Community group asks Lake County to extend Big Oak Peer Center operations
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Summary
A community representative asked the Lake County Department of Behavioral Health to grant a six-month extension to keep the Big Oak Peer Center in Clear Lake Oaks open, citing its role in food distribution, showers and therapeutic programs for vulnerable residents.
Angela Amaral, identifying herself as "Earth chair," asked the Board of Supervisors to seek a six‑month extension from the Lake County Department of Behavioral Health to keep the Big Oak Peer Center in Clear Lake Oaks open while a long‑term plan is developed.
Amaral read a submitted letter saying the center provides critical services, including monthly food distribution for "nearly 900" people, shower access for more than 200 people, therapeutic art classes, benefits assistance and functioning as a heating and cooling center during extreme weather. She warned that a complete shutdown scheduled for June 1 would be "devastating" to residents who rely on the center and said a mobile unit being discussed "may not be an adequate solution."
Amaral requested the county to extend the center’s operation through Dec. 31, 2025 (the transcript also referenced 2026 in a way that was unclear) to allow time to finalize a sustainable long‑term solution. She said Earth has attempted to engage Behavioral Health but had received a response "with no suggestions for further discussion or assistance." She asked supervisors to consider adding the item to a future agenda.
The board did not record a response or formal direction during the public comment period.
