News 9/30/19

A man from Clearlake Oaks has been arrested after an arson fire near a senior’s apartment complex. Cal Fire investigators responded after the fire burned a small area of grass and damaged a fence near Hwy 20 and Lake Street. 35 year old Matthew Miravalle was arrested and found to be an arson registrant, he was apparently seen just before the fire started. Major Crimes Detectives and Cal Fire investigators say he admitted he started the fire and two others in Clearlake Oaks in June. He’s charged with Aggravated Arson with a Prior, Arson, Unlawfully Causing a fire and a probation violation.  Miravelle remains in custody on a no bail hold.

An appeal is being considered by the Ukiah City Council after the planning commission denied a waiver for a cannabis microbusiness that wanted to open near a church and mobile home park. The building on E. Smith Street. The owner of Wine Country Cannasseurs wants to grow indoors and have a retail outlet, but the Pentecostal United Church is nearby. The cannabis company owner made a deal apparently to close during hours of church services. But the Planning Commission said it was too close to the Circle Trailer Park as well. City staffers are recommending the City Council follow suit and turn the business owner down for that location.

A domestic violence call in Covelo ends in the arrest of a woman. Police say they got a call Friday and found the couple were living together and the man said the woman, Tonikali Sema became violent after an argument. He says he tried to calm her down and she left, then he locked the door and called the Sheriff’s office. Deputies say the man had minor injuries matching his story, but he declined medical treatment at the scene. Sema was arrested for domestic violence battery and was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on $25,000.00 bail.

Four men in Ukiah have been arrested after reports of someone shooting a gun. Deputies had a report early last Thursday and found a 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup parked nearby without lights on, but when they got there the lights went on and the truck took off onto Highway 101. They got off the highway and several people got out of the truck. A deputy who was following parked behind them and saw one Hispanic man running with what he thought was an assault rifle, jump over a gate and run onto vineyard property. Another deputy found four people by the truck and detained them, finding a large capacity rifle magazine. Then another stolen semi-automatic rifle and a loaded stolen revolver. They could also smell weed in the truck and found more ammo. The four arrested on several charges including burglary, possession of an assault weapon and conspiracy.

The General and Area Plans in Lake County are on the Lake County Board of Supervisors agenda. County Staff have reportedly put the items on the agenda for the meeting tomorrow. It comes a couple weeks after public complaints regarding planned Dollar General stores in Lake County and other new retailers. The Record Bee reports heated debate a couple weeks ago with one supervisor telling folks if they don’t like a certain store, not to patronize it. Dollar General is looking to expand.  Also on the agenda the board will consider their official responses to the Grand Jury report on the county’s jail system, veteran services office, animal control system and fire protection districts. The board is required to respond, and drafted responses have apparently already been prepared. The board agreeing with 10 of the complaints in the report, disagrees with six, and affirms neutrality on one.

Boaters and recreational lake users told to avoid direct contact with/or use waters of Clear Lake due to toxins in Lake County. This is due to the potential health risks after low levels of anatoxin were detected in three (3) out of five (5) samples taken September 17th. Algae toxin testing in the lake is done routinely and for issues found, warning signs are posted. This is a lower level than would normally trigger a warning, but the Interim Public Health Officer is encouraging those using the lake to be cautious in affected areas. Signs are up at Redbud Park and further testing will be done this week. For more information, please visit: California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal: https://mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/

A new program’s being offered for victims of human trafficking in Lake County. The Lake Family Resource Center says Lake County is a prime area for this sort of criminal activity and they offering services including case management, safety planning, social and criminal justice advocacy, community crisis line response, restraining order assistance, support groups, psychotherapy, and emergency shelter and housing establishment assistance. Call the center at 707-279-0563 to find out more about their services.

State environmental leaders supposed to meet with members of the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency, but the meeting has reportedly been called off. The EPA was accusing Calif. of not protecting air and water in the state, then canceled a meeting set for Wednesday. An EPA spokesperson says they are trying to find a time later in the year to reschedule the meeting. The Calif. EPA says they were surprised by the abrupt change in plans, saying their dept. is dismayed and the whole situation has become petty. Calif. is suing the Trump administration with over 30 pending suits challenging weakening environmental protections.

A bear’s been caught on video at a Mendocino County vineyard chowing down on grapes. The Press Democrat’s posted video of the black bear wandering around at Navarro Vineyards. The vineyard about 70 miles north of Santa Rosa caught the visit, but only eating the pinot noir grapes. There are apparently 7 other varieties on the vine. One of the co-owners says the bear went for the premium fruit, saying they’re actually glad to have the bear around. Apparently they had cameras put in to catch the animal but only saw him this year. They then posted a bunch of the videos on Facebook for all to see. The video had several thousand views. The vineyard owner says they expect their visitor to pop in again before the harvest season starts next month.

A new poll shows folks in California are behind a new state law on vaccine exemptions for school kids. The UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll by the Los Angeles Times shows 90% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans want more immunization rates at schools and daycare facilities. And they support the California Department of Public Health having oversight on exemptions with the authority to potentially reject a doctor’s determination a child should skip all or some of their shots. The poll showed 8 out of every 10 voters surveyed liked the new law. The poll came after the Governor signed a new law for a state review of vaccine exemptions issued by doctors to find exemptions given for non-medical reasons.

A man from Northern Calif. in trouble with the federal government, accused of being a spy. The U.S. Attorney David Anderson reports 56-year-old Xuehua (Edward) Peng of Hayward was charged with being an illegal foreign agent and giving classified national security information to Chinese officials. The complaint says the man got the classified info on behalf of the Chinese Government and at their direction, crimes included delivering information, payments, and carrying secure digital cards to Beijing with classified information related to U.S. national security from 2015 to 2018. He was arrested Friday and was being held without bond.

News 9/27/19

One of the Mendocino County Supervisors is headed to Washington D.C. At the end of next month, Supervisor John Haschak will travel to the Capitol to go to lobbying meetings and to try to get more disaster recovery funds for the County after the devastating fires of 2017 and 2018. His travel approved at the last Supervisor meeting for the Oct. 28^th trip. Per protocol, such trips must be approved at a public meeting. The trip is with other representatives for the Rebuild NorthBay Foundation, including those from Butte, Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties.

Another trial for a man from Ukiah already found guilty of raping a minor. It’s the fourth trial for 23 year old Zachary Barajas who a jury says forcibly raped a minor. He’s also charged with other sexual crimes against the victim. The Mendocino County DA says the jury couldn’t reach a verdict on other crimes though. There was also a second victim, the same or similar charges against the guy for that offense with the jury failing to reach a unanimous verdict. He was booked on no bail after that trial and wasn’t sentenced until he can be tried again for the second victim. That court proceeding starts November 19^th.

Congressman Jared Huffman getting behind legislation to protect banks working with cannabis-related businesses. The legislation is for areas of the country where marijuana has been legalized for medical and recreational use. The SAFE Banking Act passed the house which Huffman says was an important first step for those following the law but unable to access financial services. The bill touted as reducing public safety impacts of cash-only businesses, addressing inequities in the cannabis industry, allowing anyone legally operating under state law to access traditional credit union and banking services, and would not restrict the industry for businesses who can self-fund or get private investors.

A man who owns an RV park in Lake County out of luck in his appeal for an extension on restrictions on noise and how long guests can stay. The Lake County Board of Supervisors said no to the extension for Calico Cat RV Park owner Dan Kelly on his major use permit which had just been renewed. He says he has cancer and the conditions for a maximum volume and limiting certain activities and the length of a stay for guests will put him out of business. He wants to sell.  Kelly says he did not get the proper notification and missed the date to appeal.

A man at the Robinson Rancheria Casino busted with a gun. Lake County sheriff’s office reports getting a call yesterday morning on an unrelated matter and found Leopoldo Bravo had a warrant out for his arrest and a stolen handgun in his vehicle. The Kelseyville man arrested and held in jail after surveillance footage showed he was in a red pickup truck that had been stolen. Then when they searched, the gun was uncovered. He admitted he drove the truck to the casino but said he didn’t know how the gun got there. Cops found out later he was a gang member and had a history of weapons and drug charges on his record.

FEMA is going to put money forth to help Butte County pay to remove some hazardous trees after the Camp fire. A government hazard tree removal program will pay for the trees on private property to be removed so they can’t fall on public roads and facilities, but they will not take out others that may fall on homes. The Butte County Board of Supervisors and the Paradise Town Council have to pass emergency ordinances before the work can begin though. And community members have to sign right of entry forms giving permission, like they’ve previously done for debris clean-up. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services reportedly working with federal officials for the money for Paradise and Butte County.

A man from Laytonville accused of domestic violence has been cleared. The Mendocino County DA reports the jury acquitted 30 year old David Nielsen of charges of domestic battery, child endangerment, and taking a cell phone so the alleged victim couldn’t call 9-1-1, all misdemeanors. The trial lasted three days.

A man from Fort Bragg accused of being a serial arsonist has been sent to prison. The Mendocino County DA reports 62 year old Ted Demits got 5 and a half years after admitting arson of an inhabited dwelling and animal abuse, both felonies. He has to also register as an arson offender for life after finishing the prison sentence. He will get no credit for time served as part of his plea deal. It stems from the fire set at a female friend’s trailer and car while she was not there. Her dog was also in the trailer and died.

A man from Covelo has been arrested after cops say he was on drugs and had a gun. Round Valley Police say Luis “Boo” Oliver seemed high on something and in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop. He was detained so backup officers could get there and check his car. Mendo deputies say he had a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and a large capacity magazine in his possession. And after checking his background, found he was prohibited from possessing ammunition and firearms and he was out on bail at the time. He was arrested for several crimes, including felon in possession of a firearm, committing a criminal offense while on bail and, possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm. He was held on $60,000 bail.

A joint meeting’s planned for the Mendocino County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Act and the Quality Improvement Committee. Next Wednesday the meeting at the Consolidated Tribal Health Project in Redwood Valley to go over Behavioral Health services and Mental Health Services Act programs in Mendocino County. They’re encouraging members of the public, consumers, family members, service providers, and community agencies to come to the meeting and ask questions, share ideas, provide feedback, and to give recommendations for improvement of the Behavioral Health system of care in the community.

For more information about QIC, or to have the Web-Ex Link emailed to you,
please contact William Riley, by e-mailing rileyw@mendocinocounty.org or by
calling (707) 472-2358.

SNAP or food stamps assistance is being adjusted by the federal government. So CalFresh is informing those across the state of the changes. And in Mendocino County, they’re putting out the word that monthly benefits change starting next Tuesday. The money being give to homeless shelters have gone up and deductions for tax purposes have changed. Maximum excess shelter deduction has increased from $552.00 to $569.00
-The homeless shelter allowance has increased from $143.00 to $152.06
The Standard Deductions for FFY 2020 are:
1 to 3 persons $167.00
4 persons $178.00
5 persons $209.00
6 or more persons $240.00
-The Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) increased from $415.00 to $432.00
-The Limited Utility Allowance (LUA) increased from $130.00 to $135.00
-The Telephone Utility Allowance (TUA) remains the same at $18.00
If you have any questions about how these changes may affect your benefits, you can contact your local Mendocino County Health and Human Service Agency office on the coast at 764 S. Franklin Street, Fort Bragg or inland at 737 S. State Street, Ukiah. You can also call the coastal office toll free at 1-877-327-1677 or the inland office at 1-877-327-1711.

A crowdfunding campaign started for the New Paradigm College. Denise Rushing, one of the founders and Executive Director of the new school has announced “Founders 2020”. She says they’re going this route instead of Wall Street bank loans for seed funding, instead, turning to those who care about the local economy, and Lake County specifically. So with the community in mind, they’re focusing on ecological regeneration of local forests and wetlands. They’re looking to help regenerate the Lake County ecosystem as their key focus. With all of that in mind, they’re trying to raise $200,000 in seed funding before November 15, 2020 from two thousand and twenty individual donors–or “2020 by 2020”.  The “Founders 2020” campaign runs between now and November 15, 2019.

To learn more about NPC’s fundraising campaign, peer-to-peer crowdfunding, or becoming an “NPC Champion” visit http://www.NPC2020.net.

Three family members from Lake County are going to prison for the murder of a woman in 2017. The Press Democrat reports the three pleaded guilty or no contest back in July to the murder of Antonio Botello-Arreola who was dating Maria Torres. Then Torres husband Rene Espinoza Martinez and their son Rene, Jr. found out about the affair and conspired with the woman to kill her lover. Court papers say Botello-Arreola was lured by Torres to a remote location in the middle of the night and then Torres husband and son shot Botello-Arreola several times, then the trio all threw rocks at the victim’s head and she was stabbed repeatedly. Espinoza, Sr got 50 years to life in prison. Torres got 25 years to life in prison. And the younger Martinez was sentenced to 15 years to life.

Someone’s body’s been found after a mobile home burned down in Graton. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office reports getting calls to the mobile home finding the fire spread from the mobile home to nearby brush. No word how the fire started, but a body was found there and is yet to be identified.

The near end of the Bull Kelp crop on the Mendocino Coast decimating the red sea urchin fishery. What was a booming industry about 30 years ago, much smaller after an invasion of purple urchins take over the ecosystem. The Governor’s office reports red urchin landings in 2016 and 2017 down almost 80% in the Northern sector. And it’s apparently not adding in losses to fish processors and related services in Fort Bragg. The northern red sea urchin seasons of 2016-17 have been declared federal fishery disasters so now there may be disaster assistance headed to the area.

The Gov. signing into law a bill for faster development of supportive housing and homelessness shelters. Governor Newsom has signed a group of bills that deal with the homeless, one starts right away for the city of Los Angeles to go around areas of the California Environmental Quality Act so more supportive housing and shelters can be built. One of the other bills allows Orange and Alameda counties along with the city of San Jose to declare emergencies and build shelters on publicly owned land. And another to convert hotels into housing and bypass environmental reviews.

News 9/26/19

Plans presented at a town hall in Fort Bragg on the mill site, overlooking the coast. The 400 or so acres will be the site of a massive development effort. One of the owners and a consultant at the Town Hall talking about part of the site being developed. Seven acres get their immediate attention. The south side of the property to get commercial and residential buildings with a parklike atmosphere and a “Gateway to the City” vibe. They say there will be almost 50 units, for workforce housing and a grocery store. The project seems pretty far off right now, with groundbreaking not planned for at least two years. Also on the site, Skunk Train plans for development including a stained-glass lighthouse/depot, a resort hotel, commercial development and blocks of nearly car-free medium-to high-density neighborhoods.

A free town hall planned by the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance along with the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Cannabis Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee to discuss the economy. The town hall set for next Monday so local stakeholders and others with interest in the Cannabis industry can give input and ask questions. They’ll also discuss the Alliance’s new membership program for cannabis businesses and community members. It’s all happening at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center at 3:30 pm and it’s open to the public.

For more information about this topic, go to info@ mendocannabis.com.

Candidates starting to pop up ahead of next year’s elections. The Record Bee reports there are three county supervisor seats open and one superior court judgeship. Signatures were being accepted on petitions, but the deadline for that is November 6^th, in just about 5 weeks, due to the earlier primary in March. Starting Nov. 12^th those interested can officially declare their candidacy with the county, the deadline for that on December 6^th. All of the info for candidates is available online at the government website, lakecouty.ca.gov. Voter information guides to be mailed out by late January or early February for the primary and also in early February, vote-by-mail ballots will be sent.

Coffee with a Cop planned in Lakeport. The Police Dept. inviting community members and business owners alike to join them for coffee and chit chat next Wednesday, National Coffee with a Cop Day. The event to be held at Renee’s Café from 7 to 10 a.m. The event across the country looks to break down barriers between police officers and citizens without an agenda, just flowing conversations with Q&A. For more info, call the police chief at 707-263-5491 or visit the event’s Facebook page.

Lower numbers recorded for Southern sea otters off the coast of California after peaking numbers just a few years ago. A new report by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Geological Survey showing from 2016 the three-year average population index dropped this year to just under 3,000, about 166 less than the 2018 survey. They are a protected species under the federal Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act and are a fully protected species under California law.
They give a good indication of ocean health and help kelp forests and seagrass beds stay in balance.

A man believed to have been connected to the shooting death of another man in Rio Dell is being called a person of interest. Kym Kemp reporting Demetrius Coleman is named by the Rio Dell Police Dept. as possibly connected in the August 29^th shooting death of Johnny Renfro. The news site says police have gathered cell phones, computers, recordings and other items which has all been sent to a lab for analysis. After that they can potentially arrest the man, according to the news site. Police still seeking a motive.

A woman reported missing has been found safe. On the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Facebook page a couple days ago, a post about 33 year old Heather Hatton missing. It had her picture and her description. She had vanished after midnight Tuesday in the Brooktrails area, last seen walking by Robinson Rd. and Daphne Way. The next day the Sheriff’s Facebook page noted the woman as found.

PG&E being criticized for the way it handled the first set of public power safety shutoffs in Sonoma County. The utility first warned there could be thousands in the dark due to dry, windy weather, then turned off power Wednesday morning to more than 700 customers northeast of Santa Rosa. Thousands were told to be ready, then at the last minute, it was never mind. There have been multiple advisories and warnings going out to customers about the intended shutoffs after a warning from the National Weather Service on increased fire danger for the North Bay. It did get pretty hot in the area, but didn’t get very windy. Some Sonoma County Supervisors not very happy about the way the alerts were handled.

The end of an era, the old J’s Amusement Park along the Russian River is cleared out finally. The last bits of the long closed amusement park taken out this week to make way for a new development featuring a deluxe “glamping” resort with a grand opening set for the summer of 2021. A company that produces upscale events and provides luxury tents and accessories own the property now. They’re calling it River Electric. There will be a pool, lawn, lounging deck, cabanas, lawn games and a pool house with showers. rest rooms and changing rooms. They will offer overnight lodging in high end canvas tents, some will even be fully furnished.

Application deadline upcoming for cannabis cultivation permits in Mendocino County. The application window for “Phase One” is next Friday, October 4^th. But it’s only for those who can prove they have grown previously in Mendocino County. The application has to be turned in to the Planning and Building Services department by October 4^th at 5 p.m. Those who do apply will also have to go thru a preliminary review, then they will be notified in writing if they qualify. If you do qualify, you’ll be told how to finish up your submission and make payment. For more information, please contact cannabisprogram@mendocinocounty.org or visit the Mendocino County webpages for Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Permits & Licenses, and Cannabis FAQ.

North Coast Congressman Jared Huffman weighing in the calls for the President to be impeached. A statement released by Huffman yesterday saying the president obstructed justice, has conflicts of interest and contempt for the rule of law, all of that, amounting to high crimes and misdemeanors described in the Constitution. He went on to say the president’s efforts to get the Ukranian government to help his reelection bid and them subsequently trying to cover up a whistleblower’s report undermines the nation’s system of checks and balances and is a historic tipping point.  He says he strongly supports the work to hold President Trump accountable.

Cal Fire announces more than $80 million available for Forest Health and Fire Prevention projects. Cal Fire trying to get folks to apply for the projects to work proactively to prevent catastrophic wildfires and restore forests to healthy, functioning ecosystems. The agency’s Forest Health Grant Program to boost reforestation, fuels management, fire reintroduction, and to treat degraded areas. There’s also $7 million more available in their Forest Legacy Program for conservation efforts on important forest lands threatened with conversion to non-forest uses, and finally up to $2 million is available for applied research examining forest management and health. Find more information and sign up for announcements at www.fire.ca.gov/grants.

The number of dead in the Camp Fire has been dialed back down to 85 again after a bone fragment previously classified as unidentified was found to be from a victim identified in January. The Butte County Sheriff’s office says there’s only one unidentified victim now. The November 2018 fire took down 14,000 homes, mostly in Paradise, devastating the tiny town in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Officials say a small bone fragment was found with the remains of Robert Quinn, apparently too small to be his so officials thought it was someone else’s. Anthropologists found it had shrunk in the fire.

News 9/25/19

A health advisory has been issued by the California Department of Public Health on vaping.  The agency is urging Californians to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source while they fully investigate effects. It follows an executive order signed by Governor Newsom last week due to the growing use by youth. As of yesterday the Dept. of Public Health says it had received reports about 90 people with a history of vaping ending up in the hospital with severe breathing issues and lung damage. Two people have also died. In the U-S, there have been more than 500 reports of lung damage due to vaping in 38 states and 1 U.S. territory.

Plans being discussed for eight new homes in Ukiah in the 200 block of West Gobbi St. The Ukiah Design Review Board will consider the plans for the homes tomorrow from the development company, Guillon Inc. The company requesting a Site Development Permit for Gobbi Commons for attached and detached single family homes. Each of the proposed homes will have two car garages, front porches and back patios. Planning staffers noting the developer will need a rezone which will go before the Planning Commission and City Council. Both entities have to approve a Major Site Development Permit. The Design Review Board meets tomorrow at 3 p.m.

The D-A in Mendocino County sends a scathing letter to the Willits Police Chief regarding a cop in Willits with a misconduct mark on his record. District Attorney David Eyster criticizing the police chief for not releasing the information on Jacob Jones who was hired a few months ago after leaving Eureka. The D-A’s letter says the information should have been disclosed as required by so-called Brady obligations. A Supreme Court case saying prosecutors have to turn over evidence that may find guilt or innocence of a defendant. Jones accused of making a false statement, trying to hide defective or incompetent work, and failing to accurately document a use of force, which he was sanctioned for. Eyster says all of that makes him unable to serve as a competent witness in Mendocino County.

PG&E shuts down power to 700 residents in Santa Rosa after first saying it may have to put 34,000 in Sonoma County in the dark. The move because of fire weather, started this morning. There are also 700 PG&E customers in Napa County near Calistoga, Lake Berryessa and Napa who were targeted to also lose power, but that was not independently confirmed. A PG&E spokeswoman says another 47,000 in Butte, Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Plumas counties were also on the line to lose power. It all comes after forecasts for hot temperatures and dry winds.

The Clearlake City Council discussing if it should restart the city’s rental inspection housing program. The program’s been dormant about ten years. The police chief sent a report to the council saying the city’s previous rental inspection housing program from 2001 was in response to dilapidated dwelling units so landlords would improve their properties at the same time meeting City code requirements. The old ordinance calls for all units for rent or lease to be inspected and registered depending on compliance.  The program was tabled in 2005 at the request of an interim city administrator. There are other matters on the agenda with several abatement orders ignored for illegal outdoor cannabis cultivation.

A woman from Hidden Valley Lake injured in a car crash near Middletown was arrested for DUI. Cops say 45 year old Jennifer Legrand was driving alone Monday night, headed east on Hwy 29 near Hartmann Road then veered off the highway, down an embankment and hit a bunch of rocks, then finally stopped in a grass field. She had injuries on her face and had to be airlifted to a hospital. She was arrested after the crash.

Emergency rescues being workshopped by a task force of first responders. They hailed from all over Mendocino County, Cal Fire, the Lake County Sheriff Dept., Northshore Fire, South Coast, Redwood Coast, Little Lake (Willits), Hopland and Ukiah Valley all in Lake County to train yesterday. There were about 3 dozen firefighters there. Crews learning to better deal with obstacles from a helicopter on the ground like wind and crowd control. They simulated rescues with a rescue basket off the chopper too.

A tiny house community is coming to Chico. Simplicity Village, as it’s being called, was approved by the City Council last night. They’d already given the project the green light in May. It’ll have 33 emergency sleeping cabins and portable units, one central kitchen and dining area and other facilities including laundry machines, showers and more. They’re supposed to be used temporarily because they’re being built after a declaration of a homeless shelter crisis after the Camp fire. The homes to be used for more than 40 local seniors who are either homeless or at risk. There’s a building nearby appealing, but the City Council denied it.

Police Chiefs in Calif. say Prop 47 is a bust. The proposition passed 5 years ago to change several crimes from felonies to misdemeanors to make room in prison and jail. The Keep California Safe initiative was sponsored by the California Police Chiefs Association. Now the group says there’s been a massive peak in theft and they cannot prosecute the crimes effectively because of Prop 47. The group also says there have been massive losses in the billion dollar range. They say too that some retailers may not even report crimes which meet the felony threshold leading to inaccurate reports on the effects of Prop 47.

Prison officials in Calif. stop trying to get warring gangs in prison to be friends. An experiment to quell the fighting and sometimes riots, instead allowing them to mingle in prison yards where they recreate. They tried about a year ago, slowly letting prisoners from warring gangs spill into the same recreation yards so they could potentially make peace with each other, it also loosened some tight restrictions keeping gang members locked up in cells for long periods of time without going outdoors so they could shorten their sentences. But now they say the whole thing was a bust, with prison officials looking at other options for a peaceful resolution and a way to safely house them.

The old Redwood Youth Hostel is being demolished because the building is in disrepair.  Kym Kemp reporting there are public safety concerns, major structural damage, seismic deficiencies, vandalism, and sensitivity to the cultural importance of the site for the Tolowa and Yurok people. Redwood National and State Parks are taking down the hostel in coming days after almost 20 years of work by the National Park Service, then in 2008 more issues were found with fixes estimated at more than $700,000. Rot and damage found later along with needed seismic retrofit work, structural repair and waste treatment fixes coming in at over $1.5 million, more than the building is worth. It closed in 2010 and since then vandals and squatters have been inside.

News 9/25/19

A health advisory has been issued by the California Department of Public Health on vaping.  The agency is urging Californians to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source while they fully investigate effects. It follows an executive order signed by Governor Newsom last week due to the growing use by youth. As of yesterday the Dept. of Public Health says it had received reports about 90 people with a history of vaping ending up in the hospital with severe breathing issues and lung damage. Two people have also died. In the U-S, there have been more than 500 reports of lung damage due to vaping in 38 states and 1 U.S. territory.

Plans being discussed for eight new homes in Ukiah in the 200 block of West Gobbi St. The Ukiah Design Review Board will consider the plans for the homes tomorrow from the development company, Guillon Inc. The company requesting a Site Development Permit for Gobbi Commons for attached and detached single family homes. Each of the proposed homes will have two car garages, front porches and back patios. Planning staffers noting the developer will need a rezone which will go before the Planning Commission and City Council. Both entities have to approve a Major Site Development Permit. The Design Review Board meets tomorrow at 3 p.m.

The D-A in Mendocino County sends a scathing letter to the Willits Police Chief regarding a cop in Willits with a misconduct mark on his record. District Attorney David Eyster criticizing the police chief for not releasing the information on Jacob Jones who was hired a few months ago after leaving Eureka. The D-A’s letter says the information should have been disclosed as required by so-called Brady obligations. A Supreme Court case saying prosecutors have to turn over evidence that may find guilt or innocence of a defendant. Jones accused of making a false statement, trying to hide defective or incompetent work, and failing to accurately document a use of force, which he was sanctioned for. Eyster says all of that makes him unable to serve as a competent witness in Mendocino County.

PG&E shuts down power to 700 residents in Santa Rosa after first saying it may have to put 34,000 in Sonoma County in the dark. The move because of fire weather, started this morning. There are also 700 PG&E customers in Napa County near Calistoga, Lake Berryessa and Napa who were targeted to also lose power, but that was not independently confirmed. A PG&E spokeswoman says another 47,000 in Butte, Nevada, Yuba, Placer and Plumas counties were also on the line to lose power. It all comes after forecasts for hot temperatures and dry winds.

The Clearlake City Council discussing if it should restart the city’s rental inspection housing program. The program’s been dormant about ten years. The police chief sent a report to the council saying the city’s previous rental inspection housing program from 2001 was in response to dilapidated dwelling units so landlords would improve their properties at the same time meeting City cody requirements. The old ordinance calls for all units for rent or lease would have to be inspected and registered depending on compliance.  The program was tabled in 2005 at the request of an interim city administrator. There are other matters on the agenda with several abatement orders ignored for illegal outdoor cannabis cultivation.

A woman from Hidden Valley Lake injured in a car crash near Middletown was arrested for DUI. Cops say 45 year old Jennifer Legrand was driving alone Monday night, headed east on Hwy 29 near Hartmann Road then veered off the highway, down an embankment and hit a bunch of rocks, then finally stopped in a grass field. She had injuries on her face and had to be airlifted to a hospital. She was arrested after the crash.

Emergency rescues being workshopped by a task force of first responders. They hailed from all over Mendocino County, Cal Fire, the Lake County Sheriff Dept., Northshore Fire, South Coast, Redwood Coast, Little Lake (Willits), Hopland and Ukiah Valley all in Lake County to train yesterday. There were about 3 dozen firefighters there. Crews learning to better deal with obstacles from a helicopter on the ground like wind and crowd control. They simulated rescues with a rescue basket off the chopper too.

A tiny house community is coming to Chico. Simplicity Village, as it’s being called, was approved by the City Council last night. They’d already given the project the green light in May. It’ll have 33 emergency sleeping cabins and portable units, one central kitchen and dining area and other facilities including laundry machines, showers and more. They’re supposed to be used temporarily because they’re being built after a declaration of a homeless shelter crisis after the Camp fire. The homes to be used for more than 40 local seniors who are either homeless or at risk. There’s a building nearby appealing, but the City Council denied it.

 

News 9/24/19

A burglary reported at a pizzeria in Point Arena. Deputies say the burglary actually happened last Thursday at the Point Arena Pizza restaurant with food and cookware taken. They say they found some of the stuff near a campfire with eyewitnesses reporting it was Dylan Donavan who took the items. Deputies say they found the man and talked to him and found probable cause to arrest him for suspicion of burglary. They say later found items that were connected to the crime and Donavan. The 27 year old was also on pre-trial release on a separate criminal matter and in violation of court orders. He was jailed on $15,000 bail.

A Red Flag warning continues. Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit beefing up firefighting units in preparation, calling for engines, hand crews and bulldozers to be staffed 24/7. They’ve also reportedly called on additional Emergency Command Center personnel to be at the ready as well, and for other staffers to fill command and control functions if there’s a major fire. Winds expected to pick up tonight into tomorrow morning with possible gusts of up to 35 miles an hour. The gusty winds, low humidity, and dry fuels are a mix for critical fire weather conditions.

A resident from Clearlake charged with setting the Clayton fire and several others over a one year period has been sent to prison. Damin Pashilk in court yesterday sent to prison for 15 years for the Clayton and three other fires. Some fire victims read impact statements about running from their homes and losing personal, irreplaceable items and looking for new places to live. It all comes after Pashilk pleaded no contest for the Western fire in July of 2016, near Middletown; the North Branch fire, also in July, near Clearlake; the Canyon fire in Aug. of 2016, near Lower Lake; and the Clayton fire in August of that year. Pashilk was credited with time served, and could still have his time reduced. A restitution hearing is set for next year. He’s been in jail since his arrest in August of 2016.

Residents in Lake County are being encouraged to register to vote or update their current information. Lake Co News reports the Office of the Registrar of Voters reminding this on National Voter Registration Day, today. Some voters can register online now too, at https://registertovote.ca.gov/ or in person at the Office of the Registrar of Voters on the second floor of the Lake County Courthouse in Lakeport. You can also do it at the DMV, city clerk’s offices, public libraries and post offices. Some 16 and 17 year old’s can also preregister to vote to vote in the general election next year.

August real estate numbers released by the Lake County Association of Realtors showing sales mostly flat or down compared to a year ago. The median sales price in August a smidgen under $260,000, which was up about 2.8 percent from the July median and down a point from last August.  The president of the Association says demand is showing signs of improving due to lower rates on loans, but says buyers are still cautious because of economic and market uncertainty which continues.

A school in Northern Calif. the first to have a school desegregation order in about fifty years. The k-8^th grade school has a motto, “All cultures. All faiths. All races. All abilities. All gender identities … The future is welcome at Willow Creek Academy.” The Press Democrat reports the school in Sausalito is noted as one of the state’s top charter schools. But a state review reportedly found the only other school, a traditional public school nearby, Martin Luther King Jr. Academy which has mostly African American and Latino students needs reforming due to past inequities. After a desegregation complaint by the California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, the district now has to treat kids at MLK differently. Some folks just want the two schools combined and some decrying that Willow Creek Academy would never do anything to hurt its mostly minority sister school.

A big tortoise somehow gets away from its owner and ends up in someone else’s yard, is now back home. 41-year-old Dino the tortoise got out of his outdoor enclosure in Red Bluff and was found a half mile away from his owner. The 150-pound reptile was lured with watermelon and returned to his owner. Apparently it’s breeding season, one tortoise rescue agency says the tortoises looking for companionship is “a daily occurrence this time of year.”

The federal government strengthening its threats to sue the state of Calif. sending a letter warning of sanctions because of incomplete reports on implementing the Clean Air Act. The EPA sending a letter to the California Air Resources Board saying Calif has the “worst air quality in the United States” and didn’t follow thru on the “most basic tasks” under the federal law. The EPA giving the state until October 10^th to rescind the “incomplete” plans and send new reports on more than 80 municipalities the government says is in noncompliance.

An Amber Alert is canceled for a toddler who police say was abducted by his father after the pair are found dead. The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office only said two bodies connected to the Amber Alert over the weekend were found at a remote campsite, but they’ve not formally identified them as father Steven Weir and toddler John. There was an alert to find the dad Friday. He was last seen Friday night in Merced. They further said he was armed and dangerous and driving a red 2005 Hyundai Elantra.

PG&E has moved forward cutting power to 24,000 customers in Northern Calif after dangerous weather conditions. The largest utility in the nation cuts power to areas of Butte, Nevada and Yuba counties in the Sierra Nevada foothills until conditions are deemed safer. They also warned they may do the same in El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties if gusty winds and hot, dry weather continues, but yesterday afternoon dialed some of that back. At the same time, Southern California Edison has also warned they could turn power off for 41,000 customers due to forecasts calling for gusty Santa Ana winds. You may recall there was a power shut off last October for 87,000 PG&E customers, but they canceled plans to turn power off just before the Camp Fire which devastated the town of Paradise.

 

AM News 9/23/19

There’s a Red Flag Warning in effect from tonight for parts of the area as the National Weather Service says strong winds at higher elevations, combined with lower humidity will increase the risk of wildfires. The warning, starting at 9:00 PM and continuing until 11:00 Wednesday morning calls for winds gusting high as 30 miles an hour and relative humidity in the 20 to 40 percent range, which means and fires could spread quickly. Outdoor burning is NOT recommended. Conditions should get better after midweek.

With that increased fire risk, P G and E has put some areas on alert that power may be shut off. Among those in Lake county around 13,000 residents in the Clearlake, Lower Lake, Hidden Valley Lake, Middletown and Cobb areas. There is information about your specific location on the utility’s Public Safety Power Shutoff link at PGE.com.

Two men who were guarding an apparently illegal marijuana growing operation in Ukiah say they were attacked by a group of masked men with guns. Sherif’s Deputies say the two 43 year-olds reported that a group of 6 to 8 suspects approached them at the growing site on McNab Ranch Road early Saturday, fired shot at one of them, assaulted him, and damaged his vehicle. The thieves then grabbed the plants from two greenhouses, stole the other guard’s car and took off. The victims eventually made it to Ukiah and called 911. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s office continuing the investigation and is asking for tips.

A man from Covelo is being held without bail after Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies say they found a gun and drugs when they stopped to investigate a vehicle parked in a dirt turnaround in Willits. The say 36 year old Reginald Azabill was evasive when he stepped out of the vehicle they were checking out on Muir Road early Friday, and that they eventually found a loaded.38, ammo, and a small amount of meth during their search. Azabill wasn’t supposed to have the weapon because of an earlier felony so he was arrested and taken to the county jail. A woman who was riding with him was questioned but was not charged.

A woman has been arrested after some vandalism in Fort Bragg. Police say when they answered the call in the 100 block of East Laurel Street just before 1:00 on Sunday morning, they saw a smashed windshield on a parked vehicle, and damage to the front door of the Headlands Coffeehouse and the front window at the Skunk Train Depot. After looking at evidence and surveillance tapes, cops questioned a woman, identified as 29 year old Christina Gallagher, who they say admitted the vandalism. Police say she was hurt so after a stop at the hospital she was taken to the county jail and charged with doing the damage.

Lake County Supervisors facing several agenda items at this weeks meeting. Among them making an appointment to the county Planning Commission and to the County Industrial Ad Hoc Industrial Cannabis Committee. The meeting starts at 9:00 at the Board Chambers at the county courthouse. You can check out the full agenda though the county website.

Ukiah wants to hear from residents about how they think their city should look 20 years from now. Officials are updating the city’s master plan and will have a workshop on Thursday top get public input. State law requires every community to come up with a similar look to the future and Ukiah officials say theirs will be a good blueprint for the city’s growth and development. Tomorrow’s public meeting will be from 5:30 top 7:30 at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center. There will also be a “pop up” event on October 19th during the Ukiah Pumpkin fest where people can let their feelings be known. There’s a website called Ukiah2040.com with information, where residents can sign up for a mailing list to keep them informed about the initiative’s progress.

News 9/20/19

Two people have died after a car crossed into the oncoming lane and slammed into an oncoming armored vehicle near Willow Creek in Humboldt county. CHP says the driver and a passenger in the a that was heading east on SR 299 just before noon on Thursday died. The armored truck driver who was heading west was not seriously hurt. The names of the victims won’t be released until their families are told, but reports say the two were foreign nationals. So far, officers don’t think impairment was a factor, but high speed on a wet roadway probably WAS. The CHP Humboldt area office is handling the case so if you have any information that might help, you can contact them.

A Mendocino County Court judge has sentenced a man from Tuolomne County to 16 years for having sex with a 6 year old. 62 year old Daniel Villas pleaded guilty to two related felony charges and under the terms of that deal he won’t be eligible for parole until 2032. If he ever gets out, he’ll also have to register as a violent sex offender. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s office investigated the case.

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is still looking to rein in county government hiring. County CEO Carmel Angelo says the job freeze that’s been in effect since the summer is making it tough, especially when it comes to public safety or places that are already very short staffed because she has to sign off on every new hire. The board is also talking about downsizing from the current county staff of around 11 hundred 50 but some members say the board needs to consider the consequences of a smaller staff in some departments before making arbitrary cuts.

The help wanted sign is out in the Mendocino National Forest. The U S forest service is looking to hire people for several open positions opening up in 2020. There are both fire and forestry related jobs—as well as non fire jobs in archaeology, wildlife and hydrology. The postings went up this week and will stay up through the end of the month. You can find out whats available—and how to apply at the website usajobs.gov.

Police in Arcata are warning about several online and phone scams going around. They say there are several variations but the goal is always the same—to get you to give up your money—or your identity. The advice—never give out personal information to anyone you don’t know and if an offer sounds to good to be true it probably is. Police also say another common con involves callers who say they’re with law enforcement or the government and threatening arrest or a lawsuit. Don’t buy it—no real police agency or government office EVER makes those kinds of calls. If you think you have been taken, you can report the crime to the police—or online through the FBI’s internet crime complaint center.

Activists from around the region will be among the thousands taking part in worldwide demonstrations, designed to spur action on climate change today. In Ukiah a rally is planned for noon at the Mendocino County Courthouse—students from Ukiah High may also participate in a school walkout. Similar rallies are also planned this afternoon in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, Gualala and Lakeport.

The environment will also be the focus this weekend as volunteers in several communities take part in the national “Coastal Cleanup Day” on Saturday. Among those locations—in Point Arena at Arena Cove. That cleanup starts at 9:00 AM and you can find out more on the California Coastal Cleanup day Facebook page. There is another cleanup Saturday along the banks of the Russian River. Organizers of the cleanups say trash ANYWHERE along the shore can have an effect on the aquatic environment—even miles away.

With harvest season here, some vineyards in the North Coast think that they could be facing a tough year. That’s because last year saw a record crop, wine sales are generally down and the industry is waiting on a proposed 1.7 billion dollar merger between a merger of two big wine companies—EJ Gallo and Constellation Brands. Many growers sell grapes to both companies which is leading to uncertainty about who will end up buying locally grown fruit. The glut of grapes isn’t helping either. Last year saw a record setting 2 billion dollar harvest in Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino Counties which has kept prices down. In addition experts say there is little to no growth in the sales of less expensive wines. Taken together, those market factors have some producers afraid that tons of grapes may never make it off the vine this year.

Racers young and old alike will let gravity do the work tomorrow in Clearlake. The City and the Chamber of Commerce will host their first ever Soapbox Derby on the new Dam Road Extension. The first race is at 9:00 Its not just about SPEED down the track either. There is also a division for cars that will be judged for their ART and creativity. Those entries will be judge by a panel of city and county officials. Downtownclearlake.com has all the info.

Some of the soapbox derby entrants are almost old enough to drive the real thing so they need to learn the rules of the road. CHP says it wants to help with a free Start Smart Traffic Safety course for newly licensed teen drivers and their parents or guardians.. That class will be held at the CHP Lake Area Office on Live Oak Drive in Kelseyville on Thursday, October 3th from 5:30 to 7:30. Officers say it’s important that young drivers learn the basics early because education goes helps reduce the number of serious, sometimes deadly, crashes involving teens. You can call the Lake Area CHP office to find out more about the class.

A judge says California CANT block candidates for high political office from being on the ballot just because they haven’t released their last five years of tax returns. That measure passed in July doesn’t specifically mention President Trump, but the court says the President and other candidates would be irreparably harmed without any recourse if they were kept off the ballot just because they don’t show their taxes.

CalTrans says there could be up to 15 delays on a part of Highway 20 in Mendocino County today. Crews will be doing some grinding work from Two Road Lookout to Willits Cemetery Road until 3:00 this

Virus-free. www.avg.com

AM News 9/19/19

Police in Fort Bragg say they’re investigating a reported animal cruelty case. The police department say officers answered a call Thursday afternoon in the 100 block bloc Boatyard Drive, where they say they served a warrant and found a two year old pit bull who was taken to the vet—and later to a shelter where the animal is getting care. Police say they got several tips about the case and while that as of now, no one has been charged or arrested that information has been handed over to the DA for review Investigators want to hear from anyone with additional tips about what might have happened to the dog.

The U S Forest service says a fire ban that had been in effect in the Mendocino National Forest has been lifted. Officials say as of now, anyone with a current California Campfire Permit can legally have open campfires or camp stoves outside designated areas. They say the cooler weather, longer nights and some rain led them to pull back the burn restrictions. In spite of that, the forest service says fire safety should still be top of mind for campers. That includes following guidelines– like making sure the burn area is clear of any nearby flammable material, keeping close watch on your fire and putting that fire completely out before you leave. Those campfire permits are free and available from the forest service, the BLM and CalFire.

A new agreement between CalFire and the Nature conservancy could cut the risk of devastating wildfires. They have announced a memorandum of understanding that stresses the importance of prescribed burns as a forest management tool. Under their plan there will be more training about those burns and more public education about their benefits as well.. Officials say it’s the first time a state firefighting agency and a non-profit environmental group have joined together on a prescribed fire strategy. The Nature Conservancy says the best way to fight wildfires is to practice sound forest management before the flames start.

Officials in Clearlake say the city is missing out on millions of dollars in tax revenue because tax default sales haven’t gone off on a regular schedule. Treasurer Barbara Riggen told the county board of supervisors this week that a tax sale planned earlier this year was canceled but that her office is working on the next one that will take place in March. Clearlake city manager Alan Flora says he’s glad that plans for a sale are moving forward because there are around 3,400 tax delinquent properties in the city—whose owners owe a total of around 5.3 million in back taxes. Ringen says as many as 300 of those properties could go on the auction block in March if those owners don’t pay up

Efforts continue to improve broadband infrastructure in Lakeport. The City council—hearing as report this week from a group that is looking at high speed internet in the city. The Upstate California Connect Consortium says 79 percent of city residents are hooked up to broadband—while the city has set a goal of 98 percent The consortium says reaching that figure will require getting more information from those currently connected—and new policies that encourage providers to expand. City officials say they’re also working with the Lake Country Economic Development Corporation to increased connectivity to the city. Nine providers currently serve Lakeport— but only four of them offer residential service.

The annual Lake/ Mendocino veterans stand down continues today in Lakeport. Around 60 vets showed up at the first day of the stand down on Wednesday, where they were able to get information about programs that are available to them and others who have served. Organizers say the stand down is an important way to reach veterans from any era, many of whom may need assistance but don’t know where to get it. Today’s event runs from 9:00 to 4:00 at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Martin Street.

A new poll says Senator Kamala Harris is well behind in the 20-20 democratic presidential race. The Emerson college survey puts Harris in 5th place among the 21 candidates with 6 percent support of those asked. The poll shows that Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren each come in at 26 percent, while 20 percent favor Bernie Sanders and 7 percent like entrepreneur Andrew Yang.

The president of the University of California is stepping down. Janet Napolitano has led the U C system since 2013 but says the time is right for her to step down. She’ll stay on until August. Before her University job, Napolitano served as homeland security secretary in the Obama administration.

PM News 9/18/19

Fire restrictions in the Mendocino National Forest are being lifted. Effective today, park visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit can have open campfires and stoves outside of designated campgrounds. The Forest service says cooler weather, longer nights and a bit of rain have reduced the extreme fire danger. Even so, officials say people in the forest should follow common sense guidelines to prevent fires from sparking. Among them—keep flammable material away from open flames, never leave a fire unattended and make sure any fire is dead OUT before you leave. The Forest Service also says fireworks are never allowed on public lands.

The Ukiah Unified School District is doubling the number of electric buses in its fleet. The district says funding for three new buses comes from though a 1.1 million dollar grant from the California Energy Commission’s School bus replacement program. Ukiah schools already own three buses that were paid for by another state grant in 2017. Superintendent Deb Kubin says having more energy efficient transportation is good for the environment and also good for the district budget, because fuel costs will be lower. The state says it wants districts to move away from traditional diesel powered buses, especially in rural areas where they tend to be older and less fuel efficient. For now, Ukiah’s 6 electrics will be used on select shorter runs, but as battery technology improves officials hope they’ll someday be able take those buses on longer trips without stopping for a recharge.

The Lake County Board of Supervisors says development of chain retail stores in the county is best handled though a long term update to regulations and not by singling out specific stores or locations. Supervisors have been hearing from residents opposed to Dollar General’s plans to open several new stores in the county. They worry that small local based businesses would suffer once bigger national chains move in. At the board’s regular meeting this week, Supervisors decided against reviewing individual projects and instead asked the county’s community development staff to study an overall revision of county-wide and local area regulations.

The banks of the Russian River in Mendocino County will get a cleanup on Saturday. The County Resource Recovery District is teaming up with the County Water Agency for the volunteer driven project on Saturday starting at 8:30 AM as part of the International Coastal Cleanup Day and the Rotary Club’s Cleaning the Rivers of the World project. Organizers say volunteers should be prepared to walk on uneven riverbanks and deal with possibly getting wet, but those unable to do that can still get involved with base camp operations at Low Gap Park in Ukiah. You can find more information on the Resource Conservation District website. Last year, volunteers picked up more than 17 hundred pounds of trash from the shoreline.

The Trump administration is making it official that it wants to revoke California’s ability to set emissions standards tougher than federal ones. The state was granted a waiver to do that during the Obama Administration and 13 other states have since followed suit. Automakers have long objected to that waiver, saying meeting different standards for every state isn’t practical. Governor Newsom is wasting no time blasting the change. He says the state will fight as hard as it can to keep its current mileage standards in place. A lawsuit is certain, meaning the issue won’t be settled anytime soon.

Governor Newsom has signed AB5—the so called gig worker bill. It changes the rules about who can be called an independent contractor, potentially affecting thousands of people. Among them, drivers for Uber and Lyft, but the ride share companies say they plan to to keep their businesses running the same way for now. The law takes effect January 1st.