News 11/30/12

COUNTERFEIT TWENTY DOLLAR BILLS JH 11/30/12

COUNTERFEIT TWENTY DOLLAR BILLS ARE MAKING THEIR ROUNDS IN FORT BRAGG.

TWO SEPARATE REPORTS HAVE COME IN TO FORT BRAGG POLICE THIS WEEK OF THE FAKE BILLS WITH THE SAME SERIAL NUMBER. ACCORDING TO POLICE, THE FUNNY MONEY HAD NO WATERMARKS OR HOLOGRAMS THAT ARE PRESENT ON AUTHENTIC TWENTY DOLLAR BILLS. THEY ALSO TESTED FAKE WHEN MARKED WITH A COUNTERFEIT-TESTING PEN. MERCHANTS ARE ADVISED TO BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL WHEN TAKING IN $20 BILLS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. IF ANY FAKES ARE LOCATED, PLEASE CONTACT THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE PERSON OR PERSONS WHO MAY BE PASSING THE COUNTERFEIT BILLS IS URGED TO CONTACT THE CRIME TIP HOTLINE AT 961-3049.

MAN HITS POLICE OFFICER WITH DIRT BIKE JH 11/30/12

A MAN WAS ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY HITTING A CLEARLAKE POLICE OFFICER WITH HIS DIRT BIKE.

OFFICER TRAVIS LENZ WAS CONDUCTING AN UNRELATED INVESTIGATION AT GALAXY RESORT ON OLD HIGHWAY 53 WHEN 21-YEAR-OLD JOSEPH MAGGIO OF CLEARLAKE APPROACHED HIM, RIDING AN OFF-ROAD DIRT BIKE ON THE RESORTS PRIVATE DRIVEWAY. LENZ STARTED TO APPROACH MAGGIO, WHO SLOWED DOWN UNTIL HE WAS JUST FEET AWAY FROM THE OFFICER, AND THEN ACCELERATED TOWARD LENZ, HITTING HIS RIGHT LEG. LENZ WAS ABLE TO GRAB MAGGIO AND PULL HIM OFF THE BIKE AND TAKE HIM INTO CUSTODY. A SEARCH OF MAGGIO REVEALED METHAMPHETAMINE, AND MAGGIO WAS BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

POLICE SEARCH FOR SUSPECT WHO FLED SCENE JH 11/30/12

ONE SUSPECT HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY, AND A SECOND IS STILL SOUGHT, IN CONNECTION WITH A LATE NIGHT PROWLING CASE AT A CLEARLAKE MARKET.

JUST AFTER 10:30 WEDNESDAY NIGHT, TWO SUSPICIOUS PEOPLE WERE REPORTED AT THE J&L MARKET ON OLD HIGHWAY 53, ONE WAS SEEN ON THE ROOF. WHEN POLICE ARRIVED, THE SUSPECTS WERE GONE, BUT OFFICERS FOLLOWED SHOE PRINTS ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND INTO THE WOODS, WHERE THEY FOUND AND ARRESTED AN INTOXICATED 34 YEAR OLD WESLEY DANIEL SPARKS OF KELSEYVILLE. THE SECOND SUSPECT WAS NOT LOCATED, AND AUTHORITIES ARE ASKING FOR THE COMMUNITIES HELP IN IDENTIFYING THE INDIVIDUAL. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IN REGARD TO THIS INCIDENT IS ASKED TO CONTACT OFFICER THOMPSON AT 994-8251. CALLERS MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

FREE SANDBAGS JH 11/30/12

FREE SANDBAGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING FLOODING.

THE CITY OF WILLITS HAS SET UP A VOLUNTARY SANDBAG STATION AT CITY HALL ON EAST COMMERCIAL STREET. THE SELF-SERVE STATION FOR CITY RESIDENTS IS IN THE PARKING LOT EAST OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. THERE IS A LIMIT OF 24 SANDBAGS PER HOUSEHOLD.

ALL FRIEDMANS HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES HAVE LAUNCHED A FREE SANDBAG FLOOD ALERT PROGRAM. CUSTOMERS CAN RECEIVE 20 FREE SANDBAGS AND SAND, AVAILABLE IN THE PARKING LOTS AND READY FOR ANY RESIDENTS WHO MIGHT NEED THEM.

PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS TO DISAPPEAR JH 11/30/12

THE FIRST STEP TOWARD ELIMINATING PLASTIC SHOPPING BAG LITTER IN MENDOCINO COUNTY WILL HAPPEN IN FORT BRAGG ON DECEMBER 10TH, WHEN SIX LARGE STORES WILL NO LONGER PROVIDE PLASTIC CARRY-OUT BAGS.

STARTING THE 10TH, THE CITY OF FORT BRAGGS CARRYOUT BAG ORDINANCE WILL PROHIBIT SUPERMARKETS AND LARGE DRUG STORES FROM PROVIDING PLASTIC BAGS AT CHECK STANDS, AND WILL REQUIRE A MINIMUM TEN-CENT CHARGE FOR PAPER BAGS. ONLY CARRYOUT BAGS ARE AFFECTED. SMALLER BAGS FOR PRODUCE, BREAD, PRESCRIPTIONS AND OTHER ITEMS ARENT RESTRICTED AND MAY STILL BE PLASTIC. FORT BRAGGS ORDINANCE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY ALMOST IDENTICAL ORDINANCES IN UKIAH AND THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY OF MENDOCINO THAT BOTH TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 7, FOR SUPERMARKETS AND DRUG STORES ONLY, WITH OTHER STORES TO FOLLOW IN A YEAR.

ROAD WORK IN MENDO COUNTY JH 11/30/12

ROAD WORK MAY CAUSE DELAYS TODAY

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 101 FROM RYAN CREEK ROAD TO BIG TRAILS DRIVE TODAY. WORK WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT. MOTORISTS SHOULD ANTICIPATE 10-MINUTE DELAYS.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN OF VINEYARD WORKERS JH 11/30/12

THE CALIFORNIA WINE GRAPE GROWERS FOUNDATION IS OFFERING UP TO SIX SCHOLARSHIPS TO CHILDREN OF VINEYARD WORKERS.

UP TO TWO SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE AWARDED TO 2013 GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, PROVIDING $2,000 A YEAR FOR FOUR YEARS AT ANY CAMPUS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA OR CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM. ANOTHER FOUR SCHOLARSHIPS WILL PROVIDE $1,000 A YEAR FOR TWO YEARS AT ANY CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE. ONLY CHILDREN OF VINEYARD WORKERS EMPLOYED IN THE 2012 OR 2013 WINE GRAPE GROWING SEASON ARE ELIGIBLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE CALIFORNIA WINE GRAPE GROWERS FOUNDATION WEB SITE. A LINK TO THE SITE IS POSTED ON THE K-WINE NEWS FACEBOOK PAGE.

FOOD BANK DRIVE MAKING PROGRESS JH 11/30/12

THE UKIAH FOOD BANK DRIVE IS MAKING PROGRESS, BUT MORE DONATIONS ARE NEEDED TO HELP FEED THOSE IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

THE DRIVE HAS RAISED JUST OVER $25,000 SO FAR, HOWEVER THIS YEARS GOAL IS $85,000. TO MAKE A DONATION, YOU CAN WRITE A CHECK TO THE UKIAH COMMUNITY CENTER FOOD BANK, AND MAIL IT TO 888 NORTH STATE STREET IN UKIAH.

ANIMAL FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED JH 11/30/12

THIS TIME OF YEAR IS A TIME TO GIVE, AND FOR ANIMAL LOVERS, IT IS A GOOD TIME TO THINK ABOUT THE NEEDS OF ABANDONED ANIMALS AT THE LOCAL SHELTER.

WHILE PUBLIC FUNDS AND GENEROUS DONATIONS FROM FOOD COMPANIES AND LOCAL BUSINESSES HELP KEEP THE UKIAH ANIMAL SHELTER FULLY SUPPLIED WITH DRY DOG AND CAT FOOD, CANNED FOODS FOR ANIMALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY. ACCORDING TO SHELTER OFFICIALS, IF YOU DONATE CANNED FOOD FOR THESE SPECIAL ANIMALS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO DONATE THE RIGHT KIND OF FOOD. THE LABEL SHOULD LIST MEAT, POULTRY OR FISH AS THE FIRST INGREDIENT TO PROVIDE THE PROPER LEVEL OF PROTEIN, AND THERE SHOULD BE NO CORN AT ALL IN THE FOOD. TO GIVE, CANNED FOOD CAN BE DROPPED OFF IN A BIN AT RAINBOW AG IN UKIAH OR AT THE SHELTER ON PLANT ROAD.

Playlist 11/29/12

ALEX CLARE-TOO CLOSE

CHRIS BROWN-DON’T WAKE ME UP

KE$HA-DIE YOUNG

MAROON 5-ONE MORE NIGHT

NE-YO-LET ME LOVE YOU (UNTIL YOU LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF)

RIHANNA-DIAMONDS

BRIDGIT MENDLER-READY OR NOT

BRUNO MARS-LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN

ED SHEERAN-THE A TEAM

ELLIE GOULDING-ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN

FLO RIDA-I CRY

JUSTIN BIEBER W/NICKI MINAJ-BEAUTY AND THE BEAT

LUMINEERS (THE)-HO HEY

NICKI MINAJ-VA VA VOOM

ONEREPUBLIC-FEEL AGAIN

PHILLIP PHILLIPS-HOME

PINK-TRY

PITBULL W/TJR-DON’T STOP THE PARTY

SCRIPT (THE) W/WILL.I.AM-HALL OF FAME

SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA W/JOHN MARTIN-DON’T YOU WORRY CHILD

ALICIA KEYS-GIRL ON FIRE

CHER LLOYD W/BECKY G-OATH

CHRIS WALLACE-REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND)

IMAGINE DRAGONS-IT’S TIME

KELLY CLARKSON-CATCH MY BREATH

MEGAN & LIZ-BAD FOR ME

CALVIN HARRIS W/FLORENCE WELCH-SWEET NOTHING

CARLY RAE JEPSEN-THIS KISS

CONOR MAYNARD W/NE-YO-TURN AROUND

LUDACRIS W/USHER & DAVID GUETTA-REST OF MY LIFE

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/WANZ-THRIFT SHOP

MIQUEL-ADORN

READY SET (THE)-GIVE ME YOUR HAND (BEST SONG EVER)

WANTED (THE)-I FOUND YOU

News 11/29/12

SEARCH WARRANT LEADS TO DRUG ARRESTS JH 11/29/12

A SEARCH WARRANT IN UKIAH REGARDING AN ARSON INVESTIGATION LEADS TO DRUG ARRESTS.

SHERIFFS DEPUTIES SERVED THE WARRANT AT AN APARTMENT IN THE 21OO BLOCK OF SOUTH STATE STREET TUESDAY MORNING, WHERE THEY FOUND THAT ALL THREE ADULTS AT THE RESIDENCE WERE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. DETECTIVES ALSO FOUND APPROXIMATELY ONE GRAM OF METHAMPHETAMINE. 23 YEAR OLD WILLIAM McNIEL, 31 YEAR OLD TIFFANY HOBBS, AND 25 YEAR OLD JOSE JESUS TAPIA RODRIQUEZ WERE ALL BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL. FIVE CHILDREN, RANGING IN AGE FROM 6 MONTHS TO 4 YEARS, WERE REMOVED BY CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES.

UKIAH FIRE DEPARTMENT VEHICLE DAMAGED JH 11/29/12

A PICKUP TRUCK BELONGING TO THE UKIAH FIRE DEPARTMENT AND DRIVEN BY FIRE CHIEF KIRK THOMPSON WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED, BUT BOTH THOMPSON AND THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WERE ALL RIGHT, WITH NO SERIOUS INJURIES REPORTED.

REDWOOD VALLEY FIRE VICTIM DIED OF BURNS JH 11/29/12

THE CORONERS OFFICE ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT THE DEATH OF A MAN IN A HOUSE FIRE IN OCTOBER, WAS ACCIDENTAL.

66-YEAR-OLD COURTNEY COLLINS, WHO WAS FOUND IN THE RUBBLE OF A HOME ON RADICAL RIDGE ROAD, WAS FOUND TO HAVE DIED FROM FOURTH DEGREE THERMAL BURNS. NO FOUL PLAY APPEARS TO BE INVOLVED.

BOONVILLE BAR OWNER FACING CHARGES JH 11/29/12

THE OWNER OF THE BOONVILLE SALOON IN ANDERSON VALLEY WAS ARRESTED AT HER BAR ON ALCOHOL RELATED CHARGES.

SHERIFFS DEPUTIES, WHILE RESPONDING TO ANOTHER CALL IN THE BOONVILLE AREA, NOTICED SEVERAL VEHICLES OUTSIDE THE BAR AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE PEOPLE STILL IN THE BAR AFTER CLOSING ON WEDNESDAY MORNING. THEY RETURNED A SHORT TIME LATER AND OBSERVED FIVE PEOPLE STILL INSIDE DANCING AND DRINKING WITH THE FRONT DOORS LOCKED. DEPUTIES WATCHED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AS THE BAR OWNER POURED DRINKS. AS ONE MALE SUBJECT LEFT THE BAR, 30 YEAR OLD JARED TITUS, DEPUTIES NOTICED HE WAS TOO DRUNK TO CARE FOR HIMSELF AND ARRESTED HIM FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION. DEPUTIES THAN ENTERED THE BAR AND CONTACTED THE OTHER SUBJECTS, INCLUDING BAR OWNER 47 YEAR OLD MARCIA MARTINEZ. SHE TOO WAS VERY INTOXICATED AND ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION. THE REMAINING THREE SUBJECTS WERE LATER RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGES. DEPUTIES ALSO CHECKED THE BARS LIQUOR LICENSE AND FOUND IT WAS EXPIRED. MARTINEZ AND TITUS WERE BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

BICYCLIST ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES JH 11/29/12

FORT BRAGG POLICE ARRESTED A BICYCLIST ON DRUG CHARGES.

AN OFFICER NOTICED A MAN RIDING ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD AT 11:20 PM TUESDAY NIGHT WITHOUT THE PROPER LIGHTING, AND MADE AN ENFORCEMENT STOP. 50-YEAR-OLD CURTIS ALAN WELLBAUM WAS FOUND TO BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. A SEARCH OF HIM REVEALED A GLASS PIPE WITH METHAMPHETAMINE IN IT, AND WELLBAUM WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

KELSEYVILLE MAN PLEADS NO CONTEST JH 11/29/12

CHARLANE HILLS FAMILY WILL FINALLY GET SOME CLOSURE, THREE YEARS AFTER SHE WAS KILLED IN A CAR CRASH.

ALEJANDRO AURELIO ARIAS, THE KELSEYVILLE MAN WHO WAS CHARGED WITH CAUSING THE FATAL CRASH THAT TOOK HILLS LIFE, PLEADED NO CONTEST WEDNESDAY TO SECOND DEGREE MURDER. THE REMAINING CHARGES AGAINST ARIAS WILL BE DISMISSED AS PART OF THE PLEA AGREEMENT. HILLS FAMILY HAS BEEN WAITING UNTIL THE TRIAL ENDED TO SCATTER HER ASHES IN THE OCEAN IN FORT BRAGG, WHICH THEY NOW PLAN TO DO IN FEBRUARY. ARIAS NOW FACES 15 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON. THE SENTENCING HEARING IS SET FOR JANUARY 15.

NAVARRO TRIAL BUMPED TO APRIL 2013 JH 11/29/12

THE MARIN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT HAS RESCHEDULED THE TRIAL OF A LAKE COUNTY MAN ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING A TEEN.

THE TRIAL OF 40-YEAR-OLD DERIK NAVARRO, WAS MOVED TO MARIN COUNTY DUE TO A CHANGE OF VENUE GRANTED LAST YEAR. NAVARRO IS CHARGED WITH 16 COUNTS FOR ALLEGEDLY BEING SEXUALLY INVOLVED WITH A TEEN FOR A YEAR, BEGINNING WHEN SHE WAS 14 YEARS OLD, AND WHILE HE WAS A LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTY. THE TRIAL WAS SET TO START LAST MONTH, BUT HAS BEEN BUMPED TO APRIL 8TH 2013.

CITY OF UKIAH CONSIDERS HIGHER WATER CONNECTION FEE JH 11/29/12

THE CITY OF UKIAH COULD CHARGE CUSTOMERS $12,481 TO CONNECT TO THE CITY WATER SUPPLY, AN AMOUNT 12 TIMES GREATER THAN THE CURRENT FEE.

THE CITY CAME UP WITH THIS NUMBER AFTER A REPORT BY CONSULTANTS HF&H REPORTED THE VALUE OF THE WATER SYSTEM FACILITIES IS $77.4 MILLION WITH CURRENT SYSTEM CAPACITY EQUAL TO 6,205 METER UNITS PER DAY. DIVIDE THE $77.4 MILLION BY THE CAPACITY AND YOU GET THEN INCREDIBLY HIGH POSSIBLE NEW RATE. CITY OFFICIALS HAVE SAID THEY DO NOT WANT TO CHARGE THAT MUCH, BUT THIS GIVES THEM LEGAL AUTHORITY TO INCREASE RATES TO A REASONABLE AMOUNT. THE FEE HAS NOT BEEN CHANGES SINCE 1983 AND NEEDS TO INCREASE TO AT LEAST BE CONSISTENT WITH NEIGHBORING AREAS, WHICH RANGE FROM $3,000 TO JUST OVER $5,600.

CASA PROGRAM RECEIVES $5,000 JH 11/29/12

THE CASA OF MENDOCINO AND LAKE COUNTIES PROGRAM HAS ONCE AGAIN RECEIVED $5,000 FROM THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE FUNDS WILL BE USED TO EXPAND VOLUNTEER BASED ADVOCACY SERVICES FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN IN LAKE COUNTY. THERE ARE CURRENTLY MORE THAN 300 OPEN CASES OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR DELINQUENCY IN MENDOCINO AND LAKE COUNTIES, AND THE NEED FOR ADVOCATES IS GREAT. THE CASA PROGRAM HAS PROVIDED THESE SERVICES IN MENDOCINO COUNTY SINCE 1994 AND IN LAKE COUNTY SINCE 2010. ALSO, CASA IS ACCEPTING VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS FOR ITS NEXT TRAINING THAT BEGINS IN JANUARY.

News 11/28/12

BODY ON MORGAN VALLEY ROAD JH 11/28/12

THE DEATH OF A LOWER LAKE MAN WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND LAST WEEK REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

THE BODY OF 52 YEAR OLD MARK JOHNSON WAS FOUND ON THE 23000 BLOCK OF MORGAN VALLEY ROAD, NEAR ROCKY CREEK ROAD, AFTER AUTHORITIES RECEIVED A REPORT OF AN UNRESPONSIVE MALE. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, JOHNSON WAS FOUND ON THE GROUND NEXT TO HIS TRUCK. THE CAUSE OF DEATH IS PENDING AN AUTOPSY THAT IS SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION REGARDING JOHNSONS DEATH IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE SHERIFFS INVESTIGATIONS UNIT AT 262-4200.

LAKEPORT MAN ARRESTED IN UKIAH ON DRUG CHARGES JH 11/28/12

A TRAFFIC STOP IN UKIAH LED TO THE ARREST OF A LAKEPORT MAN ON DRUG CHARGES.

38-YEAR-OLD MATHEW LABRASH WAS PULLED OVER FOR DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH EXPIRED REGISTRATION. DURING THE STOP, DEPUTIES NOTICED THE SMELL OF MARIJUANA AND DISCOVERED LABRASH WAS ON PROBATION FOR POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA FOR SALE. A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE REVEALED 2.5 POUNDS OF POT, PARAPHERNALIA, AND A BILLY CLUB TYPE WEAPON. LABRASH WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 20 INJURES TWO JH 11/28/12

A WOMAN HAD TO BE EXTRACTED FROM HER VEHICLE AFTER A COLLISION NEAR THE NICE-LUCERNE CUTOFF YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

59-YEAR-OLD DEBORAH JONAS OF NICE WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON HIGHWAY 20 WHEN SHE MADE A RIGHT TURN AND COLLIDED WITH A MINIVAN DRIVEN BY 44 YEAR OLD MARYANNE HANSEN OF UPPER LAKE. ACCORDING TO CHP, JONAS HAD TO BE REMOVED FROM HER VEHICLE BY FIREFIGHTERS BEFORE BEING FLOWN TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WITH MODERATE INJURIES. HANSEN WAS TRANSPORTED TO SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL, ALSO WITH MODERATE INJURIES.

MAN TASED AFTER CONFRONTATION WITH POLICE JH 11/28/12

CLEARLAKE POLICE USED TASERS ON A MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY BRANDISHED KNIVES AT HIS ROOMMATE DURING AN ARGUMENT BEFORE CONFRONTING POLICE.

POLICE MET 42-YEAR-OLD ANDREW ARMIJO ABOUT A BLOCK FROM THE 19TH STREET RESIDENCE WHERE THE ARGUMENT OCCURRED. ARMIJO TOLD POLICE HE ESCAPED OUT A WINDOW AFTER 35 YEAR OLD ROBERT GRANT PULLED TWO KNIVES ON HIM WHILE ARGUING. ACCORDING TO POLICE, WHEN THEY ARRIVED, GRANT SLAMMED THE DOOR IN THEIR FACES WHILE YELLING OBSCENITIES AT THEM. POLICE ALLEGEDLY FORCED ENTRY, AT WHICH POINT GRANT FLED OUT A WINDOW INTO THE BACKYARD WHERE HE WAS AGAIN CONFRONTED BY OFFICERS. GRANT HAD A 13-INCH BRASS KNUCKLE KNIFE AND A MEAT CLEVER IN HIS HANDS AND TOOK A FIGHTING STANCE, WHILE REFUSING TO COMPLY WITH POLICE. TWO OFFICERS THEN TASED GRANT CAUSING HIM TO DROP THE WEAPONS. HE WAS BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

MAN FLEES AFTER ROLLING VEHICLE JH 1/28/12

AN UNKNOWN MAN DRIVING A GREEN JEEP CHEROKEE HIT A POTHOLE AND FLIPPED THE VEHICLE NEAR THE ELKS LODGE ON LAKESHORE BOULEVARD LAST NIGHT.

ACCORDING TO CHP, THE DRIVER ALLEGEDLY KICKED THE DOOR OPEN AND FLED TOWARDS THE ELKS LODGE. AUTHORITIES ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING THE DRIVER. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ARE SUSPECTED TO BE INVOLVED.

PRELIMINARY HEARING FOR LAKEPORT CITY EMBEZZLER JH 11/28/12

A FORMER LAKEPORT CITY UTILITIES SUPERINTENDENT CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLING AND MISAPPROPRIATING PUBLIC FUNDS APPEARED IN COURT YESTERDAY MORNING.

36 YEAR OLD MATHEW ALLEN JOHNSON WAS IN COURT TO SCHEDULE THE PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION, A HEARING DURING WHICH THE JUDGE WILL DETERMINE IF THERE IS ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO REQUIRE A TRIAL. JOHNSON PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO 14 FELONIES STEMMING FROM ALLEGEDLY MISUSING HIS CITY CREDIT CARD OVER A 13-MONTH PERIOD THAT BEGAN IN 2011. THE HEARING DATE IS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 14 IN LAKE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT.

ROBINSON RANCHERIA TRIBAL CHAIR ARRAIGNED JH 11/28/12

THE ROBINSON RANCHERIA POMO INDIANS TRIBAL CHAIR, WHO IS CHARGED WITH A FELONY COUNT OF GRAND THEFT, PLEADED NOT GUILTY DURING YESTERDAY MORNINGS ARRAIGNMENT HEARING.

51-YEAR-OLD TRACEY AVILA IS ACCUSED OF STEALING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FROM THE ELEM INDIAN COLONY AND THE US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WHILE SERVING AS THE TRIBES FISCAL OFFICER FROM FEBRUARY 2006 TO SEPTEMBER 2008. THE TRIAL IS SCHEDULED TO START FEBRUARY 27.

HOLIDAY TROLLEY JH 11/28/12

FOR 15 YEARS, THE MENDOCINO TRANSIT AUTHORITY HAS OFFERED ITS HOLIDAY TROLLEY AS A FREE SERVICE FOR SHOPPERS TO HELP CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

THE TROLLEY WILL BEGIN ITS ANNUAL RUN THIS SATURDAY AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MONDAY DECEMBER 24. THE TROLLEY, DECORATED WITH TWINKLING LIGHTS AND FESTIVE GREENERY, IS ONCE AGAIN FREE FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY TO ENJOY A RIDE AROUND TOWN TO SHOP OR SIMPLY JUST ENJOY THE FUN. SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE AT BUSINESSES AROUND UKIAH. THE TROLLEY IS PRESENTED BY THE UKIAH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE UKIAH MAIN STREET PROGRAM AND MTA, AND WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IF IT WASNT FOR THE LONG LIST OF LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT SPONSOR IT EACH YEAR.

News 11/27/12

MEDICAL MARIJUANA JH 11/27/12

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF TOM ALLMAN CONFIRMS THE SUBPOENA THE COUNTY RECEIVED IN LATE OCTOBER FROM THE US ATTORNEYS OFFICE FOR RECORDS THE COUNTY KEEPS REGARDING ITS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE.

WHILE ALLMAN HAS SAID IT IS NOT CLEAR TO HIM WHY FEDERAL AUTHORITIES WANT THE RECORDS FROM A NOW-CANCELLED PERMITTING PROGRAM FOR COLLECTIVES TO GROW UP TO 99 MEDICAL MARIJUANA PLANTS, HE NOTED THAT APPLICANTS HAD TO SIGN A WAIVER ACKNOWLEDGING THE FACT THAT THE PERMIT COMPLIED WITH STATE LAW, BUT PROVIDED NO IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION FROM FEDERAL LAW. THE PERMITTING PROGRAM ENDED IN MARCH AND REVERTED TO THE STATES 25-PLANT LIMIT FOR ALL GROWERS AFTER THE US ATTORNEYS OFFICE THREATENED TO FILE AN INJUNCTION AGAINST THE COUNTYS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE AND SEEK LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ALL COUNTY OFFICIALS WHO SUPPORTED IT. ACCORDING TO ALLMAN, UNTIL WE GET TO A POINT WHERE THE LAWS ARE BLACK AND WHITE, WERE GOING TO CONTINUE TO HAVE A LOT OF MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT WHAT VOTERS INTENT WAS IN THE PASSAGE OF PROPOSITION 215, THE COMPASSIONATE USE ACT OF 1996.

TWO MEN KILLED IN CRASH LAST WEDNESDAYIDENTIFIED JH 11/27/12

THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL HAS RELEASED THE IDENTITIES OF THE TWO MEN WHO DIED LAST WEEK IN A COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 20 IN FRONT OF THE MOOSE LODGE.

58 YEAR OLD DENNIS GILK WAS DRIVING WITH HIS PASSENGER 54 YEAR OLD ZEMMIE CEDRIC POTTER, BOTH OF CLEARLAKE OAKS. BOTH MEN DIED WHEN HEADED EASTBOUND ON 20 WHEN GILK ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINES AND INTO THE PATH OF ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 36 YEAR OLD SCOTT FLORA OF UKIAH. FLORA WAS FLOWN TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WHILE HIS 12 YEAR OLD PASSENGER, EMMA STEELE-HUNT OF SANTA ROSA WAS FLOWN TO UC DAVIS MEDICAL CENTER. A THIRD PASSENGER, 30 YEAR OLD ZACHARY ROES OF SANTA ROSA, HAD MINOR INJURIES AND WAS RELEASED AT THE SCENE. AS OFF YESTERDAY, FLORA REMAINED IN CRITICAL CONDITION. CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

PEDESTRIAN HIT ON OLYMPIC DRIVE JH 11/27/12

A CLEARLAKE WOMAN WAS INJURED SUNDAY EVENING WHEN SHE WAS HIT BY A VEHICLE WHILE CROSSING OLYMPIC DRIVE.

48 YEAR OLD AMBER BYRNE SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES AND WAS AIR LIFTED TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 41 YEAR OLD WENDY NEWSOME OF CLEARLAKE. NEWSOME AND PASSENGERS WERE UNINJURED. THE COLLISION IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE WITNESSED THE COLLISION IS URGED TO CONTACT OFFICER MIKE CARPENTER AT 994-8251.

ATTEMPTED MURDER TRIAL FOR TEEN STABBING JH 11/27/12

THE THREE MEN ACCUSED IN THE STABBING OF A UKIAH TEEN ARE DUE IN COURT THIS WEEK.

JAIME ZAMBRANO, MARCOS VASQUEZ AND JORGE ALVERADO ARE THE ACCUSED IN THE ALLEGEDLY GANG RELATED INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED SEPTEMBER 20 IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AROUND VINEWOOD PARK IN UKIAH. THE 16 YEAR OLD VICTIM WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND IN INTENSIVE CARE FOR A WEEK BEFORE STABALIZING. THE THREE SUSPECTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR A FRIDAY MORNING PRELIMINARY HEARING.

ATTEMPTED MURDER TRIAL STARTS JH 1/27/12

THE ATTEMPTED MURDER TRIAL OF RICHARD PERVIER AND JOSHUA STREDWICK, BOTH OF UKIAH, IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK.

THE TWO ARE CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH A SEPTEMBER STABBING AT DENNYS IN UKIAH THAT LEFT THREE WILLITS RESIDENTS INJURED. PERVIER IS DUE IN COURT TODAY TO CONFIRM OR RESCHEDULE HIS PRELIMINARY HEARING SET FOR DECEMBER 4TH. STREDWICK IS DUE IN COURT FRIDAY FOR ARRAIGNMENT, WHERE HE WILL BE INFORMED OF THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM.

HIGHLAND SPRINGS REC AREA SEASONAL RESTRICTIONS JH 11/27/12

THE LAKE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES ANNOUNCED THE CLOSURE OF ALL OFF-ROAD TRAILS IN THE HIGHLAND SPRINGS RECREATION AREA TO BICYCLES AND HORSES.

THIS IS DONE EACH YEAR TO PREVENT TRAIL DETERIORATION AND SOIL EROSION DURING THE RAINY MONTHS. WHILE CLOSED TO BIKES AND HORSES, THE TRAILS REMAIN OPEN TO HIKERS. BICYCLISTS AND EQUESTRIANS ARE ALLOWED TO USE THE MAIN ROADS WITHIN THE PARK.

FLOOD WATCH JH 11/27/12

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ISSUED A FLOOD WATCH YESTERDAY.

THE FLOOD WATCH IS EFFECTIVE FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE SATURDAY NIGHT FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA INCLUDING LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTIES. THE FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. WITH MORE THAN SEVEN INCHES OF RAIN FORECAST FOR THE FOUR DAY PERIOD, THERE IS HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF URBAN AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF DEBRIS FLOWS, ESPECIALLY NEAR AREAS BURNED IN RECENT FOREST FIRES. RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO BE INFORMED, ALERT AND PREPARED.

ROAD WORK IN MENDO COUNTY JH 11/27/12

THERE ARE A FEW LOCATIONS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY WHERE PROJECTS MAY EFFECT TRAFFIC THIS WEEK.

PG&E WILL BE PERFORMING WORK ON HIGHWAY 253 NEAR THE ANDERSON CREEK BRIDGE BEGINNING TODAY. THE WORK WILL BE DONE FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM WEEKDAYS. ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT, AND MOTORISTS SHOULD ANTICIPATE 5 MINUTE DELAYS.

PG&E WILL ALSO PERFORM UTILITY WORK ON HIGHWAY 1 JUST NORTH OF FISH ROCK ROAD ON WEDNESDAY FROM 9 AM TO 4:30 PM. ONE TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT. MOTORISTS SHOULD ANTICIPATE 5 MINUTE DELAYS AT THIS LOCATION AS WELL.

ALSO, STORM DRAIN CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON NORTH ORCHARD AVENUE IN UKIAH TODAY. WORK WILL BE DONE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM, AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUT DURING WORKING HOURS AS TRAFFIC DELAYS ARE POSSIBLE.

RABIES VACCINE CLINIC JH 11/27/12

MENDOCINO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND ANIMAL CARE SERVICES HAVE ANNOUNCED THEIR SEMI-ANNUAL RABIES VACCINE CLINIC.

THE CLINIC WILL BE TOMORROW FROM 4:30 TO 6:30 PM AT ANIMAL CARE SERVICES ON PLANT ROAD WITH RABIES VACCINES OFFERED FOR $6.00. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO LICENSE YOUR DOG UNDER THE AMNESTY PROGRAM. NO APPOINTMENT IS NEEDED.

News 11/26/12

CRASH INJURES CHILD AND TWO ARE ARRESTED JH 11/26/12

A SINGLE VEHICLE WRECK NEAR LAKEPORT INJURED A YOUNG CHILD AND RESULTED IN THE ARRESTS OF TWO ADULTS IN THE VEHICLE.

24 YEAR OLD ANNETTE McCLOUD WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON SODA BAY ROAD FRIDAY EVENING WHEN SHE ALLOWED HER VEHICLE TO VEER TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. ACCORDING TO CHP, SHE OVERCORRECTED AND VEERED ACROSS THE ROAD COLLIDING WITH A CONCRETE CULVERT. TWO YEAR OLD JOLENE JACK WAS IN THE REAR SEAT UNRESTRAINED AND WAS THROWN TO THE VEHICLES FLOORBOARDS. THE CHILD WAS TRANSPORTED TO SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL WITH MODERATE INJURIES. ANNETTE McCLOUD WAS ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. HER PASSENGER, 42 YEAR OLD TESSA McCLOUD WAS ARRESTED FOR AN OUTSTANDING WARRANT RELATING TO PUBLIC INTOXICATION.

CRASH AT INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR JH 11/26/12

AN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING CRASH AT INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR SENT TWO TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE DRIVER WAS ARRESTED FOR DUI.

35-YEAR-OLD THOMAS RORES WAS DRIVING ON A DRY PORTION OF THE LAKE BED WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO OVERTURN, ACCORDING TO CHP. RORES WAS TRANSPORTED TO SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL WITH MODERATE INJURIES, BEFORE BEING ARRESTED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. A PASSENGER, 38 YEAR OLD BRIAN SPERLE WAS FLOWN TO ENLOE MEDICAL CENTER IN CHICO WITH A BROKEN VERTEBRAE IN HIS NECK AND TWO OTHER PASSENGERS WERE UNINJURED.

STOLEN ALCOHOL FOR TEEN PARTY JH 11/26/12

POLICE LOCATED THE SUSPECT WHO STOLE ALCOHOL FROM THE FORT BRAGG SAFEWAY AND ALLEGEDLY SHARED IT WITH TEENAGERS AT A PARTY.

18-YEAR-OLD NATHANIEL SCOTT CHIM WAS LOCATED ON FRANKLIN STREET EARLY ON THE 21ST. HE WAS ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR.

MISSING CLEARLAKE GIRLS FOUND SAFE IN OREGON JH 11/26/12

TWO TEENAGE GIRLS FROM LAKE COUNTY WHO WERE REPORTED MISSING SINCE NOVEMBER 17 HAVE BEEN LOCATED IN EUGENE, OREGON.

THE TWO 15 YEAR OLD FRIENDS, SARA BECK OF CLEARLAKE AND LACY ELWOOD OF CLEARLAKE OAKS, TOLD FAMILY THEY WERE GOING TO TACO BELL AND THEN TO FRIENDS HOUSE. INSTEAD THEY HITCHED A RIDE TO OREGON. ACCORDING TO POLICE, ONE OF THE GIRLS CALLED HOME TO LET HER PARENTS KNOW SHE WAS OK, BUT DID NOT REVEAL THEIR LOCATION. THE PARENTS CALLED POLICE. WHO WERE ABLE TO TRACE THE CALL TO A WOMAN THAT LET THE GIRLS USE HER CELL PHONE. POLICE IN EUGENE OREGON, THEN LOCATED THE GIRLS AND TOOK THEM INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY.

COURT SETS WILLITS BYPASS HEARING DATE JH 11/26/12

A FEDERAL JUDGE HAS SET TWO DATES FOR THE WILLITS BYPASS HEARING THAT SEEKS TO STOP THE HIGHWAY 101 BYPASS AROUND WILLITS AS CURRENTLY DESIGNED.

THE FIRST HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 22 TO ALLOW BOTH SIDES TO SUPPLEMENT THE CURRENT RECORD BEFORE HEADING INTO THE LEGAL SPARRING OVER SUMMARY MOTIONS. THE SECOND DATE IS JUNE 7 FOR THE MAIN HEARING FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT. DURING THIS HEARING THE JUDGE DETERMINES WHETHER HE HAS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO RULE IN FAVOR OF THE PLAINTIFFS OR DEFENDANTS ON EACH COUNT OF THE LAWSUIT. THE HEARING COULD RESOLVE THE SUIT, OR SUBSTANTIALLY NARROW THE ISSUES LEFT FOR RESOLUTION.

BUS SERVICE GETS BOOST FROM CAL TRANS JH 11/26/12

EVENING BUS SERVICE IN UKIAH WILL GET A BOOST IN FUNDING AS PART OF $18 MILLION THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AWARDED TO 105 PUBLIC TRANSIT PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE.

THE PROGRAMS FUNDED ARE DESIGNED TO HELP LOW INCOME PEOPLE AND THOSE WITH DISABILITIES TO ACCESS EMPLOYMENT AND EMPLOYMENT RELATED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS JOB TRAINING AND INTERVIEWS. THE MENDOCINO TRANSIT AUTHORITY WAS AWARDED $174,708 TO HELP CONTINUE THE UKIAH EVENING BUS SERVICE. ALSO BENEFITING FROM NEW FUNDING, THE LAKE TRANSIT AUTHORITY WILL RECEIVE $54,000 TO OPERATE NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRIPS, SENIOR CENTER SHUTTLES AND OTHER PROGRAMS.

EARTHQUAKE AT THE GEYSERS JH 11/26/12

AN EARTHQUAKE SHOOK THE GEYSERS EARLY SATURDAY.

THE QUAKE HIT JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT SATURDAY MORNING, AND WAS CENTERED 1 MILE NORTH EAST OF THE GEYSERS AND 4 MILES WEST OF COBB. ACCORDING TO A PRELIMINARY REPORT FROM THE US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, THE QUAKE REGISTERED A 3.3 MAGNITUDE. NO DAMAGE WAS REPORTED.

ROAD WORK IN MENDO COUNTY 11/26/12

THERE ARE A FEW LOCATIONS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY WHERE PROJECTS MAY EFFECT TRAFFIC THIS WEEK.

STORM DRAIN CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN ON NORTH ORCHARD AVENUE TODAY, AND CONTINUE FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE WEEKS. DURING WORKING HOURS OF 8 AM TO 5 PM, TRAFFIC MAY BE INTERRUPTED OR DELAYED. MOTORISTS SHOULD USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE DURING WORKING HOURS.

PG&E WILL BE PERFORMING WORK ON HIGHWAY 253 NEAR THE ANDERSON CREEK BRIDGE BEGINNING TOMORROW. THE WORK WILL BE DONE FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM WEEKDAYS. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT, AND MOTORISTS SHOULD ANTICIPATE 5-MINUTE DELAYS.

HAZMOBILE COLLECTS OIL LEFT FROM FRIED TURKEYS JH 11/26/12

IF YOUR ONE OF THE MANY FOLKS WHO FRIED YOUR TURKEY THIS YEAR, BUT DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THE LEFT OVER OIL, YOU CAN TAKE IT TO THE HAZMOBILE.

THE HAZMOBILE WILL SEND THE FRYER OIL TO YOKAYO BIOFUELS, OUR LOCAL MANUFACTURER OF BIODIESEL. THE HAZMOBILE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION IS FREE AND OPEN EVERY TUESDAY FROM 8 AM TO 2 PM AT 3200 TAYLOR DRIVE IN UKIAH. AND AT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT MENDOCINO AND LAKE COUNTIES ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS ON A ROTATING SCHEDULE. THE SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT MENDORECYCLE.ORG OR BY CALLING THE RECYCLING HOTLINE AT 468-9704.

News 11/23/12

POINT ARENA BANK ROBBER SENTENCED JH 11/23/12

THE MAN CONVICTED OF ROBBING THE POINT ARENA BANK WAS SENTENCED WEDNESDAY.

55 YEAR OLD FREDERICK JOSEPH ORLANDO, WITH THE HELP OF HIS SON-IN-LAW 40 YEAR OLD RAYMON OJEDA, PULLED A GUN AND THREATENED TELLERS AND CUSTOMERS AT THE POINT ARENA BRANCH OF THE REDWOOD CREDIT UNION IN AUGUST. THEY MADE THEIR ESCAPE WITH STOLEN MONEY, DOWN FISH ROCK ROAD, HOWEVER, AUTHORITIES CAUGHT UP THEM QUICKLY AND TOOK BOTH INTO CUSTODY. ORLANDO HAD PREVIOUSLY SERVED OVER 11 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR FOUR BANK ROBBERIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AS WELL AS THREE OTHER JAIL TERMS FOR OTHER CRIMES. ORLANDO WAS SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR HIS LATEST OFFENSE. HIS ACCOMPLICE, OJEDA, WILL BE SENTENCED ON DECEMBER 28, AND COULD RECEIVE UP TO SIX YEARS IN STATE PRISON.

FATAL CRASH IN FRONT OF MOOSE LODGE ON HIGHWAY 20 JH 11/23/12

TWO CLEARLAKE OAKS MEN WERE KILLED AND THREE OTHERS, INCLUDING A 12 YEAR OLD SANTA ROSA GIRL, WERE INJURED WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN A CRASH OUTSIDE THE MOOSE LODGE ON HIGHWAY 20 AT HIGHWAY 53.

ACCORDING TO CHP, A PICKUP TRUCK DRIVEN BY THE TWO UNIDENTIFIED CLEARLAKE OAKS MEN, AGES 58 AND 54, TURNED IN FRONT OF A TOYOTA LAND CRUISER NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF THE MOOSE LODGE. THE TOYOTA SLAMMED INTO THE TRUCK KILLING BOTH MEN IN IT. THE TOYOTAS DRIVER, 36 YEAR OLD SCOTT FLORA OF UKIAH WAS FLOW TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN CRITICAL CONDITION. 12 YEAR OLD EMMA STEEL-HUNT WAS EJECTED FROM THE TOYOTA AND FLOWN TO UC DAVIS MEDICAL CENTER WITH MODERATE INJURIES. ANOTHER PASSENGER, 30 YEAR OLD ZACHARY ROES SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS RELEASED AT THE SCENE.

GARBAGE RATE INCREASE JH 11/23/12

THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE FIRST RATE INCREASES REQUESTED BY THE CITYS WASTE HAULER SINCE THE NEW GARBAGE CONTRACTS WERE APPROVED LAST YEAR.

THE RATES FOR THE TRANSFER STATION ARE GOING UP ONE HALF OF ONE PERCENT, OR THIRTY-FIVE CENTS A TON. THE CURBSIDE COLLECTION RATE WILL INCREASE BY POINT SEVEN PERCENT, OR THIRTEEN CENTS A MONTH FOR A 32 GALLON CAN.

MENDO COUNTY HOPES TO SWAY CAL FARM BUREAU IN MASONITE SUIT JH 11/23/12

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DIRECTED STAFF TO WRITE A LETTER TO THE CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU AND SEEK ITS SUPPORT IN AN ONGOING LEGAL BATTLE WITH THE MASONITE CORPORATION.

THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STATED THAT THE COUNTY WAS QUITE SURPRISED TO SEE THE FARM BUREAU SUPPORTING MASONITE IN THIS CASE. MASONITE, WHICH STILL OWNS LAND NORTH OF UKIAH, IS SUING THE COUNTY OF MENDOCINO, THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OVER A 65-ACRE TERRACE MINING OPERATION PROPOSED ON KUNZLER RANCH ROAD, ADJACENT TO THE MASONITE LAND. MASONITE CLAIMS THE COUNTY WRONGLY APPROVED THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE OPERATION AND IS APPEALING THE DECISION. ACCORDING TO COUNTY OFFICIALS, THE LAWSUIT USES IMPROPER GROUNDS AND STOPS A PERFECTLY GOOD PROJECT FROM GOING FORWARD

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE JH 11/23/12

THERE ARE NUMEROUS POSITIONS AVAILABLE ON A VARIETY OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS IN BOTH LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTIES.

THE CITY OF UKIAH HAS A HANDFUL OF VACANCIES, FROM THE AIRPORT COMMISSION TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION. INFORMATION ON THESE POSITIONS IS AVAILABLE ON CITYS WEBSITE OR AT THE CITY CLERKS OFFICE. THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SEEKS TO FILL VACANCIES OR REAPPOINTMENTS ON OVER 35 DIFFERENT BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS FROM ANIMAL CONTROL TO VECTOR CONTROL. INFORMATION ON THESE POSITIONS IS AVAILABLE ON THE COUNTYS WEB SITE AND AT THE CLERK OF BOARDS OFFICE IN LAKEPORT.

ROAD WORK IN UKIAH JH 11/23/12

STORM DRAIN CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN ON NORTH ORCHARD AVENUE ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH AND CONTINUE FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE WEEKS.

WORK WILL BE DONE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM AND TRAFFIC MAY BE INTERRUPTED OR DELAYED. DRIVERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE DURING WORKING HOURS.

HEALTH NETWORK DONATES TO CHARITIES JH 11/23/12

SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL AND SUTTER HEALTH HAVE DONATED $10,000 TO LOCAL CHARITIES THAT FEED THE HUNGRY.

THE HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS DONATED $5,000 TO THE KELSEYVILLE FOOD PANTRY AND $5,000 TO THE HUNGER TASK FORCE OF LAKE COUNTY. THE FUNDS ARE A PORTION OF A $255,000 DONATION BY THE SUTTER HEALTH NETWORK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO 29 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOOD BANKS. THE DONATIONS ARE MADE ON BEHALF OF THE HEALTH CARE NETWORKS 48,000 EMPLOYEES, PHYSICIANS STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS.

FREE PICK UP OF LEAVES JH 11/23/12

FREE PICK-UP OF BAGGED LEAVES IS AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF UKIAH NEXT WEEK.

UKIAHS WASTE SOLUTIONS WILL PICK UP BAGS OF LEAVES PLACED NEAR YOUR GARBAGE CANS ON YOUR REGULAR PICK-UP DAY FROM NOVEMBER 26TH TO 30TH. THEY ASK THAT YOU DO NOT TIE THE BAGS AND DO NOT INCLUDE BRANCHES IN THE BAGS.

Playlist 11/22/12

ALEX CLARE-TOO CLOSE

CHRIS BROWN-DON’T WAKE ME UP

FUN.-SOME NIGHTS

KE$HA-DIE YOUNG

MAROON 5-ONE MORE NIGHT

TAYLOR SWIFT-WE ARE NEVER EVER GETTING BACK TOGETHER

BRUNO MARS-LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN

ED SHEERAN-THE A TEAM

ENRIQUE IGLESIAS W/SAMMY ADAMS-FINALLY FOUND YOU

FLO RIDA-I CRY

LUMINEERS (THE)-HO HEY

NE-YO-LET ME LOVE YOU (UNTIL YOU LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF)

NICKI MINAJ-VA VA VOOM

ONE DIRECTION-LIVE WHILE WE’RE YOUNG

ONEREPUBLIC-FEEL AGAIN

PHILLIP PHILLIPS-HOME

PSY-GANGNUM STYLE

RIHANNA-DIAMONDS

TRAIN-50 WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE

BRIDGIT MENDLER-READY OR NOT

ELLIE GOULDING-ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN

JUSTIN BIEBER W/NICKI MINAJ-BEAUTY AND THE BEAT

PINK-TRY

PITBULL W/TJR-DON’T STOP THE PARTY

RITA ORA W/TINIE TEMPAH-R.I.P.

SCRIPT (THE) W/WILL.I.AM-HALL OF FAME

SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA W/JOHN MARTIN-DON’T YOU WORRY CHILD

ALICIA KEYS-GIRL ON FIRE

CARLY RAE JEPSEN-THIS KISS

CHER LLOYD W/BECKY G-OATH

CHRIS WALLACE-REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND)

IMAGINE DRAGONS-IT’S TIME

KELLY CLARKSON-CATCH MY BREATH

MEGAN & LIZ-BAD FOR ME

MIQUEL-ADORN

READY SET (THE)-GIVE ME YOUR HAND (BEST SONG EVER)

WANTED (THE)-I FOUND YOU

News 11/21/12

FEDS DEMAND MENDO COUNTY POT RECORDS JH 11/21/12

FEDERAL AUTHORITIES HAVE ISSUED A SUBPOENA TO MENDOCINO COUNTY FOR RECORDS REGARDING ITS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE.

THE REASON FOR THE REQUEST IS UNCLEAR AS LOCAL AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS REMAIN QUIET ABOUT THE SUBPOENA. EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE US ATTORNEYS OFFICE THREATENED TO FILE AN INJUNCTION AGAINST THE COUNTYS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE AND SEEK LEGAL ACTION AGAINST COUNTY OFFICIALS WHO SUPPORT IT, IF THE COUNTY DIDNT STOP ISSUING PERMITS FOR GROW OPERATIONS. THE POPULAR PROGRAM HAD BROUGHT IN ABOUT $500,000 FOR ZIP TIES AND PERMITS BEFORE THE PERMIT PORTION OF THE PROGRAM ENDED IN MARCH. THE SHERIFFS OFFICE STILL SELLS ZIP TIES TO IDENTIFY PLANTS ARE GROWN IN COMPLIANCE TO STATE LAW.

FORT BRAGG PULLED INTO LAWSUIT OF MILL SITE CLEANUP JH 11/21/12

THE CITY OF FORT BRAGG HAS BEEN PULLED INTO A COMPLICATED LAWSUIT WITH OFFICE MAX, OVER THE RECOVERY OF COSTS THAT GEORGIA PACIFIC HAS INCURRED AND WILL CONTINUE TO INCUR RELATING TO THE ONGOING CLEAN-UP OF GEORGIA PACIFICS 415 ACRE FORMER TIMBER MILL SITE.

IN LATE SUMMER, THE CITY RECEIVED A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES FROM OFFICE MAX, FORMERLY BOISE CASCADE LLC, THE COMPANY THAT ONCE OWNED THE MILL BEFORE SELLING IT TO GEORGIA PACIFIC IN 1973. THE COMPLAINT ASSERTS THAT THE CITY IS LIABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO AND REIMBURSE OFFICE MAX FOR DAMAGES AND COSTS RELATED TO CLEANUP, BECAUSE THE CITYS CURRENT AND HISTORICAL STORMWATER SYSTEM CONVEYS SIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES OF TOXIC SUBSTANCE ONTO THE GP MILL SITE. THE CITY OF FORT BRAGG IS MOUNTING A DEFENSE TO TRY AND SAVE TAXPAYERS FROM FOOTING ANY PART OF THE BILL FOR THE SITES CLEANUP.

MAN HIT IN HEAD WITH PIPE JH 11/21/12

A CLEARLAKE MAN WAS ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY HITTING A NEIGHBOR IN THE HEAD WITH A PIPE.

54 YEAR OLD RONALD RICHARDSON WENT TO 33 YEAR OLD JERAMY PATTONS MOUNTAIN VIEW STREET HOME SATURDAY EVENING AND CHALLENGED PATTON TO A FIGHT. PATTON ALLEGEDLY CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE WITH A PIPE AND HIT RICHARDSON IN THE HEAD WITH IT, CAUSING MINOR LACERATIONS. PATTON WAS BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

FURNITURE BURNED BEHIND CURRYS IN LAKEPORT JH 11/2/12

PIECES OF TWO BEDS THAT WERE LEANING UP AGAINST A STORAGE BUILDING BEHIND CURRYS FURNITURE IN LAKEPORT CAUGHT FIRE OVERNIGHT MONDAY.

THE ITEMS WERE PLACED IN THE ALLEY LATE MONDAY UNTIL THEY COULD BE TAKEN TO THE DUMP. THE CHARRED REMAINS WERE FOUND WHEN EMPLOYEES ARRIVED TO WORK TUESDAY MORNING. CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNKNOWN, BUT FIRE OFFICIALS SAY IT OBVIOUSLY COULDNT HAPPEN FROM NATURAL CAUSES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT IS URGED TO CONTACT LAKEPORT POLICE AT 263-5491.

HEAD-ON COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 20 JH 11/21/12

TWO PEOPLE WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOLLOWING A HEAD-ON COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 20 NEAR PARADISE COVE.

24-YEAR-OLD CHAZ SMITH OF CLOVERDALE WAS HEADING WESTBOUND, WHEN HE LOST CONTROL WHILE ROUNDING A CURVE. SMITHS VEHICLE SPUN AND CROSSED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, COLLIDING WITH A VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 55-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL NEFF OF IDAHO FALLS. NEFF AND HIS FOUR PASSENGERS WERE UNINJURED. SMITH AND HIS 7 YEAR OLD PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED TO SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL WITH MINOR INJURIES.

MEETINGS FOR PACIFIC COAST BIKE ROUTE STUDY 11/21/12

CAL TRANS AND THE MENDOCINO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS WILL HOLD A SECOND SERIES OF PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR THE PACIFIC COAST BIKE ROUTE AND CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL ENGINEERED FEASIBILITY STUDY.

THE STUDY WILL IDENTIFY GAPS IN BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ALONG ROUTE 1. IT WILL DEVELOP A PLAN FOR PRIORITIZING AND IMPLEMENTING IMPROVEMENTS, AND ESTABLISH REALISTIC COST ESTIMATES FOR THE HIGHEST PRIORITY PROJECTS. THE PUBLIC IS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND ANY OF THE MEETINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN FROM NOVEMBER 28 THROUGH DECEMBER 6 IN GUALALA, POINT ARENA, MENDOCINO AND WESTPORT. SPECIFIC MEETING DATES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS ARE POSTED ON THE K-WINE NEWS FACEBOOK PAGE.

HEAD-ON CRASH CAUSES MAJOR INJURIES TO THREE JH 11/21/12

THREE PEOPLE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION NEAR CLEARLAKE OAKS YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

52 YEAR OLD LESLIE UBOLDI JR OF EUREKA WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON HIGHWAY 20 APPROACHING HIGHWAY 53 AT ABOUT 60 MILES PER HOUR, ACCORDING TO CHP. 80-YEAR-OLD ROBERT ROBERTS OF CLEARLAKE WAS IN THE LEFT TURN LANE TURNING ONTO HIGHWAY 53. UBOLDI FAILED TO SLOW OR STOP AT THE STOP SIGN AND HIT ROBERTS VEHICLE HEAD-ON. ROBERTS PASSENGER, 64 YEAR OLD MARY REAUME WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AND WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE ONTO THE HIGHWAY. UBOLDIS VEHICLE ROLLED OFF THE ROAD. ALL THREE WERE TRANSPORTED TO ST HELENA HOSPITAL CLEAR LAKE WITH MAJOR INJURIES.

ROAD WORK ON ORCHARD AVENUE IN UKIAH JH 11/21/12

STORM DRAIN CONSTRUCTION WORK ON NORTH ORCHARD AVENUE WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH AND CONTINUE FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE WEEKS.

WORK WILL BE DONE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM, AND TRAFFIC MAY BE INTERRUPTED OR DELAYED. DRIVERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO USE ALTERNATE ROUTES DURING WORKING HOURS.

News 11/20/12

7 MENDOCINO RESIDENTS CHARGED IN DRUG RING JH 11/20/12

SEVEN MENDOCINO COAST RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN CHARGED IN A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO $17 MILLION IN ILLEGAL SALES OF HIGH GRADE MARIJUANA AND COCAINE IN KANSAS.

42 YEAR OLD JAMES SODERLING OF FORT BRAGG PLEADED NOT GUILTY YESTERDAY IN KANSAS TO MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES. HE AND SARAH SODERLING WERE ARRESTED IN JULY, AND ARE AMONG 43 DEFENDANTS LISTED IN A 103-COUNT INDICTMENT FILED OCTOBER 31 AS HAVING A ROLE IN DRUG PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND SALES FROM 2005 TO 2012 IN KANSAS, MISSOURI AND CALIFORNIA. THE DEA MADE SEVERAL MORE LOCAL ARRESTS IN THIS CASE ON NOVEMBER 7. JOHN McMILLON AND WIFE ERIN KELLER, HENRY McKUSKER, JEFFERY WALL, AND RICHARD SMITH JR ALL FACE CHARGES THAT CARRY A MINIMUM SENTENCE OF 10 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON AND $10 MILLION IN FINES.

MISSING MOTORCYCLIST TURNS UP SAFE JH 11/20/12

A MISSING MOTORCYCLE RIDER, LOST OVERNIGHT ON COW MOUNTAIN WAS FOUND YESTERDAY MORNING.

32 YEAR OLD MAURICE RUCKER OF SANTA ROSA HAD BEEN RIDING IN THE AREA SUNDAY MORNING WITH FRIENDS. AS THEY WERE LEAVING, RUCKER DECIDED TO TEST A FRIENDS MOTORCYCLE, SAYING IT WOULD BE A SHORT RIDE. BY 1PM, HE HAD NOT RETURNED AND THE FRIENDS CALLED FOR HELP. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SEARCH AND RESCUE VOLUNTEERS SEARCHED THE VAST AREA UNTIL ABOUT 4AM, AND THEN RESUMED AT 8:30 MONDAY MORNING. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, HE WAS LOCATED ABOUT 10 AM, AND TRANSPORTED TO UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER FOR POSSIBLE EXPOSURE PROBLEMS.

LAKEPORT YACHT CLUB FLAGSHIP SINKS JH 11/20/12

THE FLAGSHIP OF THE LAKEPORT YACHT CLUB, A NEARLY 75 YEAR OLD SAILBOAT, HAS SUNK NEAR THE FIFTH STREET LAUNCH RAMP LAST WEEK.

THE 32 FOOT SLOOP KNOWN AS THE EGRET, WAS BUILT IN DENMARK IN 1939. IT CAME TO THE US AFTER WORLD WAR II, SAILING THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL AND UP THE WEST COAST. IT WILL NOW BE CONNECTED TO INFLATABLE TUBES TO RAISE IT FROM THE LAKEBED, BEFORE A CRANE PULLS IT FROM THE WATER. CLUB MEMBERS WILL THEN DECIDE ON WHETHER TO DISMANTLE THE SAIL BOAT OR TRY AND REPAIR IT. THE CAUSE OF ITS SINKING IS UNKNOWN.

WILLITS SCHOOL DISTRICT TRYING TO AVOID ITS OWN FISCAL CLIFF JH 11/20/12

SIMILAR TO THE ENTIRE US ECONOMY, THE WILLITS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS TRYING TO AVOID ITS OWN FISCAL CLIFF.

THE DISTRICT HAS DETERMINED THAT IT CAN AVOID FISCAL INSOLVENCY BY BORROWING MORE IN BONDS TO HELP MAKE THE NEARLY $5 MILLION BALLOON PAYMENT ON AN EARLIER BOND LOAN. THAT PAYMENT, WHICH CAME TO LIGHT RECENTLY, IS DUE IN JULY OF 2014, AND WOULD ALSO REQUIRE THE USE OF AN ESTIMATED $3.7 MILLION IN REMAINING CONSTRUCTION MONIES FROM THE FIRST ROUND OF BOND SALES. THOUGH IT IS THE LIKELY SOLUTION, IT COMES AT A HEFTY PRICE, AS THAT MONEY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE USED TO BUILD SCIENCE BUILDINGS AT WILLITS HIGH SCHOOL AND BAECHTEL CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL. ANOTHER ASPECT OF THE INITIAL BOND ISSUE IS THAT IT INCLUDED $3.787 MILLION OF VERY EXPENSIVE CAPITAL APPRECIATION BONDS. THE PAYMENT OF THAT $3.787 MILLION ALREADY BORROWED WILL COST THE DISTRICT ABOUT $40.5 MILLION BY THE TIME THE BOND IS PAID OFF IN 2041.

WILLITS WATER CONTRACTOR WITHDRAWS BID JH 1/20/12

C.W. ROEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, THE APPARENT LOW BIDDER TO CONSTRUCT UPGRADES TO THE WILLITS WATER TREATMENT PLANT, HAS WITHDRAWN ITS BID.

THE COMPANY, WHOSE ORIGINAL BID WAS $4.547 MILLION, CLAIMS TO HAVE DISCOVERED A $434,000 MATHEMATICAL ERROR, AND REVISED ITS BID TO $4.981 MILLION. WHEN BIDS WERE ORIGINALLY OPENED IN AUGUST, C. OVERAA AND COMPANY WAS THE SECOND LOWEST BIDDER AT $4.898 MILLION, AND THE WILLITS CITY COUNCIL LAST WEEK VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO AWARD THE PROJECT TO THEM. THE PROJECT IS BEING PAID FOR BY $2.8 MILLION IN NO-INTEREST LOANS FROM THE CALIFORNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND AND $3 MILLION IN GRANTS.

CLEAR LAKE HITCH WORKSHOP 11/20/12

WITH THE CLEAR LAKE HITCH PROPOSED FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES LISTINGS AT BOTH THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS, A PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP HAS BEEN SCHEDULED TO EXPLAIN THE PROCESS TO THE COMMUNITY.

THE WORKSHOP WILL CONVEY INFORMATION ABOUT THE HITCH, ITS ECOLOGY, THE LISTING PROCESS AND FOSTER AN OPEN DIALOG TO ADDRESS THE COMMUNITYS CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROCESS. A PANEL OF EXPERTS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. THE FREE WORKSHOP IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 3RD AT 7 PM AT THE LAKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE.

WEATHER MAY IMPAIR DRIVING OVER THE HOLIDAY JH 11/20/12

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS WARNING OF THE POTENTIAL FOR WIND, RAIN AND SNOW IN LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTIES, AS WE APPROACH THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.

A WIND ADVISORY IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT, AND RAIN IS LIKELY INTO WEDNESDAY NIGHT, WITH SNOW IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS. PATCHY FOG IN THE VALLEYS IS EXPECTED TO MOVE IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND REMAIN THROUGH THANKSGIVING DAY, WITH OVERNIGHT TEMPERATURES IN THE 30S. CHP WANTS TO REMIND YOU THAT THIS WEEKEND IS ALSO A MAXIMUM ENFORCEMENT PERIOD, SO DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY AND SAFELY IF YOUR TRAVELING FOR THE HOLIDAY.