Susan Parker
County Administrative Officer
Lake County, California
Ms. Parker,
This is an open letter written out of deep concern regarding the county’s handling of the Clearlake sewer situation over the past year and the delayed response following the sewage spill on January 11.
After a meeting on February 25 of last year, there was a clear discussion about the need for collaboration between Lake County and the City of Clearlake regarding sewer infrastructure and ongoing risk. Despite that discussion, the County did not meet with the City until January of this year, nearly eleven months later. In that time, conditions worsened, culminating in a major sewage spill.
The spill occurred on January 11. Yet more than a week passed before meaningful county action or emergency funding was brought forward.
As County Administrative Officer, YOUR published job responsibilities include the following:
Responding in the event of local disasters, serving as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors, department heads, emergency operations, and affected constituents, and ensuring stakeholders are kept informed of county activities and impacts.
Troubleshooting problems across county departments, particularly when issues are referred by the Board.
Developing long-range plans and goals for county infrastructure improvements, including identifying risks before they become crises.
Serving as a spokesperson to local media during significant county events.
Advocating for county needs with state and federal officials, especially when local resources are insufficient.
Responding to the most sensitive citizen requests and complaints, particularly when public health and safety are involved.
When viewed against these responsibilities, residents are left with serious and reasonable questions:
Why did nearly a year pass without documented collaboration following the February 25, 2025, meeting?
Why was a known sewer risk not addressed through earlier planning or interagency coordination?
After the spill occurred on January 11, why did it take more than a week for the county to act?
Why weren’t emergency purchases made prior to the January 21 meeting, as per policy? Sec. 2-42 - Emergency Purchases CODE
Why were residents left without clear communication during a public health emergency?
What advocacy efforts, if any, were initiated with state or federal partners prior to or immediately after the spill?
These are not accusations. They are questions grounded in timelines, published job duties, and real consequences experienced by Clearlake residents.
The sewage spill did not occur in isolation. It followed months, if not years or decades, of unresolved infrastructure concerns and was compounded by delayed response and communication. For those affected, the impact has been disruption, unsafe conditions, and a growing loss of confidence that urgent risks are being addressed with appropriate seriousness.
In my opinion, the county’s actions, and specifically your inaction, did not reflect the level of urgency or leadership that your position requires during an emerging and then actual crisis. This is an example of gross negligence.
Lake County residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear explanation of how the county will ensure faster coordination, communication, and response going forward.
Public trust depends on it.
Your job description is available here for your reference. YOUR JOB
Sincerely,
Rachel White
A Concerned Lake County Resident
(on behalf of residents affected by the Clearlake sewage spill)
Susan Parker
County Administrative Officer
Lake County, California
Ms. Parker,
This is an open letter written out of deep concern regarding the county’s handling of the Clearlake sewer situation over the past year and the delayed response following the sewage spill on January 11.
After a meeting on February 25 of last year, there was a clear discussion about the need for collaboration between Lake County and the City of Clearlake regarding sewer infrastructure and ongoing risk. Despite that discussion, the County did not meet with the City until January of this year, nearly eleven months later. In that time, conditions worsened, culminating in a major sewage spill.
The spill occurred on January 11. Yet more than a week passed before meaningful county action or emergency funding was brought forward.
As County Administrative Officer, YOUR published job responsibilities include the following:
Responding in the event of local disasters, serving as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors, department heads, emergency operations, and affected constituents, and ensuring stakeholders are kept informed of county activities and impacts.
Troubleshooting problems across county departments, particularly when issues are referred by the Board.
Developing long-range plans and goals for county infrastructure improvements, including identifying risks before they become crises.
Serving as a spokesperson to local media during significant county events.
Advocating for county needs with state and federal officials, especially when local resources are insufficient.
Responding to the most sensitive citizen requests and complaints, particularly when public health and safety are involved.
When viewed against these responsibilities, residents are left with serious and reasonable questions:
Why did nearly a year pass without documented collaboration following the February 25, 2025, meeting?
Why was a known sewer risk not addressed through earlier planning or interagency coordination?
After the spill occurred on January 11, why did it take more than a week for the county to act?
Why weren’t emergency purchases made prior to the January 21 meeting, as per policy? Sec. 2-42 - Emergency Purchases CODE
Why were residents left without clear communication during a public health emergency?
What advocacy efforts, if any, were initiated with state or federal partners prior to or immediately after the spill?
These are not accusations. They are questions grounded in timelines, published job duties, and real consequences experienced by Clearlake residents.
The sewage spill did not occur in isolation. It followed months, if not years or decades, of unresolved infrastructure concerns and was compounded by delayed response and communication. For those affected, the impact has been disruption, unsafe conditions, and a growing loss of confidence that urgent risks are being addressed with appropriate seriousness.
In my opinion, the county’s actions, and specifically your inaction, did not reflect the level of urgency or leadership that your position requires during an emerging and then actual crisis. This is an example of gross negligence.
Lake County residents deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear explanation of how the county will ensure faster coordination, communication, and response going forward.
Public trust depends on it.
Your job description is available here for your reference. YOUR JOB
Sincerely,
Rachel White
A Concerned Lake County Resident
(on behalf of residents affected by the Clearlake sewage spill)