LAKEPORT
Regional spill response training held at Clear Lake State Park
On June 5, 2025, field crews from the City of Lakeport, City of Clearlake, and Lake County Water Resources participated in a regional spill response training hosted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) at Clear Lake State Park.
The training focused on the deployment and anchoring of water containment booms, critical tools used to control hazardous material spills and protect sensitive areas in aquatic environments. Participants received hands-on instruction in containment, diversion, and deflection techniques, as well as anchoring strategies and shoreline protection methods.
OSPR trainers Ramoncito Santos and Cindy Murphy led the course, guiding both land-based practice and on-water deployment exercises. The training also included an overview of spill containment failures, environmental risks, and interagency coordination protocols.
Although city and county field crews are not designated first responders, they play an essential role in early containment efforts. They help to limit the spread of contamination and protect public infrastructure until contracted spill response teams or emergency personnel arrive.
This training reflects a continued commitment to interagency collaboration, environmental preparedness, and the protection of Clear Lake and surrounding waterways.
For additional information, please contact:
City of Lakeport Public Works, (707) 263-3578; PWinfo@cityoflakeport.com; cityoflakeport.com/public_works
—Submitted
SACRAMENTO
Decisive votes launch one of the most influential affordability packages forward
On Wednesday of this week the State Senate overwhelmingly passed a groundbreaking package of affordability bills aimed at delivering both immediate relief and long-term solutions for working families across the Golden State. The three-pillar legislative package—focused on the critical areas of energy affordability, housing affordability, and expanding good middle class jobs—is an aggressive effort to make California more livable, affordable, and competitive.
Announced earlier this year, the package is the result of months of determined work to deliver real relief to Californians. The three bills—SB 254 by Senator Josh Becker, SB 681 by Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab, and SB 638 by Senator Steve Padilla—will help rein in skyrocketing housing and utility costs, all while building pathways to good-paying middle class jobs.
The package delivers comprehensive solutions that directly confront the affordability crisis—making California a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. After passing this critical hurdle, the bills now head to the Assembly.
“Today, Senate Democrats took decisive action to put Californians first,” said Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-North Coast). “These three bills will help thousands become first-time home buyers, lower utility bills, build more housing in every corner of California, and expand career training programs across the state. Senators have responded to this moment with the urgency it deserves, but we know there’s much more work to do. Stay tuned in the months to come.”
The vote follows months of work from the Senate’s Affordability Working Group. The group is co-chaired by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) and Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley), and includes the following Senators: Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley), Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento), Tim Grayson (D-Concord), Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield), Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles). The Affordability Working Group will continue to focus on the areas of energy, housing, and workforce on behalf of all Californians.
—Submitted
