Mendocino College hosts First Respondo Memorial and annual Bloody Island Ceremony

The Lake County Board of Supervisors convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including upcoming community events and personnel matters. The meeting began with a focus on local ceremonies, notably the First Respondo Memorial Ceremony and the annual Bloody Island Ceremony. Supervisors highlighted their participation in these events, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and cultural recognition.

The Bloody Island Ceremony is set to commence on Friday evening, with a sunrise ceremony scheduled for Saturday morning at 5 AM. The ceremonies will take place at the ceremonial grounds accessible via Foothill Oaks Road or Old Lucerne Road. Breakfast following the sunrise ceremony will be held at the conference center in the casino, a change from the previous year when it was hosted at the ceremonial grounds. All community members are invited to attend these significant events, marking the 174th anniversary of the massacre.

In addition to the ceremonies, the meeting addressed upcoming meetings and appointments. A meeting with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is planned for Monday, along with discussions with constituents and the Risk Reduction Authority.

The Board also prepared for a closed session to discuss several personnel matters, including the appointment of an animal control director and evaluations of the social services director. The session will also involve negotiations with various employee organizations and discussions regarding real property negotiations for a specific parcel in Lakeport.

Notably, item 8.3 concerning labor negotiations will be postponed to a later date, allowing for further consideration of options. The meeting concluded with a commitment to reconvene for further discussions and decision-making in the near future.