Lake County is located in the North central part of the state, in the Clear Lake Basin to the North of the Bay Area. The county is known for its mountains, vineyards, and the volcanic Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake wholly within the borders of California, for which the county is named.
The county encompasses the native lands of Native American tribes such as the Pomo and the Elem having lived in the area for thousands of years. European colonization began with Spanish missionaries and soldiers, and was violently solidified by American settlers through a series of atrocities in the early-mid 1800s. The county was officially established in 1861.
Local landmarks in Lake County include Mount Konocti, a prominent volcanic peak sacred to the local Native peoples that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.
The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with the county being a major producer of wine grapes, pears, and other crops. The county hosts a growing number of tourists who are drawn to the lake's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The county seat is Lakeport, and there are around 70,000 people living in the county.
Culture in Lake County is diverse, with a mix of Native American, European, and Latino influences. The county is home to a number of annual festivals and events, including the Lake County Fair and the Clear Lake Blues Festival.
The Cannabis industry in the county benefits from its proximity to the Emerald Triangle, and saw rapid growth during early legalization when local officials welcomed an influx of new licenses with an open door approach. Since then, the industry has scaled back somewhat as some of those early easy licenses failed to become profitable and have since expired, including one cultivation project that was projected to be the largest in the state.