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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County’s newest Superior Court judge took his oath of office and his seat on the bench in a Wednesday afternoon ceremony.
Fellow judges, county officials, court staff, family and friends gathered to welcome and install Judge John Langan in the event in the Department 3 courtroom where he will begin to hear cases this week.
On Feb. 2, following a six-month application and vetting process, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of Langan to fill the vacancy created by Judge Andrew Blum, who retired at the start of July.
Langan most recently served as the Superior Court commissioner or bench officer, a position which he held since 2019. In that role, he handled civil and family matters in the court’s Clearlake division.
Before his work as commissioner, Langan, who graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, served nearly 18 years with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
Some of Langan’s family members attended online, but one very special person made the trip from San Francisco to be there: His mother, Una, who will be 100 years old in June.
“She is certainly a treasure to John,” said Presiding Judge Michael Lunas, who led the ceremony, seated on the bench and flanked by his fellow judges, including Blum, J. David Markham and Shanda Harry.
Retired judges on hand in addition to Blum were Blum’s predecessor, Arthur Mann, and Stephen Hedstrom, who attended via Zoom.
Retirement put process in motion
Lunas helped fill everyone in on the backstory to the big day.
“Judge Blum put something in motion last June,” Lunas said.
He recalled Blum coming into his chambers on a Monday morning – not a time he normally saw him in his chambers – in June to announce he was retiring in July.
Judge Blum had long served Lake County, beginning as a deputy district attorney and continuing up to the position of judge. He is now serving as an assigned judge in his retirement, Lunas said.
Lunas thanked Blum for his collegiality, friendship and support.
Speaking to Langan of Blum, Lunas said, “John, it’s going to be a tough act to follow.”
During the ceremony, Langan was lauded for his work in the courts.
However, “You know this is different,” Lunas said of Langan’s transition from commissioner to judge. “It’s very different.”
As a judge, Lunas said Langan will be called on to handle every type of case, and can expect calls in the middle of the night to sign search warrants and restraining orders.
Lunas said Langan’s service as a commissioner showed his abilities and temperament and he’ll be supported by court staff – who during the ceremony Lunas said are the best anywhere.
“Everyone will be invested in your success as you move forward over the years,” Lunas said.
Being a judge will be the most challenging job Langan has ever had, but it’s also more rewarding, Lunas said. “I’m confident that you will love the work.”
Judge Shanda Harry handed off to Langan a plaque that, for more than 50 years, has been given to the newest judge on the bench. She received it from Markham when she took the bench in 2019.
The tradition of the plaque was begun by Judge John Golden. Golden’s wife, Gail, wrote a quote from Judge Hand in calligraphy that explains the challenges and rewards of being a judge.
In his brief remarks, Hedstrom congratulated Langan and said his appointment is well deserved.
Mann, like Lunas, noted the challenges of the job, but added that it’s the best job in the world.
Markham recalled that he and Langan were hired by the District Attorney’s Office at about the same time. Markham later left to work as a defense attorney, and they worked on cases that found them facing each other in court.
Defense attorneys don’t often trust prosecutors. However, Markham noted Langan’s professionalism and work ethic.
“Never once did I question his integrity,” Markham said of Langan, noting he always did the right thing.
Harry said she also met Langan when she also was working for the District Attorney’s Office. She saw his determination in their initial acquaintance as he continued working while dealing with a back injury.
Blum said it’s a great job in a great community, adding that for him, Judge Mann was a hard act to follow.
“We’re happy to have you on board,” Blum said.
Taking the bench
Lunas then administered the oath to Langan before shaking his hand and giving him a hug.
Afterward, Langan signed a copy of the oath before his partner, Shawn Berlinn, helped him into his judicial robe.
He then took the bench. In his first words from that new position, he expressed his gratitude.
Langan thanked Markham and Harry for their encouragement through the process.
He also thanked Hedstrom – one of the first people he spoke to when he thought of becoming commissioner – for what he did for him personally and for Lake County as a judge.
Part of the process in gaining a judicial appointment involves a candidate being vetted by the state’s Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation, known as the JNE Commission, which seeks comments from other attorneys and officials. Langan thanked everyone for the kind comments they submitted to the commission on his behalf.
Langan said he’s honored and very proud to be a judge in Lake County. “This county has given a lot to me,” he said, his voice faltering for a moment.
He said he’s looking forward to giving back, and then paused again, adding that Blum had told him he could get through his opening comments.
“You can do it!” Blum called out.
Langan offered special thanks to his biggest supporter, his partner Shawn Berlinn, a deputy court clerk.
He’s hitting the ground running this week. Langan told Lake County News last week following the news of his appointment that the court is backlogged. The plan is for him to get started quickly, and he said he’s ready to go.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Planning Commission is set to discuss a zoning map and a major use application involving guest rental units at a resort.
The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The agenda is here.
To participate in real-time, join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link.
The webinar ID is 994 1760 2765, the pass code is 155982.
Access the meeting via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,99417602765#,,,,*155982# or dial in at 669-900-6833.
The meeting also can be viewed on the county’s website or Facebook page.
On the agenda for Thursday is the proposed approval of a zoning map amendment to bring three parcels into compliance with the Existing Industrial General Plan Designation, Kelseyville Area Plan and Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan located at 4325, 4375 and 4425 Highland Springs Road, Lakeport.
The commission also will consider a major use permit application for conversion of temporary staff RVs to short-term guest rental units, the Creekside Caravans, at Harbin Hot Springs, located at 18424 Harbin Springs Road in Middletown.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Western Region Town Hall will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
The meeting will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Habematolel community center, 9460 Main St.
Community members can attend via Zoom; the webinar ID is 833 1071 8838, the pass code is 058669.
The meeting also will be streamed live on PEGTV Lake County at https://lakecountywrthcom.wordpress.com.
On the agenda is a levee system update and discussion with Lake County Water Resources Director Pawan Upadhyay and Caltrans staff.
There also will be updates on the new Upper Lake High School superintendent, the Upper Lake Grange, the District 3 Super Municipal Advisory Committee, reports from subcommittees and the supervisor’s report.
WRTH members are Chair Thomas Aceves, Vice Chair Tim Chiara and records keeper Linda Alexander, and members Lisa Benevides, David Eby and Claudine Pedroncelli.
The community is encouraged to attend.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Congressman Mike Thompson said Wednesday that he joined in voting to end President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
“Tonight, I voted to end this president’s so-called ‘emergency’ tariffs on Canada, and the House successfully passed the bill,” Thompson said.
"These tariffs have hurt our agricultural producers and small businesses, driven up costs for consumers, and damaged our country's important relationship with our closest neighbor and ally. At a time when families are already facing higher prices, we should be lowering costs and strengthening partnerships, not fighting with our allies,” he said.
"Today’s vote is an important step toward restoring stability, reclaiming Congress’ authority over tariffs, and reinforcing the strong economic ties that benefit both of our nations,” Thompson said in the Wednesday statement.
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved an additional $1 million in disaster relief, bringing the county’s total allocation for the Robin Lane sewer spill to $1.75 million, as recovery costs surge.
On Jan. 21, the Board of Supervisors approved $750,000 for Lake County Special Districts to provide large water tanks and refill services for residents impacted by the spill.
Tuesday, Lake County Sheriff Luke Bingham and Undersheriff Corey Paulich – who also serves as an incident commander – appeared before the board along with Assistant County Administrative Officer Stephen Carter to request an additional $1 million for ongoing recovery efforts.
The previously approved $750,000 will be recaptured from the Special Districts’ budget, making a total of $1.75 million available in the county’s disaster response and recovery reserve to facilitate payments associated with the sewer spill.
Carter told the board that while the county initially identified $1,143,000 in costs, known expenses and incoming invoices have already climbed to over $1.2 million.
“So the goal is this would increase it to $1,750,000 of funding available on top of the $1.1 [million] that was already Special Districts,” Carter said of the funding request.
“Last time, it was basically water tanks and filling water,” he said. “This time, this funding is basically – we would like it to be wide-open – because there's some filtration devices, well testing, tanks, water deliveries, laundry, basically everything.”
Supervisor Brad Rasmussen asked if the additional $1 million would be enough.
“I’m going to give you a 75% yes on that,” Sheriff Bingham said.
He noted that providing impacted homes with UV filtration systems serves as a critical long-term plan; however, he cautioned that other unforeseen problems may arise that cannot be factored in yet.
“We think it's going to be enough, based on our numbers,” Bingham said, “but not 100% certain.”
Supervisor Jessica Pyska asked if this amount would be “repaid through State claims and/or Special Districts,” as the fund allocation resolution stated.
“We are working diligently with Cal OES and the state,” Carter said. “But there is no guarantee.”
The board approved the funding request unanimously. With the new allocation, the county’s $5 million disaster reserve is left with a balance of $3.25 million.
The spill
The additional funding comes exactly one month after a 16-inch force main ruptured on Jan. 11.
The break, located near the northern end of Robin Lane, within the city limit of Clearlake, unleashed a massive sewage spill that residents at "ground zero" described as a “river of poop and pee.”
The force main is owned and operated by Lake County Sanitation District, which is overseen by Lake County Special Districts.
The spill was stopped at 9:55 p.m. the next day on Jan. 12, county officials said.
During the roughly 38-hour response, crews encountered parts shortages and multiple valve installation failures before finally stopping the spill, according to Lori Baca, customer service supervisor for Lake County Special Districts, at the Jan. 14 town hall at Clearlake City Hall.
The spill contaminated private water wells and the underlying aquifer, and officials said the timeline for groundwater to clear remains uncertain after consulting a hydrologist. Even two consecutive negative test results taken 24 hours apart would not guarantee the water is safe to drink.
Since the spill, residents at approximately 164 homes across about 550 acres have been advised not to use their well water due to possible contamination, as testing, sanitization and retesting for fecal bacteria continue.
Last Wednesday, the incident command team announced that each impacted residence will be offered a “whole-house filtration and sanitation system that includes sediment and carbon filters and a UV filter.”
The approval of new relief funds comes as other forms of immediate aid are being scaled back.
Just on Sunday, the potable water tender truck, shower and laundry service stationed at the Lake County Special Districts facility on Pond Road for impacted residents concluded service.
By Tuesday, out of all homes without clean and safe running water from their well for a month, 45 homes – or less than one third of all – had a water tank installed for them, with 18 by Lake County Social Services and 27 by the incident management team, which is led by the city of Clearlake and the Lake County Office of Emergency Services.
As of Tuesday, some 578 water samples had been taken from 151 sites for water quality testing. Sixty-seven wells had been sanitized, a number that had remained unchanged since Feb. 4.
Impacted residents are asked to submit requests for the filtration and sanitization system, water tanks, well testing and bottled water delivery through the online portal.
District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier, whose district includes the spill area, said at Tuesday’s meeting that online registration numbers for water tanks “seemed low,” suggesting there might be confusion or difficulty for some to use the system.
Undersheriff Paulich said the team discussed the matter in their meeting.
“We're going to make phone calls directly to them and ask if they want it,” Paulich said. “Obviously, we can't force them, but we'll make that contact so we can make sure everybody is aware.”
The costs
In response to Lake County News’ inquiry on the expense breakdown, county staff said in an email that tank installations to date are expected to total nearly $150,000. Total potable water delivery by water haulers has reached $181,620, which includes $58,650 for refilling the tanks.
Well tests cost $44,282, while well sanitization totaled $14,350.
Shower, laundry and sink facilities provided for residents of the affected area, along with associated costs, are anticipated to exceed $450,000.
An initial order of 100 UV filtration and sanitization systems – including shipping and installation based on prevailing wage – is expected to cost $260,000.
These costs added to more than $1.1 million.
According to the email, all figures reflect the “best available total expected costs, to-date, and represent a point in time.”
At the meeting, Supervisor Sabatier also requested to make expenses transparent to the public and to be put on the city’s website.
The expensive costs of recovery led to some questions on the officially released spill data.
In a Jan. 17 email to the Lake County News, county staff first acknowledged that the “estimated release has been updated to 2.9 million gallons.”
“Staff was able to contain and recover much of the spill,” the county’s email response provided through Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein said. “Remarkably, only approximately 3,900 gallons were released into the drainage ditch that ran to Burns Creek and into Clear Lake.”
In later explanations before the Board of Supervisors, Lake County Special Districts Administrator Robin Borre said the initial estimate of 2.9 million represented the “maximum possible amount that could have come out of the system,” indicating that it is not the actual amount released onto streets.
The most updated Robin Lane Sewer Spill Frequently Asked Questions document stated that only 1,308,620 gallons were associated with the initial spill area and 1,853,200 gallons – which is more than the said released amount – were “recovered.”
The exact excess amount – 544,580 gallons – were attributed to “failing septic systems and groundwater infiltration,” according to the document.
However, the document still states about “3,900 gallons ultimately entered waterways.”
It is unclear from the data released where the 3,900 gallons came from, as the official document indicated that all the sewage released from the spill had been recovered.
For community members like Sterling Wellman, the public data regarding the release doesn’t stand.
“Thirty nine hundred gallons wouldn't affect an aquifer that expands … to 500 acres,” Wellman said at Tuesday’s meeting during public comment over Zoom.
“So we are requesting the board to sit here and hold Special Districts accountable,” she said, requesting transparency. “Because if we're spending $1.75 million, it's way more than 3,900 gallons.”
Sabatier said that was not the priority for now.
“I am not making any special requests right now for the spill itself until we're done with this emergency,” he said. “Because I think helping the people is the number one thing that we need to do, not explain why it happened.”
He added: “That needs to come after the fact, and it will not be forgotten.”
Lingzi Chen is a staff reporter at Lake County News and a 2024-2026 California Local News Fellow. Email her at
Informational and referral services accessible through 211 and at 211lake.org.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Feb. 11 is 211 Day, a time to recognize 211 as a trusted, go-to resource that helps connect Lake County residents with essential services and support during times of need.
Throughout the past year, trained 211 Navigators assisted individuals and families by connecting them with locally available resources, including help with housing stability, food access, utility assistance, health care and other vital services.
The service supports both immediate needs and longer-term challenges, helping residents navigate complex systems and identify available options in their community.
Officials said 211 is a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral service that connects people with health and human services.
Residents can dial 211 to reach a trained navigator who listens, assesses needs and provides referrals tailored to each situation.
Support is available by phone, text, online chat, and web search, making it easy to access help in a way that works best for each individual.
The service offers access to a wide range of information, including health and mental health resources, health insurance programs, support for older adults and people with disabilities, food and nutrition programs, transportation options, and services for children, youth and families.
The 211 service continues to offer a vital connection point between residents and community-based organizations, helping ensure that support is accessible, timely and confidential.
If you or someone you know needs help, dial 211, visit 211Lake.org, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
Assistance is available 24/7, in multiple languages, and at no cost to the caller.
