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UPPER LAKE, Calif. — The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe continues to build on its support of Northshore Fire Protection District’s emergency response efforts with a donation of $80,000.
“Our tribe’s ongoing support for Northshore Fire Protection District is an effort to ensure they have the resources necessary to meet the public safety and emergency needs of our community to help keep everyone safe,” said Sherry Treppa, chairwoman for the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake. “We are pleased to continue our support for vital partners like the Northshore Fire Protection District who do so much to serve our community."
“The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe is a key member of our community and, most importantly, a trusted partner. We are grateful for their ongoing support for the Northshore Fire Protection District,” said Northshore Fire Protection District ChiefMike Ciancio. “The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe was also instrumental in helping us start the fuels crew, including funding the crew’s wages for the first year, and their support for this initiative and so many others has been vital to protecting our community.”
The contribution is a part of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake’s ongoing commitment to local communities and residents in the region.
The Northshore Fire District said this latest round of support will assist with emergency response efforts and staff support.
The tribe’s contribution will assist with staffing and maintaining equipment to support firefighters when on duty.
A bill creating a pilot program in the state Department of Justice granting three Northern California tribes at the epicenter of the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, or MMIP, cases was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced AB 2138 earlier this year as an additional means to battle the MMIP crisis in California.
“California ranks fifth in the nation for uninvestigated, unresolved MMIP cases,” Ramos said. “The devastating MMIP crisis has caused untold tragedy that continues into future generations robbing families of loved ones and too often leaving children without mothers or fathers. One contributing factor to this epidemic is the confusion over law enforcement jurisdiction caused by a 1953 federal law. We can reduce the number of unsolved cases by clarifying jurisdiction and permitting tribal police to pursue alleged perpetrators with the same authority as state peace officers if they meet California requirements.”
The participating tribes include Blue Lake Rancheria and the Yurok tribe, both from Humboldt County and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians located in Mendocino County.
In December 2021, the Yuroks declared an emergency declaration because of a spate of missing persons and attempted human trafficking.
“It is our firm belief that this bill and pilot program will combat the crisis of MMIP by improving public safety in tribal communities,” said Yurok Tribal Chairman Joe James when asked about his tribe’s sponsorship of AB 2138. “Thank you to Assemblymember Ramos for his leadership on this important issue, and we look forward to the collaborative efforts with tribal communities to ensure our safety and wellbeing.”
In 1953, Congress approved Public Law 280, or PL 280, that transferred responsibility for law enforcement and criminal justice on tribal lands to six states, including California.
The law resulted in fewer resources for public safety and created jurisdictional confusion among federal, state and local law enforcement and less safety overall on reservations.
In late March, the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Public Safety Committee conducted an informational roundtable about the impact of the law in California and how it contributes to the MMIP crisis. The roundtable hearing featured tribal leaders and police, victims and University of California, Los Angeles author and distinguished research professor Carole Goldberg. Goldberg is a noted researcher and writer on PL 280.
Negative impacts of Public Law 280 (PL 280) include the absence of peace officer status for tribal police; the inability to arrest non-Native persons committing crimes on native lands, less support for funding and infrastructure, lack of equipment and training, and a greater mistrust of policing.
If AB 2138 is approved, the DOJ will monitor, evaluate and support the program and will not be construed to infringe on tribal sovereignty. A tribal officer designated as a peace officer would have authority on the tribal lands and also on any place in the state specified the bill such as:
• When an immediate danger to persons or property exists;
• When making an arrest where there is probable cause to believe a public offense has occurred on tribal land and with prior consent of police or sheriff;
• When an officer is in hot pursuit of a suspect in a crime committed on tribal land; and
• When delivering an apprehended person to the law enforcement authority or magistrate in the city or county where the offense occurred.
AB 2138 will be heard next in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
The Yurok Tribe and California Indian Legal Services are sponsors. Supporters include Blue Lake Rancheria, California Tribal Business Alliance, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Initiate Justice, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Inc. and Tejon Indian Tribe.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) introduced AB 2138 earlier this year as an additional means to battle the MMIP crisis in California.
“California ranks fifth in the nation for uninvestigated, unresolved MMIP cases,” Ramos said. “The devastating MMIP crisis has caused untold tragedy that continues into future generations robbing families of loved ones and too often leaving children without mothers or fathers. One contributing factor to this epidemic is the confusion over law enforcement jurisdiction caused by a 1953 federal law. We can reduce the number of unsolved cases by clarifying jurisdiction and permitting tribal police to pursue alleged perpetrators with the same authority as state peace officers if they meet California requirements.”
The participating tribes include Blue Lake Rancheria and the Yurok tribe, both from Humboldt County and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians located in Mendocino County.
In December 2021, the Yuroks declared an emergency declaration because of a spate of missing persons and attempted human trafficking.
“It is our firm belief that this bill and pilot program will combat the crisis of MMIP by improving public safety in tribal communities,” said Yurok Tribal Chairman Joe James when asked about his tribe’s sponsorship of AB 2138. “Thank you to Assemblymember Ramos for his leadership on this important issue, and we look forward to the collaborative efforts with tribal communities to ensure our safety and wellbeing.”
In 1953, Congress approved Public Law 280, or PL 280, that transferred responsibility for law enforcement and criminal justice on tribal lands to six states, including California.
The law resulted in fewer resources for public safety and created jurisdictional confusion among federal, state and local law enforcement and less safety overall on reservations.
In late March, the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Public Safety Committee conducted an informational roundtable about the impact of the law in California and how it contributes to the MMIP crisis. The roundtable hearing featured tribal leaders and police, victims and University of California, Los Angeles author and distinguished research professor Carole Goldberg. Goldberg is a noted researcher and writer on PL 280.
Negative impacts of Public Law 280 (PL 280) include the absence of peace officer status for tribal police; the inability to arrest non-Native persons committing crimes on native lands, less support for funding and infrastructure, lack of equipment and training, and a greater mistrust of policing.
If AB 2138 is approved, the DOJ will monitor, evaluate and support the program and will not be construed to infringe on tribal sovereignty. A tribal officer designated as a peace officer would have authority on the tribal lands and also on any place in the state specified the bill such as:
• When an immediate danger to persons or property exists;
• When making an arrest where there is probable cause to believe a public offense has occurred on tribal land and with prior consent of police or sheriff;
• When an officer is in hot pursuit of a suspect in a crime committed on tribal land; and
• When delivering an apprehended person to the law enforcement authority or magistrate in the city or county where the offense occurred.
AB 2138 will be heard next in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.
The Yurok Tribe and California Indian Legal Services are sponsors. Supporters include Blue Lake Rancheria, California Tribal Business Alliance, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake, Initiate Justice, Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, Strong Hearted Native Women’s Coalition, Inc. and Tejon Indian Tribe.
Thanks to continued economic growth and strong performances in a variety of industry sectors, California has again ranked as the fifth largest economy in the world.
“California continues to punch above its weight, overperforming all but a handful of the largest countries in the world,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “And with our unparalleled combination of innovation, higher education, a talented workforce, diverse industries, and unparalleled natural resources, we will continue to do so well into the future.”
The International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook was released this week, providing 2023 economic data for countries and regions.
California remains the fifth largest economy in the world since 2017. California is the fifth largest economy in the world for the seventh consecutive year, with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023 and a growth rate of 6.1% since the year prior, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
On a per capita basis, California is the second largest economy in the world.
The U.S. far outpaces the rest of the world. The United States is still by far the largest economy in the world with a nominal GDP of more than $27 trillion.
Based on International Monetary Fund and Bureau of Economic Analysis data, California, Texas, New York, and Florida remained in the top 20 economies of the world; Florida was the only state that fell a spot, slipping to 19th, overtaken by Spain.
India’s economy continues accelerated growth. India has been the fastest-growing large economy and remained the sixth largest economy since overtaking the United Kingdom in 2021.
Look at the data
Below are International Monetary Fund and Bureau of Economic Analysis economic data from the past seven years showing how countries and states compare in nominal GDP and rankings.
“California continues to punch above its weight, overperforming all but a handful of the largest countries in the world,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “And with our unparalleled combination of innovation, higher education, a talented workforce, diverse industries, and unparalleled natural resources, we will continue to do so well into the future.”
The International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook was released this week, providing 2023 economic data for countries and regions.
California remains the fifth largest economy in the world since 2017. California is the fifth largest economy in the world for the seventh consecutive year, with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023 and a growth rate of 6.1% since the year prior, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
On a per capita basis, California is the second largest economy in the world.
The U.S. far outpaces the rest of the world. The United States is still by far the largest economy in the world with a nominal GDP of more than $27 trillion.
Based on International Monetary Fund and Bureau of Economic Analysis data, California, Texas, New York, and Florida remained in the top 20 economies of the world; Florida was the only state that fell a spot, slipping to 19th, overtaken by Spain.
India’s economy continues accelerated growth. India has been the fastest-growing large economy and remained the sixth largest economy since overtaking the United Kingdom in 2021.
Look at the data
Below are International Monetary Fund and Bureau of Economic Analysis economic data from the past seven years showing how countries and states compare in nominal GDP and rankings.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lakeport City Council on Tuesday evening approved the award of a contract that is meant to complete the remaining sidewalk work in downtown Lakeport.
Public Works Director Ron Ladd presented to the council the construction contract with T&T Paving Inc. dba Valley Paving for the South Main Street Sidewalk Project.
His written report explained, “The project is located at various locations on South Main St. from D Street to just south of Konocti Ave. The work consists of removal of tree stumps, excavation of embankment, removing and replacing concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk, installing ADA compliant curb ramps, and HMA placement to conform to new concrete facilities. Coordination will take place with PG&E and AT&T to relocate three utility poles within the project boundary.”
Ladd said the city received a “significant amount” of bids for the project, with T&T Paving Inc. submitting a proposal in the amount of $334,279.15.
“It’s important to note that this bid came in well below the engineer’s estimate,” Ladd said.
That estimate, Ladd said in his report, totaled $413,000.
Ladd said the project is part of the larger strategy for the whole Main Street corridor. It’s an important safety project, in particular between First Street and Lakeport Boulevard.
When the project is completed, Ladd said the city will have done sidewalk work along the entirety of Main Street, from the city limits to the North Main Street terminus in the Del Lago area.
“We’re starting to see the finish line,” Ladd said.
The total project involves around 650 feet of sidewalk, either new or removing and replacing damaged sidewalk, Ladd said.
City Manager Kevin Ingram said the project will result in there being continuous sidewalk on both sides of the street from Lakeport Boulevard to Clear Lake Avenue.
He said it fills in the remaining gaps in the sidewalk in the city’s core downtown area.
Lakeport resident Danny Wind raised concerns about safety for pedestrians and cyclists while construction is taking place. Wind pointed to a pavement project underway on Green and Sayre streets and Loch Drive, where they saw safety concerns.
“The first rule in construction is safety first,” said Mayor Michael Froio.
Councilman Brandon Disney moved to approve the award of the contract, which was seconded by Councilwoman Stacey Mattina and approved unanimously by the council.
Construction is estimated to start at the end of May and be completed by Aug. 1, Ladd reported.
In other news on Tuesday, the council approved setting a second public hearing for May 21 regarding revising Lakeport Municipal Code Chapter 3.34 regarding fire mitigation fees, and voted to adopt a resolution for “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” in Lakeport.
The council also welcomed new Lakeport Police Department records staffer Melissa Carpenter, and Mayor Froio presented proclamations designating April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council this week will take up a proposed policy for city staff’s use of artificial intelligence and consider extending the city manager’s existing contract.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 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 899 6896 2267, the pass code is 158755. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,89968962267#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.
The City Council is being asked to discuss adoption of an artificial intelligence, or AI, policy around staff use of generative AI tools.
“Utilizing generative AI in a responsible and transparent way will allow the City to harness emerging technologies as we tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future,” City Manager Alan Flora said in his report.
Also on Thursday, the council will consider approving a new employment services agreement with Flora, who has been city manager since March of 2019.
The staff report said the key components of the agreement is that is gives Flora a one-year extension on his current three-year contract.
The proposed contract also includes a provision whereby termination without cause for Flora would require a 4/5th vote of the council for a period of year after the election of a new council member.
Flora’s salary, $16,342.05 a month, as well as benefits and other terms of the agreement would not change from the previous agreement, the staff report explains.
The council on Thursday also will receive a presentation on April’s adoptable dogs and present a proclamation declaring April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; minutes of the March 13 Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; adoption of the third amendment to the FY 2023-24 Budget (Resolution 2023-27) adjusting appropriations; Resolution No. 2024-17; approval of an amendment to professional services agreement with ECORP Consulting for a new total of $75,000; and consideration of Resolution 2024-18 authorizing the city of Clearlake to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for funding under the Competitive Permanent Local Housing Allocation.
The council also will hold a closed session for conference with legal counsel to discuss a case of anticipated litigation.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 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 899 6896 2267, the pass code is 158755. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,89968962267#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.
The City Council is being asked to discuss adoption of an artificial intelligence, or AI, policy around staff use of generative AI tools.
“Utilizing generative AI in a responsible and transparent way will allow the City to harness emerging technologies as we tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future,” City Manager Alan Flora said in his report.
Also on Thursday, the council will consider approving a new employment services agreement with Flora, who has been city manager since March of 2019.
The staff report said the key components of the agreement is that is gives Flora a one-year extension on his current three-year contract.
The proposed contract also includes a provision whereby termination without cause for Flora would require a 4/5th vote of the council for a period of year after the election of a new council member.
Flora’s salary, $16,342.05 a month, as well as benefits and other terms of the agreement would not change from the previous agreement, the staff report explains.
The council on Thursday also will receive a presentation on April’s adoptable dogs and present a proclamation declaring April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; minutes of the March 13 Lake County Vector Control District Board meeting; adoption of the third amendment to the FY 2023-24 Budget (Resolution 2023-27) adjusting appropriations; Resolution No. 2024-17; approval of an amendment to professional services agreement with ECORP Consulting for a new total of $75,000; and consideration of Resolution 2024-18 authorizing the city of Clearlake to submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for funding under the Competitive Permanent Local Housing Allocation.
The council also will hold a closed session for conference with legal counsel to discuss a case of anticipated litigation.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — This weekend the Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center and the Middletown Art Center are joining together to host a community Earth Day celebration.
The event will take place from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center, located at 15500 Central Park Road, Middletown.
With a theme of "A Healthy Earth Begins With You," the event promises to be an exciting and inspiring event for the whole family.
It will bring together vendors, live music, activities, and more to encourage everyone to take care of themselves and the Earth.
Calpine Geothermal and the Middletown Art Center are joining forces for the second year in a row to sponsor an Earth Day Celebration, promoting the concept that a healthy earth begins with healthy people.
Through this collaboration, they aim to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and the interconnectedness of human health with the well-being of the planet.
The event will be a free community celebration, offering fun and engaging activities for all ages.
The event will feature a variety of exciting attractions, including pony rides, face painting, and the Sonoma Bubble Man, who will amaze audiences with his bubble magic. Get your camera ready to take a picture of your child in a giant bubble.
The Children's Museum of Art and Science of Clearlake will be on hand with engaging activities for kids. A veritable petting zoo with a donkey, miniature horse and a goat will also be there. And the Middletown Art Center will invite community members to participate in a collaborative painting project.
One of the highlights of the day will be the Middletown Community Garden, which will offer tours and workshops to educate the community about sustainable food production and healthy eating. Visitors can learn about companion planting, soil building, composting, and more, and even take home a plant from the plant-a-pot giveaway.
For lunch, guests can enjoy a beautiful and healthy meal prepared by the Goddess of the Mountain, featuring the Three Sisters — corn, bean and squash — which synergistically nurture each other like family when planted together, according to the Iroquois and Cherokee traditions.
The event will also feature the Henny Penny Catering Co., who brings the world to your table with globally inspired menus created with local, seasonal ingredients. They will be featuring Latin-American cuisine and serving a variety of handmade tacos and tamales.
Jesus Christ Fellowship, next door to the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center and the garden, will host an Adult & Kid's Zone for the community, which will include a jumpy house, billiards and other games inside the church.
Other attractions include live music, a carbon-neutral smoothie station powered by the Blue Zone Project's bicycle blender, and educational booths on water conservation and fire mitigation. The Lake County Jazzercise will host a demo class, inviting attendees to experience the magic of movement.
For more information, please emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
The event will take place from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at the Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center, located at 15500 Central Park Road, Middletown.
With a theme of "A Healthy Earth Begins With You," the event promises to be an exciting and inspiring event for the whole family.
It will bring together vendors, live music, activities, and more to encourage everyone to take care of themselves and the Earth.
Calpine Geothermal and the Middletown Art Center are joining forces for the second year in a row to sponsor an Earth Day Celebration, promoting the concept that a healthy earth begins with healthy people.
Through this collaboration, they aim to raise awareness about environmental sustainability and the interconnectedness of human health with the well-being of the planet.
The event will be a free community celebration, offering fun and engaging activities for all ages.
The event will feature a variety of exciting attractions, including pony rides, face painting, and the Sonoma Bubble Man, who will amaze audiences with his bubble magic. Get your camera ready to take a picture of your child in a giant bubble.
The Children's Museum of Art and Science of Clearlake will be on hand with engaging activities for kids. A veritable petting zoo with a donkey, miniature horse and a goat will also be there. And the Middletown Art Center will invite community members to participate in a collaborative painting project.
One of the highlights of the day will be the Middletown Community Garden, which will offer tours and workshops to educate the community about sustainable food production and healthy eating. Visitors can learn about companion planting, soil building, composting, and more, and even take home a plant from the plant-a-pot giveaway.
For lunch, guests can enjoy a beautiful and healthy meal prepared by the Goddess of the Mountain, featuring the Three Sisters — corn, bean and squash — which synergistically nurture each other like family when planted together, according to the Iroquois and Cherokee traditions.
The event will also feature the Henny Penny Catering Co., who brings the world to your table with globally inspired menus created with local, seasonal ingredients. They will be featuring Latin-American cuisine and serving a variety of handmade tacos and tamales.
Jesus Christ Fellowship, next door to the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center and the garden, will host an Adult & Kid's Zone for the community, which will include a jumpy house, billiards and other games inside the church.
Other attractions include live music, a carbon-neutral smoothie station powered by the Blue Zone Project's bicycle blender, and educational booths on water conservation and fire mitigation. The Lake County Jazzercise will host a demo class, inviting attendees to experience the magic of movement.
For more information, please email