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December 2025 Edition

Xabatin: Big Lake Big Science Director’s Cut

Documentary Provides Scientific and Historical Narrative on Clear Lake and Its Watersheds

Xabatin explores research at Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake. It highlights the region's beauty and wildlife, blending science with collaborations among Native American Tribes, government agencies, and non-profits."

Xabatin: Big Lake Big Science Director’s Cut

During the October 7, 2025, Board meeting, Chief Deputy County Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein recognized Angela DePalma-Dow and Samuel Euston for their dedication and contributions to the documentary.

1-1225.1 Board of Supervisors Discusses Documentary

The documentary premiered the director’s cut on September 12, 2025, at the Soper Reese Theatre. Rothstein shared that the documentary “has generated a positive response and truly celebrates Lake County’s central feature, Clear Lake. From the outset, the intent has been to segment the film for educational use and to present the full-length documentary at film festivals into 2026.”


District 2 Board Supervisor Bruno Sabatier shared, “the County contributed to the initial funding and recognizes the hard work involved.”


The documentary thanks its primary sponsors:


  1. Karen and Samuel Euston

  2. Angela DePalma-Dow

  3. The County of Lake

  4. Lake County Watershed Protection District

  5. Lake County Land Trust

1-1225.2 Clear Lake

Public comments reinforced the documentary’s value:


“The Board’s initial support of the documentary was helpful in getting it started. The documentary extends the positive effects of the Clear Lake Integrated Science Symposium (CLISS) which the Board supported.  CLISS and Xabatin are placing Lake County on the scientific, cultural, and conservation stage. It provides valuable resources for classrooms and inspires young citizen scientists. Screening the documentary in additional venues extends its message and showcases Lake County as a community that celebrates science, culture, and conservation.”


The documentary segments were also designed for release as primary and secondary education resources.


To watch the October 7, 2025, Board meeting, click here.

1-1225.3 Elem Village in 1877

Many thanks to the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to the documentary:


  1. Angela dePalma-Dow, Executive Director, Lake County Land Trust

  2. Samuel Euston, Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor

  3. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, California State Assembly Majority Leader, District 4

  4. Irenia Quitiquit, Secretary/Treasurer, Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians

  5. Alexis Fischer, scientist, EutroPHIX

  6. Eddie Crandell, Board Chair and Lake County Supervisor, Tribal Vice-Chair Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians

  7. Brad Rasmussen, Vice-Chair and Lake County Supervisor and Blue Ribbon Committee Representative

  8. Sarah Ryan, Environmental Director/Emergency Management Director, Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians

  9. Beniakem Cromwell, Tribal Chairman, Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians

1-1225.4 Lake Family Pomo Sculpture

The documentary also acknowledges the following contributors for their support:


  1. Eric Sklar, Chairperson, Blue Ribbon Committee

  2. Carter Jessop, Superfund Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

  3. Luis Santana, Fish and Wildlife Director, Robinson Rancheria Danoxa Fish and Wildlife Department

  4. Dr. Jamesina J. Scott, District Manager and Research Director, Lake County Vector Control

  5. Merry Jo Velasquez, Vice President, Lake County Land Trust

  6. Sherry Treppa, former Chairperson, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake

  7. Dr. Masaru Emoto, Groundbreaking Researcher and Author

  8. Eagle Jim Brown, Hereditary Chief, Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians

1-1225.5 Native Peoples of Lake County

Additional contributors the documentary wishes to acknowledge include the following:


  1. Frederick Feyrer, Research Fish Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

  2. Gregory Giusti, Forest Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension

  3. Dr. Harry Lyson, Emeritus Professor of Biology/Ecology, Yuba College

  4. Ben Ewing, Environmental Scientist, California Department of Fish and Wildlife District

  5. Alicia Cortes, Project Scientist, UC Davis

  6. Dr. John Parker, Archaeologist, Archaeologist research

  7. Steve Caden, Project Manager, UC Davis

  8. Dr. Stephen McCord, Project Manager, UC Davis

1-1225.6 January 11, 2026 Screening

The documentary thanks the following contributors:


  1. Anthony Falzone, geomorphologist, FlowWest

  2. Seth Burgess, Research Geologist, USGS

  3. Magdalena Valderrama, Chair, Cobb Area Council Forest Stewardship Committee

  4. Terre Logsdon, Chief Climate Resilience Officer Tribal Liaison, County of Lake

  5. Jessica Bean, Engineering Biologist, Division of Water Rights

  6. Dr. S. Geoffrey Schladow, Professor Emeritus of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

  7. Sarah Angulo, Community Education and Outreach Specialist, UC Davis School of Education

  8. Franklin Ley, Diver, Partner Bullfrog Underwater Services

  9. Craig Wetherbee, Director, County of Lake Environmental Health

  10. Jim Steele, Independent Environmental Consultant


Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for a second showing at the Soper Reese Theatre on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

The Xabatin documentary reflects the dedication, collaboration, and stewardship of Lake County’s community. The Board of Supervisors acknowledges this effort to inspire curiosity, celebrate local culture, and support conservation of Clear Lake for future generations.

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