Lake County, CA –  Lake County residents have endured four years of some of the worst fires in our state’s history. Wildfire has ravaged significant portions of the county and since 2015, 1,785 Lake County residents have lost their homes to wildfires. Unfortunately, with the Mendocino Complex Fire – the largest wildland fire in our state’s history – that number has grown. 

These fires have been incredibly difficult on everyone, but the kids of Lake County have suffered tremendously.

Senator Mike McGuire has teamed up with North Coast Opportunities to give back to Lake County’s students who have been impacted by the Mendocino Complex Fire. Together, they launched the Lake County Students Fire Relief Fund with Redwood Credit Union playing a significant funding role.

This Wednesday, Aug. 22, students in Lakeport, Lucerne and Upper Lake will head back to school after a two week delay due to the significant impacts of the Ranch and River Fires.

Students in Lakeport and Upper Lake will be welcomed back to school by local public safety officials, community volunteers and teachers when they arrive in the morning with donuts, orange juice and milk to kick off their school year. The milk and orange juice has been generously donated by Clover Stornetta.

Students in Lucerne will be welcomed back to school by a welcome team from the community with a special lunch on the first day, including pasta, salad and fruit.

“Lake County families have faced unprecedented disasters year after year and the physical and emotional toll these events have had can be overwhelming, especially for kids. We’re proud to team up with Lake County schools, North Coast Opportunities and Redwood Credit Union to hold these special events, welcoming students back to school after facing the trauma of the Ranch and River Fires,” Senator McGuire said.

Working with North Coast Opportunities, which has been the leading non-profit organization supporting residents after each of the devastating wildland fires that have impacted Lake and Mendocino counties, Senator McGuire established a dedicated fund to help those students impacted by the Ranch and River Fires and has secured support from Redwood Credit Union as the primary funder. Redwood Credit Union is covering the costs of the Welcome Back events at each of three school districts. 

“Lake County is a resilient community that has faced so many devastating disasters these past few years,” said NCO Executive Director Patty Bruder. “As we’ve done in the past, our team is ready to get to work to help our neighbors in need and we’re proud to partner with Senator McGuire and Redwood Credit Union on the Lake County Students Fire Relief Fund and Welcome Back to School events.”

With a history of partnering with Senator McGuire on fire relief over the past several years, Redwood Credit Union stepped up with immediate support for the student fund.

“Knowing the impact of these fires can deeply affect kids and teens, we want to support Lake County students and get them back into a routine and the stability of a classroom,” said Brett Martinez, President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union. “All of us at Redwood Credit Union are saddened that fires continue to devastate our communities, but we’re committed to helping those in need.”

In addition to the Back to School events this week, all funds raised will benefit Lake County students (K-12 and college) including financial assistance for students who lost homes to replace school clothes, supplies, sports and musical equipment; and funds will be invested in mental health services for Lake County students impacted by the fires.

Contributions to support Lake County students may be made online at: www.FireRelief.org. 

Checks can be made to:

Lake County Students Fire Relief Fund


Memo line: North Coast Opportunities, Inc.

413 North State Street

Ukiah CA, 95482

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