of the jail booking process.
Strout was booked on the warrants and held in lieu of $50,000 bail, Riboli said.