Habematolel tribe makes contribution to Northshore Fire

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – As part of an ongoing commitment to assist community organizations, the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake has made an $80,000 contribution to benefit the Northshore Fire Protection District.

Tribal officials said they presented the check to fire officials on Jan. 17.

“The unwavering partnership between Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake and first responders showcases the power of community in a tangible way. Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is honored to contribute the needed funds for emergency personnel and the greater Upper Lake region,” the tribe said in a written statement.

Northshore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos said the tribe makes a similar contribution to the district annually.

“It’s going into the general fund,” he said.

Beristianos said the funds are typically earmarked for equipment maintenance and keeping the district’s fleet of 38 pieces of firefighting equipment rolling.

The equipment is allocated across seven stations, three of them staffed by volunteers, that serve the 357-square-mile fire district, one of the largest in the state based on land area, Beristianos said.

The tribe has also stepped forward to assist with other important community causes, including the Lights of Love stadium lighting project at Upper Lake High School. In 2017 the Habematolel tribe donated $130,000 to complete the project, as Lake County News has reported.