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, Septe...
Click here for full text