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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Native American students and families will determine what constitutes traditional regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance instead of school officials for purposes of adornments at graduation ceremonies if the governor signs a measure approved on a 73-0 vote Sept. 4 by the Assembly and now headed to the governor.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced AB 1369 that also prohibits schools from creating any process that would discourage or prevent Native American students from displaying any tribal adornment or ceremonial regalia at graduation ceremonies.
Despite existing law and clarifying statutes affirming the rights of students to wear cultural adornment at high school graduations, school districts continue to deny students this right.
“Existing legislation and constitutional protections allow students to wear traditional tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies, but Native American youth and their families continue to face obstacles and challenges. Graduation ceremonies are a time for students, their families and tribal communities to share pride and joy in a major accomplishment. AB 1369 adds clarity to current law so that students’ and families’ celebration is not marred by unnecessary turmoil,” Ramos said.
He noted that regalia might include items such as eagle feathers or beading and represent cultural and religious traditions.
Testifying at a legislative committee hearing was Bella Garcia, a May graduate from Clovis High School, who struggled for almost two years to win approval to wear Native American adornments at her graduation.
“California sits on the traditional homelands of all California Indian people, and it is important to recognize California tribes’ sovereignty,” Garcia said. “American Indian youth deserve to be recognized, celebrated and uplifted while honoring their ancestors who came before them. Graduation is one of the most momentous milestones especially for California Native Americans.”
In 2018, the Legislature took action to protect student rights by passing AB 1248 (Chapter 804, Statutes of 2018).
That bill stated, “A pupil may wear traditional tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment at school graduation ceremonies.”
Despite this language, school districts continue to deny Native American students from wearing tribal regalia or attempt to tell them what constitutes authentic or appropriate tribal items.
In 2021, the legislature passed Ramos’s AB 945 (Chapter 285, Statutes of 2021) which established a task force that would provide education leaders with policy, procedure, and best practices recommendations for the implementation of AB 1284. The report is currently being drafted. However, immediate action is required with this measure as instances of denials continue to be reported.
California Indian Legal Services and the Tule River Indian Tribe are the AB 1369 sponsors, and it is also supported by the Fresno Unified School District, ACLU California Action, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake and Indigenous Justice, California Federation of Teachers, Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria and California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office are investigating a Tuesday incident in which a man died after being taken into custody in a Kelseyville park.
The name of the individual who died has so far not been released.
On Tuesday, sheriff’s deputies responded to Kelseyville Community Park, located at
5270 State St., for reports of an individual acting erratically and harassing people in the park, said sheriff’s spokesperson Lauren Berlinn.
Berlinn said deputies contacted the man and observed that he was lethargic and having difficulty answering questions. They determined he was in need of medical aid and medics were requested to respond.
When medics arrived and attempted to provide treatment, the man’s behavior escalated and he became combative. For the safety of the individual, medics and deputies, he was placed in handcuffs and detained, Berlinn said.
The individual continued to resist medical personnel and prevented them from providing care. During their attempts to assess him, he became unresponsive, Berlinn said.
Berlinn said medics immediately began CPR and transported him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The cause and manner of death remain under investigation, and the man’s identity will be released once next of kin have been notified, Berlinn said.
Due to the individual being detained prior to his death, Berlinn said the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is treating this as an in-custody death.
The sheriff’s office activated the critical incident protocol and has begun an investigation into the incident, Berlinn said.
The Lake County District Attorney’s Office is the lead investigating agency under the county’s critical incident protocol.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an internal investigation to ensure all policies and procedures were followed, Berlinn said.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKEPORT, Calif. — This year’s Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit will take place on Nov. 6 and 7 at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport.
The summit will bring together regional leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino and Trinity counties, as well as neighboring tribal lands.
Early bird registration for the summit closes Monday, Sept. 15, offering attendees a final chance to register at the discounted rate of $135 before general admission increases to $150.
This year’s theme, “Harvesting Growth: Transforming Rural Economies,” focuses on downtown revitalization, tourism and innovative rural development, with a spotlight on agri-tourism and the blue economy.
This marks the first time the summit will be hosted in Lake County, providing a unique opportunity to highlight the region’s growing role in rural innovation.
From restored historic landmarks and expanded small business support to scenic landscapes and a strong agricultural foundation, Lakeport sets the stage for regional collaboration.
Day one will feature a case study on Kennewick’s waterfront transformation, small business entrepreneurial success stories, and a walking tour of Lakeport’s waterfront revitalization work. Rachael Callahan, of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, will also lead a session focused on agritourism.
Day two begins with a leadership breakfast featuring Six Sigma Ranch, and a panel on outdoor recreation’s role in community revitalization and cannatourism, and legacy farmers.
Keynotes include Dr. Robert Eyler, from Economic Forensics and Analytics, who will discuss economic data relevant to the region, and Egon Terplan of California Forward, who will discuss regionalism and how to use our rural voice together to gain attention at the State level.
The event will close with a presentation from State Assembly Majority Leader and Lake County representative, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry.
This annual event is a cornerstone for cross-sector collaboration and long-term economic development planning across California’s North Coast.
To register, view the full agenda, or explore lodging options, visit https://www.northedgefinancing.org/redwood-coast-region-economic-summit.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
NORTH COAST, Calif. — Two Clearlake men were arrested last week in Covelo on numerous weapons charges.
Cornelio Solorio, 24, and Fernando Solorio, 30, were taken into custody on Friday, according to a report from Sgt. Jack Woida of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
At 8:40 p.m. Friday, a Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputy was working patrol in the Covelo area when he observed a vehicle driving on Highway 162 with an inoperable headlight. Woida said the deputy initiated a traffic enforcement stop in the 76000 Block of Highway 162.
The deputy contacted the vehicle’s occupants. Fernando Solorio was the driver and Cornelio Solorio was seated in the front passenger seat. The deputy also observed an open container of alcohol within the passenger compartment of the vehicle, Woida said.
A records check revealed Fernando Solorio's driver’s license was suspended and he was on DMV probation. Both occupants ultimately exited the vehicle, and deputies located an unloaded handgun and a loaded rifle within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Woida said both firearms were within the immediate area of the occupants.
Based on the unique features of the rifle it met the statutory requirements listed in 30515 PC making it a violation of 30605 PC, possession of an assault weapon, Woida said.
Further investigation was conducted by the investigating deputy which ultimately led to Cornelio Solorio being placed under arrest for possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle and possession of an assault weapon, according to Woida’s report.
Woida said this investigation also led to Fernando Solorio being placed under arrest for possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possession of an assault weapon, possession of an unserialized firearm, violation of probation and driving on a suspended license.
Cornelio Solorio and Fernando Solorio were transported to the Mendocino County Jail where they were both to be held in lieu of $15,000 bail, Woida said.