News 2/28/13

FUGITIVE SURRENDERS AT UKIAH MOTEL JH 02/28/13

AFTER A TWO DAY SEARCH, AUTHORITIES ARRESTED THE SECOND SUSPECT FROM A MONDAY NIGHT HIGH SPEED CHASE DURING WHICH SHOTS WERE FIRED AT A MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTY.

AUTHORITIES RECEIVED A TIP YESTERDAY AROUND NOON THAT 42-YEAR-OLD WALTER KRISTOPHER MILLER OF UKIAH WAS STAYING AT THE BEST WESTERN INN ON ORCHARD AVENUE IN UKIAH. ONCE CONFIRMED, ORCHARD AVENUE WAS CLOSED AND AUTHORITIES, INCLUDING SWAT MOVED IN TO SECURE THE AREA. AFTER CONTACTING MILLER ON THE PHONE IN HIS ROOM, HE AGREED TO SURRENDER ONLY TO HIS SONOMA COUNTY PAROLE OFFICER, WHO ARRIVED AT ABOUT 6:11 PM. A FEW MINUTES LATER, MILLER WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WITHOUT INCIDENT AND BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

BANK ROBBED IN MIDDLETOWN JH 02/28/13

A SILENT ALARM WAS ACTIVATED AT THE MIDDLETOWN BANK YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AT ABOUT 3:25.

AUTHORITIES RESPONDED TO WEST AMERICA BANK ON CALISTOGA ROAD, AFTER A MALE SUSPECT, WHO CLAIMED TO HAVE A GUN, ALLEGEDLY ROBBED THE BANK AND FLED ON FOOT. THE SUSPECT IS DESCRIBED AS A WHITE MALE IN HIS LATE 20S OR EARLY 30S, ABOUT 5 FOOT EIGHT TO 5 FOOT 10 INCHES TALL, WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 200 POUNDS WITH A SCRUFFY GOATEE. HE WAS LAST SEEN WEARING ALL BLACK CLOTHING, INCLUDING A HOODIE, A BULKY JACKET AND BLACK HAT. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IN REGARD TO THIS INCIDENT IS ASKED TO CALL THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT.

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HALTS THE WILLITS BYPASS PROJECT JH 02/28/13

THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HAS HALTED ALL OPERATIONS BY CAL TRANS AT THE WILLITS BYPASS CONSTRUCTION SITE UNTIL IT UPDATES ITS PROCEDURES DEALING WITH THE MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT.

THE BYPASS PROJECT HAD JUST GOTTEN UNDERWAY MONDAY MORNING WHEN SEVERAL NESTS WERE FOUND. PROTESTERS AND CAL TRANS WERE AT CONFLICT OVER WHETHER THE NESTS WERE ACTIVE OR NOT. CAL TRANS BIOLOGISTS HAD FOLLOWED EXISTING PROTOCOLS FOR THE AREA LOOKING FOR ACTIVE NESTING SITES BEFORE THE CONTRACTOR WAS GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT TO BEGIN WORK MONDAY. MOST OF THE VEGETATION REMOVAL IS SCHEDULED FOR NON-NESTING SEASON SPECIFICALLY TO AVOID DISTURBING MIGRATORY BIRDS. ACCORDING TO CAL TRANS OFFICIALS, PROJECT PERSONNEL CONTINUE TO MEET WITH FISH AND WILDLIFE TO WORK THROUGH ANY ISSUES AND HOPE TO BE ABLE TO RESTART THE PROJECT AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK.

PLANNING COMMISSION BEGINS REVIEW OF COSTCO EIR JH 02/28/13

THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION BEGAN THE LENGTHY PROCESS OF REVIEWING THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR A PROPOSED COSTCO STORE ON AIRPORT PARK BOULEVARD.

ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE CITY HAS IDENTIFIED THAT TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE NECESSARY IN THE AREA AND HAS BEGUN PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING FOR THE WORK. LAST WEEK THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE CITY BORROWING $4 MILLION TO PAY FOR WIDENING INTERSECTIONS, ADDING TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND REWORKING THE ON AND OFF RAMPS FROM HIGHWAY 101 ON TO TALMAGE ROAD. COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT EIR WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MARCH 15TH. LINKS TO THE DOCUMENT CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.CITYOFUKIAH.COM.

NO CHARGES IN LAYTONVILLE HORSE CASE JH 02/28/13

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE HAS DECIDED NOT TO FILE ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES AGAINST THE OWNER OF THREE HORSES REMOVED FROM A LAYTONVILLE PASTURE IN JANUARY.

ACCORDING TO THE DA, AN EXAMINING VETERINARIAN STATED THAT TWO OF THE THREE HORSES HAVE HEART MURMURS, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP WEIGHT ON THE ANIMALS. AND BECAUSE THE OWNER VOLUNTARILY SIGNED OVER OWNERSHIP OF THE HORSES TO ANIMAL CONTROL, IT SHOWED THE OWNER WAS KEEPING THE LONG TERM INTERESTS OF THE HORSES IN MIND, AND WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO PROSECUTE SUCCESSFULLY. THE HORSES ARE CURRENTLY BEING TAKEN CARE OF BY VOLUNTEERS AND ARE REPORTED TO BE DOING BETTER.

ROAD WORK ON FRIDAY JH 02/28/13

ROAD WORK TOMORROW MAY SLOW TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY 101.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE FROM COMMINSKY STATION ROAD TO JUST SOUTH OF THE KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM. TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION, AND MOTORISTS MAY EXPERIENCE MINOR TRAFFIC SLOW DOWNS.

PAROLE DENIED FOR UKIAH MAN CONVICTED OF RAPING AN ELDERLY WOMAN JH 02/28/13

MENDOCINO COUNTY PROSECUTORS SUCCESSFULLY BLOCKED THE RELEASE ON PAROLE OF A UKIAH MAN WHO WAS CONVICTED OF VIOLENTLY RAPING AN ELDERLY WOMAN.

40-YEAR-OLD KIRK ANTHONY DOMINGO WAS CONVICTED IN 1995 OF FORCIBLE RAPE AND HAVING BEEN PREVIOUSLY CONVICTED OF A PRIOR SERIOUS FELONY. SINCE 1995, DOMINGO, WHO ROBBED AND RAPED THE WOMAN AFTER CAUSING HER TO BREAK A HIP, HAS BEEN SERVING A SENTENCE OF 15 YEARS TO LIFE, AND WILL NOW REMAIN BEHIND BARS FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER FIVE YEARS.

MONDAY WORKSHOP ON UKIAH VALLEY SERVICES REVIEW JH 02/28/13

A WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS THE SECOND PART OF THE UKIAH VALLEY MUNICIPAL SERVICES REVIEW, OR MRS.

THE FIRST PART OF THE MSR FOCUSED ON THE CITY OF UKIAH AND WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. THE SECOND PART IS FOCUSED ON THE SPECIAL DISTRICTS IN THE VALLEY, INCLUDING FIRE, SANITATION, WATER AND SEVERAL OTHERS. THE MSR IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW ON THE WEB AT MENDOLAFCO.ORG. THE WORKSHOP IS SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, MARCH 4TH AT 4 PM IN THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON SEMINARY AVENUE.

News 2/27/13

ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A PEACE OFFICER JH 02/27/13

ONE SUSPECT IS IN CUSTODY AND ANOTHER IS STILL AT LARGE AFTER AN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A PEACE OFFICER.

SHERIFFS DEPUTIES PULLED OVER A VEHICLE WITH EXPIRED REGISTRATION JUST BEFORE 10 PM MONDAY NIGHT. AS THE DEPUTY APPROACHED THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, THE VEHICLE QUICKLY ACCELERATED SOUTHBOUND ON STATE STREET AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED BEFORE TURNING ONTO THE BOONVILLE HIGHWAY. DURING THE PURSUIT, A SUSPECT PARTIALLY EXITED THE PASSENGER WINDOW AND OPENED FIRE ON THE SHERIFFS VEHICLE IN PURSUIT, HITTING THE CAR IN THE RADIATOR AND DISABLING IT. AUTHORITIES FROM MULTIPLE AGENCIES LOCATED THE ABANDONED VEHICLE AT ABOUT 11 PM IN A DRIVEWAY OFF HIGHWAY 253 AND FOUND ITEMS REPORTED STOLEN FROM A RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY EARLIER THAT EVENING IN POTTER VALLEY. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, FIVE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION WERE STOLEN FROM THE RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY AND WERE NOT RECOVERED IN THE CAR. DETECTIVES IDENTIFIED 30-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER SKAGGS OF REDWOOD VALLEY AND 42 YEAR OLD WALTER MILLER OF UKIAH AS THE SUSPECTS. SKAGGS, WHO WAS ALSO WANTED ON AN UNRELATED BURGLARY AND ROBBERY INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED FEBRUARY 19, WAS LOCATED WALKING ON SOUTH STATE STREET AT AROUND 9 AM TUESDAY MORNING. AFTER A SHORT FOOT CHASE, SKAGGS WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. MILLER IS STILL AT LARGE, AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE CURRENT WHEREABOUTS OF WALTER MILLER IS URGED TO CONTACT THE SHERIFFS OFFICE TIP LINE AT 234-2100.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY PULLS WOMAN FROM BURNING CAR JH 02/27/13

A LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PULLED A WOMAN FROM A BURNING CAR EARLY SUNDAY MORNING.

DA DON ANDERSON WAS DRIVING PAST A CAR PARKED ON THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY 175 AT DIXON DRIVE, WHEN HE SMELLED BURNING RUBBER. HE TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK TO FIND THE ENTIRE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE ON FIRE. AFTER CALLING 911, HE FOUND 33-YEAR-OLD JILLIAN ROXANNE WHITNEY PASSED OUT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. HE PULLED HER TO SAFETY JUST BEFORE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WHEN WHITNEY WOKE UP, SHE TRIED TO LEAVE THE SCENE BECAUSE SHE WAS INTOXICATED, HOWEVER, ANDERSON PREVENTED HER FROM GOING ANYWHERE. WHITNEY WAS ARRESTED FOR DUI AND BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

GARAGE FIRE IN CLEARLAKE JH 02/27/13

A GARAGE FIRE WAS REPORTED EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING THAT WAS BURNING CLOSE TO STRUCTURES ON THREE SIDES.

THE GARAGE ON 32ND AND BOYLES AVENUES WAS REPORTED AROUND 12:15 WEDNESDAY MORNING, AND WAS FULLY ENGULFED BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. A VEHICLE WAS ALSO INVOLVED, BUT FIREFIGHTERS MANAGED TO PUT THE BLAZE OUT QUICKLY A PREVENT SPREADING OF THE FIRE. CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

WILLITS BYPASS CONSTRUCTION STARTS, THEN STOPS JH 02/27/13

THE CAL TRANS CONTRACTOR BEGAN WORK INSTALLING FENCES FOR THE HIGHWAY 101 BYPASS AROUND WILLITS MONDAY MORNING, HOWEVER, WORK STOPPED ALMOST AS QUICKLY AS IT BEGAN.

THREE GROUND LEVEL BIRDS NESTS WERE DISCOVERED IN THE AREA OF WORK, AND PROMPTED CAL TRANS TO HALT WORK IMMEDIATELY. INSTALLATION OF THE FENCES WAS ALSO MET WITH PROTESTERS, AS CAL TRANS PLANS ON FENCING IN THE ENTIRE BYPASS ROUTE. SOME OF THE FENCING IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS OF THE ROUTE, WHICH ALLOWS WILDLIFE TO PASS UNDER OR THROUGH IT. CAL TRANS IS NOW WAITING TO RECEIVE CLEARANCE FROM BIOLOGISTS AT THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE BEFORE CONTINUING WITH WORK.

AUTHORITIES SEEK SONOMA COUNTY MAN MISSING SINCE FEBRUARY 2ND JH 02/27/13

THE SONOMA COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR A MAN WHO HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE FEBRUARY 2ND.

34 YEAR OLD JASON KYLES WAS LAST SEEN IN ANNENDALE STATE PARK. ACCORDING TO KYLES SISTER, HE IS BELIEVED TO HAVE HAD A BAD MENTAL BREAK AND IS IN DANGER. IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF KYLES IS STILL ALIVE, HE MAY BE HOMELESS IN THE ARCATA, EUREKA AREA. JASON KYLES IS DESCRIBED AS A WHITE MALE, 6 FEET, 6 INCHES TALL, WEIGHING 185 POUNDS, WITH BLUE/GREEN EYES AND BROWN HAIR. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION AS TO THE WHEREABOUTS OF KYLES IS ASKED TO CALL THE SONOMA COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT AT 565-2867.

ESCAPED LAKE COUNTY INMATE BACK IN CUSTODY JH 02/27/13

A CLEARLAKE MAN WHO WALKED AWAY FROM A LAKE COUNTY JAIL ALMOST A YEAR AGO IS BACK BEHIND BARS.

50-YEAR-OLD ROGER DANIEL VIGIL WAS ON A JAIL WORK DETAIL WHEN HE WALKED AWAY LAST APRIL. HE WAS SPOTTED IN CLEARLAKE ON FEBRUARY 6TH, BUT AGAIN ELUDED AUTHORITIES. THE SEARCH FOR VIGIL ENDED WHEN HE WAS LOCATED AND TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN ALAMEDA COUNTY. VIGIL NOW FACES FELONY ESCAPE CHARGES.

CLEARLAKE MAN ARRESTED FOR RAPING AN ACQUAINTANCE JH 02/27/13

A CLEARLAKE MAN WAS ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY RAPING AN ACQUAINTANCE.

THE VICTIM SAYS SHE MET 49 YEAR OLD ERIC JEFF VANGELDER WHEN SHE WAS OUT DRINKING WITH MUTUAL FRIENDS SATURDAY NIGHT. SUNDAY, SHE AND VANGELDER WERE HANGING OUT, WHEN SHE DECIDED TO GO TO BED BECAUSE SHE WAS STILL FEELING THE AFFECTS OF THE ALCOHOL FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, WHEN SHE AWOKE, VANGELDER WAS ON TOP OF HER HAVING INTERCOURSE. VANGELDER WAS LOCATED MONDAY AND BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THIS CASE IS ASKED TO CONTACT DETECTIVE RYAN PETERSON AT 994-8251.

FIRST TWO MENDOCINO COUNTY DEFENDANTS IN KANSAS DRUG TRIAL PLEAD GUILTY JH 02/27/13

TWO MENDOCINO COUNTY RESIDENTS PLEADED GUILTY TO FEDERAL MARIJUANA DISTRIBUTION CONSPIRACY CHARGES LAST WEEK IN A KANSAS FEDERAL COURT.

JAMES AND ELIZABETH SODERLING OF FORT BRAGG ENTERED SEPARATE GUILTY PLEAS IN THE THREE STATE CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE AND MARIJUANA. FIVE OTHER MENDOCINO RESIDENTS FACE A JUNE TRIAL ON THE SAME CHARGES. AS PART OF THE PLEA DEAL THE SODERLINGS HAVE AGREED TO TESTIFY AGAINST SOME OF THE 44 OTHER DEFENDANTS IN THE CASE IN EXCHANGE FOR CONSIDERATION OF A REDUCED SENTENCE. THE PRESCRIBED SENTENCE FOR CONSPIRACY IS 10 YEARS TO LIFE IN FEDERAL PRISON.

UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER PLANS $41 MILLION DOLLAR EXPANSION JH 02/27/13

THE UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER IS PLANNING TO EXPAND ITS UKIAH FACILITY ON HOSPITAL DRIVE, IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF CARE IT PROVIDES TO CRITICALLY INJURED PATIENTS.

CURRENTLY A TRAUMA LEVEL IV FACILITY, THE HOSPITAL PLANS TO REACH LEVEL III, WHICH WOULD MEAN PEOPLE WITH SEVERE INJURIES WOULD BE ABLE TO STAY IN UKIAH, RATHER THAN BEING TAKEN TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OR OTHER FACILITIES.

News 2/26/13

ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A PEACE OFFICER JH 02/26/13

A TRAFFIC STOP IN UKIAH LED TO A HIGH SPEED CHASE AND ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A PEACE OFFICER.

SHERIFFS DEPUTIES PULLED OVER A VEHICLE WITH EXPIRED REGISTRATION JUST BEFORE 10 PM LAST NIGHT. AS THE DEPUTY APPROACHED THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, THE VEHICLE QUICKLY ACCELERATED SOUTHBOUND ON STATE STREET REACHING SPEEDS OF 80 TO 90 MILES PER HOUR. WITH AUTHORITIES IN PURSUIT, THE VEHICLE TURNED WESTBOUND ON THE BOONVILLE HIGHWAY. AT ONE POINT, A SUSPECT PARTIALLY EXITED THE PASSENGER WINDOW AND OPENED FIRE ON THE SHERIFFS VEHICLE IN PURSUIT, HITTING THE CAR IN THE RADIATOR AND DISABLING IT. AUTHORITIES FROM MULTIPLE AGENCIES LOCATED THE ABANDONED VEHICLE AT ABOUT 11 PM IN A DRIVEWAY OFF HIGHWAY 253 AND FOUND ITEMS REPORTED STOLEN FROM A RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY EARLIER THAT EVENING IN POTTER VALLEY. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, FIVE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION WERE STOLEN FROM THE RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY AND WERE NOT RECOVERED. DETECTIVES HAVE IDENTIFIED 30 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER SKAGGS OF REDWOOD VALLEY AND 42 YEAR OLD WALTER MILLER OF UKIAH AS THE SUSPECTS. SKAGGS, WHO WAS ALSO WANTED ON AN UNRELATED BURGLARY AND ROBBERY INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED FEBRUARY 19, WAS LOCATED WALKING ON SOUTH STATE STREET AT AROUND 9 AM THIS MORNING. AFTER A SHORT FOOT CHASE, SKAGGS WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. MILLER IS STILL AT LARGE, AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE CURRENT WHEREABOUTS OF WALTER MILLER ARE URGED TO CONTACT THE SHERIFFS OFFICE TIP LINE AT 234-2100.

News 2/26/13

RESIDENTIAL BURGLAR CAUGHT ON CAMERA JH 02/26/13

A MAN WHO HAD BEEN ILLEGALLY STAYING IN A MENDOCINO HOME FOR ABOUT A WEEK, WAS ARRESTED AFTER THE HOME OWNER SAW HIM ON A CAMERA FEED VIA THE INTERNET.

THE 73 YEAR OLD HOME OWNER, WHO WAS OUT OF TOWN, CALLED AUTHORITIES AFTER SHE SAW A MAN INSIDE HER HOME, LATER IDENTIFIED AS 20-YEAR-OLD ALEC FACCONE. THE HOMEOWNER WATCHED VIA THE INTERNET, AS SHERIFFS DEPUTIES ARRIVED AND TOOK FACCONE INTO CUSTODY. A SEARCH OF THE HOME REVEALED SEVERAL FIREARMS BELONGING TO FACCONE, INCLUDING A PISTOL WITH AN ILLEGAL SILENCER AND A SAWED OFF RIFLE. AUTHORITIES ALSO FOUND STOLEN PROPERTY LINKING FACCONE TO AT LEAST FOUR OTHER BURGLARIES IN THE AREA. FACCONE WAS ALSO FOUND HAVE AN ACTIVE FELONY ARREST WARRANT OUT OF SEATTLE, WASHINGTON FOR ROBBERY. FACCONE WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION PERTAINING TO ANY OTHER POSSIBLE BURGLARIES RELATED TO THIS INVESTIGATION IS URGED TO CONTACT THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT TIP LINE AT 234-2100.

PUBLIC HEARING WEDNESDAY FOR COSTCO EIR JH 02/26/13

THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING WEDNESDAY ON THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR A NEW COSTCO STORE ON AIRPORT PARK BOULEVARD.

ACCORDING TO THE STAFF REPORT FOR THE COMMISSIONS MEETING, COSTCO HAS APPLIED FOR A REZONING, A SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COSTCO WAREHOUSE AND FUEL STATION AT THE SOUTH END OF AIRPORT PARK BOULEVARD. LAST WEEK, THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE CITY BORROWING $4 MILLION DOLLARS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HIGHWAY 101 OFF RAMPS AND THE INTERSECTION AT TALMAGE AND AIRPORT PARK BOULEVARD TO ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC FOR THE NEW COSTCO. THE EIR CAN BE FOUND ON THE CITY OF UKIAH WEB SITE, AND COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT EIR WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MARCH 15. THE PLANNING COMMISSIONS MEETING IS SET FOR 6PM TOMORROW IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON SEMINARY AVENUE.

TRAFFIC STOP LED TO HIGH SPEED CHASE AND SHOOTING JH 02/26/13

A TRAFFIC STOP IN UKIAH LED TO A HIGH SPEED CHASE AND SHOOTING.

SHERIFFS DEPUTIES PULLED OVER A VEHICLE WITH EXPIRED REGISTRATION JUST BEFORE 10 PM LAST NIGHT. AS THE DEPUTY APPROACHED THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, THE VEHICLE QUICKLY ACCELERATED SOUTHBOUND ON STATE STREET REACHING SPEEDS OF 80 TO 90 MILES PER HOUR. WITH AUTHORITIES IN PURSUIT, THE VEHICLE TURNED WESTBOUND ON THE BOONVILLE HIGHWAY. AT ONE POINT, A SUSPECT PARTIALLY EXITED THE PASSENGER WINDOW AND OPENED FIRE ON THE SHERIFFS VEHICLE IN PURSUIT, HITTING THE CAR IN THE RADIATOR AND DISABLING IT. AUTHORITIES FROM MULTIPLE AGENCIES LOCATED THE ABANDONED VEHICLE A SHORT TIME LATER AND FOUND ITEMS REPORTED STOLEN FROM A RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY EARLIER THAT EVENING IN POTTER VALLEY. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, SEVERAL FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION WERE STOLEN FROM THE RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY AND WERE NOT RECOVERED. DETECTIVES HAVE IDENTIFIED 30 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER SKAGGS OF REDWOOD VALLEY AND 33 YEAR OLD WALTER MILLER OF UKIAH AS PERSONS OF INTEREST. SKAGGS AND MILLER SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS. SKAGGS IS CURRENTLY WANTED ON AN UNRELATED BURGLARY AND ROBBERY INCIDENT LAST WEEK. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE CURRENT WHEREABOUTS OF SKAGGS AND MILLER ARE URGED TO CONTACT THE SHERIFFS OFFICE TIP LINE AT 234-2100.

MENDO COUNTY FINANCES REVISED TO POSITIVE BY FITCH JH 02/26/13

FITCH RATINGS, ONE OF THE THREE LARGEST CREDIT RATINGS AGENCIES IN THE UNITED STATES, HAS REVISED ITS RATING FOR MENDOCINO COUNTY.

FITCHES REVISED OUTLOOK ON MENDOCINO COUNTY FINANCES WENT FROM STABLE TO POSITIVE. HOWEVER, FITCH ALSO CITED SEVERAL AREAS OF CONCERN, SOME OF WHICH ARE POOR EMPLOYMENT LEVELS, STAGNANT POPULATION GROWTH, AND WEALTH AND INCOME LEVELS BEING WELL BELOW STATE AND NATIONAL AVERAGES.

A COUPLES FIGHT IN A MOTEL LED TO POT ARREST JH 02/26/13

A WASHINGTON COUPLE WAS ARRESTED MONDAY AFTER POLICE, RESPONDING TO A MOTEL FOR A REPORT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WERE FOUND WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA.

FORT BRAGG POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SUPER 8 ON SOUTH MAIN STREET AT ABOUT 6:20 MONDAY TO FIND 27 YEAR OLD ALEXANDER KATTAU AND 32 YEAR OLD NICOLE RUDRUD YELLING AT EACH OTHER. POLICE SMELLED MARIJUANA AND OBTAINED A SEARCH WARRANT. THEY FOUND 16 POUNDS OF POT AND EVIDENCE TO INDICATE IT WAS BEING PACKAGED FOR SALE. KATTAU AND RUDRUD WERE BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

LAKEPORT HOME DAMAGED IN MONDAY FIRE JH 02/26/13

A FIRE CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO A LAKEPORT HOME MONDAY, BUT THE RESIDENTS MANAGED TO ESCAPE UNHARMED.

FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDED TO THE FIRE ON THIRD STREET JUST BEFORE 3 PM. A WOMAN, HER DAUGHTER AND THREE GRANDCHILDREN WERE ALREADY OUT OF THE HOUSE BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, THE FIRE STARTED IN THE HOMES FIREPLACE, AND FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE QUICKLY AND SAVE MOST OF THE RESIDENCE.

UKIAH MAN ARRESTED AND TWO INJURED SERIOUSLY DURING ATV CRASH JH 02/26/13

A UKIAH MAN WAS ARRESTED AND TWO PEOPLE SERIOUSLY INJURED DURING AN ATV CRASH SATURDAY.

52 YEAR OLD BRYAN BURGESS WAS DRIVING THE ATV ON INDIAN VALLEY RESERVOIR ROAD, WITH THREE PASSENGERS, WHEN HE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED. TWO OF THE PASSENGERS, 47 YEAR OLD ELIZABETH RODERICK AND 55 YEAR OLD NORMA MINER SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES AND WERE AIRLIFTED TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. BURGESS AND THE THIRD PASSENGER, 19 YEAR OLD KRYSTAL BOUSER, RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES AND WERE TAKEN TO ST HELENA HOSPITAL CLEARLAKE. BURGESS WAS CHARGED WITH DUI CAUSING INJURY, AND BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

LAKE COUNTY FRIENDS OF MENDOCINO COLLEGE ESTABLISH NEW SCHOLARSHIP JH 02/26/13

THE LAKE COUNTY FRIENDS OF MENDOCINO COLLEGE HAVE ESTABLISHED A NEW SCHOLARSHIP.

THE $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP IS AVAILABLE TO ONE LAKE COUNTY RESIDENT WHO IS A CURRENT MENDOCINO COLLEGE STUDENT, A RE-ENTRY STUDENT, OR A GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PLANNING ON ATTENDING THE COLLEGE IN THE FALL SEMESTER. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP IS THIS FRIDAY. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.MENDOCINO.EDU.

ROAD WORK THIS WEEK JH 02/22/13

ROAD WORK WILL CAUSE DELAYS IN SEVERAL LOCATION THIS WEEK.

PG&E PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 1 JUST SOUTH OF LIGHTHOUSE ROAD TODAY FROM 8 AM TO 3 PM. ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5 MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 1 AT THE NAVARRO RIVER BRIDGE TODAY AND TOMORROW FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

Playlist 2/28/13

CALVIN HARRIS W/FLORENCE WELCH-SWEET NOTHING

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/WANZ-THRIFT SHOP

MAROON 5-DAYLIGHT

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

BRUNO MARS-WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN

CHRIS WALLACE-REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND)

IMAGINE DRAGONS-IT’S TIME

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE W/JAY-Z-SUIT & TIE

KE$HA-C’MON

KELLY CLARKSON-CATCH MY BREATH

MUMFORD & SONS-I WILL WAIT

NELLY-HEY PORSHE

OF MONSTERS AND MEN-LITTLE TALKS

OLLY MURS W/FLO RIDA-TROUBLEMAKER

ONE DIRECTION-KISS YOU

PITBULL W/CHRISTINA AGUILERA-FEEL THIS MOMENT

RIHANNA W/MIKKY EKKO-STAY

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

AFROJACK W/CHRIS BROWN-AS YOUR FRIEND

BRITT NICOLE-GOLD

FALL OUT BOY-MY SONG KNOWS WHAT YOU DID IN THE DARK

FUN.-CARRY ON

JOHN HART W/IAMSU-WHO BOOTY

KREWELLA-ALIVE

MUSE-MADNESS

SKYLAR GREY W/EMINEM-C’MON LET ME RIDE

BENNY BENASSI W/GARY GO-CINEMA

CHER LLOYD-WITH UR LOVE

EMELI SANDE-NEXT TO ME

ICONA POP W/CHARLI XCX-I LOVE IT

MARINA & THE DIAMONDS-HOW TO BE A HEARTBREAKER

NE-YO-FOREVER NOW

ONE REPUBLIC-IF I LOSE MYSELF

TREY SONGZ-SIMPLY AMAZING

Playlist 2/21/13

CALVIN HARRIS W/FLORENCE WELCH-SWEET NOTHING

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/WANZ-THRIFT SHOP

MAROON 5-DAYLIGHT

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

ALICIA KEYS-GIRL ON FIRE

BRUNO MARS-WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN

CHRIS WALLACE-REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND)

IMAGINE DRAGONS-IT’S TIME

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE W/JAY-Z-SUIT & TIE

KE$HA-C’MON

KELLY CLARKSON-CATCH MY BREATH

MUMFORD & SONS-I WILL WAIT

OF MONSTERS AND MEN-LITTLE TALKS

OLLY MURS W/FLO RIDA-TROUBLEMAKER

ONE DIRECTION-KISS YOU

PITBULL W/CHRISTINA AGUILERA-FEEL THIS MOMENT

RIHANNA W/MIKKY EKKO-STAY

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

AFROJACK W/CHRIS BROWN-AS YOUR FRIEND

BRITT NICOLE-GOLD

FUN.-CARRY ON

JOHN HART W/IAMSU-WHO BOOTY

KREWELLA-ALIVE

MUSE-MADNESS

NELLY-HEY PORSHE

SKYLAR GREY W/EMINEM-C’MON LET ME RIDE

50 CENT W/EMINEM & ADAM LEVINE-MY LIFE

FALL OUT BOY-MY SONG KNOWS WHAT YOU DID IN THE DARK

KENDRICK LAMAR-SWIMMING POOLS (DRANK)

MARINA & THE DIAMONDS-HOW TO BE A HEARTBREAKER

NEON TREES W/KASKADE-LESSONS IN LOVE

NE-YO-FOREVER NOW

ONE REPUBLIC-IF I LOSE MYSELF

TREY SONGZ-SIMPLY AMAZING

News 2/25/13

ACCOMPLICE TO 2010 LAKE COUNTY KILLING, FREE JH 02/25/13

A MAN WHO HAD BEEN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH THE 2010 KILLING OF A MAINE COUPLE IN LAKE COUNTY IS FREE.

30-YEAR-OLD ELIJAH B. McKAY HAD PLEADED GUILTY TO BEING AN ACCESSORY TO MURDER AFTER THE FACT IN THE SHOOTING DEATHS OF FRANK AND YVETTE MADDOX. McKAYS ACCOMPLICE, 32 YEAR OLD ROBBY BEASLEY WAS CONVICTED OF THE MURDERS AND SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON. McKAY WAS SENTENCED LAST TUESDAY TO SERVE TWO YEARS, HOWEVER, HE HAS ALREADY SPENT MORE TIME THAN THAT BEHIND BARS SINCE HIS ARREST IN 2010, MEANING HE WONT HAVE TO SPEND ANY ADDITIONAL TIME IN JAIL, AND IS NOW FREE.

LOCAL OFFICIALS PUSH FOR LOCALLY GROWN FOOD IN COMMERCIAL KITCHENS JH 02/25/13

THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS USING LOCALLY GROWN FOODS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL KITCHENS IS BEING PRESENTED TO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

DURING A CLOSED SESSION MEETING TODAY, THE BOARD WILL HEAR A PRESENTATION SPONSORED BY THE MENDOCINO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE COUNTY HEALTH AN HUMAN SERVICES AGENCYS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION. STATE LAW ONLY ALLOWS FOOD PREPARATION FACILITIES SUCH AS RESTAURANTS AND CAFETERIAS TO USE FOOD FROM AN APPROVED SOURCE. LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE STARTED A PROCESS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND PUT INTO PLACE A SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS LOCAL GROWERS TO BECOME CERTIFIED APPROVED SOURCES TO INCREASE THE QUALITY OF FOOD AVAILABLE IN COMMERCIAL KITCHENS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

MULTIPLE INJURIES IN VEHICLE CRASH JH 02/25/13

TWO PEOPLE SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES IN A SATURDAY EVENING VEHICLE CRASH.

ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, AN SUV OVERTURNED AROUND 5:30 PM NEAR WALKER RIDGE ROAD AND HIGHWAY 20. REPORTS INDICATE MULTIPLE PEOPLE WERE INJURED, AND TWO UNIDENTIFIED VICTIMS WERE AIRLIFTED TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. NO OTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE YET, AND THE ACCIDENT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

VANDALISM AND BURGLARY AT SEVERAL NORTHSHORE BUSINESSES

JH 02/25/13

THREE BUSINESSES ON CLEAR LAKES NORTHSHORE AREA WERE VANDALIZED AND OR BURGLARIZED EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.

AUTHORITIES BELIEVE THE SAME SUSPECT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE AT THREE STORES, THE NEW MARINA MARKET AND TOWER MART IN NICE, AND THE HI-WAY GROCERY IN UPPERLAKE. ALL THREE BUSINESSES HAD GLASS WINDOWS AND OR DOORS BROKEN, AND TWO OF THEM HAD ITEMS STOLEN. THE THIEF, CAUGHT ON SURVEILLANCE VIDEO STOLE BEER, ICE CREAM AND A PLAYBOY MAGAZINE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IN REGARD TO THESE INCIDENTS, CAN CALL THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT.

BICYCLIST LEADS POLICE ON FOOT CHASE AND ASSAULTED OFFICER

JH 02/25/13

A BICYCLIST LED POLICE ON A FOOT CHASE AND ASSAULTED AT LEAST ONE OFFICER BEFORE BEING ARRESTED.

POLICE PULLED OVER 35 YEAR OLD KYLE WESLEY TAYLOR AS HE WAS RIDING HIS BICYCLE IN THE CLEARLAKE PARK AREA SATURDAY AFTERNOON. A PROBATION SEARCH OF TAYLOR REVEALED HE WAS IN POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. TAYLOR THEN RAN, WITH AN OFFICER FOLLOWING WHO CAUGHT UP WITH TAYLOR A COUPLE BLOCKS AWAY. TAYLOR THEN ASSAULTED THE OFFICER AND FLED AGAIN. AFTER A LOCAL RESIDENT CALLED AUTHORITIES TO INFORM THEM THAT A MAN WAS HIDING IN THEIR GARAGE, POLICE AGAIN LOCATED TAYLOR, AND AFTER ANOTHER SHORT FOOT CHASE, TOOK HIM INTO CUSTODY. TAYLOR WAS BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

IN-HOME SUPPORT SERVICES SEEKS VOLUNTEERS JH 02/25/13

THE LAKE COUNTY IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES PUBLIC AUTHORITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS OPENINGS FOR VOLUNTEER MEMBERSHIP.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES INCLUDE PAST OR PRESENT SENIOR RECIPIENT OF IN-HOME CARE, DISABILITY COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE, CONSUMER WITH A DISABILITY AND PAST OR PRESENT PROVIDER OF IN-HOME CARE. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 995-4640.

MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO DISCUSS INCLUSION OF COASTLINE TO MARINE SANCTUARY JH 02/25/13

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WILL DISCUSS A INCLUSION OF THE MENDOCINO COASTLINE TO AN EXPANDING MARINE SANCTUARY.

THE RESOLUTION SUPPORTS A PROPOSED NORTHERN EXPANSION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF THE GULF OF THE FARALLONES AND CORDELL BANK MARINE SANCTUARIES TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE MENDOCINO COUNTY COAST. THE EXPANSION WOULD NOT IMPOSE MORE REGULATIONS ON SPORT OR COMMERCIAL FISHING ON OUR COASTLINE, BUT WOULD PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FROM OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND DRILLING, WHILE PROVIDING ENHANCED PROTECTION FOR OUR MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND OUR OCEAN-BASED ECONOMIC RESOURCES, INCLUDING FISHERIES, RECREATION AND TOURISM.

ROAD WORK NEXT WEEK JH 02/22/13

ROAD WORK WILL CAUSE DELAYS IN SEVERAL LOCATION THIS WEEK.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 101 FROM LA FRANCHI ROAD TO FELIZ CREEK BRIDGE BEGINNING TODAY FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM WEEKDAYS. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 10-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

PG&E WILL PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 175 FROM JUST EAST OF HARRISON STREET TO JUST WEST OF OLD TOLL ROAD BEGINNING TODAY FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM. ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5 MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 29 FROM KITS CORNER TO CRUIKSHANK ROAD BEGINNING TODAY FROM 8:30 AM TO 3 PM WEEKDAYS. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 10-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

PG&E PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 1 JUST SOUTH OF LIGHTHOUSE ROAD TOMORROW FROM 8 AM TO 3 PM. ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5 MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 1 AT THE NAVARRO RIVER BRIDGE TOMORROW AND WEDNESDAY FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

News 2/22/13

SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN LUCERNE CHURCH BURGLARY JH 02/22/13

TWO LUCERNE RESIDENTS WERE ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY OF A LOCAL CHURCH.

30 YEAR OLD MIGUEL ANTONIO VALEZ AND 44 YEAR OLD MICHELLE DENISE MILLER WERE FOUND BURGLARIZING THE UNITED CHRISTIAN PARISH IN LAKEPORT YESTERDAY MORNING. THEY WERE CAUGHT WITH A $1,500 DOLLAR LAPTOP FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE. VALEZ HAD BEEN SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON IN 2011 FOR BURGLARY, HOWEVER, HE WAS ON POST RELEASE COMMUNITY SUPERVISION DUE TO CALIFORNIA AB 109 REALIGNMENT. MILLER ALSO HAD A RECORD FOR DRUG AND VIOLENCE CHARGES. BOTH WERE BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

WILLITS STREET CLOSURE EXTENDED JH 02/22/13

THE CITY OF WILLITS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT STREET CLOSURES FOR UTILITY WORK THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE DONE YESTERDAY, HAS BEEN EXTENDED.

WORK WILL CONTINUE TODAY ON HUMBOLDT, EAST MENDOCINO, AND PEARL STREETS, AND THE PROJECT COULD CONTINUE INTO NEXT MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND. THE STREETS WILL NOT BE CLOSED SIMULTANEOUSLY. CLOSURES WILL BE ISOLATED TO THE AREAS OF ROAD WORK AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. CITY STAFF ADVISES ALL TRAFFIC TO AVOID HUMBOLDT STREET THROUGH THE END OF THE PROJECT.

UKIAH MAN ARRESTED FOR WEAPONS AND DRUGS JH 02/22/13

A UKIAH WAS ARRESTED WEDNESDAY ON MULTIPLE CHARGES, INCLUDING DRUGS AND WEAPONS.

25 YEAR OLD ROBERT KEVIN GARDNER WAS SEEN RIDING A BICYCLE ON LOVERS LANE WITH NO LIGHTS AT AROUND 11 PM. SHERIFFS DEPUTIES CONTACTED GARDNER, WHOM WAS KNOWN TO BE ON FORMAL PROBATION. A SEARCH OF HIS PERSON REVEALED A 6-INCH KNIFE HIDDEN IN HIS PANTS, AND BURGLARY TOOLS. DEPUTIES ALSO NOTICED HE WAS SHOWING SIGNS OF BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, AND FOUND THAT HE THREW A BAG OF METHAMPHETAMINE ON THE GROUND AS THEY APPROACHED HIM. GARDENER WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

CITY OF UKIAH WILL APPLY FOR LOAN TO PAY FOR COSTCO IMPROVEMENTS JH 02/20/13

THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPLY FOR A LOAN TO PAY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED FOR A PLANNED COSTCO STORE IN THE REDWOOD BUSINESS PARK.

COSTCO HAS APPLIED TO BUILD A STORE ON AIRPORT PARK BOULEVARD. THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED, AND THE PROJECT WILL GO BEFORE THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION NEXT WEEK. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, PART OF THE DEAL REQUIRES THE CITY TO COMPLETE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE INTERSECTIONS AND HIGHWAY 101 OFF RAMPS LEADING TO THE STORE TO HELP ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE AREA. THE CITY PLANNED TO USE MONEY FROM BOND SALES FROM THE CITYS FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. HOWEVER, SINCE THE STATE DISSOLVED ALL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE HAS BLOCKED THE CITYS USE OF PROCEEDS GENERATED FROM THOSE BOND SALES. THE CITY WILL APPLY FOR A 30-YEAR LOAN FOR THE $4 MILLION FROM THE CALIFORNIA INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK. THE CITY SEES THE PROJECT AS A BOON TO UKIAH. HAVING A COSTCO IN THE REDWOOD BUSINESS PARK, WILL HELP ENCOURAGE OTHER BUSINESSES TO FILL THE REST OF THE AVAILABLE LOTS, AS WELL AS SOLIDIFY UKIAH AS THE PRIMARY SHOPPING DESTINATION IN THE COUNTY. IT WILL ALSO CREATE NEW JOBS AND INCREASE TAX REVENUE.

KELSEYVILLE MAN FOUND UNFIT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER TRIAL

JH 02/22/13

A KELSEYVILLE MAN HAS BEEN FOUND UNFIT TO STAND TRIAL YESTERDAY, FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AND OTHER CHARGES.

40-YEAR-OLD ANDREW JAMES SERRANO WAS CHARGED WITH 10 FELONIES AND FOUR MISDEMEANORS FOR AN ALLEGED PATTERN OF HARASSMENT INVOLVING HIS ESTRANGED WIFE, CULMINATING WITH HER BEING BEATEN AND ANOTHER MAN BEING SHOT IN SEPTEMBER 2011. THE CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST SERRANO HAS BEEN SUSPENDED AS OFFICIALS WORK TO ADDRESS HIS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. HE IS DUE IN COURT AGAIN FOR A STATUS UPDATE ON MARCH 26TH.

UKIAH MSR REVIEW WORKSHOP JH 02/22/13

THE MENDOCINO LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION, OR LAFCO, WILL CONDUCT A CONTINUED WORKSHOP FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE REVIEW OF NINE SPECIAL DISTRICTS LOCATED IN THE UKIAH VALLEY.

THE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE COMMISSIONS REGULAR MEETING ON MONDAY, MARCH 4TH IN THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON SEMINARY AVENUE. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE ACTUAL PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT MSR, PLEASE VISIT THE MENDOCINO LAFCO WEBSITE AT WWW.MENDOLAFCO.ORG.

DOYLE SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FOR SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE FRESHMEN JH 02/22/13

A RENEWED DOYLE SCHOLARSHIP IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FRESHMEN ENROLLING IN SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE THIS FALL.

THE 60 YEAR OLD SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WAS SUSPENDED IN 2008 WHEN EXCHANGE BANK, CRIPPLED BY FINANCIAL CRISIS, STOPPED PAYING DIVIDENDS THAT FUNDED $76 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS SINCE 1948. THE RENEWED SCHOLARSHIP IS BEING OFFERED TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2013 WHO WILL ENROLL AS FULL TIME STUDENTS AT THE JUNIOR COLLEGE. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MARCH 14, AND MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.SANTAROSA.EDU.

ROAD WORK NEXT WEEK JH 02/22/13

ROAD WORK WILL CAUSE DELAYS IN SEVERAL LOCATION NEXT WEEK.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 101 FROM LA FRANCHI ROAD TO FELIZ CREEK BRIDGE BEGINNING MONDAY FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM WEEKDAYS. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 10-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

PG&E WILL PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 175 FROM JUST EAST OF HARRISON STREET TO JUST WEST OF OLD TOLL ROAD BEGINNING MONDAY FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM. ONE WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5 MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 29 FROM KITS CORNER TO CRUIKSHANK ROAD BEGINNING MONDAY FROM 8:30 AM TO 3 PM WEEKDAYS. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 10-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

Playlist 2/14/13

JUSTIN BIEBER W/NICKI MINAJ-BEAUTY AND A BEAT

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/WANZ-THRIFT SHOP

PINK-TRY

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

ALICIA KEYS-GIRL ON FIRE

BRUNO MARS-WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN

CALVIN HARRIS W/FLORENCE WELCH-SWEET NOTHING

CHRIS WALLACE-REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND)

IMAGINE DRAGONS-IT’S TIME

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE W/JAY-Z-SUIT & TIE

KE$HA-C’MON

KELLY CLARKSON-CATCH MY BREATH

MAROON 5-DAYLIGHT

MUMFORD & SONS-I WILL WAIT

NELLY-HEY PORSHE

OF MONSTERS AND MEN-LITTLE TALKS

OLLY MURS W/FLO RIDA-TROUBLEMAKER

PITBULL W/TJR-DON’T STOP THE PARTY

BRITT NICOLE-GOLD

FUN.-CARRY ON

JOHN HART W/IAMSU-WHO BOOTY

ONE DIRECTION-KISS YOU

PITBULL W/CHRISTINA AGUILERA-FEEL THIS MOMENT

RIHANNA W/MIKKY EKKO-STAY

SKYLAR GREY W/EMINEM-C’MON LET ME RIDE

50 CENT W/EMINEM & ADAM LEVINE-MY LIFE

AFROJACK W/CHRIS BROWN-AS YOUR FRIEND

AUSTIN MAHONE W/FLO RIDA-SAY YOU’RE JUST A FRIEND

MARINA & THE DIAMONDS-HOW TO BE A HEARTBREAKER

MUSE-MADNESS

NEON TREES W/KASKADE-LESSONS IN LOVE

NE-YO-FOREVER NOW

News 2/21/13

HOUSE FIRE CLAIMS LIFE OF THIRD DOG JH 02/21/13

THE HOUSE FIRE THAT KILLED TWO DOGS TUESDAY EVENING HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF THE THIRD DOG.

ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS AT THE LAKE COUNTY ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL, THE THIRD DOG, THAT WAS REVIVED AT THE FIRE SCENE SUCCUMBED TO ITS INJURIES OVERNIGHT. THE HOUSE FIRE ON LAKEVIEW DRIVE ALSO INJURED BOTH RESIDENTS. BOTH SUFFERED FROM SMOKE INHALATION, AND ONE ALSO SUSTAINED BURNS. THE FIRE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

CAR SPLIT IN HALF DURING COLLISION JH 02/21/13

A CAR WAS SPLIT IN HALF AFTER THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A UTILITY POLE.

20-YEAR-OLD CLAYTON BROWN OF UKIAH WAS HEADED EASTBOUND ON LAKE MENDOCINO DRIVE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO CHP, BROWNS VEHICLE HIT A CURB, THEN CONTINUED SIDEWAYS BEFORE HITTING THE POLE. THE REAR PORTION OF THE VEHICLE STAYED WITH THE POLE, HOWEVER, THE FROND OF THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO AN EMBANKMENT. BROWN WAS TAKEN TO UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER WITH MINIMAL INJURIES. HE HAD A DOG IN THE VEHICLE WITH HIM THAT SUFFERED A BROKEN LEG.

PALACE HOTEL IN UKIAH CLOSE TO GETTING PERMIT FOR RENOVATIONS

JH 02/21/13

THE CITY OF UKIAH IS ON THE VERGE OF ISSUING A BUILDING PERMIT THAT WOULD ALLOW RENOVATIONS TO BEGIN AGAIN AT THE PALACE HOTEL IN UKIAH.

AT LAST NIGHTS UKIAH CITY COUNCIL MEETING, ELADIA LAINES PROVIDED DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE SHE WAS AUTHORIZED TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CORPORATION THAT OWNS THE BUILDING. SHE NOW ONLY NEEDS CLEARANCE FROM THE MENDOCINO COUNTY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT TO SHOW THAT ALL ASBESTOS AND LEAD HAS BEEN REMOVED. A CONSULTANT TO HANDLE THE ABATEMENT OF LEAD AND ASBESTOS IS DUE AT THE SITE ON FRIDAY. THE COUNCIL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO DELAY PASSING A RESOLUTION ALLOWING THE POTENTIAL DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDING AND WILL RECEIVE ANOTHER REPORT FROM LAINES AT NEXT MONTHS MEETING.

MENDOCINO COLLEGE OFFERS NEW STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS JH 02/21/13

THE MENDOCINO COLLEGE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK THAT IT WILL AWARD FIVE NEW SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE 2013/2014 SCHOOL YEAR.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL RANG FROM $1,000 TO $1,500. THREE WILL BE FOR NURSING STUDENTS, ONE FOR REENTRY WOMEN AND ONE FOR A MESA ELIGIBLE STUDENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, VISIT WWW.MENDOCINO.EDU. THE COLLEGE ALSO INVITES ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING TO AN EXISTING SCHOLARSHIP OR CREATING A NEW AWARD IN MEMORIAM OR FOR A SPECIAL INTEREST TO CONTACT THE MENDOCINO COLLEGE FOUNDATION AT 467-1018.

MAN ACCUSED OF BEATING BABY TO DEATH IN COURT THIS WEEK

JH 02/21/13

THE FOSTER FATHER ACCUSED OF BEATING TO DEATH A 5 MONTH OLD BABY GIRL IN DECEMBER APPEARED IN COURT YESTERDAY.

38 YEAR OLD WILSON L. TUBBS III FACES CHARGES OF CHILD ABUSE RESULTING IN DEATH, WHICH CARRIES THE SAME WEIGHT AS MURDER. TUBBS INITIALLY CLAIMED THE INFANT WAS INJURED WHEN SHE FELL FROM A CHANGING TABLE ONTO A HARDWOOD FLOOR, BUT LATER ADMIT HE SLAPPED AND VIOLENTLY SHOOK THE BABY. TUBBS PRELIMINARY HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 20TH.

CAT FIGHT LEADS TO CAR CRASH JH 02/21/13

A LAKE COUNTY WOMAN CRASHED HER VEHICLE CAUSING A POWER OUTAGE BECAUSE SHE WAS DISTRACTED BY NUMEROUS CATS IN HER TRUCK.

62 YEAR OLD WANDA ANN LEACH WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE IN LUCERNE YESTERDAY MORNING, WHEN SHE TOOK HER EYES OFF THE ROAD TO LOOK DOWN AT HER CATS, WHICH WERE LOOSE IN THE PICKUP. LEACH DRIFTED OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A UTILITY POLE CAUSING OVER 2,000 PG&E CUSTOMERS TO LOOSE POWER FOR MUCH OF THE DAY. AUTHORITIES IMPOUNDED 12 CATS AT THE CRASH SCENE, WITH MANY SUFFERING FROM UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AND RINGWORM. LEACH, WHO APPEARED TO BE LIVING IN THE VEHICLE, SUFFERED MINOR HEAD INJURIES.

COURTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION DELAYS FOR LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTIES JH 02/21/13

THE NEW COURTHOUSE PROJECTS FOR BOTH LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTIES, AS WELL AS NUMEROUS OTHERS, FACE POSTPONEMENT IN ANTICIPATION OF GOVERNOR BROWNS PROPOSED STATE BUDGET.

IN ADVANCE OF NEXT WEEKS MEETING OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA, THE COUNCILS COURT FACILITIES WORKING GROUP HAS RECOMMENDED THE DELAY OF 11 PROJECTS IF BROWNS PROPOSED BUDGET IS ENACTED. COURTHOUSE PROJECTS IN YREKA, REDDING, SANTA ROSA AND SIX OTHER CITIES ARE ALSO AFFECTED. THE COUNCIL HAS ALREADY ORDERED THE INDEFINITE DELAY OF 11 OTHER COURTHOUSE PROJECTS IN THE STATE. THE DELAYS ARE DUE TO BROWNS PROPOSED BUDGET TAKING $200 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE COURTHOUSE CONSTRUCTION BUDGET TO FUND TRIAL COURT OPERATIONS. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, IT ALSO DELAYS THE STATES REPAYMENT OF $90 MILLION BORROWED FROM THE COURT CONSTRUCTION FUND. THE FUNDING CUTS HAVE ALSO LED TO THE CLOSURE OF COURTROOMS AND ENTIRE COURTHOUSES, AS WELL AS LAYOFFS OF COURT PERSONNEL ACROSS THE STATE.

LAKEPORT SEEKS RESIDENTS FOR MARIJUANA CULTIVATION COMMITTEE

JH 02/21/13

THE CITY OF LAKEPORT IS SEEKING RESIDENTS INTERESTED IN SERVING ON A COMMITTEE TO CRAFT GUIDELINES GOVERNING MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROWS IN THE CITY LIMITS.

ANY LAKEPORT CITY RESIDENTS INTERESTED IN BEING ON THE COMMITTEE ARE INVITED TO CONTACT THE CITY PLANNING SERVICES MANAGER ANDREW BRITTON. HE CAN BE REACHED VIA E-MAIL AT ABRITTON.