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Congressman Mike Thompson said Wednesday that he joined in voting to end President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
“Tonight, I voted to end this president’s so-called ‘emergency’ tariffs on Canada, and the House successfully passed the bill,” Thompson said.
"These tariffs have hurt our agricultural producers and small businesses, driven up costs for consumers, and damaged our country's important relationship with our closest neighbor and ally. At a time when families are already facing higher prices, we should be lowering costs and strengthening partnerships, not fighting with our allies,” he said.
"Today’s vote is an important step toward restoring stability, reclaiming Congress’ authority over tariffs, and reinforcing the strong economic ties that benefit both of our nations,” Thompson said in the Wednesday statement.
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved an additional $1 million in disaster relief, bringing the county’s total allocation for the Robin Lane sewer spill to $1.75 million, as recovery costs surge.
On Jan. 21, the Board of Supervisors approved $750,000 for Lake County Special Districts to provide large water tanks and refill services for residents impacted by the spill.
Tuesday, Lake County Sheriff Luke Bingham and Undersheriff Corey Paulich – who also serves as an incident commander – appeared before the board along with Assistant County Administrative Officer Stephen Carter to request an additional $1 million for ongoing recovery efforts.
The previously approved $750,000 will be recaptured from the Special Districts’ budget, making a total of $1.75 million available in the county’s disaster response and recovery reserve to facilitate payments associated with the sewer spill.
Carter told the board that while the county initially identified $1,143,000 in costs, known expenses and incoming invoices have already climbed to over $1.2 million.
“So the goal is this would increase it to $1,750,000 of funding available on top of the $1.1 [million] that was already Special Districts,” Carter said of the funding request.
“Last time, it was basically water tanks and filling water,” he said. “This time, this funding is basically – we would like it to be wide-open – because there's some filtration devices, well testing, tanks, water deliveries, laundry, basically everything.”
Supervisor Brad Rasmussen asked if the additional $1 million would be enough.
“I’m going to give you a 75% yes on that,” Sheriff Bingham said.
He noted that providing impacted homes with UV filtration systems serves as a critical long-term plan; however, he cautioned that other unforeseen problems may arise that cannot be factored in yet.
“We think it's going to be enough, based on our numbers,” Bingham said, “but not 100% certain.”
Supervisor Jessica Pyska asked if this amount would be “repaid through State claims and/or Special Districts,” as the fund allocation resolution stated.
“We are working diligently with Cal OES and the state,” Carter said. “But there is no guarantee.”
The board approved the funding request unanimously. With the new allocation, the county’s $5 million disaster reserve is left with a balance of $3.25 million.
The spill
The additional funding comes exactly one month after a 16-inch force main ruptured on Jan. 11.
The break, located near the northern end of Robin Lane, within the city limit of Clearlake, unleashed a massive sewage spill that residents at "ground zero" described as a “river of poop and pee.”
The force main is owned and operated by Lake County Sanitation District, which is overseen by Lake County Special Districts.
The spill was stopped at 9:55 p.m. the next day on Jan. 12, county officials said.
During the roughly 38-hour response, crews encountered parts shortages and multiple valve installation failures before finally stopping the spill, according to Lori Baca, customer service supervisor for Lake County Special Districts, at the Jan. 14 town hall at Clearlake City Hall.
The spill contaminated private water wells and the underlying aquifer, and officials said the timeline for groundwater to clear remains uncertain after consulting a hydrologist. Even two consecutive negative test results taken 24 hours apart would not guarantee the water is safe to drink.
Since the spill, residents at approximately 164 homes across about 550 acres have been advised not to use their well water due to possible contamination, as testing, sanitization and retesting for fecal bacteria continue.
Last Wednesday, the incident command team announced that each impacted residence will be offered a “whole-house filtration and sanitation system that includes sediment and carbon filters and a UV filter.”
The approval of new relief funds comes as other forms of immediate aid are being scaled back.
Just on Sunday, the potable water tender truck, shower and laundry service stationed at the Lake County Special Districts facility on Pond Road for impacted residents concluded service.
By Tuesday, out of all homes without clean and safe running water from their well for a month, 45 homes – or less than one third of all – had a water tank installed for them, with 18 by Lake County Social Services and 27 by the incident management team, which is led by the city of Clearlake and the Lake County Office of Emergency Services.
As of Tuesday, some 578 water samples had been taken from 151 sites for water quality testing. Sixty-seven wells had been sanitized, a number that had remained unchanged since Feb. 4.
Impacted residents are asked to submit requests for the filtration and sanitization system, water tanks, well testing and bottled water delivery through the online portal.
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, whose district includes the spill area, said at Tuesday’s meeting that online registration numbers for water tanks “seemed low,” suggesting there might be confusion or difficulty for some to use the system.
Undersheriff Paulich said the team discussed the matter in their meeting.
“We're going to make phone calls directly to them and ask if they want it,” Paulich said. “Obviously, we can't force them, but we'll make that contact so we can make sure everybody is aware.”
The costs
In response to Lake County News’ inquiry on the expense breakdown, county staff said in an email that tank installations to date are expected to total nearly $150,000. Total potable water delivery by water haulers has reached $181,620, which includes $58,650 for refilling the tanks.
Well tests cost $44,282, while well sanitization totaled $14,350.
Shower, laundry and sink facilities provided for residents of the affected area, along with associated costs, are anticipated to exceed $450,000.
An initial order of 100 UV filtration and sanitization systems – including shipping and installation based on prevailing wage – is expected to cost $260,000.
These costs added to more than $1.1 million.
According to the email, all figures reflect the “best available total expected costs, to-date, and represent a point in time.”
At the meeting, Supervisor Sabatier also requested to make expenses transparent to the public and to be put on the city’s website.
The expensive costs of recovery led to some questions on the officially released spill data.
In a Jan. 17 email to the Lake County News, county staff first acknowledged that the “estimated release has been updated to 2.9 million gallons.”
“Staff was able to contain and recover much of the spill,” the county’s email response provided through Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein said. “Remarkably, only approximately 3,900 gallons were released into the drainage ditch that ran to Burns Creek and into Clear Lake.”
In later explanations before the Board of Supervisors, Lake County Special Districts Administrator Robin Borre said the initial estimate of 2.9 million represented the “maximum possible amount that could have come out of the system,” indicating that it is not the actual amount released onto streets.
The most updated Robin Lane Sewer Spill Frequently Asked Questions document stated that only 1,308,620 gallons were associated with the initial spill area and 1,853,200 gallons – which is more than the said released amount – were “recovered.”
The exact excess amount – 544,580 gallons – were attributed to “failing septic systems and groundwater infiltration,” according to the document.
However, the document still states about “3,900 gallons ultimately entered waterways.”
It is unclear from the data released where the 3,900 gallons came from, as the official document indicated that all the sewage released from the spill had been recovered.
For community members like Sterling Wellman, the public data regarding the release doesn’t stand.
“Thirty nine hundred gallons wouldn't affect an aquifer that expands … to 500 acres,” Wellman said at Tuesday’s meeting during public comment over Zoom.
“So we are requesting the board to sit here and hold Special Districts accountable,” she said, requesting transparency. “Because if we're spending $1.75 million, it's way more than 3,900 gallons.”
Sabatier said that was not the priority for now.
“I am not making any special requests right now for the spill itself until we're done with this emergency,” he said. “Because I think helping the people is the number one thing that we need to do, not explain why it happened.”
He added: “That needs to come after the fact, and it will not be forgotten.”
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
Informational and referral services accessible through 211 and at 211lake.org.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Feb. 11 is 211 Day, a time to recognize 211 as a trusted, go-to resource that helps connect Lake County residents with essential services and support during times of need.
Throughout the past year, trained 211 Navigators assisted individuals and families by connecting them with locally available resources, including help with housing stability, food access, utility assistance, health care and other vital services.
The service supports both immediate needs and longer-term challenges, helping residents navigate complex systems and identify available options in their community.
Officials said 211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects people with health and human services.
Residents can dial 211 to reach a trained navigator who listens, assesses needs and provides referrals tailored to each situation.
Support is available by phone, text, online chat, and web search, making it easy to access help in a way that works best for each individual.
The service offers access to a wide range of information, including health and mental health resources, health insurance programs, support for older adults and people with disabilities, food and nutrition programs, transportation options, and services for children, youth and families.
The 211 service continues to offer a vital connection point between residents and community-based organizations, helping ensure that support is accessible, timely and confidential.
If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211, visit 211Lake.org, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
Assistance is available 24/7, in multiple languages, and at no cost to the caller.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Area Town Hall, or MATH, will meet this week to discuss its leadership, a south county glamping project and goals for the coming year.
MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Middletown Community Meeting Room/Library at 21256 Washington St., Middletown. The meeting is open to the public.
Zoom will not be available. Viewers can participate via PEG TV at www.youtube.com/LakeCountyPegTV.
On Thursday, MATH will discuss new board and executive board appointments, including the positions of chair, vice chair and secretary.
In other business, MATH will take up a request for review from the Community Development Department for Guenoc Valley Glamping Project located at 21000 Guenoc Valley Road.
There also will be discussions about the Lake County General Plan and Middletown Area Plan, and planning for MATH’s 2026 goals.
MATH – established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 – is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.
For more information email
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday signed landmark consumer protection legislation to crack down on fraudulent practices targeting veterans and service members navigating the federal benefits system, strengthening California’s nation-leading protections for those who served.
For years, lax federal enforcement allowed predatory claims businesses to flourish nationwide — with unaccredited operators charging illegal and excessive fees while misleading veterans seeking help with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. The new law puts a stop to these benefit-stealing scams, establishing clear guardrails, oversight, and enforcement to protect veterans from being exploited.
The legislation builds on California’s comprehensive commitment to veterans — including a new $20,000 state income tax credit, signed into law by Gov. Newsom and taking effect this year — putting real money back in veterans’ pockets while protecting them from fraud.
“We owe our veteran community a debt of gratitude – for their years of service and sacrifice. By signing this bill into law, we are ensuring veterans and service members get to keep more money in their pockets, and not line the coffers of predatory actors. We are closing this federal fraud loophole for good,” said Newsom.
By signing SB 694 by Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) into law, California is providing additional protections for veterans by limiting who may charge fees for assistance with benefits claims administered by the federal government and by strengthening consumer protections under California law.
Key provisions of the bill include:
Requiring federal accreditation before any person may prepare, present, or prosecute a veteran’s claim for benefits.
Prohibiting unauthorized fees, except as expressly allowed under federal law, and expanding the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act to cover veterans’ benefits claims.
Protecting veterans’ privacy and security by prohibiting the sharing of login credentials, access to secure government systems using another person’s credentials, or requiring veterans to provide PINs associated with Common Access Cards.
“It’s been a long road, but Senate Bill 694 will finally provide a framework to protect our veterans from being defrauded when seeking assistance to apply for the benefits they deserve from the VA. I want to thank Senator Archuleta for his hard work on this important issue, and Gov. Newsom for signing SB 694 into law,” said Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside).
“I am grateful to Gov. Newsom for his leadership in fighting for one of the most vulnerable populations in our state,” said Sen. Archuleta. “With SB 694 California emboldens its promise to stand up for veterans ensuring they aren’t exploited for profit by predatory companies. This new law builds on the principle that veterans should not be charged, much less gouged, when seeking assistance for applying to their disability benefits which they rightfully earned in the service of their country,” said Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera).
“As chair of the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the daughter of a disabled veteran, alongside so many, we fought to protect disabled veterans from illegal fees charged by predatory claims sharks. Veterans who earned their disability benefits through service and great sacrifice deserve every penny, and with the governor’s signature of SB 694, we are making it clear that California will always protect our veterans and hold these predatory corporations accountable,” said Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita).
California has one of the strongest veteran support networks in the nation, including County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) who provide free, federally accredited assistance to veterans statewide. In 2024-2025, they filed 316,000 claims, securing an estimated $687 million in new or increased federal benefits for California veterans and their dependents. In that same year, CVSOs served nearly 1 million veterans and family members throughout the state in person, by phone, and email.
However, the absence of federal penalties have allowed predatory actors to target veterans across the country.
“Today, I am proud to stand with a coalition of veterans organizations in celebration of the signing of SB 694, legislation that continues our commitment to vigorously protect those who have sacrificed so much to protect us," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Claim sharks pose a financial risk to veterans who need help with their benefits claims. SB 694 will degrade and deter the ability of these predatory individuals or companies to exploit veterans seeking help accessing their benefits. I thank Senators Archuleta and Cervantes, and Assemblywoman Schiavo, for authoring this legislation and Gov. Newsom for signing it into law and making it clear: If you want to charge veterans for help with their benefits claims, you must be accredited by the VA."
“SB 694 is a major victory for California’s veterans and their families. For too long, bad actors have preyed on veterans seeking the benefits they earned, exploiting trust through false promises, illegal fees, and deceptive practices,” said the California Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Lindsey Sin. “This law puts a stop to claims sharks and strengthens protections that ensure veterans can access help safely and with dignity. We’re grateful to Gov. Newsom for standing firmly with California’s veterans, and to the coalition of legislators, the County Veteran Service Officers and Veteran Services Organizations who led this effort.”
“As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand how complex navigating benefits can be—and how devastating it is when bad actors exploit those who served. This law sends a clear message: California will not tolerate fraud against veterans. Combined with the new $20,000 tax credit, we’re putting real protections and real dollars back into the hands of those who sacrificed for our country,” said Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer.
Quality of life for military families
There are about 160,000 active-duty service members and nearly 1.5 million veterans who call California home. Through legislative action, budget investments and key partnerships, California continues to stand up for our esteemed military members and veterans.
Veterans tax benefit
As armed services personnel and families file for taxes this year, Gov. Newsom included a new state income tax break for military retirees and their surviving spouses. For the first time, veterans receiving military retirement pay and families receiving payments from the federal Survivor Benefit Plan will be able to exclude up to $20,000 of their income each year from state income taxes. This tax cut helps retain retired service members in the state, while strengthening California’s workforce and local economies.
Helping military-connected students
In 2025, Gov. Newsom also signed AB 88 and SB 67, which extend eligibility for the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship Program to dependents of a member of the United States Armed Forces who maintains California as their state of legal residence. In addition, to reduce the burden on military-connected pupils and their families, the state is publicly recognizing and designating specific public schools as California Purple Star schools.
Giving back to our veterans
Through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), the state provides resources and support to veterans and their families through state and federal benefits they have earned through their selfless military service.
Connecting veterans with services: The California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) informs separating service members and veterans about their earned benefits and connects them with local service providers. Since 2017, CalTAP has served over 12,000 service members and veterans across all major military installations and college campuses in California.
Tuition fees waived: The CalVet College Tuition Fee Waiver Program waives tuition fees at California public colleges and universities for children and spouses of qualified veterans, including those who are disabled, deceased, or 100% service-disabled. This covers attendance at California State University, University of California, and California Community Colleges. Gov. Newsom previously signed AB 1745 to expand eligibility by raising income caps for veteran dependents.
Providing home ownership: For more than a century, the Home Loans program has assisted nearly 450,000 veterans achieve the dream of home ownership, with one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the nation and at no cost to taxpayers.
Child care access: The Department of Social Services worked with the Department of Defense to implement the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood Plus program, expanding access to civilian childcare for military families.
Veteran designation: Eligible veterans can add the word “VETERAN” to the front of their driver’s license or ID card to signify their military service. This designation provides easier access to veteran benefits and privileges without the need to carry a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
Pathway to citizenship: CalVet has helped more than 800 veterans and their families take an important next step after active duty – becoming naturalized citizens.
California’s Veterans Homes: There are eight veterans homes throughout seven counties statewide, which deliver top-rated care to more than 1,500 veterans through long-term residential and medical care for eligible veterans, their spouses and partners
Helping homeless veterans and improving mental health
Finding affordable homes can be extremely difficult for veterans, especially if they have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, or live with mental-health issues. Remaining stably housed can be even more difficult, especially without mental health support.
Prop 1, which was championed by Gov. Newsom and approved by voters in 2023, is supporting veterans and transforming California’s mental health systems with a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for housing, services, and treatment for veterans and people experiencing homelessness.
More than $2.1 billion of this funding is available for local Homekey+ projects. Homekey+ provides funding for local communities to build residential care settings and expand access to behavioral health treatment, with approximately 50% of the funding set aside for projects serving veterans.
In addition, through the California Veterans Health Initiative Mental Health Support Grant Program, $38 million in grant funding has helped families access free mental health care in urban and rural areas.
The Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention program helps develop new affordable housing specific for veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness or have extremely low income. CalVet so far has awarded $580.5 million in permanent loan financing to 99 multifamily affordable, permanent, supportive housing projects through eight competitive rounds of funding.
As of October 2025, 75 projects have completed construction, with 5,190 units occupied or in the process of leasing. Once all awarded projects are built, California will have added 6,561 units of affordable, permanent supportive housing.
These strategies are working. In 2024, California achieved the nation’s largest reduction in veteran homelessness. In addition, California is outperforming the nation in reducing homelessness, with a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness in 2025.
Economic development and workforce initiatives
California is home to more than 30 federal military installations, with the U.S. Department of Defense directly employing more than 236,000 people in California.
California Jobs First: Designated space, defense, and satellite industries as top statewide economic priorities.
Military training: Created workforce pathways to translate military training into academic and professional credentials.
Economic success: Produced the California Military Economic Impact Study, delivering a data-driven assessment of the state’s defense economy and its $66 billion annual contribution. The report continues to inform statewide workforce, infrastructure, and investment strategies.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Superior Court announced that the swearing-in ceremony for its newest judge will take place this week.
Judge John Langan will officially join the bench when the ceremony takes place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Department 3 on the fourth floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport. Light refreshments will be served.
Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Langan to fill the vacancy created by Judge Andrew Blum’s retirement in July.
Langan graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He served nearly 18 years with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office before being appointed as the court commissioner in 2019.
“Judge Langan has extensive experience in criminal proceedings from his time at the District Attorney’s Office,” said Lake County Superior Court Presiding Judge Michael Lunas. “He also has been serving as a bench officer in civil and family matters since 2019. That vast experience as well as his intellect, even temperament and ability to efficiently handle a busy court calendar will make him an asset to the Lake County Superior Court.”
Langan told Lake County News that he’s ready to jump in right away, which is necessary in the small rural court that has a backlog of cases.
“It’s a tremendous honor. It’s also a tremendous responsibility, too. That’s hitting me right now,” he said of his appointment.
He said he couldn’t be more grateful to the courthouse staff with whom he works.
“I feel really blessed to be able to serve,” Langan said. “I will do my best to uphold the faith everyone has put in me.”
The swearing-in ceremony is open to the public.
Email Elizabeth Larson at