News 12/31/14

SOME OBAMA-CARE MEMBERS SWITCHED TO MEDI-CAL(ECN) JB 12/31/14

CERTAIN COVERED CALIFORNIA MEDICAL INSURANCE SUBSCRIBERS WILL SOON BE SWITCHED TO MEDI-CAL.

ACCORDING TO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY, LOWER INCOME COVERED CALIFORNIA SUBSCRIBERS COULD SEE THEIR INSURANCE CHANGE AS EARLY AS TODAY. THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHOS INCOME WAS REDUCED DURING THE INSURANCE RENEWAL PROCESS WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE COVERED CALIFORNIA PLAN AND WILL BE NOTIFIED THAT THEY ARE LIKELY ELIGIBLE FOR MEDI-CAL COVERAGE. A SPOKESMAN FOR COVERED CALIFORNIA SAYS THAT THE COVERAGE DROP IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE YEARLY ADJUSTMENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVELS.

CALPELLA MAN ARRESTED WITH WEAPONS IN CAR (LAW) JB 12/31/14

A REPORT OF VEHICLE BURGLARIES IN UKIAH LEADS TO THE ARREST OF A CALPELLA MAN ON WEAPONS CHARGES.

UKIAH POLICE OFFICERS RESPONDED TO THE UKIAH STADIUM SIX LATE IN THE EVENING ON SUNDAY TO THE REPORT OF SOMEONE BREAKING INTO VEHICLES. AN ARRIVING OFFICER NOTICED A SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE PARKED AT A NEARBY MOTEL. UPON CONTACT BY THE OFFICER, ONE OF THE PASSENGERS REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE OFFICERS COMMANDS AND TRIED TO PUSH PAST HIM TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE SUSPECT, 35 YEAR OLD JOSE PEREDIA OF CALPELLA, HAD TO BE TASED BY OFFICERS AND WAS ARRESTED. OFFICERS DISCOVERED A KNIFE AND A SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN IN THE CAR WHERE PEREDIA, A CONVICTED FELON, HAD BEEN SITTING AND HE WAS BOOKED INTO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL ON MULTIPLE CHARGES.

CLEARLAKE SKULL LINKED TO MISSING PERSON (LAW) JB 12/31/14

A SKULL FOUND BY A DOG IN CLEARLAKE IN NOVEMBER HAS BEEN LINKED TO A MISSING PERSONS CASE IN HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE.

THE PARTIAL REMAINS OF A DECEASED PERSON DISCOVERED NEAR A RESIDENCE ON OLEANDER STREET IN CLEARLAKE IN LATE NOVEMBER HAVE BEEN POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED AS A MISSING HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE MAN. THE REMAINS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THAT OF 36-YEAR-OLD GUILLERMO FIGUEROA, REPORTED MISSING ON OCTOBER 27. CLEARLAKE POLICE AND THE LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE HAVE CONDUCTED A JOINT INVESTIGATION INTO FIGUEROAS DISAPPEARANCE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND THE CASE IS NOW BEING TREATED AS A HOMICIDE.

LAKEPORT COUNCIL CONSIDERS LIBRARY PARK DOCKS (GOV) JB 12/31/14

THE PURCHASE OF NEW DOCKS FOR LIBRARY PARK WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE LAKEPORT CITY COUNCILS MEETING NEXT WEEK.

OVER THE PAST YEAR, LAKEPORT CITY STAFF HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE AGING DOCKS AT LIBRARY PARK. AT NEXT WEDNESDAYS MEETING COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER GIVING THE GO-AHEAD TO THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A $226,000 PURCHASE ORDER FOR NEARLY 300 FEET OF NEW DOCK INCLUDING A 24 FOOT GANGWAY, AN AMOUNT UNDER THE $250,000 INCLUDED IN ITS 2014-15 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET FOR SUCH A PROJECT. EARLIER IN YEAR, THE AMOUNT ANTICIPATED BY THE CITY FOR THE PROJECT HAD BEEN AS MUCH AS $800,000.

CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN INJURED IN HWY 29 CRASH (LAW) JB 12/31/14

A CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES IN A TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 29 MONDAY EVENING.

ACCORDING TO CHP REPORTS, 25 YEAR OLD DANIEL GRAHAM WAS DRIVING A 1991 MAZDA MIATA ON HIGHWAY 29 IN NAPA COUNTY WHEN HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN HIS LANE IN A SWEEPING LEFT CURVE. GRAHAM CROSSED INTO THE SOUTHBOUND LANES WHERE IS CAR STRUCK A 2001 GMC YUKON DRIVEN BY 56 YEAR OLD KEVIN LEE OF SANTA ROSA, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE MIATA. GRAHAM SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES IN THE CRASH AND WAS FLOWN BY REACH AIR AMBULANCE TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.

HVLA CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS STALLED (ECN) JB 12/31/14

TALKS BETWEEN THE HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE ASSOCIATION AND GOLF COURSE EMPLOYEES HAVE HIT A STAND STILL.

THE RECORD BEE REPORTED THAT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE ASSOCIATION AND A UNION REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITYS GOLF COURSE EMPLOYEES CONTINUE TO SIT IN A HOLDING PATTERN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE PREVIOUS CONTRACT EXPIRED. HOWEVER, DESPITE THE UNIONS FEARS THE EMPLOYEES WOULD BE LOCKED OUT WHEN THE CONTRACT EXPIRED ON OCTOBER 31, THE ASSOCIATION IS CONTINUING TO OPERATE UNDER THE PAST CONTRACTS GUIDELINES UNTIL A NEW AGREEMENT CAN BE REACHED. NEW DATES FOR NEGOTIATIONS HAVE YET TO BE ANNOUNCED BY EITHER PARTY.

ARBOR YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER AWARDED GRANTS (ECN) JB 12/31/14

THE ARBOR YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER WAS RECENTLY AWARDED TWO LARGE GRANTS TO CONTINUE PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT SKILLS TO LOCAL TEENS.

AFTER BEING INITIALLY DENIED A GRANT REQUEST IN 2010, THE ARBOR YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR TWO SUBSTANTIAL LONG TERM GRANTS. THE CENTER WILL RECEIVE $200,000 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARS FROM THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT AND $125,000 PER YEAR FOR FIVE YEARS FROM THE DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES SUPPORT PROGRAM. THE ARBOR YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER PROVIDES YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SKILLS AND SUPPORT, INCLUDING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, JOB PLACEMENTS AND CAREER EXPLORATION FOR AREA YOUTH AGES 14-21 TO HELP THEM WORK TOWARDS GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS.

CHP MAXIMUM ENFORCEMENT PERIOD IN EFFECT (LAW) JB 12/31/14

THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL IS URGING MOTORISTS TO START THE NEW YEAR SAFELY BY CELEBRATING RESPONSIBLY.

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICERS WILL OUT IN FORCE DURING THE NEW YEARS WEEKEND AS PART OF A MAXIMUM ENFORCEMENT PERIOD WHICH BEGINS AT 6PM TONIGHT AND CONTINUES UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 4. DURING 2013S NEW YEARS ENFORCEMENT PERIOD, 14 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN COLLISIONS ACROSS THE STATE AND MORE THAN 450 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. IF YOUR NEW YEARS PLANS INCLUDE ALCOHOL, PLEASE MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE AND DESIGNATE A DRIVER BEFORE THE CELEBRATION BEGINS.

News 12/30/14

FT BRAGG SCHOOL REVERSES SHIRT BAN FOR PLAYERS (ED) JB 12/30/14

A BAN ON CONTROVERSIAL T-SHIRTS AT A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT HAS BEEN LIFTED BY OFFICIALS.

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT REPORTED THAT FORT BRAGG SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON MONDAY REVERSED A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT BAN ON T-SHIRTS READING I CANT BREATHE AND SAID THEY WOULD ALLOW HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS TO WEAR THE SHIRTS DURING WARM UPS AS LONG AS THEY DONT CAUSE PROBLEMS. A FIRST AMENDMENT LAWYER WHO REPRESENTS ONE OF THE PLAYERS, SAID THE REVERSAL BY THE FORT BRAGG SCHOOL DISTRICT CAME JUST MOMENTS BEFORE SHE INTENDED TO FILE A FEDERAL COURT MOTION ARGUING THAT BARRING THE SHIRTS VIOLATED THE FREE SPEECH RIGHTS OF STUDENT ATHLETES. THE AGREEMENT WILL STAND AS LONG AS THE SHIRTS DO NOT CAUSE ANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS AT THE TOURNAMENT.

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT REPORT STUDIES BROADBAND (BB) JB 12/30/14

A NEW COMMERCE DEPARTMENT REPORT EXAMINES COMPETITION AMONG U.S. BROADBAND SERVICE PROVIDERS.

THE U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENTS ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS ADMINISTRATION HAS RELEASED A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT DETAILING THE AVAILABILITY OF BROADBAND INTERNET SERVICES AVAILABLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WHILE THE STUDY SHOWS THAT 88 PERCENT OF THE U.S. POPULATION HAD TWO OR MORE CHOICES OF INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS OFFERING DOWNLOAD SPEEDS OF 3 MEGABITS PER SECOND OR SLOWER, ON 37 PERCENT HAD A CHOICE OF TWO OR MORE PROVIDERS WITH 25 MEGABITS OR GREATER. IN COMPARISON, A 6 GIGABYTE FILE TAKES OVER TWO HOURS TO DOWNLOAD AT THE SLOWER SPEED, WHILE THE SAME FILE COULD BE DOWNLOADED IN ONLY 16 MINUTES AT THE HIGHER SPEED.

LOCAL DROUGHT CLASSIFICATION IMPROVES (EVR) JB 12/30/14

ABOVE AVERAGE LOCAL PRECIPITATION HAS MARKED THE FIRST STATEWIDE IMPROVEMENT IN THE DROUGHT CONDITIONS THIS YEAR.

THANKS TO HEAVY DECEMBER RAINS CONTRIBUTING TO IMPROVING WATER STORAGE LEVELS, THE U.S. DROUGHT MONITORING CENTER RECENTLY DOWNGRADED THE CURRENT DROUGHT LEVEL IN CALIFORNIA. OVER 98 PERCENT OF THE STATE IS STILL EXPERIENCING SOME LEVEL OF DROUGHT, HOWEVER THE PERCENTAGE OF THE AREAS EXPERIENCING THE HIGHEST DROUGHT CONDITION, INCLUDING MENDOCINO COUNTY, HAS DROPPED 23 PERCENT. THE DROUGHT CLASSIFICATIONS ARE BASED ON A COMBINATION OF RAINFALL DEFICIT AND COMMUNITY AND AGRICULTURAL IMPACTS CAUSED BY THE REDUCED WATER LEVELS.

REGULATIONS SET TO EXPAND COASTAL SANCTUARIES (EVR) JB 12/30/14

NEW REGULATIONS FOR 2015 ARE SET TO EXPAND COASTAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ALONG NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES OFF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE DUE TO DOUBLE IN SIZE EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR IN ORDER TO PROTECT A MASSIVE UNDERWATER NUTRIENT FLOW THAT BIOLOGISTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEALTH OF MARINE LIFE IN THE AREA. BARRING OBJECTIONS FROM THE INCOMING U.S. CONGRESS, NEW FEDERAL RULES WILL EXPAND EXISTING MARINE SANCTUARIES ALONG THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST AS FAR UP AS MENDOCINO COUNTY. THE NEW 350-MILE STRETCH RUNNING SOUTH TO MONTEREY BAY WOULD BAR OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OFF THE COAST AND PREVENT LARGER VESSELS FROM DISCHARGING IN THE SANCTUARY.

EX-FELON ARRESTED WITH GUN DURING TRAFFIC STOP (LAW) JB 12/30/14

NEW REGULATIONS FOR 2015 ARE SET TO EXPAND COASTAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ALONG NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES OFF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE DUE TO DOUBLE IN SIZE EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR IN ORDER TO PROTECT A MASSIVE UNDERWATER NUTRIENT FLOW THAT BIOLOGISTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE HEALTH OF MARINE LIFE IN THE AREA. BARRING OBJECTIONS FROM THE INCOMING U.S. CONGRESS, NEW FEDERAL RULES WILL EXPAND EXISTING MARINE SANCTUARIES ALONG THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST AS FAR UP AS MENDOCINO COUNTY. THE NEW 350-MILE STRETCH RUNNING SOUTH TO MONTEREY BAY WOULD BAR OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION OFF THE COAST AND PREVENT LARGER VESSELS FROM DISCHARGING IN THE SANCTUARY.

WIND ADVISORY, COLD STORM HEADED FOR NORCAL (EVR) JB 12/30/14

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY FOR LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTY AS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PREPARES FOR A COLD STORM MOVING OVER THE AREA.

ACCORDING TO FORECASTERS, THE BIGGEST IMPACT OF THE STORM WILL BE FELT ON TUESDAY AS SUSTAINED WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MILES AN HOUR HIT THE AREA, WITH GUSTS FROM 40 TO MILES PER HOUR EXPECTED. THE BREEZY WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH NEW YEARS EVE ON WEDNESDAY. DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF DOWNED TREES AND POWER OUTAGES. THE STORM MAY ALSO BRING SOME RAIN SHOWERS AND A FEW INCHES OF SNOW IS PREDICTED TO ACCUMULATE IN THE SIERRAS

WORLD SERIES TROPHY TO VISIT WILLITS (PI) JB 12/30/14

THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS HAVE ANNOUNCED A PUBLIC TOUR OF ALL THREE RECENT WORLD SERIES TROPHIES THAT WILL MAKE A STOP IN WILLITS.

THE SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK THAT THEY WILL TAKE ALL THREE OF THEIR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES (2010,2012,2014) ON A PUBLIC TOUR BEGINNING IN EARLY JANUARY 2015. ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, WILLITS WILL HOST THE TROPHIES FOR THE SECOND TOUR IN A ROW. JOINING THE WILLITS JUNIOR GIANTS THIS YEAR WILL BE THE UKIAH JUNIOR GIANTS, AND ALL DONATIONS COLLECTED WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN THE TWO ORGANIZATIONS. THE VIEWING WILL BE HELD AT THE WILLITS COMMUNITY CENTER ON EAST COMMERCIAL STREET FROM 5-7PM.

MENDOCINO COLLEGE WILLITS TOP PROJECT IN 2014 (ED) JB 12/30/14

THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL HAS NAMED MENDOCINO COLLEGES WILLITS LOCATION AS ONE OF THE TOP PROJECTS FOR 2014.

MENDOCINO COLLEGES NORTH COUNTY CENTER SATELLITE CAMPUS IN WILLITS, NOW ABLE TO SERVE STUDENTS THAT PREVIOUSLY HAD TO TRAVEL TO UKIAH FOR CLASSES, HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS EXEMPLARY BY THE NORTH BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL. THE FIRST PHASE OF THE NORTH COUNTY CENTER, WITH ITS THREE CLASSROOMS, ADMINISTRATIVE SPACE AND LEARNING CENTER, PROVIDES A CONVENIENT AND COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR STUDENTS IN DOWNTOWN WILLITS. THE PROJECTS ARCHITECT DESIGNED THE NEARLY 6,800 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WHILE PURSUING ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES.

News 12/29/14

LAKE COUNTY WOMAN DIES IN 101 CRASH (LAW) JB 12/29/14

A HEAD ON COLLISION ON HIGHWAY 101 NORTH OF CLOVERDALE RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF A LAKE COUNTY WOMAN.

ACCORDING TO CHP REPORTS, THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED SHORTLY BEFORE 9 AM ON SATURDAY NORTH OF GEYSERS ROAD. A 2004 HONDA DRIVEN NORTHBOUND BY A 30 YEAR OLD WASHINGTON RESIDENT SWERVED INTO THE SOUTHBOUND LANES AFTER LOSING CONTROL. THE HONDA STRUCK A 1998 BUICK DRIVEN BY 74-YEAR-OLD DONALD SHIELDS OF NICE. 67 YEAR OLD WANDA SHIELDS, A PASSENGER IN THE BUICK DIED IN THE CRASH AND THE DRIVERS OF BOTH VEHICLES SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND WERE TAKEN TO AREA HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT.

WOMAN INJURED IN 101 ROLLOVER SOUTH OF UKIAH (LAW) JB 12/29/14

A HUMBOLDT COUNTY WOMAN WHO FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL WAS INJURED IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 101 SOUTH OF UKIAH.

THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE OCCURRED AT 7:45 AM FRIDAY MORNING JUST NORTH ON NELSON RANCH ROAD. 20-YEAR-OLD MELISSA BOOMER OF LOLETA WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND WHEN SHE LET HER 2000 GRAND MARQUIS DRIFT ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AFTER FALLING ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL. WHEN THE SOUND OF THE RUMBLE STRIPS ON THE SHOULDER WOKE HER, BOOMER OVERCORRECTED AND LOST CONTROL OF HER CAR, SENDING IT INTO A DIRT EMBANKMENT AND ROLLING THE CAR OVER. BOOMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES IN THE CRASH AND WAS TAKEN TO UKIAH VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER FOR TREATMENT.

MENDOCINO HIGH NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY TOURNAMENT (PI) JB 12/29/14

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS HAS A TAKEN A POLITICAL TURN DUE TO ONE SCHOOLS T-SHIRTS.

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT REPORTED THAT A HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT SET TO BEGIN MONDAY IN FORT BRAGG HAS BEEN THRUST INTO THE NATIONAL DISCUSSION OVER RECENT POLICE SHOOTING INCIDENTS, AFTER MENDOCINO HIGHS GIRLS TEAM WAS DISINVITED BECAUSE ITS PLAYERS REFUSED TO STOP WEARING A T-SHIRT WITH THE SLOGAN I CANT BREATHE DURING WARM-UPS. FORT BRAGG SCHOOL OFFICIALS SAID THEY FEARED A TOURNAMENT DESIGNED TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE BASKETBALL TEAM WOULD INSTEAD BECOME AN EMOTIONALLY CHARGED POLITICAL DEBATE THAT COULD RESULT IN VIOLENCE. TO KEEP THE TOURNAMENT POLITICALLY NEUTRAL, A FORT BRAGG SCHOOL OFFICIAL SAID THEY HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO EXCLUDE THEM FROM THE EVENT. MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF TOM ALLMAN SAID SATURDAY HE HAD HEARD OF NO CREDIBLE THREATS OF VIOLENCE REGARDING THE TOURNAMENT, EVEN THOUGH THE SHIRTS HAVE STIRRED UP CONSIDERABLE CONTROVERSY ALONG THE COAST.

PEDESTRIAN KILLED CROSSING HIGHWAY 20 (LAW) JB 12/29/14

FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS MONTH, A PEDESTRIAN WAS KILLED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WHILE CROSSING HIGHWAY 20.

ACCORDING TO CHP REPORTS, THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED AT 8:40PM FRIDAY ON HIGHWAY 20 EAST OF IRVINE AVENUE, NEAR BLUE LAKES LODGE. A 46 YEAR OLD WILLITS MAN, WHOS NAME HAS YET TO RELEASED, WAS STRUCK BY A FORD RANGER AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR AS HE ATTEMPTED TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY. PARAMEDICS ATTEMPTED CPR ON THE INJURED MAN BUT WERE UNABLE TO RESUSCITATE HIM AND HE WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE CRASH IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY CHP AND AUTHORITIES STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS NOT UNDER THE INFLUENCE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

TRESPASS CAMPERS CITED BY THE UKIAH POLICE (LAW) JB 12/29/14

A MAN AND WOMAN KNOWN TO POLICE FOR NUMEROUS TRESPASSING VIOLATIONS W\ERE CITED FOR VIOLATING UKIAHS CAMPING ORDINANCE.

AN OFFICER WITH UKIAH POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 100 BLOCK OF SOUTH ORCHARD TO THE REPORT OF A MAN AND WOMAN WHO HAD BEEN CAMPING AT THE LOCATION FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE OFFICER CONTACTED THE 26 YEAR OLD MAN AND 31 YEAR OLD WOMAN AND RECOMMENDED THAT THEY STAY AT THE NEWLY OPENED EMERGENCY SHELTER. THE PAIR REFUSED TO STAY AT THE SHELTER AND BELIEVED THEY WERE NOT IN VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE AND COULD NOT BE CITED. BASED ON THE NUMEROUS CONTACTS THE UPD HAS HAD WITH THE PAIR, THE OFFICER CITED THEM FOR VIOLATION OF THE CAMPING ORDINANCE.

COUNTY YOUTH IMPACTED BY HOMELESS EPIDEMIC (EVR) JB 12/29/14

THE CURRENT HOMELESS EPIDEMIC IS IMPACTING HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT HOMELESSNESS ISNT JUST INFLICTED UPON ADULTS IN THE MENDOCINO COUNTY COMMUNITY, AS STAFF WITH THE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION ARE TASKED WITH PROVIDING RESOURCES TO HUNDREDS OF DISPLACED STUDENTS WITH ITS SCHOOL DISTRICTS. DURING THE RECENT HOLIDAY SEASON, THE MCOE PROGRAM MANAGER FOR FOSTER AND HOMELESS YOUTH SERVICES HELPED ORGANIZE A GIFT DRIVE FOR STUDENTS WHO HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS HOMELESS, A NUMBER WHICH REACHED 671 LAST YEAR AND MAKES UP ABOUT 5 PERCENT OF TOTAL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12TH GRADE IN MENDOCINO COUNTY. THE YOUTH SERVICES AT MCOE ARE FUNDED BY THE MCKINNEY-VENTO FEDERAL GRANT, WHICH PROVIDES DOLLARS TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR HOMELESS SERVICES. FUNDS ARE LIMITED, HOWEVER, AND MENDOCINO COUNTY STUDENTS TYPICALLY DONT HAVE ACCESS TO SERVICES OFFERED IN OTHER AREAS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

Playlist 1/1/15

ARIANA GRANDE & THE WEEKEND-LOVE ME HARDER

HOZIER-TAKE ME TO CHURCH

NICK JONAS-JEALOUS

SAM SMITH-I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE

SELENA GOMEZ-THE HEART WANTS WHAT IT WANTS

TAYLOR SWIFT-BLANK SPACE

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

CHARLI XCX-BREAK THE RULES

ED SHEERAN-THINKING OUT LOUD

ELLA HENDERSON- GHOST

FALL OUT BOY-CENTURIES

FIFTH HARMONY-SLEDGEHAMMER

IGGY AZALEA W/M0-BEG FOR IT

JAMES NEWTON HOWARD W/JENNIFER LAWRENCE-THE HANGING TREE

LILLY WOOD W/ROBIN SCHULZ-PRAYER IN C

MARK RONSON W/BRUNO MARS-UPTOWN FUNK!

MEGHAN TRAINOR-LIPS ARE MOVIN

ONE DIRECTION-NIGHT CHANGES

ONE REPUBLIC-I LIVED

PRINCE ROYCE W/SNOOP DOGG-STUCK ON A FEELING

EDEN XO-TOO COOL TO DANCE

HOODIE ALLEN W/ED SHEERAN-ALL ABOUT IT

I LOVE MAKONNEN W/DRAKE-TUESDAY

MILKY CHANCE-STOLEN DANCE

PITBULL W/NE-YO-TIME OF OUR LIVES

VANCE JOY-RIPTIDE

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER-WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU

BECKY G-CAN’T STOP DANCIN’

CALVIN HARRIS W/ELLIE GOULDING-OUTSIDE

PRIORY-WEEKEND

THE SCRIPT-SUPERHEROES

USHER W/JUICY J-I DON’T MIND

News 12/26/14

MENDO COLLEGE PRESIDENT TO NEGOTIATE AGREEMENT (ED) JB 12/26/14

THE PRESIDENT OF MENDOCINO COLLEGE IS SET TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT ON THE FIELD STATION IN POINT ARENA.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT MENDOCINO COLLEGE PRESIDENT ARTURO REYES HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REGARDING THE POINT ARENA FIELD STATION, FOLLOWING A VOTE BY THE COLLEGES BOARD OF TRUSTEES LAST WEEK. AFTER STRONG PUBLIC OUTCRY ABOUT THE BOARDS PLAN TO SELL THE FIELD STATION, THE BOARD VOTED TO PURSUE A CONSERVATION EASEMENT. ACCORDING TO REYES, THE LATEST VOTE MOVES THE SCHOOL ONE STEP CLOSER TO AN AGREEMENT THAT MEETS THE INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND COMMUNITY.

GOVERNOR BROWN GRANTS CHRISTMAS PARDONS (GOV) JB 12/26/14

GOVERNOR JERRY BROWN HAS CONTINUED HIS TRADITION OF ISSUING CHRISTMAS PARDONS.

ON WEDNESDAY, GOVERNOR JERRY BROWN GRANTED PARDONS FOR A TOTAL OF 105 PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE. THE GOVERNORS OFFICE STATED THAT ALL OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE GRANTED PARDONS HAVE ALL COMPLETED THEIR SENTENCES AND, AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM CUSTODY FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, HAVE LIVED LIVES WITHOUT ANY FURTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. GUBERNATORIAL PARDONS CAN BE GRANTED TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO DISPLAY MODEL BEHAVIOR AND LIVE LAW-ABIDING AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES AFTER THEIR CONVICTION. THE GOVERNORS OFFICE STRESSED THAT PARDONS ARE NOT GRANTED UNLESS THEY ARE EARNED.

WILLITS WOMAN DIES IN HIGHWAY 20 CRASH (LAW) JB 12/26/14

A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A WILLITS WOMAN LAST WEEK.

REPORTS FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL STATE THAT 67-YEAR-OLD WILLITS RESIDENT, HELEN LESLIE, WAS KILLED IN A SOLO VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 20. LESLIE WAS DRIVING HER 2004 CHRYSLER EASTBOUND WEST OF PARLIN FORK CAMP ROAD WHEN, FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, EXITING THE SOUTH EDGE OF THE ROADWAY AND COLLIDING WITH A TREE. LESLIE SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES IN THE CRASH AND THE CAUSE OF THE COLLISION IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

SNOW SURVEY SET FOR DECEMBER 30 (EVR) JB 12/26/14

THE RECENT STORMS THIS MONTH BROUGHT MORE THAN AVERAGE RAINFALL TOTALS, BUT SNOWPACK LEVELS ARE STILL DOWN FROM NORMAL.

THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IS SCHEDULED TO CONDUCT THIS WINTERS FIRST MANUAL MEASUREMENT OF THE SNOWPACK ON DECEMBER 30. ELECTRONIC READINGS OF THE CURRENT SNOWPACK HAVE SHOWN THAT Its WATER EQUIVALENT IS LESS THAN 55 PERCENT OF THE STATEWIDE AVERAGE FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR. THE SNOWPACK IN CALIFORNIA GENERATED THROUGHOUT THE WINTER SUPPLIES ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE WATER USED BY THE STATES RESIDENTS, INDUSTRY AND AGRICULTURE AS IT MELTS AND RUNS OFF INTO STREAMS AND RIVERS DURING THE LATE SPRING AND SUMMER.

MAN ACCUSED OF WIFES MURDER IN COURT (LAW) JB 12/26/14

THE CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN CHARGED WITH THE SHOOTING DEATH OF HIS WIFE MADE HIS FIRST APPEARANCE IN COURT ON TUESDAY.

58 YEAR OLD MARC ANTHONY CLARK, ACCUSED OF FATALLY SHOOTING HIS WIFE, 58 YEAR OLD LINDA LOUISE CLARK, WAS FORMALLY ARRAIGNED IN LAKE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST CLARK INCLUDES FIVE FELONY CHARGES WITH TEN SPECIAL ALLEGATIONS IN THE CASE, WITH MANY OF THE ALLEGATIONS BEING RELATED TO THE USE OF A FIREARM IN THE CRIME. CLARK DID NOT ENTER A PLEA DURING TUESDAYS ARRAIGNMENT AS THE CASE HAS BEEN PUT OVER UNTIL NEXT MONTH. CLARK IS SCHEDULED TO ENTER A PLEA AT HIS NEXT COURT APPEARANCE ON JANUARY 6.

CHRISTMAS EVE FIRE DESTROYS KELSEYVILLE HOME (LAW) JB 12/26/14

A FIRE ON CHRISTMAS EVE DESTROYED A HOME IN KELSEYVILLE.

FIREFIGHTERS FROM KELSEYVILLE FIRE AND LAKEPORT FIRE RESPONDED TO THE BLAZE THAT WAS FIRST REPORTED AROUND 11:30 WEDNESDAY MORNING AT AN ADDRESS ON SODA BAY ROAD NEAR CRYSTAL DRIVE IN BUCKINGHAM. THE HOME WAS FULLY INVOLVED WHEN FIREFIGHTERS ARRIVED AND THE BLAZE WAS CONTROLLED AFTER 30 TO 40 MINUTES. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED FROM THE FIRE AND THE EXTERIOR OF THE HOME IS STILL STANDING, BUT THE INTERIOR OF THE HOME SUFFERED MAJOR DAMAGE AND THE HOME APPEARED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION BY FIRE OFFICIALS.

SCHOOLS IN UPPER LAKE HIT WITH GRAFFITI (ED/LAW) JB 12/26/14

TWO SCHOOLS IN UPPER LAKE WERE DAMAGED BY GRAFFITI VANDALS OVER THE PAST WEEKEND.

SCHOOL OFFICIALS IN UPPER LAKE REPORTED THAT CLEANUP EFFORTS AND REPAIRS ARE BEING MADE TO UPPER LAKE ELEMENTARY AND UPPER LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER BOTH SCHOOLS WERE TAGGED WITH EXTENSIVE GRAFFITI. THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WAS TAGGED UP AND DOWN THE SIDEWALKS AND ON WALLS AND WINDOWS. UPPER LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORTED THAT GYMNASIUM AND STORAGE SHEDS WERE ALSO TAGGED WITH WHAT APPEARED TO BE GANG GRAFFITI. AS THE CLEANUP EFFORTS AND REPAINTING CONTINUES, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT MAY CONSIDER INSTALLING SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS IN THE FUTURE.

MCOE RELEASES FIRST INTERIM BUDGET REPORT (ED) JB 12/26/14

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY OF EDUCATION RELEASED ITS FIRST INTERIM BUDGET REPORT EARLIER THIS MONTH.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BUDGET SHOWED A $1.3 MILLION INCREASE IN TOTAL BUDGET REVENUE, AND AN INCREASE TO THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE BUDGET OF $2.5 MILLION. THE INCREASE IS A RESULT OF CARRYOVER FUNDS, NEW GRANTS AND THE GOVERNORS NEW LOCAL CONTROL FUNDING FORMULA, OR LCFF. THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION STATED THAT THE GOAL OF THE LCFF IS TO SIMPLIFY HOW STATE FUNDING IS PROVIDED TO LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES. THE COUNTY OFFICE SAID IT WOULD BE ABLE TO MEET ITS CURRENT, AND NEXT TWO FISCAL YEAR FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS.

News 12/24/14

MINE PERMIT CANCELED BY MENDOCINO BOS (GOV/EVR) JB 12/24/14

THE KUNZLER TERRACE MINE PERMIT HAS BEEN RESCINDED BY THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THE PROPOSED KUNZLER TERRACE MINE APPEARS TO BE OFF, FOR NOW, AS THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTED TO RESCIND THE USE PERMIT AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PROJECT AS PART OF ITS CONSENT CALENDAR ON DEC. 16. THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WAS REQUIRED TO OVERTURN ITS 2010 DECISION OF ISSUING THE PERMIT AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE PROJECT AFTER THE MASONITE CORP., AND THE RUSSIAN RIVERKEEPER, SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGED THE APPROVAL OF THE PLAN IN JULY 2013, IN THE CALIFORNIA FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS, ALLEGING THE COUNTY FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.

UKIAH SHELTER REOPENS WITH TEMPORARY PLUMBING (PI) JB 12/24/14

THE BUDDY ELLER CENTER HOMELESS SHELTER IN UKIAH HAS REOPENED DESPITE THE COMPLETION OF A PLUMBING PROJECT.

UKIAHS ONLY HOMELESS SHELTER HAS BEEN REOPENED ON ONLY A LIMITED BASIS DUE TO THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FACILITYS BATHROOM AND SHOWER FACILITIES DRAGGING ON FOR MUCH LONGER THAN EXPECTED. IT IS ESTIMATED TO BE AT LEAST ANOTHER WEEK BEFORE THE $57,000 BATHROOM RENOVATION WILL BE COMPLETE, ALLOWING ALL 50 OF THE SHELTERS BEDS TO BE FILLED. UNTIL THE RENOVATION PROJECT IS COMPLETE, THE SHELTER IS ONLY ACCEPTING LOCAL PEOPLE AND PREFERENCE IS BEING GIVEN TO PEOPLE WITH CHILDREN OR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

COMMUNITY NETWORK IDEA WINS SAFETY CONTEST (PI) JB 12/24/14

THE CONCEPT OF A COMMUNITY NETWORK OF LOCAL CITIZENS WORKING WITH POLICE WAS CHOSEN AS THE WINNER OF THE MAKE UKIAH SAFER CONTEST.

JANE COVELLA, A UKIAH RESIDENT AND FAMILY LITERACY LIAISON WITH THE MENDOCINO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION, SUBMITTED HER THREE PAGE OUTLINE OF THE COMMUNITY NETWORK IDEA AND WAS CHOSEN AS THE WINNER OF THE MAKE UKIAH SAFER CONTEST SPONSORED BY SELZER REALTY. SOME OF COVELLAS SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NETWORK INCLUDED TRAINING MOTIVATED VOLUNTEERS TO MAP SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS AND SETTING UP A CRIME TIP HOTLINE WHERE POLICE COULD GET REAL TIME INFORMATION ABOUT SUSPECTS AS WELL AS CONCERNS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS ABOUT UNSTABLE RESIDENTS. POLICE CHIEF DEWEY STATED THAT SEVERAL OF THE IDEAS WERE ALREADY IN PLACE BUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT COULD DO MORE TO GET MORE RESIDENTS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR THEM.

LAKE MENDOCINO BOATERS SHOULD USE CAUTION (EVR) JB 12/24/14

THE HEAVY RAINS OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS HAVE OPENED THE BOAT RAMPS AT LAKE MENDOCINO BUT ALSO BROUGHT HAZARDS TO BOATERS.

LAKE MENDOCINO, AS OF THIS MORNING, WAS HOLDING JUST OVER 51,000 ACRE FEET OF WATER, MOST OF IT INTRODUCED IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. WITH THE WATER NOW COVERING MUCH OF THE SURROUNDING AREA THAT HAD BEEN DRY FOR MONTHS, THE LAKE IS FILLED WITH FLOATING HAZARDS TO BOATERS. LOGS, STUMPS, AND EVEN ENTIRE TREES WERE SEEN FLOATING IN THE LAKE ON MONDAY. WITH THE SOUTH BOAT RAMP NOW OPEN, BOATERS SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION ON THE LAKE AS MANY OF THE HAZARDS ARE NOT PLAINLY VISIBLE, FLOATING SUSPENDED JUST UNDER THE SURFACE OF THE WATER.

GOVORNERS OFFICE DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY (GOV) JB 12/24/14

GOV. JERRY BROWN ISSUED THE FIRST STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR FOUR COUNTIES AS THE RESULTS OF A SEVERE RAINSTORM THAT HIT THE STATE EARLIER THIS MONTH.

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT REPORTED THAT THE STORM, WHICH HIT DEC. 11, RESULTED IN HEAVY RAINFALL, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED DAMAGE TO ROADS AND HIGHWAYS THROUGHOUT THE STATE AS A RESULT OF MUDFLOWS, DEBRIS, FLOODING AND EROSION. THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE REPORTED THE MONDAY STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION IS FOR MARIN, MENDOCINO, SAN MATEO AND VENTURA COUNTIES. THE PROCLAMATION DIRECTS CALTRANS TO FORMALLY REQUEST IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION’S EMERGENCY RELIEF PROGRAM. OFFICIALS SAID THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES CONTINUES TO WORK WITH OTHER IMPACTED COUNTIES TO COMPLETE DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL ACTION TO HELP COMMUNITIES RESPOND TO AND RECOVER FROM THE EFFECTS OF THESE STORMS.

SAFEWAY PULLS CARAMEL APPLES (PI) JB 12/24/14

SAFEWAY HAS PULLED PREPACKAGED CARAMEL APPLES FROM ITS SHELVES A DAY AFTER THE FAMILY OF A PERSON WHO DIED FROM A LISTERIA INFECTION LINKED TO THE FRUIT SUED THE COMPANY.

SHIRLEE JEAN FREY, WHO DIED DEC. 2, BECAME ILL AFTER BUYING SEVERAL CARAMEL APPLES FROM A SAFEWAY SUPERMARKET IN FELTON IN OCTOBER, ACCORDING TO THE SUIT FILED MONDAY IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT. THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CONFIRMED THE 81-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WAS SICKENED WITH THE SAME STRAINS OF LISTERIA FOUND IN APPLES THAT INFECTED 28 OTHER PEOPLE IN NINE STATES. FIVE OF THOSE PEOPLE HAVE DIED, ALTHOUGH CDC OFFICIALS SAY ONLY THREE OF THE DEATHS HAVE BEEN LINKED DIRECTLY TO LISTERIA. THE CAUSE OF DEATH IN ONE CASE IS UNCLEAR AND THE OTHER DEATH IS BELIEVED NOT TO HAVE BEEN CONNECTED TO THE INFECTION.

SEVERAL THEATERS TO SCREEN THE INTERVIEW (PI) JB 12/24/14

TWO THEATERS IN SONOMA COUNTY ARE SCHEDULED TO SHOW THE CONTROVERSIAL MOVIE THE INTERVIEW ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

AFTER SONY ENTERTAINMENT REVERSED ITS COURSE ON TUESDAY AND MADE THE DECISION TO RELEASE THE COMEDY DEPICTING A PLOT TO KILL NORTH KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG-UN, SEVERAL THEATERS HAVE AGREED TO BEGIN SHOWINGS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. DESPITE THREATS BY HACKERS TO STAGE TERRORIST ATTACKS AGAINST THEATERS SHOWING THE FILM, BOULEVARD 14 CINEMAS AND SONOMA 9 CINEMAS WILL SHOW THE MOVIE ON THURSDAY. AS AN EXTRA PRECAUTION, THE THEATERS WILL HAVE EXTRA SECURITY IN PLACE AND GUESTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BRING BACKPACKS OR BAGS INTO THEATERS.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CONTINUES FUNDRAISING (PI) JB 12/24/14

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS CONTINUING A FUNDRAISING PROJECT FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESS RAMPS AND LIFTS IN LAKE COUNTY.

IN AN EFFORT TO ACHIEVE ITS GOAL OF MAKING HOMES MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL CHALLENGES, HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LAKE COUNTY IS ASKING FOR CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY. THE GROUPS WHEELCHAIR RAMPS AND LIFTS INITIATIVE BEGAN EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH A GOAL OF $75,000 TO BE USED TO PURCHASE WHEELCHAIR RAMPS AND LIFTS FOR THE DISABLED, LOW INCOME SENIORS, AND VETERANS IN LAKE COUNTY. TO DATE, $42,800 HAS BEEN RAISED TOWARDS THE INITIATIVE. THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE INITIATIVE SHOULD CONTACT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AT 994-1100.

News 12/23/14

SHOT FIRED TOWARDS UKIAH POLICE OFFICER (LAW) JB 12/23/14

A GUNSHOT TOWARDS A UKIAH POLICE OFFICER LEADS TO THE DISCOVERY OF AMMUNITION AND METHAMPHETAMINE.

A UKIAH POLICE OFFICER WAS PARKED IN THE 700 BLOCK OF SOUTH ORCHARD STREET EARLY SUNDAY MORNING COMPLETING PAPERWORK WHEN HE HEARD A GUNSHOT TOWARDS HIS DIRECTION. WHILE CALLING FOR BACKUP, THE OFFICER WITNESSED ONE SUBJECT WALKING FROM THE PARKING LOT OF A NEARBY HOTEL WHO FLED UPON SEEING THE OFFICER. RESPONDING UPD OFFICERS, SHERIFFS DEPUTIES AND CHP OFFICERS SECURED A PERIMETER AND DETAINED A SECOND SUBJECT. OFFICERS DETERMINED THAT A DISTURBANCE INVOLVING SEVERAL PEOPLE OCCURRED AT THE HOTEL JUST BEFORE THE GUNSHOT. EVIDENCE LOCATED AT THE HOTEL INCLUDED AMMUNITION AND A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF METHAMPHETAMINE. THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL THE UKIAH POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 463-6262.

LAKE COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT RISES (EMP) JB 12/23/14

ACCORDING TO A NEW REPORT, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN LAKE COUNTY INCREASED FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.

THE EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RELEASED ITS LATEST REPORT ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE STATE, SHOWING AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED IN LAKE COUNTY. THE LATEST NUMBERS SHOW LAKE COUNTYS JOBLESS RATE AT 9.7 PERCENT, AN INCREASE FROM 8.8 PERCENT IN OCTOBER. THE JOBLESS RATE FOR THE STATE DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN NOVEMBER TO 7.2 PERCENT, DOWN FROM 7.3 PERCENT IN OCTOBER AND 8.4 PERCENT THIS TIME LAST YEAR.

ROADWAY REPAIRS BEGIN SOUTH OF WILLITS (TR) JB 12/23/14

ROADWAY REPAIRS FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY A RECENT SLIDE WILL BEGIN SOUTH OF WILLITS.

CALTRANS WILL BEGIN EMERGENCY HIGHWAY REPAIRS AT TWO LOCATIONS ON US HIGHWAY 101 JUST SOUTH OF RIDGEWOOD RANCH ROAD BEGINNING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28. EARLY SUNDAY MORNING NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED ONTO ONE OF THE SOUTHBOUND LANES, AND BOTH NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. IT IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME HOW LONG THE TRAFFIC CONTROL WILL REMAIN IN PLACE.

DODD APPOINTED TO FIVE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES (GOV) JB 12/23/14

ASSEMBLYMAN BILL DODD HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO SERVE ON FIVE KEY COMMITTEES FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR.

NEWLY ELECTED ASSEMBLYMAN BILL DODD, WHOSE DISTRICT INCLUDES LAKE COUNTY, WAS RECENTLY APPOINTED BY ASSEMBLY SPEAKER TONI ATKINS TO SERVE ON SEVERAL COMMITTEES FOR THE 2015-16 REGULAR SESSION. DODD WILL SERVE ON COMMITTEES INCLUDING AGRICULTURE, BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS, RULES, TRANSPORTATION AND WATER, PARKS AND WILDLIFE. DODD SAID THAT HE WAS HONORED BY THE APPOINTMENTS, STATING THAT THE ISSUES COVERED BY THESE COMMITTEES ARE TRULY CRUCIAL FOR HIS DISTRICT AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN ARRESTED FOR KILLING WIFE (LAW) JB 12/23/14

A CLEARLAKE OAKS MAN IS FACING A MURDER CHARGE FOR THE SATURDAY NIGHT SHOOTING DEATH OF HIS WIFE.

THE LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTED THAT 58 YEAR OLD MARC CLARK WAS ARRESTED LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AND IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BAIL IN THE LAKE COUNTY JAIL. HE IS ALLEGED TO HAVE FATALLY SHOT HIS WIFE, 58-YEAR-OLD LINDA LOUISE CLARK, AFTER AN ARGUMENT AT THEIR HOME ON WOLF CREEK ROAD IN SPRING VALLEY. CLARK IS DUE TO APPEAR IN LAKE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT FOR ARRAIGNMENT ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

CDFW TO CONDUCT HUNTER SURVEY (EVR) JB 12/23/14

THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY TO UPDATE ITS DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN.

IN AN EFFORT TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE ITS DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN, THE CDFW HAS CHOSEN RESPONSIVE MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY DEER HUNTER OPINION SURVEY. RESPONSIVE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZES IN NATURAL RESOURCE RELATED PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS. THE COMPANY WILL BE CONTACTING RANDOMLY SELECTED DEER HUNTERS THIS MONTH AND PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ASKED A SERIES OF DEER MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS, WITH THE RESULTS BEING USED TO AIDE THE CDFW IN IMPROVING ITS DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND IDENTIFYING MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES.

COYOTE BAND OF POMO INDIANS INCREASE MIN WAGE (EMP) JB 12/23/14

THE COYOTE VALLEY BAND OF POMO INDIANS IS SET INCREASE THEIR MINIMUM WAGE ABOVE BOTH THE STATE AND FEDERAL MINIMUMS.

THE COYOTE VALLEY BAND OF POMO INDIANS IS ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY WITH OVER 165 EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING THOSE AT THE COYOTE VALLEY CASINO AND THE TRIBAL GOVERNMENT. THE TRIBE HAS STATED THAT, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2015, EMPLOYEES OF THE TRIBE WILL RECEIVE A MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE TO $10.10 AN HOUR. THIS MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE EXCEEDS THE CALIFORNIA STATE MINIMUM WAGE OF $9.00 AN HOUR, AND THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE RATE OF $7.25 AN HOUR. THE TRIBAL CHAIRMAN STATED THAT PROVIDING A LIVING WAGE, HEALTH INSURANCE, AND A 401K FOR OUR EMPLOYEES IS A MORAL OBLIGATION AND GOOD BUSINESS.

News 12/22/14

SUSPECT DISAPPEARS ON COW MOUNTAIN AFTER CHASE (LAW) JB 12/22/14

A WANTED MAN LED POLICE ON A HIGH SPEED CHASE FRIDAY MORNING BEFORE DISAPPEARING INTO THE COW MOUNTAIN AREA.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT DURING AN ATTEMPTED TRAFFIC STOP, 43 YEAR OLD CHRISTIAN WAYNE HUNT, WANTED ON A FELONY WARRANT, FLED IN HIS VEHICLE DOWN TALMAGE ROAD. OFFICERS BEGAN A HIGH SPEED PURSUIT OF HUNT AS HE CRASHED THROUGH THREE GATES OF PRIVATE LAND OWNERS ON MILL CREEK ROAD. A PASSENGER IN HUNTS CAR BAILED OUT AND OFFICERS LOST SIGHT OF HUNT WHILE DETAINING THE PASSENGER, HOWEVER HE WAS RELEASED LATER WHEN OFFICERS DETERMINED HE WAS JUST TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM HUNT. OFFICERS FOUND HUNTS CAR STUCK AND ABANDONED BUT WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE HIM IN THE RURAL TERRAIN. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON HUNT, WHO IS CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS, SHOULD CONTACT THE SHERIFFS TIP LINE AT 234-2100.

THURSDAY NIGHT FIRE DESTROYS CLEARLAKE TRAILER (LAW) JB 12/22/14

A FIRE THURSDAY NIGHT DESTROYED A MOBILE HOME IN CLEARLAKE.

LAKE COUNTY FIRE PERSONNEL RESPONDED TO THE FIRE JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT AT AN ADDRESS ON FIFTH STREET IN CLEAR LAKE. THE FIRE WAS LOCATED IN A SINGLEWIDE MOBILE HOME WITH A LIVING ROOM ADDITION AND SEPARATE WORK SHED BEHIND IT. FIRE OFFICIALS STATED THAT THE TRAILER MAY HAVE BEEN USED AS A MARIJUANA GROW SITE AS MARIJUANA PLANTS WERE DISCOVERED IN THE YARD. FIREFIGHTERS WERE ABLE TO CONTAIN THE BLAZE TO THE INITIAL STRUCTURE AND THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

POLICE SEEKING INFORMATION IN UKIAH SHOOTING (LAW) JB 12/22/14

INFORMATION IS STILL BEING SOUGHT BY UKIAH POLICE REGARDING A SHOOTING INCIDENT AT A HOME ON SOUTH ORCHARD AVENUE.

OFFICERS CONTINUE THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO THE REPORTED INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON LATE IN THE EVENING ON DECEMBER 11. WHEN OFFICERS ARRIVED ON SCENE, SEVERAL BULLET HOLES IN THE EXTERIOR OF THE RESIDENCE NEAR THE GARAGE WERE DISCOVERED. RESIDENTS WERE IN THE HOME AT THE TIME WHEN THEY HEARD GUNSHOTS AND BULLETS STRIKING THE RESIDENCE. ALTHOUGH ONE WITNESS REPORTEDLY SAW PEOPLE RUNNING AWAY, NO ONE WAS IDENTIFIED. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THIS INCIDENT IS ASKED TO CALL UKIAH POLICE AT 463-6262.

FATAL SHOOTING REPORTED IN SPRING VALLEY (LAW) JB 12/22/14

A SHOOTING IN LAKE COUNTY LATE SATURDAY NIGHT REPORTEDLY LEFT ONE WOMAN DEAD AND THE SHOOTER IN CUSTODY.

LAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPUTIES AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL RESPONDED JUST BEFORE 10 PM TO AN ADDRESS ON WOLF CREEK ROAD IN THE SPRING VALLEY SUBDIVISION EAST OF CLEARLAKE OAKS TO THE REPORT OF A GUNSHOT VICTIM. ACCORDING TO REPORTS FROM THE SCENE, A WOMAN HAD BEEN SHOT BY HER HUSBAND DURING AN ARGUMENT. THE IDENTITIES OF BOTH THE VICTIM AND THE SUSPECTED SHOOTER, WHO WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AT THE SCENE, HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED YET.

HOME INVASION SUSPECT BOOKED INTO JAIL (LAW) JB 12/22/14

TWO MEN SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH A REDWOOD VALLEY HOME INVASION HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

THE UKIAH DAILY JOURNAL REPORTED THAT TWO MEN ARE BEING HELD IN THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL FOR THEIR SUSPECTED INVOLVEMENT IN A PAST REDWOOD VALLEY HOME INVASION. 21-YEAR-OLD MARK ANTHONY PAPILLION WAS BOOKED INTO THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND 18 YEAR OLD NATHAN ZINGARELLI OF SANTA ROSA WAS BOOKED ON DECEMBER 7, AFTER BEING SOUGHT IN THE INCIDENT. BOTH MEN ARE BELIEVED TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ARMED HOME INVASION ROBBERY THAT TOOK PLACE ON EAST ROAD IN SEPTEMBER WHERE SEVERAL FIREARMS AND MARIJUANA PLANTS WERE REPORTED STOLEN.

RALEYS RECALLS SEVERAL CHILI PRODUCTS (PI) JB 12/22/14

A RECALL ON SEVERAL FOOD PRODUCTS HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE RALEYS FOOD STORE CHAIN.

ACCORDING TO A PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE GROCERY STORE CHAIN, THE CARROLL SHELBY CHILI MIX PRODUCTS WERE REMOVED FROM ALL RALEYS, BEL AIR, AND NOB HILL STORES ON FRIDAY. THE PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN UNDECLARED PEANUTS AND ALMONDS IN THE SPICES. THERE IS NO ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISK WITH THE PRODUCTS FOR THOSE WITHOUT AN ALLERGY TO PEANUTS OR ALMONDS. RALEYS HAS STATED THAT IT WILL REFUND PURCHASES OF THE RECALLED PRODUCTS FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO DO SO.

CHP OFFICER HOSPITALIZED AFTER ATTACK (LAW) JB 12/22/14

A CHP OFFICER IS IN THE HOSPITAL AFTER BEING ATTACKED BY A 17 YEAR OLD BOY WITH A MACHETE.

CHP REPORTS STATE THAT THE OFFICER HAD RESPONDED TO A REPORT OF A CAR HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE THURSDAY IN WILLOW CREEK IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY. THE OFFICER AND THE 17-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT WERE AT THE REAR OF THE SUSPECTS CAR WHEN THE BOY ATTACKED THE OFFICER WITH A MACHETE, STRIKING HIM IN THE ARM, HAND AND FACE. THE OFFICER SHOT THE SUSPECT SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LOCKING HIMSELF IN HIS PATROL CAR AND CALLING FOR BACKUP. THE TEEN SUSPECT, DESCRIBED AS COMPLETELY ERRATIC AND IRRATIONAL WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE AND THE OFFICER WAS TAKEN TO AN AREA HOSPITAL WHERE IS LISTED IN STABLE CONDITION.

Playlist 12/25/14

ARIANA GRANDE & THE WEEKEND-LOVE ME HARDER

CALVIN HARRIS W/JOHN NEWMAN-BLAME

HOZIER-TAKE ME TO CHURCH

NICK JONAS-JEALOUS

SAM SMITH-I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE

TAYLOR SWIFT-BLANK SPACE

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

CHARLI XCX-BREAK THE RULES

CHRIS BROWN W/USHER & RICK ROSS-NEW FLAME

DAVID GUETTA W/SAM SMITH-DANGEROUS

ELLA HENDERSON-GHOST

FALL OUT BOY-CENTURIES

FIFTH HARMONY-SLEDGEHAMMER

IGGY AZALEA W/M0-BEG FOR IT

JESSIE J W/2 CHAINZ-BURNIN’ UP

LILLY WOOD W/ROBIN SCHULZ-PRAYER IN C

MARK RONSON W/BRUNO MARS-UPTOWN FUNK!

MEGHAN TRAINOR-LIPS ARE MOVIN

NICO & VINZ-IN YOUR ARMS

ONE DIRECTION-NIGHT CHANGES

ONE REPUBLIC-I LIVED

SELENA GOMEZ-THE HEART WANTS WHAT IT WANTS

ED SHEERAN-THINKING OUT LOUD

EDEN XO-TOO COOL TO DANCE

I LOVE MAKONNEN W/DRAKE-TUESDAY

MILKY CHANCE-STOLEN DANCE

PITBULL W/NE-YO-TIME OF OUR LIVES

VANCE JOY-RIPTIDE

BEA MILLER-YOUNG BLOOD

HOODIE ALLEN W/ED SHEERAN-ALL ABOUT IT

JAMES NEWTON HOWARD W/JENNIFER LAWRENCE-THE HANGING TREE

PRINCE ROYCE W/SNOOP DOGG-STUCK ON A FEELING

THE SCRIPT-SUPERHEROES

USHER W/JUICY J-I DON’T MIND

News 12/18/14

POT REGULATIONS TO BE ENFORCED BY WATER BOARD (EVR) JB 12/18/14

THE CALIFORNIA STATE WATER BOARD IS MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANS TO REGULATE WATER USE BY LOCAL MARIJUANA GROWERS.

SEEKING TO BETTER ENFORCE WATER REGULATIONS AND CURB ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE, THE STATE WATER BOARD WILL SOON BE REQUIRING A WATER USE SITE PLAN TO BE FILED BY MARIJUANA GROWERS ON THE NORTH COAST. THE SITE PLANS WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD AND, IF APPROVED, GROWERS WILL BE ISSUED OFFICIAL WATER USE PERMITS. THE UNAUTHORIZED DIVERSION OF WATER FOR CLANDESTINE POT GROWS AND THE DUMPING OF PESTICIDES AND OTHER TOXINS INTO THE WATER SYSTEM CONTINUES TO BE A LARGE PROBLEM THAT THE ISSUANCE OF WATER USE PERMITS HOPES TO ELIMINATE.

WILLITS MURDER SUSPECT PLEADS NOT GUILTY (LAW) JB 12/18/14

THE MAN SUSPECTED OF MURDERING A WILLITS WOMAN IN OCTOBER HAS PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO THE CHARGES.

IN HIS FIRST COURT APPEARANCE ON DECEMBER 11, TERRELL JAMES MARSHALL JR, A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER, ENTERED A PLEA OF NOT GUILTY TO CHARGES OF MURDERING 25 YEAR OLD WILLITS RESIDENT, KAYLA CHESSER. THE CHARGES AGAINST MARSHALL INCLUDE A SPECIAL ALLEGATION OF MURDER COMMITTED WHILE ENGAGED IN RAPE WHICH COULD ALLOW THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO SEEK THE DEATH PENALTY, ALTHOUGH THAT DECISION HASNT BEEN DETERMINED YET. A PRELIMINARY HEARING FOR MARSHALL IS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 5 IN MENDOCINO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT.

LAKE COUNTY CONSIDERS OPTIONS FOR HILL ROAD (GOV/TR) JB 12/18/14

THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS IS LOOKING AT OPTIONS TO REMEDY THE HILL ROAD LANDSLIDE AREA.

THE RECORD BEE REPORTED THAT CONSIDERING THE RECENT RAINS, THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TURNED ATTENTION TOWARD THE LAKESIDE HEIGHTS LANDSLIDE PROBLEM AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY. HILL ROAD, THE PRIMARY ROUTE TO SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL, HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE THURSDAY. THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR SUBMITTED A NOTICE OF INTENT TO THE STATE FOR A HAZARD ELIMINATION GRANT PROGRAM TO INSTALL A SPECIAL RETAINING WALL. IF ACCEPTED, THE GRANT WOULD TOTAL JUST OVER $225,000, WITH A 25 PERCENT COUNTY MATCH PAID FOR BY THE ROADS DEPARTMENT.

UKIAH VALLEY STILL LOW ON WATER (EVR) JB 12/18/14

THE RECENT DELUGE OF RAIN HAS BROUGHT THE UKIAH VALLEY AREA MUCH NEEDED WATER, BUT THE LEVELS ARE STILL SHORT OF NORMAL.

OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS, THE WATER LEVEL IN LAKE MENDOCINO HAS NEARLY DOUBLED FROM THE RECORDED LOW OF 27,732 ACRE FEET. THE INTRODUCTION OF 20,000 NEW ACRE FEET OF WATER HAS EVEN BROUGHT THE LAKE UP HIGH ENOUGH THAT THE SOUTH BOAT RAMP WAS OPENED BY THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS YESTERDAY. WHILE THE NEW LAKE LEVEL OF 48,186 ACRE FEET IS A HEALTHY START, THE LAKE IS ABOUT 30,000 ACRE FEET SHORT OF NORMAL FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR.

WILLITS REACH AIRBASE LAWSUIT BASIS QUESTIONED (LAW) JB 12/18/14

THE BASIS FOR A THREATENED LAWSUIT AGAINST A NEW REACH AIR AMBULANCE BASE AT THE WILLITS AIRPORT IS BEING QUESTIONED.

THE WILLITS NEWS REPORTED THAT THREATENED LEGAL ACTION BY KEEP THE CODE TO DELAY THE NEW AIR AMBULANCE BASE AT THE WILLITS AIRPORT MAY PLACE THE CITY IN A NO-WIN SITUATION. WHILE KEEP THE CODE ALLEGES HOSTING A HELICOPTER BASE AT THE AIRPORT WOULD VIOLATE THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, PILOTS FAMILIAR WITH FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS SAY RESTRICTING THE USE OF THE AIRPORT BY AIRCRAFT VIOLATES THOSE FAA REGULATIONS. THE CITY OF WILLITS IS CONSIDERED THE WILLITS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT SPONSOR BY THE FAA. UNDER FEDERAL LAW THE CITY IS REQUIRED TO MAKE THE AIRPORT AVAILABLE ON REASONABLE TERMS AND WITHOUT UNJUST DISCRIMINATION. TECHNICALLY, REACH DOES NOT NEED THE CITYS APPROVAL TO LAND OR TAKE OFF FROM THE WILLITS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, OR TO LEASE OR SUBLEASE EXISTING FACILITIES AT THE AIRPORT.

POWER OUTAGE IN UKIAH TUESDAY NIGHT IN UKIAH (PI) JB 12/18/14

A POWER OUTAGE IN UKIAH TUESDAY NIGHT LEFT OVER 1,600 RESIDENTS IN THE DARK.

THE POWER OUTAGE AROUND 7:40 TUESDAY NIGHT WAS LOCATED IN THE AREA OF THE PEAR TREE CENTER WITH RESIDENTS FROM OAK MANOR TO CLARA AVENUE GOING DARK FOR NEARLY AN HOUR, WITH THE POWER BEING RESTORED JUST AFTER 8:30. THE CITY OF UKIAH ELECTRIC UTILITY DIRECTOR SAID THE OUTAGE WAS DUE TO A PROBLEM BEING DETECTED BY A PRESSURE SENSOR, AUTOMATICALLY SHUTTING DOWN A POWER TRANSFORMER AS A SAFETY MEASURE. THE TRANSFORMER IS BEING TESTED TO DETERMINE THE EXACT NATURE OF THE PROBLEM.

WALLACE CLARK NAMED MENDOCINO LIBRARY DIRECTOR (PI) JB 12/18/14

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HAS APPOINTED A NEW COUNTY LIBRARY DIRECTOR.

AFTER CONDUCTING A NATIONAL RECRUITMENT AND REVIEW OF 11 POTENTIAL CANDIDATES, THE MENDOCINO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT WALLACE CLARK AS THE MENDOCINO COUNTY LIBRARY DIRECTOR. 3RD DISTRICT SUPERVISOR JOHN PINCHES COMMENDED THE BOARDS ACTION STATING, IN A NATIONAL RECRUITMENT PROCESS, WALLACE CLARK, A LOCAL CANDIDATE, ROSE TO THE TOP. AS PART OF OUR LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE AND SUCCESSION PLANNING, WE WERE HAPPY TO PROMOTE A CURRENT EMPLOYEE TO THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR POSITION.