CLEARLAKE, Calif. – An enforcement stop which escalated into a vehicle pursuit has resulted in two arrests and the seizure of an assault rifle, metal knuckles and ammunition.

Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office said deputies arrested 55-year-old Derek Boudreaux and Amy Lynn Jonas, 36.

At approximately 3:07 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 27, a deputy was on patrol in the Clearlake area, traveling eastbound on Lakeshore Boulevard in the area of Austin Drive, Brooks said.

Brooks said the deputy was traveling behind a white Chevrolet U-Haul van when he observed the vehicle cross over the fog line, weave within the lane of traffic and continually vary its speed. 

The deputy activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop to ensure the driver was safe to operate the vehicle. Brooks said the driver pulled over and stopped the vehicle on Lakeshore Boulevard, in the area of Emory Avenue.

Brooks said the deputy contacted the driver, who identified herself as Amy Jonas. Jonas told the deputy that she did not have her driver’s license with her. 

A second deputy arrived on scene to assist with the enforcement stop, Brooks said. As the second deputy approached the vehicle he noticed a white male adult lying in the back of the van, who was later identified as Derek Boudreaux. 

The deputies opened the cargo doors to contact Boudreaux, who was unrestrained and riding in the cargo area. Brooks said they immediately noticed two loaded AR-15 type magazines beside Boudreaux’s feet and a rifle barrel under his head. 

As one of the deputies announced the presence of the rifle, Jonas accelerated away. Both deputies ran back to their patrol vehicles and pursued the van, according to Brooks.

Deputies followed the van eastbound on Lakeshore Boulevard to Highway 53 at approximately 65 miles per hour. Brooks said the van turned southbound on Highway 53 and accelerated to approximately 100 miles per hour. 

The van slowed and turned onto 18th Avenue, where it pulled into the parking lot of the St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake and stopped. Brooks said both Jonas and Boudreaux were detained without further incident. 

Deputies searched the van and located the two loaded AR-15 style magazines, along with additional ammunition which appeared to be the same type loaded into the magazines, and metal knuckles which contained a knife blade. Brooks said they were unable to locate the rifle inside the van.

A deputy requested assistance from the Clearlake Police Department and asked if they could search the area along the path of the pursuit. Brooks said personnel from the Clearlake Police Department located the rifle in the 14000 block of Lakeshore Boulevard.

Brooks said the deputies seized the rifle as evidence and noticed that Boudreaux’s name was engraved on the side of the scope which was mounted on the firearm. 

Boudreaux was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of an assault weapon and destroying or concealing evidence, Brooks said, while Jonas was arrested for evading a peace officer and for having an out-of-county warrant. 

Both subjects were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.

Boudreaux's bail was set to $115,000 and Jonas' bail was set at $20,000. Jail records indicated both remained in custody on Wednesday morning.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – After a break for the holidays, county meetings and office hours for those impacted by the Valley fire will resume after the start of the new year.

The Valley Fire Long-Term Recovery Task Force meetings will resume at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Twin Pine Casino Event Center at 22223 Highway 29, Middletown.

Additionally, Valley Fire Long-Term Recovery Coordinator Carol Huchingson will resume open office hours at the Gibson Museum in Middletown on Monday, Jan. 4, between 1 and 3 p.m.

Huchingson’s office hours for January are as follows:

– Monday, Jan. 4, 1 to 3 p.m.
– Monday, Jan. 11, 1 to 3 p.m.
– Thursday, Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
– Thursday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to noon.
– Thursday, Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m. to noon.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Two cats are waiting at Animal Care and Control for new homes as the new year gets set to arrive.

The cats, one male and one female, are ready to spend 2016 with their new families.

In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).

'Baby'

“Baby” is a domestic short hair mix with blue eyes and calico markings.

She's in cat room kennel No. 75, ID No. 4172.

Domestic short hair mix

This male domestic short hair mix has an all-gray coat.

Shelter staff said he is very sweet and just wants attention.

He is in cat room kennel No. 87, ID No. 4065.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol urges the first resolution everyone could make for 2016 is to start the year safely.

Planning for safe and sober rides can be the most important step to take.

The CHP will observe the new year with a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, from 6:01 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016.

All available personnel will be on duty and although the CHP will be focused on impaired drivers, officers will also watch for distracted driving and other infractions such as not wearing seat belts.

“Drunk driving is one of the deadliest crimes we face as a nation,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Make sure the plans for your New Year’s celebrations include a safe way to get home for you and your passengers. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will be arrested.”

During the 2014-2015 New Year’s holiday, 28 people died in collisions on California roadways.

Of the 13 vehicle occupants killed in the CHP’s jurisdiction, seven were not wearing seat belts.

In addition, CHP officers made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence during the 102-hour New Year’s MEP.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that teen drivers are at greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes than any other age group, even though they are too young to buy or possess alcohol legally.

In 2013, 19 percent of the teen drivers involved in fatal crashes nationally had been drinking.

“While you are ringing in the New Year, our officers will be out ensuring 2016 starts safely,” Commissioner Farrow said.

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery has composed a year-end roundup of new legislation that furthers California’s environmental progress in 2016 and beyond.

Among the new statutes taking effect in 2016 are those that improve organics management, create tax incentives to increase the state’s recycling infrastructure, and bolster CalRecycle’s ability to collect recycling and disposal data.

The agency said that each piece of legislation promises to be a valuable tool in implementation of the state’s overall waste management strategy.

“These new laws encourage innovation and strengthen California’s role as the nationwide leader in sustainable living,” CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline said. “We’re excited to work alongside local jurisdictions to support the siting of new recycling-related infrastructure in California. Not only will this effort create new jobs, but it will reduce the amount of readily recyclable materials and organic waste that get sent to landfills and turn these valuable materials into new products, compost, fertilizers, and biofuels instead.”

As part of California’s efforts to combat climate change and  move forward on the ambitious goal of 75 percent recycling, composting, or source reduction of solid waste, CalRecycle is actively working with local government partners and industry to expand California’s recycling infrastructure and keep methane-emitting food and other organic waste out of landfills.

Here’s some of the legislation passed in 2015, or taking effect in 2016 that will help accomplish these goals:

AB 1826 of 2014 - Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling

Beginning April 2016, businesses that generate at least 8 cubic yards of organic waste (food scraps, yard clippings) per week must arrange for the recycling of that waste. The law phases in the requirements on more businesses over time. Beginning January 1, 2016, local jurisdictions will begin implementing organic waste recycling programs to divert organic waste generated by businesses.

AB 199 of 2015 – Alternative Energy: Recycled Feedstock Tax Break

Provides tax exemptions for businesses purchasing recycling and composting equipment. It also expands eligibility for this tax exclusion to equipment that uses recycled feedstock to make new products.

AB 876 of 2015 – Compostable Organics Infrastructure

Requires local counties and regional agencies to include in annual reports to CalRecycle: estimated amount of organic waste over a 15-year period, estimated additional infrastructure required, and locations for new/expanded infrastructure.

AB 901 of 2015 – Direct Reporting Requirements

Provides CalRecycle with enforcement authority for existing disposal reporting requirements and updates reporting requirements for recycling, composting, and solid waste disposal facilities. This will help CalRecycle accurately measure progress toward the 75 percent goal.

AB 1045 of 2015 – Organic Waste Composting Promotion

Requires the California Environmental Protection Agency, CalRecycle, the State Water Resources Control Board, the State Air Resources Control Board, and the Department of Food and Agriculture to develop and implement policies that keep organic waste out of landfills and promote composting and alternative uses for that material.

In 2015, CalRecycle also finalized its revised compost regulations. The regulatory framework is a critical component to successful organic waste diversion efforts.

Those revised compost regulations can be found at http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/laws/regulations/title14/ch31.htm .

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – We are right at the beginning of the breeding season for North American river otters (Lontra canadensis), so you will probably be seeing a lot of them in and around local rivers, streams, wetland areas, ponds and lakes throughout the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region.

Related to weasels, otters are both “endemic” to North America and “crepuscular.” This means they’re found here in North America and nowhere else in the world, and that they are most active at dusk and at dawn.

During the winter months, though, you should be able to see otters swimming, fishing, and searching for mates during the daytime hours.

By the way, that “play” activity you see them doing – romping, wrestling, chasing and rolling over each other – is actually learning behavior.

Through their games, otters learn how to survive, how to fight and hunt, and how to, well … be otters.

Although they may, at first glance, seem somewhat gangly on land, they can actually run at speeds of up to 29 miles per hour – and slide on their bellies even faster. In the water, they tend to swim at speeds around 8 or 9 miles per hour.

When fishing or wrestling, otters can stay underwater for about eight minutes, and their ears and nostrils clamp shut to keep the water out.

Those long whiskers you see on the otter’s face are called “vibrissae” and help the otter to feel what’s around it in murky water.

The otter’s feet are also highly sensitive to touch, and it has heightened senses of smell and hearing. 

Although a lot of otter communication is done through scent-marking, they can also vocalize with a wide variety of sounds: growling, barking, whistling, chuckling, purring and grunting.

Their “alarm call” is actually like a super-loud sneeze: the otter will force air out through its nostrils with a kind of concussive force.

Most of the groups of otters you see during the fall and winter months consist of a mother otter, her children (“pups”) and helpers (other females and pups not related to the main female in the group).

A group of otters, by the way, is called a “bevy” or a “raft” (when they’re in the water).

During this time of the year, the males will den separately from the females in loose-knit bachelor groups when they’re not seeking lady-friends.

Otters are not territorial and don’t mind sharing space with other otters even during the breeding season.

River otters breed between December and April, and the mama otter can have up to six pups in a litter. Pups are born fully furred, but can’t see or hear until they are about a month old.

Unlike European otters, female North American otters can actually delay the implantation of fertilized eggs for up to eight months.

So although her pregnancy itself will last only about two months, it could be 10 months to a year between the time she was breed and the time her pups arrive.

Because of this, it’s difficult to tell which female otters are pregnant and which are not until right before they’re ready to give birth.

Mother otters need a place to stay where they can rest and have their babies, but they are loathe to building anything for themselves and often take over the abandoned beaver dens or burrows of other animals.

If there’s no vacancy anywhere, otters will use whatever else is available such as hollow logs. Once the otters establish themselves, their home is referred to as a “holt.” The holt usually has several entrances, including at least one that leads directly to a water source.

Otters are highly susceptible to water pollution and will leave an area where the water has been tainted, so having active otters in our area is an indicator that we have healthy aquatic habitats in our region for them to use.

Be mindful, then, that when you flush oil, pesticides and other toxins down your driveway into the gutter, you might be contaminating the very water systems on which these beautiful creatures rely.

If you’re lucky enough to see some otters in the wild this season, please share your photos on Tuleyome’s Facebook page.

“Tuleyome Tales” is a monthly publication of Tuleyome, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization based in Woodland, Ca. Mary K. Hanson is a Certified California Naturalist and author of “The Chubby Woman’s Walkabout” blog. For more information about Tuleyome, visit www.tuleyome.org .

ACCUWEATHER GLOBAL WEATHER CENTER – AccuWeather reports  storms will take a little break across the nation as colder air expands southward and eastward for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

“The vast majority of the nation will be free of precipitation as 2015 comes to a close and the first hours of 2016 unfold,” AccuWeather Chief Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.

Exceptions to the dry weather will be spotty snow and flurries downwind of the Great Lakes. Cities that may experience some snow include Sault Saint Marie and Kalamazoo, Michigan; South Bend, Indiana; Cleveland; Erie, Pennsylvania; and Buffalo and Watertown, New York.

In terms of rainfall, areas from northern and central Florida to the Georgia and Carolina coasts can expect some rain showers. Spotty showers will also affect part of South Texas.

Even though no precipitation is in the offing across much of the Midwest and Plains, there may still be travel trouble in the wake of the major storm that recently hit the area.

Major rivers will be on the rise and in flood stages over portions of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas and Oklahoma. People will still be reeling from the aftermath of severe storms and tornadoes from the southern Plains to the Tennessee Valley.

Melting and refreezing in areas where there is extensive snowcover can lead to icy spots on secondary roads and sidewalks from New Mexico and western Texas to Minnesota and northern New England.

Meanwhile, chilly air will continue to hold on over much of the West.

Around midnight New Year's Eve, temperatures will be within a few degrees of 50 F in Los Angeles and falling through the 30s in Las Vegas. The temperature will be close to the freezing mark in Seattle.

Temperatures in much of the central United States will be lower than they have been during many calendar days in November and December.

Gusty winds will add to the chill around the Great Lakes and northern Plains.

In Chicago, temperatures will be in the teens around midnight on New Year's Eve, which is several degrees below average. AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures will be in the single digits.

Temperatures in New Orleans will be typical for the middle of the night in early January, with readings in the middle 50s likely.

The temperature will still be higher than average for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 along much of the Atlantic Seaboard. The average daytime high in New York City for New Year's Eve is 39.

According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek, “At midnight in Times Square, New York City, the temperature will be hovering near 40.”

Temperatures will be within a few degrees of 70 in Orlando.

Colder air will continue to flow into the South and East during the first few days of 2016.

Alex Sosnowski is senior meteorologist for www.AccuWeather.com .

On Monday California Attorney General Kamala Harris issued an information bulletin to California law enforcement agencies outlining new responsibilities under state law to report incidents involving shootings or any use of force that results in serious bodily injury or death of a civilian or a peace officer.

AB 71, introduced by Assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez in December 2014 and supported by Attorney General Harris, requires all California law enforcement agencies starting Jan. 1, 2016 to begin collecting data on incidents involving the shooting of a civilian by a peace officer, the shooting of a peace officer by a civilian, as well as data on incidents involving use of force by a civilian/peace officer against the other that result in serious bodily injury or death.

An annual report of data must be submitted to the California Department of Justice beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

“As a career prosecutor, I have always known one central truth: the public and law enforcement need each other to keep our communities safe. I am proud to implement landmark legislation requiring reporting from law enforcement agencies to the California Department of Justice on shooting and use of force incidents,” said Attorney General Harris. “California is leading the nation in promoting accountability through open data, which will strengthen trust between law enforcement and the communities that we are sworn to protect.”

As a part of the bulletin, the Attorney General distributed a use of force incident template to inform law enforcement agencies and officers of the required data fields that must be submitted to the Department of Justice.

This template was created with input from stakeholders including Assemblyman Rodriguez’s office, California law enforcement associations, state and local law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups.

The template and its accompanying instructions are also available on the California Law Enforcement Web and on the California Department of Justice Web site: http://oag.ca.gov/law .

In order to make reporting less cumbersome for officers, the Department of Justice will be working with select law enforcement agencies to develop and field test a Web-based data collection system that will allow law enforcement to track and submit use of force data electronically.

Once user tested and accepted, all law enforcement agencies will be able to track data internally as well as report data electronically utilizing this system.

This new Web-based collection system will dramatically improve the quality and efficiency of data collection by the department, officials said.

In 2017, use of force data collected by the Department of Justice under the new law will also be published on the Attorney General’s OpenJustice Dashboard and Data Portal, which was launched in September 2015. OpenJustice is a first-of-its-kind criminal justice open data initiative that releases unprecedented data and provides user-friendly visualization tools.

The dashboard spotlights key metrics and embraces transparency in the criminal justice system to strengthen trust, enhance government accountability, and inform public policy. Attorney General Harris began by releasing data on: (1) deaths in custody, (2) arrest rates and (3) law enforcement officers killed and assaulted.

Since January 2015, Attorney General Harris has taken several steps to strengthen the trust between law enforcement and California communities.

These actions include:

– Directing the Department of Justice’s Division of Law Enforcement to conduct a 90-Day Review of its special agent trainings on implicit bias and use of force.
– Initiating a body camera pilot program for DOJ special agents.
– Convening law enforcement, youth, and community organizations to facilitate discourse about the best ways to cultivate trust and positive relationships.
– Creating the 21st Century Policing Working Group to foster discussion regarding implicit bias and building community trust, and to share best practices.
– Launching OpenJustice, a first-of-its-kind criminal justice open data initiative that is releasing unprecedented information with a focus on being interactive and highlighting data stories.
– Training Police Executives from 29 different law enforcement agencies in a Principled Policing Course, a POST Certified Training on Implicit Bias and Procedural Justice.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The historic Middletown Community United Methodist Church, located at 15155 Armstrong St. was constructed in 1871.

Modern, for its time, it was heated back then with a wood stove.

One of the church's first ministers was Rev. W. E. Read, who hailed from Sullivan County, Missouri.

Prior to his post in Middletown, Rev. Read worked at the Mt. Zion Church in Colusa County in 1876.

According to the book, “History of Napa and Lake County,” Rev. Read traveled to Lake County in May 1881 after his house in Red Bluff was consumed by a fire there.

The book describes him as, “an earnest, eloquent preacher, a zealous, indefatigable worker, and, during the summer, made a record in his avenue of work.”

In an undated newspaper article on the Gibson Museum Web site, Rev. Read's place of residence was in the Kearsage Hotel in Middletown, of which a portion thereof was utilized as an Indian missionary school.

The Middletown Community United Methodist Church was once called the Church of the Pioneers, and also, the Middletown Methodist Episcopal Church.

When little Middletown was planned way back when, a plot of land was slated for a tiny wooden structure which the settlers found, soon enough, to be too small.

Next, a stone structure was planned and built, then dedicated on Oct. 9, 1893.

For more information about this beautiful part of Lake County's past and present, visit these Web sites:

– The United Methodist Church: http://www.middletownmethodist.org/index.htm ;
– Gibson Museum & Cultural Center: http://www.cgibsonmuseum.com/ .

Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is an educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also writes for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Cobb man has been convicted of illegally killing a deer on a local resort property, and must now pay a large fine due to a recent law that enhances penalties for killing trophy animals.

On Dec. 14 Warren Nyle Fox was convicted and sentenced for illegally hunting on the Hoberg's Resort property on Cobb Mountain, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.

On. Aug. 16 California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wardens Ryan Stephenson and Keith Smith received a report that Fox was hunting deer by illegally baiting them with grain, Hinchcliff said.

Hinchcliff said the wardens responded and waited for Fox to return from hunting on his ATV so they could contact him about the report.

At about 8:30 p.m. the wardens intercepted Fox returning to his residence and found a large four-by-four point buck deer on his ATV that appeared to be a “trophy” class deer. Hinchcliff said the deer was not tagged.

On the back of the ATV wardens found an empty bag of grain, and Fox denied that he was illegally baiting deer and claimed he had just found the empty bag, Hinchcliff said.

Hinchcliff said the wardens also received information that Fox had also shot a different deer the day before but  could not find it.

Warden Smith then went to the property where the hunting occurred to conduct a search and found a pile of grain on the ground, along with a gut pile from the deer on the ATV, and a very small dead one-by-two point buck lying only a short distance from the grain pile, Hinchcliff said.

Confronted with the evidence, Fox then admitted to officers that he had been illegally baiting and shooting deer, and showed them where the events took place. It was determined Fox was only 20 yards from the grain pile when he shot the deer, according to Hinchcliff.

Fox claimed he could not find the small buck when he shot it and did not intentionally leave it to waste, but wardens found it lying only 20 yards from where Fox shot at the buck. Hinchcliff said the wardens also checked the stomach contents of the four-point buck and found grain appearing to match the grain found in the grain pile.

Hinchcliff, who oversees all fish and wildlife prosecutions in Lake County, said he charged Fox with illegally taking deer within 400 yards of a baited area, wanton waste of a game animal, failure to tag a deer after killing it and illegal possession of a deer.

In 2012 Fish and Game Code section 12013.3 was implemented in California, enhancing fines that can be imposed for illegally taking a “trophy” game animal under certain circumstances. However, the statute failed to define what is considered a “trophy.”

Hinchcliff and the wardens had the deer horns scored by a certified Boone and Crockett Club measurer.

The Boone and Crockett Club keeps records of scores for what it considers to be a “trophy” animal for various species.

The minimum score for a trophy blacktail deer in the Boone and Crockett Club is 125 points. The four-by-four point buck Fox killed scored 145 points, Hinchcliff said.

Hinchcliff said he also charged Fox with killing a trophy deer under the new penalty enhancement section.

At a Dec. 14 appearance before Judge Michael Lunas, Fox pleaded no contest to illegally killing a trophy deer within 400 yards of a baited area, Hinchcliff said.

Judge Lunas placed Fox on three years' probation, revoked his hunting privilege for three years and ordered him to pay a fine of $8,530, according to Hinchcliff.

Hinchcliff said Lunas also ordered the horns for the buck to be forfeited.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A storm coming from the Gulf of Alaska is expected to bring more snow to Northern California.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Sunday about the possibility of snow overnight and into Monday morning.

The forecast calls for a dusting of snow for interior Northern California as the result of a cold – but not particularly wet – winter system arriving overnight.

Forecasters are predicting snow levels to lower to a couple of hundred feet elevation into Monday morning.

Now is expected to end in the lower elevations by Monday afternoon, but will continue over the higher Sierra elevations until later in the day.

The specific forecast for Lake County calls for snow in the higher elevations, such as above Upper Lake near the High Glade Lookout, with rain more likely in the low-lying areas.

However, Lake County residents on Sunday evening were already reporting that they were getting snow, especially in areas such as Cobb.

Travelers are urged to be prepared for slick roads at lower-than-normal elevations.

In Lake County, the rest of the week, including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, is forecast to be mostly clear and sunny.

Daytime highs this week will be in the low 50s and lows in the high 20s, according to the forecast.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – There is a big group of dogs waiting at Lake County Animal Care and Control, hoping to start the new year with new homes and families.

The dogs available for adoption this week include mixes of American Bulldog, Australian Shepherd, border collie, cattle dog, dachshund, Dalmatian, hound, husky, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, pit bull, pointer, Sharpei, shepherd and terrier.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

'Digger'

“Digger” is a male terrier and Sharpei mix with a short tan coat.

He was found on Lakeview Drive in Nice.

Shelter staff said he always comes to the front of the kennel, wiggly and happy. He has no food aggression, allowed them to pull at his feet and tail with no problems and he gets along great with female dogs.

He's in kennel No. 4, ID No. 3693.

Labrador Retriever-Dalmatian mix

This male Labrador Retriever-Dalmatian has a short black coat with white markings.

He also has one blue eye and one brown eye.

Shelter staff said he has a low energy level and is good with other dogs, having come in with the dogs in kennels No. 8 and 10.

He's in kennel No. 5, ID No. 4138.

Hound mix

This male hound mix has a short white coat with brown markings.

He's in kennel No. 7, ID No. 4165.

'Parkah'

“Parkah” is a male shepherd-retriever mix.

He's a handsome fellow with a short tan coat with white and black markings.

Shelter staff said he would do well in a home with no other dogs.

He's in kennel No. 8, ID No. 4220.

Border collie-husky mix

This female border collie-husky mix has a short gray and white coat.

She's in kennel No. 9, ID No. 4217.

Cattle dog mix

This female cattle dog mix has a short white coat with black markings, and one brown and one blue eye.

Shelter staff said she has great manners, knows how to sit and lie down. She is a little hesitant about being indoors – she may only have been an outside dog – but is adapting well. She's good with other dogs, having come in with the dogs in kennels No. 5 and 8. Based on her evaluation, she seems to like male dogs more than females.

“She will melt your heart in minutes,” shelter staff said.

She's in kennel No. 10, ID No. 4152.

'Cache'

“Cache” has had a rough year. He was rescued from the area of the Jerusalem fire this summer and adopted, but later returned because of an issue with his adopter's cat.

Shelter staff said he's a gentle, mellow giant that is part Leonberger. He's looking for a special person to give him a home for the rest of his life.

Cache is in kennel No. 11, ID No. 3101.

American Bulldog mix

This sweet female American Bulldog mix has a short brown and white coat.

Shelter staff said she is great with other dogs, both male and female, and shows no food aggression. She is a lovely young girl who will thrive in a loving home.

She is in kennel No. 13, ID No. 4185.

Pit bull mix

This female pit bull mix has a short gray coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said she is great with other dogs and is very people friendly, just wanting to sit in your lap. She has a low energy level and would do well in home with children.

She's in kennel No. 18, ID No. 3194.

Pit bull terrier

This female pit bull terrier mix has a short black coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said she was brought in as a stray and is hoping her family will come for her.

She is in kennel No. 19, ID No. 4213.

German Shepherd mix

This male German Shepherd mix has a tan and black coat with white markings.

Shelter staff said he is a beautiful boy who does not have any problems with food aggression, and is tolerant with being handled and having his feet, tail and skin pulled with no problems.

He does fine with other dogs, male or female. He has a lot of potential, and just needs somebody who will work with him.

Find him in kennel No. 22, ID No. 4116.

Shepherd mix

This young male shepherd mix has a short tricolor coat.

He has a sweet, smiley face, according to shelter staff.

He's in kennel No. 23, ID No. 4219.

Pit bull terrier puppies

Four female pit bull puppies are available to new homes.

They are in kennels No. 26a and Nos. 26b, ID Nos. 4110 and 4228.

Shepherd-pit bull terrier mix

This young female shepherd-pit bull terrier mix has a short brown brindle coat.

Shelter staff describe her as a cuddle bug. She has no food aggression and gets along well with cats. While she gets nervous around more excited dogs, when introduced to a calmer shepherd mix, she was much more comfortable with him. She would love someone who is calm and patient with her.

She is in kennel No. 27, ID No. 4201.

Shepherd-Australian Shepherd mix

This male shepherd-Australian Shepherd mix has a black coat with tan and white markings.

Shelter staff said he is a handsome and sweet boy.

He's in kennel No. 31, ID No. 4197.

Labrador Retriever-shepherd mix

This male Labrador Retriever-shepherd mix has a short tan and black coat.

Shelter staff said he has no food aggression, and does fine with female dogs. He is very scared in the animal control environment, and needs to go home to a loving family. He is great with people, and just needs some one on one time to come out of his shell.

He's in kennel No. 33, ID No. 3861.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.