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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The leadership of the Clearlake Police Department was officially placed in the hands of two of its veteran officers on Thursday night.
The Clearlake City Council hosted a swearing-in for new Police Chief Tim Hobbs and Lt. Ryan Peterson following a police leadership reception.
Hobbs, 41, in February marked 20 years with the Clearlake Police Department.
He had been appointed interim chief and on Dec. 19 was sworn in at an event marking the departure of the man he called his mentor, Chief Andrew White, who was hired as police chief in the city of Martinez.
The council unanimously approved giving Hobbs the chief’s job on a permanent basis at its Jan. 5 meeting.
Since then, another key promotion took place: Sgt. Ryan Peterson, a 15-year department veteran considered to be one of Lake County’s top detectives, was given the lieutenant’s job, succeeding Hobbs in that post.
City Manager Alan Flora, noting Hobbs has spent his entire career with the Clearlake Police Department, said, “You’ve filled nearly every role available during your time here.”
While that in itself didn’t necessarily qualify or prepare Hobbs to become chief, Flora said Hobbs has shown himself to be ready, facing challenges in his first weeks and responding well to them.
Flora said he’s frequently hearing from community members that they are impressed with how Hobbs is handling himself in the leadership role.
Hobbs has stepped into the police chief role at a time when the police department is performing at a high level, Flora said.
“We haven’t peaked yet and I strongly believe you are the right person for this time,” Flora said. “Thank you for your willingness to serve.”
City Clerk Melissa Swanson then administered the oath to Hobbs and his fiancee pinned on his badge.
Hobbs thanked Flora and the council for the confidence they have shown in him by his appointment.
“This position comes with very important responsibilities. Thank you for the faith you have shown in me,” Hobbs said.
Hobbs then thanked his predecessor, Andrew White, who had made the trip from Martinez for the event.
Hobbs credited White for being key to making the department a better place and setting them up to move forward as they continue to improve and grow.
He said he learned a lot from White, and would not be in this place today without his mentorship.
Those who work in law enforcement know that no police officer can be truly successful without support of family, and Hobbs said he has that.
To the community, Hobbs said, “Our level of service and our commitment to the community is second to none. I am proud and happy to be part of this team.”
As chief, he said will do his best to make sure the agency maintains and, when possible, improves its service.
He then turned to the audience to deliver a message directly to the department employees, telling them he needed their help.
“No chief of police can be successful without the support, dedication and hard work of their employees at every level within the department,” he said.
Mayor Russell Perdock paused to recognize dignitaries who had come to support Hobbs, including White, Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen and Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta.
After his swearing-in, Hobbs then welcomed Peterson forward.
Like Hobbs, Peterson has spent his entire career with the Clearlake Police Department.
Peterson most recently served as patrol sergeant before being promoted after his performance in the lieutenant’s testing process, Hobbs said.
Hobbs thanked Peterson for being a part of the Clearlake Police team, and putting in all the hard work and dedication in his time with the agency.
He then administered the oath to Peterson, shaking his hand afterward.
Peterson received a standing ovation from the council and the audience.
His young daughters then came forward and one pinned on his badge, giving him a big hug afterward.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Lake County Water Resources Department has determined Highland Springs Recreation Area will remain closed until further notice, due to potentially life-threatening conditions caused by storm damage.
This closure includes the Range and Rod and Gun Club.
County work crews conducted an initial survey on Wednesday and observed hundreds of downed trees and partially fallen limbs on recreational trails, parking areas and the disc golf course.
With saturated soils, high winds, freezing temperatures and more precipitation anticipated, additional damage may occur.
District 4 Supervisor Michael Green, was on site to observe damage brought by recent storms.
“The disc golf course and picnic areas suffered little structural damage, but there are an unprecedented number of downed trees, ‘widow makers’ and other hazards,” Green said.
“It will likely take weeks to fully assess the damage and bring in forestry crews and equipment to prepare the park for public use. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation,” Green added.
Highland Springs Recreation Area is owned by the Lake County Watershed Protection District and managed by the Lake County Water Resources Department.
For more information, contact Water Resources at 707-263-2344 or
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — Dozens of dogs are waiting for homes at the Clearlake Animal Shelters.
There currently are 35 adoptable dogs at the shelter available to be adopted into new homes.
They include “Olive,” a female Labrador retriever mix, and “Toffee,” a male German shepherd mix.
The shelter is located at 6820 Old Highway 53. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, call the shelter at 707-762-6227, email
This week’s adoptable dogs are featured below.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Acting Gov. Eleni Kounalakis on Thursday signed legislation to help maintain the state’s COVID-19 operational preparedness by codifying two emergency waivers regarding COVID-19 laboratory testing and therapeutics — statutory changes the Newsom Administration called for, and the Legislature expedited, this session.
AB 269, an urgency measure by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), authorizes qualified laboratory personnel to continue solely processing COVID-19 tests and permits COVID-19 testing sites contracted with the California Department of Public Health, or CDPH, to continue dispensing COVID-19 therapeutics until January 2024.
“This measure preserves important tools in the state’s response to the pandemic and will continue to protect public health as California moves forward, focusing on preparedness and support for our communities,” said Kounalakis.
As previously announced in October, the state’s COVID-19 state of emergency ended on Feb. 28, 2023.
The state’s SMARTER Plan continues to guide California’s work to support local communities, and COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatment are available throughout the state.
For the full text of the bill signed today, visit http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County and the rest of the North Coast aren't past winter storms yet.
The National Weather Service is forecasting more snow beginning on Saturday and continuing into early next week.
The agency has issued a winter storm watch for Lake County that’s in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. Sunday.
The National Weather Service’s Eureka office said the incoming winter storm will impact elevations above the 1,000 foot elevation level from Saturday through early next week.
Forecasters urged North Coast residents to start planning now for heavy snow in higher elevations, and heavy showers and thunderstorms near sea level.
The lineup of snowstorms that began last week is reminiscent of the series of atmospheric rivers that brought heavy rain to Lake County and much of the rest of California beginning at Christmas and continuing through January.
The specific Lake County forecast shows daytime temperatures dipping into the 40s through Tuesday and the high 20s and night.
Areas like Cobb are expected to see rain and snow beginning on Saturday, with the potential to consider through Tuesday, while other areas like the Northshore may not see snow until Monday.
The National Weather Service’s map of snowfall shows amounts ranging from 2 to 6 inches of snow around the lake, and areas in the northern mountains that are part of the Mendocino National Forest getting as much as 18 inches.
In related weather news, on Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in 13 counties due to the winter storms and activated the California Guard.
Lake County was not included in the proclamation, despite the fact that Sheriff Rob Howe on Friday declared a local emergency, which the Board of Supervisors unanimously ratified on Tuesday.
The counties in the governor’s Wednesday proclamation, which supports disaster response and relief, are Amador, Kern, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Nevada, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Sierra, Sonoma and Tulare.
It’s not clear why Lake wasn’t included, but Howe told the board on Tuesday that the damage from the recent storms may not be clear in Lake County until the snow melts.
Howe at that point had warned that the storms were not yet over.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on the Lake County Public Defenders’ Advisory Committee.
The work of the Lake County Public Defenders’ Advisory Committee involves reviewing generally the provision of indigent defense services in Lake County, advising the Board of Supervisors on matters of equity and social justice related to indigent defense services, and the preparation of statistical reports to the Board of Supervisors annually on the state of the indigent defense services in Lake County.
The committee met regularly until March of 2018, at which time the meetings stopped. The county of Lake has not responded to Lake County News’ questions about why the meetings stopped five years ago.
Now, however, the county wants to restart the committee.
Last month, the Board of Supervisors discussed a report on indigent defense services. At that time, County Counsel Anita Grant recommended the committee could be more robust and involve people who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
The county said all committee members are expected to have substantial experience and expertise relevant to indigent public defense services and to reflect the diversity of Lake County to the extent practicable.
Individuals selected for this committee must be able to commit the time necessary to attend meetings and participate effectively as a member.
While serving on the committee, no member may engage in the provision of indigent defense services, hold a position as a prosecuting attorney or be an employee of the Lake County Superior Court.
Committee composition
The county is seeking recommendations for appointments to this Committee from associations/groups active in Lake County that focus on indigent criminal defense issues based upon the experiences of persons identifying as African-American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic-American, Asian-American and members of the LBGTQ+ communities.
Organizations that meet the criteria listed above may each submit three names. The submittal must include an application and other written materials relevant to the organization’s recommendation of each applicant.
Additionally, the county is seeking applications from:
• Persons with significant experience providing indigent defense services of five (5) or more years, who does not presently provide such services in Lake County; and
• Persons with significant experience as indigent criminal defendants in the County of Lake.
Applications are available at the Lake County Courthouse, Clerk of the Board Office, Room 109, 255 North Forbes Street, Lakeport, California, or online.
Membership on the committee is voluntary.
The work of the Lake County Public Defenders’ Advisory Committee involves reviewing generally the provision of indigent defense services in Lake County, advising the Board of Supervisors on matters of equity and social justice related to indigent defense services, and the preparation of statistical reports to the Board of Supervisors annually on the state of the indigent defense services in Lake County.
The committee met regularly until March of 2018, at which time the meetings stopped. The county of Lake has not responded to Lake County News’ questions about why the meetings stopped five years ago.
Now, however, the county wants to restart the committee.
Last month, the Board of Supervisors discussed a report on indigent defense services. At that time, County Counsel Anita Grant recommended the committee could be more robust and involve people who have been involved in the criminal justice system.
The county said all committee members are expected to have substantial experience and expertise relevant to indigent public defense services and to reflect the diversity of Lake County to the extent practicable.
Individuals selected for this committee must be able to commit the time necessary to attend meetings and participate effectively as a member.
While serving on the committee, no member may engage in the provision of indigent defense services, hold a position as a prosecuting attorney or be an employee of the Lake County Superior Court.
Committee composition
The county is seeking recommendations for appointments to this Committee from associations/groups active in Lake County that focus on indigent criminal defense issues based upon the experiences of persons identifying as African-American, Native American, Latino/Hispanic-American, Asian-American and members of the LBGTQ+ communities.
Organizations that meet the criteria listed above may each submit three names. The submittal must include an application and other written materials relevant to the organization’s recommendation of each applicant.
Additionally, the county is seeking applications from:
• Persons with significant experience providing indigent defense services of five (5) or more years, who does not presently provide such services in Lake County; and
• Persons with significant experience as indigent criminal defendants in the County of Lake.
Applications are available at the Lake County Courthouse, Clerk of the Board Office, Room 109, 255 North Forbes Street, Lakeport, California, or online.
Membership on the committee is voluntary.