Thompson names Santana 2026 Lake County Climate Crisis Champion

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Rep. Mike Thompson has named a tribal wildlife expert as his 2026 Lake County Climate Crisis Champion. 

On Saturday, Thompson presented the award to Luis Santana, director of the Robinson Rancheria Fish and Wildlife Department.

Each year, Rep. Thompson (CA-04) recognizes community members across California’s Fourth Congressional District to honor for their outstanding efforts to address our ongoing climate crisis.

“Mr. Santana is the definition of a climate champion,” said Thompson. “In his role as Fish and Wildlife Director of Robinson Rancheria Danoxa Fish and Wildlife Department, Mr. Santana has secured millions of dollars of funding and thousands of hours in human resources to ensure that Lake County remains sustainable and healthy. He’s successfully integrated traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches and works with everyone from tribal partners and property owners to government agencies and academic institutions to help protect our environment. I am honored to name Luis Santana a Climate Crisis Champion.”

Rep. Thompson’s office said he was honored to award this year’s Climate Crisis Champions across each of the five counties in the 4th District: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo. 

Champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat our continuing climate crisis and protect our environment at home in our communities. 

Through their advocacy, Climate Crisis Champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all, Thompson’s office said.

In addition to Santana, Thompson’s 2026 Climate Crisis Champions include:

• Christina Benz – Napa County Climate Crisis Champion;
• Sean McNamara – Solano County Climate Crisis Champion;
• Richard Dale – Sonoma County Climate Crisis Champion; 
• Dr. Ruihong Zhang – Yolo County Climate Crisis Champion. 

This year’s venue, Crocker & Starr, is an industry leader in environmental awareness and winery sustainability. 

Being a Napa Certified Green Winery is at the core of Crocker & Starr as they have always strived to be good stewards of the land, Thompson’s office reported.

Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.