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This summer, the California Department of Public Health, or CDPH, reminds Californians to take extra precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases during outdoor activities.
Due to heavy rains this past winter, mosquito populations have increased across the state, posing a greater risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
“Many of us enjoy spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months, and this year it is particularly important to take extra precautions against mosquitoes,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón. “The best way to prevent diseases that are spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself, your family, and pets from mosquito bites."
To prevent your exposure, CDPH recommends individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and vector-borne diseases by practicing the “Three Ds”:
DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
DAWN AND DUSK: Mosquitoes are more active in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear protective clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tightfitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
DRAIN: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old car tires, and buckets. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.
Recently, malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, has been making headlines in other states. There are no reported cases of malaria in California to date. And while no human cases of West Nile virus or St. Louis encephalitis virus have been reported in California so far this year, West Nile has been detected in mosquito samples or dead birds in 11 counties and St. Louis encephalitis has been detected in four counties.
CDPH monitors avian deaths as a way of predicting when and where people may be at greater risk. The state continues to work closely with local agencies to reinforce prevention tips and control mosquito populations and the diseases they spread.
Resources of Californians
California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
To learn more about how you can protect your health and the health of your loved ones from diseases carried by insects and other animals such as WNV, SLEV, malaria, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne and mosquito-borne diseases, visit the CDPH website.
Due to heavy rains this past winter, mosquito populations have increased across the state, posing a greater risk for mosquito-borne diseases.
“Many of us enjoy spending time outdoors, especially during the summer months, and this year it is particularly important to take extra precautions against mosquitoes,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón. “The best way to prevent diseases that are spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself, your family, and pets from mosquito bites."
To prevent your exposure, CDPH recommends individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and vector-borne diseases by practicing the “Three Ds”:
DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
DAWN AND DUSK: Mosquitoes are more active in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear protective clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tightfitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
DRAIN: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flowerpots, old car tires, and buckets. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.
Recently, malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, has been making headlines in other states. There are no reported cases of malaria in California to date. And while no human cases of West Nile virus or St. Louis encephalitis virus have been reported in California so far this year, West Nile has been detected in mosquito samples or dead birds in 11 counties and St. Louis encephalitis has been detected in four counties.
CDPH monitors avian deaths as a way of predicting when and where people may be at greater risk. The state continues to work closely with local agencies to reinforce prevention tips and control mosquito populations and the diseases they spread.
Resources of Californians
California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on West Nile activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
To learn more about how you can protect your health and the health of your loved ones from diseases carried by insects and other animals such as WNV, SLEV, malaria, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne and mosquito-borne diseases, visit the CDPH website.
GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — With California’s peak wildfire season forecast to be similar to the dangerous and destructive 2017 season, Gov. Gavin Newsom joined state fire officials in Grass Valley on Friday to highlight the all-of-the-above approach California is taking this year to prepare and protect communities on the front lines.
In addition to having the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world on standby and the most firefighters in state history, California is deploying new tools — including AI, satellites, cameras, drones, real-time intelligence, and more — to fight fire faster and smarter.
“In just five years, California’s wildfire response has seen a tech revolution,” said Gov. Newsome. “We’re enlisting cutting-edge technology in our efforts to fight wildfires, exploring how innovations like artificial intelligence can help us identify threats quicker and deploy resources smarter. And with the world’s largest aerial firefighting force and more firefighters on the ground than ever before, we’re keeping more Californians safer from wildfire. While these resources will help protect our communities, Californians need to remain vigilant for what could be an intense wildfire season this year.”
Tech and innovation to fight fires smarter
State officials said no other jurisdiction in the world comes close to California’s use of innovation and technology to fight fires.
Persistent communication and surveillance: The state is working with Lockheed Martin to explore the potential of incorporating Department of Defense-grade technology to fight wildfires. Cal Fire is focusing on drone-based software, AI-enabled tools, analytics, and capabilities to provide analysis of ground and atmospheric conditions in near real-time, as well as persistent communications capabilities to fire personnel on the ground during response activities.
Low-Earth orbit satellites: The state is also working with the Environmental Defense Fund on low-earth orbit satellite technology. Cal Fire is currently working on a potential partnership to formalize our ability to be involved in providing user input and feedback during system development, analyze sample and initial data from the system, and advance our knowledge of satellite-based detection for wildland firefighting including wildland-urban interface fires, prescribed fire, and more.
Fire Integrated Real-time Intelligence System, or FIRIS: Originating as a state-funded pilot in Orange County in 2019, and now funded for statewide operations, FIRIS is a program that provides real-time intelligence data and analysis on emerging disaster incidents in California. Infrared mounted cameras on the aircraft provide a common operating picture, and data for near-real-time fire modeling that is available at the onset of emerging incidents.
More cutting-edge technology: The state has deployed a variety of innovative technologies to support our mission of fighting fires and keeping people safe:
• Technosylva wildfire projection tool: The result of the state’s first innovation sprint in 2019, using the X-prize concept, this is an on-demand wildfire spread prediction tool to support operational response, what-if scenario analysis, and wildfire risk forecasting.
• FireGuard partnership with the Department of Defense: Working with the California Guard and the Pentagon, the state trailblazed the development and implementation of satellite capabilities to detect, analyze and map new wildfire ignitions, which was just extended to support Canada’s wildfire response.
• CalGuard’s remotely-piloted aircraft: Since 2019, the Defense Secretary has authorized using the California National Guard’s remotely piloted aircraft for rapid aerial mapping and assessment of wildfires.
• LiDAR investments: The state’s investments have collected approximately 30 million acres of new LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses a remote sensing method to make a detailed 3D map of the current topography and vegetation for every high fire risk region of California.
• FireHawk night-capable helicopters: Faster with greater capacity to carry water, these helicopters allow Cal Fire to conduct night flight operations. The initial fleet of 12 is being expanded to 16.
• Wildfire Threat Intelligence Center, or WFTIC: Serves as California's integrated central organizing hub for wildfire forecasting, weather information, threat intelligence gathering, analysis and dissemination. WFTIC also coordinates wildfire threat intelligence and data sharing among federal, state, local agencies, tribal governments, utilities, other service providers, academic institutions and nongovernmental organizations.
More firefighters than ever before: An additional $674.1 million in 2022-23 added 1,350 new positions and expanded fire crews, air attack operations, and provided for additional relief for Cal Fire staff to meet the demands of wildland firefighting in a changing climate.
Cal Fire secures 24 additional aircraft: Cal Fire is bolstering its firefighting aircraft fleet across California for the second year in a row as a result of over $72 million in funding provided by the state. The investment has allowed Cal Fire to secure 24 additional firefighting aircraft (19 helicopters and 5 airplanes for a contractual period of 90-120 days) to enhance their statewide response efforts against wildfires in California. The additional fixed-wing aircraft include 3 large airtankers specifically designed to carry up to 4,000 gallons of retardant. These aircraft have been strategically located in communities across California and will be pre-positioned to meet the needs of potential fire activity throughout the state.
Peak fire season look ahead: After years of drought, this winter’s massive storms brought unprecedented precipitation that has resulted in significant growth of grasses and vegetation — increasing the risk of wildfire. This is similar to the 2017 season that also followed years of drought and was the most destructive wildfire season on record at the time.
Temperatures are heating up toward the end of this month and there is a 90% likelihood of an El Nino developing by July. The tropical disturbances typically associated with an El Nino pattern could lead to increased lightning and thunderstorm activity. In the lower elevations a dense grass crop has developed. These grasses have started drying and will continue to dry out which may lead to an increase of grass fires. Due to the late rainy season, larger vegetation located in the mid and upper elevations will continue to experience above normal growth into the early summer months. The snowpack that remains in the mountain areas should assist with mitigating significant fire potential in the higher elevations until later in the summer.
California’s independent state auditor today reported California State University has done little to return Native American remains and cultural items in its possession to tribes after a months-long review requested by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) and the Joint Committee on Legislative Audit.
The auditor surveyed all 23 CSU campuses and conducted on-site review of Chico State, Sacramento State, San Diego State and San Jose State Universities.
Key findings revealed that only six percent of Native American remains and objects at CSU campuses had been returned since passage of the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA, and the CalNAGPRA 2001 enactment.
The auditor found that CSU campuses have almost 700,000 collections, but the number is expected to grow.
When NAGPRA was approved, institutions such as universities and museums were given until 1995 to inventory and return collections in their possession.
“This is a heartbreaking report for Indian Country. Like the University of California system, our CSU system has done almost nothing to comply with federal and state law in the 33 years since passage of NAGPRA or the 22 years since CalNAGPRA became law,” Ramos said. “After decades, only a small fraction of the collections have been properly restored to the appropriate tribal descendants. As a Native American, I am angered and saddened by this ongoing display of dismissive disrespect to California’s First People and the law.”
Ramos, the first and only California Native American elected to the state legislature, stated he would request a hearing to follow up on the auditor’s findings and to determine whether existing accountability measures, such as fines, could be enforced against campuses not following the law.
“It is unfortunate that California tribes still have to deal with this issue many years later. We have been calling for repatriation since before NAGPRA’s inception. Today’s auditor report only highlighted what we already know - our ancestors’ remains and cultural items are still not returned home,” said Regina Cuellar, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal chairwoman. “We hope that with the report, the legislature gets behind Assemblymember Ramos’ efforts to ensure proper repatriation.”
“I want to thank the Auditor for bringing well-researched data to lawmakers and for increasing awareness of important issues. Both the CSU and UC systems have failed miserably at returning Native American remains and artifacts to the appropriate tribes,” Ramos stated. He added that community colleges should also face similar scrutiny.
Key findings from the report include:
• Twelve of the 21 campuses with collections have not finished the reviews required by NAGPRA, and 16 campuses have little or no repatriation activity.
• Two campuses returned remains without following NAGPRA notification requirements which call for notifying the Federal Register and other tribes.
• The Chancellor’s Office has not provided the necessary guidance, oversight and funding to the CSU campuses.
• Campuses lack oversight, knowledge, funding and staff to advance repatriation.
The auditor surveyed all 23 CSU campuses and conducted on-site review of Chico State, Sacramento State, San Diego State and San Jose State Universities.
Key findings revealed that only six percent of Native American remains and objects at CSU campuses had been returned since passage of the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA, and the CalNAGPRA 2001 enactment.
The auditor found that CSU campuses have almost 700,000 collections, but the number is expected to grow.
When NAGPRA was approved, institutions such as universities and museums were given until 1995 to inventory and return collections in their possession.
“This is a heartbreaking report for Indian Country. Like the University of California system, our CSU system has done almost nothing to comply with federal and state law in the 33 years since passage of NAGPRA or the 22 years since CalNAGPRA became law,” Ramos said. “After decades, only a small fraction of the collections have been properly restored to the appropriate tribal descendants. As a Native American, I am angered and saddened by this ongoing display of dismissive disrespect to California’s First People and the law.”
Ramos, the first and only California Native American elected to the state legislature, stated he would request a hearing to follow up on the auditor’s findings and to determine whether existing accountability measures, such as fines, could be enforced against campuses not following the law.
“It is unfortunate that California tribes still have to deal with this issue many years later. We have been calling for repatriation since before NAGPRA’s inception. Today’s auditor report only highlighted what we already know - our ancestors’ remains and cultural items are still not returned home,” said Regina Cuellar, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal chairwoman. “We hope that with the report, the legislature gets behind Assemblymember Ramos’ efforts to ensure proper repatriation.”
“I want to thank the Auditor for bringing well-researched data to lawmakers and for increasing awareness of important issues. Both the CSU and UC systems have failed miserably at returning Native American remains and artifacts to the appropriate tribes,” Ramos stated. He added that community colleges should also face similar scrutiny.
Key findings from the report include:
• Twelve of the 21 campuses with collections have not finished the reviews required by NAGPRA, and 16 campuses have little or no repatriation activity.
• Two campuses returned remains without following NAGPRA notification requirements which call for notifying the Federal Register and other tribes.
• The Chancellor’s Office has not provided the necessary guidance, oversight and funding to the CSU campuses.
• Campuses lack oversight, knowledge, funding and staff to advance repatriation.
LAKEPORT, Calif. — With the July 4 holiday just around the corner, officials with the city of Lakeport are reminding community members about the rules governing the use of safe and sane fireworks in the city.
Lakeport is the only area of Lake County where safe and sane fireworks are legal to sell and use for the Independence Day holiday.
That use is limited to the brief period from July 1 to 4.
Hours of discharge in Lakeport are 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 1 to 3, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
A safe firework area will be set up at the end of Fourth Street near Clear Lake.
Use of fireworks on private property, such as shopping centers, is only allowed by permission of the property owner, according to Lakeport Municipal Code.
The municipal code also prohibits the use of any fireworks within 10 feet of a residence, dwelling or other structure used for human habitation.
Text FIREWORKS to 888777 for public safety information for the city of Lakeport.
In all other parts of Lake County, officials emphasize that all fireworks are illegal to use.
In the run up to July 4, Cal Fire said this week that it is maintaining a zero tolerance stance on illegal fireworks.
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.
Lakeport is the only area of Lake County where safe and sane fireworks are legal to sell and use for the Independence Day holiday.
That use is limited to the brief period from July 1 to 4.
Hours of discharge in Lakeport are 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. July 1 to 3, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.
A safe firework area will be set up at the end of Fourth Street near Clear Lake.
Use of fireworks on private property, such as shopping centers, is only allowed by permission of the property owner, according to Lakeport Municipal Code.
The municipal code also prohibits the use of any fireworks within 10 feet of a residence, dwelling or other structure used for human habitation.
Text FIREWORKS to 888777 for public safety information for the city of Lakeport.
In all other parts of Lake County, officials emphasize that all fireworks are illegal to use.
In the run up to July 4, Cal Fire said this week that it is maintaining a zero tolerance stance on illegal fireworks.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The City Council and Planning Commission of Clearlake will hold a special joint meeting this week for cultural resources training.
The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, June 30, in the council chambers in Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
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 or can attend in person.
The webinar ID is 834 4287 6954; the pass code is 455599.
One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,83442876954# US.
The agenda can be found here.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments before 4 p.m. Friday, June 30.
On Friday, Lisa Westwood, vice president and director of cultural resources for ECORP Consulting, will give a presentation on AB 52, the law requiring tribal consultation on projects.
As part of the meeting’s consent agenda, the council will adopt Resolution No. 2023-32, approving a temporary street closure for the annual July 4 parade.
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 meeting will take place at 9 a.m. Friday, June 30, in the council chambers in Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
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 or can attend in person.
The webinar ID is 834 4287 6954; the pass code is 455599.
One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,83442876954# US.
The agenda can be found here.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson at
To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments before 4 p.m. Friday, June 30.
On Friday, Lisa Westwood, vice president and director of cultural resources for ECORP Consulting, will give a presentation on AB 52, the law requiring tribal consultation on projects.
As part of the meeting’s consent agenda, the council will adopt Resolution No. 2023-32, approving a temporary street closure for the annual July 4 parade.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has issued an update on the name change of the company that provides its community evacuation interface for emergency zone mapping.
As Lake County News first reported last week, Zonehaven AWARE changed its name to Genasys Protect, effective June 27, over the objections of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office uses Zonehaven to map evacuation zones across Lake County, which typically are used during fire emergencies.
This week, officials said only the company’s name is changing.
There will be no change for zone information and zone numbers.
At this time, all QR codes and other web addresses/URLs (aware.zonehaven.com and community.zonehaven.com), past information provided by the Sheriff’s Office, and zone information are still relevant, still work and will continue to function, the county reported.
Starting in 2024, the URL will be consolidated to protect.genasys.com, only.
Do you know your zone?
A Zone look-up tool is available on www.lakesheriff.com and http://www.lakesheriff.com/about/oes.
Sign up for LakeCoAlerts, and review other valuable preparedness resources, while visiting these webpages.
Lake County residents are encouraged to prepare now, and connect with your families and neighbors to help ensure needs can quickly be understood and met in the event of a disaster.
As Lake County News first reported last week, Zonehaven AWARE changed its name to Genasys Protect, effective June 27, over the objections of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office uses Zonehaven to map evacuation zones across Lake County, which typically are used during fire emergencies.
This week, officials said only the company’s name is changing.
There will be no change for zone information and zone numbers.
At this time, all QR codes and other web addresses/URLs (aware.zonehaven.com and community.zonehaven.com), past information provided by the Sheriff’s Office, and zone information are still relevant, still work and will continue to function, the county reported.
Starting in 2024, the URL will be consolidated to protect.genasys.com, only.
Do you know your zone?
A Zone look-up tool is available on www.lakesheriff.com and http://www.lakesheriff.com/about/oes.
Sign up for LakeCoAlerts, and review other valuable preparedness resources, while visiting these webpages.
Lake County residents are encouraged to prepare now, and connect with your families and neighbors to help ensure needs can quickly be understood and met in the event of a disaster.