News 4/30/13

CREDIT UNIONS MOVE FORWARD WITH MERGER JH 04/30/13

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR BOTH THE FORT BRAGG COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION AND MENDO LAKE CREDIT UNION HAVE APPROVED A RESOLUTION INITIATING THE REGULATORY PROCESS TO MERGE THE TWO CREDIT UNIONS.

UPON APPROVAL FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, FORT BRAGG COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE ON THE MERGER AGREEMENT. SINCE BOTH ORGANIZATIONS ARE COOPERATIVES, THIS PROCESS IS NOT LIKE THE MERGER OF TWO SHAREHOLDER CONTROLLED COMPANIES WHERE THERE IS PROFIT AS A MOTIVE. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE MERGER IS DESIGNED TO ASSURE THE BEST IN ONGOING SERVICE TO THE CONTINUING MEMBERSHIP.

ANNUAL MUSSEL QUARANTINE IN EFFECT FOR MENDOCINO COAST

JH 04/30/13

THE ANNUAL QUARANTINE ON SPORT HARVESTED MUSSELS, GATHERED ALONG THE MENDOCINO COAST, IS NOW IN EFFECT.

TESTING BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH HAS DETECTED ELEVATED LEVELS OF DOMOIC ACID AND HIGH NUMBERS OF ALGAE THAT PRODUCE THE TOXIN. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, POISONING FROM THIS TOXIN CAN LEAD TO SEVERE ILLNESS, INCLUDING COMA AND DEATH. COMMERCIALLY HARVESTED SHELLFISH ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL QUARANTINE. THE QUARANTINE TYPICALLY ENDS OCTOBER 31ST.

CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN SENTENCED FOR SHOOTING JH 04/30/13

A CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN WAS SENTENCED MONDAY FOR SHOOTING ANOTHER MAN WITH A SHOTGUN LAST SEPTEMBER.

20 YEAR OLD WALTER FREDERICK WOLKENHAUER PLEADED NO CONTEST TO ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM AND ADMITTED TO A SPECIAL ALLEGATION OF USING A GUN AS PART OF A JANUARY PLEA DEAL FOR SHOOTING DUSTIN WARNER NEAR THE TOWER MART IN CLEARLAKE OAKS. WOLKENHAUR WAS SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN STATE PRISON.

ROAD WORK TODAY JH 04/30/13

ROAD WORK WILL CAUSE SOME TRAFFIC DELAYS.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 101 FROM THE HOPLAND OVERHEAD BRIDGE TO LA FRANCHI ROAD BEGINNING TODAY AND ONGOING FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM WEEKDAYS.

A CAL TRANS SUBCONTRACTOR WILL PERFORM VEGETATION REMOVAL ON HIGHWAY 101 JUST SOUTH OF THE RAILROAD CROSSING BEGINNING TODAY AND ONGOING FROM 7 AM TO 6 PM WEEKDAYS.

PG&E WILL PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 20 FROM ONE TO TWO MILES EAST OF WILDWOOD CAMPGROUND TODAY FROM 9 AM TO 4:30 PM.

LAKE COUNTY SPECIAL DISTRICTS OF LAKEPORT WILL PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 20 NEAR BURPEE DRIVE BEGINNING TODAY AND ONGOING FROM 7:30 AM TO 4 PM WEEKDAYS.

CAL TRANS WILL PERFORM ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON HIGHWAY 1 FROM CURLEY LANE TO MALLO PASS CREEK BEGINNING TODAY AND ONGOING FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM WEEKDAYS.

AT ALL LOCATIONS, ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5 TO 10 MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

BURN PERMITS REQUIRED MAY 1ST JH 04/30/13

CAL FIRE HAS ANNOUNCED THAT BURN PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OUTDOOR BURNING ON STATE RESPONSIBILITY LANDS BEGINNING TOMORROW, MAY 1ST.

CAL FIRE URGES RESIDENTS TO COMPLETE ALL OUTDOOR BURNING PRIOR TO HOT, DRY, OR WINDY WEATHER, WHICH WILL MAKE OUTDOOR BURNING UNSAFE. CAL FIRE ANTICIPATES A FULL BURN SUSPENSION BEGINNING ON OR BEFORE JULY 1ST. BERN PERMITS MAY BE OBTAINED AT VARIOUS CAL FIRE OFFICES AND LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS.

FORT BRAGG POLICE STATION CLOSED FOR PAINTING JH 04/30/13

THE FORT BRAGG POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED A PORTION OF TODAY AND TOMORROW FOR PAINTING.

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 AM TO NOON EACH DAY, WITH THE PARKING LOT CLOSED ALL DAY BOTH DAYS. DUE TO THIS CLOSURE, STAFF WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR THEIR USUAL FINGERPRINTING THIS MORNING, HOWEVER, FINGERPRINTING WILL BE AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON FROM 1:30 TO 3:30 AND AGAIN ON THURSDAY FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM.

EX-LAKEPORT UTILITIES SUPERINTENDENT REACHES PLEA DEAL

JH 04/30/13

THE FORMER LAKEPORT UTILITIES SUPERINTENDENT ACCEPTED A PLEA DEAL IN HIS EMBEZZLEMENT CASE YESTERDAY.

37-YEAR-OLD MATHEW ALLEN JOHNSON FACED 14 FELONIES FOR ALLEGEDLY MAKING MORE THAN $6,500 IN UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES ON HIS CITY-ISSUED CREDIT CARD BETWEEN JUNE 2011 AND AUGUST 2012. IN THE PLEA DEAL, JOHNSON PLEADED NO CONTEST TO ONE FELONY COUNT OF EMBEZZLEMENT IN EXCHANGE FOR 30 DAYS IN COUNTY JAIL, THREE YEARS OF FORMAL PROBATION AND THE REMAINING CHARGES BEING DROPPED. RESTITUTION HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID.

MENDOCINO COUNTY WORKERS DISPLACED BY FLOODING MOVE BACK INTO OFFICES JH 04/30/13

MENDOCINO COUNTY EMPLOYEES THAT WERE DISPLACED BY A FLOODED OFFICE IN JANUARY, ARE MOVING BACK INTO THE COUNTY BUILDING THIS WEEK.

A BROKEN PIPE CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING AND CAUSED STAFF TO HAVE TO TEMPORARILY RELOCATE. MENDOCINO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES AND PUBLIC HEALTH ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SETTLING BACK INTO THEIR NORMAL SPACE ON SOUTH DORA STREET.

NUMEROUS FARMERS MARKETS OPEN THIS WEEK IN MENDOCINO COUNTY JH 04/30/13

NUMEROUS FARMERS MARKETS ARE KICKING OFF THEIR SEASON THIS WEEK AROUND MENDOCINO COUNTY.

EXPERIENCE THE BOUNTY OF MENDOCINO COUNTY AT THESE MARKETS THAT ACCEPT WIC AND EBT. THE FORT BRAGG MARKET OPENS WEDNESDAY FROM 3:30 TO 6 PM DOWNTOWN; THE WILLITS FARMERS MARKET OPENS THURSDAY FROM 3 TO 6 PM AT THE CITY PARK; IN MENDOCINO, THE MARKET OPENS FRIDAY FROM NOON TO 2 PM DOWNTOWN. BOONVILLES FARMERS MARKET OPENS SATURDAY FROM 10 TO 12:30, AND THE UKIAH FARMERS MARKET IS OPEN YEAR ROUND ON SATURDAYS FROM 8:30 TO NOON DOWNTOWN. THE LAYTONVILLE AND REDWOOD VALLEY MARKETS ARE NOT SCHEDULED TO OPEN UNTIL JUNE.

Playlist 5/2/13

BRUNO MARS-WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN

DEMI LOVATO-HEART ATTACK

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE-MIRRORS

PINK W/NATE RUESS-JUST GIVE ME A REASON

PITBULL W/CHRISTINA AGUILERA-FEEL THIS MOMENT

RIHANNA W/MIKKY EKKO-STAY

AVRIL LAVIGNE-HERE’S TO NEVER GROWING UP

EMELI SANDE-NEXT TO ME

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

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE W/NELLY-CRUISE

FUN.-CARRY ON

ICONA POP W/CHARLI XCX-I LOVE IT

JUSTIN BIEBER W/LUDACRIS-ALL AROUND THE WORLD

KREWELLA-ALIVE

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/RAY DALTO-CAN’T HOLD US

MUSE-MADNESS

OLLY MURS W/FLO RIDA-TROUBLEMAKER

SELENA GOMEZ-COME & GET IT

TAYLOR SWIFT-22

WILL.I.AM W/JUSTIN BIEBER-# THAT POWER

ARIANA GRANDE W/MAC MILLER-THE WAY

AVICII VS NICKY ROMERO-I COULD BE THE ONE

CALVIN HARRIS W/ELLIE GOULDING-I NEED YOUR LOVE

CARLY RAE JEPSEN-TONIGHT I’M GETTING OVER YOU

ED SHEERAN-LEGO HOUSE

HOT CHELLE RAE-HUNG UP

LITTLE MIX-WINGS

ZEDD W/FOXES-CLARITY

AFROJACK W/CHRIS BROWN-AS YOUR FRIEND

ANNA KENDRICK-CUPS (PITCH PERFECT WHEN I’M GONE)

CHER LLOYD-WITH UR LOVE

DRAKE-STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM

IMAGINE DRAGONS-RADIOACTIVE

JASON DERULO-THE OTHER SIDE

LUPE FIASCO W/GUY SEBASTIAN-BATTLE SCARS

MKTO-THANK YOU

NIKKI WILLIAMS-GLOWING

ONE REPUBLIC-IF I LOSE MYSELF

News 4/29/13

ABALONE DIVER DROWN OFF THE BEACH AT MacKERRICHER STATE PARK SUNDAY JH 04/29/13

AN ABALONE DIVER DROWN THIS WEEKEND OFF THE BEACH AT MacKERRICHER STATE PARK IN FORT BRAGG.

SUNDAY MORNING, A US COAST GUARD HELICOPTER JOINED THE SEARCH FOR AN ABALONE DIVER THAT WAS MISSING. THE HELICOPTER LOCATED A FLOAT TUBE, OFTEN USED BY DIVERS, ABOUT 250 YARDS FROM SHORE, BUT THERE WAS NO SIGN OF THE DIVER. A RESCUE PARAMEDIC FROM THE SONOMA COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT WAS LOWERED INTO THE WATER AND LOCATED THE DIVER ABOUT 15 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE, STILL WEARING HIS WEIGHT BELT. IT HAD BEEN ABOUT TWO HOURS SINCE HE WAS REPORTED MISSING. THE UNIDENTIFIED DIVER WAS PULLED FROM THE WATER AND PRONOUNCED DEAD. TWO OTHER ABALONE DIVERS ALSO LOST THEIR LIVES OFF THE SONOMA COAST OVER THE WEEKEND.

ANOTHER ARREST IN STOLEN FIREARMS CASE JH 04/29/13

ANOTHER ARREST HAS BEEN MADE IN A CASE INVOLVING STOLEN FIREARMS FROM A STORAGE SHED IN FORT BRAGG LAST MONTH.

ON MARCH 15, A TRAFFIC STOP IN FORT BRAGG REVEALED SEVERAL STOLEN FIREARMS, AND THE DRIVER WAS ARRESTED. FINGERPRINTS WERE THEN PULLED FROM THE WEAPONS AND SENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. LAST WEEK, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IDENTIFIED A THUMB AND RING FINGER PRINT FROM SOME OF THE GUN CASES TO BE THAT OF 29 YEAR OLD RICKY FAUSTINO SANTOS OF FORT BRAGG. SANTOS WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE ON SUMMARY PROBATION OUT OF STANISLAUS COUNTY, AND A WARRANT WAS ISSUED FOR HIS ARREST. AUTHORITIES LOCATED SANTOS ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON NORTH MAIN STREET IN FORT BRAGG AND HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

LAKE COUNTY BOS ASK SHERIFF TO RESTORE POLICE ACCESS TO RIMS

JH 04/29/13

THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS URGED SHERIFF FRANK RIVERO TO GIVE LAKEPORT POLICE AND THE COUNTY PROBATION OFFICE THEIR PREVIOUS LEVEL OF ACCESS TO THE SHERIFFS RECORDS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, OR RIMS UNTIL A LONG TERM SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND.

DURING FRIDAYS SPECIAL MEETING TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES, THE BOARD ALSO ASKED THE SHERIFF AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO REQUEST THAT THE CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE CONDUCT A FULL AUDIT OF THE COUNTY RIMS. THEY ALSO FORMED A DISCUSSION GROUP OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND OTHER PUBLIC OFFICIALS TO WORK OUT THE RIMS ACCESS ISSUE. THE SHERIFF, WHO SUSPENDED THE AGENCIES ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM LAST TUESDAY, DENIED THE BOARDS REQUEST TO RESTORE ACCESS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND OFFERED TO RESTORE ACCESS TO ONLY ONE SENIOR STAFF MEMBER OF PROBATION. PROBATION DENIED THE OPTION STATING IT WAS AN INCONVENIENT SOLUTION.

EARTHQUAKE NEAR LAKE PILLSBURY JH 04/29/13

A MODERATE SIZED EARTHQUAKE RATTLED LAKE PILLSBURY SUNDAY MORNING.

ACCORDING TO A PRELIMINARY REPORT FROM THE US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, THE QUAKE STRUCK AT 5:38 AM YESTERDAY JUST 9 MILES NORTH WEST OF LAKE PILLSBURY AND 19 MILES NORTH EAST OF WILLITS AT A DEPTH OF 4.2 MILES. THE TEMBLOR REGISTERED A 3.3 MAGNITUDE AND NO DAMAGE WAS REPORTED.

ROAD WORK TODAY JH 04/29/13

ROAD WORK THIS WEEK WILL CAUSE SOME TRAFFIC DELAYS.

PG&E WILL BE TRIMMING TREES ON HIGHWAY 1 FROM ODOM LANE TO ROCKPORT STREET BEGINNING TODAY. THE WORK WILL BE ONGOING ON WEEKDAYS FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM.

A CAL TRANS SUB CONTRACTOR WILL PERFORM METAL BEAM GUARDRAIL REPAIRS ON HIGHWAY 162 AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS FROM THE 101 JUNCTION TO EBERLE STREET BEGINNING TODAY. THE WORK WILL BE ONGOING ON WEEKDAYS FROM 7:30 AM TO 4 PM.

AT BOTH LOCATIONS, ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

LAKEPORT WOMAN ARRESTED ON DUI CHARGE AFTER CHASE

JH 04/29/13

A LAKE PORT WOMAN WAS ARRESTED FOR DUI AFTER LEADING AUTHORITIES ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE.

CHP WAS ALERTED TO A POSSIBLE INTOXICATED DRIVER AT ABOUT 3 AM SATURDAY MORNING, AND ATTEMPTED TO PULL A DRIVER OVER NEAR THE NICE-LUCERNE CUTOFF. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER, 38 YEAR OLD LAURIE LOUISE CIPRIANI FLED REACHING SPEEDS OVER 90 MILES PER HOUR BEFORE SHE EVENTUALLY PULLED OVER NEAR THE PARK WAY OFF-RAMP. ACCORDING TO CHP, DRUGS WERE FOUND INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND CIPRIANI WAS BOOKED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

MENDOCINO COUNTY LIBRARIES CLOSED TOMORROW JH 04/29/13

ALL MENDOCINO COUNTY LIBRARIES WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW, TUESDAY APRIL 30.

THE LIBRARIES WILL BE CLOSED FOR STAFF TRAINING, AND WILL REOPEN FOR THEIR USUAL HOURS ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 1ST. THE LIBRARIES WEB SITE, WHERE YOU CAN DOWNLOAD AUDIO AND E-BOOKS, RENEW YOUR BOOKS, AND PUT BOOKS ON HOLD, WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE AT WWW.MENDOLIBRARY.ORG. DONT WORRY IF YOUR LIBRARY BOOK IS DUE TOMORROW, THERE WILL BE NO OVERDUE FINES ASSESSED DURING THE ONE-DAY CLOSURE.

Playlist 4/25/13

BRUNO MARS-WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN

DEMI LOVATO-HEART ATTACK

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE W/JAY-Z-SUIT & TIE

PINK W/NATE RUESS-JUST GIVE ME A REASON

PITBULL W/CHRISTINA AGUILERA-FEEL THIS MOMENT

RIHANNA W/MIKKY EKKO-STAY

EMELI SANDE-NEXT TO ME

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

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE W/NELLY-CRUISE

FUN.-CARRY ON

ICONA POP W/CHARLI XCX-I LOVE IT

JUSTIN BIEBER W/LUDACRIS-ALL AROUND THE WORLD

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE-MIRRORS

KREWELLA-ALIVE

LITTLE MIX-WINGS

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/RAY DALTO-CAN’T HOLD US

MUSE-MADNESS

OLLY MURS W/FLO RIDA-TROUBLEMAKER

TAYLOR SWIFT-22

WILL.I.AM W/JUSTIN BIEBER-# THAT POWER

AFROJACK W/CHRIS BROWN-AS YOUR FRIEND

ARIANA GRANDE W/MAC MILLER-THE WAY

AVICII VS NICKY ROMERO-I COULD BE THE ONE

AVRIL LAVIGNE-HERE’S TO NEVER GROWING UP

CHER LLOYD-WITH UR LOVE

ED SHEERAN-LEGO HOUSE

SELENA GOMEZ-COME & GET IT

ZEDD W/FOXES-CLARITY

ANNA KENDRICK-CUPS (PITCH PERFECT WHEN I’M GONE)

CALVIN HARRIS W/ELLIE GOULDING-I NEED YOUR LOVE

CARLY RAE JEPSEN-TONIGHT I’M GETTING OVER YOU

HOT CHELLE RAE-HUNG UP

IMAGINE DRAGONS-RADIOACTIVE

MKTO-THANK YOU

NIKKI WILLIAMS-GLOWING

ONE REPUBLIC-IF I LOSE MYSELF

News 4/26/13

LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF CLAIMS MISUSE OF RIMS SYSTEM WAS CAUSE OF LAKEPORT POLICE SUSPENSION OF ACCESS JH 04/26/13

LAKE COUNTYS SHERIFF IS LOCKED IN DISPUTE WITH LAKEPORT POLICE OVER ACCESS TO THE SHERIFFS RECORDS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, OR RIMS, AFTER RIVERO SUSPENDED POLICE ACCESS WITHOUT WARNING OR NOTICE.

DURING A RECENT AUDIT OF THE SYSTEM, WHICH THE SHERIFF IS REQUIRED TO DO, HE CLAIMS TO HAVE DISCOVERED THAT UNAUTHORIZED AND INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THE SYSTEM BY MEMBERS OF THE LAKEPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT HAD OCCURRED. ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF RIVERO, LAKEPORT POLICE OFFICERS WERE LOOKING UP INFORMATION FOR NO APPARENT REASON, INCLUDING ONE EMPLOYEE WHO ACCESSED INFORMATION ABOUT HIS OWN WIFE AND HAD MODIFIED IT. POLICE CHIEF RASMUSSEN CLAIMS HIS DEPARTMENT USES THE SYSTEM ONLY AS INTENDED, AND IF RIVERO HAD INFORMATION TO THE CONTRARY, HE SHOULD HAVE CONTACTED HIM BEFORE TAKING ACTION. THE TWO DEPARTMENTS HAVE HISTORICALLY SHARED INFORMATION FOR DECADES. CHIEF RASMUSSEN REQUESTED THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE BOARD HAS SCHEDULED AN EMERGENCY MEETING THIS MORNING AT 10 AM TO CONFRONT THIS SITUATION.

FARM BUREAU RELEASES DETAILS OF AGREEMENT WITH CAL TRANS

JH 04/26/13

THE CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU HAS RELEASED DETAILS OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN ITSELF AND CAL TRANS, IN REGARD TO THE WILLITS BYPASS.

IN JULY OF 2012, THE FARM BUREAU INTERVENED IN A LAWSUIT REGARDING THE HIGHWAY 101 BYPASS AROUND WILLITS, FILED IN FEDERAL COURT BY SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS. THE FARM BUREAU HAD CONCERNS ABOUT HOW THE PROJECT WOULD IMPACT FARMLAND IN THE LITTLE LAKE VALLEY. THE FARM BUREAU ANNOUNCED THIS WEEK THAT A SETTLEMENT WITH CAL TRANS WILL RESULT IN IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING OF THE ECOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL BENEFITS OF RETAINING FARMLAND IN PRODUCTION. AS PART OF THE AGREEMENT, CAL TRANS WILL MEET WITH FARMERS AND RANCHERS ADJACENT TO THE MITIGATION LANDS TO DISCUSS CONCERNS ABOUT HOW MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS MAY IMPACT THEIR ABILITY TO CONTINUE TO FARM AND RANCH IN THE AREA.

HOPLAND VINEYARD FACING FINE FOR WATER DIVERSION JH 04/26/13

THE OWNERS OF THE MILOVINA VINEYARD IN HOPLAND ARE FACING A STEEP FINE FOR ALLEGEDLY ILLEGALLY DIVERTING WATER FOR AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.

ACCORDING TO THE STATE WATER RESOURCE CONTROL BOARD, THE MOLOVINAS HAVE BEEN DIVERTING WATER FROM A STREAM TO A 22 ACRE-FOOT RESERVOIR FOR IRRIGATION AND FROST PROTECTION USES WITHOUT WATER RIGHTS. STATE OFFICIALS SAY THE MILOVINAS HAVE THREE RESERVOIRS ON THEIR PROPERTY, NONE OF WHICH THEY HAVE WATER RIGHTS FOR. IN FEBRUARY OF 2012, THE WATER BOARD NOTIFIED THE MILOVINAS THAT STORAGE OF WATER IN RESERVOIR WITHOUT WATER RIGHTS IS CONSIDERED UNAUTHORIZED DIVERSION. ACCORDING TO STATE OFFICIALS, THE MAXIMUM FINE THAT CAN BE IMPOSED IS $500 A DAY, AND SINCE THE RESERVOIR IS AT LEAST 14 YEARS OLD, THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $2.5 MILLION. HOWEVER, THE WATER BOARD HAS RECOMMENDED A FINE FOR ONLY THE LAST THREE YEARS, WHICH ADDS UP TO $33,800.

HAMBURG FINED FOR FAULTY CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTING

JH 04/26/13

MENDOCINO COUNTY 5TH DISTRICT SUPERVISOR DAN HAMBURG WAS FINED THIS WEEK BY THE CALIFORNIA FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION FOR INCORRECTLY REPORTING HIS CAMPAIGN FINANCES DURING THE 2010 ELECTION IN WHICH HE WON HIS SEAT.

ACCORDING TO THE COMMISSION, HAMBURGS COMMITTEE FAILED TO REPORT ABOUT $5,000 IN CASH CONTRIBUTIONS AND MORE THAN 4100 IN NON-CASH CONTRIBUTIONS OVER SIX CAMPAIGN FINANCING REPORTING PERIODS LEADING TO THE ELECTION. THE COMMISSION FINED HAMBURG $9,500 FOR THE VIOLATIONS.

RECALL ON SHERIFF RIVERO GAINING MOMENTUM JH 04/26/13

THE COMMITTEE TO RESTORE INTEGRITY, A GROUP CIRCULATING A PETITION TO RECALL LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF FRANK RIVERO, IS GAINING MOMENTUM IN THEIR EFFORTS.

THE COMMITTEE ARGUES THAT SHERIFF RIVERO SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE BECAUSE OF DISHONESTY, UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR, FAILURE TO LIVE UP TO CAMPAIGN PROMISES OF TRANSPARENCY, ALIENATING OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND DISHONORING THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT. IN THE WEEK SINCE THE COMMITTEE BEGAN COLLECTING SIGNATURES, THEY HAVE ALREADY ACQUIRED NEAR 1,000, HOWEVER, THE GET THE RECALL ON THE BALLOT, THE GROUP WILL NEED 7,026 VALID SIGNATURES FROM REGISTERED LAKE COUNTY VOTERS. FOR MORE INFORMATION OF THE RECALL EFFORT, VISIT WWW.RECALLRIVERO.COM OR THE RECALL RIVERO FACEBOOK PAGE.

DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE SEEK PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLEAR LAKE HITCH JH 04/26/13

THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT RELATED TO THE CLEAR LAKE HITCH.

OVER THE NEXT YEAR, FISH AND WILDLIFE WILL EVALUATE THE STATUS OF THE SPECIES AND DEVELOP A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CALIFORNIA FISH AND GAME COMMISSION ON WHETHER LISTING THE SPECIES AS THREATENED UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT IS WARRANTED. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO SUBMIT RELEVANT DATA OR COMMENTS ABOUT CLEAR LAKE HITCH ECOLOGY, BIOLOGY, LIFE HISTORY, DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, THREATS OR OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO THE STATUS OF THE SPECIES. COMMENTS AND DATA MAY BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING OR VIA E-MAIL. THE NECESSARY INFORMATION IS LOCATED ON THE K-WINE NEWS FACEBOOK PAGE. ALL COMMENTS RECEIVED BY JUNE 14 WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE FISH AND WILDLIFE STATUS REPORT THAT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE COMMISSION.

CAL FIRE STRESSES PREPAREDNESS DUE TO LACK OF RAIN JH 04/26/13

CAL FIRE IS PREPARING FOR A POTENTIALLY BAD FIRE SEASON THIS YEAR, AND WANTS TO REMIND EVERYONE TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, CAL FIRE HAS RESPONDED TO OVER 680 WILDFIRES, WHICH IS MORE THAN 200 OVER THE AVERAGE FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR. CAL FIRE IS ASKING CALIFORNIANS TO PREPARE FOR WILDFIRES BY TAKING THESE ACTIONS:

MAINTAIN 100 FEET OF DEFENSIBLE SPACE

REMOVE ALL DEAD PLANTS, GRASS, AND WEEDS FROM WITHIN 30

FEET OF YOUR HOME

TRIM TREES 6 FEET FROM THE GROUND

REMOVE ALL LEAVES, PINE NEEDLES AND DEBRIS FROM ROOFS,

AND

CREATE AN EVACUATION PLAN IN CASE OF A WILDFIRE

FOR TIPS ON PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE, VISIT WWW.READYFORWILDFIRE.ORG.

News 4/25/13

TWO ARRESTED DURING DEMONSTRATION AT CAL TRANS WILLITS HEADQUARTERS JH 04/25/13

TWO WOMEN WERE ARRESTED DURING A DEMONSTRATION AND SIT IN YESTERDAY AT THE CAL TRANS HEADQUARTERS IN WILLITS.

SAVE OUR LITTLE LAKE VALLEY AND REDWOOD NATION EARTH FIRST ORGANIZED THE DEMONSTRATION IN AN EFFORT TO BRING MORE ATTENTION TO THE ONGOING PROTESTS OVER THE HIGHWAY 101 BYPASS AROUND WILLITS. CAL TRANS LOCKED THEIR DOORS AND REFUSED TO MEET WITH THE UNINVITED PROTESTERS. THE TWO WOMEN WERE ARRESTED FOR BLOCKING A CAL TRANS VEHICLE, AND FOR BLOCKING THE ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING THAT CHP SHARES WITH CAL TRANS.

LAKE COUNTY MAN FACES FEDERAL FIREARMS CHARGES JH 04/25/13

A LAKE COUNTY MAN FACES A FEDERAL WEAPONS CHARGE.

31-YEAR-OLD JOHNATHAN ANTONIO MOTA WAS IN LAKE COUNTY JAIL UNTIL LAST WEEK ON A PAROLE HOLD FOLLOWING A JANUARY SEARCH THAT FOUND HIM IN POSSESSION OF AN ASSAULT WEAPON. AS A RECENTLY RELEASED FELON, HE WAS NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED TO POSSESS FIREARMS. PRIOR TO THE SEARCH, MOTA WAS FRESH OUT OF PRISON FOR HIS INVOLVEMENT IN AN ARMED ROBBERY OF THE WEST AMERICA BANK IN CLEARLAKE IN 2007. MOTA IS NOW IN FEDERAL CUSTODY.

LUCERNE MAN ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL BATTERY, CRIMINAL THREATS, BURGLARY AND PETTY THEFT JH 04/25/13

A LUCERNE MAN WAS ARRESTED FOR SEXUAL BATTERY, CRIMINAL THREATS, BURGLARY AND PETTY THEFT AFTER AN INCIDENT IN THE LAKEPORT SAFEWAY PARKING LOT.

ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, A MAN, LATER IDENTIFIED AS 24 YEAR OLD JOHN WILLIAM WRIGHT, APPROACHED A WOMAN IN THE STORE LOT AND MADE SEXUAL ADVANCES, OFFERING HER DRUGS FOR FAVORS. AFTER SHE REFUSED, WRIGHT GRABBED HER BREASTS THREE TIMES AND TOLD HER HE WOULD KILL HER IF SHE TOLD ANYONE. AFTER WRIGHT LEFT, THE VICTIM WENT HOME AND TOLD HER HUSBAND AND THEY REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO POLICE. WHEN POLICE ARRIVED ON SCENE, THEY FOUND WRIGHT PUSHING A SHOPPING CART WITH MORE THAN $350 IN GROCERIES THAT HE HAD NO RECEIPT FOR. THE WOMAN IDENTIFIED WRIGHT AND HE WAS BOOKED INTO LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF SUSPENDS LAKEPORT POLICE ACCESS TO SHERIFFS RECORDS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RIMS)

JH 04/25/13

LAKE COUNTYS SHERIFF IS IN THE MIDDLE OF YET ANOTHER CONTROVERSY, AS HE HAS SUSPENDED THE LAKEPORT POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACCESS TO THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENTS RECORDS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, OR RIMS.

THE RIMS SYSTEM IS A VITAL TOOL UTILIZED BY VARIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, WHICH ALLOWS ACCESS TO INFORMATION THROUGH THE SHERIFFS DISPATCH CENTER. THE LAKEPORT POLICE HAS A CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY THAT PROVIDES DISPATCHING SERVICES AND ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM AT A COST OF OVER $87,000 PER YEAR. ACCORDING TO THE LAKEPORT CHIEF OF POLICE, SHERIFF RIVERO CUT OF ACCESS WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR JUST CAUSE. CHIEF RASMUSSEN HAS ASKED THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION, AS THESE RECORDS ARE USED FOR EVERYDAY OPERATION AND THE LACK OF ACCESS JEOPARDIZES BOTH THE SAFETY OF LAKEPORT POLICE OFFICERS AND THE PUBLIC.

UKIAH COUPLE ARRESTED FOR STEALING ELECTRONICS FROM WAL-MART

JH 04/25/13

A UKIAH COUPLE WAS ARRESTED THIS WEEK AFTER STEALING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF ELECTRONICS FROM THE UKIAH WAL-MART.

WAL-MART STAFF REPORTED TO AUTHORITIES THAT NUMEROUS ELECTRONICS HAD BEEN STOLEN FROM THE STORE OVER THE LAST MONTH. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT 24-YEAR-OLD JAMES RYAN ANSON HAD BEEN FREQUENTING THE STORE AND TAKING ITEMS. ON TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD, WAL-MART SECURITY CALLED POLICE TO REPORT THAT ANSON WAS IN THE STORE SELECTING MERCHANDISE. POLICE ARRIVED AND ARRESTED ANSON AND FOUND ITEMS PREVIOUSLY STOLEN IN HIS POSSESSION. A SEARCH OF HIS RESIDENCE ON NORTH STATE STREET REVEALED A LARGE AMOUNT OF STOLEN PROPERTY. 29-YEAR-OLD CHALESE McCHESNEY, WHO ALSO LIVES AT THE RESIDENCE WAS ALSO ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY AND CONSPIRACY.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF EXPANDS JAIL CLASSROOM SPACE

JH 04/25/13

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF TOM ALLMAN ASKED THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS THIS WEEK FOR URGENT APPROVAL TO SPEND $33,000 ON A MODULAR BUILDING TO ALLOW MORE SPACE FOR CLASSES OFFERED TO INMATES UNDER AB 109, THE STATES REALIGNMENT PROGRAM TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING IN STATE PRISON.

ACCORDING TO ALLMAN, THE REASON FOR THE URGENCY IS THAT THE BUILDING, A MODULAR UNIT BROUGHT IN TO TEMPORARILY HOUSE PUBLIC HEALTH AFTER A FLOOD EARLIER THIS YEAR DAMAGED THEIR BUILDING, WAS SCHEDULED TO BE SHIPPED BACK TO SACRAMENTO THURSDAY. THE COUNTY COULD STILL PURCHASE THE BUILDING BEFORE IT WAS REMOVED, TO AVOID HAVING TO PAY FOR IT TO BE TRANSPORTED BACK TO MENDOCINO COUNTY LATER. THE EXTRA SPACE IS NEEDED DUE TO THE INCREASED JAIL POPULATION CAUSED BY 2011S AB 109, WHICH HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF INMATES IN THE JAIL.

CAL TRANS ANNUAL LITTER CLEANUP DAY JH 04/25/13

CAL TRANS ASKS THAT YOU PLEASE SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE, AS CAL TRANS CREWS STATEWIDE DEDICATE TODAY TO LITTER REMOVAL FOR THIS YEARS ANNUAL LITTER DAY.

LITTER IS STILL A BIG PROBLEM IN CALIFORNIA. EVERY YEAR CAL TRANS SPENDS MILLIONS OF TAX PAYER DOLLARS AND THOUSANDS OF HOURS PICKING IT UP. LITTER IS NOT ONLY UGLY, IT CAN LEAD TO POLLUTION IN OUR LAKES, RIVERS, AND BEACHES. CIGARETTE BUTTS ARE THE NUMBER ONE ITEM LITTERED IN CALIFORNIA, OFTEN CAUSING FIRES, CLOGGING STORM DRAINS, AND THREATENING WATER QUALITY AND WILDLIFE. LAST YEAR, CAL TRANS PICKED UP 2,533 CUBIC YARDS OF LITTER ON EARTH DAY ALONE, ENOUGH TO FILL 158 GARBAGE TRUCKS.

BLUE LAKE TROUT DERBY THIS WEEKEND JH 04/25/13

THE 5TH ANNUAL BLUE LAKES TROUT DERBY IS THIS WEEKEND.

THIS FAMILY ORIENTED EVENT AWARDS PRIZES IN TWO CATEGORIES, ADULTS AND CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16. THE DERBY RUNS BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, AND IS A FUNDRAISER FOR THE BLUE LAKES COMMUNITY PROJECTS. REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NARROWS RESORT AND PINE ACRES BLUE LAKE RESORT, AND TOMORROW, FRIDAY, APRIL 26, IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE NARROWS RESORT AT 275-2718.

News 4/24/13

EARTH FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE AT CAL TRANS HEADQUARTERS

JH 04/24/13

SAVE OUR LITTLE LAKE VALLEY AND REDWOOD NATION EARTH FIRST ARE HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS MORNING AT THE CAL TRANS HEADQUARTERS IN WILLITS.

THE ORGANIZATIONS ARE ATTEMPTING TO BRING MORE ATTENTION TO THE ONGOING PROTESTS OVER THE WILLITS BYPASS OF HIGHWAY 101. THE GROUPS HAVE RELEASED A LIST OF QUESTIONS IN REGARD TO THE BYPASS PROJECT THAT THEY WANT ANSWERS TO, HOWEVER, THESE QUESTIONS CAN ALL BE ANSWERED BY READING THE INFORMATION CAL TRANS HAS ALREADY POSTED ON THE WILLITS BYPASS WEB SITE. VISIT THE SITE AT WILITSBYPASS.WORDPRESS.COM

CITY HOSTED WORKSHOP ON CLIMATE ACTION PLAN JH 04/24/13

THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION IS HOLDING A WORKSHOP TONIGHT TO LET THE PUBLIC WEIGH IN ON THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN THE CITY IS DEVELOPING.

THE CITY IS REQUESTING INPUT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS IN DEVELOPING THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN TO IDENTIFY HOW GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CAN BE REDUCED IN THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES, AS WELL AS IN MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS. THE WORKSHOP BEGINS AT 6 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON SEMINARY AVENUE. THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND, CAN PARTICIPATE IN A SURVEY THAT WILL BE POSTED ONLINE BEGINNING APRIL 25, AND THROUGH MAY 23RD. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURVEY, VISIT WWW.CITYOFUKIAH.COM.

DEA NATIONAL TAKE BACK EVENT JH 04/24/13

THE FORT BRAGG POLICE DEPARTMENT WILL JOIN THE DEA THIS SATURDAY FOR THE NATIONAL TAKE BACK INITIATIVE EVENT.

THIS IS THE PUBLICS SIXTH OPPORTUNITY IN THREE YEARS TO PREVENT PILL ABUSE AND THEFT BY RIDDING THEIR HOMES OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS EXPIRED, UNUSED, AND UNWANTED PRESCRIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS. TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS FOR DISPOSAL TO THE FORT BRAGG POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 250 CYPRESS STREET BETWEEN 10 AM AND 2 PM THIS SATURDAY. THE SERVICE IS FREE AND ANONYMOUS, NO QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED. ALL PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM PRESCRIPTION LABELS. SYRINGES WILL BE ACCEPTED AS WELL. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE FORT BRAGG POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 961-2800.

HIGHWAY RAMPS CLOSED JH 04/2413

METAL BEAM GUARDRAIL REPAIRS WILL CAUSE RAMP CLOSURES ON HIGHWAYS 101 AND 20 AGAIN, TODAY.

THE NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101 RAMPS TO EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 20, AND THE WESTBOUND HIGHWAY 20 RAMP TO SOUTHBOUND 101 WILL ALL BE CLOSED FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM.

CAL TRANS WILL BE WORKING ON HIGHWAY 20 FROM COLD CREEK BRIDGE TO HIGHWAY 101 WITH ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL IN EFFECT AND 5-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED. DETOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE HIGHWAY 101 RAMPS.

CONSTRUCTION AT AVILA CENTER IN FORT BRAGG JH 04/24/13

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY ON SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET IN FORT BRAGG, ALSO KNOWN AS THE AVILA CENTER, WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION BEGINNING NEXT WEEK AND FOR APPROXIMATELY 60 DAYS FOLLOWING.

THE OFFICES AT THE AVILA CENTER, WHICH INCLUDE EMPLOYMENT AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE SERVICES, GENERAL ASSISTANCE AND ADULT SERVICES, WILL BE CLOSED AT NOON ON THURSDAY, APRIL 25 AND ALL DAY ON THE 26TH, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, TO PREPARE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. THE OFFICE WILL OPEN ON A NORMAL SCHEDULE AGAIN ON MONDAY, APRIL 29TH WITH REGULAR HOURS, HOWEVER, THE BUILDINGS ENTRANCE WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE FORT BRAGG OFFICE AT 962-1000.

SHOULDER TAP OPERATION YIELDS ONE ARREST JH 04/24/13

A SHOULDER TAP OPERATION IN CLEARLAKE LAST WEEK YIELDED ONE ARREST.

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND AGENTS FROM ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL, OR ABC, CONDUCTED THE OPERATION LAST THURSDAY. SEVERAL PEOPLE WERE CONTACTED BY A DECOY POSING AS A MINOR AND ASKING ADULTS TO PURCHASE ALCOHOL FOR THEM. ONLY ONE MAN, 21 YEAR OLD CALVIN CANIDA WAS ARRESTED FOR MAKING A PURCHASE FOR THE MINOR. CANIDA WAS LATER RELEASED ON A CITATION.

CITY OF UKIAH TO DISCUSS PLANS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS TODAY

JH 04/24/13

THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HOLDING A SPECIAL MEETING TODAY TO DISCUSS THE CITYS PLANS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.

THE CITY CURRENTLY HAS $1.23 MILLION REMAINING IN ITS SPECIAL PROJECTS RESERVE FUND AND NEAR $2 MILLION IN ITS EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND. THE MONEY WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR PROJECTS RANGING FROM BIKE/PEDESTRIAN ROAD IMPROVEMENTS TO IMPROVEMENTS OF PICNIC AREAS AT TODD GROVE AND VINEWOOD PARKS, HOWEVER THE CITY IS LOOKING AT VARIOUS OPTIONS AND SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT. THE WORKSHOP IS SCHEDULED FROM 3 TO 5 PM TODAY AT THE UKIAH VALLEY CONFERENCE CENTER ON SOUTH SCHOOL STREET.

CV STARR BUDGET MEETING JH 04/24/13

THE FORT BRAGG CITY COUNCIL AND THE MENDOCINO COAST RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT CV STARR COMMUNITY CENTER BUDGET.

THE MEETING IS SCHEDULE AT 6 PM IN FORT BRAGG TOWN HALL ON NORTH MAIN STREET.

LAWSUIT BETWEEN WILLITS AND BROOKTRAILS DRAGS ON JH 04/24/13

THE LAWSUIT BETWEEN BROOKTRAILS TOWNSHIP AND THE CITY OF WILLITS DRAGS ON, AND THE CITY IS NOW FILING A COUNTER SUIT AGAINST BROOKTRAILS.

THE DISPUTE BEGAN WHEN THE CITY OF WILLITS PURCHASED 125 ACRES FOR POSSIBLE SEWER PLANT MITIGATION PROPERTY IN 2003 AND THEN SURPRISED BROOKTRAILS IN 2007 WITH A BILL FOR A PORTION OF THE PURCHASE. THE CITY BELIEVES BROOKTRAILS MUST PAY ITS FAIR SHARE OF THE COST OF THE SEWER PLANT UPGRADE PROJECT, HOWEVER, BROOKTRAILS DISPUTES WHAT THAT PERCENTAGE SHOULD BE. THE CITY OF WILLITS WILL NOW FILE A COUNTERCLAIM TO COLLECT THE AMOUNT THEY SAY IS OWED.

News 4/23/13

LAKEPORT MAN ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL THREATS, BRANDISHING A WEAPON AND VANDALISM JH 04/23/13

A LAKEPORT MAN WAS ARRESTED SUNDAY FOR CRIMINAL THREATS, BRANDISHING A WEAPON AND VANDALISM.

POLICE ARRIVED AT A FIRST STREET RESIDENCE JUST AFTER 7:30 PM TO FIND THAT 51-YEAR-OLD DAVID VERONIE HAD BASHED IN THE FRONT DOOR. HE REPORTEDLY LIVES AT THE RESIDENCE, AND THREATENED TO KILL HIS ROOMMATE AND ANOTHER PERSON WITH A HAMMER-LIKE WEAPON WITH A HATCHET HEAD. POLICE LOCATED VERONIE IN THE BACKYARD OF THE RESIDENCE AND TOOK HIM INTO CUSTODY. THE WEAPON WAS NOT LOCATED.

POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR POT DEALER JH 04/23/13

THE FORT BRAGG POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING FOR THE PUBLICS HELP IN LOCATING A MAN WANTED FOR ALLEGED MARIJUANA SALES.

AT THE REQUEST OF THE MENDOCINO COUNTY ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT, THE FORT BRAGG POLICE WERE ASKED TO SEARCH 38 YEAR OLD ISMAEL MARTINEZ AT HIS MINNESOTA AVENUE RESIDENCE. MARTINEZ WAS NOT HOME, HOWEVER, HIS GIRLFRIEND, JAMIE FLOTA AND THEIR SMALL CHILD WERE THERE. AUTHORITIES SEARCHED THE HOME AND FOUND APPROXIMATELY THREE POUNDS OF MARIJUANA, A SCALE AND PACKAGING MATERIALS, AND A HANDGUN. FLOTA WAS INFORMED SHE WOULD BE CHARGED, AND AUTHORITIES ARE SEEKING MARTINEZ. ANYONE WHO MAY KNOW WHERE ISMAEL MARTINEZ CAN BE FOUND IS ASKED TO CALL THE FORT BRAGG POLICE TIP LINE AT 961-3049. CALLERS MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS.

HIGHWAY RAMPS CLOSED JH 04/23/13

CAL TRANS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT METAL BEAM GUARDRAIL REPAIRS WILL CAUSE RAMP CLOSURES ON HIGHWAYS 101 AND 20 TODAY AND TOMORROW.

THE NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101 RAMPS TO EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 20, AND THE WESTBOUND HIGHWAY 20 RAMP TO SOUTHBOUND 101 WILL ALL BE CLOSED BOTH DAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM.

CAL TRANS WILL BE WORKING ON HIGHWAY 20 FROM COLD CREEK BRIDGE TO HIGHWAY 101. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 5-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED ON HIGHWAY 20. DETOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE HIGHWAY 101 RAMPS.

CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU SETTLES WILLITS BYPASS SUIT JH 04/23/13

THE CALIFORNIA FARM BUREAU HAS REACHED A SETTLEMENT IN THE WILLITS BYPASS LAWSUIT AGAINST CAL TRANS AND THE US ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS.

A FEDERAL JUDGE SIGNED THE ORDER YESTERDAY, AGREEING TO THE FARM BUREAUS REQUEST TO DISMISS THE SUIT. THE ORIGINAL LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST CAL TRANS AND THE ARMY CORP OVER THE HIGHWAY 101 BYPASS AROUND WILLITS WAS FILED IN MAY 2012 BY FOUR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS. THE FARM BUREAU JOINED THE SUIT IN AUGUST 2012, STATING SUBSTANTIAL PROJECT IMPACTS ON AGRICULTURE RESOURCES CAME AFTER THE PROJECTS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT WAS APPROVED. DETAILS OF THE FARM BUREAUS SETTLEMENT TERMS HAVE NOT BEEN DISCLOSED AT THIS TIME. THE ORIGINAL FOUR ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS REMAIN PARTIES TO THE LAWSUIT.

CHARGES DISMISSED IN FATAL CAR CRASH JH 04/23/13

CHARGES HAVE BEEN DROPPED AGAINST A MIDDLETOWN MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY CAUSED A FATAL CRASH SOUTH OF HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE LAST SPRING AFTER CHOKING ON A PIECE OF MEAT.

THE DEPUTY DA WANTED TO DROP THE CHARGES AGAINST 25-YEAR-OLD ADAM JOSEPH NORTON IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE. NORTON WAS CHARGED WITH ONE MISDEMEANOR COUNT OF VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER WITHOUT GROSS NEGLIGENCE STEMMING FROM A JUNE COLLISION THAT KILLED 60 YEAR OLD MARTY VICTOR MARKS.. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, NORTON SWERVED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AFTER CHOKING ON A TRI-TIP SANDWICH. THE DEPUTY DA STATED THE COLLISION WAS CLEARLY CAUSED BY DISTRACTED DRIVING, BUT NOTED THAT PROSECUTING THE CASE WOULD BE DIFFICULT BECAUSE THE DISTRACTION WASNT THE RESULT OF AN ACT SPECIFICALLY OUTLAWED, SUCH AS CELL PHONE USE.

SPILL CLEANUP TODAY ON HIGHWAY 20 JH 04/23/13

A CAL TRANS SUBCONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE SPILL CLEANUP SERVICES TODAY ON HIGHWAY 20, JUST WEST OF THE BLUE LAKES LODGE.

THE SPILL WAS FROM A RESENT SEMI COLLISION THAT LEFT ONE TRUCK ON ITS SIDE WITH A LOAD OF MILK SPILLED ON THE ROADWAY, AND A SECOND TRUCK IN THE LAKE LEAKING FUEL. THE WORK WILL BE ONGOING WEEKDAYS FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM WITH ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL AND 10-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

LOCAL POWERBALL WINNER CLAIMS PRIZE JH 0423/13

A WOMAN WHO WON BIG WITH A POWERBALL LOTTERY TICKET THAT WAS SOLD IN LAKE COUNTY, CLAIMED HER PRIZE YESTERDAY.

THERE WAS NO JACKPOT WINNER IN THE SATURDAY POWERBALL DRAWING, HOWEVER, TWO TICKETS SOLD IN CALIFORNIA MATCHED 5 NUMBERS, BUT NOT THE POWERBALL NUMBER. THE TICKETS WERE SOLD AT THE ROTTEN ROBBIE GAS STATION ON SOUTH MAIN STREET IN LAKEPORT AND AT AN ARCO IN LOS ANGELES, AND EACH IS WORTH OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS. A WOMAN TOOK HER WINNING TICKET TO THE LAKEPORT STORE TO CLAIM HER PRIZE, BUT SHE HAS CHOSEN NOT TO REVEAL HER IDENTITY.

FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING JH 04/23/13

FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING IS AVAILABLE TO LAKEPORT RESIDENTS TODAY FROM 4 TO 6 PM.

THE SHREDDING SERVICE WILL BE AT THE LAKEPORT BRANCH OF UMPQUA BANK. PEOPLE MAY TAKE AS MANY AS THREE BOXES OR BAGS OF DOCUMENTS FOR DESTRUCTION. AN IDENTITY THEFT WORKSHOP WILL FOLLOW FROM 6 TO 7 PM INSIDE THE BANK. SEATING IS LIMITED. FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TODAYS SHREDDING EVENT, THE LAKEPORT AND KELSEYVILLE BRANCHES OF UMPQUA BANK WILL HAVE SHRED BINS AVAILABLE THIS MONTH UNTIL THEY ARE FULL.

News 4/22/13

HIT AND RUN IN UKIAH JH 04/22/13

THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL IS ASKING FOR THE PUBLICS HELP IN INVESTIGATING A HIT AND RUN LAST FRIDAY NIGHT ON NORTH STATE STREET.

26-YEAR-OLD JESSE RAY PIERI WAS FOUND LYING IN THE ROADWAY JUST SOUTH OF AGNES LANE AT AROUND 11:50 PM. PIERI SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES CONSISTENT WITH BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE. HE WAS AIRLIFTED TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WITH HEAD TRAUMA AND A FRACTURED LEG. ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS COLLISION IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE CHP 467-4000.

UKIAH MOBILE HOME BURNS JH 04/22/13

AN EMPTY MOBILE HOME IN UKIAH CAUGHT FIRE FRIDAY NIGHT AND WAS DESTROYED.

DRIVERS ON HIGHWAY 101 SAW THE FLAMES AND CALLED AUTHORITIES AS A MOBILE HOME AT THE COUNTRY MOBILE ESTATES ON NORTH STATE STREET BURNED. THE HOME WAS UNOCCUPIED AS IT WAS BEING REMODELED. CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS BELIEVED TO BE ELECTRICAL AND MAY HAVE STARTED IN THE BREAKER BOX.

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO METHAMPHETAMINE AND COCAINE JH 04/22/13

A FRIDAY NIGHT TRAFFIC STOP LED TO THREE ARRESTS, COCAINE , METHAMPHETAMINE AND MARIJUANA.

A LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTY NOTICED A VEHICLE, IN THE AREA OF SCOTTS VALLEY ROAD, DRIFT OVER THE CENTER LINE SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEPUTY CONDUCTED AN ENFORCEMENT STOP AND CONTACTED THE DRIVER, 23-YEAR-OLD DANIEL GOMEZ OF LOS ANGELES. AFTER NOTICING A STRONG MARIJUANA SMELL, THE DEPUTY SEARCHED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND APPROXIMATELY 2 OUNCES OF METHAMPHETAMINE, ONE GRAM OF COCAINE AND 11.9 GRAMS OF POT, ALONG WITH A SCALE AND PACKAGING MATERIALS. GOMEZ, AND HIS TWO PASSENGERS, 22 YEAR OLD RAFAEL GARZA OF LOS ANGELES, AND 52 YEAR OLD BENJAMIN PERRY OF LAKEPORT WERE ALL ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

ROAD WORK TODAY JH 04/22/13

ROAD WORK TODAY ON HIGHWAY 1 WILL CAUSE BRIEF DELAYS.

AT&T WILL PERFORM UTILITY REPAIRS FROM OLD STATE HIGHWAY TO PACIFIC DRIVE. THIS WORK WILL BE ONGOING, WEEKDAYS FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM. ONE-WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL BE IN EFFECT WITH 10-MINUTE DELAYS ANTICIPATED.

TRIBE DONATES TO LOCAL SCHOOLS JH 04/22/13

THE HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE RECENTLY MADE DONATIONS TO TWO LOCAL SCHOOLS.

THE TRIBE DONATED $2,500 TO THE UPPER LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR ITS COMPUTER LAB AND $1,500 TO THE JUNIOR CLASS OF UPPER LAKE HIGH SCHOOL FOR ITS PROM. SINCE THE TRIBE OPENED RUNNING CREEK CASINO LAST MAY, THEY HAVE ALSO PROVIDED FUNDING TO THE COUNTY OF LAKE, THE NORTHSHORE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, AND LAKE COUNTY SEARCH AND RESCUE.

HIGHWAY RAMPS CLOSED JH 04/22/13

CAL TRANS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT METAL BEAM GUARDRAIL REPAIRS WILL CAUSE RAMP CLOSURES ON HIGHWAYS 101 AND 20 THIS WEEK.

THE NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101 RAMPS TO EASTBOUND HIGHWAY 20, AND THE WESTBOUND HIGHWAY 20 RAMP TO SOUTHBOUND 101 WILL ALL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23RD AND 24TH FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM. DETOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE.

WINNING LOTTERY TICKET SOLD IN LAKE COUNTY JH 04/22/13

THE CALIFORNIA LOTTERY REPORTED THAT, THOUGH NO WINNING TICKET WAS SOLD FOR SATURDAY NIGHT POWER BALL DRAWING, TWO TICKETS MATCHED FIVE OF THE SIX NUMBERS, AND ONE OF THOSE TICKETS WAS SOLD IN LAKE COUNTY.

THE TWO TICKETS THAT MATCHED FIVE NUMBERS ARE WORTH OVER $501,000 EACH TO THE TICKET HOLDERS. ONE WAS SOLD AT THE ROTTEN ROBBIE ON SOUTH MAIN STREET IN LAKEPORT, SO IF YOU BOUGHT A POWER BALL TICKET FOR SATURDAYS DRAW AT THAT ROTTEN ROBBIE, CHECK YOUR NUMBERS.

GP APPROVED TO REMOVE MORE BUILDINGS FROM FORMER SITE

JH 04/22/13

GEORGIA PACIFIC HAS BEEN GRANTED THE PERMITS NECESSARY TO REMOVE ALL BUT FOUR OF THE REMAINING BUILDINGS LEFT ON THE FORMER SAWMILL SITE.

THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION ADDED SOME CONDITIONS, BUT OTHERWISE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE PERMIT. OF THE BUILDING TO BE REMOVED, ONE IS A FORMER MODEL HOME THAT GEORGIA PACIFIC USED AS A VISITOR CENTER, CALLED THE CHALET. THE COMPANY HAS OFFERED THE BUILDING TO THE CITY OF FORT BRAGG ON THE CONDITION THAT THE CITY REMOVES IT. CITY OFFICIALS ESTIMATE IT COULD BE LIFTED AND TRANSPORTED ACROSS THE MILL SITE TO CITY PROPERTY, WHICH IS RESERVED FOR THE NOYO CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND EDUCATION. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL DISCUSS THE BUILDING TRANSFER AT ITS NEXT MEETING.

News 4/19/13

FRAUD, IDENTITY THEFT, AND ELDER ABUSE IN ANDERSON VALLEY

JH 04/19/13

A NAVARRO WOMAN WAS ARRESTED FOR IDENTITY THEFT AND ELDER ABUSE.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES BEGAN INVESTIGATING COMPLAINTS OF FRAUD COMMIT BY 34 YEAR OLD ELLE MARTEENY, AFTER SHE WAS ACCUSED OF PASSING FRAUDULENT CHECKS AT SEVERAL BUSINESSES. DURING THE INVESTIGATION, DEPUTIES QUICKLY LEARNED THAT MARTEENY ALSO ALLEGEDLY DIVERTED ASSETS BELONGING TO HER BOYFRIENDS ILL FATHER, RICHARD BLOYD. DEPUTIES ISSUED A SEARCH WARRANT TUESDAY AT THE RESIDENCE MARTEENY SHARES WITH HER BOYFRIEND AND RICHARD BLOYD, AND DISCOVERED EVIDENCE OF FORGERY AND THAT SHE OPENED SEVERAL CREDIT CARD ACCOUNTS IN BLOYDS NAME. MARTEENY WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

FORT BRAGG POLICE SEEK TIRE SLASHER JH 04/19/13

THE FORT BRAGG POLICE SEEK A MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR SLASHING THE TIRES ON SEVERAL VEHICLES MONDAY MORNING.

ONE RESIDENT SAID HE HEARD NOISE OUTSIDE HIS HOME AND WHEN HE LOOKED OUT THE FRONT DOOR, HE SAW A MAN WALKING AWAY WITH HIS MAILBOX. HE YELLED AND THE SUSPECT THREW THE MAILBOX INTO A NEARBY YARD AND FLED. THE NEXT MORNING HE AWOKE TO FIND ALL EIGHT TIRES ON HIS TWO VEHICLES HAD BEEN SLASHED, ONE WITH A BLACK HANDLED KNIFE STICKING OUT OF IT. TWO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND THE CORNER ON SPRING STREET ALSO HAD ALL THEIR TIRES SLASHED. THE SUSPECT SEEN ATTEMPTING TO STEALING THE MAILBOX MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SLASHINGS, AND IS DESCRIBED AS A HISPANIC MALE IN HIS 20S OR 30S, WEARING A JACKET AND GREY PANTS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE FORT BRAGG POLICE AT 964-0200.

UKIAH MAN INJURED IN CRASH/CAR CATCHES FIRE JH 04/19/13

A UKIAH MAN WAS HOSPITALIZED AFTER A CRASH THAT LEFT HIS VEHICLE ON FIRE.

22 YEAR OLD ZACHARY GOLDOOR WAS DRIVING EAST ON COMPTCHE-UKIAH ROAD WEDNESDAY NIGHT WHEN HE REPORTEDLY MADE AN UNSAFE TURNING MOVEMENT AND HIT A TREE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ROAD. GOLDOOR WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. GOLDOOR WAS FLOWN TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WITH MAJOR INJURIES. THE COMPTCHE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE TO THE CAR AND ITS IMMEDIATE AREA. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE FIRE.

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG BUST JH 04/19/.13

A TRAFFIC STOP IN NICE LEAD TO A DRUG BUST.

SHERIFFS DETECTIVES STOPPED A VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF SUTTER STREET AND LAKEVIEW DRIVE TUESDAY AFTERNOON. WHEN THE DRIVER, 54 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER JAMES BYNUM OPENED HIS WALLET TO GET HIS IDENTIFICATION, AUTHORITIES NOTICED A HYPODERMIC NEEDLE AND SYRINGE IN PLAIN VIEW. A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE ALSO REVEALED A BAG OF ALLEGED METHAMPHETAMINE. BYNUM WAS ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

SEX OFFENDER SWEEP JH 04/19/13

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY SEXUAL ASSAULT FELONY ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE CONDUCTED A TWO DAY OPERATION FOCUSED ON SEX REGISTRANT COMPLIANCE CHECKS THROUGHOUT UKIAH, WILLITS AND THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF MENDOCINO COUNTY THIS WEEK.

THE OPERATION VERIFIED 87 REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS ADDRESSES AND FOUND FOUR WERE OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THEIR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. OUT OF THE 87 REGISTRANTS, SIX ARE TRANSIENTS AND ONE IS A SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR. THERE ARE 45 REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF UKIAH, AND 15 WITHIN THE WILLITS CITY LIMITS. THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 297-REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY. THE MEGANS LAW WEB SITE, AT WWW.MAGANSLAW.CA.GOV, ALLOWS CITIZENS TO SEARCH FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND BY NAME.

UKIAH GOLF COARSE HOT TOPIC AT CITY COUNCIL MEETING JH 04/19/13

THE UKIAH MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE WAS A HOT TOPIC AT THIS WEEKS CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AS COUNCIL MEMBERS DONT LIKE THE POSSIBILITY OF THE COURSES OPERATORS TURNING THE TODD GROVE ROOM INTO A SPORTS BAR.

TAYMAN PARK GOLF GROUP HAS A 20-YEAR LEASE ON THE FACILITY AND SUBMIT THE SPORTS BAR IDEA ALONG WITH A LIST OF OTHER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS THEY WISH TO MAKE AT THE GOLF COURSE. THE COUNCIL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE NOISE, TRAFFIC AND NEED FOR MORE POLICE PRESENCE IF A SPORTS BAR WAS TO OPEN AT THAT LOCATION. COUNCIL MEMBERS SAID THEY DONT FEEL IT IS APPROPRIATE IN A FAMILY ORIENTED RESIDENTIAL AREA SUCH AS IT IS. THE COUNCIL THEN VOTED AND APPROVED SEVERAL OF THE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE LIST, INCLUDING A REBUILD OF THE TEE ON HOLE NUMBER ONE, AS WELL AS TURF AND IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS AROUND MUCH OF THE COURSE. THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE PAID FOR BY TAYMAN PARK GOLF GROUP AND THE UKIAH MENS GOLF CLUB.

SPARK FROM CHIMNEY IGNITES ROOF OF HOME JH 04/19/13

A HOUSE FIRE IN CASPAR LIKELY STARTED FROM A SPARK FROM THE CHIMNEY AND WAS ACCELERATED BY THE WIND.

FIRE CREWS ARRIVED AT THE BURNING STRUCTURE ON PACIFICA DRIVE JUST AFTER 5 PM TUESDAY TO FIND FLAMES COMING OUT BOTH ENDS OF THE ATTIC AREA. FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE BLAZE IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES SAVING THE LOWER FLOOR, HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO FIREFIGHTERS, THE TOP STORY WAS PRETTY MUCH DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO REMIND WOODSTOVE USERS TO HAVE CHIMNEYS CLEANED REGULARLY, AND BE EXTRA CAREFUL ON WINDY DAYS.

CONSTRUCTION AT AVILA CENTER IN FORT BRAGG JH 04/19/13

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY ON SOUTH FRANKLIN STREET IN FORT BRAGG, ALSO KNOWN AS THE AVILA CENTER, WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION BEGINNING THE WEEK OF APRIL 29TH AND FOR APPROXIMATELY 60 DAYS FOLLOWING.

THE OFFICES AT THE AVILA CENTER, WHICH INCLUDE EMPLOYMENT AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE SERVICES, GENERAL ASSISTANCE AND ADULT SERVICES, WILL BE CLOSED AT NOON ON THURSDAY, APRIL 25 AND ALL DAY ON THE 26TH, EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, TO PREPARE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. THE OFFICE WILL OPEN ON A NORMAL SCHEDULE AGAIN ON MONDAY, APRIL 29TH WITH REGULAR HOURS, HOWEVER, THE BUILDINGS ENTRANCE WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL THE FORT BRAGG OFFICE AT 962-1000.