LAKEPORT, Calif. — The Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit and California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, are coordinating a prescribed burn that will take place along Highway 29 between Lakeport and Upper Lake between June 24 and 26.

This prescribed burn will treat approximately 10 acres of cured annual grasses within Caltrans right-of-way in a 2.8-mile stretch between mile markers 45.1 and 47.9. This project will contribute to fuel reduction along the highway, providing safety for motorists and emergency responders while reducing the likelihood of wildfire ignitions from vehicles.

Highway 29 will be under controlled traffic during burning operations. Burning may begin as early as 10 a.m. and this project is anticipated to be completed with a single-day operation.

Cal Fire will be providing five engines and one hand crew to conduct this prescribed burn.

This is yet another significant collaborative project between Cal Fire and Caltrans District 1 in Lake County. Similar fuel reduction projects have taken place along Soda Bay Road (Highway 281) by Clearlake Riviera, Highway 29 outside of Lower Lake and Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks.

Prescribed burns are carefully planned and must meet strict criteria for ecological benefit, weather parameters, smoke management and fire safety guidelines. The planned operation is subject to lastminute changes due to those conditions.

When all conditions are met, trained wildland firefighters conduct the burn while monitoring the set criteria, fire behavior and designated fire control lines.

If the conditions are not conducive for burning, the burn will be rescheduled. This prescribed burn will comply with the requirements of the Lake County Air Pollution Control District.

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. — Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
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Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌‌prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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The‌‌ ‌‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌Traffic‌‌ ‌‌Operations‌‌ ‌‌Office‌‌ ‌‌has‌‌ ‌‌reviewed‌‌ ‌‌each‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌determined‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌individual‌‌ ‌‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌delays‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌expected‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌less‌‌ ‌‌than‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌statewide‌‌ ‌‌policy‌‌ ‌‌maximum‌‌ ‌‌of‌‌ ‌‌30‌‌ ‌‌minutes‌‌ ‌‌unless‌‌ ‌‌‌noted‌‌ ‌‌otherwise. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

Route 20 (1.1/2.4) – Paving work from Blue Lakes Road to Irvine Avenue continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20KA

Highway 29

Route 29 (5.1/5.9) – Caltrans has granted an encroachment permit for the Middletown Days Parade from Central Park Road to Wardlaw Street on Saturday, June 21. Lane closures will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#P29FA

Route 29 (25.1/26.7) – Culvert work west of Lower Lake from DNA Ridge Rock to Cal Fire Konocti Conservation Camp 27 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C29GA

Route 29 (45.1/47.8) – Prescribed burning from the Park Way Overcrossing 14-73 to the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff will begin on Tuesday, June 24. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 5-minute delays. LC#S29AA

MENDOCINO COUNTY 

Highway 1

Route 1 (6.5/6.7) – Road work north of Anchor Bay near Gypsy Flat Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1SA

Route 1 (9.3/9.5) – Tree work south of Iversen Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1SA

Route 1 (31.1/31.6) – Bridge work at the Elk Creek Bridge 10-120 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1WA

Route 1 (33.7/40.2) – Paving work in Elk at the Greenwood Creek Bridge 10-156 to Jct Route 128 will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1EB

Route 1 (40.1) – Bridge work at the Navarro River Bridge 10-130 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1EB

Route 1 (40.2/47.5) – Paving work at various locations from Jct Route 128 to east of Little River Airport Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1EB

Route 1 (41.8/42.4) – Road work from the Navarro Point Preserve and Scenic Trail to Navarro Ridge Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1FB

Route 1 (51.4/52.1) – Bridge work north of Mendocino at the Jack Peters Creek Bridge 01-43484 from Lansing Street to south of Road 500D. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1VA

Route 1 (57.7/58.4) – Utility work from Brookfield Drive to Boice Lane will occur on Tuesday, June 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1DA

Route 1 (75.4/76.1) – Emergency work south of Westport from the Blues Beach Trailhead to the Overlook will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 30-minute delays. LC#C1TA

Highway 20

Route 20 (42.4/43) – Electrical work near the Lake County Line will occur on Tuesday, June 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P20BA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (30.8) – Bridge work at the Route 101/20 Separation 10-205 will begin on Sunday, June 22. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101YB

U.S. 101 (41/43.3) – Barrier work from Ridgewood Summit to north of the Willits Water Treatment Plant continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C101DA

U.S. 101 (49.6/50.6) – Utility work near the Outlet Creek Bridge 10-16 will occur on Friday, June 20. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P101FA

U.S. 101 (59.9) – Bridge work at the Long Valley Creek Bridge 10-180 continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101NA

U.S. 101 (61.9/64.4) – Paving work near Sloan Road continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101BC

U.S. 101 (72.1/72.7) – Emergency work north of Laytonville at Woodruff Drive continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#T101GA

Highway 128 

Route 128 (37.3/38.2) – Utility work from east of Fish Rock Road to west of Hibbard Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C128CA

Route 128 (40.8/44.3) – Road work near Big Oaks Drive will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P128IA

Route 128 (47/49.5) – Utility work from east of Pomo Tierra Ranch Road to east of Mountain House Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C128CA

Highway 162 

Route 162 (4.7/7.1) – Paving work at the Bloody Run Creek Bridge 10-235 will occur on Thursday, June 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162EA

Route 162 (7.9/8.4) – Bridge work at the Eel River Bridge 10-236 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162HA

Route 162 (10/11.5) – Emergency work at the Rodeo Creek Bridge 10-237 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C162IA

Route 162 (14.7/15.9) – Paving work from west of the Middle Fork Eel River Bridge 10-252 to east of Laytonville Dos Rios Road will occur on Tuesday, June 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162EA

Route 162 (17.6/19.4) – Paving work from east of Hosea Creek to west of Sand Bank Creek will occur on Wednesday, June 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162EA

Route 162 (19.4/21.7) – Paving work near Sand Bank Creek will occur on Monday, June 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162EA

Highway 175

Route 175 (3.9/5.2) – Road work east of Hopland from Buckman Drive to Hooper Ranch Road will occur on Tuesday, June 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P175CA

Highway 253

Route 253 (12/12.3) – Utility work west of Long Valley Ranch Road will occur on Friday, June 27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P253CA

Route 253 (12.8/13.3) – Road work at Butler Ranch Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C253CA

DEL NORTE COUNTY 

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (35.8/36.5) – Construction at the Dr. Fine Bridge near Smith River will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#C101WA

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

Route 36 (4.4/6.1) – ​ Construction upgrades near Carlotta are scheduled to continue. Expect 15-minute delays weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. LC#C36IA

Route 36 (15.7/16.3) – Slide response east of Swimmer's Delight will continue. Check "Caltrans District 1" social media and QuickMap for the latest information. LC#C36HA

Route 36 (17.9) – Utility work at the Van Duzen River Bridge 4-284 will occur on Friday, June 20. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#P36BA

Route 36 (19.6) – Emergency work west of Maple Grove will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Travelers should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C36JA

Route 36 (25.3/25.9) – Work east of Bridgeville continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 15-minute delays. LC#C36UA/C36FA

Route 36 (34.5) - Bridge work at the Butte Creek Bridge 4-116 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists can expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Highway 96

Route 96 (21.1/22.9) – Tree work at the Klamath River Bridge 4-144 will conclude on Friday, June 20. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists can expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P96AA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (15.3/16.5) – Drainage work near the Hurlbutt Undercrossing 4-213 will begin on Monday, June 23. Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C101DE

U.S. 101 (18/19.4) – Drainage work at the South Fork Eel River Bridge 4-65 will occur on Friday, June 27. Lane closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C101DE

U.S. 101 (19.4/17.7) – Maintenance south of Phillipsville from the Dimmick Road Undercrossing to Hooker Creek Road is scheduled to continue. Expect a southbound lane closure from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and minor traffic slowdowns. LC#M101QA

U.S. 101 (43.3/45.5) – Drainage work north of Redcrest continues. Expect 10-minute delays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. LC#C101DE

U.S. 101 (74.7/76.1) - Construction north of the Herrick interchange will continue. Expect slowdowns due to lane and periodic driveway closures. LC#C101CC

U.S. 101 (82.7/83.4) – Construction at the Indianola Cutoff will continue. Motorists should expect slowdowns. Also, access from the cutoff to southbound 101 is currently unavailable due to a median closure. LC#C101FD

U.S. 101 (85.8) – Tree work in Arcata at Route 255 will occur on Sunday, June 22. A full southbound onramp closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and motorists should expect up to 5 minute delays. LC#X101SA

U.S. 101 (87.4/88.2) – Guardrail work in Arcata from the Route 299/101 Separation 4-161 to the St. Louis Road Overcrossing 4-254 will begin on Sunday, June 22. Lane closures will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101PC

U.S. 101 (89.1/90.1) – Road work north of Arcata from the Turner Draw Bridge 4-84 to the Route 200/101 Separation 4-172 will occur on Thursday, June 26. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#M101UA

U.S. 101 (98.3/100.7) – Road work from the Trinidad Road Undercrossing 4-58 to the Sixth Avenue Overcrossing 4-57 will begin on Tuesday, June 24. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#M101UA/C101FB

U.S. 101 (106/108.2) – Paving work from Big Lagoon Park Road to the Patricks Point Undercrossing 4-210 will occur on Wednesday, June 25. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#M101UA

U.S. 101 (109.1/124.7) – Paving work at various locations from the Big Lagoon Bridge 4-27 to the Prairie Creek Fish Hatchery. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15 minute delays. LC#C101QA

Highway 169

Route 169 (15.7/19.8) – Tree work at various locations from east of Miller Lane to east of Notchko Village Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5 minute delays. LC#P169FA

Route 169 (19.7/29.7.1) – Mowing work at various locations from Notchko Village Road to Mitchell Road will begin on Tuesday, June 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5 minute delays. LC#N169BA

Highway 254

Route 254 (3.1/4.2) – Emergency work north of Phillipsville will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C254JA

Route 254 (18.4/19.1) – Emergency work north of Weott will continue. A full closure is in effect. Motorists should use U.S. 101 as a detour. LC#T254A

Highway 299

Route 299 (4.7/5.2) - Culvert work from east of the Mill Creek Bridge 4-188 to the Blue Lake Overhead 4-189 will conclude on Friday, June 20. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C299QA

Route 299 (7.3/7.7) – Electrical work east of Blue Lake will occur on Friday, June 27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C299RA

Route 299 (11.1/22.3) - Pavement work from about 11 to 22 miles from U.S. 101 will continue. Travelers should expect 5-minute delays on weekdays. LC#C299RA

Route 299 (26.3/27.4) – Emergency work east of Chezem Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#P299BA

Route 299 (29.6/30.6) - Permit work near the Berry Summit Vista Point is scheduled to continue weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Expect 10-minute delays. LC#P299BA

Route 299 (31.4/31.6) - Construction west of Willow Creek will continue. One-way traffic will be in effect. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LCC299LA

Route 299 (32.8/33.1) - Construction west of Willow Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 10-minute delays. LC#P299BA

Route 299 (39.4/40.4) - Utility work east of Willow Creek will occur on Friday, June 20. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#P299BA

UKIAH, Calif. — Northern Rural Energy Network, or NREN, a program of the Lake Area Planning Council, launched recently in Lake County as a direct response to the unique issues and urgent needs of underrepresented rural California energy customers.

NREN is part of a statewide initiative of regional energy networks focused on helping communities address rising utility costs through the adoption of energy efficiency programs targeted at rural customers.

NREN is holding a public forum on Tuesday, June 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Mendocino College Lake Center’s “Round Room” in Lakeport.

The forum is to help inform residents about how they can reduce energy usage and costs in their homes.

This is the first in a series of public forums to be held by NREN in Lake County over the next several months.

Titled, “How to Save Energy at Home: Cut Costs, Increase Comfort & Get Cash Rebates” will feature NREN staff highlighting NREN’s Lake County Residential programs and Russell Jonas of Jonas Energy Solutions will address overall residential energy efficiency strategies and heat pump technologies.

The program will also provide time for Q&A and networking with local contractors.

Attendees can also sign up for free energy efficiency kits and free home energy assessments at the forum.

“NREN’s residential programs were designed to provide immediate relief and long-term strategies to all Lake County residents when it comes to home energy bills,” said Lisa Davey-Bates, executive director of the Lake Area Planning Council. “These forums will help get the word out about how to get started, increase our knowledge base and identify programs and opportunities to take action to decrease energy usage.”

Developed by rural agencies and organizations for rural communities, NREN delivers innovative approaches to reduce energy use and expand the adoption of energy-saving resources across Northern California’s vast rural regions.

More information on NREN's services can be found at Northern Rural Energy Network. 

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Northern Rural Energy Network, or NREN, a program of the Lake Area Planning Council, launched recently in Lake County as a direct response to the unique issues and urgent needs of underrepresented rural California energy customers.

NREN is part of a statewide initiative of regional energy networks focused on helping communities address rising utility costs through the adoption of energy efficiency programs targeted at rural customers.

NREN Lake is partnering with senior centers throughout Lake County this summer to provide free energy efficiency kits to their clients during regularly scheduled luncheons.

These energy efficiency kits contain about $100 worth of products such as LED bulbs, a smart power strip, water aerators, rope caulking, window film and more to help seniors start saving energy at home right away.

Lake County PG&E ratepayers are eligible for the free kits and can be requested via the NREN website at https://northernren.org/energy-efficiency-kits/.

Seniors will also be able to sign up for a free home energy assessment at the luncheons. These assessments will be conducted over the phone starting in August and will provide a free report with specific energy efficiency solutions and opportunities tailored to their homes and budgets to save energy and cut their utility bills.

Lake County ratepayers are eligible for a free home energy assessment and can be requested by emailing Ryan O’Neill at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“These kits are a great way to start saving energy and reduce utility bills. For example, the kits contain eight LED bulbs. Just replacing eight light bulbs with LEDs can save a customer up to $200 a year on average,” said Lisa Davey-Bates, executive director of the Lake Area Planning Council. “We look forward to working with the senior centers and serving their clients, some of the hardest hit when it comes to rising utility bills.”

Upcoming events include:

• Lakeport Senior Center: Wednesday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Clearlake Senior Center: Tuesday, July 1, 10 a.m. to noon.
  • Middletown Senior Center: Tuesday, July 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Developed by rural agencies and organizations for rural communities, NREN delivers innovative approaches to reduce energy use and expand the adoption of energy-saving resources across Northern California’s vast rural regions.

More information on NREN's services can be found at NorthernREN.org. 

Last Tuesday, Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC-06) were joined by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force to announce legislation to close the Charleston loophole and establish universal background checks for firearm purchases — a policy that's supported by over 90 percent of Americans. Watch a video of the press conference here.

“Keeping guns out of the hands of people who are a danger to themselves or others just makes sense — and Americans overwhelmingly agree. That’s why 90 percent of non-gun owners and 90 percent of gun owners support universal background checks for firearm purchases. Background checks are quick and effective tools to keep our communities safe while still respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. It’s time Republican leaders in the House get on board and help us pass this sensible legislation,” said Thompson.

“Next Tuesday, June 17, marks the 10th anniversary of the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. On that horrific night in 2015, a shooter motivated by racial hatred opened fire during a bible study at this historic place of worship, killing nine worshipers. He was able to obtain the gun because of a provision in federal law that allows the sale to take place if the background check is still unresolved after three business days. Ten years ago, it became known as the Charleston loophole," said Congressman Clyburn. "I am proud to join Rep. Mike Thompson in introducing The Enhanced Background Checks Act that would eliminate the three-day period and establish in its place a more thorough process that would keep guns out of dangerous hands, while protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”

"As House Democrats, we stand strongly behind this commonsense, life-saving legislation designed to improve public safety for communities across our nation. We just need a handful of Republicans to join us to advance and enhance the safety of the American people. I'm thankful for the leadership of Mike Thompson, Jim Clyburn and the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. We will continue to press forward with the fierce urgency of now until we crush the gun violence epidemic in the United States of America once and for all,” said Democratic Leader Jeffries.

Rep. Thompson reintroduced H.R. 18, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. It is Co-Sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). Rep. Clyburn introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act. Both bills would expand requirements for background checks and reduce loopholes to help ensure people who are a danger to themselves or others can’t get a firearm.

Background checks are quick, effective, and Constitutional. More than 90 percent of both gun owners and non-gun owners support universal background checks. Recently, reporting revealed that the perpetrator in the horrific June 1st antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado originally planned a mass shooting but was unable to access a gun after failing a background check. This most certainly saved lives.

Chairman Thompson has introduced background check legislation every Congress since the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting which killed 20 children and six adult staff members. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 (H.R. 18) is endorsed by 204 Members of Congress. Endorsing organizations include: GIFFORDS, Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, March For Our Lives, Newtown Action Alliance, Sandy Hook Promise, and Equality California.

“At a moment where safety and security is a top concern and too many of our leaders fail to prioritize it, we are glad to see this reform introduced again. Background checks work and save lives. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan policy that keeps guns out of the hands of dangerous people. GIFFORDS is proud to endorse the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and thanks Reps. Thompson and Fitzpatrick for their leadership,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director, GIFFORDS.

“Since its implementation in 1994, the Brady Background Check system has saved countless lives by preventing over 5 million transactions to prohibited purchasers. Yet, loopholes in the system, exacerbated by the rise of gun shows and sales facilitated by the internet, have allowed for far too many guns to be sold without background checks, leading to devastating consequences. H.R. 18 will fix this problem by expanding background checks to cover, with limited and reasonable exceptions, every transfer of firearms, fulfilling the mission of our namesakes, Jim and Sarah Brady. We applaud Representatives Mike Thompson and Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this legislation and loudly call on Congress to pass this expansion of background checks, which the overwhelming majority of the American public supports,” said Kris Brown, President, Brady.

“Background checks are the foundation of any common-sense approach to keeping guns out of dangerous hands, which is why the vast majority of Americans support them,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown applauds Representative Thompson and Representative Fitzpatrick for championing this crucial and common-sense step to address America’s gun violence crisis.”

“Young people across the country have made it clear: background checks are the bare minimum. We’re proud to support the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and will continue fighting until our laws reflect the demands of a generation that refuses to accept gun violence as normal,” said Jackie Corin, executive director, March For Our Lives.

“Since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, over 1.3 million Americans have been shot and nearly 500,000 have been killed by guns," said Po Murray, Chairwoman of Newtown Action Alliance. "Ensuring that every firearm sale includes a thorough background check is a proven and commonsense public safety measure that is supported by the majority of Americans - including gun owners. By closing the loophole on private transfers, this bill strengthens our communities without burdening law abiding citizens. We urge Congress to urgently pass H.R.18 to protect Americans and reduce gun violence.”

“Keeping guns out of unauthorized hands is crucial in preventing tragedies like the one that took 26 precious lives, including my son Daniel, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. No community and no family should ever experience that kind of trauma. Background checks are a key piece of legislation that will save lives, and we call on every member of Congress to pass this bill to protect children and communities throughout our nation,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.

Thompson is proud to represent California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.

LUCERNE, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 08-08 of Lake County, in partnership with the Konocti Women’s Service Club, will hold a complimentary life jacket giveaway for children on Saturday, June 21.

It will begin at 10 a.m. at the Konocti Bait Shack, located at 6199 Highway 20, next door to Lucerne Harbor Park.

The event is scheduled to end at 2 p.m. or when the supply runs out.

The distribution of child and youth life jackets will be for children ages 2 through 12 years and within one of two weight divisions: 30 to 50 pounds or 50 to 90 pounds.

The Konocti Women’s Service Club members will register and weigh the children. Qualified Flotilla members will fit the child with the correct size and demonstrate to the parent the proper wearing of the life jacket.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Flotilla of Lake County encourages boat owners and especially those with children to stay safe on the water by utilizing these complimentary services the Flotilla offers.

Play it safe: Wear your lifejackets.