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- Written by: U.S. FOREST SERVICE
Despite two years of average to above-average precipitation, Fire Director Jaime Gamboa knows just how quickly wildfire season can take off.
“We will not get complacent,” Gamboa said. “Our firefighting crews, equipment and aircraft form one of the largest, most experienced wildland firefighting forces in the world. We’re ready to respond to whatever the season brings.”
Gamboa also stressed the importance of being able to bring in other federal crews from across the country. “With the federal system we have, we can call resources from neighboring states and even farther away. That means when California is busy, we are able to not only sustain our staffing numbers but also enhance them — all without depleting other state resources.”
Across the region’s national forests, crews are completing fire trainings for new firefighters. Annual refreshers are underway for those in firefighting support.
Readiness Reviews — or annual skills and fitness evaluations — are putting skills into action. Scenarios test everything from using hoses, pumps, and equipment, to treating and transporting injured firefighters. Strength and endurance are continually tested and refined as a critical part of the job.
For aircraft crews — like smokejumpers, helitack crews, rappelers and other aviation resources — mandatory job recertifications are starting. Throughout the long summer all these crew will continue to meet the required testing or mission every two weeks to stay current. National crew will be at the ready to support in-state crews for resources and relief.
Another rainy winter, with fewer than average viable prescribed burn windows, has pushed the prescribed fire season later into the year, and managers are working to ensure hazardous fuels are being treated while still remaining confident they can respond to wildfires.
This year, in his annual letter of intent to firefighters, USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore reaffirmed our continuing commitment to public and firefighter safety, while also stressing forward movement.
“I expect us to continue to use all available tools and technologies to ensure proactive prescribed fire planning and implementation, fire detection, risk assessments, fire response, and post-fire recovery. Every fire will receive a risk-informed response; we know the most effective strategies are collaboratively carried out at the local level… (to) help us make informed decisions that balance resource objectives with safety and community protection.”
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A former Clearlake mayor who also served as a deputy sheriff and county planning commissioner has died and will be remembered in a service in June.
Robert Charles “Bob” Malley Sr., 74, died at his home in Carter County, Tennessee, on May 10.
Malley was remembered with a moment of silence at the Clearlake City Council meeting on May 16.
He spent much of his childhood in San Francisco before his family moved to Lake County when he was 16 in 1966. He graduated from Lower Lake High School, where he played baseball and football.
Malley went on to work for many years as a Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputy, which he said was the job he enjoyed the most but which he had to leave early after being injured.
“We found other ways to help out,” he said.
Indeed, he went on to be a business owner and served on the Clearlake City Council for eight years, holding the mayor’s role for four of those years. He left the council at the end of 2006.
In February 2010, he was confirmed as then-Supervisor Jeff Smith’s pick for planning commissioner, a role he held until his retirement in September 2020.
His family said he always believed his greatest achievement was the years he spent in public service.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Debi Malley, four children, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Malley will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Clearlake Senior Center, 3245 Bowers Ave.
Malley’s obituary can be found here.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
Martha Marie Martinez, 23, Clearlake, was the victim of the crash, said Lauren Berlinn, the sheriff’s office spokesperson.
The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office said its officers responded just before 2 a.m. Sunday to a report of a pedestrian down in the roadway on Highway 53 north of Anderson Ranch Parkway near the city of Clearlake.
The officers found Martinez lying in the northbound lane of Highway 53.
The CHP said officers attempted to provide medical assistance but by that time Martinez had already died.
It’s believed she was hit by a vehicle traveling northbound in the No. 2 lane. The vehicle then fled, and authorities believe alcohol impairment was a factor in the crash.
Any witnesses to this collision are asked to contact Officer Leal Santana of Clear Lake CHP at 707-279-0103.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) have announced a joint legislative budget proposal and plans for budget committee hearings beginning this week.
The Senate and Assembly have aligned on several budget priorities, including to restore funding to build housing and reject many social services cuts.
The proposal also would save approximately half of the state’s reserves for future budget years.
“Fixing California’s deficit means making tough choices, so the Assembly came to these negotiations focused on preserving programs that matter most to Californians: lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing access and sustaining public services,” said Rivas. “The Legislature’s budget plan restores funding to build more homes, supports K-12 classrooms and rejects many of the cuts that impact our most vulnerable residents. I appreciate the tireless efforts of our budget committees, and will continue to work closely with Pro Tem McGuire and Governor Newsom to deliver a balanced and responsible budget.”
“Speaker Rivas and I are ready and raring to go with this Legislative budget plan and eager to continue to work with our colleagues and Gov. Newsom on getting a final budget agreement across the finish line,” said McGuire, whose district includes Lake County.
McGuire said the agreement “is sound and makes the necessary tough decisions meeting the needs of this critical time, all while maintaining our commitment to strong public schools, investing in desperately needed resources in homelessness and workforce housing, health care access, resources to keep our communities fire safe, key climate investments and more.”
He added, “I'm grateful for the partnership of Speaker Rivas, and the dedication and hard work of our Budget Chair, Subcommittee Chairs and Committees, who have been working overtime to get this Legislative deal done. We look forward to delivering a final on-time balanced budget in the weeks ahead.”
Additional details on the Legislature’s budget proposal can be found here.
Assembly and Senate budget committees and subcommittees will hold hearings on the legislative budget proposal beginning this week.
California’s state constitution requires the Legislature to pass a Budget Bill by June 15.