Memorandum
Date: September 9, 2025
To: The Honorable E.J. Crandell, Chair, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Board of Supervisors
Jessica Pyska, District Five Supervisor
Subject: 10:30 A.M. - (a) Presentation of Proclamation Honoring Lives and Resilience: 10 Years Since the Valley Fire; (b) Consideration of Purchase of a Bronze Plaque to present to the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians in recognition of their steadfast support, collaboration, and community service during times of disaster
Executive Summary:
a) The attached proclamation recognizes the 10th anniversary of the Valley Fire, which ignited on September 12, 2015, near Cobb Mountain. At the time, it was the third most destructive wildfire in California history, burning 76,067 acres, destroying 1,955 structures, displacing thousands, and leaving lasting impacts on Lake County communities.
The fire claimed the lives of five residents — Bruce Beven Burns, Robert Taylor Fletcher, Robert Litchman, Barbara McWilliams, and Leonard Neft — and seriously injured four firefighters. In the aftermath, the strength of Lake County shone through as neighbors, first responders, mutual aid partners, local government agencies, tribal nations, nonprofits, and volunteers came together to aid survivors and begin recovery.
This proclamation honors the lives lost, expresses gratitude to those who contributed to response and recovery, and reaffirms the County’s commitment to resilience, preparedness, and community collaboration as we reflect on this milestone anniversary. At the Valley Fire commemoration events on September 12th in Cobb and September 13th in Middletown, this proclamation will be read, and the communities will be presented with memorial plaques, purchased through the discretionary funds from District 1 and District 5. All events are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
- Friday, September 12th, 1 pm- Mandala Springs Wellness Center, 14117 Bottle Rock Rd, Cobb
- Saturday, September 13th, 4pm- Middletown Square Park, 21249 Washington St, Middletown
b) Supervisor Pyska requests approval to purchase a bronze plaque to present to the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians in recognition of their steadfast support, collaboration, and community service during times of disaster. This gift, on behalf of the County of Lake, will be presented to Middletown Rancheria tribal leadership at the Valley Fire commemoration event on September 12th in Cobb. Without hesitation, the Tribe opens their doors to shelter, feed, and support the communities of Lake County during times of need and continues to be a critical partner in resiliency. The attached proof specifies the dimensions, inscriptions, and costs involved. Supervisor Pyska respectfully requests this expense be paid for through General Fund, Budget Unit 1011, Board of Supervisors.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X.- and/or Consultant Selection Policy-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: (a) Presentation only; (b) Approve Purchase of a Bronze Plaque to present to the Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians in recognition of their steadfast support, collaboration, and community service during times of disaster.