Since January 11, 2026, a ruptured 16-inch force main has released 2.9 million gallons of sewage, contaminating 357 acres in Lake County. High groundwater is rapidly spreading the contamination, resulting in extremely high coliform and E.coli levels. A town hall is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, with the location to be announced. Public Health advises … Read more
California’s First Congressional District is hosting a memorial for the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa on Jan. 24 at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. Tickets are required for all attendees, including children, and can be requested at douglamalfa.com/memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Oroville Rescue Mission. Doors open at 10 … Read more
The Mendocino National Forest is continuing prescribed burn operations in the Northshore Project through spring. Smoke may be visible from communities around Clear Lake. As the large machine-made piles continue to smolder, there may be some visible glow overnight. More information is on their Facebook page.
Clearlake residents in the 2026 Robin Lane Sewer Spill area may get temporary Social Services aid for hotels or home repairs if they are 60+, a disabled dependent adult, an IHSS recipient, or a family receiving CalWORKs. If you or a household member is 60+, a disabled dependent adult, or an adult receiving IHSS, contact … Read more
A 37.5-hour sewage spill from a ruptured Lake County Sanitation District force main contaminated well water and affected 58 properties, prompting emergency declarations from the Clearlake City Council and county officials. Clearlake City Manager Alan Flora declared an emergency for maximum recovery but criticized the county’s response for poor communication and inadequate ground decontamination. Recovery … Read more
The California Highway Patrol has issued a Feather Alert for missing teenage brothers Wesley Charlo (17) and Xavier Charlo (15), last seen Monday in Nice, near Butte and Sutter streets. The brothers are believed to be on foot. Wesley is 5’9″, 140 lbs, with brown hair and eyes. Xavier is 5’9″, 125 lbs, with brown … Read more
The Mendocino Railway has secured an appellate court reversal, permitting it to pursue eminent domain for a parcel in Willits owned by John Meyer. The railway requires the land to expand its Fort Bragg-Willits service. The January 7 ruling affirms the railway’s public utility and federal common carrier status. If the ruling stands, the railway … Read more
A ruptured 16-inch Lake County Sanitation District force main in Clearlake on Sunday caused a sewer system failure, contaminating wells and affecting 58 properties. The spill was stopped Monday night after four days of round-the-clock work. County officials held a town hall on Wednesday evening to update residents. Health officials advised temporary relocation, especially for … Read more
To mitigate the wastewater incident near Robin Lane, Clearlake, Lake County will treat affected soil with natural agricultural lime (aglime) to raise pH and reduce contamination. Residents will see a white, chalky substance and should allow it to absorb naturally. Hard surfaces will be disinfected with Benefect Botanical Decon 30, a plant-based cleaner. Environmental assessments … Read more
Following Clearlake’s emergency declaration, the Board of Supervisors has issued two county emergency proclamations regarding the 2026 Robin Lane Sewer Spill. The spill affected an estimated 58 properties south of Pond Road and north of Rumsey Road, entering Burns Valley Creek and Clear Lake. The main was repaired Tuesday night, with cleanup ongoing. The board … Read more