SACRAMENTO
California sees 13% reduction in stolen vehicles statewide
According to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, California continues to lead the way out of the COVID-induced crime surge, as the number of vehicles stolen statewide has dropped by 13% from 2023 to 2024 – the first year-over-year decrease since 2019. Of those vehicles stolen, nearly 92% of cars, trucks and SUVs successfully recovered.
Of the stolen vehicles in California, nearly 94% cars and 90% personal trucks and SUVs were recovered.
Significant regional investment by the state
Through expanded regional efforts with the California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies, Governor Newsom sought to strengthen efforts to fight vehicle theft through crime suppression operations in key areas, including Oakland, Bakersfield and San Bernardino. These ongoing regional operations have shown positive results throughout the broader communities in Alameda, Kern and San Bernardino counties. Working closely with local law enforcement agencies, auto thieves, repeat offenders and organized crime groups have been disrupted, and their activities have been thwarted.
“We are proud to see fewer vehicles being stolen across the state,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The CHP and our law enforcement partners are working hard every day to stop these crimes, protect California’s communities and hold criminals responsible.”
Automobiles are a vital part of daily life for work, school and family. When a vehicle is stolen, it impacts more than just property—it can take away a person’s freedom and sense of security. View the 2024 report on stolen vehicles and their recoveries online at https://www.chp.ca.gov/siteassets/forms/recruiting/2024-ca-vehicle-theft-facts.pdf
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LOWER LAKE
Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to Medi-Cal and CalFresh data
To receive federal funding California has always been required to share data gathered from the local County Welfare Department with the federal government. Medi-Cal data must be shared with the federal Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and CalFresh data must be shared with the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). This data has traditionally been treated with strict confidentiality, used only for program administration.
On June 13, 2025, as reported by PBS News, CMS release Medicaid data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Medicaid is known as Medi-Cal in California, and in Lake County is known as the Partnership Health Plan (PHP). The data CMS released to ICE included name, social security number, and home address of Medi-Cal recipients. As reported by the Associated Press on July 17, 2025, CMS signed an agreement with Homeland Security to allow ICE continued access to all Medicaid recipient’s data, nationwide. California State Attorney General Bonta is leading a multistate coalition in a lawsuit over the prior sharing of Californian’s data with ICE, and released a statement about this expanded data sharing on July 17, 2025.
Additionally, FNS released a notice about a new National SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Information Database detailing plans that would allow them to use data on SNAP applicants, recipients, and former recipients for a wide variety of purposes. SNAP is known as CalFresh in California and is sometimes referred to as “EBT” since the benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to be spent at grocery stores on food. Advocates have filed for a temporary restraining order to stop the National SNAP Information Database. Details about this case can be found at the Protect Democracy website. A group of 14 state Attorneys General, led by California, submitted these comments regarding the database.
Individuals will need to weigh their risk in continuing to receive, or applying for, needed benefits. Lake County Social Services cannot delete case records or prevent federal data sharing. We can no longer assure people that the information we gather will be used solely for program administration.
We encourage trusted partners to help individuals, especially immigrants, assess their personal risks and benefits of accessing human services programs in this environment. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) funds community organizations to provide certain resources for immigrants – a list can be found at: https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/immigration/contractor-contact-information
Experts anticipate that the chilling effect from this federal data sharing will create further strain on already limited food distribution resources and medical care, the impact of which will be felt community wide.
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CLEARLAKE OAKS
100 Women Strong, Lake County to host Hawaiian-themed quarterly meeting at Cache Creek Vineyard and Winery
100 Women Strong, Lake County invites members and guests to its upcoming Hawaiian-themed quarterly meeting on Wednesday, Aug.13, 2025, at Cache Creek Vineyard and Winery, located at 250 New Long Valley Rd, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423. Doors will open at 5:30 PM, and the meeting will begin promptly at 6 P.M.
Guests are encouraged to dress in festive Hawaiian attire and come ready to enjoy delicious appetizers, island-inspired camaraderie, and the award-winning wines of Cache Creek as the group continues its mission to support Lake County’s most impactful nonprofits.
At the August meeting, three deserving organizations will present to members:
Dogs4Diabetics, Citizens Caring for Clearlake and the Clear Lake Gleaners
Each nonprofit will have an opportunity to share their mission and how a donation from 100 Women Strong, Lake County would benefit their cause. After the presentations, members will vote to determine which organization will receive the collective donation.
During the previous meeting, held on May 8, 2025, at Wild Diamond Winery in Hidden Valley Lake, the group awarded a generous $6,600 check to the SPCA of Lake County to support free and low-cost spay and neuter clinics for pets across the county.
100 Women Strong, Lake County is a grassroots philanthropic group of women who gather quarterly to support nonprofits making a difference in our local community. Each member contributes $100 per meeting, combining resources to make a significant impact—one cause at a time.
New members are always welcome. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, come join the fun, meet other like-minded women, and help strengthen Lake County—one vote at a time.
Learn more or sign up at: www.100womenstronginlakecounty.com
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1841069732843827
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