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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Thursday, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) applauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s announcement that federal funds for October wildfire debris removal were authorized at 90 percent of total eligible costs.

“Our communities are fighting to remain financially solvent as they deal with the enormous costs of recovering from the October wildfires,” said Thompson. “Without additional assistance from the federal government for the cost of debris removal, I am told by local leaders that our fire communities could go into a financial tailspin. I am proud that our California delegation came together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that our communities have the additional resources they need to recover and rebuild.”

On Oct. 10, the president issued a major disaster declaration for the state of California triggering the release of federal funds to help people and communities recover from wildfires that occurred Oct. 8 to 31.

Pursuant to this declaration, the federal government’s cost-share for debris removal was 75 percent, with the state and local responsible for the remaining 25 percent.

At the urging of local leaders, Reps. Thompson and Jared Huffman worked with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Interior Appropriations Chair Ken Calvert to increase the federal cost share for debris removal from the October wildfires from 75 percent to 90 percent as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act that was signed into law on Feb. 9.

The adjustment to the federal share applies to assistance provided before, on, or after the date of enactment of the Bipartisan Budget Act.

“This is good news for Lake County,” said Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown. “The costs to rebuild and recover from the October fires are tremendous. This increased federal funding for debris removal will not only help to mitigate those costs, but also help us to focus our resources on additional recovery and resiliency needs.”

The debris-removal program, conducted chiefly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has completed debris removal on 3,584 properties. There are 4,885 approved properties in the program.
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The statues of a police officer and firefighter are part of a public safety officers memorial in downtown Lakeport, Calif. The two statues, seen here at a memorial event in May 2017, will be removed temporarily on Thursday, February 15, 2018, in order to undergo refinishing. Photo by Elizabeth Larson/Lake County News.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Two memorial statues in Courthouse Square in Lakeport will be removed temporarily in order to undergo repair work.

Lake County Public Services reported that the two carved wood statues at the public safety officers’ memorial will be moved on Thursday morning.

The statues will be taken to the original artist’s workshop for refinishing, the agency said.

The statues will return to the grounds of the Historic Courthouse Museum upon completion, according to Public Services.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – A Kelseyville man died Tuesday in an ATV crash in the Cow Mountain Recreational Area in Mendocino County.

The California Highway Patrol’s Ukiah Area office identified the crash victim at 44-year-old Fred Skala.

The crash that claimed Skala’s life took place on Mill Creek Road in the Cow Mountain Recreational Area on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Skala had been riding a 2003 Polaris ATV westbound on Mill Creek Road when, at 3:45 p.m., he became separated from family members while riding on the trail, the CHP reported.

The CHP said that, a short time later, Skala’s family members realized he had not been seen and became concerned for his safety.

Skala’s family called 911 and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded, the CHP said.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s personnel found Skala’s body at the crash scene just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to the CHP report.

The CHP said it is conducting an investigation into the fatal wreck.

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.
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – State Senator Mike McGuire and Senator Bill Dodd will honor first responders, community leaders and non-profit organizations that stepped up and supported our communities during the devastating October Firestorm at a special ceremony on Friday morning on the State Senate Floor of the State Capitol.

“The North Bay Firestorm will go down as the most destructive and deadly in modern American history. It would have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for the brave efforts of thousands of first responders, neighbors and community organizations who answered the call in our greatest time in need,” McGuire said. “We cannot thank them enough for their tireless work and constant fight during the devastating October fires and tomorrow’s ceremony will offer a small token of our tremendous gratitude.”

In recognition of the hard work and bravery demonstrated in one of the darkest days in the state’s history, the Senate will host NorCal Heroes Day and Day Of Remembrance on Friday.

The California State Senate has scheduled a special ceremony to honor all first responders, community organizations and residents who delivered for Lake, Napa, Mendocino and Sonoma counties.

Senators McGuire, Dodd, Ted Gaines and Jim Nielsen will be recognizing the local, state and federal agencies who have been instrumental with the disaster response and recovery.

State, federal and local agencies that have taken part in the response and recovery efforts will be honored, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Transportation, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Army Corp of Engineers.

Local officials from Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties including sheriffs, police chiefs and fire chiefs who led heroic efforts to save homes and lives will also be honored. Local nonprofits and relief funds will also be recognized for their tireless efforts.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors will hold another in its series of workshops as parts of crafting a commercial cannabis ordinance.

The workshop will take place beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.

Among the items on the agenda is the board’s anticipated direction to staff to prepare the cannabis cultivation ordinance for a first reading at the next regular board meeting.

Staff also is expected to be directed to prepare draft cannabis distribution and manufacturing ordinances for the consideration of the Lake County Planning Commission in March in order to return to the board in time for its fourth cannabis workshop on April 19.

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.
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From left, Lake County, Calif., Undersheriff Chris Macedo and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Ciancio of the Northshore Fire Protection District. Courtesy photos.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Tuesday Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced his recipients for the Fifth Congressional District Public Safety Hero Award.

This award is given to exceptional law enforcement officers and first responders in our community who perform above and beyond the call of duty.

After careful consideration, Rep. Thompson selected Lake County Undersheriff Chris Macedo and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Ciancio with the Northshore Fire Protection District for their extraordinary work within Lake County.

“This past year has been a busy, challenging time for law enforcement and first responders in our community. From the continued threat of gun violence to the devastating fires of October, these men and women have tirelessly dedicated themselves to keeping us safe,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “That’s why I am honored to present my annual “Public Safety Hero of the Year” awards to the courageous public servants across our district. To each and every one of you, I offer my heartfelt thanks. I’m incredibly proud to represent such brave, dedicated men and women.”

Chris Macedo had worked with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for 25 years, until appointed to undersheriff in 2015. It was Undersheriff Macedo’s efforts in implementing the CodeRED high-speed emergency system that provided the community with a more effective security system. The system was crucial in notifying residents in affected areas that they were in danger when the October fires emerged.

From left, Congressman Mike Thompson with Undersheriff Chris Macedo of Lake County, Calif. Courtesy photo.

“I am honored to recognize Undersheriff Chris Macedo as a Public Safety Hero for Lake County,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “Undersheriff Macedo was instrumental in implementing the CodeRED high-speed emergency alert system in our community which helped to save numerous lives. Thank you for your service.”

During the devastating October fires, when Deputy Fire Chief Mike Ciancio with the Northshore Fire Protection District arrived at the Elem Indian Colony, the fire there had reached 75 acres and resources were stretched thin.

With fires spreading across multiple counties, help was difficult to find. Throughout the night, resources eventually became available. Ciancio and his team were able to keep the fire relatively confined, saving countless residents and structures.

“I am honored to recognize Deputy Chief Mike Ciancio as Public Safety Hero Award for Lake County,” said Rep. Mike Thompson. “Deputy Chief Ciancio fought fires with sustained winds of up to 40 miles per hour with limited resources ultimately saving lives, residents and structures. We are all deeply grateful for his leadership and resilience.”

From right, Congressman Mike Thompson with Deputy Fire Chief Mike Ciancio of the Northshore Fire Protection District. Courtesy photo.

The full list of the Public Safety Heroes of the Year for the Fifth Congressional District is below:

– Officer Craig Long and Officer Aldo Serrano, Vallejo Police Department;
– Captain Eric Strom, Vallejo Fire Department;
– Robert J. Fenton, Jr., Regional Administrator for Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IX;
– Mark Ghilarducci, Director of Cal Office Emergency Services;
– Shana Jones, CAL FIRE Unit Chief for Napa-Sonoma-Lake-Mendocino;
– Officer Chad R. Tardiff, California Highway Patrol;
– Detective Zachary R. Blume, Pinole Police Department;
– Undersheriff Chris Macedo, Lake County Sheriff's Office;
– Mike Ciancio, Northshore Fire Protection District;
– Jodi Traversaro, Cal Office Emergency Services regional administrator;
– Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office;
– Santa Rosa Fire Department;
– Santa Rosa Police Department;
– Cotati Police Department;
– Kenwood Fire Protection District;
– Sonoma Valley Fire and Rescue;
– Rincon Valley Fire District;
– Mayacamas Volunteer Fire Station;
– Schell Vista Fire Department;
– Bennett Valley Fire Department;
– Rohnert Park’s Department of Public Safety;
– Crockett-Carquinez Fire Department;
– City of Calistoga Fire Department;
– City of St. Helena Fire Department;
– Napa County Fire Chief Barry Biermann;
– Napa County Fire Department;
– City of Napa Fire Department;
– American Canyon Fire Protection District;
– City of Calistoga Police Department;
– City of St. Helena Police Department;
– City of Napa Police Department;
– City of American Canyon Police Department;
– Napa County Sheriff John Robertson;
– Napa County Sheriff’s Office.

Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Middletown High School won the sixth annual Lake County Mock Trial competition, held Monday in Lake County Superior Court.

Since the Lake County Mock Trial began, it has included just two local high school teams – Middletown and Upper Lake. Middletown has held onto the title for all six years.

However, this year organizers and competitors acknowledged that the event was more challenging than in previous years and that both teams put on stellar performances.

The competition involves high school students arguing a criminal case from both sides – the prosecution and defense – while Lake County Superior Court judges volunteer to hear the cases.

This year, the teams argued the fictional case of People v. Davidson, in which Casey Davidson, a resident of the town of Acorn, Calif., was on trial for first degree murder for the death of Alex Thompson, another young resident of Acorn and member of Ultra Nats, an extremist nationalist group.

In the morning session, Judge Andrew Blum presided as Upper Lake took the prosecution role and Middletown was on the defense.

Judge Stephen Hedstrom presided during the afternoon session, when the two teams switched sides – Middletown on prosecution and Upper Lake on defense.

Based on the arguments, Blum ruled that Davidson was not guilty, while Hedstrom found Davidson had committed the murder.

Going into the final judging it was hard to tell which team was leading after watching their courtroom performances. As it turned out, they were nearly neck and neck.

When Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg announced the winner, it was Middletown High School.

In the end, it was a squeaker – Middletown High held onto its title by a mere 33 points to just edge Upper Lake High out of what would have been its first win in the six-year competition.

In the morning session, Upper Lake scored 381 points and Middletown 396, while in the afternoon session Upper Lake scored 393 and Middletown 411. Upper Lake’s total was 774 points to Middletown’s 807.

To the experienced eyes of Blum and Hedstrom – with decades of legal expertise between them – the toughness of the case came through.

Both of the judges lauded the students for their presentations and preparations, and both noted the difficulties inherent in the case the students argued that day.

Hedstrom said he believed this was the best competition by far. He said he and Judge Michael Lunas had discussed the case, which they felt was both the most complex the teams had taken up so far as well as being topical.

Alex Stabiner, one of the Upper Lake coaches, said the students already are looking at how to improve for next year.

“We have a young group that has a lot of energy and determination to win the county competition,” he said, noting eight team members were either freshmen or sophomores.

In addition to recognition for the students, Falkenberg at the event thanked the Lake County Friends of Mendocino College and the Lake County Wine Alliance, which donated $100 and $750, respectively, in support of the competition.

Middletown now advances to the 37th annual California Mock Trial Finals in Orange County next month, where it will be one of 34 counties vying for the state title.

The individual winners and team rosters are below.

Upper Lake High School student Sierra Galloway shows her courtroom sketch from the Mock Trial competition on Monday, February 12, 2018, in Lakeport, Calif., as Lake County Superintendent of Schools and Judge Stephen Hedstrom look on. Photo courtesy of Alex Stabiner.


INDIVIDUAL WINNERS

Prosecution

Pretrial attorney: Miley Turney
Prosecuting attorney: Megan Talbert
Prosecution witness: Henry Fenk

Defense

Pretrial attorney: Kyle Pryor-Landman
Defense attorney: Dimitri Imbrunetti
Defense witness: Alana Sanchez

Bailiff: Kevin Nance

TEAM ROSTERS

Middletown High School

Alexandra Clayton, Abigail Elder, Jaxsun Ehrlich, Henry Fenk, Emily Gallagher, Dimitri Imbrunetti, Erica Kinsel, Anthony Leggitt, Mason Leggitt, Kevin Nance, Jacqueline Pyzer, Kyle Pryor-Landman, Ximena Ramirez, Jack Rarick, Natalie Rodriguez, Mylie Turnet, Jessica Zell

Upper Lake High School

Angelica Ayala, Andrew Brackett, Daniela Estrada, Sierra Galloway, Russel Gordon, Marylin Halvorsen, Jasmine Haro, Jisel Home, Bolonick Ionsun, Anisha Kalan, Benat Love, Alana Sanchez, Emily Stith, Megan Talbert, Jared Thornberry, Lyndsay Wade, Nicholas Warner

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.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has identified the female armed robbery suspect who was shot and killed on Tuesday after she confronted sheriff’s deputies and police officers at the end of a high-speed vehicle pursuit.

Dawn Elika Center, 48, of Redwood Valley was identified as the suspect in the case, according to Capt. Gregory Van Patten.

Center was the suspect in a Tuesday morning armed robbery in which she took a Chevrolet Camaro at Thurston Auto Plaza in Ukiah, Van Patten said.

Van Patten said sheriff’s deputies, assisted by Willits Police officers, pursued Center on Highway 101 at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour before Center crashed the Camaro north of the Highway 101 bypass.

After the crash, Center got out of the car holding a handgun and confronted the deputies and officers, Van Patten said.

Center was shot and died at the scene. Van Patten said no officers or deputies were injured.

Van Patten said Center’s identity was confirmed by the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Coroner's Division on Wednesday.

He said the three deputy sheriffs involved in the shooting incident have all be placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with sheriff's office standard procedure, pending the ongoing investigation by the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office.

The three deputy sheriffs involved in the shooting incident have been employed at the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office for a total of 30 years, 11 years and four years respectively, Van Patten said.
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Northshore Fire Protection District firefighters at the scene of a solo vehicle wreck on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, near Lucerne, Calif. Photo by Jerome Strach.

LUCERNE, Calif. – A vehicle went off of Highway 20 and into Clear Lake on Tuesday evening.

The crash near Paradise Valley Boulevard occurred at 5 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

The CHP said the vehicle was 40 feet down the embankment, coming to rest on its roof on the lakeshore.

The female driver got out of the vehicle and was reported to have had minor injuries, the CHP said.

A witness at the scene said the driver was yelling at law enforcement officers who responded to the crash.

Jerome Strach 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.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A local nonprofit dedicated to helping animals is sharing information about the dog flu.

The SPCA of Lake County said that while the dog flu – also known as CIV H3N2/H3N8 – has not been diagnosed in Lake County, there are 50 confirmed cases and over 200 suspected cases in the Bay Area.

Dogs can be at risk for canine influenza regardless of age, sex or breed. It is commonly spread through direct dog contact such as sniffing, licking and nuzzling; through the air through coughing or sneezing; via contaminated surfaces, such as sharing water bowls or toys; or through contaminated humans who have viruses from another dog on their hands or clothing, the SPCA said.

Dog flu symptoms are like the human variety of flu and include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, lethargy and fever. The SPCA said most dogs recover in two to three weeks with proper nutrition and rest, however an unlucky few may develop secondary infections such as pneumonia.

The SPCA of Lake County recognizes what an impact contracting influenza will have not only on the dogs that get it, but on their owners who care for them and has decided to take a proactive approach and offer the vaccine to address it now.

Like the human flu vaccine, the canine influenza vaccine will not prevent infection but may limit its duration and severity, the SPCA said. The vaccination is administered in two doses over three to five weeks, providing protection for one year.

The SPCA will be offering the vaccination for $20, followed by a free booster the following month. This is considerably less than most veterinary clinics are charging. It is recommended that vaccination be repeated annually.

The SPCA of Lake County will be holding its monthly vaccination clinic this Sunday, February 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at 8025 Highway 29 in Kelseyville and will have the vaccine available there.

The Novibac vaccination is not recommended for dogs under 7 weeks of age, or those that are pregnant.

Limited quantities are available and owners must show current proof of rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccines will also be available at the clinic.

If your dog frequently comes in contact with other dogs – at dog parks or doggy day care – or frequents places where other dogs can be found, such as groomers, kennels or dog shows, the SPCA urges you to consider making this one of your pet's annual vaccinations.
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From left, Khadijah Britton and Negie Fallis. Courtesy photos.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate a Covelo woman who was possibly abducted by her boyfriend and is considered at risk.

Khadijah Britton, 23, is believed to have been kidnapped on Friday, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Shannon Barney of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has been investigating a domestic violence incident involving an armed subject, Negie Fallis, 27, of Covelo, who may have abducted Britton, his girlfriend, at gunpoint.

Barney said the sheriff's office was contacted on Monday about a possible kidnapping that occurred on Friday around midnight.

Sheriff's deputies spoke to witnesses who advised that Fallis arrived at the location, armed with what appeared to be a small Derringer pistol, and demanded Britton come out of the residence and speak with him, Barney said.

Witnesses indicated Britton exited the residence where a physical altercation occurred between her and Fallis before they both got into a black Mercedes sedan and left the location, according to Barney.

Barney said Britton has not been in contact with family since that time.

Fallis, who was wanted in connection with a previous domestic violence incident in January involving Britton, is also outstanding at this time, Barney said.

The case was assigned to the Mendocino County Sheriff's Detective Unit for continued investigation, Barney said.

Barney said Fallis is known to frequent the Willows area and the Grindstone Rancheria in Glenn County, as well as Lake County and Covelo.

Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of either individual is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Dispatch Center at 707-463-4086 or the Sheriff's Tip line at 707-234-2100.
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From left, interim Clearlake Police Chief Tim Celli, Councilman Phil Harris, Rita Doyle of the Animal Coalition and Mayor Bruno Sabatier at the Animal Coalition’s Valentine’s dinner and dance on Saturday, February 10, 2018, in Lake County, Calif. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In an effort to increase the effectiveness of Animal Control's efforts in the city of Clearlake, the city participated in the annual Valentine's dinner/dance fundraiser held by Animal Coalition.

Animal Coalition is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 that operates in and around Clearlake and offers vouchers to residents to spay/neuter their animals.

Two of Clearlake's goals are to become a safer city and to be a visibly cleaner city.

"By working with Animal Coalition, we can ensure that more animals will be spayed or neutered in order to decrease our future pet population, thereby decreasing the animal control issues we are dealing with," said City Manager Greg Folsom.

In June of 2017, Animal Coalition started "A New Beginning," a program aimed specifically at providing assistance to animal issues in Clearlake.

The council was approached with a request to match their fundraising efforts in order to collaborate in the efforts to decrease future animal populations.

At the Animal Coalition dinner on Saturday, interim Police Chief Tim Celli, Vice Mayor Phil Harris and Mayor Bruno Sabatier presented Animal Coalition with a matching funds check for $10,000 to bolster the New Beginning program.

"The city can't fix all of our animal control issues by itself, and this collaboration between Clearlake and Animal Coalition is exactly the type of relationship that can help us to be more successful," said Sabatier.

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