CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A young Kelseyville man was arrested Friday on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Clearlake.

Alex Storkson, 19, was arrested following an investigation by the Clearlake Police Department, according to Sgt. Nick Bennett.

At 12:40 a.m. Thursday Clearlake Police officers responded to St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake on the report of a sexual assault on a 13-year-old female. Bennett said Clearlake detectives were called and took over the investigation.

It was determined the assault had been perpetrated by a male friend of a family member, identified as Storkson, Bennett said.

Bennett said detectives located Storkson at his family residence in Kelseyville on Friday and took him into custody for the sexual assault.

Storkson was booked into Lake County Jail, Bennett said.

Anybody with further information on this case is encouraged to contact Det. Tomas Riley at 707-994-8251, Extension 315.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – On Thursday, Mendocino College President Arturo Reyes received official notice of Mendocino College’s Reaffirmation of Accreditation in a letter from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), a division of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

According to the letter signed by ACCJC President Dr. Barbara Beno, this process “is the most effective means of assuring institutional integrity, effectiveness, educational quality, and student success.”

This accreditation status is being reaffirmed based on a comprehensive evaluation conducted earlier this year.

“The Reaffirmation of Accreditation by the ACCJC validates Mendocino College’s commitment to academic excellence and to providing our students with high-quality educational programs and support services in an inclusive, caring and rigorous learning environment,” said Arturo Reyes, Superintendent/President of Mendocino Lake Community College District. “Our trustees, administration, faculty and staff will be so pleased and excited with this outstanding result.”

“We are excited that the evaluation process affirms district’s processes and practices that have earned the College a solid reputation among peers and recognizes the high-quality, post-secondary education offered at Mendocino. However, this reaffirmation is also a challenge to continue to improve the quality of the college’s programs and services to better serve all students.”

Mendocino was among only seven colleges awarded reaffirmation of accreditation at the June 4 to 6 meeting of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Reyes added, “This achievement would not have been possible without the many dedicated and talented people who teach, work and serve students at all the sites in the Mendocino-Lake District and all those who worked meticulously and diligently to earn this reaffirmation.”

The comprehensive evaluation process includes an Institutional Self-Evaluation Report completed by the college, a comprehensive four day visit by a 12 member review team which results in an External Evaluation Report, and the Commission’s review and final action.

Additional information about Mendocino College’s reaffirmation and accreditation is available at the college Web site, http://www.mendocino.edu/ .

According to CalFire, as of  8:30 a.m. Thursday the Butts Fire is has consumed 4,300 acres with 30% contained with 380 structures threatened. The fire has destroyed two residences & seven outbuildings.

An Evacuation Order remains in effect along Butts Canyon Rd from James Creek Road to Snell Valley Road, as well as the Berryessa Estates.

An Evacuation Advisory is in effect for residents in Lake County on Butts Canyon Road from the Lake County line to Langtry Estates.

The evacuation center is located at the Middletown High School in Middletown (Lake County).

Butts Canyon Rd is closed North of James Creek
2 Miles west of the Lake County line on Guenoc Road/Butts Canyon Road.

The fire is burning in a mix of grass, brush, oak and pine trees in steep, rugged terrain in a rural area of Lake and Napa Counties.

Firefighters are working in extreme conditions, high heat, humidity, with the potential for erratic winds.

Fire Crews continue to defend structures, construct handline and use bulldozers to strengthen control line around the fire perimeter. Damage Inspection Teams are assessing affected properties.

CAL FIRE/Lake Napa Unit, Napa County Fire and Napa County Sheriff's stated great success with evacuations due to local residents being prepared. Every effort is being made to render the evacuated community safe for repopulation.

Napa County Sheriff's, CHP, United States Forest Service, CAL OES, OES Napa County, OES Lake County, PG&E, BLM, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Napa County Fire.
 
Resources fighting the fire include 1067 personnel,
132 engines, 33 fire crews, 4 airtankers, 6 helicopters and 18 dozers.

Cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Local band Whispering Light, featuring Native American flutes and guitars over jazz/rock fusion instrumentals, is kicking off their coast-to-coast tour promoting their new album, “One Tribe.”

Nationally acclaimed Whispering Light is the duo of Native American Music Awards nominee Kevin Village-Stone (Native American flutes, bass, keyboards) and award-winning guitarist Lindy Day (classical, acoustic, electric, saxophone, percussion).

This year, they released their new album “One Tribe” in 220 countries and 37 online retailers including iTunes, Amazon, Google, and Sony.

“The international response to our music has simply amazed us. We now have fans throughout Central Europe, Australia, Japan, the UK, and of course, the U.S. We're looking forward to overseas performances in 2015,” said Day.

Both being formally trained multi-instrumentalists, Stone and Day feature a captivating full-band sound even as a duo.

A recent review from Genwa World Wide noted, “These two musicians have gone deep within the spirit of music and produced a sound that transports the listener to musical vistas that are unique and beautiful. Lindy Day brings her guitars to life. She expands the soul of this music – a guitar magician. Whispering Light is a rare treat not to be missed.”

“We are very excited to perform across the country along with several stops in New York, Lindy's birthplace,” said Stone.

Their tour kicks off at The Fenix LIVE in San Rafael on Sunday, July 6, their official CD release party all weekend at Featherbed Railroad in Nice CA on July 12 and 13, Twin Pine Casino in Middletown for the Wine Adventure weekend July 26 and 27, then to New York.

More dates are being finalized for Chicago, Reno and Lake Tahoe.

“Check our Web site for the latest tour dates, an entire video log of our tour, free downloads and behind-the-scenes footage. We love connecting with our fans,” said Day.

For more information about Whispering Light, visit www.WhisperingLight.com .

For more information on Lindy Day, visit www.LindyDay.com .

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Keith Larkin has been appointed to the position of Cal Fire Northern Region chief.

Larkin's appointment became effective on May 1.

With this appointment, Larkin returns to the North State where he began his fire service career as a seasonal firefighter in 1974 in Cal Fire’s Shasta-Trinity Unit.

Larkin will manage and coordinate fire protection, resource management and management services programs for Cal Fire’s Northern Region, which covers the state of California from Sacramento to the Oregon border and from the Pacific Ocean to the Nevada border.

“Chief Larkin’s four decades of experience in the California fire service will be an asset to our department’s management team as we face what has already been a very busy fire season,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director.

After starting in 1974 as a firefighter, Larkin promoted through the ranks and by 1997, he had attained the rank of battalion chief and worked in that capacity in Cal Fire’s Tehama-Glenn Unit, Madera-Mariposa Unit and the Cal Fire Academy.

In 2000 he promoted to the rank of division chief in Sacramento where he managed the Cal Fire and Office of the State Fire Marshal training programs.

In 2004, Larkin took the position of operations chief for the Tuolumne Calaveras Unit where he was responsible for the management of the Vallecito Conservation Camp, 10 Cal Fire stations, the implementation of two new fire safe councils and three Amador contracts with local fire protection districts.

He also served as the unit administrative officer managing all personnel and budgetary responsibilities.

In the fall of 2005, Larkin promoted to department training chief at the Cal Fire Academy in Ione where he served a dual role managing both the department’s Academy and the Training Program for the department’s 4,300 permanent and 2,400 seasonal employees.

In 2007, he was selected as the unit chief for Cal Fire Fresno Kings Unit and also served as the fire chief for Fresno County Fire Protection District which covered 2,600 square miles, 13 fire stations and an annual budget of over $19 million.

Cal Fire’s Northern Region responsibility includes oversight for 12 Cal Fire Units, 129 fires stations, 195 engines, 32 dozers, 102 inmate fire crews, 10 air tankers, six helicopters and more than 2,500 personnel. His office is located at the Cal Fire Northern Region Office on Airport Road in Redding.

Larkin was born and raised in Weaverville where his mother, Marlene, has lived for more than 60 years.

He has fond memories of his father serving on the volunteer fire department and responding to calls when the town horn sounded late at night.

Larkin has two daughters, Kimberly and Ashley.

SOUTH LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As hundreds of firefighters continue to try to gain control of a wildland fire in Napa and Lake counties, displaced residents and their pets are finding help at an emergency evacuation center at Middletown High School.

The Butts Fire, which began early Tuesday afternoon in Pope Valley and eventually burned into Lake County, had by Wednesday night burned 3,800 acres in steep and rugged terrain, destroyed two homes and seven outbuildings, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire said fire crews have been defending structures, constructing handline and using bulldozers to strengthen the control line around the fire perimeter. Estimated containment remained at 30 percent late Wednesday.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, Cal Fire said.

Approximately 800 personnel from fire agencies around the region, 132 fire engines, 27 fire crews, four air tankers, six helicopters, 18 dozers and three water tenders were committed to the incident by the end of the day Wednesday, according to Cal Fire.

With Cal Fire estimating that 380 structures are still threatened, the agency said evacuation orders remain in effect along Butts Canyon Road from James Creek Road to Snell Valley Road, and the Berryessa Estates area.

Officials said the evacuations were conducted with great success because residents were prepared.

A voluntary evacuation advisory for Lake County – on Butts Canyon Road from the Lake County line to Langtry Estates – also remains in effect.

Cal Fire said officials are trying to expedite residents being able to return to their homes, but in the meantime Red Cross continues to maintain its evacuation center at Middletown High School, 20932 Big Canyon Road.

The center has offered shelter not just to people, but has given safe haven to all sorts of animals – from parakeets to ponies.

Red Cross representative Susanne LaFaver said 30 people stayed in the high school gym or outside on Red Cross-provided cots in order to be near their animals on Tuesday night. Twice that number were expected on Wednesday night.

“We have horses, two at Diamond D Ranch, and other people who have ranches adjacent to the high school have volunteered their property for rabbits, birds and horses if we need it. So far we don’t,” she said.

She said a water sprayer was set up to help the animal stay cool in the hot summer weather.

LaFaver said Lake County Animal Care and Control staff have continued to come by and bring supplies – from animal crates to leashes to pet food.

Lake County Animal Care and Control Director Bill Davidson said his staff had taken over about a dozen or so crates on Tuesday night, but with more people coming in, he called officials in Napa County to get additional crates for animals.

He said on Wednesday Napa County animal officials dropped off 50 more animal crates, and his staff took more food and pet tethers for larger dogs not comfortable in the crates.

Evacuee Cheryl Brown, who lives near Lake Berryessa – the road holding the fire line leads directly to her home – was keeping her three dogs, two of her four cats and two horses at Diamond D Ranch.

“Everybody is just wonderful,” she said. “They came around with clean shirts. I got cat food for my cats, dog food for my dogs and water for my two horses.”

As for large animal evacuation, Davidson said that on Tuesday night the Lake County Sheriff's Office put on alert the Lake Evacuation and Animal Protection, or LEAP, the volunteer group he heads up to respond to major incidents like fires.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, however, Davidson said the group hadn't been activated, but was waiting to be requested.

“We’re all on pins and needles,” he said.

John Lindblom contributed to this report.

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 service of three search warrants last week led to the seizure of 265 marijuana plants, the confiscation of 61 firearms – including dozens of assault weapons – and the arrests of four people, including a man who had stored the assault weapons at his grandmother's home.

Andrew Timothy Chilton, 33, of Upper Lake; Justin Zeno Jones, 33, of Upper Lake; Nadine Louise Whitworth, 61, of Lakeport; and 64-year-old Thomas Michael Whitworth were arrested following the service of three search warrants, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

At 7:30 a.m. last Friday, Jun 27, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force served a search warrant for three properties located in the 14000 block of Elk Mountain Road in Upper Lake, Brooks said. Additionally, a residence located in the 5000 block of Eickhoff Road in Lakeport was secured under the same search warrant and searched.

Brooks said the search warrant was regarding large scale marijuana cultivation operations. All of the locations were owned or associated with Jones and his mother, Nadine Whitworth.

When the detectives arrived at the Upper Lake properties, they located and detained Jones without incident, Brooks said.

During a search of the Upper Lake locations, detectives located and eradicated a total of 122 marijuana plants. Brooks said they also located and seized numerous items of evidence, indicating illegal sales of marijuana.

Located inside a false wall detectives located and seized hundreds of illegal firearm components, which included high capacity magazines for assault weapons. Brooks said the components were purchased from out of state vendors and imported into California.

Brooks said detectives located documents in a safe showing Justin Jones is the treasurer of the Lake County Green Farmers/Lake County Farmers Association, which is known in the community to promote pro-medical marijuana laws.

During a search of the three Upper Lake properties, detectives obtained evidence that Chilton was living in one of the residences. Brooks said Chilton was reportedly renting one of the residences from Nadine Whitworth and was involved in cultivating marijuana with both Whitworth and Jones.

Upon arrival at the Eickhoff residence, detectives located and detained Nadine Whitworth and Thomas Whitworth without incident, Brooks said.

During a search of the property detectives located 95 marijuana plants which they eradicated. They also located approximately 30 pounds of processed marijuana and 11 firearms which were seized as evidence. Inside the residence, Brooks said detectives located $4,500 cash which was seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned of two additional addresses located in the 12000 block of Elk Mountain Road in Upper Lake which were associated with Jones. Both of the properties were reported to be owned by Patricia McIvor, Jones’ grandmother, Brooks said.

At those addresses, Brooks said detectives located and eradicated an additional 48 marijuana plants. They also located a .22 caliber firearm which was seized as evidence.

The investigation led detectives to an address located in the 4000 block of Lakeshore Boulevard in Lakeport, which is occupied by McIvor. Brooks said a search warrant was obtained and served at the Lakeshore address.

Brooks said that during the search detectives located 50 assault weapons, which included four .50 caliber BMG rifles, AK-47 rifles, AR-15 type rifles and a large number of parts used for the manufacture and assembly of assault weapons.

Based on the evidence, all of the firearms located belonged to Justin Jones and were seized as evidence, Brooks said.

Justin Jones was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of high capacity magazines, armed while in the commission of a felony, possession of an assault weapon and importing / manufacturing assault weapons, according to Brooks.

Nadine and Thomas Whitworth were arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and for being armed while in the commission of a felony, Brooks said.

Brooks said Chilton was arrested for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and for being armed in the commission of a felony.

All four subjects were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked. Jail records indicated bail for each of them was set at $15,000, with all four later being released after posting the required percentage of bail.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.

SOUTH LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the number of firefighters on scene more than tripling on Thursday, containment increased and acreage held steady on the Butts Fire that's burned in Lake and Napa counties since earlier this week.

Cal Fire, the lead agency on the fire – which began burning in Pope Valley Tuesday afternoon and eventually crossed the Lake County line southeast of Middletown – said Thursday evening that 4,300 acres had burned, with containment at 45 percent.

On Thursday, the number of firefighting personnel increased from 800 the previous day to 2,918, with Cal Fire also reporting that 128 engines, 60 fire crews, four air tankers, 11 helicopters, 12 dozers and 13 water tenders.

A total of two residences and seven outbuildings have been destroyed in the blaze, Cal Fire said, and some 380 had been at risk on Wednesday.

However, by Thursday evening structures were reported to no longer be in harm's way, so the mandatory evacuations orders in Napa County along Butts Canyon Road north to Snell Valley Road and in Berryessa Estates had been lifted.

Lake County officials also lifted an evacuation advisory for residents on Butts Canyon Road from the Lake County line to Langtry Estates.

As a result of the mandatory evacuation orders being lifted, American Red Cross of Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties – which has had a shelter in place at Middletown High School since Tuesday to serve displaced residents and their pets – announced the shelter would be closing.

While Butts Canyon Road north to Snell Valley Road is now open, officials said that Butts Canyon Road and Guenoc Road two miles west of the Lake County line remain closed.

The Napa County Sheriff's Office said that access to the fire area remains restricted to emergency personnel and residents.

The fire's cause remains under investigation, Cal Fire said.

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.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Many Californians are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day – the commemoration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by America’s forefathers – with outdoor barbecues, picnics and social gatherings.  

The California Highway Patrol encourages Californians to enjoy the holiday but always designate a sober driver and buckle up.
 
The CHP will be out in full force during the holiday weekend in an effort to reduce roadway deaths and prevent injuries.  

The Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) begins on Thursday, July 3, at 6 p.m. and continues through Sunday, July 6, at 11:59 p.m.  

All available officers throughout the state will be deployed during the MEP to focus enforcement on occupant restraints, speed violations, and those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 
During the 2013 Independence Day weekend, 56 people were killed in collisions throughout California.  Among those killed within CHP jurisdiction, nearly 70 percent were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision.
 
“Our goal is to use education and enforcement to get the message out to be responsible this weekend,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “We want everyone to have a great Independence Day weekend, but we also want you to do it safely and responsibly.”
 
With more than 1,500 arrests by CHP for driving under the influence during the 2013 Independence Day weekend, the CHP will be on the lookout for impaired drivers and arresting those who make the decision to drink and drive.
 
“The CHP’s mission is to save lives. This MEP is in place to help ensure everyone gets home safe to their family, friends, and loved ones this Independence Day weekend,” added Commissioner Farrow.
 
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security to the people of California.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Come explore the wine region, experience the beauty and find out what's new at the 10th annual Lake County Wine Adventure.

More than 25 Lake County wineries will open their doors to welcome adventurers on Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days for wine, food and fun.

New features have been added this year to mark the 10th anniversary including a best winery contest, displays by local Lake County artists and a raffle benefiting the Relay for Life-Lake County.

Ticket options include the two-day passport ticket for both days and a new one-day passport for Sunday.

Adventurers can beat the Saturday crowds at starting wineries with a special Friday concierge service to pick up Wine Adventure kits on Friday at Twin Pine Casino and Hotel in Middletown between 3 and 7 p.m. All members of the adventure party must go to Twin Pine in person for this service.

Tickets for the two-day Wine Adventure passport cost $45 and can be purchased online or at the following locations: Brassfield Estate Winery; Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill; Langtry Estate and Vineyards; Six Sigma Ranch and Vineyard; Steele Wines; Twin Pine Casino & Hotel “Off the Vine” gift shop; and Lake County Wine Studio. The new one-day passport is available online only.

Participants must be 21 or older. Designated drivers are encouraged and can attend free-of-charge.

To find out more or see what's new this year, call 707 357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org/adventure .

LCWA works to promote the wines of Lake County's high elevation region. Membership is open to wineries, winegrape growers, and individuals or businesses interested in promoting the Lake County wine industry.

For more information about upcoming events, sponsorship or membership opportunities, call 707 357-5237 or visit www.lakecountywineries.org .

Middletown, Calif -- According to CalFire, evacuations have been lifted along Butts Canyon Rd north to Snell Valley Rd as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday for residents. Non-residents should avoid the area.

An evacuation Advisory remains in effect for residents in Lake County on Butts Canyon Road from the Lake County line to Langtry Estates.

Road closures remain in effect for Butts Canyon Road North to Snell Valley Road East is open.

Butts road two miles west of the Lake County line on Guenoc Road remains closed.

The evacuation center is located at the Middletown High School in Middletown (Lake County).

The Napa Sheriff's office also has released a Nixle report advising that evacuation orders have been lifted for residents and emergency crews only.

Access to the area is restricted to residence and emergency personnel only, according to the Napa Sheriff's advisory. Butts Canyon road north of the fire remains closed.

The Butts Canyon Fire has consumed 4300 acres and is 30% contained.

According to CalFire, resources fighting the blaze include 1,067 personnel, 132 engines, 33 fire crews, 4 air tankers and 6 helicopters.

The fire is burning in a mix of grass, brush, oak and pine trees in steep, rugged terrain in a rural area of Lake and Napa Counties.

Firefighters are working in extreme conditions, high heat, humidity, with the potential for erratic winds. Fire Crews continue to defend structures, construct handline and use bulldozers to strengthen control line around the fire perimeter.

Damage Inspection Teams are assessing affected properties. CAL FIRE/Lake Napa Unit, Napa County Fire and Napa County Sheriff's stated great success with evacuations due to local residents being prepared.

Every effort is being made to render the evacuated community safe for repopulation.

SOUTH LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A wildland fire that began Tuesday in Pope Valley and spread into Lake County continued to grow on Wednesday.

Cal Fire said late Wednesday afternoon that the Butts Fire – which began off of Butts Canyon Road in Pope Valley, northwest of Lake Berryessa – has reached 3,800 acres.

While the fire's size grew by 600 acres over the course of the day, Cal Fire's containment estimate remained at 30 percent.

A Wednesday morning inversion layer kept the fire activity minimal; however, fire officials said that around noon the weather warmed up and fire activity increased, with the fire continuing to burn northeast into Lake County toward Snell Peak.  

Officials said evacuation orders remain in effect for Napa County residents in the area along Butts Canyon Road from James Creek Road to Snell Valley Road, as well as for the Berryessa Estates.

A voluntary evacuation advisory also is still in effect for Lake County residents on Butts Canyon Road from the Lake County line to Langtry Estates, according to Cal Fire.

A Red Cross emergency evacuation shelter remains in place for people and their pets at Middletown High School, 20932 Big Canyon Road.

Hundreds of personnel and dozens of engines and other resources from Lake and Napa counties and around the region are at work on the fire, Cal Fire said.

Approximately 656 personnel, 57 fire engines, 10 fire crews, four air tankers, seven helicopters, 12 dozers and three water tenders were assigned as of late Wednesday afternoon, according to Cal Fire.

Road closures also remain in effect on Butts Canyon Road north of James Creek and two miles west of the Lake County line on Guenoc Road/Butts Canyon Road, Cal Fire reported.

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.