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CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a missing at-risk adult.
Juan Garcia, 26, was last seen at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Pine Avenue in Clearlake.
He is described as a Hispanic male with long black hair, a beard and brown eyes, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 170 pounds.
Police said Garcia was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, red gloves, black and white shoes, and white headphones.
If you have any knowledge of Garcia's whereabouts please contact Clearlake Police at 707-994-8251, Extension 1.
Juan Garcia, 26, was last seen at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Pine Avenue in Clearlake.
He is described as a Hispanic male with long black hair, a beard and brown eyes, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 170 pounds.
Police said Garcia was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans, red gloves, black and white shoes, and white headphones.
If you have any knowledge of Garcia's whereabouts please contact Clearlake Police at 707-994-8251, Extension 1.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council will start off the year with its first meeting, during which it will appoint committee and commission members, and receive several presentations.
The council will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, for a closed session for discussion of the liability claim of Adams Commercial General Contracting Inc., significant exposure to a case of litigation and conference with legal counsel regarding the city’s lawsuit against Highlands Mutual Water Co. before the public portion of the meeting convenes 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 886 7635 9594, the pass code is 878314. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,88676359594#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.
The public can submit comments in writing for City Council consideration by commenting via the Q&A function in the Zoom platform or by sending comments to the Administrative Services Director/City Clerk atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . To give the City Council adequate time to review your comments, you must submit your written emailed comments prior to 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
The public portion of the meeting will begin with presentations of January's adoptable dogs and
City Employee Anniversary Milestone Awards, as well as a proclamation declaring January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and presentation of certificates of appreciation to Trunk or Treat and Breakfast with Santa volunteers and donors.
Under business, the council will discuss and consider Lake County Special Districts’ purchase of four tax defaulted properties within the city for sewer system improvements as well as a community wildfire protection plan for the Lake County Fire Protection District.
The council also will consider Mayor Russ Cremer’s 2025 appointments and appoint councilmembers as representatives to the CalCities Redwood Empire Division Redwood Empire Division business meetings and represent the city and vote at the Division Legislative Committee meetings.
In other business, the council will consider appointments to the Measure V Oversight Committee and review City Council norms and procedures.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; second reading of Ordinance 271-2025, read by title only, waive further reading and adopt ordinance; adoption of Development Agreement, DA 2024-01 for an an existing approved commercial cannabis operation located at 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, Units C/D/E/F; adoption of Development Agreement, DA 2024-02 for an an existing approved commercial cannabis operation located at 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, units A/B2; adopt Resolution SA 2025-01 Approving the ROPS for FY 25-26 and submittal to the Lake County Oversight Board for final approval; continuation of director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for the Boyles Fire; minutes of the Nov. 13, 2024, Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; hold second reading of Ordinance No. 278-2025, adjustment to councilmember compensation; appointments of three planning commissioners to fill terms ending March 2029.
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 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, for a closed session for discussion of the liability claim of Adams Commercial General Contracting Inc., significant exposure to a case of litigation and conference with legal counsel regarding the city’s lawsuit against Highlands Mutual Water Co. before the public portion of the meeting convenes 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 886 7635 9594, the pass code is 878314. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,88676359594#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.
The public can submit comments in writing for City Council consideration by commenting via the Q&A function in the Zoom platform or by sending comments to the Administrative Services Director/City Clerk at
The public portion of the meeting will begin with presentations of January's adoptable dogs and
City Employee Anniversary Milestone Awards, as well as a proclamation declaring January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and presentation of certificates of appreciation to Trunk or Treat and Breakfast with Santa volunteers and donors.
Under business, the council will discuss and consider Lake County Special Districts’ purchase of four tax defaulted properties within the city for sewer system improvements as well as a community wildfire protection plan for the Lake County Fire Protection District.
The council also will consider Mayor Russ Cremer’s 2025 appointments and appoint councilmembers as representatives to the CalCities Redwood Empire Division Redwood Empire Division business meetings and represent the city and vote at the Division Legislative Committee meetings.
In other business, the council will consider appointments to the Measure V Oversight Committee and review City Council norms and procedures.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; second reading of Ordinance 271-2025, read by title only, waive further reading and adopt ordinance; adoption of Development Agreement, DA 2024-01 for an an existing approved commercial cannabis operation located at 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, Units C/D/E/F; adoption of Development Agreement, DA 2024-02 for an an existing approved commercial cannabis operation located at 14915 and 14935 Olympic Drive, units A/B2; adopt Resolution SA 2025-01 Approving the ROPS for FY 25-26 and submittal to the Lake County Oversight Board for final approval; continuation of director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for the Boyles Fire; minutes of the Nov. 13, 2024, Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; hold second reading of Ordinance No. 278-2025, adjustment to councilmember compensation; appointments of three planning commissioners to fill terms ending March 2029.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office rescued two brothers over the weekend who had become stranded while traveling through the Mendocino National Forest.
The agency reported that its Public Safety Answering Point and dispatch center received an alert from Apple SOS Emergency at around 4:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, reporting that Alan CamposRodriguez and his brother, Ivan CamposRodriguez, were stranded in their vehicle in the Mendocino National Forest.
The brothers became stranded and lost when their Toyota Rav4 became stuck in a low water crossing on County Road 311 on Monday, Jan. 6, the agency reported.
Sgt. Jon Owens identified both Alan and Ivan CamposRodriguez were reported missing and activated the Glenn County Search and Rescue, or SAR, and California Highway Patrol Air Ops to conduct a search of the area.
Groundcrews with the SAR located the stranded vehicle and Alan CamposRodriguez, however, Alan and Ivan had become separated. CHP flew the area and was unable to locate Ivan via air, according to the sheriff’s report.
Search and Rescue initiated a search for Ivan on Saturday, Jan. 11, using a ground search
team and a drone team.
As the team searched the mountainous terrain, Ivan finally got to a spot with cellular reception and called the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Dispatchers obtained Ivan’s location and communicated it to the SAR team. SAR responded to the location and safely transported Ivan to Willows to be reunited with his brother Alan.
The brothers were traveling in a remote, mountainous area on non-maintained roads using Google maps.
“Recreating or driving in remote areas with lack of access to cellular phone reception and local services can be very dangerous. Residents are reminded to be aware of your surroundings, road conditions and the capability of your vehicle,” the sheriff’s office said in its report on the rescue. “If you encounter non-maintained roads, it is safest to turn around and find an alternate route using a maintained roadway.”
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Praises of Zion Church and the United Methodist Church of Clearlake are presenting the 11th annual Martin Luther King “Unity Day” event on Monday, Jan. 20.
MLK Unity Day will take place at the United Methodist Church at 14501 Pearl St. in Clearlake on from 1 to 3 p.m.
This is a county-wide program, with representation planned from all areas of Lake County.
The event will feature prayers by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Koi Nation and ministers from both churches.
There will be a variety of special musical guests, dancers and guest speakers. In attendance will be representatives from local and state governments, law enforcement, social agencies and community groups.
Organizers reported there will be a diverse group of people on the program from various cultures, ethnicities and gender identities to make it inclusive and represent the entire county. The purpose is to build unity throughout our community with this yearly event.
They are encouraging everyone in our county to come to be a part of this “Unity Day.”
“It is vitally important for the well-being of our community and our country. This event is more important than ever as the political climate has created a huge division among all Americans,” organizers said.
MLK Unity Day will take place at the United Methodist Church at 14501 Pearl St. in Clearlake on from 1 to 3 p.m.
This is a county-wide program, with representation planned from all areas of Lake County.
The event will feature prayers by the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Koi Nation and ministers from both churches.
There will be a variety of special musical guests, dancers and guest speakers. In attendance will be representatives from local and state governments, law enforcement, social agencies and community groups.
Organizers reported there will be a diverse group of people on the program from various cultures, ethnicities and gender identities to make it inclusive and represent the entire county. The purpose is to build unity throughout our community with this yearly event.
They are encouraging everyone in our county to come to be a part of this “Unity Day.”
“It is vitally important for the well-being of our community and our country. This event is more important than ever as the political climate has created a huge division among all Americans,” organizers said.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Microenterprise Business Technical Assistance Program, funded through the State of California’s Community Development Block Grant program, has officially been reinstated.
This program offers no-cost technical business assistance to existing and aspiring low and moderate income entrepreneurs in the unincorporated areas of Lake County. Income criteria are set by the California Housing and Community Development Department, or HCD.
Assistance includes business and marketing plan development, market analysis, budgeting, financial forecasting, preparations to access business capital, credit building, networking, site selection and more.
These services are provided through both workshops and one-on-one consultations.
Program updates will be provided with dates and times for upcoming workshops and events.
If you would like more information on this valuable program, please reach out to the program operator, Community Development Services, or CDS.
CDS’ point person is Andy Lucas, 3895 Main St., Kelseyville, telephone 707-279-1540, Extension 1, emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
This program offers no-cost technical business assistance to existing and aspiring low and moderate income entrepreneurs in the unincorporated areas of Lake County. Income criteria are set by the California Housing and Community Development Department, or HCD.
Assistance includes business and marketing plan development, market analysis, budgeting, financial forecasting, preparations to access business capital, credit building, networking, site selection and more.
These services are provided through both workshops and one-on-one consultations.
Program updates will be provided with dates and times for upcoming workshops and events.
If you would like more information on this valuable program, please reach out to the program operator, Community Development Services, or CDS.
CDS’ point person is Andy Lucas, 3895 Main St., Kelseyville, telephone 707-279-1540, Extension 1, email
California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Monday issued a consumer alert informing Californians that it is now illegal for most forms of medical debt to appear on credit reports.
Senate Bill 1061 (SB 1061), authored by Sen. Monique Limón (D- Santa Barbara) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, went into effect on Jan. 1, and protects consumers from having their credit ruined by medical debt appearing on credit reports.
Medical debt is often unforeseen and not a reliable indicator of financial risk, yet it can unfairly prevent consumers from getting loans, renting an apartment, or getting a job.
“California banned medical debt from appearing on credit reports because we recognized this practice as harmful, unnecessary, and hurting the people already struggling the most. I am proud to have sponsored this law and now urge consumers to be aware of their new rights under California law to protect their financial future,” said Bonta. “The best tool to ensure medical debt does not appear on your credit report is to check your credit report regularly; this can also help identify other errors and illegal activity, like identity theft. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three national credit bureaus. As we ring in a new year and adopt resolutions, I urge Californians to keep up or start the important practice of monitoring their credit reports.”
“I am proud to author legislation to provide relief to Californians suffering from the burden of medical debt,” said Sen. Limón. “Now, with the federal government following California’s lead, consumers across the country will no longer be impacted by the effects of medical debt on their credit scores.”
Nationally, medical debt continues to rise, creating significant barriers to employment, housing, and equitable access to healthcare.
People with medical debt are more likely than those with student loans or credit card debt to report being denied a rental or mortgage, increasing their risk of homelessness or forcing them into substandard housing.
Medical debt can hinder employment opportunities, as employers often rely on credit reports in hiring decisions, further complicating efforts to repay the debt.
Many consumers also delay essential medical care due to financial burdens, which can result in worsening health conditions.
At the federal level, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized banning medical bills from consumers' credit reports, and in August 2024, Attorney General Bonta sent a letter to CFPB in support of this rule.
Monitoring your credit report
The best way to ensure medical debt has not appeared on your credit report is by regularly checking your credit report for inaccuracies or changes. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three national credit bureaus. Those bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You have the option of requesting all three reports at once or staggering them.
Checking your credit reports at least once a year is a good way to discover errors, like the inclusion of medical debt or even identity theft. These errors could raise your cost of credit or cut you off from credit. The sooner these errors are discovered, the easier they are to clear up.
You can order your free annual credit reports through a toll-free phone number (1-877-322-8228), online, at www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp, or by mailing the order form here to the following address:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P. O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
For more information on how to order, read, and correct your credit report, please visit here.
If you find medical debt on your credit report
If consumers find medical debt on their credit report, they should notify the medical provider’s office, debt holder, and credit agency to allow them an opportunity to quickly remove the information from their credit report.
If the issue persists after providing notice to the medical provider, debt holder or credit bureau, consumers may consider consulting a private attorney or legal aid.
Consumers who find medical debt on their credit report can also file a complaint with our office by going to https://oag.ca.gov/report.
Senate Bill 1061 (SB 1061), authored by Sen. Monique Limón (D- Santa Barbara) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, went into effect on Jan. 1, and protects consumers from having their credit ruined by medical debt appearing on credit reports.
Medical debt is often unforeseen and not a reliable indicator of financial risk, yet it can unfairly prevent consumers from getting loans, renting an apartment, or getting a job.
“California banned medical debt from appearing on credit reports because we recognized this practice as harmful, unnecessary, and hurting the people already struggling the most. I am proud to have sponsored this law and now urge consumers to be aware of their new rights under California law to protect their financial future,” said Bonta. “The best tool to ensure medical debt does not appear on your credit report is to check your credit report regularly; this can also help identify other errors and illegal activity, like identity theft. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the three national credit bureaus. As we ring in a new year and adopt resolutions, I urge Californians to keep up or start the important practice of monitoring their credit reports.”
“I am proud to author legislation to provide relief to Californians suffering from the burden of medical debt,” said Sen. Limón. “Now, with the federal government following California’s lead, consumers across the country will no longer be impacted by the effects of medical debt on their credit scores.”
Nationally, medical debt continues to rise, creating significant barriers to employment, housing, and equitable access to healthcare.
People with medical debt are more likely than those with student loans or credit card debt to report being denied a rental or mortgage, increasing their risk of homelessness or forcing them into substandard housing.
Medical debt can hinder employment opportunities, as employers often rely on credit reports in hiring decisions, further complicating efforts to repay the debt.
Many consumers also delay essential medical care due to financial burdens, which can result in worsening health conditions.
At the federal level, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized banning medical bills from consumers' credit reports, and in August 2024, Attorney General Bonta sent a letter to CFPB in support of this rule.
Monitoring your credit report
The best way to ensure medical debt has not appeared on your credit report is by regularly checking your credit report for inaccuracies or changes. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three national credit bureaus. Those bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You have the option of requesting all three reports at once or staggering them.
Checking your credit reports at least once a year is a good way to discover errors, like the inclusion of medical debt or even identity theft. These errors could raise your cost of credit or cut you off from credit. The sooner these errors are discovered, the easier they are to clear up.
You can order your free annual credit reports through a toll-free phone number (1-877-322-8228), online, at www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp, or by mailing the order form here to the following address:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P. O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
For more information on how to order, read, and correct your credit report, please visit here.
If you find medical debt on your credit report
If consumers find medical debt on their credit report, they should notify the medical provider’s office, debt holder, and credit agency to allow them an opportunity to quickly remove the information from their credit report.
If the issue persists after providing notice to the medical provider, debt holder or credit bureau, consumers may consider consulting a private attorney or legal aid.
Consumers who find medical debt on their credit report can also file a complaint with our office by going to https://oag.ca.gov/report.