Health experts warn a hidden epidemic may be affecting up to 100,000 Californians. The so-called “kissing bug” carries a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can go unnoticed for decades before leading to heart attacks or strokes. Researchers say nearly a third of bugs tested in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park carried the parasite, and infected wildlife shows it’s circulating locally. Doctors urge early testing and treatment, since once the heart is damaged, care becomes far more difficult.
Labor Day in Lake County turned into a rally for workers’ rights. More than 150 people gathered in Middletown Square Park to call for better wages, healthcare, and housing. Speakers criticized billionaires and corporate power, while pushing for policies that prioritize working families. Organizers say the event was part of a nationwide push demanding “workers over billionaires” and vowed continued action this fall, including support for Prop 50 on redistricting.
Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new task force to clear homeless encampments from California’s largest cities. The team, made up of six state agencies, will target encampments on highways, overpasses, and other state property. Newsom says the goal is to connect people with housing and services while making public spaces safer. The task force will deploy within the next month to cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego.
A Lake County man faces 14 felony charges after allegedly setting a wildfire, carjacking a vehicle with a child inside, and leading police on a high-speed chase. Prosecutors say 37-year-old William Harbour started the McKinley Fire near Highway 175, then stole a Jeep with a 7-year-old girl. The child was dropped off safely, but her mother was badly injured. The chase ended near Calistoga, and Harbour was arrested. He remains in jail without bail.
Lake County supervisors have approved nearly $3 million for major upgrades at Hammond Park in Nice. Plans include new pickleball and basketball courts, landscaping, a dog park, and parking improvements. The project is funded through a state grant and local money, with construction expected to take about 150 working days. Supervisors also approved nearly a million dollars from the opioid settlement fund to expand behavioral health services for local youth.
Hammond Park in Nice is now closed for major renovations. The $2.3 million project will add new playgrounds, sports fields, lighting, walking trails, and a dog park. Construction is expected to wrap up in early 2026. During the closure, residents are encouraged to use other recreation areas in Upper Lake, Nice, and Lucerne. Questions can be directed to the Lake County Public Services Office.
Pacific Gas and Electric is hosting a virtual town hall this evening from 5:30 to 6:30 for customers across the North Coast, including Lake and Mendocino counties. Company leaders will share wildfire safety updates and answer questions from the public. You can join by phone at 888-810-3952 with cisonference ID 1345040#, or visit pge.com/webinars for details.
The Clearlake City Council meets today with a workshop at 5 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 6. On the agenda: an updated rental registration and inspection ordinance, the Lake County hazard mitigation plan, and a drainage project contract. The council will also proclaim September as Senior Center Month. The meeting will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel and Lake County PEGTV.
Cal Fire says the Pickett Fire burning just over the Lake County line is now 91 percent contained at 6,800 acres. All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted, but access inside the fire zone remains limited to emergency crews. Trails in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park also remain closed until further notice.
California, Oregon, and Washington are joining forces in a new vaccine alliance. Governors Newsom, Kotek, and Inslee say the partnership will counter federal policies they argue undermine public health. The alliance will provide science-based vaccine recommendations, while each state continues its own strategies. Leaders say the move is about protecting residents’ health and safety against political interference.
