Sunday, 23 March 2025

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Congressman Mike Thompson is inviting community members to participate in a virtual town hall on Congress’ response to actions by the Trump Administration.

The town hall will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6.

Thompson will discuss and answer constituents’ questions on how Congress is fighting back against the unlawful actions of the new administration.

All constituents of California’s Fourth Congressional District are invited to attend. Details are below:

To participate via Zoom, register here. The town hall also will be streamed on Thompson’s Facebook page.

Those who are not able to make the town hall but have any questions about Thompson’s work, upcoming legislative action, or issues that affect the district are invited to call Thompson’s office at 202-225-3311 or click here to email him.

Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council will recognize Black History Month and consider several contracts when it meets this week.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

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.

Community members also can participate via Zoom. The webinar ID is 883 3990 4760, the pass code is 356647. One tap mobile is available at +16694449171,,88339904760#, or join by phone at 669-444-9171 or 253-205-0468.

The council will start the meeting with a presentation of a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month.

Business items for the meeting include the council’s consideration of several contract awards.

They include:

• The 2025 City Wide Striping Project in the amount of $437,625.50 to Chrisp Co., along with authorizing City Manager Alan Flora to approve up to 10% for additional unforeseen contract amendments.

• The Senior Center Landscape Irrigation Project; no contractor or cost is included in the agenda packet.
• Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program towing, storing, dismantling and disposal services contract, proposed to be awarded to Alvarez Performance LLC; a total contract amount was not reported.
• A contract with Case Excavating for $229,400 for the demolition and abatement of properties located at 16140 Dam Road, 16272 32nd Ave., 16116 33rd Ave., 13790 Sonoma Ave., 3273 11th St., 6347 Armijo Ave., 14045 Hale St., 14053 Hale St., 14236 Hale St., 3014 Fifth St., 13535 Santa Clara Ave., 5740 Hale Ave., 16026 25th Ave., 3971 Pine Ave. and 3783 Cedar Ave.

The council also will review its norms and procedures.

On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants; minutes; continuation of the director of emergency services/city manager proclamation declaring a local emergency for the Boyles Fire; adopt resolution to approve allocation and execution of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Grant Agreement for 2017/18 disasters; closeout of 20-Community Development Block Grant-CV1-00184 Senior Community Center Kitchen Remodel and submit the closeout package; and approval of Amendment No. 1 to consultant services agreement with Government Finance Services LLC for a new total of $60,000.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The heavy rainfall continuing to fall across Lake County has brought flooding and mudslides, and led the National Weather Service to expand a flood advisory to cover the south county.

The agency’s Eureka office announced the action shortly before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Lake County residents have been told to expect minor flooding of small streams in low lying and poor-drainage areas and rock and mudslides as moderate to heavy rain continues this afternoon. The public also is urged not to drive through flooded roads.

That advisory, in effect until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, built on a flood watch and advisory issued earlier for Lake County. The flood watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service reported that at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday Doppler radar and automated rain gauges had indicated heavy rain, with minor flooding ongoing or expected to begin in the advisory area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain had fallen at that point, with another one inch expected.

The rain is the result of a prolonged atmospheric river event that the National Weather Service said will continue to bring moderate to heavy rain in northern and central California and heavy mountain snow in the Sierras, southern Cascades and northern Rockies through Wednesday.

About an hour before the flood advisory was extended, the city of Lakeport reported that Martin Street was closed due to flooding at Estep Street, with the public asked to follow the detour signs that Public Works had set up.

The city of Clearlake also reported on Tuesday that it had limited sandbag supply available immediately at its Public Works corporation yard at 6820 Old Highway 53.

The California Highway Patrol reported that there was roadway flooding at Highway 29 and Highway 53 on Tuesday afternoon, a mudslide on Highway 20 near Saratoga Springs near Upper Lake that took out a telephone pole and a mudslide just across the fog line on Highway 29 at Cruikshank Road in Kelseyville, and the unpaved portion of Highland Springs Road near Lakeport is flooded.

The Lake County Public Works Department reported on Tuesday afternoon that Mesa Drive in Clearlake Oaks from Stubbs Road to 1,000 feet up from Lakeview Drive was closed due to a landslide.

In Hidden Valley Lake, Spruce Grove Road Extension is closed near USS Liberty Lane (Quarry Road) due to a road slipout.

In Kelseyville, Bell Hill Road is closed at the low water crossing due to water across the roadway. Likewise, in Middletown, the seasonal closure at the lower water crossing on Dry Creek Cutoff Road is in effect.

In Lakeport, Scotts Valley Road is closed from Hendricks Road to the fruit exchange due to roadway flooding.

Rainfall totals in inches for the 72-hour period ending at 3.15 p.m. Tuesday are as follows:

— Hidden Valley Lake: 5.47.
— High Glade Lookout (above Upper Lake): 2.71.
— Kelseyville: 4.32.
— Knoxville Creek: 4.27.
— Lake Pillsbury: 7.72.
— Lower Lake: 3.13.
— Lyons Valley: 3.62.
— Middletown: 7.02.
— Nice: 3.01.
— Whispering Pines: 6.68.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s gauge on Clear Lake shows that the lake’s level, which was just over 6 feet on the Rumsey gauge — the special measure for Clear Lake — on Jan. 31, and by Tuesday afternoon had risen to 6.87 feet Rumsey. The lake is considered full at 7.56 feet Rumsey.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
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From left, Commander Dan Fansler of the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office and new CHP officer, Corey Burgess. Photo courtesy of the CHP.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office has welcomed its newest officer.

Officer Corey Burgess joined the agency and is stationed in Kelseyville.

The CHP said he graduated from Academy class CTC IV-24 and will now start his field training working with experienced CHP officers in Lake County.

The agency also encourages anyone interested in becoming a CHP officer to apply now. www.chpmadeformore.com.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Air Quality Management District reported that it reopened the district office to walk-in traffic on Monday.

The district office will be open to walk-in traffic Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon to allow for paperwork drop off and limited services.

The agency said its district office was closed to walk-in traffic in September due to a staffing shortage.

“The district has not fully resolved our staffing shortage, however we are reopening with limited days and hours,” said Air Pollution Control Officer Doug Gearhart.

Gearhart advised the community that intermittent office closures may occur during these times due to ongoing staffing shortage. Appointments are still recommended to ensure staff is available to assist members of the public. The district asks that the public call its office to schedule an appointment.

Burn permits are required for all outdoor burning in the Lake County Air Basin. Residential and agricultural burn permits can be obtained online at www.lcaqmd.net or by appointment at the district office.

A smoke management plan burn permit is required for multi-day burns, overnight burns, standing vegetation burns, whole tree or vine removal, burns over 20 acres in one day, and any other burn where significant smoke impacts may occur or sensitive receptors may be impacted and can be obtained at the district office. Appointments are required for smoke management plans.

Requests for county or city building and demolition permit sign-offs can be submitted in person at the district office or to its general email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Include all documents pertaining to the project as appropriate. For example: building/demolition permit application, location map, engine information, engine specification sheets, engine emission sheets.

Additionally, a drop box is generally available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the district office if you wish to drop off documents.

To obtain applications, forms and more information visit www.lcaqmd.net.

“We appreciate your support during this difficult time,” Gearhart said.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council will discuss pension obligations and new and updated contracts when it meets this week.

The council will meet Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The agenda can be found here.

If you cannot attend in person, and would like to speak on an agenda item, you can access the Zoom meeting remotely at this link or join by phone by calling toll-free 669-900-9128 or 346-248-7799.

The webinar ID is 973 6820 1787, access code is 477973; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.

Comments can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To give the city clerk adequate time to print out comments for consideration at the meeting, please submit written comments before 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

On Tuesday, the council will hear a presentation from NHA Advisors regarding the city’s CalPERS unfunded accrued liabilities and its pension program.

Unfunded accrued liabilities are defined as the difference between the cost of the city’s future benefit obligations and the assets that the city has set aside to pay for them.

NHA’s report said the city has a projected $6.4 million in CalPers unfunded accrued liability, plus $7.1 million in outstanding pension obligation bonds. NHA will explain those figures and how the city can address them during the presentation.

Under business, the council will consider approving a second amendment to the professional services agreement with WMH Corp., the San Jose firm conducting design services for the Lakeport Boulevard Phase 1 project.

“The Lakeport Blvd Improvement Project, initially aimed at constructing a roundabout at Lakeport Blvd and South Main St., has evolved significantly over the past decade,” Public Works Director Ron Ladd said in his report to the council. “Due to financial constraints and community feedback, the project's focus shifted from a roundabout construction to repaving and sidewalk improvements.”

The amendment is budgeted to cost up to $77,575.

The council also will consider a professional services agreement with JJACPA Inc., the Fort Bragg-based firm that has served as the city’s independent auditor for several years. The company assists with financial reporting and compliance review.

Staff is recommending the council approve the contract with JJACPA for three years, with an annual fee of $44,000 if a single audit is required or $35,000 annually if a single audit is not
required.

In other business, the council will get an update on communications team statistics for 2024, hear about water and wastewater operations and challenges for the city’s roadways.

On the consent agenda — items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote — are ordinances; receipt and filing of the draft minutes of the MZAC regular meeting of Jan. 15, 2025; and approval of application 2025-006, with staff recommendations, for the Memorial Day Craft Fair.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A Lakeport man who was killed during a confrontation in Library Park will be remembered at two events this week.

Vicente Zeta Colacion, 32, was shot to death near the seawall in Library Park on Friday night.

Colacion was a poet and visual artist. In honor of his life and memory, community members have organized two upcoming events.

From 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, the Middletown Art Center’s open mic event will be dedicated to Colacion. Readers and singers are welcome to perform in his memory.

“MAC mourns the loss of powerfully intense and moving Lake County poetry artist Vicente Zeta Colacion. Gone too young, too soon, too tragically. Vicente read many a visceral poem at the MAC over the years. Always impressive. Always physically vibrational. Speckled with brilliance, desire, need, and lonesomeness,” the center said on its Facebook page.

“Vicente liked to come and read from his phone from time to time. Let's do it for him,” the center said.

Then, on Saturday night, a candlelight vigil will be held from Colacion at Library Park.

The vigil will begin at 7:30 p.m. and take place at the gazebo.

Community members are invited to come and honor him.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
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Following two of the most destructive wildfires in California history, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) and a bipartisan coalition of state senators on Tuesday announced critical legislation to bolster Cal Fire’s firefighting and fire prevention efforts.

The Golden State and the entire West are burning at historic rates. Eight of the most destructive wildfires in California history have hit this state over the past five years, with two of the deadliest wildfires recently burning over 16,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles County just 13 days after Christmas.

State officials said this escalating crisis has stretched firefighters dangerously thin. The threats to their health and safety along with the threats to local communities have never been greater.

The Fight for Firefighters Act proposes a desperately-needed modern day staffing plan, at the cost of $175-185 million per year ongoing, to include the following:

• The state would phase out seasonal Cal Fire firefighters who work nine months out the year - typically laid off during the winter months - and transition these 3,000 firefighters to full-time status.

• All 356 Cal Fire fire engines would be fully operational 365 days per year. This would give every corner of this state a needed shot in the arm when it comes to fire and emergency response.

• All of Cal Fire’s 38 vegetation management crews would be fully operational all throughout the year.

• These vegetation management crews focus on fire prevention and develop fire breaks around neighborhoods, remove dead and dying trees, and create defensible space in the cities and towns we love.

• The Fight for Firefighters Act will also ensure all Cal Fire helicopter bases are fully staffed year round.

As firefighters continue to battle longer, hotter, and more extreme fire seasons, they continue to face some of the most severe mental health challenges in the state. Injuries, fatigue, stress, and long-hours have resulted in severe burnout. Coupled with strenuous working conditions, firefighters have been pushed to the brink. In the past six years, over 57,000 calls have been made to the state’s mental health hotline.

The Fight for Firefighters Act is a tactical, commonsense approach to get more boots on the ground and to make sure the people in those boots have the backup and support they need to protect this state.

“More aggressive fires, and an unrelenting year-round wildfire season, demands more aggressive responses,” said Pro Tem McGuire. “Wildfires don’t take three months off. So the elite Cal Fire firefighting force that is our first and last defense in protecting lives and homes across the state should be year-round too. This investment will make communities more wildfire safe and greatly improve fire and emergency response in every corner of California.”

“Ask any firefighter: Fires have changed. Fire season has changed,” said Tim Edwards, President of Cal Fire Local 2881. “What hasn’t changed is the commitment and bravery of our firefighters. When firefighters are on the job, that’s all they’re focused on. If it were up to them they wouldn’t stop. But pushing our firefighters past the breaking point doesn’t do them, their families, or our communities any good. Fires don’t respect calendars. We need to respect and protect our firefighters by making sure we have enough to do the job safely year round.”

“We know the risks for firefighters don’t end when the embers go out,” said Battalion Chief Elizabeth Brown. “There are ongoing physical and mental health challenges that affect firefighters long after they respond to a disaster. The longer fire crews go without any relief, the greater the potential for long term harm. Having more firefighters available provides relief and takes some of the pressure off. The year-round firefighters this bill provides will not only be able to support communities in times of disaster, but will also have the backs of their fellow firefighters as well.”

“The grueling work of fighting these devastating wildfires takes a toll on physical and mental health, in ways we don’t yet entirely understand,” said Senator Tim Grayson (D-Concord), a joint-author of the bill. “In 2017, the year of the deadly Tubbs Fire, more firefighters died by suicide than on the front lines. This is an alarm bell and the State Senate is answering the call by moving this critical bill forward. Our firefighters need the training, rest, and resources to be ready to respond to emergencies 12-months a year, every year. It’s California’s life that’s on the line.”

“The Palisades and Eaton Fires have razed entire neighborhoods to the ground,” said Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego). “When fires tear through homes, they don’t discriminate — and neither do the firefighters who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. From battling wildfires to responding to emergency calls, we owe the brave men and women of Cal Fire our highest debt of gratitude. We have much more work to do, but this bill is a critical first step to giving our firefighters the job stability and support they need and deserve.”

“The level of devastation in Altadena is truly hard to understand until you see it. Tragically, 17 people lost their lives, and thousands more suffered trauma and destruction. Throughout it all, our brave first responders faced unimaginable conditions to protect lives, homes, businesses, churches, and schools across Los Angeles. However, resources were spread thin across Los Angeles County as our firefighters battled multiple mega fires simultaneously,” said Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena). “January has highlighted a new reality of climate change, one that demands we fully prepare for year-round, climate-driven disasters, making legislation for increased staffing levels essential. Firefighters are experiencing these staffing shortages firsthand and need additional personnel to ensure they can respond effectively to disasters wherever they occur. I’m grateful to Pro Tem McGuire for advancing legislation that will strengthen our firefighter ranks and ensure California is better equipped to prevent and respond to the next disaster.”

“There is so much loss and pain in my community right now,” said Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica). “As we start to rebuild, we want to lower the chances of this kind of horrific disaster from devastating another community again. One way to do that means more boots on the ground when the next fire starts. Firefighters are heroes but not machines who can work back-to-back 24 and 36 hour shifts; they need rest, medical attention and relief. Pro Tem McGuire’s legislation will grow our ranks by 3,000 highly-skilled, full-time firefighters, ready to go 24/7and 365 days a year.”

“My heart goes out to the countless Angelenos whose lives have been forever changed from the devastating wildfires in Southern California,” said Senator Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara). “The firefighters responding to this historic disaster have been pushed to the brink defending our communities and saving lives. We’ve seen firsthand the challenging conditions throughout our state that firefighters are facing on the ground. It’s time they have the security and support they need to keep us safe. As we continue to experience year-round, deadly fires it is critical that our firefighting force has what it needs to address the ongoing challenges of extreme weather conditions.”

Sen. McGuire, whose district includes Lake County, has long championed legislation to protect and uplift California’s firefighters, including supporting historic investments to:

• In the last eight years, double the number of Cal Fire firefighters from 6,700 to 12,000 today.

• Made massive investments in new Cal Fire fire engines.

• Built out the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the world.

• Invested over $4 billion in vegetation management projects in recent years.
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Mendocino College. Courtesy photo.

NORTH COAST, Calif. — Mendocino College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, said it is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its diverse student body in response to recent changes in federal immigration enforcement guidelines.

The college has reaffirmed its dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.

As part of its commitment, Mendocino College has established comprehensive guidelines to address concerns related to immigration enforcement actions on campus. These guidelines are designed to protect the rights of students and ensure their safety.

If federal immigration officials, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, agents, seek access to any of the college's campuses or request student information, college personnel are instructed to refer the request to the Office of the Superintendent/President. The office will work with legal services to determine the lawfulness of the request.

Additionally, any presence of ICE officials on campus should be reported immediately to campus security.

The college emphasizes the importance of students being aware of their rights in interactions with immigration officials. Key points include the right to remain silent, the right not to open the door for immigration agents, and the right to legal counsel before signing any documents.

Mendocino College provides various resources to support its students, including guidance from the California Attorney General’s Office and free Red Cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which offer reminders for asserting rights and protecting oneself in various situations.

“We are deeply committed to supporting the safety and educational needs of our students and college community,” said Tim Karas, president of Mendocino College. “Our diverse student body is our greatest strength, and we will continue to uphold our commitment to creating a welcoming and secure learning environment for everyone. Together, we will ensure that all students have access to the resources and information they need to thrive."

Mendocino College's proactive measures reflect its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

As a Hispanic Serving Institution, the college has a demonstrated commitment to its Hispanic community and other people of color. The college's efforts to protect the rights and well-being of its students underscore its mission to provide a safe and supportive educational environment for all.

Mendocino-Lake Community College District was formed in 1973 to serve students in Mendocino and Lake Counties. Mendocino College offers over 100 degree and certificate programs, and has campuses in Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Lakeport, and is a dedicated Hispanic Serving Institution.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. — The man authorities said is responsible for a murder in Lakeport’s Library Park on Friday night has made his first court appearance in the case.

Joshua Jacob Tovar, 33, of Lakeport was arraigned on Tuesday afternoon in Lake County Superior Court, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Rich Watson.

Tovar was arrested Sunday morning for the killing of 32-year-old Vicente Zeta Colacion, also of Lakeport.

Colacion was found unconscious near the seawall in Library Park shortly before 9:30 p.m. Friday. He died at the scene a short time later.

The District Attorney’s Office’s filing against Tovar includes four felony charges: homicide, assault with a firearm, in this case, a handgun; felon in possession of a firearm; and felon in possession of ammunition.

Along with those four main charges are seven special allegations: five for personal and intentional use of a firearm, one for inflicting great bodily injury and the last which outlined the crime’s numerous aggravating factors, including its violence, Tovar being armed and the way it was carried out, indicating it involved planning.

The criminal filing also stated that Tovar has served a prior prison term, and that his previous performance on probation and post release community supervision was “unsatisfactory.”

Tovar’s prior convictions outlined in the complaint document include two each in San Joaquin and Lake counties.

The San Joaquin County felonies, both from October 2012, were for Tovar — while a California Youth Authority inmate — assaulting a person who was not an inmate, and assault with a deadly weapon.

The Lake County felony convictions include a November 2016 conviction for carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and an August 2018 conviction for felony battery on a police officer by gassing, which involves throwing bodily waste on a peace officer.

Along with the homicide case, the District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday filed a second complaint against Tovar, alleging three felonies: possession of a controlled substance with two prior convictions, possession of methamphetamine with two priors and a felon in possession of ammunition, with four priors.

Authorities have so far offered few details of what led to the shooting, but have tied it to a fight earlier in the evening at a downtown bar between Colacion and Parker John Coggins, 27, of Lakeport.

Coggins, who was taken into custody early Saturday, also has a lengthy criminal record. He is being held at the Lake County Jail and was also scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday. His booking sheet shows him as being charged with assault with a deadly weapon that’s not a firearm and a probation violation.

Friends say Colacion was a creative man who wrote poetry and also was a visual artist.

A candlelight vigil for Colacion will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the gazebo in Library Park.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
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On Tuesday, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced bipartisan legislation that will reduce flood risks and bolster emergency preparedness by improving atmospheric river forecasting to more precisely predict the timing and location of these storms.

The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, to establish a forecast improvement program within the National Weather Service.

The legislation was announced as major atmospheric river storms bring high winds and heavy rain and snowfall to California.

Atmospheric rivers — often described as “rivers in the sky” that are hundreds of miles wide and can carry water vapor equivalent to multiple Mississippi Rivers — cause more than 80 percent of flood damage across the West.

Climate change will only make these storms increasingly catastrophic: by 2090, atmospheric rivers are expected to cost $2.3 to $3.2 billion in annual damages and increase in width by nearly 25 percent.

Over 50 atmospheric rivers made landfall across the West Coast from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024.

“For the past several years, California communities have witnessed firsthand the ongoing threat of destructive flooding caused by increasingly intense and frequent atmospheric river storms,” said Sen. Padilla. “California has led the way in improving our understanding of these storms, and this bipartisan bill will strengthen forecasts to reduce flood risks while bolstering our water supply and drought resilience.”

“With greater frequency, we are seeing that atmospheric rivers instill dangerous climate conditions that pose deadly threats to Alaska communities,” said Sen. Murkowski. “While there are numerous atmospheric river observatories in the Lower 48, none are in Alaska. This bill ensures that all states along the West coast, including Alaska, have at least one atmospheric river observatory. Along with improved modeling, data collection, and risk communication, this legislation will help protect our communities and ultimately save lives across Alaska.”

“Atmospheric rivers are responsible for 30-50% of annual precipitation along the western U.S. and cause the majority of the flooding, with more than $1 billion in annual average flood damage in the western 11 states,” said Marty Ralph, founding director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “The introduction of this act is critically important to advance forecasts of atmospheric rivers to enable more flexible and resilient water management, improved warning around flooding and overall improvements to public safety. It will also enhance the opportunities for reservoir operators to safely implement Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations at more reservoirs to save additional water after a storm for the dry summer, or release it to mitigate flood risk if an AR storm is predicted in the next few days.”

Specifically, the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act would direct NOAA to establish a standalone atmospheric river forecast improvement program that would:

• Develop accurate, effective, and actionable storm forecasts and warnings in collaboration with public and private partners across the weather forecasting sectors;
• Evaluate innovative observation tools and emerging technologies to improve atmospheric river analysis, modeling, forecasts, and warnings;
• Authorize NOAA to procure equipment, aircraft, and personnel contracts to fully monitor atmospheric river events each winter; and
• Improve atmospheric river hazard communication.

The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act is endorsed by the Association of California Water Agencies, Bay Planning Coalition, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, Contra Costa Water District, Covington Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District, Kings River Conservation District, the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, Orange County Water District, Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, San Diego County Water Authority, San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Sofar Ocean Technologies, Solano County Water Agency, Sonoma Water, Union Sanitary District, Valley Water, WindBorne Systems and Yuba Water.

Sen. Padilla has prioritized working with California communities devastated by atmospheric river flooding. Last year, Padilla urged the Biden Administration to prioritize sustained federal investment in the Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Project to protect disadvantaged communities along the central coast of California. Padilla also introduced the Atmospheric Rivers Reconnaissance, Observation and Warning Act to bolster West Coast atmospheric river forecasting, which was passed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

Padilla has also championed funding for programs such as the Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations to improve U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir operations to increase water conservation and reliability at Lake Sonoma and Prado Dam, for example, while maintaining flood control and enhanced public safety during extreme precipitation events.
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SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday issued a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month.

The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

PROCLAMATION


This month, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our state and nation in countless ways through centuries of struggle and triumph. First proposed by scholar Carter G. Woodson in 1926, Black History Month lifts up the Black experience in a fuller telling of America’s story, and selects a theme to highlight facets of history that merit particular attention.

This year’s theme, Black Americans and labor, examines the intersection of employment and work with the Black American experience. From the atrocity of slavery to the rich legacy of Black entrepreneurship, the profound impact of Black labor in building and shaping our nation cannot be overstated.

American and Californian history has no shortage of Black business owners, labor leaders, CEOs, workers, and more. From the first years of California’s statehood, we have been home to changemakers like Mary Ellen Pleasant, one of the first self-made Black millionaires in the country, who owned numerous businesses and used her money to help fund the Underground Railroad and other abolition work.

Black communities and businesses have flourished throughout California. Altadena became the special community it is, home to a thriving middle-class community of professionals familiar with shattering glass ceilings. With twice the national Black homeownership rate, Altadena is home to scores of generational wealth and wide-reaching, beloved businesses. And as Altadena recovers from the devastation of the Eaton fires, we recognize, as a state, our responsibility to help support that recovery.

Black Americans have always contributed to our shared communities, our state, and our nation. In every role, from labor leaders to essential workers to CEOs, Black Californians have helped make this state the fifth-largest economy in the world, a leader in workers’ rights, and a state that stands for and supports workers and work across the board.

During Black History Month, let us reflect on our shared history, and draw inspiration from the progress made as we continue together on the path toward equality, liberty, and opportunity for all.

NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim February 2025, as “Black History Month.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 3rd day of February 2025.

GAVIN NEWSOM
Governor of California

ATTEST:
SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
Secretary of State

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