News 10/31/14

SANITATION DISTRICT DEMANDS $7 MIL FROM UKIAH (ECN) JB 10/31/14

THE UKIAH VALLEY SANITATION DISTRICT IS REQUESTING THAT THE CITY TRANSFER $7.6 MILLION OF THE DISTRICTS MONEY IT CLAIMS THE CITY HOLDING.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UVSDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECENTLY RECEIVED A DISTRICT FINANCIAL REPORT WHICH INDICATES THE CITY IS HOLDING $7,639,566 IN FIDUCIARY FUNDS OWED TO THE DISTRICT. THE UVSD BOARD PASSED A RESOLUTION MONDAY THAT INSTRUCTED THE CHAIRMAN TO WRITE A LETTER TO THE CITY REQUESTING THE FUNDS BE TRANSFERRED TO THE DISTRICT, BY CHECK, FORTHWITH. THE CITY OWNS AND OPERATES THE UKIAH WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT, BUT SHARES THE OPERATING COSTS WITH THE UVSD. THE CITY MANAGER DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE CITYS RESPONSE WOULD BE TO THE LETTER BECAUSE THE STAFF NEEDED TO ANALYZE QUITE A BIT OF INFORMATION BEFORE REPORTING ON THE MATTER.

FORMER UKIAH DOCTOR ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES (LAW) JB 10/31/14

A FORMER UKIAH SURGEON WAS ARRAIGNED ON RE-FILED DRUG CHARGES.

FORMER UKIAH SURGEON BRIAN CABLE WAS IN COURT ON WEDNESDAY MORNING DURING HIS ARRAIGNMENT ON CHARGES RELATING TO AN ALLEGED PRESCRIPTION FRAUD INCIDENT FROM 2013. CABLE ENTERED NOT GUILTY PLEAS TO 14 DIFFERENT COUNTS, INCLUDING UNLAWFUL PRESCRIPTIONS OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. A HEARING BEFORE THE CALIFORNIA MEDICAL BOARD HAS BEEN SCHEDULED AND CABLE HAS AGREED THAT HE WOULD NOT PRACTICE MEDICINE PRIOR TO THAT HEARING. AS PART OF THE CONDITIONS OF HIS BAIL, CABLE MUST NOT WRITE PRESCRIPTIONS AND MUST HIMSELF ABSTAIN FROM ALCOHOL AND ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND SUBMIT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING.

GARBAGE CANS THROWN AT WINDOWS (LAW) JB 10/31/14

A REPORT OF GARBAGE CANS BEING THROWN AT WINDOWS LEADS TO THE ARREST OF A MAN ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF VANDALISM.

UKIAH POLICE OFFICERS RESPONDED TO AN ADDRESS ON NORTH STATE STREET LAST WEEK TO A REPORT OF SOMEONE THROWING GARBAGE CAN AT THE WINDOWS OF BUSINESSES. NUMEROUS BURGLAR ALARMS WERE SET OFF AND OFFICERS NOTICED BROKEN WINDOWS AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS. AN OFFICER LOCATED THE SUSPECT, 26 YEAR OLD ANGEL MILLER, WHO FLED UPON SEEING THE POLICE VEHICLE. MILLER WAS FINALLY DETAINED ON SEMINARY AVENUE AND HE WAS ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

SHED BURNS ON LOVERS LANE IN UKIAH (LAW) JB 10/31/14

A STORAGE SHED ON LOVERS LANE WAS DESTROYED WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING.

ACCORDING TO THE UKIAH VALLEY FIRE AUTHORITY, THE FIRE WAS FIRST REPORTED JUST AFTER 2:00 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING BY RESIDENTS ON A NEARBY STREET WHO STATED THAT COULD SEE THE GLOW OF THE FIRE. THE SHED AND ITS CONTENTS, WHICH CONSISTED OF MOSTLY TOOLS WERE A TOTAL LOSS IN THE BLAZE. FIRE OFFICIALS STATED THAT THE SHED WAS POWERED WITH ELECTRICITY AND THAT THE FIRE WAS PROBABLY ELECTRICAL IN NATURE, ALTHOUGH THE CAUSE IS OFFICIALLY STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

TEEN LEADS UPD IN HIGH SPEED PURSUIT (LAW) JB 10/31/14

THE UKIAH POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS SEARCHING THURSDAY FOR A 16 YEAR OLD UKIAH BOY SUSPECTED OF LEADING OFFICERS ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

THE INCIDENT BEGAN AROUND 9:20 PM WEDNESDAY WHEN OFFICERS SAW A VEHICLE HEADING EAST ON BRUSH STREET AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. AFTER FAILING TO STOP FOR POLICE, THE VEHICLE FLED AND THE HIGH SPEED PURSUIT CONTINUED THROUGH DOWNTOWN UKIAH REACHING SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MILES AN HOUR. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED ON OBSERVATORY AVENUE AND THE OCCUPANTS FLED ON FOOT. DURING A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE, POLICE FOUND MULTIPLE WEAPONS AND BELIEVE THE TEEN OCCUPANTS WERE SEARCHING FOR MEMBERS OF A RIVAL STREET GANG. AS OF THURSDAY AFTERNOON, THE 16 YEAR OLD DRIVER HAD NOT BEEN LOCATED BY POLICE.

FIGHT AT THE FOREST CLUB (LAW) JB 10/31/14

A FIGHT AT THE FOREST CLUB LAST WEEKEND LEADS TO THE ARREST OF A MAN FOR ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON.

UKIAH POLICE RESPONDED LAST SATURDAY TO THE REPORT OF A FIGHT AT THE FOREST CLUB ON NORTH STATE STREET. OFFICERS LOCATED THE VICTIM WHO WAS INJURED AND BLEEDING FROM THE HEAD, REPORTEDLY FROM BEING HIT IN THE HEAD WITH A BEER MUG. THE SUSPECT, WHO HAD LEFT THE SCENE, HAD LEFT HIS CREDIT CARD AT THE BAR. OFFICERS LOCATED THE SUSPECT, 54 YEAR OLD STEVEN PETER AMATO, ON NORTH ORCHARD AVENUE AND, AFTER DENYING HE WAS AT THE FOREST CLUB, ADMITTED TO BEING IN AN ALTERCATION WITH THE VICTIM. AMATO WAS ARRESTED AND BOOKED ON MULTIPLE FELONY CHARGES.

CALIFORNIA COULD FACE $500B IN WATER COSTS (ECN/EVR) JB 10/31/14

A NEW WATER PLAN RELEASED THURSDAY, STATES THAT CALIFORNIA COULD FACE $500 BILLION IN WATER SPENDING IN THE FUTURE.

ACCORDING TO THE WATER PLAN BY THE STATES TOP WATER OFFICIALS, CALIFORNIAS GROWING POPULATION AND DWINDLING WATER COULD REQUIRE UP TO $500 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN COMING DECADES, AND NEW STATE FEES FOR WATER USERS COULD BE ONE WAY TO PAY FOR IT. THE PLAN LOOKS AS FAR AHEAD AS 2050, SPANNING A PERIOD WHEN CALIFORNIA WILL BE DEALING WITH EVERYTHING FROM SHRINKING SNOWPACK, RISING SEAS AND ENCROACHING SALINITY IN WATERWAYS TO MORE FREQUENT DROUGHTS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE. THE WATER PLAN EMPHASIZES SECURING MORE STABLE FUNDING FOR WATER PROJECTS AND SUGGESTS AN UNSPECIFIED STATE WATER FEE AS ONE POSSIBLE SOURCE FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING.

LUCERNE VISITOR CENTER CLOSES TODAY (PI) JB 10/31/14

THE VISITORS CENTER IN LUCERNE WILL CLOSE PERMANENTLY TODAY AFTER 11 YEARS OF PROVIDING TOURISTS WITH INFORMATION ON LAKE COUNTY.

THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVED THE FINAL CLOSURE OF THE VISITORS CENTER ON TUESDAY AFTER THE COUNTYS TOURISM ADVISORY BOARD ANALYZED THE COSTS OF RUNNING THE CENTER EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE VISITOR CENTER WAS EXPERIENCING A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IT SERVED, WHILE THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE USING THE COUNTYS ONLINE RESOURCES. VISITS TO THE COUNTYS VISITOR INFORMATION WEBSITE WERE REPORTED AS 25 PERCENT HIGHER IN 2013 THAN IN 2010. THE COUNTY WILL SAVE NEARLY $175,000 PER YEAR WITH THE CLOSURE OF THE CENTER.

News 11/30/14

LOCAL DEALERSHIPS BRACING FOR MASSIVE RECALL (PI) JB 10/30/14

A MASSIVE RECALL ON VEHICLES INSTALLED WITH POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS HAS LOCAL DEALERSHIPS PREPARING FOR THE WORST.

THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION URGED VEHICLE OWNERS IN THE U.S.YESTERDAY TO CHECK WITH THEIR CAR DEALERSHIP, AUTO MAKER, OR THE NHTSA WEBSITE FOR THE LIST OF CARS, TRUCKS, AND SUVS AFFECTED BY THE BY THE 7 MILLION VEHICLE RECALL OF SPECIFIC MODELS INSTALLED WITH THE TAKATA CORPORATION AIRBAGS. CERTAIN MODELS BUILT BY TOYOTA, HONDA, MAZDA, BMW, CHRYSLER, FORD, GM, NISSAN, AND MITSUBISHI BUILT BETWEEN 2000 AND 2008 COULD CONTAIN THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS THAT COULD DEPLOY ON MINIMAL IMPACT CAUSING SERIOUS HARM TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. VEHICLE OWNERS CAN CHECK THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAR BY VIN NUMBER AT WWW.NHTSA.GOV.

TWO WILLITS CHILDREN APPROACHED BY STRANGERS (LAW) JB 10/30/14

THE WILLITS POLICE DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS OF CHILDREN BEING APPROACHED BY STRANGERS.

THE WILLITS NEWS REPORTED THAT TWO CHILDREN WERE APPROACHED BY POTENTIAL ABDUCTORS IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS. THE FIRST TOOK PLACE LAST THURSDAY WHEN THE DRIVER OF A WHITE, WINDOWLESS VAN ASKED AN 11 YEAR OLD BOY IF HE WANTED A RIDE. THE BOY IGNORED THE DRIVER AND HE LEFT THE AREA. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED LAST FRIDAY WHEN A MAN GRABBED THE WRIST OF A 13 YEAR OLD GIRL AND ORDERED HER TO GO WITH HIM. THE GIRL BROKE FREE AND RAN AND THE MAN, DESCRIBED AS A WHITE MALE IN HIS 50S WEARING ALL BLACK DISAPPEARED. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL THE WILLITS POLICE AT 459-6122.

DOWNED POWER LINE CUTS POWER TO HVL RESIDENTS (PI) JB 10/30/14

A FALLEN TREE CAUSED A POWER LOSS FOR NEARLY 700 RESIDENTS OF HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE THIS WEEK.

THE INCIDENT OCCURRED JUST AFTER NOON ON TUESDAY WHEN A PINE TREE FELL THROUGH A POWER LINE ON HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD, DAMAGING THE LINE AND SEVERAL POWER POLES. NEARLY 700 CUSTOMERS IN THE HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE AREA LOST POWER FOR UP TO FOUR HOURS AS PG&E TROUBLEMEN AND REPAIR CREWS RESPONDED TO THE DOWNED LINE. PG&E IS STILL INVESTIGATING WHAT CAUSED THE TREE TO FALL AND HAS STEPPED UP THEIR VISUAL SURVEYS OF LINES TO ENSURE VEGETATION WONT CAUSE SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN THE INTENSIFIED WEATHER OF THE UPCOMING RAINY SEASON.

MENDOCINO COUNTY, STATE EMPLOYMENT RATES DROP (ECN) JB 10/30/14

A NEW REPORT RECENTLY RELEASED SHOWS UNEMPLOYMENT RATES DROPPING IN THE COUNTY AND ACROSS THE STATE.

THE NEW CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER SHOWS MENDOCINO COUNTYS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT 5.7 PERCENT, DOWN FROM 6.1 PERCENT IN AUGUST AND 7 PERCENT A YEAR AGO. STATEWIDE, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS LISTED AT 7.3 PERCENT FOR SEPTEMBER, DROPPING FROM 8.8 PERCENT A YEAR AGO. THE STATES PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES INDUSTRY ADDED 12,100 JOBS, POSTING THE LARGEST INCREASE OVER THE MONTH. THE EDD REPORTED THAT THE INCREASE IN THE LABOR FORCE IS THE BIGGEST IN CALIFORNIA SINCE DECEMBER OF 1999.

BOARD OPTS FOR CONTRACT OPTION (GOV) JB 10/30/14

FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS MONTH, THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TOOK UP THE MATTER OF OPTIONS FOR COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES.

THE RECORD BEE REPORTED THAT, AT THE BOARDS REGULAR MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEVERAL OPTIONS WERE PRESENTED TO THE BOARD BY THE LAKE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER. THOSE OPTIONS INCLUDED CONTRACTING DIRECTLY WITH INDIVIDUAL ATTORNEYS, WITH A CONSORTIUM OF ATTORNEYS OR AN EXISTING LAW FIRM, CREATING A COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE OR CONTINUING WITH THE CURRENT MODEL OF CONTRACTING WITH A CORPORATION SPECIALIZING IN PUBLIC DEFENSE SERVICES. WITH THE COST TO CREATE A PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE ESTIMATED AT OVER $200,000 PER YEAR, THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED CONTINUING WITH THE CURRENT MODEL.

STRONG STORMS, COOLER WEATHER PREDICTED (EVR) JB 10/30/14

STRONG STORMS AND COOLER WEATHER ARE EXPECTED ACROSS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEKEND.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN EUREKA IS PREDICTING A WINTER STORM SYSTEM TO MOVE ACROSS MENDOCINO COUNTY AND THE NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA REGION OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. A HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK WAS RELEASED ON WEDNESDAY, WHICH SAID TO EXPECT COOLER TEMPERATURES AND STRONG RAIN STORMS. LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED AT ELEVATIONS BETWEEN 4,000 TO 5,000 FEET AND THE STRONG SHOWERS AND STORMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE HAIL AND LIGHTNING AT LOWER ELEVATIONS.

GEYSERS RATTLED BY 3.6 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE (EVR) JB 10/30/14

A TUESDAY NIGHT EARTHQUAKE WAS REPORTED NEAR THE GEYSERS GEOTHERMAL STEAMFIELD.

ACCORDING TO THE US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, THE 3.6 MAGNITUDE QUAKE WAS REPORTED AT 9:36PM TUESDAY. THE QUAKES EPICENTER WAS ONE MILE NORTHWEST OF THE GEYSERS AND 13 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CLEARLAKE, AT A DEPTH OF 1.2 MILES. SHAKE REPORTS WERE RECEIVED FROM ACROSS LAKE COUNTY, INCLUDING KELSEYVILLE AND MIDDLETOWN, AS WELL AS THE BAY AREA AND THE NORTH COAST, WITH THE FURTHEST REPORT COMING FROM RIO DELL.

LOCAL HEALTH EXPERTS MEET ON EBOLA (PI) JB 10/30/14

A GROUP OF LOCAL AGENCIES RECENTLY CONVENED TO PARTICIPATE IN DRILLS ON HANDLING A POTENTIAL EBOLA OUTBREAK.

ON OCTOBER 23, HHSA PUBLIC HEALTH PARTICIPATED IN THE STATEWIDE MEDICAL HEALTH EXERCISE TABLE TOP DRILL. 23 AGENCIES AND FACILITIES SENT 42 REPRESENTATIVES TO THE 4-HOUR DRILL. ALL THREE COUNTY HOSPITALS, 8 CLINICS, SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES, COASTAL VALLEYS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AS WELL AS THE REDWOOD EMPIRE HAZARDOUS INCIDENT TEAM WERE REPRESENTED. THE DRILL ALLOWED THE GROUP TO ACTIVELY ASSESS THE CAPABILITIES OF THE ENTITIES THEY REPRESENT IN A TABLE TOP SCENARIO THAT INVOLVED A SUSPECTED CASE OF EBOLA.

News 10/29/14

MISSING HUNTER FOUND ALIVE IN TRINITY COUNTY (LAW) JB 10/29/14

A MANCHESTER HUNTER MISSING FOR NEARLY A WEEK, WAS FOUND ALIVE YESTERDAY IN THE TRINITY COUNTY WILDERNESS.

MISSING HUNTER DAVE STORNETTA WAS FOUND ALIVE TUESDAY AFTERNOON, NEARLY A WEEK AFTER HE WAS SEPARATED FROM HIS HUNTING GROUP IN THE YOLLA-BOLLY WILDERNESS NORTHEAST OF COVELO. REGIONAL VOLUNTEER SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS BEGAN HELPING FAMILY MEMBERS SEARCH FOR STORNETTA ON FRIDAY MORNING. AFTER SCALING THREE RIDGES AND CLIMBING OVER 1,000 FEET IN ELEVATION, HE WAS SPOTTED BY A FOUR-MAN TEAM IN A CHARTERED HELICOPTER. STORNETTA IS REPORTED TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH AFTER SURVIVING SEVEN DAYS IN THE TRINITY WILDERNESS.

MOST WANTED UKIAH MAN FOUND IN SACRAMENTO (LAW) JB 10/29/14

A UKIAH MAN WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY ON NORTHERN CALIFORNIAS MOST WANTED LIST BY THE U.S. MARSHALLS SERVICE WAS APPREHENDED IN SACRAMENTO.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT 31-YEAR-OLD BOBBY WAYNE WOODS WAS A SUSPECT IN A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT REPORT TO THE MCSO AND A WARRANT HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR HIS ARREST. WOODS WAS ALSO BEING SOUGHT BY THE U.S. MARSHALLS SERVICE ON THE WARRANTS, AND WAS PREVIOUSLY PAROLED FROM STATE PRISON FOR A ROBBERY OFFENSE. UPON HIS RETURN, WOODS WAS BOOKED INTO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL ON $515,000 BAIL. MCSO BOOKING LOGS INDICATE HE WAS RELEASED MONDAY AFTERNOON AFTER MAKING BAIL.

JUDGE HOLDS WILLITS MAN TO GUILTY PLEA (LAW) JB 10/29/14

A MENDOCINO COUNTY JUDGE IS HOLDING A WILLITS MAN TO HIS GUILTY PLEA IN THE DEATH OF HIS GRANDFATHER.

24 YEAR OLD KENNETH WILKINSON, WHO ADMITTED TO DRAGGING HIS 84-YEAR-OLD GRANDFATHER BEHIND HIS TRUCK FOR SIX MILES AND DUMPING HIS BODY, HAS BEEN HELD TO THE PLEA AGREEMENT HE MADE IN APRIL AND IS NOW SCHEDULED TO BE SENTENCED FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER. WILKINSON HAD SOUGHT TO WITHDRAW HIS GUILTY PLEA, SAYING HE WASNT REPRESENTED PROPERLY AND THEREFORE WAS UNPREPARED TO MAKE THE PLEA AGREEMENT, BUT A MENDOCINO COUNTY JUDGE DENIED THE REQUEST ON FRIDAY, SAYING THERE WAS NO BASIS FOR THE WITHDRAWAL. SENTENCING FOR WILKINSON IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 14.

MENDOCINO COUNTY ROADS RECEIVE POOR RATING (TR) JB 10/29/14

A NEW STUDY ANALYZING ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE STATE HAS GIVEN THE ROADWAYS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY A POOR RATING.

THE STUDY, THAT IS RELEASED EVERY TWO YEARS, IS CONDUCTED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES AND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AGENCIES. THE 2,256 LANE MILES OF MENDOCINO COUNTY WERE GIVEN A SCORE OF 35 OUT OF 100 ON THE PAVING CONDITION INDEX, THE SECOND LOWEST IN THE STATE, AND A 10 YEAR PROJECT TO REHABILITATE THE ROADWAYS IS PROJECTED TO COST $792 MILLION. 55 OF THE 137 BRIDGES IN MENDOCINO COUNTY WERE LISTED AS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AND ANOTHER 20 WERE LISTED AS NEEDING TO BE REPAIRED.

CLEARLAKE MAN SENTENCED FOR RAMMING OFFICER (LAW) JB 10/29/14

A LAKE COUNTY JUDGE SENTENCED A CLEARLAKE MAN TO 121 YEARS-TO-LIFE IN PRISON FOR RAMMING AND PINNING A POLICE OFFICER WITH HIS VEHICLE.

54-YEAR-OLD DAVID ALAN YORK HAD BEEN CONVICTED BY A JURY EARLIER ON NUMEROUS CHARGES RANGING FROM ASSAULT ON AN OFFICER TO HIT AND RUN WITH INJURY. YORK STRUCK CLEARLAKE POLICE OFFICER THOMAS RILEY DURING A TRAFFIC STOP, FRACTURING THE OFFICERS SPINE AND RIBS AND PROSECUTORS CONTENDED HE PURPOSELY STRUCK RILEY WITH THE VEHICLE. YORK HAD PREVIOUSLY SERVED SEVEN PRISON TERMS FOR A VARIETY OF CRIMES INCLUDING BURGLARY AND ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM.

CAR ROLLS OVER ON HIGHWAY 101 NEAR WILLITS (LAW) JB 10/29/14

A HUMBOLDT COUNTY MAN WAS INJURED SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN A ROLLOVER CRASH ON HIGHWAY 101 NEAR WILLITS.

ACCORDING TO CHP REPORTS, A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK WAS BEING DRIVEN NORTHBOUND BY A 76 YEAR OLD PETROLIA MAN WHEN THE CAR DRIFTED ONTO THE SHOULDER, HITTING THE EMBANKMENT AND FLIPPING OVER. WHILE STILL ON ITS ROOF, THE CAR SLID BACK ONTO HIGHWAY 101, CROSSING BOTH NORTHBOUND LANES AND STOPPING, BLOCKING ONE LANE. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL RESPONDED AND EXTRICATED THE MAN FROM THE VEHICLE AND HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO HOWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF MODERATE INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH IS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY THE CHP.

NO NEW WATER CONNECTIONS FOR HVL COMMUNITY (EVR) JB 10/29/14

A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM FOR NEW WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS HAS BEEN ORDERED IN HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE.

THE LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTED THAT THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD HAS ORDERED THE HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT TO STOP ALLOWING NEW SERVICE CONNECTIONS TO ITS WATER SYSTEM DUE TO CONCERNS THAT, UNDER CURRENT DROUGHT CONDITIONS, THE DISTRICT DOESNT HAVE ENOUGH WATER TO MEET THE DEMAND. THE TEMPORARY SERVICE CONNECTION MORATORIUM, ISSUED ON OCTOBER 17, WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL AN ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY IS SECURE OR THE GRANGE ROAD WELLS FIELD, THE SOURCE OF HIDDEN VALLEY LAKES WATER, IS EXEMPTED FROM WATER DIVERSION NOTICES. IF THE DISTRICT DOESNT FOLLOW THE STATES ORDER, IT COULD FACE CITATIONS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES.

MCOE TO TACKLE PROP 2 AT MEETING THIS WEEK (ED) JB 10/29/14

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION WILL DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES FACED BY PROPOSITION 2.

THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE MENDOCINO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY AND ONE THE MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS OF DISCUSSION WILL BE PROPOSITION 2, ON THE BALLOT THIS NOVEMBER. IF APPROVED BY VOTERS, PROPOSITION 2 WOULD AMEND THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION BY ALTERING THE WAY THE STATE CONTRIBUTES TO RAINY DAY FUNDS. THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WOULD BE REQUIRED SPEND DOWN THEIR RESERVES AND ENDING BALANCES, UPSETTING CRITICAL SERVICES LIKE PAYROLL, CLASSROOM MATERIALS, AND TRANSPORTATION. THE BOARD HAS MADE A REQUEST TO GOVERNOR BROWN TO REPEAL OR CHANGE THE PROPOSITION PRIOR TO THE ELECTION.

News 10/28/14

MENDOCINO SCHOOL BUS DAMAGED WITH ROCK (LAW) JB 10/28/14

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE IS LOOKING FOR A POSSIBLE SUSPECT WHO DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD OF A SCHOOL BUS.

DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO THE INTERSECTION OF COMPTCHE-UKIAH ROAD AND WARNER LANE IN MENDOCINO LAST FRIDAY TO REPORT THAT A SCHOOL BUS WAS POSSIBLY SHOT WITH AN AIR RIFLE. AFTER INTERVIEWING THE DRIVER, DEPUTIES NOTICED DIRT AND DEBRIS IN THE 4 INCH CIRCULAR CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD AND DETERMINE THE DAMAGE WAS CAUSED BY A ROCK. RESIDENTS IN THE AREA WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTIGATIVE LEADS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THIS INCIDENT IS ASKED TO CALL THE SHERIFFS TIP LINE AT 234-2100.

MAN ARRESTED FOR COCAINE IN BOONVILLE (LAW) JB 10/28/14

A LOUD STEREO LEADS TO THE ARREST OF A GUALALA MAN FOR POSSESSION OF COCAINE OVER THE WEEKEND.

A MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTY OBSERVED A VEHICLE WITH AN EXCESSIVELY LOUD STEREO BEING DRIVEN ON HWY 128 IN BOONVILLE ON SATURDAY NIGHT. THE DRIVER, 23 YEAR OLD ARTURO RIVERAGARCIA, WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEPUTY ABOUT THE STEREO BEING TOO LOUD AND IT WAS FOUND THAT RIVERAGARCIAS DRIVERS LICENSE WAS SUSPENDED FROM A RECENT DUI ARREST. A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE YIELDED COCAINE AND RIVERAGARCIA DISPLAYED SIGNS OF BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, LEADING TO HIS ARREST ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

HOLIDAYS BRINGS CAR BURGLARY INCREASE (LAW) JB 10/28/14

THE CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO ADVISE EVERYONE THAT THE APPROACHING HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS WITH IT AN INCREASE IN CAR BURGLARIES.

THE RECORD BEE REPORTED THAT A RASH OF CAR BURGLARIES AND VANDALISM INCIDENTS IN CLEARLAKE THIS PAST WEEK IS NORMAL BUSINESS FOR THE CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT, BUT AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, BURGLARIES ARE EXPECTED TO GO UP. THE CPD RECOMMENDS THAT IN NEIGHBORHOODS, PEOPLE SHOULD PARK THEIR CARS IN SAFE, SECURE PLACES AND UNDER GOOD LIGHTING IF POSSIBLE. SHOPPERS SHOULD ALSO AVOID LEAVING THEIR PURCHASES IN PLAIN SIGHT IN THEIR CARS BUT TO LOCK THEM IN THE TRUNK TO MAKE THEM LESS OF A TARGET FOR THIEVES.

LAKE COUNTY WRAPS UP GRAPE HARVEST SEASON (AG) JB 10/28/14

WINEGRAPE PRODUCERS THROUGHOUT LAKE COUNTY HAVE COMPLETED A HARVEST YIELDING BERRIES THEY SAY MATCH OR EXCEED THE QUALITY OF RECENT YEARS.

EARLY IN THE SEASON, VINEYARD OWNERS AND MANAGERS REPORTED STARTING HARVEST ABOUT A WEEK TO 10 DAYS EARLIER THAN LAST YEAR, DUE TO THE DRY, WARM CONDITIONS. GROWERS REPORTED GRAPES RIPENING QUICKLY SO VINEYARD CREWS WERE CHARGED WITH PICKING EARLIER FOR NEARLY ALL LAKE COUNTY VARIETALS. WHILE A FEW GROWERS NOTED SMALLER CLUSTERS OF BERRIES FOR SOME VARIETALS, THEY ALL INDICATED THEIR SATISFACTION WITH THE FLAVORS OF THE CROPS.

PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVES BRIDGE PROJECTS (TR) JB 10/28/14

THE LAKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HAS APPROVED MOVING FORWARD WITH TWO BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECTS.

COMMISSION MEMBERS APPROVED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATIONS TO THE TWO PROJECT SITES DURING THEIR MEETING LAST THURSDAY. THE TWO BRIDGES PLANNED FOR REPLACEMENT ARE OVER MANNING CREEK AT ACKLEY ROAD AND OVER HIGHLAND CREEK AT HIGHLAND SPRINGS ROAD. THE TWO BRIDGES ARE THE FIRST OF 22 THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO REPLACE OR REHABILITATE. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO NEW BRIDGES, IN ADDITION TO A BRIDGE OVER COLE CREEK AT SODA BAY ROAD, IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE NEXT YEAR

BEARS SPOTTED IN LAKEPORT RESIDENTIAL AREA. (EVR/LAW) JB 10/28/14

AUTHORITIES IN LAKE COUNTY ISSUED AN ADVISORY AFTER BEARS WERE SPOTTED IN LAKEPORT.

THE LAKEPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT ISSUED A SAFETY ADVISORY FOR CITY RESIDENTS SUNDAY EVENING AFTER A BEAR AND HER CUBS WERE SPOTTED EARLIER IN THE DAY IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. POLICE SAID THE BEAR AND HER TWO CUBS WERE SIGHTED JUST BEFORE 1:00 PM NEAR THE LAKE IN THE 1800 BLOCK OF S. MAIN STREET. THE ADVISORY WARNS THAT MOTHER BEARS CAN BE AGGRESSIVE WHEN WITH CUBS AND RESIDENTS ARE ADVISED TO USE CAUTION WHEN GOING OUTSIDE IN THAT AREA.

UKIAH RV FIRE SPARKED BY ACCIDENT (LAW) JB 10/28/14

A MECHANIC WORKING ON AN RV IN UKIAH ACCIDENTALLY STARTED A FIRE THAT DESTROYED THE VEHICLE.

THE FIRE WAS FIRST REPORTED JUST BEFORE 6 PM FRIDAY NIGHT AT AN ADDRESS ON TAYLOR DRIVE IN UKIAH. THE MECHANIC DROPPED A PAIR OF PLIERS WHILE HE WAS WORKING ON THE VEHICLE THAT CREATED A SPARK, IGNITING FUEL FROM A SPILLED GAS CAN. THE FIRE SPREAD TO A BOAT PARKED NEARBY AND THEN TO THE RV. FIREFIGHTERS FROM THE UKIAH VALLEY FIRE AUTHORITY AND CAL FIRE WERE ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE AND FIRE OFFICIAL ESTIMATE THE DAMAGE TO BE CLOSE TO $3,000.

INCREASE IN HOME SALE PRICES, BUT UNITS SOLD DOWN (ECN) JB 10/28/14

A NEW REPORT IN LAKE COUNTY SHOWS AN INCREASE IN THE SALE PRICES OF HOMES, BUT A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD.

IN ITS LATEST REPORT ON LOCAL HOME SALES, THE LAKE COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS SAID THE MEDIAN SALES PRICE OF SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER, JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER, SHOWED A MONTH-TO-MONTH INCREASE WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNITS SOLD IN THE COUNTY SHOWED A MONTH-TO-MONTH DECREASE. THE MEDIAN SALES PRICE ROSE FROM $168,000 IN JULY TO $185,000 IN SEPTEMBER WHILE THE UNITS SOLD DROPPED FROM 79 IN JULY TO ONLY 58 IN SEPTEMBER. COMPARED TO ONE YEAR AGO, THIRD QUARTER RESULTS SHOW A 17 PERCENT INCREASE IN MEDIAN SALES PRICE AND A 13 PERCENT DROP IN UNITS SOLD.

Playlist 10/30/14

ED SHEERAN-DON’T

IGGY AZALEA W/RITA ORA-BLACK WIDOW

JEREMIH W/YG-DON’T TELL EM

JESSIE J W/ARIANA GRANDE & NICKI MINAJ-BANG BANG

TAYLOR SWIFT-SHAKE IT OFF

TOVE LO-HABITS

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER-AMNESIA

ALESSO W/TOVE LO-HEROES (WE COULD BE)

CALVIN HARRIS W/JOHN NEWMAN-BLAME

ECHOSMITH-COOL KIDS

FERGIE-L.A. LOVE (LA LA)

JASON DERULO-TRUMPETS

MAROON 5-ANIMALS

MR PROBZ-WAVES

NICK JONAS-JEALOUS

NICO & VINZ-IN YOUR ARMS

ONE DIRECTION-STEAL MY GIRL

PITBULL W/JOHN RYAN-FIREBALL

SAM SMITH-I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE

ARIANA GRANDE & THE WEEKEND-LOVE ME HARDER

CHARLI XCX-BREAK THE RULES

DAVID GUETTA W/SAM SMITH-DANGEROUS

FALL OUT BOY-CENTURIES

KENDRICK LAMAR-I

KIM CESARION-UNDRESSED

MARY LAMBERT-SECRETS

RIXTON-WAIT ON ME

BEBE REXHA-I CAN’T STOP DRINKING ABOUT YOU

CHRIS BROWN W/USHER & RICK ROSS-NEW FLAME

COBRA STARSHIP W/ICONA POP-NEVER BEEN IN LOVE

ELLA HENDERSON-GHOST

HILARY DUFF-ALL ABOUT YOU

HOZIER-TAKE ME TO CHURCH

JACOB LATIMORE W/T-PAIN-HEARTBREAK HEARD AROUND THE WORLD

TREY SONGZ W/NICKI MINAJ-TOUCHIN, LOVIN

News 10/27/14

MANCHESTER MAN MISSING SINCE LAST WEEK (PI) JB 10/27/14

A MANCHESTER MAN HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE LAST WEEK AFTER FAILING TO RETURN FROM A HUNTING TRIP.

59 YEAR OLD DAVE STORNETTA WAS LAST SEEN AT 7 AM LAST WEDNESDAY WHEN HE WENT OUT HUNTING EAST OF COVELO JUST ACROSS THE TRINITY COUNTY LINE. HE WAS SUPPOSED TO MEET WITH HIS SON AT NOON FOR LUNCH, BUT NEVER SHOWED UP. STORNETTA IS KNOWN AS AN EXPERIENCED HUNTER WHO WAS FAMILIAR WITH THIS PARTICULAR AREA. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE POSSIBLE WHEREABOUTS OF STORNETTA ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE TRINITY COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 530-623-2611,

MARIJUANA ABATEMENT CONTINUES IN LAKE COUNTY (LAW) JB 10/27/14

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARE CONTINUING THE ABATEMENT OF UNAUTHORIZED MARIJUANA CULTIVATION IN NEIGHBORHOODS AROUND LAKE COUNTY.

IN A STATEMENT MADE BY THE COUNTY LAST FRIDAY, LAKE COUNTY OFFICIALS STATED THAT THERE CONTINUES TO BE A MISCOMMUNICATION AS TO THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION RECENTLY ISSUED BY A FEDERAL COURT AND ITS EFFECT ON MEASURE N. THE COUNTY REPORT SAID THAT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE SHERIFFS NARCOTICS TASK FORCE HAVE PRIMARILY FOCUSED THEIR ABATEMENT EFFORTS ON NEIGHBORHOOD GROWS TO INCREASE PUBLIC SAFETY IN POPULATED COMMUNITY AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 194,000 PLANTS HAVE BEEN ERADICATED IN LAKE COUNTY TO DATE THIS YEAR.

ALL THOMPSON HARBOR BOAT RAMPS CLOSED (EVR/PI) JB 10/27/14

ALL PUBLIC BOAT RAMPS AT THE THOMPSON HARBOR BOAT LAUNCH IN CLEARLAKE ARE NOW CLOSED DUE TO LOW WATER LEVELS.

THE CLEARLAKE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED THE CLOSURE OF THE THREE REMAINING RAMPS AT THE HARBOR BOAT LAUNCH FACILITY AS A RESULT OF THE RECEDING WATER LEVEL. THE THREE RAMPS HAD REMAINED OPEN SINCE THE FACILITYS PARTIAL CLOSURE IN LATE AUGUST. THE CONDITIONS AT THE LAUNCH PRESENT BOTH SAFETY AS WELL AS LIABILITY CONCERNS AND, IT WAS REPORTED THAT A BOATER RECENTLY STRUCK A SUBMERGED PIECE OF EQUIPMENT OWNED BY AN AREA WATER COMPANY WHILE COMING INTO THE FACILITY.

BURN BAN LIFTED IN MENDOCINO COUNTY (EVR/LAW) JB 10/27/14

THANKS TO THE RECENT WET WEATHER, THE BURN BAN HAS BEEN LIFTED IN MENDOCINO COUNTY.

FOLLOWING RECENT RAINS AND OTHER FAVORABLE CONDITIONS, THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION ANNOUNCED THAT IT HAS LIFTED THE BURN BAN IN MENDOCINO COUNTY AS OF SATURDAY. MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED IT WILL BEGIN PRESCRIBED BURNINGS, AND ADVISED VISITORS THAT SMOKE MAY BE SEEN IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE FOREST FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. AS THE 2014 FIRE SEASON HAS YET TO BE DECLARED AS COMPLETE, BURN PERMITS ARE STILL REQUIRED FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL BURNING.

NEW POLL SHOWS PROP 45 IS HEADED FOR DEFEAT (GOV) JB 10/27/14

A NEW POLL SHOWS A DRAMATIC DECLINE IN SUPPORT FOR PROPOSITION 45 AND PREDICTS THAT IT WILL BE DEFEATED NEXT MONTH.

THE RECORD BEE REPORTED THAT WITH ELECTION DAY LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY, THE ONCE-POPULAR BALLOT MEASURE THAT WOULD ALLOW THE STATES INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO REJECT RATE HIKES BY HEALTH INSURERS APPEARS TO BE HEADED FOR DEFEAT. SUPPORT FOR PROPOSITION 45 WAS LEADING BY MORE THAN 4-1 EARLY THIS SUMMER, BUT NOW ONLY 39 PERCENT OF LIKELY VOTERS SAID THEY FAVOR THE INITIATIVE. IF PROPOSITION 45 PASSES, COVERAGE COSTS COULD CHANGE FOR ABOUT 6 MILLION HOLDERS OF INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES AND PEOPLE WHO GET THEIR COVERAGE THROUGH SMALL BUSINESSES.

MAN ARRESTED IN UKIAH CARRYING A HATCHET (LAW) JB 10/27/14

A UKIAH MAN CARRYING A HATCHET AS HE WALKED THROUGH TOWN WAS ARRESTED BY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES WERE PATROLLING AN AREA OF SOUTH STATE STREET WHEN 28 YEAR OLD BARAQUEL RUIZ WAS WITNESSED WALKING DOWN THE STREET CARRYING WHAT APPEARED TO BE A HATCHET. RUIZ DISPLAYED SIGNS OF BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE AND PROVIDED A FALSE NAME TO DEPUTIES. A RECORDS CHECK SHOWED RUIZ HAD TWO FELONY WARRANTS FOR HIS ARREST AND THAT HE WAS ON FELONY PROBATION. RUIZ WAS ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES AND BOOKED IN THE COUNTY JAIL ON A NO-BAIL STATUS.

SATURDAY MORNING FIRE DESTROYS TRAILER (LAW) JB 10/27/14

A FIRE ON SATURDAY MORNING DESTROYED A TRAILER IN CLEARLAKE.

THE FIRE WAS FIRST REPORTED AROUND 9:30 SATURDAY MORNING AT THE CORNER OF DAVIS AND EUREKA AVENUES IN CLEARLAKE. THE SINGLEWIDE MOBILE HOME WITH AN ADDITION WAS FULLY INVOLVED BY THE TIME FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED. NO ONE WAS HOME AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE AND, IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE TRAILER WAS A VACATION HOME. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE THAT RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF THE TRAILER IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

MAN OBJECTS TO $242,000 RULING TO COVELO FAMILY (LAW) JB 10/27/14

A SANTA CRUZ MAN HAS OBJECTED TO THE $242,000 RULING AGAINST HIM INVOLVING AN ILLEGAL MARIJUANA GROW.

A LOCAL ATTORNEY HAS FILED AN OBJECTION IN MENDOCINO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, ON BEHALF OF ROSS MATEJCEK, TO A JUDGES TENTATIVE DECISION ORDERING PAYMENT OF $242,000 TO A COVELO FAMILY IN A CASE ALLEGEDLY INVOLVING A TRESPASS MARIJUANA GROW. THE OBJECTION FILED IS TO THE FINDINGS OF INTENTIONAL AND NEGLIGENT ENCROACHMENT AND TIMBER TRESPASS. THE ATTORNEY STATED THE TIMBER TRESPASS FINDING IS CONTRARY TO THE EVIDENCE AT TRIAL. ACCORDING TO COURT DOCUMENTS, MATEJCEK DIDNT DISPUTE SEVERAL OF THE FINDINGS AGAINST HIM, INCLUDING REMOVING 225 TREES THAT DIDNT BELONG TO HIM.

News 10/24/14

BENEFITS OF MEASURE P DISCUSSED LAST WEEK (LAW) JB 10/24/14

THE BENEFITS OF UKIAHS PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURE WERE UP FOR DISCUSSION LAST WEEK.

UKIAH POLICE CHIEF CHRIS DEWEY FIELDED QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC LAST WEEK ON MEASURE P, DETAILING THE SPECIFICS OF RENEWAL OF THE SALES TAX FUNDING PUBLIC SAFETY. DEWEY EXPLAINED THAT THE $2 MILLION GENERATED BY THE TAX IS CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF UKIAH AND THAT WITHOUT IT, POLICE AND FIRE RESOURCES WOULD HAVE TO BE REDUCED. TO ENSURE THE MONEY IS BEING SPENT PROPERLY, AN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE HAS BEEN CREATED WHO WILL REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL. THE FUNDS GENERATED BY THE TAX MAKE UP ONE QUARTER OF THE TOTAL ANNUAL PUBLIC SAFETY BUDGET.

TANKER DRIVER HITS CYCLIST, ARRESTED FOR DUI (LAW) JB 10/24/14

A WATER TANKER DRIVER FROM UPPER LAKE WAS ARRESTED YESTERDAY AFTER HITTING AND INJURING A BICYCLIST.

THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED JUST BEFORE 7:30 AM YESTERDAY ON ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD NORTH OF MIDDLE CREEK ROAD. 50 YEAR OLD LEAH SOLON WAS RIDING HER BICYCLE NORTHBOUND WHEN SHE WAS PASSED BY THE WATER TANKER TRUCK DRIVEN BY 60-YEAR-OLD GEORGE CARL ALLEN. ALLENS TRUCK CLIPPED SOLONS BIKE, KNOCKING HER TO THE GROUND. SOLON, WHO WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET, SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. ALLEN WAS ARRESTED FOR SUSPICION OF DUI AND BOOKED INTO THE LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

LOCAL PREPARATION FOR EBOLA CASES (PI) JB 10/24/14

THE PREPARATION AND PRECAUTION AGAINST THE EBOLA VIRUS HAS REACHED THE LOCAL LEVEL IN MENDOCINO COUNTY.

DUBBED ONE OF THE WORST ILLNESSES IN HISTORY, THE EBOLA VIRUS HAS LOCAL AGENCIES TAKING EVERY PRECAUTION POSSIBLE TO AVOID AN OUTBREAK. ALTHOUGH NO CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN CALIFORNIA, EVERY PATIENT ENTERING THE UVMC AND HOWARD HOSPITAL ARE PRE-SCREENED TO DETERMINE IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY CHANCE THEY COULD HAVE CONTRACTED THE DISEASE. EMPLOYEES AND STAFF ARE BEING TRAINED ON HOW TO PREVENT EXPOSURE TO THEMSELVES AS WELL, SHOULD AN INCIDENT ARISE.

CLEARLAKE TALK RENTING BUILDING TO DISTRICT (GOV/ED) JB 10/24/14

THE CLEARLAKE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM THE KONOCTI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO RENT A CITY-OWNED BUILDING TO USE FOR CLASSROOM SPACE.

THE LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTED THAT, ACCORDING TO A REPORT TO THE COUNCIL BY THE CITY MANAGER, THE KONOCTI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ASKING TO RENT A CITY FACILITY AT 4700 GOLF AVENUE FOR CLASSROOM SPACE FOR THE BLUE HERON SCHOOL, WHICH SERVES GRADES 9-12. THE BUILDING IS IN NEED OF REPAIR AND WILL REQUIRE MOLD REMEDIATION. CITY STAFF IS RECOMMENDING AN ANNUAL LEASE TO THE DISTRICT OF $1, FOR A TERM OF 5 YEARS, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE DISTRICT MAKING REPAIRS TO THE BUILDING, ESTIMATED AT UP TO $30,000.

UKIAH PLANNING COMM. DELAY FORD STREET VOTE (GOV) JB 10/24/14

THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION HAS DELAYED A VOTE ON A PROPOSED HOUSING PROJECT ON FORD STREET.

IN AN EFFORT TO COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND ALL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS INVOLVED, THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION HAS DELAYED A VOTE ON PROPOSED PROJECT TO BUILD FOUR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ON FORD STREET. THE COMMISSIONERS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT SEVERAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDING DRAINAGE, SETBACKS, AND PROTECTION OF BOTH ORR CREEK AND THE SURROUNDING TREES. THE BOARD VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO POSTPONE MAKING A DECISION ON THE PROJECT UNTIL ITS MEETING ON NOVEMBER 12.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES BUSY IN LAKE COUNTY (PI) JB 10/24/14

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT IN LAKE COUNTY IS PROVING TO BE A NEVER-ENDING JOB FOR THE COUNTYS ONLY SHELTER.

THE RECORD BEE REPORTED THAT OCTOBER MARKS THE NATIONAL MONTH OF AWARENESS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, BUT LAKE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER, WHICH PROVIDES THE COMMUNITY WITH THE ONLY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER IN THE COUNTY, HAS BEEN HARD AT WORK ALL YEAR. OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE AVERAGE OCCUPANCY AT THE SHELTER HAS RISEN FROM SERVING 12 VICTIMS PER NIGHT TO 25 AND LAST YEAR, THE CENTER PROVIDED SHELTER FOR OVER 150 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 88 CHILDREN. AIDE DOESNT STOP WHEN VICTIMS LEAVE THE SHELTER, AS THE CENTER ALSO PROVIDES START-UP SERVICES TO HELP VICTIMS CREATE NEW HOMES FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

FELON ARRESTED WITH FIREARM IN LAYTONVILLE (LAW) JB 10/24/14

A CHECK BY DEPUTIES ON PATROL IN LAYTONVILLE LEADS TO THE ARREST OF AN EX-FELON WITH A LOADED FIREARM.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES WERE CONDUCTING EXTRA PATROLS OF THE HARWOOD PARK AREA WHEN THEY CONTACTED A MAN PARKED IN THE PARKING LOT. 27-YEAR-OLD RICHARD GEIGER WAS IDENTIFIED AS AN EX-FELON ON FELONY PROBATION WITH A SEARCH CLAUSE AND TERMS TO ABSTAIN FROM ALCOHOL AND POSSESS NO FIREARMS. GEIGER WAS FOUND TO BE INTOXICATED AND A SEARCH OF HIS VEHICLE TURNED UP BEER AND A BOTTLE OF VODKA. GEIGER WAS ALSO IN POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND A LOADED 20 GAUGE SHOTGUN. GEIGER WAS ARRESTED AND IS BEING HELD ON A NO BAIL STATUS.

CDPH ESTABLISHES EBOLA HOTLINE FOR PUBLIC (PI) JB 10/24/14

THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH HAS ESTABLISHED AN EBOLA HOTLINE CALL CENTER TO RESPOND TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES RELATED TO THE DISEASE.

THE HOTLINE HAS BEEN SET UP AND STAFFED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THOSE CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF EBOLA IN CALIFORNIA. THE GOAL IS TO BE AVAILABLE TO ELIMINATE THE MYSTERY OF THIS DISEASE AND OFFER THE FACTS TO CALIFORNIANS AS THE SITUATION EVOLVES. THE HOTLINE WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE NO CONFIRMED OR SUSPECTED CASES OF EBOLA IN CALIFORNIA.

News 10/23/14

SUSPICIOUS SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN REDWOOD VALLEY (LAW) JB 10/23/14

THREE BAY AREA MEN WERE ARRESTED IN REDWOOD VALLEY YESTERDAY MORNING ON SUSPICION TO COMMIT ROBBERY.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO A CALL ABOUT A SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE ON COLONY DRIVE YESTERDAY MORNING. DUE TO RECENT PAST HOME INVASION ROBBERIES IN THE REDWOOD VALLEY AREA, A HIGH PRIORITY WAS GIVEN TO THE CALL AN ALL ON-DUTY PATROL PERSONNEL RESPONDED TO THE CALL. AFTER LOCATING THE VEHICLE ON EAST ROAD, A SEARCH BY DEPUTIES TURNED UP A REPLICA HANDGUN, BURGLARY TOOLS, METHAMPHETAMINE, AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF MARIJUANA RESIDUE. THE THREE MEN WERE ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

NORTH COAST RAIL AUTHORITY CLEARS APPEALS COURT (TR) JB 10/23/14

A VICTORY IN A SAN FRANCISCO COURT OF APPEALS CASE COULD ALLOW THE RETURN OF RAIL SERVICE TO WILLITS.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THE NORTH COAST RAIL SERVICE WON THEIR CASE AT THE COURT OF APPEALS IN SAN FRANCISCO LAST MONTH, WHICH COULD CLEAR THE WAY FOR RAIL SERVICE TO RETURN TO WILLITS. THE LAWSUIT BEING APPEALED WAS ORIGINALLY FILED IN 2011 BY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS STATING THAT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR A PROJECT TO RESTORE RAIL SERVICE TO WILLITS WAS INADEQUATE. THE TWO ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAVE FILED FOR A REHEARING, IN WHICH THE APPEALS COURT CAN ALTER ITS DECISION BEFORE MAKING IT FINAL AND MAY FILE A PETITION FOR A SUPREME COURT REVIEW, IF NECESSARY.

HVLA REFUTES WORKERS UNIONS CLAIMS (ECN) JB 10/23/14

THE HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE ASSOCIATION HAVE GIVEN THEIR SIDE OF THE GOLF COURSE NEGOTIATIONS STORY.

AT A BRIEFING WITH PRESS ON TUESDAY, THE BOARD MEMBERS AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HVLA STATED THAT THE UNIONS DEPICTION OF THE NEGOTIATIONS AS WAY OFF. AFTER THE UNION STATED EARLIER THAT THE HVLA REQUESTED A $4 PER HOUR CUT IN WAGES, THE BOARD STATED THAT A WAGE CUT WAS NEVER REQUESTED, ONLY A $1.95 PER HOUR CUT IN HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFITS BECAUSE UNION EMPLOYEES DONT CONTRIBUTE TO RETIREMENT PLANS AS OTHER HVLA EMPLOYEES DO. THE NEXT ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 7, A FULL WEEK AFTER THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES HAS EXPIRED.

LAKEPORT CITY COUNCIL CANCELS SAFETY PROJECT (GOV) JB 10/23/14

THE LAKESHORE BOULEVARD SAFETY PROJECT HAS BEEN CANCELLED BY THE LAKEPORT CITY COUNCIL.

THE LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTED THAT THE LAKEPORT CITY COUNCIL ON TUESDAY CANCELLED A PROJECT AIMED AT IMPROVING SAFETY CONDITIONS ON LAKESHORE BOULEVARD AND DIRECTED STAFF TO COME BACK WITH ALTERNATE, LESS-EXPENSIVE OPTIONS. THE PROJECT WAS TO HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND CLOSED OUT LAST DECEMBER, AFTER RECEIVING $132,000 IN GRANT FUNDING THROUGH THE HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, BUT CITY STAFF DETERMINED THAT THE PREREQUISITES FOR THE PROJECT COULD NOT COMPLETED FOR THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATED COST AND WOULD COST THE CITY OVER $43,000 IN EXTRA FUNDING.

MAN ARRAIGNED IN FT BRAGG MOTEL DEATH (LAW) JB 10/23/14

THE MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING A LAFAYETTE WOMAN AFTER RAMMING HIS TRUCK INTO A FORT BRAGG MOTEL WAS ARRAIGNED YESTERDAY ON FELONY CHARGES.

56 YEAR OLD MICHAEL BRADFORD BITNEY, AN EX-CONVICT FROM ARIZONA, IS ACCUSED OF CRASHING HIS TRUCK THROUGH THE WALL OF THE BEACHCOMBER MOTEL IN FORT BRAGG, KILLING LAFAYETTE RESIDENT KAREN ZUEHLSDORF AND INJURING HER 7 MONTH OLD NEPHEW. BITNEY, WHO WAS BEING HELD AT THE UKIAH JAIL, WAS ARRAIGNED IN HIS CELL VIA CLOSED CIRCUIT TV OUT OF CONCERNS FOR HIS MENTAL HEALTH. HE PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO THE TWO CHARGES OF VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER WITH GROSS NEGLIGENCE AND HIT AND RUN AND A PRELIMINARY HEARING IS SET FOR NOVEMBER 5.

LAKE COUNTY HEARS FIRST REPORT ON THE HUB (ED) JB 10/23/14

THE LAKE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION PRESENTED ITS FIRST REPORT REGARDING THE HUB AT A MEETING IN UPPER LAKE ON TUESDAY.

THE RECORD BEE REPORTED THAT THE LAKE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL PRESENTED THE REPORT ON THE HUB TO THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AT TUESDAYS MEETING. THE HUB, WHICH FIRST OPENED IN AUGUST OF 2013 IN UPPER LAKE, IS A ONE STOP SHOP FOR MULTIPLE SERVICES AND RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE HUB AIMS TO PROVIDE OPTIONS FOR OUT OF CLASSROOM HELP SUCH AS MEDICAL CARE, TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, COUNSELING AND OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO ACADEMIC AND OVERALL WELL-BEING. THE LONG TERM PLAN FOR THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION IS TO OPEN A HUB IN EVERY CITY IN THE COUNTY.

MOVEMENT FOR WILLITS MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY (PI) JB 10/23/14

NEGOTIATIONS HAVE NOW BEGUN TO BRING A NEW MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY TO THE HOWARD HOSPITAL IN WILLITS.

NEGOTIATIONS WERE STARTED BY THE COUNTYS CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BEGINNING IN THE SUMMER OF 2015. THE CHOICE BETWEEN A LONG-TERM MENTAL HEALTH REHABILITATION CENTER AND A CRISIS RESIDENTIAL FACILITY IS STILL UP IN THE AIR, AND OFFICIALS ARE STILL DETERMINING WHAT WOULD BE BEST FOR THE COUNTY. THE NEXT STEP AFTER THE NEGOTIATIONS ARE CONCLUDED WOULD BE AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENSE IN THE SPRING.

REGISTRAR OF VOTERS TO TEST COUNTING EQUIPMENT (GOV) JB 10/23/14

THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OFFICE IS PREPARING TO TEST ITS VOTE COUNTING EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE.

AS IT PREPARES FOR THE NOVEMBER 4 GENERAL ELECTION, THAT LAKE COUNTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OFFICE REPORTED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT REGULAR TESTING OF ITS BALLOT TABULATION COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE THIS WEEK. THE TEST OF THE DEPARTMENTS TABULATION DEVICES AND SOFTWARE IS CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA STATE COMMISSION ON VOTING MACHINES AND VOTE TABULATING DEVICES REGULATIONS. THE TEST IS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY AT 10 AM AT THE LAKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE.

News 10/22/14

PG&E PLAN MAY REDUCE WATER INTO LAKE MENDO (EVR) JB 10/22/14

A NEW PLAN BY PG&E MAY REDUCE WATER FLOWING INTO LAKE MENDOCINO.

A PLAN BY PG&E TO TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN A POWERHOUSE THAT FEEDS WATER FROM THE EEL RIVER TO THE RUSSIAN RIVER MAY CUT INTO CONSUMER SUPPLIES THIS WINTER BY FURTHER REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF WATER COMING INTO LAKE MENDOCINO. PG&ES PROPOSAL IS TO SHUT DOWN THE POTTER VALLEY POWERHOUSE FOR 3 ½ MONTHS TO REPLACE TO MASSIVE VALVES AND MAKE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. 70-80 PERCENT OF THE NORMAL WATER DIVERSIONS INTO THE LAKE ARE AT STAKE. FEDERAL REGULATORS HOLD THE AUTHORITY TO APPROVE THE SHUTDOWN AND ARE EXPECTED TO DO SO, PENDING A 30-DAY COMMENT PERIOD UNDER WAY.

WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN AN APARTMENT FIRE (LAW) JB 10/2/14

A UKIAH WOMAN WAS FOUND DECEASED IN AN APARTMENT THAT CAUGHT FIRE MONDAY EVENING.

THE FIRE WAS FIRST REPORTED AROUND 8:30 MONDAY EVENING AT AN ADDRESS ON NORTON STREET. THE PROPERTY MANAGER RESPONDED TO THE APARTMENT COMPLEX INITIALLY AND WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE DECEASED RESIDENT WAS IDENTIFIED AT 66-YEAR-OLD MARILYN VAN KIRK AND ALTHOUGH IT IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME WHAT CAUSED HER DEATH, POLICE FOUND NO EVIDENCE INDICATING IT WAS A HOMICIDE OR A SUICIDE. THE CAUSE OF FIRE AND VAN KIRKS DEATH ARE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

AD-HOC COMMITTEE SUPPORTS PT ARENA COMPROMISE (ED) JB 10/22/14

AN AD-HOC COMMITTEE EXPLORING OPTIONS FOR THE PT ARENA FIELD STATION RECOMMENDED A COMPROMISE TO MENDOCINO COLLEGE.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT THE AD-HOC COMMITTEE HAS PROPOSED THAT THE MENDOCINO COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CONSIDER A COMPROMISE: SELL THE PROPERTY, BUT NOT THE BUILDINGS. THE COMPROMISE WAS SUGGESTED AFTER IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE COMMITTEE DID NOT AGREE WITH EACH OTHER AND WERENT GOING TO COME TO AN AGREEMENT. THE COLLEGE WOULD LIKELY RECEIVE $300,000 FROM THE SALE OF THE LAND WITHOUT THE BUILDINGS AND COULD USE THAT MONEY TO START NECESSARY RENOVATIONS ON THE STRUCTURES.

STRETCH OF HWY 1 TO BE RENAMED FOR FALLEN OFFICER (PI) JB 10/22/14

A STRETCH OF HIGHWAY ON THE COAST WILL BE RENAMED TO HONOR FALLEN MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF RICKY DEL FIORENTINO.

A RESOLUTION CO-AUTHORED BY ASSEMBLYMAN WES CHESBRO AND SENATOR NOREEN EVANS HAS DESIGNATED THAT PART OF HIGHWAY 1 BETWEEN SOUTHBOUND MILEPOST 62 AND 65 NEAR MACKERRICHER STATE PARK WILL BE RENAMED THE DEL FIORENTINO MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. A CELEBRATION TO MEMORIALIZE DEL FIORENTINO IS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 12, FROM 1-4 PM AT THE PORTUGUESE HALL ON STEWART STREET PRIOR TO THE DEDICATION OF THE MEMORIAL STRETCH OF HIGHWAY.

NEW HOMES PROPOSED FOR FORD STREET (PI) JB 10/22/14

THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION IS CONSIDERING A PROJECT TO ADD FOUR, SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES TO FORD STREET.

ACCORDING TO THE STAFF REPORT PREPARED FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSIONS MEETING, THE PROPERTY OWNER IS REQUESTING THE APPROVAL OF A PLAN TO ADD A 1,500 SQUARE FOOT HOME AND GARAGE TO EACH OF FOUR ADJACENT PARCELS ON FORD STREET. THE WAGENSELLER NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION RAISED CONCERNS FOR THE PROJECT, STATING THAT THE NEIGHBORHOOD REQUIRES PLANNED, RATHER THAN RANDOM, SPOTTY DEVELOPMENT. CITY STAFF RESPONDED BY EXPLAINING THAT CITY DEVELOPMENT IS GUIDED BY THE GENERAL PLAN, ZONING ORDINANCE AND CITY CODE AND THAT THE PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN.

SUBJECT FIGHTS WITH OFFICERS IN LAYTONVILLE (LAW) JB 10/22/14

A LAYTONVILLE MAN WAS ARRESTED AFTER ENGAGING IN A PHYSICAL ALTERCATION WITH SHERIFFS DEPUTIES.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED TO AN ADDRESS ON HIGHWAY 101 IN LAYTONVILLE TO THE REPORT OF AN UNWANTED SUBJECT. DEPUTIES CONTACTED 32 YEAR OLD ARIK CALDWELL AT THE SCENE WHO SPOKE IN AN UNINTELLIGIBLE MANNER AND WOULDNT RESPOND TO THE DEPUTIES VERBAL COMMANDS. CALDWELL THEN ATTACKED THE DEPUTIES, THROWING PUNCHES AND KICKING AT THEM, AND THREE OF THE DEPUTIES SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. CALDWELL ALSO GRABBED ON TO A TASER THAT A DEPUTY WAS ATTEMPTING TO DEPLOY BEFORE HE WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AND ARRESTED.

LOGGING TRUCK SPILLS LOAD NEAR LEGGETT (TR/LAW) JB 10/22/14

A LOGGING TRUCK WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LAST WEEK NEAR THE TOWN OF LEGGETT.

ACCORDING TO CHP REPORTS, THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON NORTHBOUND HIGHWAY 101 JUST SOUTH OF BRIDGES CREEK, NEAR LEGGET, WHEN THE 65 YEAR OLD DRIVER FAILED TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE IN THE ROAD. THE TRUCK AND TRAILER THEN TRAVELED OFF THE EDGE OF THE ROAD AND OVERTURNED, PARTIALLY BLOCKING THE NORTHBOUND LANE. LOGS ON TRAILER FELL OFF AND HIT THE EMBANKMENT AND FIVE GALLONS OF DIESEL SPILLED ONTO THE ROAD. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

MENDO COLLEGE RECEIVES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GRANT (ED) JB 10/22/14

MENDOCINO COLLEGE HAS RECEIVED GRANT FUNDING TO COVER THE EXPENSE OF EARNING A CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT AS A HUMAN SERVICE WORKER.

THE NEWLY RECEIVED GRANT A PROGRAM THAT WILL PREPARE STUDENTS TO WORK IN NONPROFIT AND PUBLIC HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICE AND/OR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE PREVENTION, CLINICAL INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT SERVICES FOR AT-RISK CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES. THE GOAL OF THE GRANT IS TO DEVELOP AND EXPAND THE PARAPROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE WORKFORCE FOCUSING ON CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, AND TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING OF WHO HAVE DEVELOPED A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISORDER.

News 10/21/14

22 ARRESTED, 500 POUNDS OF METH SEIZED IN BAY AREA (LAW) JB 10/21/14

CALIFORNIA AUTHORITIES HAVE ANNOUNCED THE ARRESTS OF 22 PEOPLE AND THE SEIZURE OF 500 POUNDS OF METHAMPHETAMINE.

THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE SAID MONDAY THE ARRESTS AND DRUG SEIZURES OVER THE PAST YEAR WERE BASED ON AN INVESTIGATION THAT FOUND METHAMPHETAMINE FROM MEXICO WAS BEING DELIVERED FROM THE SINALOA CARTEL TO THE NITRO GANG IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE GANG MADE REGULAR ROAD TRIPS TO CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TO DISTRIBUTE METH TO OTHER DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING THE URTIZ GANG. IN ADDITION TO THE DRUGS, AUTHORITIES SEIZED FOUR VEHICLES AND MORE THAN $720,000 IN CASH.

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE MAN ARRESTED AFTER PURSUIT (LAW) JB 10/21/14

A HIGH SPEED PURSUIT IN LAKE COUNTY LEADS TO THE ARREST OF A HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE MAN IN A STOLEN VEHICLE.

CLEARLAKE POLICE OFFICERS WERE DISPATCHED ON MONDAY TO THE REPORT OF A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT NEAR HIGHWAY 53 AND SARONI PARKWAY. AN OFFICER RESPONDING TO THE SCENE WITNESSED THE SUSPECT VEHICLE, DESCRIBED AS A LARGE WHITE PICKUP, ON HIGHWAY 53. THE DRIVER, 19 YEAR OLD DONALD LEOS, FLED FROM THE OFFICER AND A PURSUIT ENSUED REACHING SPEEDS OF UP TO 110 MILES AN HOUR ON HIGHWAY 53 AND HIGHWAY 29. LEOS CRASHED THE TRUCK THROUGH A FENCE ON THE HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE GOLF COURSE AND WAS APPREHENDED AFTER HE FLED ON FOOT. HE WAS BOOKED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES INCLUDING DUI, FELONY EVADING, AND HIT AND RUN.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DISCUSS FORD ST FUNDING (GOV) JB 10/21/14

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ARE SET TO ADDRESS TWO FUNDING ITEMS FOR THE FORD STREET PROJECT.

THE CALENDAR FOR THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING THIS WEEK INCLUDES TWO FUNDING ITEMS TO AID THE FORD STREET PROJECT WITH PROVIDING ITS SERVICES. THE FIRST ITEM WOULD GRANT THE PROJECT OVER $100,000 TO PROVIDE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SHELTER TO THOSE IN NEED. THE SECOND ITEM PROVIDES FUNDS TOTALING $125,000 TO PROVIDE INTENSIVE ALCOHOL & DRUG TREATMENT, AND VOCATIONAL SERVICES FOR PARTICIPANTS REFERRED BY THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT. UP TO 120 DAYS OF INTENSIVE ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT SERVICES WOULD BE AVAILABLE WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE GRANT.

WILLITS COMMUNITY THEATER GETS NEW SEATS (PI) JB 10/21/14

THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF NUMEROUS DONORS, THE WILLITS COMMUNITY THEATER HAS NEWLY REFURBISHED SEATS.

THE WILLITS COMMUNITY THEATER SET OUT THIS YEAR TO REFURBISH ITS TOTAL OF 67 WELL WORN CHAIRS IN THE THEATER. DONORS, MANY OF THEM ANONYMOUS, PROVIDED THE FUNDS FOR THIS $7,500 PROJECT. THE WILLITS ROTARY CLUB WAS ONE SUCH DONOR, PROVIDING $1,000 TO HELP THE THEATER GROUP GET THEIR NEW SEATS. THE SEAT PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED JUST IN TIME FOR THE NEXT SCHEDULED PERFORMANCE BY THE THEATER GROUP.

CON. HUFFMAN ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT BYPASS (GOV) JB 10/21/14

CONGRESSMAN JARED HUFFMAN ANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS ROLE IN THE WILLITS BYPASS PROJECT.

DURING LAST WEEKS COFFEE WITH THE CONGRESSMAN EVENT, CONGRESSMAN JARED HUFFMAN FIELDED SEVERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BYPASS PROJECT. HUFFMAN STATED I COULDNT STOP THE WILLITS BYPASS IF I WANTED TO. IT DOESNT WORK THAT WAY. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE 404 CLEAN WATER ACT PERMIT ISSUED BY THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WAS HONORED AND COMPLIED WITH. HIS COMMUNICATION WITH CAL TRANS HAS RESULTED IN THE REDUCTION OF 3-4 ACRES OF WETLAND FILL AND A 9-ACRE REDUCTION OF THE PROJECT FOOTPRINT TO AVOID CONFLICT WITH SACRED SHERWOOD VALLEY TRIBE SITES.

ARREST FOR DRUGS IN REDWOOD VALLEY (LAW) JB 10/21/14

A TRAFFIC STOP IN REDWOOD VALLEY LEADS TO THE ARREST OF THE DRIVER ON MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES.

A MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTY CONDUCTED A TRAFFIC STOP SATURDAY MORNING OF A SILVER MERCEDES BENZ FOR SPEEDING ON HIGHWAY 101 NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF REEVES CANYON ROAD. UPON CONTACTING THE DRIVER, 58-YEAR-OLD FREDDIE DRUMMOND, THE DEPUTY COULD IMMEDIATELY SMELL THE ODOR OF BURNT MARIJUANA COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A SEARCH OF THE CAR WAS CONDUCTED AND SEVERAL PACKAGES OF COCAINE AND MARIJUANA WERE DISCOVERED. DRUMMOND WAS ARRESTED AND BOOKED ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN FORT BRAGG (LAW) JB 10/21/14

A FORT BRAGG WOMAN WAS ARRESTED LAST WEEK AFTER ATTACKING HER HUSBAND DURING AN ARGUMENT.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES WERE DISPATCHED ON FRIDAY TO A RESIDENCE ON NORTH HIGHWAY 1 IN FORT BRAGG TO THE REPORT OF AN IN-PROGRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT. DEPUTIES CONTACTED THE 44-YEAR-OLD MALE VICTIM AT THE SCENE WHO HAD VISIBLE INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND CHEST. THE VICTIM STATED THAT HIS WIFE, 43 YEAR OLD RHONDA MOTTS HAD ATTACKED HIM DURING A VERBAL ARGUMENT AND THEN FLED THE SCENE BEFORE DEPUTIES ARRIVED. MOTTS, ON ACTIVE PROBATION FOR ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON, WAS SEEN BY DEPUTIES RETURNING TO THE RESIDENCE AND SHE WAS ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

CONCLUSIONS ON CAUSE OF 2013 DROUGHT (EVR) JB 10/21/14

CALIFORNIAS NEW WATER YEAR BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1 AND THE ISSUE ON EVERYONES MIND IS WHETHER THIS YEAR WILL BE A REPEAT OF LAST YEAR.

THE WILLITS NEWS REPORTED THAT THE NATIONAL CLIMATE PREDICTION CENTER RECENTLY UPDATED ITS THREE MONTH PROBABILITIES FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FROM BELOW AVERAGE RAIN TO AN EVEN CHANCE OF HAVING NORMAL RAIN. CALIFORNIA RAINFALL IN 2013 WAS THE LOWEST IN RECORDED HISTORY. THE MAIN CAUSE WAS THE REMARKABLY PERSISTENT RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE, WHICH DIVERTED STORMS AWAY FROM CALIFORNIA. IT WAS SO LARGE AND SO STRONG, MOST OF THE STORMS WHICH WOULD NORMALLY HAVE HIT CALIFORNIA WERE SHUNTED INTO CANADA.