News – 03/27/19

[ category 94.5 K-Wine News]

All Crab fishing gear is being hauled to shore. Commercial fishermen have to grab their Dungeness crab traps, ropes, lines and nets a couple months early due to a settlement agreement between the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Center of Biological Diversity. The season is supposed to end officially April 15th so all gear has to be out of the ocean. It’s supposed to go to July, but a lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity a couple years ago claims the state agency violated the Endangered Species Act and caused sea turtles and whales to get entangled in lines. And besides the early end to the season, some districts, south of Mendocino County and in Monterey Bay will have to end next season even earlier, April 1st, because they’re considered “hot spots for whales.”

The completed Mendocino Cannabis Cultivation Ordinance is headed to the Department of Planning and Building Services. It was a unanimous decision for the board of supervisors to amend the county code so the Planning Dept. will now oversee Cannabis permit processing. The county says this will help streamline the process just ahead of the next phase of the Cannabis Cultivation Application submission process April 1st. There are still 800 cannabis permit applications with the Agriculture Dept and many more are expected. The Mendocino County CEO Carmel Angelo says most of those working in the dept. will just move offices.

A community forum for the Ukiah Unified School District. The meeting tonight even though the schools superintendent says they normally don’t see a lot of people show up for the yearly event, they’re hoping to hear from “parents, staff, students and other community members” to brainstorm ideas to bolster student achievement. The school district has been trying to boost attendance and reading and math achievement. They’re also working on cracking down on vape use and bullying. The forum tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the UUSD office at 511 S. Orchard Ave.

A $3 million dollar loan for the Millview County Water District for well access. The loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program so the water district can buy property for the access. The water district doesn’t own the water rights at four wells so they can’t service them. The money as a quote, “investment for infrastructure”. Previous loans in Mendocino County at as much as $35 million from the agency for homeownership and affordable apartments, business investments and re-lending programs to increase economic development and add support for improved infrastructure and community facilities.

Everyone agrees to pass a hazardous vegetation abatement ordinance in Lake County. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously yesterday on the ordinance, so now it will go into effect in 30 days. It declares hazardous vegetation a “public nuisance” and part of a “preventative action plan” against any future wildfires in Lake County. It means property owners in unincorporated areas of the county get 30-day notices to get rid of any fire hazards on their land and if they don’t, it’s a misdemeanor, but it could mean daily recurring administrative fines and jail time.

The back and forth with PG& E on its plan to bonus some employees during its bankruptcy case as some fire victims are still in shelters. Objections in court yesterday after the utility company asked the bankruptcy court a couple of weeks ago to reward about 10,000 employees $235 million this year. The company already roundly criticized for a plan to bonus some for 2018, the year of the deadliest fire ever in Calif. history, which may or may not have been caused by PG&E equipment. The money could still be paid out in short term incentives. Lawyers for 3,500 wildfire victims are objecting. The trustee for the utility is requesting proof the incentives are essential and who is getting them, corporate insiders or rank-and-file workers.

Vaccinating kids may fall to state public health officials, not doctors, if lawmakers have their way. Legislation announced yesterday to allow state and county health officials to take away medical exemptions from doctors if they’re fraudulent or contradict federal immunization standards. Lawmakers say it’s needed because there are some doctors helping parents avoid vaccinations as there’s a near epidemic of measles outbreaks in New York, Washington and elsewhere. Some parents in Calif. though say the measure’s not needed because the state already has a high immunization rate. But non-medical immunization exemptions were supposed to stop in 2016. Legislators looking at the law in West Virginia where public health officials decide who qualifies for medical exemptions.

Approval for four new zones of benefit in Lake County to address vegetation and reduce wildland fire risk. The zones in the Kelseyville, specifically Buckingham, the Clear Lake Riviera, Riviera Heights and Riviera West. Supervisor Rob Brown got the plan together, talking to property owners in the four areas. They’ll make a onetime payment of $100 per lot of less than an acre, $200 for one to five acres, and $300 for five plus acres. The money that comes in from that would pay for the cleanup of properties deemed a high fire risk, then property owners would repay cleanup costs with liens against their land.

The brand new main spillway at the Oroville dam may be about to get in real life testing. This due to heavy storms expected in the Feather River basin. The Dept. of Water Resources is preparing for the use of the main spillway possibly as soon as next week. They have to first notify all regulatory agencies, local law enforcement and local elected officials ahead of its possible use. They’ve got to also take out construction equipment from the spillway chute and remove a temporary road under the main spillway which was being used during construction. They’ll also run temporary cameras and lights to watch the spillway up close as the first water comes down the chute.

A man in Hawaii is not allowed to drink any more Pepsi for a while because of his car theft arrest. 21-year-old Christopher Montilliano Jr. arrested in Maui last summer and told cops his cousin let him drive the car so he could go buy soda. But now he’s being punished for it, he’s not allowed any Pepsi for four years after admitting it’s his favorite soft drink. He also got 100 hours of community service and a $100 fine for the car theft after pleading no contest to charges of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and driving without a license.

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28 December, 2018 16:13

Two members of the Ukiah City Council have voted against issuing Garton Tractor a permit for more space to service farm equipment. The extra space is needed due to the volume of work, and waits of up to ten weeks. The Daily Journal reports that it was concerns over close proximity to the Ukiah Municipal Airport that motivated the members to vote the request down. Council member Doug Crane had concerns about weather or not the FAA and the Mendocino County Airport Land Use Commission had seen the plan.

Roof replacement for high priority buildings is now a priority for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors after it’s meeting earlier this month. Specifically, the roofs on the Administration Center, Mendocino County Jail, Emergency Operations Center and Jail Programs buildings. Planning is underway for the Main Jail building and the Emergency Operations Center Building at estimated costs of $865,000 and $700,000 respectively.

A warning to Lake County residents about a scam reported to the California Highway Patrol’s Kelseyville office on Wednesday. A man came in reporting that his girlfriend had been kidnapped for ransom. CHP investigated, finding the woman safe and sound. The scam, which involves a phone call saying a family member is being held captive is not new, but it is popping up again locally. The FBI says indicators that a call is a scam are area codes 787, 939 and 856, or Puerto Rico. Callers make an attempt to keep you on the phone and prevent you from calling or finding the alleged victim.

A reminder by Ukiah Police to never leave your car running and unattended after a 2003 Honda accord stolen as it warmed up outside a home on Ford Street on Wednesday. The car was found by police in a Wall Mart parking lot on Airport BLVD less than an hour later. Two suspects were found near the car going through it’s contents and were booked into the Mendocino county jail.

Looking for easier access to research, the University of California is challenging what they see as an outdated subscription model now that their contract with the largest journal publisher is about to expire. UC is threatening to drop all subscriptions with Reed Elsevier, meaning that if the there is no agreement reached, over 20,000 faculty and over 250,000 students will lose wide access to new research. The hope is that other large facilities will do the same thing, lowering the cost of access to the research and forcing a more open system of sharing information.

Since 2011, Governor Jerry Brown has pardoned 1332 inmates, far more than previous governors. The governor added 143 to the tally this week, a total 273 for the year. He also ordered evidence in a 1983 murder case that sent Keith Cooper to death row after the murder of four people in Chino Hills to be reviewed.

Willits Police got several calls reporting a possible drunk driver on Saturday, one caller saying the driver had just swerved off the roadway. A Willits police officer who was on a different DUI call left and went to investigate the reports on Sherwood Road. When he arrived, he tried getting the woman in the car to get out, but she put the car in gear, knocked the officer down and dragged him 30 feet under the vehicle. Mendocino County Sheriffs deputies were able to get the officer out from underneath the car and he was transported to Howard Memorial Hospital. He suffered only minor injuries, and was released on Sunday. The woman was arrested for DUI.

New gun laws go into effect in California with the start of the new year on Tuesday. The laws prevent anyone younger than 21 from buying rifles or shotguns unless they are military, law enforcement or licensed hunters. Anyone with a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction will also be banned from owning a firearm. A law going into effect in July requires background checks for ammunition purchases. One that takes effect in January of 2020 says that anyone who has been hospitalized for mental health issues more than once in a year will also be banned from owning guns.

A report out yesterday concluded that a bank established for the cannabis industry would put state funds and workers at risk, possibly tanking an effort to establish a public bank for marijuana companies in California. The issue according to experts, is that since marijuana is still illegal under federal law, most banks wont open accounts for businesses in the sector.

Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County is hoping to open a no wast factory to manufacture walls and floors for prefabricated homes. They hope to obtain a warehouse in Central Santa Rose for the project, with the goal of building out 600 new homes in Sonoma County over the next eight years where over 5300 homes were destroyed in recent fires.

News – 11/12/18

[category 94.5 K-Wine News]

7 men in Clearlake have been arrested after a search warrant is served and police find several hundred of pounds of marijuana and weapons. Edi Avila-Castaneda of Clearlake, Alejandro Cortez-Cornejo of Clearlake, Edgar Garcia-Ramirez of Clearlake, Gilberto Ramirez-Pineda of Clearlake and Roberto Villasenor of Atwater all detained, then a seventh man tried getting away out a window, Jesus Aleman-Sosa, but he was caught. Police say they also found an assault rifle, body armor, hi-capacity pistol and rifle ammo, military clothing, equipment, and firearm components,. They found marijuana greenhouses, four pounds of meth and more marijuana. The seven all booked into jail on multiple charges including possession of controlled substance for sale, possession of narcotics for sale, committing a felony while armed and possession of marijuana for sale.

A young man in Gualala arrested for attempted murder and assault against his father. Police say they got a call to a report of a gunshot victim, finding Eugene Henderson. The person who called in the shooting reported 18 year old Acea Henderson shot his dad after an argument which got heated. Deputies say the younger Henderson also broke out a window to his dad’s car, got a gun and shot his dad in the upper chest. Another family member took dad to the hospital and hid the rifle. Dad’s reported in stable condition. Then deputies were called back to the home for another assault, but the father was not prosecuting. Acea was found and arrested anyway and charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon and held on a bail of $250,000.

Trash being picked up along Orr Creek turns up signs of a homeless encampment. The trash pickup below Low Gap Road where there was a cooking pit found, piles of clothes, food containers, toys, batteries and other trash. Pac Out Green Team organized the cleanup. The encampment found by mistake. 2nd District Supervisor John McCowen also apparently cleans the area with and without organized cleanups.

The Mendocino County Child Support Services Department is getting a makeover. The Daily Journal reports some of the proposed changes would include getting an assistant Child Support Services director; adding and deleting other positions and getting approval to lay off a full-time chief child support attorney, and sharing some services with Sonoma County. The shared services agreement would include legal services. The county’s reportedly looked at Mendocino’s caseload and was confident they could cover it too. There would also be no financial cost to Mendocino as the state picks up the tab.

An official Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony at Ukiah Cemetery. Not happening today on Veterans Day, but instead, December 15th. It’s one of the 1,400 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day. The local event in coordination with local 4-H clubs and volunteers for the Wreaths Across America mission of “Remember, Honor, Teach”. Some teenagers from 4-H representing the Ukiah Shamrocks and the Redwood Valley/Calpella 4-H Clubs are planning the event at the cemetery which starts at 9 AM.

The newest and most destructive fire in California history still burning. The Camp Fire has killed 29 people. Massive fires burning in Northern and Southern Calif. for a total of 31 dead. The Butte County Sheriff reports nearly 230 people are missing too. There are ten search and recovery teams in Paradise, which was practically decimated Thursday. They’ve brought in a mobile DNA lab and anthropologists so they can try to identify victims. A missing persons call center was quickly set up and the Governor’s requesting help from the federal government. Winds were expected to die down today, but there’s no rain in the immediate forecast. Those with missing family members were being urged to register their names. More than 6,700 buildings were destroyed by the Camp Fire, almost all of those are homes. The fire is 25 percent contained.

The CHP continues their distracted adult driver campaign. A yearlong grant is paying for the program utilizing education and enforcement. The program with the help of the California Office of Traffic Safety. The program will have the CHP on at least 60 distracted driving enforcement operations and they’ll hold almost 500 traffic safety presentations across the state by the end of September 2019.

An apartment building in Lakeport has a lot of damage after a fire. The Bel Aire Apartments went up in flames last night. A local caught video of the fire and shows firefighters on the scene and cops knocking on doors to evacuate people. The fire was out, but then reignited inside the roof. The police department had shut down several roads surrounding the building on N. Main Street.

News – 11/08/18

[category 94.5 K-Wine News]

Due to dangerous fire conditions with high winds in both Northern and Southern California, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is prepositioning fire resources including fire engines, firefighters and emergency dispatchers in several counties. Orange, LA, Ventura, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Bernardino and Lake Counties will have proactive measures in place which will be reevaluated every twelve hours then extended as necessary depending on weather conditions. This as the National Weather Service forecasts unusually low relative humidity and winds of up to 60 miles an hour or higher in isolated areas. There’s Red Flag weather conditions in parts of Southern California, the East Bay Hills and North Bay Mountains with the strongest winds expected tonight into tomorrow and critical fire conditions through tomorrow, weakening late Friday into Saturday.

Reps from CAL FIRE, Kelseyville Fire Protection District, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, County Administration and folks from the insurance industry to be at a public forum on Fire Mitigation. The focus on the four communities of Buckingham, Clear Lake Riviera, Riviera Heights and Riviera West. The meeting next Wednesday night at 6 at Riviera Elementary School in Kelseyville. Discussion around a proposal for a County Service Area Zone of Benefit as part of the Calif. Government Code to remove brush and fuel sources. Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown of District 5 is hosting the town hall.

For more info (707) 349-2628.

The Mendocino County Air Quality Management District is warning smoke in the air is coming from Butte County. They say it’s from the so-called Camp Fire with air monitors showing particulate matter “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’’ and is getting to the “Unhealthy” range for inland Mendocino County. There are other areas forecast to have some “Moderate” conditions depending on the wind. It could be hovering in the area today and tomorrow until the fire is out, with some relief predicted as soon as Saturday. The Air Quality District says impacts are most noticeable at night to early morning hours.

PM news

category 94.5 K-Wine News

title News 9/28/18

The time for voters to make a decision about weather to support Proposition 6 will be here soon, and a new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California sheds a little light on how voters are feeling right now. The proposition, that would repeal an increase in the state Gas tax, and cut about $5 Billion from the state transportation budget was opposed by only 39% of voters. Respondents of the poll did send a mixed a message though, when half said they’d have no problem voting to repeal. The only question now is weather more voters will come around when they find out there’s a plan to pay for it, which is to divert some tax dollars to road maintenance, ending the stage’s high-speed rail project, and cutting union compensation packages.

The Clearlake Police Department received a report this week from staff at Lake County Behavioral Health about a man threatening to come to the office and shoot employees. 32 year old Michael McDaniel of Spring Vally is accused of calling the office and speaking with two staff members, threatening to come and shoot employees. Police says he has a rap sheet that includes murder, and that they found multiple firearms in his possession. Clearlake Police searched McDaniels home in Spring Valley, and later found him at a neighbor’s house before arresting him for felony criminal threats and booking him into the Lake County Jail.

For over 50 years, a federal fund has been the source of billions of dollars used in developing and acquiring public lands like Trionne-Annadel State Park, and it is being allowed to expire on Sunday. This has California officials concerned because the fund has been a major part of funding used in upkeep around the state, supporting about 30 projects over the years with $7.8 million in funding.

In a move that could only have ended badly, a man at Dublin airport missed his flight yesterday, and tried flagging the pilot down to get on board. Witnesses say the man busted through an airport door, running down the tarmac yelling and waving in an attempt to flag down the plane. Predictably, he was detained and turned over to police. On his way out of the airport, he yelled at media, and swung his suitcase at them, before mooning the crowd. He has a court date in November.

Some tense moments today as a Lake County Sheriff’s School Resource Deputy and Kelseyville High School staff received reports of verbal threats made by two students to shoot other students at the school. All schools in the district were placed under lockdown until the suspects could be found and student safety could be ensured. The suspects were located and arrested for making criminal threats, their parents are cooperating with the investigation.

Back in Oct 2017, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors commissioned a study to try and find out which employees are underpaid, and overpaid- to see if any changes could be made. Looking at the cost of labor differences around Mendocino County showed that the city of Santa Rosa had a 12.4% difference in the cost of labor, while Humboldt/Euraka and Lake/Lakeport counties showed 0%. The study recommended that a salary strategy be used to find out the appropriate difference between pay in Mendocino County and pay in Lake County, etc and come up with fair salary and schedules.

A university in Toronto is offering support to any of the 500 students accidentally exposed to a graphic anatomy lesson during a lecture on Introductory Psychology. The University professor was trying to beam his lesson through a projector for his students when the racy video began broadcasting to students who had mixed reactions. Some laughed, others walked out, and some even posted snapchat video of their horrified classmate’s reactions in the packed lecture hall. A university spokesperson says the school is aware of the situation and are encouraging students who are feeling unsettled to speak with staff.

PM News 8/30/2018

A bill circulating at the Capitol would require any public university in the state to offer abortion medication at campus health centers. There’s no school in the University of California or California State University system currently offering any abortion services. Now that the Assembly has approved the measure, it heads to the Senate for a final sign-off. Apparently some private donors are paying startup costs to get equipment for schools which includes ultrasound machines, staff training and a 24-hour hotline for students to ask questions and get emergency referrals. The system would have to be in place by 2022. The medications that instigate abortion is given in a clinic situation, then the patient gets a drug to take at home later. Those who support it say it’s difficult and costly for off campus abortions and those against it say the vote’s a tragedy.

Alternative office hours have been approved by the Lake County Board of Supervisors to save money. The new hours for county offices located in and around the Lake County Courthouse will be Monday thru Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and holidays are closed. That would include the main Administration office, the Assessor-Recorder, Auditor Controller, the Board of Supervisors, Community Development Dept., the County Counsel, Elections office, Information Technology, Public Works and Treasurer-Tax Collector. The ones outside the courthouse are the Department of Public Service, District Attorney’s Office, Special Districts, Lake County Air Quality Management and Child Supportive Services. The change due to average 20 percent staff vacancy rate, low morale and repeated disasters like wildfires.

PM News 8/28/18

Police in Fort Bragg have arrested a man after reports of a domestic assault. Fort Bragg Police report states when police arrived early Sunday they found Silvestre Rivera Nieto unconscious on the ground after being thrown to the ground.  A female victim was was found to be bleeding from several knife wounds. The female victim told police she and Rivera Nieto , had been out drinking and while they were walking home, he suddenly pulled out a knife and attacked her, unprovoked slashing her several times, in her face and hands.  They got into a further altercation on the ground. Once she was able to escape, she ran home where she told her father about the attack.  Rivera Nieto tried to continue his attack on the victim and her father threw him to the ground where he hit his head. Rivera Nieto received medical attention for his injury and was subsequently arrested.

Police and firefighters in Fort Bragg were called to a brush fire in a field across from the hospital.  And when they arrived, they found a small brushy grassy fire was ablaze along the western end of the field near the end of South Street. Once fire personnel arrived they quickly got on the fire which was being whipped up by wind. Officers went to a senior living complex across from the fire and began evacuating residents. Fort Bragg Fire Department Volunteers and CalFire firefighters put the fire out, containing it to the grassland. The tenants were allowed to go return home once the smoke lessened. The fire charred about 3 acres of grassland, and some small trees and bushes. There wasn’t a lot of major damage or loss of property.

A firefighter from Utah working the Mendocino Complex Fire has adopted a dog he found in the wilderness in Northern Calif. Patrick Cullen of the same department where one of his fellow firefighters lost his life, didn’t forget the exhausted, thirsty German Shepherd he saw earlier this month. He had to leave the dog but apparently found him again at the Mendocino County Animal Shelter and found that it could be adopted because nobody had claimed it. Cullen has named the dog Mendo, after the Mendocino Complex fires. The Press democrat reports Cullen saying the dog’s a bright spot in an otherwise sad story after the death of Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett. Burchett died in the Mendo Complex Fire on Aug. 13th after a tree hit him during a retardant drop operation.

News 8/22/18

The U-S Forest Service and Dept. of Interior sending their Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists to the Ranch Fire burn area to finalize the soil burn severity map. The team only on the southern area of the fire, since it’s still burning on the north. What they looked at was more than 191,000 acres, with the rest to be mapped later. So far, it shows about seven percent of the fire perimeter was considered unburned or very low, 27% was low, 59% moderate burn and another 6% was high severity. The assessment teams use the data to show areas where there could be future erosion and water runoff. The teams usually include scientists and specialists who consider emergency stabilization options for critical resources.

The Ukiah Planning Commission will once again take up the proposed construction of a tractor company on Talmage Road. The Daily Journal reports the commission will consider Garton Tractor’s construction permit at their meeting today. The review had been postponed at the last meeting after they approved a Major Site Development Permit last October. But there had been an appeal by a City Council member due to its proximity to the airport. So the size of the building has been reconfigured. The City Council referred the project to the Airport Land Use Commission which ended up being acceptable. The project will be considered tonight at 6 in City Council chambers.

The Mendocino Complex has once again gained acreage and dropped containment. The Ranch Fire’s grown another 6,000 acres, and is 67% contained. The fire’s burned about 357,600 acres. The River Fire stands at just under 49,000 acres and has been totally contained for several days. The complex together is 75% contained and is still expected to be totally contained by Labor Day weekend. The Ranch Fire was growing mostly northeast of Lake Pillsbury and into Glenn County, and in steep, rugged terrain in the north and northeastern areas of the fire area. 157 homes and 120 other structures have burned and another 1,050 structures are threatened. One firefighter was killed last week and a couple others have been injured.

Multiple grants are being applied for in Mendocino County to help with a new hazard mitigation plan and more. The Daily Journal reports the Fire Recovery Director told the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors they were applying for several grants that would also update safety elements and a grant for the Redwood Valley Water Infrastructure Project after the 2017 fires. The money could go to pay for two new staffers that would only be working on fire recovery, so other employees could do their regular jobs.

The latest Mendocino County CEO report to the Board of Supervisors says there were nearly 70 animals that had to be evacuated due to the Mendocino Complex between July 27 and Aug. 15. The report says the animals were from Lake County too and most of the Mendocino County animals were from Potter Valley. 33 cats, 32 dogs, three birds and a lizard were evacuated. There are still three dogs and three cats in Mendocino County not home. Besides that there were also 35 large animals evacuated to the Redwood Riders Arena. 13 horses, 15 goats, two cows, four chickens and a tortoise. There’s still one horse, two pigs and two goats there.

The Clearlake City Council is going to respond to the 2018 Grand Jury Report and will also speak on their own “Nepotism Policy.” The meeting this Thursday will also look at some local appointments to ad hoc committees and development agreements for three marijuana businesses. The Grand Jury report on various topics has to be done by state law within 90 days of getting the Grand Jury Report. The report this time was in the middle of June, so they have until the middle of September.

Retardant dropped after the fires in Lake County may create more weeds and algae. The retardant stops a fire’s growth, but when it rains this winter it could runoff into streams and Clearlake itself. Thousands of gallons of the red stuff dropped by Blue Lakes and Lake Pillsbury. Ash could also bring more invasive weeds. The Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians is taking water samples and sending them to a lab and will reportedly be doing this for months to come. Apparently there’s also concern about fish die-offs after the same has happened from retardant in other lakes after fires.

The Lake County Board of Supervisors says yes, the Lucerne Hotel can be sold. A purchase offer’s been made by the Romero Institute, looking to put a school in the building.  The New Paradigm University was the only bidder at $2.5 million which the Supervisors have given the thumbs up for at their Tuesday meeting. The County Administrative Officer says county staff have to verify the sale conditions before the County moves forward with the sale.  A representative with the Institute at the meeting and thanks the board and others for allowing the university to make its home in Lake County.

Orchard Supply Hardware, the do-it-yourself franchise across the state is closing all stores before the end of the year. A spokesperson for its parent company Lowe’s has confirmed the closures. That means as many as 4,000 people will be without a job and store liquidations are beginning next week. There are more than 40 locations in the Bay Area alone, out of Orchard’s 98 locations. There are others across the state and in Oregon and Florida.

An ex cop accused of being the notorious Golden State Killer is going to trial in Sacramento County. The Orange County D-A says they picked the area because the case is so complex, and taking into consideration Joseph D’Angelo’s rights, location of the crimes and hardship for witnesses and victims. He’s accused of more than a dozen murders across the state in the 1970s and ’80s. They were deciding between six jurisdictions. DeAngelo is facing multiple other charges too including 13 counts of kidnapping and robbery. He had been arrested this spring in Citrus Heights which is of course in Sacramento County. There’s no trial date yet.

A protest at the State Capitol by hundreds of farmers against a proposal to bolster water flows in a major California river, which they say will actually mean less water for farms in the Central Valley. But environmentalists say it’s a good thing, especially as it relates to Salmon fisheries. The State Water Resources Control Board is preparing to discuss a proposal to double the amount of water flowing to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. But it means there would be less water diverted to farms and it would protect the state’s lower salmon population. There were estimates of only 10,000 fall-run salmon in 2017, compared to 70,000 in 1985.

The Governor about to sign a bill the legislature’s approved to stop bail for criminals and instead replace it with a risk-assessment system. That makes Calif. the first state to end a bail system for anyone waiting for trial. So there would no longer be bail set which some state senators say discriminates against low-income people. The author of the bill, Sen Bob Hertzberg of Van Nuys, says the current system is unfair to the poor and that money bail doesn’t make anyone safer or ensure suspects come to court.

Ukiah Police Dog Bugsy has died. The police department announced Bugsy had been sick and having troubles with his legs and found to have a brain infection. They say he wasn’t strong enough to fight the infection and died peacefully surrounded by his family, and handler. He had been a narcotics K9 with the Police Department since 2010. They report over the 7 years with the department he helped bring in multiple drugs and more than $200,000. As of late he was a serving with School Resource Officer De Lapo in the Ukiah Unified School District.

For those impacted by the wildfires in Lake County, the California Department of Social Services has announced help from Disaster CalFresh food assistance. For a family of four that brings in a monthly income of $2,755 a month, they may be able to get as much as $640 in food assistance through the program. Applications are being accepted thru the end of the week and thru Wednesday of next week. The USDA approving the state of California’s request for Disaster CalFresh food assistance as part of the recovery effort in Lake County. The program nationally is known as the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or D-SNAP. Apply thru the Dept. of Social Services in Lake County for your Disaster CalFresh benefits which are distributed thru an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Individuals and families who lived or worked in Lake County may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food assistance if the household experienced at least one of the following as a direct result of the wildfires:

Damage to, or destruction of the home or self-employment business;
Loss or inaccessibility of income, including a reduction or termination of earnedincome or a significant delay in receiving income due to disaster related problems; or
Disaster-related expenses (e.g., home or business repairs, temporary shelter,evacuation, food loss, etc.) that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster benefit period.

Households already participating in CalFresh are not eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food assistance, but may be eligible to receive supplemental benefits, which brings a household up to the maximum allotment level based on their household size. Households already participating in CalFresh may contact their local agency to request supplemental benefits by phone or in person. CalFresh households residing in the following zip codes at the time of the disaster- 95458, 95464, 95485, 95493, 95453, 95423, 95451, 95443, and 95435 will automatically receive supplemental benefits on their EBT card. They will not need to contact Lake County Department of Social Services or visit the Disaster CalFresh site in person to receive this benefit.

WHEN TO APPLY

Individuals and families affected by the wildfires who are seeking food assistance may apply for Disaster CalFresh beginning August 22, 2018, by visiting Lake County Department of Social Services offices. Additional application sites and more information is available at http://www.cdss.ca.gov/Disaster-Help-Center.

In addition, individuals or families with new needs for assistance due to the wildfires may always apply for regular CalFresh benefits and CalWORKs cash aid at their local Social Services Department or online at www.benefitscal.com.

QUESTIONS: CALL YOUR COUNTY

Lake County: (800) 628-5288

The Mendocino Complex fires well over the 400-thousand acre mark. The two fires, at almost 410,500 acres with 7,950 acres tacked onto the total overnight last night into today. The Ranch Fire is the one in the complex still burning with the River fire totally contained. The fires started burning the end of last month burning thru Lake County and gutting 157 homes and 120 other structures. As we’ve been reporting one firefighter from Utah was killed last week, it happened during a retardant drop operation with a tree coming down on him and several others.  The new acreage on the Ranch fire on its north and northeastern sections, apparently some of it though from backfiring operations by firefighters.  The Ranch Fire now has blackened 361,562 acres, and is 67 percent contained with full containment expected September 1st.

There will be no grand jury indictment, instead it’ll be a preliminary hearing in the Golden State Killer and East Area Rapist case. The D-A on the case told CBS Sacramento she’s not going for a grand jury indictment which prosecutors can do so cases go to trial quicker. But instead to a court where witnesses can speak out too. Witnesses will be in the court and speak with the suspect in the room. The prosecutor saying when a grand jury is used the defense cannot cross examine witnesses because they’re not present. She also told the TV station she’s not decided if she will try for a plea deal in the case, saying that’s premature. Several cases against Joseph De Angelo will all be rolled into one case with a trial expected next year or thereafter.

 

News 8/21/18

Two Lakeport City Councilmembers without competitors for their seats could just have their terms renewed without having an election. The City Council to decide at their meeting today if Stacey Mattina and Mayor Mireya Turner will be re-appointed or if there should be an election even though they’re the only candidates who filed to run for their seat’s by the end of the general election nomination period. So by state law, the council could reappoint them, then no election for their seats would be held and no write in candidates would be considered either. Apparently it’s the first time this has happened. If the city decides against an election, it could save them as much as $4,000.

Since a major disaster declaration has been declared by the federal government connected to the Mendocino Complex fires, FEMA can start to help fund those impacted by the fires. Congressman Mike Thompson in town over the weekend, announcing the declaration which means federal funds will be available for those needing to rebuild or repair after the fires. As of yesterday there were about 177 structures that burned and more than 1,000 are still threatened. Residents and business owners with damage or loss can register with FEMA now. Last night a FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team was set up at the Lake County Superior Court answering questions. For more info, http://www. DisasterAssistance.gov.

By smartphone or tablet, use www.fema.gov.

3 people in Lakeport have filed paperwork to be on the School Board. The Record Bee reports due to concerns over student safety, fiscal management of a recent $17 million school bond, and a loss of several teachers, Carly Alvord, Dan Buffalo, and Jen Hanson are trying to get on the school board as a team to fill three vacancies. They say the school system is struggling and they want to help bring qualified professionals to the area. They say they’re concerned about teachers leaving and the school district not being what it used to be so they want to help. The three are endorsed by several parents, teachers and other concerned citizens. For more info, visit http://www.fix-LUSD.com.

Lawmakers have been tackling wildfire related bills for almost a year. The latest effort that was being lobbied by PG&E so they wouldn’t be solely responsible for last October’s fire storm has died. There had been a proposal to decide if utilities and their shareholders would be held responsible for the costs, something known as inverse condemnation, if the companies equipment is found to be associated with the fires. A spokesperson for State Senator Bill Dodd’s office says the provisions of inverse condemnation are not moving forward. Apparently other provisions are being considered including reducing long terms costs for ratepayers instead of having ratepayers on the hook.

Assemblyman Jim Wood upset because there’s been no real movement at the capitol on funding for fire prevention and preparedness even as wildfires burn across the state another season. Wood holding a news conference last week saying the state has historically spent about 2 percent of funding on fire prevention and he wants to see more money coming in for the fight. He’s on the Wildfire Preparedness and Response Legislative Conference Committee which is looking at long term fuel reduction. His co-chair Bill Dodd agreeing that fires need to be stopped before they start. The two agree there has to be more money set aside with Wood saying that should be as much as $300 million a year, guaranteed for fuel reduction.

A man from Clearlake finally sentenced to life in prison for a murder and the injury of two others. Lake Co News reports it’s been thirteen months since Joshua Beavers was found guilty and since then had a motion for a new trial denied for the September 2013 shooting. He got two life sentences for the murder of David Ferrell and the shooting and wounding of Paul Cressy and Rachel Patterson. He was found guilty last June. He got about 102 years to life for several crimes along with the two life terms. The shootings related to a marijuana garden. The motion for a new trial just a couple of weeks ago and denied.

The Mendocino Complex has now burned an unprecedented 400,000 acres. The fire easily the largest to ever burn in the state now at 79% containment. The fire started August 10^th and killed a firefighter from Utah, Draper City Fire Battalion Chief Matthew Burchett who died after being hit by a falling tree near Lake Pillsbury. He was remembered yesterday at a funeral in his home state with hundreds at the service. Both the Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin and Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman were there.  The complex is reportedly burning more into the National Forest toward Lake County’s northern border. It’s still supposed to be fully contained by Sept. 1st. The fire has burned 157 homes and 120 other structures.

A food pantry is opening in Lucerne. The Food Cupboard tomorrow at the First Lutheran Church from 1 to 2 p.m. with not only food, but clothing, toiletries and cleaning supplies for anyone in need. They will also give out pet food in the morning at 10 thanks to donations by those including Orphan Dog, a Lake County-based animal rescue group. The pastor of the church says they care for all of God’s creation. Anyone who is interested in donating can visit the church website www.flclucerne.com.

Divers have recovered the body of a man from San Francisco out of the Russian River near Guerneville. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office reports the man’s body was found yesterday near a vacation rental home where he was staying with friends last weekend. The body in 12 to 15 feet of water near docks. He had been reported missing Sunday night after not showing up for dinner. His personal belongings found on a dock at the edge of the river. A search and rescued dive team and the Russian River and Monte Rio fire departments went searching, finding the body within about an hour. The Coroner’s Office is investigating.

A man from Alabama found guilty of domestic violence, his son shot, over some chicken wings. John Caver found guilty of first-degree domestic violence two years after the attack on his son during a football game they were watching at home in Selma. The two in an argument over the food, Caver’s wife tried to separate the two, but it ended up with the son being shot in the chest. The D-A telling a local news site, it “must have been some really good chicken”. Caver facing 20 years in prison.

PM News 7/27/18

The situation to our north in Shasta county seems to be going from bad to worse. Another firefighter has died in that spreading wildfire that has already taken upwards of 40,000 acres and led to thousands of evacuations. The so called Carr fire now threatens almost 5,000 homes. The smoke is wafting in all directions –even south into Lake county — but forecasters say it shouldn’t cause and health issues because a westerly wind will blow it out to sea this weekend

A judge has tossed out Sonoma County’s sale of a big tract of land for Santa Rosa’s biggest housing project. A superior court judge has sided with neighbors of the former Sutter Hospital campus who say the county was wrong to exempt the land from an environmental review. The county and the developers say they’ll review the ruling and decide if they want to take it to a higher court. They say the project would help the area deal with a housing shortage made worse by the loss of thousands of homes in last fall’s wildfires.

Watch for some roadwork related delays in Lake County next week on Highway 29. Crews will be doing some pavement work at Cruikshank Road overnights starting Monday between 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM.there could be delays of up to 5 minutes while the work is going on. CalTrans has info on that project and others on its website or at 1-800-gas-road