News 12/31/12

GRAND THEFT IN FORT BRAGG JH 12/31/12

AN ELDERLY FORT BRAGG WOMAN REPORTED VALUABLE ANTIQUE JEWELRY AND CASH STOLEN FROM HER HOME, POSSIBLY BY HER GRANDSON.

89-YEAR-OLD JOANNE MATSON REPORTED THE THEFT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, AND TOLD POLICE HER GRANDSON, 36-YEAR-OLD GARRETT MATSON, HAD BEEN IN HER HOME SEVERAL TIMES SINCE SHE LAST REMEMBERS SEEING THE MISSING JEWELRY. POLICE LOCATED MATSON, WHO TURNED OUT TO BE ON PROBATION, AT THE PINE BEACH MOTEL AND FOUND SEVERAL OF THE MISSING PIECES OF JEWELRY IN HIS ROOM. MATSON WAS ARRESTED FOR GRAND THEFT AND SEVERAL OTHER CHARGES.

SUSPECT ARRESTED IN ARMED ROBBERIES JH 12/31/12

A WILLITS MAN SUSPECTED OF ROBBING AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE AT GUN POINT IN UKIAH WEDNESDAY, WAS ARRESTED THE FOLLOWING DAY.

21 YEAR OLD ERIC M. PANTINO AND AT LEAST ONE OTHER MAN ALLEGEDLY PULLED A SEMI-AUTOMATIC GUN ON A 19 YEAR OLD RIDING A SKATE BOARD, AND ROBBED HIM OF HIS PHONE, BOARD AND BACKPACK ON MASON STREET IN UKIAH. THEY THEN, ALLEGEDLY ROBBED A 26 YEAR OLD WOMAN NEAR NORTH BUSH AND EMPIRE DRIVE. PANTINO STRUCK THE FEMALE VICTIM IN THE HEAD WITH THE GUN AND TOOK HER PURSE WITH ALL HER WALLET, PHONE AND OTHER BELONGINGS. WHEN PANTINO WAS LOCATED, OFFICERS REPORTEDLY FOUND STOLEN PROPERTY IN HIS VEHICLE, A REPLICA HAND GUN AND METHAMPHETAMINE. PANTINO IS ALSO THE SUSPECT IN ANOTHER ROBBERY THAT OCCURRED NORTH OF WILLITS THAT SAME DAY. HE WAS BOOKED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES. AUTHORITIES CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE AND IDENTIFY THE OTHER SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN THE ROBBERIES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS URGED TO CONTACT THE UKIAH POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 462-6262.

BANK ROBBER ACCOMPLICE SENTENCED JH 12/31/12

THE SON IN LAW OF SERIAL BANK ROBBER FRANK ORLANDO WAS SENTENCED FRIDAY FOR HIS ROLE IN THE AUGUST ROBBERY OF THE REDWOOD CREDIT UNION IN POINT ARENA.

40 YEAR OLD RAYMON OJEDA AND HIS FATHER-IN-LAW TRAVELED FROM OUT OF THE AREA TO ROB THE COASTAL BANK THINKING THERE WOULD BE LITTLE TO NO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FEW CUSTOMERS IN SUCH A RURAL SETTING. THEY WERE ARRESTED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ROBBERY. DEFENSE ATTORNEYS ARGUED THAT OJEDA WAS MANIPULATED BY HIS FATHER-IN-LAW, AN EXPERIENCED BANK ROBBER, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ROBBERY. OJEDA WAS SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON.

SATURDAY FIRE IN LUCERNE JH 12/31/12

A FIRE SATURDAY NIGHT DAMAGED A MOBILE HOME IN LUCERNE.

THE BLAZE WAS REPORTED ON 10TH AVENUE AROUND 6 PM. ACCORDING TO FIREFIGHTERS, THE FIRE STARTED IN THE WATER HEATER AND SPREAD UNDER THE HOME. THE RESIDENTS WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE UNHARMED.

HIGHWAY 162 REPAIRS JH 12/31/12

CAL TRANS ANNOUNCED THAT THE CONTINUED REPAIRS OF HIGHWAY 162 INTO COVELO WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 2 WITH THE ROAD CLOSING FOR 24 HOURS.

THE CLOSURE IS REQUIRED TO LENGTHEN THE CULVERT INSTALLED DURING INITIAL EMERGENCY REPAIRS AND WILL ALLOW THE HIGHWAY TO BE WIDENED TO TWO LANES OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. THE CLOSURE WILL BE FROM 7 PM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, TO 7 PM THURSDAY, JANUARY 3. MOTORISTS SHOULD PLAN TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE DURING THIS TIME PERIOD.

MEN ARRESTED FOR STEALING GAS FROM YARD JH 12/31/12

TWO MEN WERE ARRESTED EARLY THURSDAY MORNING AFTER AUTHORITIES FOUND THEM TAKING GASOLINE FROM THE TRANSPORTATION YARD OF THE LAKEPORT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

30-YEAR-OLD DAVID EDWARD ELLISTON AND 30 YEAR OLD MICHAEL ANTHONY GAMA, BOTH OF NICE, WERE FOUND WHEN A MOTION DETECTION ALARM WENT OFF AT THE YARD. BOTH WERE BOOKED ON MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES.

DOMESTIC DISPUTE LEADS TO WARRANT ARREST JH 12/31/12

FORT BRAGG POLICE RESPONDED TO A REPORTED DOMESTIC ARGUMENT INVOLVING A MAN, WHO POLICE DISCOVERED HAS TWO FELONY WARRANTS.

AN UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTED THE ARGUMENT AT A RESIDENCE ON OLSEN LANE. WHEN POLICE ARRIVED, 32-YEAR-OLD MORGAN MARENGO FLED INTO BRUSH TOWARDS THE HAUL ROAD. POLICE THEN DISCOVERED 2 OUTSTANDING WARRANTS IN COLUSA AND LAKE COUNTY FOR MARENGO. THE FEMALE SUBJECT TOLD AUTHORITIES THAT MARENGO WAS STAYING AT THE SEABIRD LODGE, WHERE POLICE FOUND AND ARRESTED HIM. MARENGO WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL UNTIL HE IS EXTRADITED FOR THE WARRANTS.

ROAD CLOSURES IN LAKE COUNTY JH 12/31/12

THERE ARE ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS THAT MAY AFFECT TRAFFIC TODAY IN LAKE COUNTY.

HOLDENREID ROAD AT HILL CREEK IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC DUE TO BRIDGE CLOSURE. MOTORISTS SHOULD SEEK AN ALTERNATE ROUTE.

ON ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD, BARTLETT SPRINGS ROAD, AND SODA CREEK HILL, 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND/OR CHAINS ARE RECOMMENDED DUE TO SNOW AND ICE ON THE ROAD.

BARTLETT SPRINGS ROAD BETWEEN INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR AND THE COLUSA COUNTY LINE IN NOT PASSABLE FOR TRAILERS DUE TO A LARGE ROCK IN THE ROADWAY NEAR MILE POST MARKER 29.

News 12/28/12

FAMILY ASKS FOR HELP FINDING MISSING WOMAN JH 12/28/12

THE FAMILY OF A MISSING NICE WOMAN IS ASKING FOR THE COMMUNITYS HELP IN FINDING HER.

23 YEAR OLD KIMBERLY MARIE HAZELWOOD HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE SUNDAY NIGHT. HAZELWOOD IS 5 FEET 3 INCHES TALL, 160 POUNDS WITH LONG BROWN HAIR TO THE MIDDLE OF HER BACK AND BROWN EYES. SHE IS DESCRIBED AS BEING EMOTIONALLY DISTRAUGHT. SHE HAS BEEN FIGHTING CANCER FOR SOME TIME, AND HER FAMILY SAYS SHE IS IN NEED OF MEDICAL CARE. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, FAMILY MEMBERS FOUND SOME OF HER CLOTHES AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS WHILE SEARCHING. ABOUT A HALF HOUR BEFORE THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT BECAME INVOLVED IN THE SEARCH FOR HAZELWOOD, THE NORTHSHORE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT HAD BEEN DISPATCHED TO BRIDGE ARBOR NORTH ON A REPORT OF A PERSON IN NEARBY MIDDLE CREEK, WHICH IS RUNNING AT HIGH LEVELS DUE TO RECENT RAINS. AUTHORITIES BELIEVE HAZELWOOD MAY HAVE BEEN THE PERSON IN THE RIVER. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE WHEREABOUTS OF KIMBERLY HAZELWOOD IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 263-2690.

HEARING SET FOR MENDOCINO COUNTY MOTION ON FED SUBPOENAS JH 12/28/12

THE COUNTY OF MENDOCINO IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN FEDERAL COURT ON JANUARY 4TH TO ADDRESS ITS MOTION TO QUASH SUBPOENAS FROM A FEDERAL GRAND JURY FOR RECORDS THE COUNTY KEEPS IN REGARD TO ITS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE.

THE COUNTY FILED THE MOTION WITH THE FEDERAL COURT TO ARGUE THAT THE SUBPOENAS ARE OVERBOARD AND BURDENSOME IN THE SCOPE OF WHAT THEY DEMAND, AND ARE AN IMPROPER INTRUSION ON THE COUNTYS AND STATES ABILITY TO GOVERN ITS CITIZENS. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE COURT COULD RULE ON THE COUNTYS MOTION AT THIS HEARING, OR IT COULD DELAY THE JANUARY 8TH DEADLINE BY WHICH THE COUNTY MUST RESPOND TO THE SUBPOENAS, IN ORDER TO FURTHER LOOK INTO THE COUNTYS CLAIMS.

WILLIAMSON ACT PROPERTY OWNERS WILL SEE MORE HIGHER TAXES

JH 12/28/12

PROPERTY OWNERS WHO SIGNED AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION CONTRACTS WITH THE COUNTY OF MENDOCINO UNDER THE WILLIAMSON ACT WILL CONTINUE TO PAY HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES.

THE WILLIAMSON ACT GIVES LAND OWNERS A BREAK ON PROPERTY TAX IN EXCHANGE FOR USING THEIR LAND FOR AGRICULTURE FOR A PRESCRIBED NUMBER OF YEARS. THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, FOR THE SECOND TIME, VOTED TO IMPLEMENT ASSEMBLY BILL 1265, WHICH ALLOWS COUNTIES TO OFFSET SOME OF THE LOST WILLIAMSON ACT SUBVENTION FUNDS IT WOULD OTHERWISE GET FROM THE STATE TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOST PROPERTY TAX MONEY BY IMPLEMENTING NEW CONTRACTS WITH LAND OWNERS THAT ARE 10% SHORTER IN EXCHANGE FOR A 10% REDUCTION IN PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR THE LAND OWNER.

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIPS JH 12/28/12

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA, OR FFA, WILL ACCEPT ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR ITS 2013 SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH FEBRUARY 15TH.

IN 2013, THE NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION WILL OFFER $2.1 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS. MORE THAN 1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, E-MAIL SCHOLARSHIPS.

AUTHORITIES STILL SEEK SHOOTING SUSPECT JH 12/28/12

AUTHORITIES CONTINUE TO SEARCH FOR A MAN WHO SHOT ANOTHER MAN IN THE FACE DURING A BRAWL SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

ACCORDING TO LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF RIVERO, THE SUSPECT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED, BUT HIS NAME WOULD NOT BE RELEASED TO AVOID JEOPARDIZING THE ONGOING INVESTIGATION. THE SHOOTING OCCURRED AFTER A FIGHT ESCALATED INTO A BRAWL SUNDAY IN THE FAIRWAY DRIVE AREA OF CLEAR LAKE RIVIERA. THE SUSPECT IS AT LARGE AND WANTED FOR ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON AND ATTEMPTED MURDER.

WATER RELEASED FROM CLEARLAKE TO AVOID FLOODING JH 12/28/12

THE RECENT RAINS HAVE CAUSED THE LEVEL OF WATER IN CLEAR LAKE TO JUMP MORE THAN A FOOT ON THE RUMSEY GAUGE AS OF YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

ACCORDING TO A DECREE THAT GOVERNS WATER RELEASES DURING THE WINTER, THE YOLO COUNTY FLOOD AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT HAS STARTED RELEASING WATER FROM CACHE CREEK DAM TO PREVENT FLOODING OF LAKESIDE HOMES. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, CLEAR LAKE INFLOWS WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,500 CUBIC FEET PER SECOND ON WEDNESDAY, WHICH IS MORE THAN THE 1,400 CUBIC FEET PER SECOND BEING RELEASED AT THE DAM, MAKING THE RELEASE NECESSARY TO PROTECT RESIDENTS ON THE LAKE.

LAKE COUNTY HORSE COUNCIL RECEIVES GRANT JH 12/28/12

THE LAKE COUNTY HORSE COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED A GRANT TO IMPROVE A RIDING TRAIL IN THE KELSEYVILLE AREA.

TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY MAD E THE $6,300 GRANT THROUGH AN AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION TRAIL CONSERVATION PROGRAM. THE FUNDS WILL BE USED BY THE COUNCIL TO MAKE THE TRAIL IN KELSEYVILLE MORE SAFE, PASSABLE AND SUSTAINABLE YEAR ROUND.

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS JH 12/28/12

THERE ARE SOME ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE THAT MAY AFFECT TRAFFIC TODAY.

PG&E WILL PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 1 NEAR MADRONE AVENUE TODAY FROM 8:30 AM TO 3 PM. TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. MOTORISTS MAT EXPERIENCE MINOR DELAYS.

IN KELSEYVILLE, HOLDENREID ROAD AT HILL CREEK IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC DUE TO BRIDGE CLOSURE.

ANYONE TRAVELING ON ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD, BARTLETT SPRINGS ROAD, OR SODA CREEK HILL SHOULD BE AWARE THAT 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND CHAINS ARE BEING RECOMMENDED DUE TO SNOW AND ICE IN THE AREA. TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS AND GIVE YOURSELF EXTRA TIME IF YOU MUST USE THESE ROADS.

FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SET TO END JH 12/28/12

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CALIFORNIANS, INCLUDING OVER A THOUSAND LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTY RESIDENTS, ARE SET TO LOSE FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT EXTENSIONS WITHIN DAYS UNLESS THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS TAKE ACTION.

BENEFITS WILL COME TO A HALT BY MONDAY FOR SOME 346,000 CALIFORNIANS, DUE TO NO ACTION TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE SO CALLED FISCAL CLIFF. THE BENEFITS FOR THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAM ARE NOT THE SAME AS THE REGULAR STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PAYMENTS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE AND ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE FEDERAL STALEMATE. THE EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT URGES THOSE AFFECTED TO MONITOR ITS WEB SITE AT WWW.EDD.CA.GOV.

News 12/27/12

CLEARLAKE MAN ARRESTED AFTER INVESTIGATION OF GUNFIRE IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD JH 12/27/12

A CLEARLAKE MAN WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY MORNING IN CONNECTION WITH AN INCIDENT ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT INVOLVING GUNFIRE IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD.

A RESIDENT HAD REPORTED SEVERAL GUNSHOTS SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON CHRISTMAS, AND THAT ONE BULLET HAD HIT A RESIDENCE. POLICE INVESTIGATED AND DETERMINED THE BULLET CAME FROM A NEIGHBORING RESIDENCE. POLICE ARRESTED 20-YEAR-OLD IVAN RODRIGUEZ WHO HAD THE GUN IN HIS POSSESSION AND THE EXPENDED CARTRIDGES ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO HIM. WHILE MAKING THE ARREST, OFFICERS NOTICED NUMEROUS ITEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE POSSESSION AND SALE OF METHAMPHETAMINE IN THE HOME. ALSO ARRESTED WAS MARTIN RODRIGUEZ, A RELATIVE OF IVAN. BOTH WERE BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

CHP PLANS INCREASED ENFORCEMENT FOR NEW YEARS HOLIDAY

JH 12/27/12

CHP IS PLANNING A MAXIMUM ENFORCEMENT PERIOD FOR THE NEW YEARS HOLIDAY THAT BEGINS TOMORROW.

ACCORDING TO CHP, LAST NEW YEARS, 25 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN COLLISIONS AND OVER 1,200 WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI, AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THOSE NUMBERS REDUCED THIS YEAR. THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY THAT JUST ENDED WAS ALSO A DEADLY ONE, WITH 39 PEOPLE KILLED IN COLLISIONS ON CALIFORNIA HIGHWAYS, AND OVER 1,100 ARRESTED FOR DUI. THE NEW YEARS MAXIMUM ENFORCEMENT PERIOD WILL BEGIN TOMORROW AT 6 PM AND CONTINUES THROUGH TUESDAY, JANUARY 1ST AT 11:59 PM. CHP REMINDS YOU TO BUCKLE UP AND ALWAYS HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER IF DRINKING.

POMO TRIBE AND CASINO MAKE DONATION TO FIRE DISTRICT JH 12/27/12

THE HABEMOTELEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE AND RUNNING CREEK CASINO HAVE DONATED $80,000 TO THE NORTHSHORE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT.

A PORTION OF THE MONEY WILL BE USED FOR CONTINUED FUNDING OF A NEW POSITION AT THE FIRE DISTRICT AND WILL SAVE MONEY PREVIOUSLY SPENT ON OUTSOURCING. OFFICIALS AT THE CASINO SAY, WE STRIVE TO BE MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER LAKE COUNTY CASINO. WE WANT TO BE A KEY PARTNER IN THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE ENTIRE REGION.

FORT BRAGG PARTY BUSTED WITH JUVENILES DRINKING JH 12/27/12

FORT BRAGG POLICE RECEIVED REPORTS OF A FIGHT IN PROGRESS AND FOUND A LARGE PARTY WITH JUVENILES DRINKING.

THE PARTY WAS LOCATED ON GROVE STREET EARLY ON DECEMBER 23RD. UPON ARRIVAL OFFICERS NOT ONLY SAW JUVENILES SCATTERING FROM THE AREA, 21 YEAR OLD LUIS JARA, WHO ANSWERED THE DOOR, TURNED OUT TO HAVE A LOCAL WARRANT FOR HIS ARREST. POLICE THEN NOTICED SEVERAL PRESCRIPTION NARCOTICS IN PLAIN VIEW, AND LUISS BROTHER ALEJANDRO CLAIMED OWNERSHIP. THE BROTHERS WERE BOTH ARRESTED. WHEN OFFICERS SEARCHED THE HOME, THEY FOUND FOUR OTHER ADULTS HIDING, AND ALL DENIED PURCHASING THE ALCOHOL THAT WAS SERVED TO THE MINORS. POLICE THEN ARRESTED ALL FOUR FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR.

HIGHWAY 162 TO BE FULLY REPAIRED AFTER THE NEW YEAR JH 12/27/12

CAL TRANS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT PERMANENT REPAIRS TO THE LARGE GAP IN HIGHWAY 162 THAT WASHED OUT UNDER A BIG RIG LATE LAST WEEK, WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE NEW YEAR.

CAL TRANS INSTALLED A TEMPORARY CULVERT PIPE AND FILLED THE 20-FOOT WIDE BY 30 FOOT DEEP HOLE WITH GRAVEL AS A TEMPORARY FIX TO GET THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS. THE FULL REPAIR OF THE ROAD WILL BE DONE SOMETIME AFTER NEW YEARS DAY. UNTIL THEN, DRIVERS CAN EXPECT 10-MINUTE DELAYS WITH ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL. THERE IS NO WEIGHT RESTRICTION, HOWEVER, OVERSIZED TRUCKS THAT COULD OTHERWISE USE THE ROAD WITH A PERMIT ARE NOT ALLOWED UNTIL THE PERMANENT REPAIRS ARE MADE.

COUNTY PRAISED FOR FILING MOTION TO QUASH FEDERAL SUBPOENA JH 12/27/12

A GROWERS ASSOCIATION PRAISED THE COUNTY OF MENDOCINO FOR FILLING A MOTION TO QUASH SUBPOENAS FROM THE FEDERAL GRAND JURY FOR RECORDS THE COUNTY KEEPS IN REGARD TO ITS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE.

THE EMERALD GROWERS ASSOCIATION, AND OTHER CANNABIS ACTIVIST GROUPS, HAD URGED THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO FILE THE MOTION, AND EVEN LENT THE SUPPORT OF THEIR LEGAL ADVISORS AND COMMUNITY ACTION TEAMS, IF NEEDED. THE SUBPOENAS ASK FOR ANY AND ALL RECORDS FOR THE COUNTYS MEDICAL MARIJUANA CULTIVATION ORDINANCE, INCLUDING ALL FINANCIAL RECORDS. THE COUNTY HAS UNTIL JANUARY 8, WHEN THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NEXT MEETS, TO RESPOND.

UKIAH COURTHOUSE SURVIVES ANOTHER ROUND OF CUTS JH 12/27/12

A POTENTIAL NEW MENDOCINO COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN UKIAH IS STILL ON THE TABLE AFTER FOUR MORE PROJECTS WERE PUT ON HOLD INDEFINITELY THIS MONTH.

ACCORDING TO THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA, THE COURT FACILITIES GROUP VOTED EARLIER THIS MONTH TO STOP SEVERAL PROJECTS IF THE STATE LEGISLATURE DIRECTS THAT THE COURT CONSTRUCTION FUNDS, RATHER THAN GENERAL FUNDS, BE USED TO FINANCE THE LONG BEACH COURTHOUSE. FORTUNATELY, UKIAHS COURTHOUSE IS STILL MOVING FORWARD. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE COUNTY HAS UNTIL THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR, JUNE 30, 2013, TO ACQUIRE THE PROPERTY FOR THE NEW LOCATION. TWO POTENTIAL SITES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR THE NEW COURTHOUSE, ONE A COLLECTION OF PARCELS THAT INCLUDE THE UKIAH LIBRARY ON MAIN STREET, AND THE SECOND, THE PREFERRED SITE, IS NEAR THE UKIAH RAILROAD DEPOT ON EAST PERKINS STREET.

DOG LICENSE AMNESTY AND NAME YOUR OWN ADOPTION FEE AT UKIAH ANIMAL SHELTER JH 12/27/12

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY ANIMAL CARE SHELTER IS OFFERING A DOG LICENSE AMNESTY PROGRAM AND A NAME YOUR OWN ADOPTION FEE SPECIAL FOR CATS AND KITTENS.

DOG OWNERS WHO ARE NOT UP TO DATE WITH THE MENDOCINO COUNTY DOG LICENSE PROGRAM CAN GET A LICENSE FOR THEIR ANIMAL WITHOUT FINES FOR ANY LAPSE IN LICENSING. THE DOG LICENSE AMNESTY PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE THROUGH 5 PM SATURDAY AT THE SHELTER ON PLANT ROAD. DOG OWNERS CAN ALSO APPLY BY MAIL WITH A POST MARK OF DECEMBER 31 OR EARLIER. THE NAME YOUR OWN ADOPTION FEE SPECIAL FOR CATS AND KITTENS ENDS SATURDAY AT 4 PM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE SHELTER AT 463-4427.

Playlist 12/27/12

BRUNO MARS-LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN

FLO RIDA-I CRY

JUSTIN BIEBER W/NICKI MINAJ-BEAUTY AND A BEAT

LUMINEERS (THE)-HO HEY

PHILLIP PHILLIPS-HOME

RIHANNA-DIAMONDS

ALICIA KEYS-GIRL ON FIRE

CALVIN HARRIS W/FLORENCE WELCH-SWEET NOTHING

ED SHEERAN-THE A TEAM

IMAGINE DRAGONS-IT’S TIME

KELLY CLARKSON-CATCH MY BREATH

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

MAROON 5-DAYLIGHT

ONE DIRECTION-LITTLE THINGS

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

TAYLOR SWIFT-I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE

WILL.I.AM W/BRITNEY SPEARS-SCREAM AND SHOUT

CHRIS WALLACE-REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND)

KE$HA-C’MON

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/WANZ-THRIFT SHOP

MIGUEL-ADORN

OF MONSTERS AND MEN-LITTLE TALKS

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

BRITT NICOLE-GOLD

CAB (THE)-ENDLESSLY

CONOR MAYNARD W/NE-YO-TURN AROUND

JOHN HART W/IAMSU-WHO BOOTY

NEON TREES W/KASKADE-LESSONS IN LOVE

OLLY MURS W/FLO RIDA-TROUBLEMAKER

SAM & THE WOMP!-BOM BOM

Playlist 12/20/12

BRUNO MARS-LOCKED OUT OF HEAVEN

FLO RIDA-I CRY

KE$HA-DIE YOUNG

LUMINEERS (THE)-HO HEY

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

RIHANNA-DIAMONDS

ALICIA KEYS-GIRL ON FIRE

BRIDGIT MENDLER-READY OR NOT

CALVIN HARRIS W/FLORENCE WELCH-SWEET NOTHING

ED SHEERAN-THE A TEAM

IMAGINE DRAGONS-IT’S TIME

JUSTIN BIEBER W/NICKI MINAJ-BEAUTY AND A BEAT

KELLY CLARKSON-CATCH MY BREATH

NICKI MINAJ-VA VA VOOM

ONE DIRECTION-LITTLE THINGS

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

TAYLOR SWIFT-I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE

CHER LLOYD W/BECKY G-OATH

CHRIS WALLACE-REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND)

ELLIE GOULDING-ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN

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

MAROON 5-DAYLIGHT

WILL.I.AM W/BRITNEY SPEARS-SCREAM AND SHOUT

CONOR MAYNARD W/NE-YO-TURN AROUND

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/WANZ-THRIFT SHOP

MIGUEL-ADORN

NEON TREES W/KASKADE-LESSONS IN LOVE

OF MONSTERS AND MEN-LITTLE TALKS

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

SAM & THE WOMP!-BOM BOM

News 12/26/12

MISSING WOMAN JH 12/26/12

THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF A MISSING WOMAN ON SUNDAY THE 23RD.

FAMILY OF 23 YEAR OLD KIMBERLY MARIE HAZELWOOD OF NICE TOLD AUTHORITIES THAT KIMBERLY APPEARED TO BE DEPRESSED, AND WALKED AWAY FROM THE RESIDENCE IN UPPER LAKE. FAMILY SEARCHED THE SURROUNDING AREA AND FOUND SOME PROPERTY AND CLOTHING THAT BELONGED TO HAZELWOOD. LAKE COUNTY SEARCH AND RESCUE, ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OTHER AGENCIES HAVE SEARCHED FOR HAZELWOOD WITH NO SUCCESS. KIMBERLY MARIE HAZELWOOD IS DESCRIBED AS BEING 5 FOOT, THREE INCHES TALL, 160 POUNDS WITH BROWN EYES AND LONG BROWN HAIR THAT GOES TO THE MIDDLE OF HER BACK. SHE WAS ALSO DESCRIBED AS BEING EMOTIONALLY DISTRAUGHT AND MAY BE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THE WHEREABOUTS OF KIMBERLY HAZELWOOD IS ASKED TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 263-2690.

MAN AND WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT JH 12/26/12

A FORT BRAGG MAN AND WOMEN WERE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTING AND THREATENING TWO PEOPLE.

ACCORDING TO POLICE, THE ASSAULT OCCURRED ON SOUTH HARRISON STREET LAST THURSDAY AFTERNOON. 31-YEAR-OLD TORREY THURMAN IS ALLEGED TO HAVE KICKED THE MALE VICTIM SEVERAL TIMES WITH STEEL-TOWED BOOTS, AND THREW A CHAIR AT HIM. THE VICTIM THEN RAN OUTSIDE WHERE 42-YEAR-OLD CHANYN LOWE WAS WAITING AND REPEATEDLY PUNCHED AND KICKED THE VICTIM FURTHER WHILE THREATENING HIS LIFE. THE VICTIM EVENTUALLY GOT INTO HIS CAR AND ESCAPED TO CALL POLICE. THURMAN WAS LOCATED AND BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL ON THE 21ST, AND LOWE ON THE 22ND.

HIGHWAY 162 OPEN JH 12/26/12

HIGHWAY 162, COVELO ROAD, THAT WAS WASHED OUT LAST FRIDAY IS NOW OPEN TO ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL AS REPORTED ON MONDAY.

CAL TRANS WOULD LIKE TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT NO OVER-SIZED OR OVER-WEIGHT TRUCKS ARE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD AT THIS TIME. BEFORE TRAVELING, BE SURE TO CHECK CURRENT CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY CONDITIONS BY CALLING 1-800-GAS-ROAD.

PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION DELIVERS PRESENTS JH 12/26/12

CLEARLAKE POLICE OFFICERS HELPED SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER ON TUESDAY MORNING TO SEVERAL LOCAL FAMILIES.

THE CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT PEACE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION HELD ITS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT GIVEAWAY TO DESERVING FAMILIES. THE ASSOCIATION SELECTED THREE FAMILIES AND DELIVERED CHRISTMAS JOY TO EACH. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE FAMILIES WERE ALL EXTREMELY APPRECIATIVE, AND THE PEACE OFFICER ASSOCIATION WANTED TO THANK THE FAMILIES FOR ALLOWING THEM IN THERE HOMES DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

SUNDAY SHOOTING VICTIMS CONDITION WORSENING JH 12/26/12

A YOUNG CLEARLAKE MAN SHOT IN THE FACE DURING A SUNDAY CONFRONTATION REMAINS HOSPITALIZED AND IN INTENSIVE CARE DUE TO HIS INJURIES.

20 YEAR OLD STEVEN FARNAN WAS SHOT IN THE FACE FOLLOWING A PHYSICAL FIGHT SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN THE CLEAR LAKE RIVIERA. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, THE SUSPECTS FLED THE SCENE IN A BLUE HATCHBACK. THE VICTIMS FAMILY SAYS, THAT DOCTORS ARE NOT SURE IF FARNAN WILL SURVIVE THE WOUNDS. FARNANS FAMILY IS ASKING ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IN REGARD TO THE SHOOTING TO CALL THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 263-2690.

STOLEN VEHICLE CATCHES FIRE JH 12/26/12

AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING A STOLEN CAR THAT CAUGHT FIRE ON PYLE ROAD LATE MONDAY NIGHT.

ACCORDING TO CHP, NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, AND THE FLAMES ENGULFING THE SILVER 2009 MAZDA CX-7 WERE EXTINGUISHED QUICKLY. THE CHP HAS NO SUSPECTS IN THE VEHICLE THEFT OR FIRE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IN REGARD TO THE THEFT OR FIRE IS ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THE CHP.

UKIAH MAN ARRESTED ON STOLEN MOTORCYCLE JH 12/26/12

A UKIAH MAN WAS ARRESTED AFTER REPORTEDLY LEADING POLICE ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE ON A STOLEN MOTORCYCLE.

A POLICE OFFICER SAW THE MOTORCYCLE THAT HAD BEEN REPORTED STOLEN EARLIER IN THE MONTH, BEING DRIVEN IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE ORCHARD SHOPPING CENTER IN UKIAH ON THURSDAY. THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE BIKE, BUT THE RIDER IGNORED HIM AND FLED THROUGH TOWN. AT SPEEDS REACHING 70-MILES PER HOUR THE SUSPECT, LATER IDENTIFIED AS 35-YEAR-OLD RYAN TERKELSEN, EVENTUALLY LOST CONTROL AND LAID THE MOTORCYCLE DOWN. HE THEN FLED ON FOOT INTO THE PARKING LOT OF SPORTS ZONE PIZZA WHERE HE WAS QUICKLY APPREHENDED. TERKELSEN WAS ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES, FOR THREE WARRANTS, AND IN CONNECTION WITH AN IDENTITY THEFT AND BURGLARY CASE.

News 12/24/12

HIGHWAY 162, COVELO ROAD TO BE REPAIRED JH 12/24/12

HIGHWAY 162, COLVELO ROAD, THAT WASHED OUT FRIDAY MORNING IS NOW OPEN WITH A TEMPORARY FIX.

A DRAIN PIPE CLOGGED AND WATER WASHED OUT THE SOIL BENEATH THE ROAD, WHICH GAVE WAY UNDER A SEMI HEADED EAST EARLY FRIDAY MORNING. THE TRUCKS TRAILER HAD THE REAR AXLES RIPPED OFF AND FALL INTO THE HOLE. THE DRIVER WAS UNINJURED. CAL TRANS HAS BEEN WORKING ALL WEEKEND WITH A TEMPORARY FIX, UNTIL PERMANENT REPAIRS CAN BE MADE IN THE SPRING. THE ROAD IS NOW OPEN WITH ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL.

COMMERCIAL CRAB SEASON DELAYED AGAIN JH 12/24/12

COMMERCIAL DUNGENESS CRAB FISHING FROM MENDOCINO COUNTY NORTH WILL BE DELAYED FOR A THIRD TIME.

NEW TEST RESULTS FROM THE FISHING GROUNDS SHOW THE CRAB MEAT-TO-WEIGHT RATIO STILL BELOW THE 25% REQUIRED FOR HARVEST. THE DUNGENESS CRAB SEASON FROM SONOMA COUNTY SOUTH DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE SAME RESTRICTIONS, AND THAT SEASON OPENED NOVEMBER 15. REGULATIONS ALLOW DELAY ON THE NORTH COAST, BUT NOT BEYOND JANUARY 15, WHICH IS WHEN THE SEASON WILL OFFICIALLY KICK OFF.

KELSEYVILLE SHOOTING JH 12/24/12

A MAN WAS SHOT AT CLOSE RANGE IN AN INCIDENT IN KELSEYVILLE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

ACCORDING TO REPORTS, THE UNIDENTIFIED VICTIM WAS WOUNDED IN THE FACE WITH A REVOLVER IN THE AREA OF FAIRWAY AND SIERRA DRIVES. THE SHOOTER AND ANOTHER MALE SUSPECT WERE REPORTED TO HAVE FLED THE SCENE IN A BLUE HATCHBACK. THE VICTIM WAS TRANSPORTED TO SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL. NO OTHER DETAILS HAVE YET BEEN RELEASED AS THE INCIDENT IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION.

MENDO COUNTY FILES MOTION TO QUASH FED SUBPOENAS JH 12/24/12

THE COUNTY OF MENDOCINO FILED A MOTION ON FRIDAY TO QUASH THE FEDERAL GRAND JURY SUBPOENAS ISSUED BY THE US ATTORNEYS OFFICE IN REGARD TO RECORDS THE COUNTY KEEPS ON ITS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE.

THE MOTION IS BASED ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE SCOPE OF THE SUBPOENAS IS OVERBOARD AND BURDENSOME, OPPRESSIVE AND CONSTITUTES AN IMPROPER INTRUSION INTO THE ABILITY OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO ADMINISTER PROGRAMS FOR THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THEIR RESIDENTS. NO COURT DATE HAS BEEN SCHEDULED YET.

TRUCK KNOCKS OVER TRAFFIC LIGHT JH 12/24/12

A SEMI TRUCK KNOCKED OVER A TRAFFIC SIGNAL POLE IN UKIAH THURSDAY.

ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, THE TRUCK AND 40-FOOT TRAILER WERE TURNING FROM NORTH STATE STREET ONTO BRUSH WHEN THE TRAILER HIT THE POLE. THE UKIAH ELECTRIC UTILITY GOT THE LIGHT WORKING AGAIN QUICKLY, HOWEVER, OFFICIALS SAY IT FAILED AGAIN AT ABOUT 11 PM AND REMAINED OUT UNTIL ABOUT 11 AM FRIDAY.

TRANSIENT FOUND DEAD IN FORT BRAGG JH 12/24/12

FORT BRAGG POLICE WERE DISPATCHED TO AN UNRESPONSIVE MALE LYING NEXT TO A BUILDING FRIDAY MORNING.

OFFICERS FOUND A 59-YEAR-OLD MALE TRANSIENT THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH. HIS DECEASED BODY WAS LYING NEXT TO THE OLD POLLY CLEANERS BUILDING. ACCORDING TO POLICE, THE VICTIM APPEARED TO BE CAMPING IN THE AREA, AND MAY HAVE BEEN DECEASED FOR AT LEAST ONE TO TWO DAYS BEFORE BEING FOUND. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY SUSPICIOUS NATURE TO THE DEATH.

MAN IMPERSONATES POLICE OFFICER JH 12/24/12

A CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN WAS ARRESTED EARLY FRIDAY AFTER ALLEGEDLY POSING AS A POLICE OFFICER.

CLEARLAKE POLICE RECEIVED A REPORT OF A PERSON BEING PULLED OVER BY A SUSPICIOUS UNMARKED CAR WITH RED AND BLUE FLASHING LIGHTS ABOVE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. POLICE LOCATED 28 YEAR OLD DAVID KILLEN AND TWO FEMALE PASSENGERS IN A VEHICLE IN THE AREA. THEY FOUND THE LIGHTS ABOVE THE MIRROR, A PORTABLE SCANNER, A MEGAPHONE WITH A BUILT-IN SIREN AND A SIREN BOX CONTROL MOUNTED ON THE DASH. KILLEN WAS BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL ON CHARGES OF FALSE IMPRISONMENT, IMPERSONATING A PEACE OFFICER AND OTHER CHARGES. ONE OF HIS PASSENGERS, 33 YEAR OLD HOLLY HARVEY WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND PARAPHERNALIA.

ROTARY PARK JH 12/24/12

ROTARY OF MENDOCINO AND THE MENDOCINO LAND TRUST ARE WORKING TOGETHER ON A PROPOSED ROTARY PARK WHERE THE CURRENT GREEN SPACE IS ON THE CORNER OF LANSING AND MAIN STREETS IN MENDOCINO.

ROTARY, WHO WANTS TO PRESERVE THE GREEN SPACE, LEARNED THAT DEVELOPERS HAD RECENTLY BID ON THE PROPERTY. ROTARY DOESNT WANT TO OWN THE LAND, RATHER THE CLUB WANTS TO RAISE FUNDS TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY AND THEN SEE IT TRANSFERRED TO A LOCAL, REGIONAL OR STATE ENTITY, SUCH AS A LAND TRUST. ROTARY AND THE LAND TRUST HAVE NOW SIGNED A PURCHASE AGREEMENT THAT ALLOWS ONE YEAR TO RAISE THE NECESSARY FUNDS TO MAKE ROTARY PARK A REALITY.

News 12/21/12

INTERNAL AFFAIRS REPORT CLEARS SHERIFFS CAPTAIN JH 12/21/12

THE RESULTS OF AN INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION OF MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS CAPTAIN RANDY JOHNSON REGARDING A FEDERAL MARIJUANA RAID ON PROPERTY ASSOCIATED WITH HIS RELATIVES WERE RELEASED THURSDAY.

THE SONOMA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE DID THE INVESTIGATION AND GAVE SHERIFF ALLMAN AN 80 PAGE REPORT, FINDING THAT JOHNSON DID NOT KNOW ABOUT ANY ILLEGAL ACTIVITY AND DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY. JOHNSONS FAMILY, ON A PIECE OF PROPERTY ADJACENT TO HIS, WAS GROWING A MARIJUANA GARDEN AND THE DEA SEIZED 500 PLANTS FROM THE SITE EARLIER THIS YEAR. JOHNSON REMAINS ON ACTIVE DUTY.

MAN PULLS KNIFE ON WOMEN IN UKIAH JH 12/21/12

A CRESCENT CITY MAN WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY FOR ALLEGEDLY TRYING TO ROB AT LEAST TWO WOMEN WITH A KNIFE IN UKIAH.

ROBERT WHITE APPROACHED A WOMAN IN HER 50S, WHILE SHE WAS WALKING TO HER CAR IN THE PEAR TREE SHOPPING CENTER AT AROUND 11:20 YESTERDAY. HE DEMANDED MONEY, AND THE WOMAN SCREAMED. HER HUSBAND GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO INTERVENE AND THE SUSPECT WALKED AWAY. THE HUSBAND CALLED POLICE WHO LOCATED WHITE ON NORTH ORCHARD, WHERE HE HAD REPORTEDLY JUST APPROACHED ANOTHER WOMAN IN HER 60S. ACCORDING TO POLICE, WHITE CLAIMED TO HAVE HITCHHIKED TO UKIAH WITH $1,200 AND AN OUNCE OF METHAMPHETAMINE HE INTENDED TO SELL IN SAN FRANCISCO. HE WAS ROBBED OF THE CASH AND DRUGS, AND TRIED TO ROB THE WOMEN SO HE COULD CONTINUE HIS TRIP. WHITE, WHO WAS JUST RELEASED FROM STATE PRISON IN JUNE, WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

POWER POLE FIRE TRIGGERS OUTAGE JH 12/21/12

A BURNING POWER POLE IN FORT BRAGG BECAME A SPECTACLE OF ARCING WIRES, EXPLODING BREAKERS AND A POWER OUTAGE THAT AFFECTED ABOUT 2,500 CUSTOMERS AS FAR NORTH AS LITTLE VALLEY ROAD EARLIER THIS WEEK.

WHEN FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED, ALL THEY COULD DO WAS BLOCK OFF THE STREET, AS THEY COULDNT DOUSE THE FIRE WITH WATER UNTIL PG&E ARRIVED AND SHUT OFF THE POWER. WHILE WAITING, THE TOP OF THE POLE, WHICH HELD TWO TRANSFORMERS AND SEVERAL LINES, FELL TO THE GROUND. THE CHAIN REACTION THEN POPPED FUSES UP AND DOWN BUSH STREETS AND OTHERS IN THE AREA BEFORE THE ENTIRE AREA WENT DARK. POWER WAS RETURNED TO MOST WITHIN A FEW HOURS. IT WASNT UNTIL ABOUT 6 AM THAT THE LAST OF AFFECTED CUSTOMERS POWER WAS RETURNED.

FORMER COP COMMITS ROBBERY AND DRUG SALES JH 12/21/12

MORE INFORMATION HAS BEEN RELEASED ABOUT A FORMER LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF AND TWO OTHERS WERE ARRESTED ON WEDNESDAY DURING FEDERAL RAIDS IN THE MIDDLETOWN AREA.

42-YEAR-OLD ERIC MENDONCA, 46 YEAR OLD TERRY JACKSON, AND 54 YEAR OLD JACK DAVID POLLACK WERE ARRESTED FOR NUMEROUS HOME INVASION ROBBERIES, WHERE THEY ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE WORN WHAT APPEARED TO BE POLICE UNIFORMS AND REPRESENT THEMSELVES AS LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COMMIT THE CRIMES. THE THREE APPEARED IN FEDERAL COURT YESTERDAY. IF CONVICTED POLLACK AND MENDONCA ARE EACH FACING A MAXIMUM OF 20 YEARS IN PRISON. JACKSON IS FACING 10 YEARS.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT FINDS 124 SPECIES IN UKIAH AREA JH 12/21/12

LOCALS HELPING COUNT BIRDS FOR THE ANNUAL AUDUBON SOCIETYS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS LAST WEEKEND SPOTTED 124 DIFFERENT SPECIES.

ACCORDING TO MEMBERS OF THE PEREGRINE AUDUBON SOCIETY, SIXTY-FOUR PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN THE COUNT AND SPOTTED THOUSANDS OF BIRDS, INCLUDING OVER 24,000 AMERICAN ROBINS AND NEAR 19,000 EUROPEAN STARLINGS. HOWEVER, THEY EXPECTED TO SEE SOME BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS, BUT NON WERE FOUND. THE CLUB ASKS THAT ANYONE KNOWING OF A NIGHT HERON ROOST IN THE UKIAH AREA CALL 462-5734 TO REPORT ITS LOCATION. THIS YEARS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT WAS THE 113TH ANNUAL EVENT.

CITY OF UKIAH MAY HAVE TO SUE TO USE BOND PROCEEDS JH 12/21/12

THE CITY OF UKIAH RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE STATES DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REGARDING SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF BONDS THE CITY HOPES WILL PAY FOR TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS RELATED TO A POTENTIAL COSTCO STORE.

THE LETTER AGAIN DENIES SEVERAL ITEMS LISTED AS ENFORCEABLE OBLIGATIONS OF ITS FORMER UKIAH REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, OR URA. THAT INCLUDES $6.2 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE URA AND THE CITY. THOSE CONTRACT INCLUDED AN AGREEMENT THAT WOULD ALLOW THE CITY TO USE A PORTION OF ABOUT $8 MILLION IN BONDS THE URA SOLD LAST MARCH TO FUND TRAFFIC MITIGATION IN AND AROUND THE REDWOOD BUSINESS PARK, WHERE THE CITY HOPES COSTCO WILL OPEN. ACCORDING TO CITY OFFICIALS, THERE ARE ABOUT 30 TO 40 LAWSUITS PENDING ALREADY IN REGARD TO THIS, AND THAT NUMBER WILL LIKELY INCREASE. AS FOR COSTCO, THEY ARE STILL WORKING WITH THE CITY, AND A DRAFT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT BEING PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETE EARLY NEXT YEAR.

NEW WILLITS HOSPITAL MAKING PROGRESS JH 12/21/12

DESPITE THE RAINY WEATHER OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS, CONSTRUCTION AT THE NEW WILLITS HOSPITAL SITE CONTINUED TO MAKE PROGRESS.

STEEL FRAMING BEGAN GOING UP THIS WEEK ON THE 1358 CUBIC YARDS ON CONCRETE POURED. THAT IS ENOUGH CONCRETE TO COVER A FOOTBALL FIELD 9 INCHES DEEP. FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, THE BONES OF THE FACILITY WILL CONTINUE TO GO UP. THE EXTERIOR WON’T BE STARTED UNTIL SPRING.

OBAMA ADMIN WANTS TO EXPAND MARINE SANCTUARIES JH 12/21/12

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION YESTERDAY HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS TO EXPAND TWO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MARINE SANCTUARIES OFF THE SONOMA AND MENDOCINO COASTS.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT MARKS THE LARGEST EXPANSION OF NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES IN CALIFORNIA IN 20 YEARS. THE MOVE WOULD PERMANENTLY BAN OIL DRILLING ALONG MORE THAN 50 MILES OF OUR COASTLINE.

HIGHWAY 162 CLOSED DUE TO SLIDE JH 12/21/12

HIGHWAY 162, COVELO ROAD, IS CLOSED AT MILE MARKER 1.1. IT APPEARS STORM RUN OFF PLUGGED A DRAIN PIPE UNDER THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING THE WATER TO FLOW OVER THE HIGHWAY ERODING THE ROADWAY.

THE DAMAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET WIDE BY 30 FEET DEEP, TAKING OUT BOTH THE EAST BOUND AND WEST BOUND LANES. A SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER HAD MADE IT ALMOST ACROSS THE AREA WHEN THE ROAD GAVE WAY. THE REAR AXLES OF THE TRAILER FELL INTO THE HOLE AND WERE RIPPED FROM THE TRUCK.

MOMENT OF SILENCE JH 12/21/12

AT THE REQUEST OF CONNECTICUT GOVERNOR MALLOY, GOVERNOR BROWN TODAY CALLED FOR CALIFORNIANS TO OBSERVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE ON FRIDAY IN HONOR OF THE TWENTY CHILDREN AND SIX ADULTS KILLED IN NEWTOWN

News 12/20/12

MAN ALMOST LOSES THUMB AFTER BREAK-IN JH 12/20/12

A CLEARLAKE MAN WAS TRANSPORTED TO A BAY AREA HOSPITAL FOR RECONSTRUCTIVE HAND SURGERY FOR AN INJURY THAT ALLEGEDLY OCCURRED AFTER HE BROKE INTO A HOME.

JESUS VAZQUEZ WAS FOUND WITH A SEVERED THUMB, IN A CREEK BED BEHIND THE HOME HE ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTED TO ROB LAST FRIDAY. THE HOME OWNER, 23 YEAR OLD ALVARO JIMENEZ, TOLD POLICE HIS HOME WAS ROBBED THE DAY BEFORE, SO HE STAYED HOME THAT DAY TO PREVENT A SIMILAR INCIDENT. HE TOLD POLICE HE AWOKE TO FIND VAZQUEZ IN HIS BEDROOM AND THEY TWO MEN BEGAN TO FIGHT. THE FIGHT EVENTUALLY ENDED UP OUTSIDE WITH VAZQUEZ FLEEING THE SCENE TO THE CREEK BED. THE INCIDENT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION SHOULD CALL THE CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

EXPLOSIVE DEVICE FOUND IN RAID JH 12/20/12

A PROBATION SEARCH OF A BROOKTRAILS HOME INTERRUPTED AN ALLEGED METH-FOR-POT SWAP AND LED TO THE DISCOVERY OF AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE.

AUTHORITIES RAIDED THE POPPY DRIVE HOME OF 52-YEAR-OLD DAVID NORMAN HIGGS OF WILLITS ON MONDAY, AND RECOVERED 10 OUNCES OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND 15 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA. WHEN THE EXPLOSIVE WAS FOUND, THE SONOMA COUNTY BOMB SQUAD WAS CALLED IN. HIGGS WAS ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES. 23-YEAR-OLD NICOLE HIGGS OF WILLITS, 24 YEAR OLD CODY JOE RICE OF FELTON, AND 37 YEAR OLD PETER DAVID KREISBERG OF SANTA CRUZ WERE ALSO ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

WOMAN AND HER DOGS SAVED FROM HOUSE FIRE JH 12/20/12

A WOMAN AND HER TWO DOGS WERE PULLED FROM HER BURNING HOME TUESDAY NIGHT ON MENDOCINO DRIVE IN UKIAH.

ACCORDING TO FIREFIGHTERS, THE FIRE BEGAN AROUND 10:30 PM. A NEIGHBOR HEARD THE SMOKE DETECTOR GOING OFF AND SAW FLAMES COMING OUT A SECOND STORY WINDOW. THE NEIGHBOR KNOCKED AND NO ONE ANSWERED. FIREFIGHTERS FOUND THE WOMAN AND HER DOGS IN A ROOM ACROSS THE HALL FROM THE FIRE. THEY WERE ALL UNHARMED, AND THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED QUICKLY. CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

MAN DIES IN LOWER LAKE HEAD-ON CRASH JH 12/20/12

A MAN DIED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN LOWER LAKE YESTERDAY MORNING.

ACCORDING TO CHP, THE UNIDENTIFIED MAN WAS HEADED SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 29 WHEN HE CROSSED THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINES AND INTO THE PATH OF AN ONCOMING VEHICLE, DRIVEN BY 66-YEAR-OLD BEVERLY REYNOLDS. REYNOLDS APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT COULD NOT AVOID THE COLLISION THAT OCCURRED ON A SLOPING CURVE SOUTH OF DOWNTOWN LOWER LAKE, IN ALMOST THE SAME SPOT AS A VIOLENT HEAD-ON THAT KILLED THREE PEOPLE IN JANUARY. THE UNIDENTIFIED DRIVER DIED AT THE SCENE.

TWO MEN ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES JH 12/20/12

TWO MEN WERE ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES YESTERDAY AT A CLEARLAKE RESIDENCE WHERE POLICE FOUND WHAT APPEARED TO BE EVIDENCE OF METHAMPHETAMINE MANUFACTURING.

32-YEAR-OLD ROBERT SCOTT YINGLING OF POPE VALLEY AND 27 YEAR OLD DAX CHRISTOPHER SANCHEZ OF CLEARLAKE WERE ARRESTED AT THE RESIDENCE ON KAKUL STREET, FOR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. NUMEROUS ITEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MANUFACTURING OF METH, INCLUDING HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS, WERE SEIZED AS EVIDENCE. THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT DETECTIVE RYAN PETERSON OF THE CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 994-8251.

FBI RAID NABS THREE, INCLUDING FORMER DEPUTY 12/20/12

THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ARRESTED THREE INDIVIDUALS, ONE OF THEM A FORMER LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTY.

DURING THE EARLY MORNING RAID IN MIDDLETOWN, THE FBI ARRESTED TERRY JACKSON, 54 YEAR OLD JACK DAVID POLLACK, AND 42 YEAR OLD ERIC MENDONCA. JACKSON AND POLLACK WERE ARRESTED ON DRUG AND FIREARMS CHARGES. MENDONCA, A FORMER DEPUTY, WAS ARRESTED FOR HOBBS ACT ROBBERY AND CONSPIRACY. THE HOBBS ACT IS A FEDERAL CHARGE THAT PROHIBITS ACTUAL OR ATTEMPTED ROBBERY OR EXTORTION, INCLUDING OBTAINING PROPERTY UNDER COLOR OF OFFICIAL RIGHT. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, FURTHER DETAILS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AS THEY ARE UNDER SEAL.

PERMIT MAY BE ISSUED FOR PALACE HOTEL IN UKIAH JH 12/20/12

PROGRESS MAY BE MADE SOON IN REMOVING THE LARGE PILES OF DEBRIS AMASSED IN THE PALACE HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN UKIAH.

THE PILES HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A PERMIT TO BE ISSUED BY THE CITY BUILDING DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS WAITING FOR THE BUILDINGS OWNER ELADIA LAINES TO PROVE OWNERSHIP. THE PROBLEM IS A CLOUD ON THE TITLE. LAINES PURCHASED THE BUILDING WITH A GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE SINCE BEEN BOUGHT OUT, HOWEVER, THEIR NAMES REMAIN ON THE TITLE BECAUSE COURT DOCUMENTS WERE NOT RECORDED PROPERLY. SHE NOW MUST GO THROUGH A LENGTHY PROCESS TO HAVE THE NAMES REMOVED, HOWEVER, THE CITY RECOGNIZES HER AS AT LEAST A PARTIAL OWNER, AND MAY ISSUE THE PERMITS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

DUI CHECKPOINT IN EUREKA JH 12/20/12

THE EUREKA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING A DUI AND DRIVERS LICENSE CHECKPOINT FRIDAY NIGHT FROM 9 PM TO 3 AM.

THE LOCATION OF THE CHECKPOINT REMAINS UNDISCLOSED, SO, IF YOU PLAN ON HEADING OUT OF TOWN FRIDAY, AND YOUR TRAVELS TAKE YOU THROUGH EUREKA, BE AWARE AND DRIVE SAFELY.

News 12/18/12

CLEARLAKE POLICE ARREST WASHINGTON MURDER SUSPECT JH 12/18/12

A WASHINGTON MAN WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH MURDER IN HIS HOMETOWN WAS ARRESTED IN CLEARLAKE FRIDAY MORNING.

ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, TONY CALLAHAN WAS FOUND BEHIND A GROCERY STORE ASLEEP IN THE VICTIMS STOLEN SEDAN. CALLAHAN WILL BE CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER IN THE STRANGLING DEATH OF A 48 YEAR OLD WOMAN, AND WILL BE EXTRADITED BACK TO SPOKANE TO BE TRIED.

PROSECUTORS SEEK TO CHANGE CHARGES OF CO-DEFENDANT IN DOUBLE MURDER CASE JH 12/18/12

DAYS AFTER A JURY CONVICTED A CLEARLAKE MAN OF DOUBLE MURDER FOR THE SLAYINGS OF A MAINE COUPLE, PROSECUTORS ASKED THE COURT FOR PERMISSION TO REDUCE THE CHARGES AGAINST THE CO-DEFENDANT IN THE CASE.

ELIJAH BAE McKAY CURRENTLY FACES TWO COUNTS OF MURDER STEMMING FROM THE SHOOTING DEATHS OF FRANK AND YVETTE MADDOX IN LOWER LAKE IN 2010. BASED ON TESTIMONY DURING THE TRIAL THAT CONVICTED ROBBY ALAN BEASLEY OF THE MURDERS, THE PROSECUTION HAS FILED THE REQUEST TO INSTEAD CHARGE McKAY WITH ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT, AS McKAY HAS ADMIT TO SUPPLYING THE GUN USED, AND HELPING DESTROY EVIDENCE AFTER THE MURDERS TOOK PLACE.

MONEY DISTRIBUTED FOR EMERGENCY FOOD/SHELTER PROGRAMS JH 12/18/12

THE LAKE COUNTY EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER PROGRAM LOCAL BOARD MET RECENTLY TO DISTRIBUTE FUNDS TO LOCAL PROGRAMS OFFERING EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER ASSISTANCE.

ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, A TOTAL OF $40, 592 WAS DISTRIBUTED TO ORGANIZATIONS LIKE NORTH COAST OPPORTUNITIES, THE LAKE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION, COMMUNITY CARE, LAKE COUNTY VET CONNECT, THE SALVATION ARMY AND MORE.

RUSSIAN RIVER PLAN TO BE DISCUSSED JH 12/18/12

A 15 YEAR BLUEPRINT TO HELP RESTORE ENDANGERED AND THREATENED FISH TO THE RUSSIAN RIVER WATERSHED WHILE STILL MAINTAINING THE REGIONS PRIMARY WATER SUPPLY WILL BE DISCUSSED THURSDAY IN SANTA ROSA.

THE PLAN REQUIRES THE SONOMA COUNTY WATER AGENCY AND THE U.S. ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS TO MODIFY RUSSIAN RIVER WATER SUPPLY AND FLOOD CONTROL OPERATIONS TO PREVENT HARM TO ENDANGERED COHO SALMON AND THREATENED STEELHEAD TROUT. A MEETING TO DISCUSS THE PLAN IS SCHEDULED FOR 9 AM TO 11:30 AM THIS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 AT THE SONOMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAMBERS. THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT.

HOSPICE REMEMBRANCE TREES JH 12/18/12

HOSPICE OF UKIAH ONCE AGAIN OFFERS A SIMPLE PROJECT TO HELP EVERYONE COPE WITH LOSS DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

FOR TWENTY YEARS NOW, HOSPICE HAS OVERSEEN THE REMEMBRANCE TREE PROJECT. IN EVERY BANK FROM HOPLAND TO REDWOOD VALLEY, REMEMBRANCE TREES HAVE BEEN PLACED IN THE BANKS LOBBIES. CARDS ARE PROVIDED BY HOSPICE AND THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO PLACE THE NAME OF A FRIEND, NEIGHBOR, CO-WORKER OR LOVED ONE ON THE TREE, AS A WAY TO HONOR THEIR MEMORY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. REMEMBRANCE CARDS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL BANKS PARTICIPATING AND AT THE HOSPICE THRIFT AND GIFT SHOP ON STATE STREET IN UKIAH. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE HOSPICE WEB SITE AT WWW.HOSPICEOFUKIAH.COM.

MENDOCINO COLLEGE REGISTRATION OPEN JH 12/18/12

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL TO TRAIN FOR A CAREER CHANGE, OR THOSE JUST GETTING STARTED IN COLLEGE, REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR MENDOCINO COLLEGE.

AREA RESIDENTS MAY HAVE NOTICED IN RECENT SEMESTERS THAT THE COLLEGE NO LONGER PRINTS AND MAILS THE SCHEDULE AS THEY DID IN THE PAST. TODAY THE SAME INFORMATION IS READILY AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.MENDOCINO.EDU. THE SITE INCLUDES CLASSES HELD AT ALL THREE CAMPUS LOCATIONS, LAKE COUNTY, WILLITS, AND THE MAIN CAMPUS IN UKIAH. PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS WILL ALSO FIND A GREAT VARIETY OF CLASSES OFFERED ON-LINE, WHICH IS PARTICULARLY HELPFUL TO THOSE WHO REQUIRE MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY. THE WEB SITE ALSO FEATURES INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION AS WELL AS COUNSELING AND FINANCIAL AID.

MEDIACOM DOUBLES BROADBAND SPEEDS IN LAKE COUNTY JH 12/18/12

MEDIACOM COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT IT HAS PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO DELIVER 105-MEG INTERNET DOWNLOAD SPEEDS.

WITH THIS CHANGE, MEDIACOM NOW OFFERS BROADBAND SERVICE IN LAKE COUNTY THAT IS MORE THAN TWICE AS FAST AS THE SPEEDS IT LAUNCHED JUST 10 MONTHS AGO. ACCORDING TO MEDIACOM, THE BOOST MAKES LAKE COUNTY ONE OF ONLY A FEW NON-URBAN AREAS IN CALIFORNIA TO OFFER BROADBAND SPEEDS AT OR ABOVE THE 100-MARK.

OUTDOOR DINING PLATFORM DOWNTOWN JH 12/18/12

THIS WEEK, THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL WILL BE DISCUSSING THE SUCCESS OF A TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING PLATFORM BUILT FOR ONE RESTAURANT AND WHETHER A PROGRAM SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE REST OF DOWNTOWN.

THE DINING AND BIKE CORRAL FACILITY WAS BUILT ALONGSIDE PATRONA RESTAURANT LAST YEAR AS PART OF A PILOT PROJECT. ACCORDING TO STAFF, THE DINING PORTION OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN A SUCCESS, HOWEVER, THE BIKE CORRAL GETS USED, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO JUSTIFY THE PARKING SPACE IT CONSUMES. ACCORDING TO A REPORT, THE OUTDOOR DINING PLATFORM HAS ALLOWED THE RESTAURANT TO GROW AND ADD STAFF WHILE SEEING AN 8% INCREASE IN SALES. SALES TAX REVENUE AT OTHER DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS HAS INCREASED AS WELL. OTHER DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED INTEREST IN EXPANDING THEIR OUTDOOR DINING. THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER DRAFTING GUIDELINES FOR AN OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM FOR ALL OF DOWNTOWN. EXPRESS YOUR OPINION AT THE MEETING TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON SEMINARY AVENUE.