Resident urges pause to High Valley projects after delayed sheriff response to injured residents

Donna Mackiewicz, a District 3 registered voter and volunteer on Lake County advisory committees, told the Board of Supervisors during public input that the Lake County Sheriff's Office could not respond promptly to an emergency in High Valley.

Mackiewicz said two people "walked up to a home for help, covered in blood, needing immediate attention" and that sheriff deputies arrived only hours later. She said Fish and Wildlife responded before the sheriff's office. Mackiewicz asked the board to "consider halting all projects in High Valley until the safety and travel and visiting the area safety can be addressed."

She characterized an earlier report that described the incident as a mountain-lion attack as incorrect and said the event was a failed traffic accident; she said two young adults were transported to the hospital and a third person was found deceased two days later. The speaker urged the county to address emergency-response timelines and access in High Valley. No formal board action or staff direction was recorded during the public input remarks.