News 8/31/15

Two small earthquakes rattled a rural area of Mendocino County between Fort Bragg and Ukiah over the weekend.. Early Saturday morning the first quake, a magnitude-3.6, struck. According to the U.S. Geological Survey it was centered 11 miles northeast of Fort Bragg. The second quake, a magnitude-3.0, followed just a half-minute later in the same area. There was no major damage reported. =================
A fire relief fund set up by North Coast Opportunities and Mendo Lake Credit Union for those impacted by the Rocky and Jerusalem fires this summer will begin reviewing applications this week. Anyone impacted by the fires is encouraged to fill out the short application for funding. The money is meant to help with expenses like smoke damage, loss of personal property, and other expenditures incurred during or after the fire. More than $30,000 has been raised, and money is still being accepted with several fundraisers being planned by various individuals and organizations. ============
A Mendocino County restaurant will be given away to the most loquacious bidder. The owner and chef of Mendo Bistro Nicholas Petti plans to give his restaurant away to the best entrant of an essay contest. Those interested must pay a $100 entry fee and explain why they should be given the 16 year old restaurant and Barbelow, the bar located downstairs from the restaurant. The offer does not include the building itself, which is leased. Petti says he wanted to leave the business in a fun way. Now there is a catch. At least 7,500 people must apply for one to win. That would earn Petti at least $750,000, or if not enough people apply entry fees will be returned. =============
Two Capella residents have been arrested in connection with a July burglary in Covelo, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. 28 year old Sherrie Petty, and 24 year old Steven Lawson were arrested on suspicion of burglarizing the home on July 26th. Deputies say they have returned some of the items stolen to the victims. More suspects are still being sought in connection to that burglary. =============
The Lakeport Police Department is looking for a woman they say stole a wallet from another woman’s shopping cart, then fraudulently used the credit card at a business in Clearlake. Sgt. Gary Basor says they have surveillance footage of the woman and are hoping the public can help identify who it is ==================
Some Tesla drivers are hoping Ukiah will add super chargers that “fill up” a Tesla in just 45 minutes. Tesla Owner Michael gross says where stations are determines where he stops for lunch, or for the night, and while he would love to stop in Ukiah on drives from Palo Alto to Arcata instead he takes a detour 45 minutes out of the way. City staff told the Ukiah City Council last month, Tesla Motors is interested in installing, at its expense, eight superchargers in the parking lot across from the Alex R. Thomas Jr. Plaza. The company says Ukiah is a natural stopping point for drivers heading north. The council is negotiating with Tesla. ==================
The Lake County Fair Board has named local retired deputy chief of the Lakeport Fire Protection District, Grant Lindeblad, as the grand marshal of the 2015 Lake County Fair parade. The fair parade is the kickoff event for the annual Lake County Fair. Grant Lindeblad and family will lead the parade, which this year will begin at 5:30 p.m. this Thursday, Sept. 3. ===================
Ever wanted to fly in a B-17 Flying fortress? Well you’ll have a chance next month. World War 2 veterans will get a complementary flight, and grade school kids can get a free tour of the plane. Anyone else who wants a flight will have to spend a little bit of money. Flights start at just over $400. =========
A Lake Elsinore, California, man is recovering from a snake bite on his hand after a selfie gone wrong. 36 year old Alex Gomez, 36, found a 4-foot rattlesnake in a lot near his home and decided to pick it up and take photos with it. He did get a picture with the rattle snake around his neck, but when he tried to adjust it for a different pose it bit him on the thumb. Gomez was rushed to the hospital for an anti venom treatment. The total bill for that selfie? $153,000 in medical bills. Gomez says he’s learned his lesson.

Playlist 9/3/15

DEMI LOVATO-COOL FOR THE SUMMER

ED SHEERAN-PHOTOGRAPH

MAJOR LAZER W/DJ SNAKE & MO-LEAN ON

RACHEL PLATTEN-FIGHT SONG

SELENA GOMEZ-GOOD FOR YOU

WEEKND-CAN’T FEEL MY FACE

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER-SHE’S KINDA HOT

ADAM LAMBERT-GHOST TOWN

CHARLIE PUTH W/MEGHAN TRAINOR-MARVIN GAYE

FALL OUT BOY-UMA THURMAN

FLO RIDA W/ROBIN THICKE & VERDINE WHITE-I DON’T LIKE IT, I LOVE IT

HAILEE STEINFELD-LOVE MYSELF

JASON DERULO-CHEYENNE

ONE DIRECTION-DRAG ME DOWN

R. CITY W/ADAM LEVINE-LOCKED AWAY

SHAWN MENDES-STITCHES

SILENTO-WATCH ME (WHIP/NAE NAE)

TORI KELLY-SHOULD’VE BEEN US

ZEDD W/JON BELLION-BEAUTIFUL NOW

A GREAT BIG WORLD W/FUTURISTIC-HOLD EACH OTHER

AFROJACK W/MIKE TAYLOR-SUMMER THING!

ALESSIA CARA-HERE

CALVIN HARRIS W/DISCIPLES-HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE

DISCLOSURE W/SAM SMITH-OMEN

LITTLE MIX-BLACK MAGIC

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/ED SHEERAN-GROWING UP (SLOANE’S SONG)

WEEKND-THE HILLS

BEA MILLER-FIRE N GOLD

DAYA-HIDE AWAY

ELLE KING-EX’S & OH’S

JESS GLYNNE-HOLD MY HAND

KYGO W/CONRAD-FIRESTONE

MEGHAN TRAINOR W/JOHN LEGEND-LIKE I’M GONNA LOSE YOU

NATHAN SYKES-KISS ME QUICK

X AMBASSADORS-RENEGADES

News 8/28/15

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an emergency order for Lake and Trinity counties to help residents and businesses recover from the damaging effects of wildfires. a series of wildfires in those counties has burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed dozens homes and damaged critical infrastructure.

This executive order will expedite the removal of hazardous debris from the impacted areas and will waive fees to replace documents like driver’s licenses and birth certificates for those affected by the fires. ==================
Police seized ovr 3,300 outdoor marijuana plants and arrested six people in an investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force
After spotting and confiscating the plants in July, cops raided a residence formerly known as the red lava wine tasting. The six suspects fled. The task force recovered around 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 9 pounds of processed marijuana, a loaded SKS pistol grip rifle,, and over $80,000 in cash.
Five of the subjects that fled were apprehended; one of which was armed with a loaded .38 caliber revolver that he attempted to discard during a foot pursuit. Another subject arrived during the investigation and narcotics detectives determined he was associated with the crime scene and was subsequently arrested. ===============
Firefighters put an end to the Peterson Fire’s 215 acre run on Thursday evening. Cal Fire declared the blaze 100 percent contained yesterday evening.
The fire broke out on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m., southwest of Kelseyville. Although initial reports suggested it was about to break out of control, crews from several agencies, including Kelseyville, were quickly able to pen Peterson at 200 acres and hold it.
Although the fire is listed as contained, Cal Fire will keep four trucks and 16 firefighters on the scene for now. These forces will run patrols and continue mop up operations. =========================
The City of Lakeport Public Works Department has announced that starting today the continuing work on the USDA Main Street Project will begin on the next phase. Southbound 7th Street through 9th Street will be closed to through traffic. Northbound traffic will not be detoured. The work on this phase is expected to take two to three days. ===========
The two most recent wildfires in Lake County appear to have been sparked by equipment. Cal Fire didn’t say exactly what kind of equipment sparked the Grade and Peterson fires. Cal Fire Spokeswoman Emily Smith says those findings are preliminary and they’re still investigating. Fire officials ask that area residents be careful. They say all kinds of equipment from from mowers and trimmers with metal blades, to anything with a hot motor, including cars, can spark fires under dry conditions
The Grade fire burned 22 acres, a residence and numerous vehicles early this week in southern Lake County. It is fully contained. The Peterson fire near Kelseyville was last reported at 215 acres and 90 percent contained. =======================
A Ukiah man who was supposed to be confined to his home by an ankle monitor was found walking around town Wednesday after removing the bracelet. Ukiah police were looking for Baraquiel Ruiz , 28, when they found him walking on South State Street. He denied his identity, but police confirmed the man was Ruiz and arrested him for escape and providing a false identity. Police say Ruiz was also in possession of more than 20 grams of methamphetamine. =================
Geysers Power Company has been given a time extension by the Lake County Planning Commission on Use Permits for two of its well sites. The time extensions for the two sites were brought before the commission together because the two well beds are adjacent to each other. Under the extensions, the use permit expirations are extended to March 17, 2047 and July 25, 2045, respectively. A stipulation recommended by staff is that no new construction beyond that which was previously approved be done. ======================
With almost no public input offered last night, the Lake County Planning commission speedily approved an extension of a tentative subdivision map in North Lakeport.
The commission originally approved the subdivision map in 2006, which permitted the subdivision of a 37-acre lot into 137 residential lots. A two-year extension was approved at least partly because the area is currently under a connection moratorium, and active water connections are required before any construction can start ============
A lifelong Ukiah resident celebrated her 103rd birthday yesterday. Lena Quick told stories about her early life with family and friends. She remembers commuting into Ukiah as a girl with a horse and wagon driven by her father. Quick said she worked in the fruit fields until she was 75. Quick says she’s lived a relatively healthy life but says being 103 is not for sissies. =====================
The Lake County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an agreement totaling more than $1 million for the extension of a waterline this week. Back in May, the board approved the consolidation of the county-operated Paradise Valley Water System, with the Clearlake Oaks County Water District because of ongoing operational costs. As part of the consolidation agreement, Lake County Special Districts must install a little less than two miles of pipeline between the service areas. ===============================
A large tortoise that escaped from her home in Ukiah Saturday has been returned safe and sound. On Saturday Sean white says his 60 pound tortoise Dora got out of the yard by pushing down a section of fence. Someone who found Dora in the road picked her up. White and his girlfriend put up signs for Dora all over the neighborhood, and once her rescuer saw it he got Dora home as soon as possible. =======================
A man who said he spent $100,000 on plastic surgery in order to look like pop star Justin Bieber was found dead in a San Fernando Valley motel room, a law enforcement source said Wednesday.
Tobias Strebel, 35, also went by the name Toby Sheldon and gained attention on reality TV for his efforts to emulate Bieber appearance, appearing on shows such as “My Strange Addiction.”

News 08/27/15

Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital is has a grand opening date. The hospital has announced it expects to be able to take patients in by October 15th. The President and CEO of the hospital says once the state Department of Public Health gets a chance to thoroughly review personnel competencies, they can open. He says now the clinic teams are preparing and getting used to the new facility and its new technology. As we mentioned earlier this week, the Grand-Open House is set for Sunday, September 13th, from 1 to 4 p.m. The new building is on One Marcela Drive (off East Hill Road).

Several people showed up at the Long Valley Garden Club in Laytonville to talk pot. The Emerald Growers Association had their “Elements of a Craft Farm” series last week. The event featured the historical development of marijuana genetics and its related industry implications. Several farmers at the meeting talking regulatory compliance too following the approval of a new water quality environmental program for north coast cannabis cultivators. The growers association helps pot farmers with best water conservation practices and site characteristics for their farms like culverts, water storage and possible issues like erosion and pollutants.

A man from Oakland pulled over for a traffic violation in Cloverdale says the pot smell coming from his car was from a joint he had, but when cops searched they found a tad more… 225 pounds worth. The CHP says the pot portioned into separate vacuum sealed bags were in trunk of the man’s car. Brett Wilson stopped Tuesday afternoon on Highway 101 by a CHP officer who saw him speed past at about 75 mph. When the officer approached he could smell the pot. Then another cop with a dog trained to sniff out drugs came by and the dog quickly indicated something in the car. Wilson arrested on suspicion of possessing and transporting marijuana to sell but he bailed out of jail the next day.

Another relief fund’s been set up for fire victims. North Coast Opportunities (NCO) and MendoLake Credit Union (MLCU) have partnered to create a Fire Relief Fund for Rocky and Jerusalem fire victims. A five-person managing committee has been set up to review applications and disburse money. The committee set to meet and review the first set of applications next week. Those impacted by the fires are encouraged to go to the credit union and apply for funds. The money for those with expenses like smoke damage, loss of personal property and other expenses incurred during or after the fires. (707) 467-3210.

State lawmakers have passed emergency legislation after public complaints to award diplomas to thousands of students who failed the state’s high school exit exam. The students met other graduation requirements but the bill fixes an obstacle some seniors were met with in the class of 2015. They couldn’t take or pass the exam because the state suspended it in June. So officials are considering how to replace it and whether to suspend it for three more years.

A pot farm in Santa Rosa is suing its landlord so they can take permanent ownership of the property. The farm, Peace in Medicine, run by a city council member from Sebastopol has filed a breach of contract claim against the landlord for refusing to let the farm exercise its option to buy the 2.5-acre parcel as part of their 2011 lease. The pot farmers say they’re making “above-market” lease payments so in May they tried to buy the land and greenhouses, but the landlord says they exceeded their 499-plant maximum and that nullified the agreement.

Early Pear harvest in Lake County. It’s said to be the earliest pear harvest ever in Lake County because of a mild winter. Then the spring and summer weather helped trigger early harvests for wine grapes and other crops statewide. The Lake County Agricultural Commissioner says the harvest started July 22nd in some areas of the county which was a couple days earlier than previously recorded and almost two weeks earlier than normal.

A man from Humboldt County has been arrested for an assault on a woman in Whitehorn, near Garberville. Police say the woman told them her neighbor Gerard Honzik came into her yard without warning and hit her with a chair in the head and upper body. He’s also accused of vandalizing the woman’s pickup truck and beating a man at her house. But the man refused to press charges. The woman got medical treatment for her injuries and Honzik was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. He also had an outstanding warrant from Mendocino County for an assault charge and was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on $30,000 bail.

A public hearing’s been set to hear the new budget for Mendocino County. The budget for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 has been put together then made available for the public by application to the auditor. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is having a Public Hearing on the Final Budget Tuesday, September 8th at 9:00 a.m. or possibly soon after. It’s continued day to day until it’s all done. But it can’t go past ten calendar days. Any member of the public can appear and ask questions, but they recommend submitting correspondence to the Clerk of the Board no later than Wednesday, September 2nd.

A wolf pack is back in California for the first time since they were hunted almost to extinction about ninety years ago. Trail cameras have caught sight of the Shasta pack in Siskiyou County near Mount Shasta. Pamela Flick with Defenders of Wildlife says the gray wolf has been under federal protection since 1973 but was just listed as endangered in California last year, making it illegal to hunt or harass the animals.

Cut 75345 :15 "The Shasta pack is known to have at least five pups and the alpha male and female. The presence of a whole pack affirms that wolves know that there is suitable habitat in our state and are already using it. Grey wolves are back for good."

Tag: The wolves are believed to have spread from existing packs in Oregon. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been working with stakeholders in conservation, livestock production and hunting interests to develop a California Wolf Plan, which will be released for public comment by the end of the year.

Second Cut: Kimberly Baker is with the nonprofit Environmental Protection Information Center.

Cut 76345 :10 "I look forward to a day where we have viable populations of wolves – and wolves and humans are coexisting and sharing the landscape together."

Tag 2: In the future, Fish and Game biologists plan to briefly capture one of the adult wolves so the animal can be fitted with a tracking device and then released.

News 08/25/15

Lakeport’s got a new construction project going… the USDA Main Street project starts today… that means the north bound side of Main Street is closed to traffic at Fifth Street through the Bank of America south entrance at 500 Main Street. The city’s asking drivers to use alternate routes through town but bank traffic is allowed at the north entrance and exit onto Fifth Street. The work only for a couple days and businesses will be open. There will be other closures as the work is finished up on the project.

The new Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital is reality. The hospital officially got the Staff & Stock Certificate of Occupancy from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) which is a requirement for new hospital plans and designs. The hospital’s CEO says they’re getting closer to moving into their new state-of-the-art hospital. They can also now bring anyone into the building and start stocking inventory. The Grand-Open House has been set for Sunday, September 13th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Registration assistance being offered by Mendocino College for coastal residents and students. The help on Friday, September 11th for current and potential coastal students and area residents. From 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, there will be help with applications and registration, Placement Testing for English and Math, counseling and financial aid. There’s also going to be bilingual assistance. Visit Mendocino.edu for more info and to fill out an application online.

Firefighters made quick work of a small wildfire that started in Clearlake. Lake County News reports the fire reported Sunday afternoon around 2, in Dam Road Extension between the Masonic Lodge and the Sears store. Firefighters found the fire moving quickly and some power lines down. The Masonic Lodge had to be evacuated. The fire was at about 2 acres when firefighters started to get control of it. P, G & E came to the scene after a power outage caused by downed power lines which also closed Walmart temporarily. The news site reports the fire may have been ignited by a tree branch that hit power lines.

Another wildfire has started in Lake County in an area already burned by the Jerusalem Fire. That fire is about totally contained as the new fire starts yesterday afternoon. New evacuations have been ordered for the new fire called the Grade fire. It consumed about 20 acres in its first hour and was last assessed as 50 percent contained. It’s the fourth major fire to spark in southern Lake County since the end of July when the Rocky Fire ignited due to a defective water heater. That fire burned just under 70,000 acres in Lake, Yolo and Colusa counties and destroyed 43 residences and 53 outbuildings. The Grade fire, northeast of Middletown near Jerusalem Grade Road and June Bug Road was threatening 20 structures but it was stopped quickly by firefighters in the air and on the ground. Residents in the area have an advisory evacuation in place.

Another fire in the area, the Peterson fire started over the weekend near Kelseyville. It’s burned 215 acres and was 60 percent contained as of Monday night. There were 2 homes threatened by the Peterson fire but they are safe now. The cause of all three fires under investigation.

California lawmakers say yes to a couple of bills to curb the use of drones over private property. The Senate approved legislation Monday so paparazzi couldn’t use drones to take pictures and video over private property. The bill classifies that as an invasion of privacy, it passed unanimously and moves back to the Assembly. Then another one calls it a trespassing crime for operating drones within 350 feet above private property without consent.

The Sacramento Mayor says they’re having a parade to honor 3 natives of Sacto who took down a would be terrorist on a train in Europe. Mayor Kevin Johnson announced the parade to honor the 3 hometown heroes! With the hashtag, #SacramentoProud". No word on when the parade will be to honor, U.S. Airman Spencer Stone of Carmichael, Anthony Sadler, a senior at Sacramento State University, and National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos, of Roseburg, Oregon, who recently returned to Afghanistan. The three being hailed as heroes for stopping the man armed with an assault weapon and nine magazines of ammunition on a train bound for France. The 3 all grew up in the Sacramento area and all went to the same middle school.

Lawmakers looking to ban chewing tobacco on the baseball field. The state Senate has approved a bill prohibiting the use or possession of smokeless tobacco products during professional baseball games and practice. A Republican Sen. John Moorlach of Costa Mesa says it’s already a banned substance by professional baseball voluntarily but Democratic Sen. Mark Leno of San Francisco says it puts a good practice into California law. The measure passed 24-14. They’ve also passed a bill to stop the sale of vapor products to anyone under age 18, even if they don’t contain nicotine.

News 08/24/15

A fire is partially contained that broke out over the weekend near Kelseyville. Cal Fire reports the 215-acre Peterson fire is 30 percent contained after first being reported Saturday, late afternoon near Highland Springs between Kelseyville and Lakeport. There were threatened structures, but none burned. There were firefighters in the air and on the ground fighting the fire reported in rough, rocky terrain that has heavy brush and steep, difficult access. Cal Fire has not given a date that they expect the fire to be totally surrounded.

The Jerusalem Fire is not quite contained yet. Cal Fire has changed the date from last Friday to today. So far it’s burned just over 25,100 acres and is 98% contained. The fire started Aug. 9th northeast of Middletown. It’s destroyed six homes and 21 outbuildings. On Friday the rest of the fire command left the fairgrounds. They had been parked there for several weeks as incident command for both the Rocky and Jerusalem fires.

A man from Ukiah had to be Tased by police after he got physical with them during an arrest. Ukiah Police say they got a call last Monday to a report a teenager from Willits was having an angry fit inside a home in Willits. When police arrived they say they found 18 year old Ryan Mice Kepler who would not stop and ignored them. Officers say they tried to physically stop him, he acted violently and fought with them, both punching and kicking them. They used a Taser on the guy, arrested him on suspicion of assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest.

A man from Ukiah in trouble with police for head butting an officer. Police say they got a call to the Thrift Store in the 400 block of Leslie Street for a man yelling at store employees. Police say when they got there they saw a man they knew, but the pickup truck he was in was reported stolen. Corey Heine arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, but police say while he was being taken into a patrol vehicle he rammed it with his head, denting it. He was arrested 2 weeks ago for climbing in the attic above Safeway.

Students headed back to Calpella Elementary School may have to sidestep a construction project. The Calpella Elementary School Bike and Pedestrian state Safe Routes to School Project isn’t finished quite yet after being approved by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors in February. The project paid largely thru a nearly $838,000 grant from the Dept. of Transportation. The project features pedestrian and bicycle facilities and street improvements for Moore Street at North State Street in Calpella. It started in June, but there were some utility conflicts and county culverts that needed to be replaced. It should now be done mid-September.

It’s final, no court date for a Lake County Board Supervisor; who’s also a process server. The lawsuit filed against Rob Brown by Robert and Jan Sanders of Clearlake has been dismissed. Brown’s wife and their bail bonds company were also part of the suit the Sanders’s filed after their son Christopher was arrested for molesting his stepdaughter. He got 41 years in prison but the couple apparently didn’t pay Brown’s bail bonds company back and refused. When Brown went to serve notice there was an altercation, then they sued Brown.

The cockroach problem at Ukiah High continues, but it’s not as bad as rumors suggest. The Daily Journal reports the Ukiah Unified School District says the rumors that the infestation is worse is not true. The school superintendent says they’ve been aggressively addressing the infestation with weekly treatments. Some posting on the school’s Facebook page that they saw bugs at orientation. The school district’s director of maintenance says the treatment they’re using is food-grade safe. Treatments continue even though classes resume today.

The Lake County Board of Supervisors takes up the proposed Dollar General store in Kelseyville. At the board’s meeting tomorrow, supervisors will consider the appeal of the Planning Commission’s denial of the major use permit filed by Cross Development, for a new Dollar General store in town. There’ve been opponents to the proposed plan due to car and pedestrian traffic because of how close it is to Kelseyville High School. The planning commission says the retailer’s design doesn’t match the character of downtown Kelseyville.

A woman in Florida busted by her employer for lying she was kidnapped so she wouldn’t have to go back to her job as a night shift nursing assistant. Panama City Police say they spent several hours searching for the woman, Apparently a concerned co-worker noticed the woman didn’t come back from a break and called to see if she needed a ride. She told her co-worker she was held against her will by her boyfriend but she was found and said she made the whole thing up.

Police in the Indian city of Rajura have cited a parrot for allegedly cursing at an 85-year-old woman. The parrot, "Hariyal" had been trained for two years how to cuss so he could harass his owner’s step mom. The woman reported the bird three times in 2 years. The woman claims her stepson purposely trained it to harass her due to a family dispute.

News 08/21/15

Jersalem Fire at 97% containment with no new acreage in several days. The fire was supposed to be fully contained today.

A fire that started in a minivan quickly spread burning two travel trailers and two other cars above Lucerne. Lake Co News reports several firefighters called to the scene Wednesday afternoon at the top of Bartlett Springs Road. There were also retardant drops from the air. The fire quickly started to burn slash on the ground before hitting the fuel supply for generators being used for the travel trailers. Then it consumed the trailers, one had someone living in it, the other was used for storage. About an acre of land also got charred and there were spot fires. The firefighters on scene about 6-7 hours.

Those against the conversion of an old hotel in Fort Bragg into a facility for the homeless have dropped their law suit. The group is trying to get signatures on a petition though to get the issue on the ballot so projects like this can be prohibited in the town’s main business district. Concerned Citizens of Fort Bragg had tried to petition for a ballot initiative but missed by only one signature. They say they’ll start circulating a new petition soon. They decided to drop their lawsuit because of a judge’s denial of a preliminary injunction. The Old Coast Hotel is supposed to be converted to a hospitality center for homeless, mental health and drug rehab services.

Unanimous approval by the Lakeport City Council for a proposal to try to get a $600,000 state grant to pay for improvements to the Forbes Creek trail. The project would be part of phase 2 of the development plan for Westside Community Park. A proposed resolution has been presented to the council so the application can be sent to the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Recreational Trails Program. If the city wins the grant it has to come up with a 12-percent match, about $72,000.

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control is helping residents affected by the Rocky or Jerusalem Fires to remove hazardous waste. The Lake County Board of Supervisors has approved a two-phase debris management and removal plan. The Department of Toxic Substances Control has agreed to help property owners who want this kind of work done on their land. It’s up to property owners to contact the county and sign an access agreement so the items can be taken from fire-damaged properties. Lake Co News reports at least 15 homes have to request help for the work to be scheduled.

A protest by Fort Bragg teachers and classified employees regarding discrepancies in pay raises compared to administrative wage increases. Protestors in yellow shirts marched last week at Columbi’s Market and went to Cotton Auditorium. The protest at a time when a district-wide back-to-school meeting was happening. The union president says workers and teachers are frustrated the administrative salary scale is competitive with industry standards, but the classified and certificated salaries are not. One union member told the Advocate newspaper they got 2.5 percent raises while administration’s were between 12 and 25 percent.

Winemakers already starting their harvest. Brassfield Estate Winery reports starting a couple weeks ago, much earlier than last year’s August 21st start. Shannon Ridge reports they’ve got more than half of the Sauvignon Blanc in and red grapes nearly ripe. Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc already being harvested too over at Six Sigma. Last year producers out picking a week to 10 days earlier than normal but some growers say this year is the earliest harvest ever.

State lawmakers had special sessions for transportation funding and health-care savings which turned into possible tax raising and fees on motorists. The Senate committee working on the multi-billion dollar backlog of roadway maintenance has passed legislation to bring in about $4 billion a year to cover repairs by raising the gas tax 12 cents and raising vehicle registration fees too. The bill passed 9-2. It moves next to the appropriations committee before hitting the Senate floor.

The parents of an infant locked in a hotel safe are not being charged. Police in Niagara Falls, Canada say the baby was put in the safe by an older sibling during a game of hide-and-seek, and somehow the door to the safe got locked. The parents called hotel employees to open the safe after the kid was in there about a half hour. The child was unharmed.

Playlist 8/27/15

DEMI LOVATO-COOL FOR THE SUMMER

MAJOR LAZER W/DJ SNAKE & MO-LEAN ON

RACHEL PLATTEN-FIGHT SONG

SELENA GOMEZ-GOOD FOR YOU

SKRILLEX & DIPLO W/JUSTIN BIEBER-WHERE ARE YOU NOW

WEEKND-CAN’T FEEL MY FACE

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER-SHE’S KINDA HOT

ADAM LAMBERT-GHOST TOWN

CHARLIE PUTH W/MEGHAN TRAINOR-MARVIN GAYE

ED SHEERAN-PHOTOGRAPH

FALL OUT BOY-UMA THURMAN

FLO RIDA W/ROBIN THICKE & VERDINE WHITE-I DON’T LIKE IT, I LOVE IT

HAILEE STEINFELD-LOVE MYSELF

JASON DERULO-CHEYENNE

ONE DIRECTION-DRAG ME DOWN

R. CITY W/ADAM LEVINE-LOCKED AWAY

SHAWN MENDES-STITCHES

SILENTO-WATCH ME (WHIP/NAE NAE)

TORI KELLY-SHOULD’VE BEEN US

ZEDD W/JON BELLION-BEAUTIFUL NOW

AFROJACK W/MIKE TAYLOR-SUMMER THING!

ALESSIA CARA-HERE

CALVIN HARRIS W/DISCIPLES-HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE

DISCLOSURE W/SAM SMITH-OMEN

JIDENNA W/ROMAN GIANARTHUR-CLASSIC MAN

LITTLE MIX-BLACK MAGIC

WEEKND-THE HILLS

A GREAT BIG WORLD W/FUTURISTIC-HOLD EACH OTHER

BEA MILLER-FIRE N GOLD

JESS GLYNNE-HOLD MY HAND

KYGO W/CONRAD-FIRESTONE

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS W/ED SHEERAN-GROWING UP (SLOANE’S SONG)

MEGHAN TRAINOR W/JOHN LEGEND-LIKE I’M GONNA LOSE YOU

NATHAN SYKES-KISS ME QUICK

News 08/20/15

A man from Clearlake’s been arrested for possession of methamphetamine. Police say they Rafael Garcia Jr. has been booked into the Lake County Jail on an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and a felony charge of possession of controlled substances for sale. Police say they stopped the guy on a routine traffic violation and found Garcia had an outstanding warrant for traffic violations and while arresting him, saw what looked to be drugs in his car, next to where he was sitting. He also had a bunch of cash. His bail was set at $25,000, but he was released after posting.

A man busted in Clearlake in a stolen car with stolen checkbooks and ID cards. Police say the caught Zachary Stovall for violating probation during a routine traffic stop. The guy in an unreported stolen car from Sonoma County. Police say Stovall found to be on probation for weapons violations in Lake County and was arrested then later they found several items also stolen including coins, checkbooks and various forms of id’s. Cops say they reached out to some of the folks who had no idea their identity had been stolen and were grateful of the finds.

Umpqua Bank has started Disaster Relief Lending for those in communities affected by natural disasters including wildfires, earthquakes and floods. They’re already helping people affected by wildfires with rapid access personal loans of up to $2,500 at a reduced interest rate. Those within 25 miles of an Umpqua Bank hit with a natural disaster and who were under a level three or higher mandatory evacuation are eligible. Loan approvals have to meet the bank’s minimum credit requirements.

The cause of one of the two fires that became known as the Rocky Fire, a gas water heater in an outbuilding with flammable liquids that failed. Cal Fire reports that ignited and caught nearby brush on fire which quickly spread. The cause figured out but the circumstances of how exactly it happened is still a mystery. The main fire started July 29th off of Morgan Valley Road west of Lower Lake, burning almost 70,000 acres over 2.5 weeks time. 43 homes and 53 outbuildings destroyed and more than 13,000 residents had to be evacuated at one point with 7,500 homes threatened. The fire was fully contained last Friday.

The Jerusalem Fire started 2 Sundays ago in the Jerusalem Fire, south of the Rocky Fire. It burned very close to the Rocky Fire, but it’s considered unrelated and is still under investigation.

A man in Clearlake Oaks recovering from a reported stabbing. The Sheriff’s dept. reports getting a call about the attack, finding a man with multiple puncture wounds. He says he knew he was stabbed, but not by who or why. He says he was standing in front of his house when it happened, after noticing a couple of men walking towards him. He describes the attackers as one Hispanic man about 30 years old and a black man, also about 30 years old, bald with a goatee. The suspects still on the run, but deputies gathered evidence at the scene, noting there were several dozen marijuana plants growing in the backyard.

A man from Graton has been arrested for pointing a gun at hid wife’s head during an argument. The Sheriff’s office reports a woman calling 911 saying she was held at gunpoint by Jose Manuel Gonzalez Monday night. She reported they had an argument and he grabbed her in a headlock, took a handgun from a kitchen cabinet and pointed it at her head, threatening to kill her. Deputies found he had a safe and inside there was high-capacity ammo magazines and about 10 longer guns and handguns. The man arrested on suspicion of two felonies: assault with a deadly weapon and making threats.

Central part of the state is sinking fast because of the mass amount of groundwater being pumped during the drought. This from a NASA report out Wednesday. Research shows in some places in the Central Valley, the ground is sinking nearly two inches a month. This has been ongoing for years in the state because of the drought, but now it’s happening at a faster pace. The head of the California Department of Water Resources says there’s expensive damage to major canals delivering water up and down the state.

School Way at the Russian River Bridge is closing in Redwood Valley for a couple of weeks for a seismic retrofit. The bridge will close down two weeks sometime between Sept. 21st and Oct. 15th for the work. The Mendocino County Department of Transportation also announced other bridge rehab or repair projects too. Two other bridges, Moore Street over the West Fork of the Russian River and Eureka Hill Road Bridge over the Garcia River are also going to get Seismic Retrofits but maybe not until next year.

A man accused of robbing a bank in Ukiah has been arrested. Police say the robbery at the Savings Bank of Mendocino reported yesterday morning, then just hours later, the culprit found hiding in a creek bed with some cash. They say the man didn’t show or say he had a weapon, but threatened some sort of force. Surveillance video caught the guy who was recognized as a local transient named Clarence Christmas. Cops received a tip where he was after circulating his picture. He was found in the creek near Talmage Road. Cops say he had items on him related to the robbery. He’s booked on suspicion of robbery and burglary.

A modified urgency ordinance has been agreed to for the Starview Water System. Because there’s less water being used, customers get an extra 100 cubic feet per month being charged for it. The surcharges are based on how much water is used every month. Customers are being charged $10.47 per cubic foot of water if using more than 1,000 cubic feet or about 250 gallons a day. If they use more than 1,200 cubic feet each month, customers will see a surcharge of $350.

No decision yet on a proposed rezoning of the Lover’s Lane property owned by the Pinoleville Pomo Nation. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors apparently didn’t have enough info for the land trust application to move forward. The board unanimously continued the decision until October. They need to hear if the Millview County Water District can provide the water hookups for the site because of a moratorium.

An official outside of Detroit says he wants to ban personal flamethrowers, sold online by two Midwest companies, in his city. The companies, located in Detroit and Cleveland say the throwers are used for recreation or to control weeds and insect hives, clear snow and ice, clear brush and start a bonfire. But the Mayor of Warren says they’re “pretty specious” and “silly” so he wants them banned, and wants to create a city ordinance to do so.

A man in New Jersey who has no use of his arms because of a spinal condition had a gun possession charge dropped. Prosecutors dismissing charges against Marcus Hubbard who was charged with three other men who ran a red light in Trenton with a stolen handgun in a seatback pocket. All four charged after none of them took responsibility for the gun. Hubbard stayed in jail 4 months on the charge.

News 08/18/15

Two people in Ukiah have been arrested after a high speed chase with cops in a stolen car. Police say they were following a white 2014 Toyota Prius matching one reported as stolen from Lake County. The driver id’d as Motecuhzoma O. Vaughn of Ukiah speeding thru side streets at speeds up to 50 mph on South Dora Street. The car ran stop signs then got up to nearly 70 mph near the intersection of Jefferson Lane. She eventually lost control, hitting 5 parked cars and running away. The passenger had minor injuries and got arrested. Vaughn found hiding and arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property, evading, hit and run traffic collision, resisting or delaying an officer and driving with a suspended license. The two were booked into the Mendocino County Jail.

Two people from Cloverdale have been injured in a solo car crash. Cops say the two were in a 1998 Ford Escort and lost control and rolled off Highway 101 down an embankment in front of the Saracina Vineyards. The CHP reports the driver, Charles Greppi said he and his passenger, Kelsie Iverson were arguing when he lost control of the car. The woman had on no seatbelt and she was tossed out of the car and had major injuries. The man had on his seat belt and had minor injuries. Police say they don’t think alcohol was a factor.

The River Rock Casino in Geyserville briefly threatened by a fast moving wildfire. 80 firefighters descended on the scene Friday where gamblers had to be locked down inside for a time. The fire burned 10-acres. The fire started along Highway 128 and moved thru dry grass and oak woodland up a hill toward the casino. It had also threatened a barn, cell tower and the casino itself. Around dinner time the fire was around 80 percent contained with the casino letting patrons out and bus traffic was allowed to move again. The cause of the fire still unknown.

Donated items being offered from the Clearlake Community United Methodist Church for those who lost items in the Rocky or Jerusalem Fires. The church apparently has a lot of donated clothing, some furniture and household items too. The Pastor Cindy Lawler tells Lake Co News they’ve received donations from all over Northern Calif. She says they’re getting help and support from all Lake County Methodist churches. Clearlake Community United Methodist Church is located at 14521 Pearl St., Clearlake.

The air quality in Northern California continues in the unhealthy range due to wildfires. The Lake County Air Quality Management District reports air quality conditions are in the “unhealthy” range, and that’s expected to last through this afternoon. The agency says the smoke’s not from the Rocky or Jerusalem fires because there’s very little smoke coming from the Jerusalem and the Rocky’s out. There are other major wildfires burning farther north, including in Humboldt, other Northern California areas, Oregon, and Washington.

Mop up still happening on the Rocky fire which was fully contained late last week. The fire 100-percent contained on Friday after burning just under 70,000 acres. The fire started July 29th in the Lower Lake area and burned more than 2 weeks threatening several thousand homes and forcing evacuations. It ended up burning as many as 100 structures and even burned across Highway 20, east of Clearlake Oaks. It spread to the new Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and burned into Colusa and Yolo counties. The costs of fighting the fire have not been calculated yet. But FEMA has approved a grant declaration so 75 percent of the fire’s suppression costs are covered.

Lake County is partnering with the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County offering a call in number for community members dealing with the after effects of the Rocky fire. The Fire Help Line at 800-325-9604 has staff working 24/7. They help with referrals for services as well as collecting information to help the county with its damage assessment. There’s also a virtual recovery assistance center online at www.LakeCountyLAC.com.

Fire crews working overtime on the Jerusalem fire in Lake County reaching 90 percent containment and holding. There are more than 2,000 fire personnel working the 25,000-acre fire with the hope it’ll be totally surrounded with fire lines by Friday. A spokesperson for Cal Fire said the southern line was still and challenge, the bit not yet contained. They do say no structures are threatened. The fire started Aug. 9th near Jerusalem Grade Road outside of Lower Lake and got within three or four miles of Hidden Valley Lake eventually merging into the Rocky Fire. The fire gutted 9 homes and 18 outbuildings, at least three were hunting cabins. All evacuations and road closures are lifted.

A woman in Phoenix got a surprise with her morning coffee. Kim Dillon says there was something slimy in her mouth so she spit it out and found a lizard. She and her hubby took the legless creature back into the Starbucks where she says she got it. She says employees apologized profusely. A representative of the coffee selling powerhouse says its disturbed by the news and will be investigating. The couple says their creature tainted latte may have turned them into tea drinkers.

An elderly man in Evansville, Indiana in trouble with the law, police say he poured a bowl filled with urine on top of a teenagers head. 84 year old Charles Weatherford was arrested Saturday after an argument with a 13-year-old about smashed bricks on his property. The teen says the argument got so heated the man poured the pee on him from the 2nd floor of his house. Police reported a strong odor of urine when they got there and arrested the man for battery by communicable bodily fluid/waste, a felony, and battery on a victim under the age of 14.