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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — On Thursday the ending of slavery in the United States will be commemorated as part of “Juneteenth.”
Juneteenth, National Freedom Day, became a federal holiday in June of 2021 after President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, or S.475, received bipartisan support, passing 415 to 14 on June 16, 2021.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth in Lake County.
The full proclamation, which was read by Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, follows.
WHEREAS, Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and is a profoundly significant celebration of freedom, symbolizing the end of the oppressive era of slavery in the United States; and
WHEREAS, on June 19th each year, we look back to this day in 1865, on which Union General Gordon Granger led troops into Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the insidious institution of slavery. Thousands of enslaved people in Texas - among the last to learn of their independence - tasted hard-won freedom for the first time; and
WHEREAS, over the next several decades, African Americans who journeyed out of the South seeking better lives brought Juneteenth celebrations with them. The thousands who settled in California, especially in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, taught our state that America's struggle for independence did not end in 1776 or 1865, but continues to this day; and
WHEREAS, we are urged to reflect on the ongoing cause of freedom for Black Americans - remembering that, though General Granger's announcement in 1865 called for "absolute equality," that vision was, and remains, far from complete; and
WHEREAS, as we recognize the significance of this pivotal moment in history and its enduring impact on the struggle for equality and justice, we urge people of all backgrounds to reflect, celebrate, and continue the journey towards freedom.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, the Lake County Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize June 19th, 2025, as Juneteenth: National Freedom Day.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
The California Highway Patrol takes a subject into custody during the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.
The California Highway Patrol joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies and major retailers for a multi-day, National Organized Retail Crime Blitz.
As part of the coordinated effort, from May 26 to 30, the CHP conducted high-visibility enforcement operations throughout the state, focused on identifying and apprehending individuals and groups involved in large-scale retail theft and fencing operations.
The CHP played a key role in this effort by deploying its Organized Retail Crime Task Force, or ORCTF, which collaborated with local and state agencies to investigate and intercept criminal activity in shopping centers, malls, and high-traffic retail areas throughout California.
“Retail theft doesn’t stop at state lines — and neither do we,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By working together with our law enforcement partners and retailers nationwide, we are sending a clear message: if you come to California to steal, we will be here to stop you.”
Throughout the statewide operation, the CHP made over 90 arrests, recovered nearly $153,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and identified multiple suspects linked to organized crime rings operating in and beyond California.
The CHP said these efforts reinforced the importance of intelligence sharing, real-time coordination, and proactive enforcement in deterring retail theft.
The operation also highlighted the role of technology, surveillance systems, and data-driven investigations in identifying repeat offenders and dismantling theft networks that contribute to broader public safety threats.
With organized retail crime being an escalating concern, California has implemented aggressive enforcement measures to disrupt these criminal enterprises.
Since 2019, California has invested $1.1 billion in public safety, including record funding to combat organized retail crime.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed bipartisan laws to give law enforcement stronger tools to fight theft, hold offenders accountable and adapt to evolving criminal tactics.
Since the inception of the ORCTF in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 3,800 investigations, resulting in the arrest of more than 4,400 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.4 million stolen goods, valued at over $58 million.
The CHP said it remains committed to protecting California’s businesses, supporting the safety of retail workers and customers, and continuing to build strong public-private partnerships to confront organized retail crime.
Some of the items recovered during the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz. Photo courtesy of the California Highway Patrol.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Clovice Lewis and Victor Hall at Hall’s Sounds of Liberation conversation in 2022. Photo courtesy of Middletown Art Center staff.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Art Center invites the public to the fifth annual Juneteenth celebration on Thursday, June 19.
The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the center, located at 21456 Highway 175.
The celebration will feature storytelling and live music around the theme "What Juneteenth Means in 2025.”
Delicious food by Barbeque Biasotti, and beverages will be available for purchase.
The fifth annual Juneteenth celebration is free and open to the public and will be an indoor/outdoor event beginning in the gallery. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
The evening’s conversation in the gallery will be moderated by Randall Cole, substance abuse counselor, member of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, and author of "Felonies Before Birth.”
Distinguished guest speakers include Voris Brumfield, former County Supervisor District 1, and former pastor at Middletown Community United Methodist Church; Aqeela Markowski and Lynette LeFleche, co-hosts of KPFZ radio's "Women's Voices"; Community leader Delores Farrell; and Alan Sampson M.D.
Clovice Lewis, a highly respected Unitarian Universalist Minister, social activist and musician who was instrumental in the first Juneteenth Celebration at MAC in 2020, will offer opening remarks.
Victor Hall, a musician, educator and drum circle facilitator will join Lewis to play Jazz classics. They, with the other speakers, will be setting the tone for a meaningful and thought-provoking evening of celebration and remembrance.
After the conversation and musical performance, there will be R&B music with DJ Nick Hay and food and beverages for purchase outdoors.
Across the street Martin Pohl Organic & Biodynamic Wines will feature the first Thirsty Thursday event in the tasting room with live music by Shawn SanNicolas and food from Terped Out Kitchen, a collaboration with Middletown Area Merchants Association.
Juneteenth in Middletown is an excellent opportunity to come together in community and hear stories, and enjoy music, food, beverages and celebrate.
The Middletown Art Center is a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to promoting artistic expression, fostering dialogue, and cross-cultural connections. Learn more about the MAC and ways to support their vital work at middletownartcenter.org.
Call 707-809-8118 or email
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council this week will consider approving its new fiscal year budget ahead of the annual deadline.
The council will meet for a budget workshop at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 19, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, before the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m.
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.
The council will start off with a fiscal year 2025/26 budget workshop.
After the regular meeting begins, the council will meet one of June’s adoptable dogs.
On Thursday the council will hold three public hearings: to adopt the new budget, the appropriations or Gann limit and the fiscal year 2025-26 fee schedule.
The city’s report on the budget, which can be found here on its OpenGov website, anticipates $81,034,188 in revenue and $83,149,510 in expenses for the coming fiscal year.
Under business, the council will consider authorizing City Manager Alan Flora to execute a contract for the demolition of structures and abatement of properties located at 15893 33rd Ave., 16721 Cache Creek Lane, 4800 Old Highway 53, 4782 Yarrington Court, 4030 Hayward Ave., 14042 Woodland Drive, 3228 Third St., 3297 Third St., 3152 Ninth St., 3426 12th St., 3307 13th St., 3188 14th St., 3059 Eastlake Drive and 3223 Eastlake Drive.
The council also will consider adopting a memorandum of understanding with the Clearlake Municipal Employees Association for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants and council minutes; award of a contract to Tanko Lighting for the streetlight deficiency analysis in the amount of $35,000 and authorization for the city manager to approve up to 10% for additional unforeseen contract amendments; award of a contract with Poso Brothers Painting for the Senior Center Project in the amount of $42,800 and authorize the city manager to approve up to 10% for additional unforeseen contract amendments; amendment to the professional services agreement with Lucy & Co. for public relations and communications services; continuation of the director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for winter storms; continuation of director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for the Boyles Fire; consideration of Resolution No. 2025-25, approving a temporary street closure for Shakespeare at the Lake; and consideration of Resolution No. 2025-24, approving a temporary street closure for the annual Independence Day Parade on July 5.
Email Elizabeth Larson at