Community
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- Written by: Democratic Party of Lake County
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Jan. 31, the California Democratic Party in partnership with County Democratic Parties and Contest Every Race is launching a statewide texting campaign to recruit hundreds of Democrats to run for local office, with a focus in rural areas where GOP incumbents often run uncontested.
This is part of a national campaign by Contest Every Race to ensure that no Republican goes unchallenged.
The California Democratic Party is launching this program again this cycle as evidence continues to build that more Democrats running in local elections boosts Democratic voter turnout and enthusiasm, which is key to ensuring Democrats win targeted congressional races and take back the House of Representatives in November.
The 2026 candidate recruitment program is targeting 348 local down-ballot races across the following 33 counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Mendocino, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Stanislaus, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura and Yuba.
"We're thankful for the opportunity to partner with the California Democratic Party in our efforts to recruit Democratic candidates here in Lake County," said Nara Dahlbacka, chair of the Lake County Central Committee. “These down-ballot races are where Democrats can make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of working people in our community.”
All Democrats in Lake County are invited to join them. Visit https://lakecountydemocrats.org/join/ for more information.
The Democratic Party of Lake County, or DPLC, also known as the Lake County Democratic Central Committee, is the official governing body of the Democratic Party in Lake County, and represents over 13,000 registered Democrats in the cities and unincorporated areas.
The DPLC is responsible for building the party organization at the district and county levels; registering Democratic voters; and encouraging Election Day turnout among Democratic voters.
The essence of the Lake County Democratic Party’s mission is to encourage the fullest possible participation of all Democratic voters and to disseminate the Democratic message, platform and philosophy.
The California Democratic Party is the largest state party in the nation with more than 10 million members and helped deliver a resounding victory for Proposition 50 in last year’s Special Election.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is committing $50 million in 2026 to help customers pay overdue energy bills through its Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help, or REACH, and Match My Payment programs.
PG&E is expanding REACH benefits this year. Eligible customers can receive up to an $800 bill credit, an increase from up to $300 last year, if they have received a disconnection notice.
Match My Payment matches eligible customer payments dollar-for-dollar, up to $1,000. Payments must be at least $50 toward a past-due balance of $100 or more. Customers can receive multiple matches during the year. A disconnection notice is not required for customers to qualify.
REACH recipients are also prequalified for up to $1,000 on a past-due balance through Match My Payment, for a combined benefit of up to $1,800 while funds last.
Eligibility for both programs is based on federal income guidelines. For example, a family of four earning less than $128,600 may qualify for the Match My Payment program, which has higher income limits than the REACH program.
“On the North Coast, some of our customers are facing real financial pressures as the cost of living continues to rise and unexpected expenses add up. Programs like Match My Payment provide meaningful, immediate relief by helping customers catch up on past-due bills and stay connected to the energy they rely on every day. We encourage eligible customers to apply while funds are available,” said Dave Canny, vice president for PG&E’s North Coast Region.
Both programs are funded by PG&E and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The company contracts with the nonprofit Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) to process customer applications.
The two PG&E programs – REACH and Match My Payment – have provided nearly $23 million in assistance to over 64,000 customers.
• Customers in Humboldt County have received a total of $197,357 through Match my Payment & REACH; the assistance went to 253 Match My Payment recipients & 342 REACH recipients.
• Customers in Mendocino County have received a total of $130,844 through Match my Payment and REACH; the assistance went to 154 Match My Payment recipients and 225 REACH recipients.
• Customers in Lake County have received a total of $240,033 through Match my Payment and REACH; the assistance went to 273 Match My Payment recipients and 416 REACH recipients.
• Customers in Sonoma County have received a total of $312,754 through Match my Payment and REACH; the assistance went to 396 Match My Payment recipients and 540 REACH.
• Customers in Napa County have received a total of $114,112 through Match my Payment and REACH; the assistance went to 131 Match My Payment recipients and 211 REACH recipients.
• Customers in Solano County have received a total of $791,178 through Match my Payment and REACH; the assistance went to 1,046 Match My Payment recipients and 1,232 REACH recipients.
• Customers in Marin County have received a total of $99,248 through Match my Payment and REACH; the assistance went to 107 Match My Payment recipients and 227 REACH recipients.
PG&E’s $50 million commitment comes after the company cut residential electric rates for customers who receive energy supply and delivery from PG&E by 5% Jan. 1, 2026. This is the fourth electric rate decrease in two years, reinforcing the company's promise to stabilize energy costs for customers.
PG&E residential electric rates are 11% lower than in January 2024, or about $20 less on a typical residential monthly bill.
Other income-eligible assistance programs
PG&E has other assistance programs to help income-eligible customers pay their energy bills:
• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program: provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and an average of 38% on electricity (compared to non-CARE bundled customers).
• Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program: eligibility guidelines provide a monthly discount of 18% on electricity regardless of household size.
• Low Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program: a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a one-time payment up to $1,500 on past due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes.
• Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.
Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program: provides energy-savings improvements at no charge.
Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a reduction on energy bills for customers who depend on power for certain medical needs. Visit pge.com/billhelp to learn more.
Additional support available
PG&E offers a variety of ways to save energy and reduce monthly bills. Customers are encouraged to:
• Sign up for a free personal energy coach with the HomeIntel program.
• Enroll in the Budget Billing program.
• Get personalized recommendations for financial assistance, bill management programs and other resources by using an online Savings Finder tool.
- Details
- Written by: California Retired Teachers Association
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Lori White, acting president of Lake County Division 35 of the California Retired Teachers Association, or CalRTA, announced that the organization’s quarterly meeting will be on Tuesday, Feb. 10.
The luncheon meeting will be held at the Riviera Hills Restaurant located at 10200 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville.
Registration and social time commence at 9:30 a.m. The business meeting will be called to order at 10 a.m.
Current members are encouraged to bring a potential new member.
Following the business meeting, members will welcome Dr. John Parker, president of the Lake County Historical Society.
Dr. Parker holds a PhD. in archeology and a master’s degree in anthropology. He is a researcher and presenter on Lake County archeology and history.
Lunch will be served at noon. The menu consists of chicken teriyaki stir fry, veggies, rice, dessert, coffee and tea. Pasta Alfredo is available as a vegetarian option.
The cost of lunch is $25. A “tip jar” will be available to recognize the servers. Reservations for lunch may be made by contacting Lela at 707-489-1338.
All CalRTA members are invited to attend as well as recently retired teachers, family members or other interested individuals.
This is an opportunity to learn how the California Retired Teachers Association is working to protect the retirement and pensions of California teachers and advocating for legislation to improve education in California.
In addition, the Lake County Division 35 provides scholarships to students pursuing a career in education, grants to local teachers and supports education in Lake County in numerous other ways.
Additional information on Chapter 35 is available on the web at https://div35.calrta.org/.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — A protest against the actions of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be held this weekend in Lakeport.
The “Ice Out for Good” protest will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Lakeport’s Museum Square, 255 N. Main St.
Organizers said the Lake County protest will stand in solidarity with Minnesota, which this month has seen the fatal shootings of two people, Renee Good by ICE, and Alex Pretti by Border Patrol.
Those who wish to participate are invited to bring signs.
- Details
- Written by: Caltrans
NORTH COAST, Calif. — Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around the North Coast during the coming week.
Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
Caltrans advises motorists to drive with caution when approaching work areas and to be prepared to stop at traffic control stations.
The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes unless
noted otherwise.
For updates to this list check QuickMap at www.dot.ca.gov or 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).
LAKE COUNTY
Highway 20
Route 20 (23.9/24.2) – Culvert work will occur in Glenhaven from Mary Street to Linden Lane on Friday, January 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#S20CA
Highway 29
Route 29 (34.7) – Road work in Kelseyville at Live Oak Drive will occur on Monday, January 26. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C29EA
Route 29 (40.1) – Road work will occur in Lakeport at Jct Route 175 on Monday, January 26. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C29EA
MENDOCINO COUNTY
Highway 1
Route 1 (38.1) – Road work will occur south of Navarro Bluff Road on Friday, January 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1DA
Route 1 (60.2/62.6) – Utility work in Fort Bragg at various locations from the Noyo River Bridge 10-176 to Pudding Creek Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1PA
Route 1 (75.9/76.2) – Emergency work south of Westport from the Blues Beach Trailhead to the Overlook will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 30-minute delays. LC#C1TA
Route 1 (78.1/78.4) – Emergency work in Westport at Wages Creek Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1BB
Highway 20
Route 20 (34.5/35.9) – Utility work in Willits from west of Monica Lane to Bald Mountain Road will begin on Sunday, January 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20NA
Highway 101
U.S. 101 (4.9/5.1) – Emergency work from the Frog Woman Rock State Historic Landmark to the Comminsky Station Road Viaduct 10-289 continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101VA
U.S. 101 (30.2/43.7) – Utility work from north of the Central Avenue Overcrossing 10-207 to south of Willits continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101KE
U.S. 101 (31.8/32.6) – Utility work from the Forsythe Creek Bridge 10-269 to the West Road Overcrossing 10-270 will occur on Sunday, January 25. Lane closures will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P101GA
U.S. 101 (39.5/40) – Emergency work south of Mariposa Creek Road will continue. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101GA
U.S. 101 (41.3/43.7) – Paving work from the Cal Fire Howard Forest Station to Jct Route 20 continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101DA
U.S. 101 (50.8/51.5) – Construction work near Schow Road continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101GA
U.S. 101 (55.4/61.9) – Culvert work from north of Big Trails Drive to north of Jct Route 162 continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101BC
U.S. 101 (61.9/64.9) – Guardrail work from south of Twin Pine Road to south of Sherwood Road will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101BC
U.S. 101 (72.1/72.7) – Emergency work north of Laytonville at Woodruff Drive continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#T101GA
U.S. 101 (86.5/87.5) – Emergency work south of Leggett. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#T101GA
Highway 128
Route 128 (46.8/47.3) – Culvert work east of Pomo Tierra Ranch Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C128BA
Highway 162
Route 162 (7.9/8.4) – Bridge work at the Eel River Bridge 10-236 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162HA
Highway 271
Route 271 (5.2/5.5) – Tree work will occur from the Cedar Creek Bridge 10-31 to U.S. 101 at South Leggett on Friday, January 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P271BA
Route 271 (20.1) – Tree work at Dimmick Road will occur on Friday, January 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P271BA
DEL NORTE COUNTY
Highway 101
U.S. 101 (12.2/13.8) – Emergency work is scheduled between Wilson Creek Bluff and Rudisill Road. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Travelers should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C101DD
U.S. 101 (35.8/36.5) – The Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement Project is scheduled in the Smith River area Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Travelers should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C101WA
U.S. 101 (37.46/38.51) – Geotechnical work is scheduled near Foothill Drive and Smith River beginning Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 25-minute delays. LC#C101IE
U.S. 101 (46.3/46.5) – Tree work is scheduled between Crissey Road and the Oregon state line. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23. Travelers should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101ZA
Highway 197
Route 197 (4.5) – Utility work is scheduled near Ruby Van Deventer County Park on Friday, Jan. 23 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C197AA
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Highway 36
Route 36 (4.1/4.6) – Construction upgrades near Carlotta are scheduled to continue. Expect 15-minute delays weekdays. LC#C36IA
Route 36 (15.7/16.3) – Slide response west of Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park will continue. One-way traffic control will continue with delays. Check Caltrans District 1 on social media for updates. LC#T36HA
Route 36 (19.6) – Emergency work west of Maple Grove will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Travelers should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C36JA
Route 36 (25.5/26) – Emergency work is scheduled near the Caltrans Bridgeville Maintenance Station weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C36FA
Route 36 (34.5) – Bridge work at Butte Creek Bridge 4-116 has scheduled one-way traffic control. Expect 5-minute delays. LC#C36UA
Highway 96
Route 96 (3.2/4.7) – Utility work is scheduled between the Pipeline Overcrossing and a turnout at postmile 4.7. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Travelers should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C96BA
Route 96 (4.7/6.6) – Utility work is scheduled near Sugar Bowl Ranch Road weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C96BA
Route 96 (9.1/10.1) – Tree work is scheduled near Campbell Road on Friday, Jan. 23 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P96AA
Route 96 (10.3/16.3) – Tree work is scheduled between Shoemaker Ridge and Mill Creek Rd on Monday, Jan. 26 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P96AA
Route 96 (13.2/15.4) – Utility work is scheduled between near Hostler Ranch weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C96BA
Route 96 (16.3/18.9) – Utility work is scheduled near Mill Creek Road weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C96BA
Route 96 (19/21.8) – Tree work is scheduled near Mill Creek Road beginning Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P96AA
Route 96 (28.4/31) – Utility work is scheduled near Copper Bluff Road weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C96BA
Route 96 (34/35) – Tree work is scheduled near Coquille Mill Road on Friday, Jan. 30 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P96AA
Route 96 (49.7/49.7) – Potholing is scheduled near the Karuk Tribe DNR on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lane closures will be in effect. Expect 5-minute delays. LC#C96EA
Highway 101
U.S. 101 (15.6/17.8) – Drainage work is scheduled near Dean Creek on Friday, Jan. 23 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A northbound lane closure will be in effect. Expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101DE
U.S. 101 (39.7/37.6) – Drainage work is scheduled near Elk River Bridge 4-37 on Friday, Jan. 23 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A southbound lane closure will be in effect. Expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101DE
U.S. 101 (74.8/76) – Traffic signal work is scheduled between Herrick Avenue and the South Bayshore Mall entrance in Eureka. Lane closures will be in effect nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Travelers should expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101CC
U.S. 101 (82.7) – Work is scheduled north of Eureka near the Indianola Cutoff. Access to southbound 101 from Indianola Cutoff remains closed. Use an alternate route and expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101FD
U.S. 101 (124.8/126.8) – Construction is scheduled near the Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C101TD
Highway 169
Route 169 (15.1/31.1) – Tree work is scheduled near Martins Ferry on Friday, Jan. 23 and Monday, Jan. 26 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lane closures will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P169BA
Route 169 (25.8/30.2) – Utility work is scheduled near Martins Ferry. One-way traffic control is scheduled weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Travelers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. LC#C169CA
Highway 254
Route 254 (3.6) – Utility work is scheduled near Salmon Creek Bridge 4-21 on Monday, Jan. 26 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lane closures will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P254CA
Route 254 (18.8) – Slide removal work is ongoing just north of Weott. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C254AA
Route 254 (40.9/44.5) – Tree work is scheduled near Barkdull Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lane closures will be in effect. Expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P254CA
Highway 255
Route 255 (0.1/0.6) – Utility work is scheduled between 3rd St and the Woodley Island Marina beginning Sunday night, Jan. 25, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. A full closure will be in effect. Travelers should use an alternate route. LC#C255CA
Route 255 (0.6/1.8) – Utility work is scheduled between the Woodley Island Marina and Samoa Channel Bridge on Thursday night, Jan. 22 overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C255CA
Highway 283
Route 283 (0.1/0.3) – Utility work is scheduled at the Eagle Prairie Bridge/Eel River 4-15. One-way traffic control will be in effect daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Travelers should expect 5-minute delays. LC#P283AA
Highway 299
Route 299 (20.7/21.9) – Emergency work is scheduled near Chezem Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C299NA
Route 299 (24.9/25.9) – Geotechnical work is scheduled east of Chezem Road. One-way traffic control will be in effect weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Travelers should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C299GA
Route 299 (31.7) – Emergency work will continue near 1.1 mi east of Cedar Creek Road. A shoulder closure will be in effect. Expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#T299GA
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Library Literacy Program will host its first new tutor training for 2026 on Saturday, Jan. 31.
It will be held at the Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St. in Lakeport.
The training is free and will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided, along with training materials at no cost.
Tutors are in high demand at the Library Literacy Program, with more volunteer tutors needed in the Clearlake area, bilingual in Spanish for the English as a Second Language Program, tutors available and willing to tutor at the Lake County Jail, and tutors willing to tutor adults with developmental disabilities.
Hosted by Literacy Program Coordinator, Georgina Marie Guardado, and facilitated by Lake County Literacy Coalition Board Member Pam Klier, participants will learn useful techniques for teaching adults to read and write.
No experience is needed, and ongoing support and workshops are provided for tutors. Upon completion of the training, tutors will be matched with adult learners in a variety of settings around the county.
Those who would like to help adults improve their literacy skills are encouraged to attend.
A recent Survey of Adult Skills indicated 26% of Lake County adults have literacy skills at Level 1 or below. Many adults want to improve their reading and writing skills so they can access better jobs, further their own education, advocate for their children, and overall improve their way of life. Through hard work and perseverance, adult learners can change their own, and their family’s lives, for the better. Becoming a tutor can help someone to a better future.
Learn more about the Literacy Program online at https://www.lakecountyca.gov/836/Literacy-Program.
For more information or to register for tutor training, please call 707-263-7633 or email