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David Allen Haugens, 21, of Clearlake, Calif., was arrested on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. Lake County Jail photo.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Clearlake man was arrested early Tuesday morning after he struggled with Clearlake Police officers and was found in possession of weapons, including a concealed handgun, and methamphetamine.

Officers arrested 21-year-old David Allen Haugens, according to Sgt. Rodd Joseph.

Just after 3:15 a.m. Tuesday Officer Michael Perreault observed a suspicious white van parked at the Flyers gas station, located at 15010 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, occupied by two males and a female, Joseph said.

He said the vehicle had exempt license plates and “Union City Police” on the rear door of the vehicle. The vehicle came back registered to Konocti Unified School District with expired registration several years old.

Perreault also recognized the person seated in the driver’s seat of the vehicle as 25-year-old Clearlake resident Sean Damico. Joseph said Perreault knew that Damico had an active misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

Perreault and Officer Mauricio Barreto contacted the three occupants of the vehicle. The female, who was seated in the right front passenger seat, was found to be on active California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole for burglary. The rear passenger was identified as Haugens, Joseph said.

Joseph said Damico and Haugens were both removed from the vehicle. While Perreault was dealing with Damico and his warrant, Barreto was speaking with Haugens.

Barreto conducted a pat search for weapons on Haugens and upon doing so, immediately felt a concealed firearm inside Haugens’ right front jacket pocket. As Barreto attempted to seize the firearm, Haugens attempted to flee on foot and began reaching towards the area where the weapon was concealed, Joseph said.

Fearing that the suspect was going to flee or arm himself with the firearm, Barreto took Haugens to the ground and threw several strikes to Haugens’ face. Joseph said Perreault came to Barreto’s aid and the two officers were able to take Haugens into custody.

Joseph said the officers found a loaded .22-caliber revolver inside Haugens’ jacket pocket. An additional search of Haugens’ clothing upon arrest yielded approximately 2.3 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and an illegal billy club and large fixed blade knife were discovered inside and located where Haugens had been sitting. Haugens admitted to possessing the knife and billy club, Joseph said.

Joseph said Haugens was discovered to be under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant, most likely methamphetamine, and was additionally charged.

Damico was arrested for his misdemeanor warrant and released on citation at the scene. The female subject in the van was searched as a condition of her parole, but was not charged. She was subsequently released, Joseph said.

Both Haugens and Barreto suffered injuries as a result of the confrontation, were treated at Adventist Health Clear Lake and subsequently released, Joseph said.

After obtaining medical treatment, Joseph said Haugens was transported to the Lake County Jail for booking.

Joseph said Haugens was changed with felony violations including possessing a concealed firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm, being under the influence of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm, obstructing/resisting officer, carrying dirk or dagger, possession of a billy club and armed with a firearm during the commission of a felony, and a single misdemeanor violation of possession of a controlled substance.

Jail records showed that Haugens’ bail was set at $65,000. He remained in custody early Wednesday, and is scheduled to be arraigned in Lake County Superior Court later in the day.

The case will be referred to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for filing, Joseph said.

A .22-caliber handgun that police officers said they found concealed on the person of David Allen Haugens, 21, of Clearlake, Calif. on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. Photo courtesy of the Clearlake Police Department.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol joins the American Occupational Therapy Association, or AOTA, in recognizing Dec. 4 to 8, as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.

According to the AOTA, with increasing age come changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge a person’s continued ability to drive safely.

Family and friends have a major role in identifying changes in driving behavior and beginning discussions about older driver safety.

It is important to start these conversations early and discuss any needed changes in driving habits before it becomes a problem, allowing older drivers to be actively involved in the planning.

“Most drivers want to continue driving for as long as possible and maintain their independence,” CHP Acting Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Family and friends play an important, but often difficult, role in discussing how long it is safe to continue driving.”

Data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows drivers age 65 and older made up approximately 15 percent of the licensed drivers in California in 2016.

Last year, more than 5,100 fatal collisions were recorded in California. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System indicates drivers age 65 and older were involved in 10.7 percent of the fatal collisions and 8.3 percent of the injury collisions in California in 2016.

As part of its efforts to help California’s seniors drive safely for as long as they can, the CHP offers a free, two-hour “Age Well, Drive Smart” course.

Through this program, seniors can sharpen their driving skills, refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, and learn how to adjust to normal age-related physical and mental changes.

Information about the free classes is available at www.chp.ca.gov or by calling the CHP’s Clear Lake Area office in Kelseyville at 707-279-0103.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will consider directing staff to draft an agreement with the county’s fire chiefs relating to important fire radio frequencies.

The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, 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.

At 9:30 a.m., the board will discuss and consider a staff recommendation for the disposition of “Rednet” radio licenses and authorization to draft an agreement with the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association.

The association has indicated it plans to move to an agreement with Cal Fire fire dispatch services early next year, and wishes to have the use of Rednet.

County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson’s report to the board for the item explained that the county, Cal Fire, Sheriff Brian Martin, County Counsel Anita Grant, the county’s communications consultants and the association met and reached consensus “to maintain the licenses in the name of the County and to share the frequencies, with the primary user being the fire departments.”

In other business, at 9:15 a.m. the board will consider continuing a proclamation of a local emergency due to the Sulphur fire incident, and get an update and hold a discussion on Sulphur fire recovery.

That will be followed by the board’s consideration of continuing a proclamation of a declaration of a local emergency due to wildfire conditions, pertaining to the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires, along with an update on the Valley Fire Debris Insurance Collection Project. That item is timed for 9:16 a.m.

The full agenda follows.

CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS

6.1: Consideration of Change Order No. 1 for the Valley Fire Water Meter Replacement Project, Bid No. 16-07.

6.2: Consideration of Change Order No. 2 for the Valley Fire Water Meter Replacement Project, Bid No. 16-07.

6.3: Consideration of Change Order No. 1 for the CSA7 & CSA18 Water System Repair Project, Bid No. 16-11.

6.4: Consideration of Change Order No. 2 for the CSA7 & CSA18 Water System Repair Project, Bid No. 16-11.

CONSENT AGENDA

7.1: Approve Amendment No. 2 to the facility space license agreement with Digital Path Inc. for additional antennas and equipment modifications and authorize the chair to sign.

7.2: Approve the Appointment of Sheila Roseneau to the permanent position of deputy administrator-administration of Lake County Behavioral Health effective Nov. 28, 2017.

7.3: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to the Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the agreement between the county of Lake and Neuropsychological Associates of California – A Psychological Services Corporation for psychological services for fiscal year 2017-18 for a contract maximum of $30,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.

7.4: Adopt the resolution approving the county mental health plan performance agreement between the county of Lake and the Department of Health Care Services for Fiscal Year 2017-18 and authorize the Behavioral Health administrator to sign the agreement.

7.5: Authorize to close all Behavioral Health facilities for staff training Friday, Dec. 8, 2017.

7.6: Adopt Resolution authorizing the 2017-18 Grant Project-Lake County Victim-Witness Assistance Program and authorize the chair to sign the certification and assurance of compliance.

7.7: Approve the "Certification of County Elections Official of Result of the Canvass of the General District Election Returns and Result of the 1 percent manual tally of randomly selected voting precincts" of the Nov. 7, 2017, General District Election prepared by the Registrar of Voters office.

7.8: Authorize advanced step hire for Mr. Amir Gholami, registered Environmental Health specialist.

7.9: (a) Waive the normal sealed bid process under Ordinance #2406, Section 38.2, for the purchase of five (5) central garage pool vehicles, one (1) isf vehicle, and a vehicle for an individual department; and (b) authorize the Public Works director/assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order through the statewide bid contract in the amount of $126,566.04 and a purchase order to Matt Mazzei in the amount of $39,009.20.

7.10: Approve amendment one to agreement between the county of Lake and The Hanna Group for construction management services for Harbin Creek Bridge at Harbin Springs Road project in the amount not to exceed $329,578.79 and authorize the chairman to sign.

7.11: Adopt resolution accepting gift from the county of Napa of one 1997 Zodiac Hurricane Vessel and one 1997 ex-loader trailer.

7.12: Adopt resolution authorizing the destruction of records in the custody of the sheriff's department.

7.13: Approve contract between County of Lake and Lake Family Resource Center for Cal-Learn Teen Parenting Services in the amount of $50,000, from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018; and authorize the chair to sign.

TIMED ITEMS

8.2, 9:15 a.m.: (a) Consideration of continuation of a proclamation of a local emergency due to the Sulphur fire incident; and (b) update and discussion on Sulphur fire recovery.

8.3, 9:16 a.m.: (a) Consideration of continuation of a proclamation of a declaration of a local emergency due to wildfire conditions, pertaining to the Rocky, Jerusalem and Valley fires; and (b) update on Valley Fire Debris Insurance Collection Project.

8.4, 9:17 a.m.: Consideration of continuation of a proclamation of a declaration of a local emergency due to Clayton fire.

8.5, 9:18 a.m.: Consideration of continuation of a proclamation of a declaration of a local emergency due to the atmospheric river storm.

8.6, 9:30 a.m.: Discussion and consideration of a recommendation relative to disposition of “Rednet” radio licenses and authorization to draft an agreement with the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association.

UNTIMED ITEMS

9.2: Consideration of a final amendment to the agreement with Porter Scott for specialized legal services in connection with Lakeside Heights HOA, et al. v. County of Lake, et al.

CLOSED SESSION

10.1: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9(d)(1): Loberg v. County of Lake, et al.

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. – An Upper Lake woman was arrested in Willits last week after a deputy sheriff found her to be in possession of tear gas and drugs.

Dakota Quayle, 28, was arrested on Thursday night, according to a report from Capt. Greg Van Patten.

At 10 p.m. Nov. 30 a deputy was patrolling the area of the Sherwood Valley Casino located at 100 Kawi Place in Willits when the deputy contacted a subject standing near the entrance of the parking lot, Van Patten said.

Van Patten said the subject was identified as Quayle, who was found to be on probation in Lake County for charges of possession of a controlled substance and recent use of a controlled substance.

During the investigation, the deputy noticed that Quayle was exhibiting signs and symptoms of recently using a controlled substance. After an evaluation, Van Patten said the deputy determined Quayle was under the influence of a controlled substance and placed her under arrest.

During a search of Quayle's person and property incident to arrest, Van Patten said the deputy located drug paraphernalia, tear gas (or pepper spray) and a usable amount of a controlled substance. From further examining the tear gas weapon, the Deputy noticed that part of the label had been removed where the serial number would be located.

Quayle was additionally charged with unlawful possession of a tear gas weapon, possession of an altered/changed tear gas weapon, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, Van Patten said.

Van Patten said Quayle was subsequently booked into the Mendocino County Jail where she was to be held in lieu of $15,000 bail.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Survivors of the October 2017 wildfires have one week left to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance and to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline for both is Dec. 11 for those with losses.

Residents of Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sonoma and Yuba counties who suffered damage may be eligible for federal grants, which do not have to be repaid.

Grants can help cover disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Applicants can apply for disaster assistance by going online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA app on a smartphone or by calling 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

In-person registration assistance is available at the Local Assistance Center in Napa County or at one of the disaster recovery centers, or DRCs, in Mendocino, Napa or Sonoma counties.

To find the closest center, go online at www.fema.gov/drc or text 43362 with the message DRC and the resident’s ZIP code. Standard message and data rates apply.

If an applicant’s contact information changes, let FEMA know as the agency may need to get in touch.

Business owners and nonprofits located in the designated counties may qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest SBA disaster loans both for physical and economic damage. Homeowners may qualify for up to $200,000 for home damage. Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Call 800-659-2955 or visit www.sba.gov/disaster for more information.

Registrants who are contacted by SBA should complete and return the application even if they don’t want a loan.

Application information can be considered to determine eligibility for other disaster assistance, such as reimbursement for personal property, medical, storage and vehicles.

Those who receive a letter from FEMA saying they are not eligible for disaster assistance should contact FEMA with questions or if they need assistance to appeal the decision.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services has revised the county's emergency operations plan, which is now ready for public review and comment.

The plan has been broken into a basic plan, which provides general information about the county and its emergency management structure, as well as a glossary and list of acronyms, and a series of annexes that provide a basic guide for the initial response to specific hazards.

The plan will be submitted to the Lake County Disaster Council for approval at a special meeting to be held beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The documents are available online at http://www.lakesheriff.com/About/OES/Plans.htm.

Hard copies of the plan and annexes will be available for review at all county libraries, as well as at the Lake County Sheriff's Office headquarters, 1220 Martin St. in Lakeport, and at the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services by appointment at 707-262-4090.
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The Ridgeview guardrail project was completed last week in Clearlake, Calif. Courtesy photo.


CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake reported that it completed its Ridgeview guardrail project last week.

The project was an installation of guardrail along Old Highway 53 and Ridgeview Avenue, officials said.

There have been several incidents of motorists driving off the road at this location, and the city reported that residents had requested a guardrail be installed to help protect the homes
in that area.

Midstate Barrier was the lowest responsible bidder on the project, with a bid of $25,250, the city reported.

“We’ve been looking forward to getting this project done for quite a while,” said City Manager Greg Folsom. “This project increases the safety along this section of Old Highway 53 significantly and we were pleased with how quickly the contractor was able to complete the project.”
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The sheriff’s office has identified the Lakeport woman who died in a crash near Upper Lake on Friday afternoon.

Lee Ann Nelson, 57, was the victim in the wreck, according to Lt. Corey Paulich.

The California Highway Patrol Clear Lake Area office’s Monday report on the crash said it occurred at 4:50 p.m. Friday on Highway 20, west of Van Sleeper Road.

Initial reports from the scene by witnesses and firefighters had varied between stating that the crash involved either two or three vehicles.

The CHP’s report explained that the crash in fact involved three vehicles – the 2008 Kia Rio driven by Nelson, a 2013 Honda Accord driven by 47-year-old David Ostberg of Kelseyville and a 2007 Cadillac CTS driven by Matthew Hansen, 32, of Witter Springs.

The report said Ostberg was driving his Honda Accord westbound on Highway 20 directly behind a semi truck that was not involved in the wreck.

Hansen was driving his Cadillac eastbound on Highway 20 while approaching Ostberg’s Honda. Nelson was driving her Kia eastbound, directly behind Hansen, the CHP said.

The CHP said Ostberg made an illegal pass with his Honda and traveled directly into Hansen’s path.

The left side of Ostberg’s Honda sideswiped the left side of Hansen’s Cadillac, with the CHP report explaining that the initial collision caused the Honda to rotate, out of control, while still in the eastbound lane and traveling westbound.

Nelson swerved her car to the right but couldn’t avoid colliding with Ostberg’s car, the CHP said.

The front of her Kia broadsided the passenger side of Ostberg’s Honda as they were both in the eastbound lane, according to the report.

The CHP said the vehicles came to rest in the eastbound lane, partially blocking traffic.

Nelson was pronounced deceased by firefighters at the scene of the crash, while the CHP said Hansen was uninjured and Ostberg had minor injuries.

On Monday, the CHP said the crash remained under investigation. However, the agency said that so far neither drug intoxication nor speed appeared to have been factors.

The CHP said all parties involved were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the 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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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has several new dogs cleared for adoption to new homes this week.

The dogs offered adoption this week include mixes of Great Dane, pit bull and shepherd.

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.

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”).

This male pit bull terrier is in kennel No. 2, ID No. 8978. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Pit bull terrier

This male pit bull terrier has a tan and white coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 2, ID No. 8978.

“Jack” is a male shepherd mix in kennel No. 19, ID No. 8721. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Jack’

“Jack” is a male shepherd mix with a long black and white coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 19, ID No. 8721.

This female Great Dane mix is in kennel No. 24, ID No. 8966. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Great Dane mix

This female Great Dane mix has a short black coat with white markings.

She already has been spayed.

She’s in kennel No. 24, ID No. 8966.

This female pit bull terrier is in kennel No. 26, ID No. 8916. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Pit bull terrier

This female pit bull terrier has a short fawn and white coat.

She already has been spayed.

She is in kennel No. 26, ID No. 8916.

“Diego” is a male pit bull terrier in kennel No. 32, ID No. 9002. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Diego’

“Diego” is a male pit bull terrier with a short black and white coat.

He’s already been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 32, ID No. 9002.

“Cooper” is a male shepherd in kennel No. 34, ID No. 9024. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Cooper’

“Cooper” is a male shepherd with a short brown and tan coat.

He already has been neutered.

He’s in kennel No. 34, ID No. 9024.

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.

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Jeremy James Evans, 33, of Clearlake, Calif., was arrested on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, for several vehicle burglaries. Lake County Jail photo.


LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has taken a Clearlake man into custody for a series of vehicle burglaries that occurred in October.

Jeremy James Evans, 33, was arrested last week, according to a report from Lt. Corey Paulich.

Paulich said that on Oct. 22 two separate victims made reports to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, reporting their vehicles had been broken into while they were hiking in the Anderson Marsh area in Lower Lake.

The victims had cash and credit cards stolen from their vehicles. Paulich said they provided information that the credit cards had been used at Walmart and Cheaper Cigarettes in Clearlake.

The deputy handling the investigation went to Cheaper Cigarettes and was able to obtain a photo of the suspect and suspect vehicle description, Paulich said.

On Oct. 29, another victim reported his vehicle had been broken into the previous day while he was hiking in the area of the Redbud Trail Complex near Highway 20 and the Cache Creek Bridge, according to Paulich.

Paulich said the victim had cash and credit cards stolen from his vehicle. The victim was able to provide information that his credit card had been used on Oct, 28 at Mendo Mill and Walmart in Clearlake. The deputy handling the investigation was able to obtain a photo of the suspect from Mendo Mill.

On Nov. 22, the victim received information that the suspect was Jeremy Evans. Paulich said the deputy was able to confirm that Evans appeared to be the suspect from Mendo Mill.

On Nov. 29, a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a 2008 Ford Escape. Paulich said the deputy contacted the driver of the vehicle who identified himself as Evans.

The vehicle Evans was driving matched the suspect vehicle description from Cheaper Cigarettes, Paulich said.

During the traffic stop, deputies were able to determine Evans was on searchable probation out of Alameda County, according to Paulich’s report.

Paulich said deputies went to Evans’ residence, located in the 4200 block on Snook Avenue in the city of Clearlake, and conducted a probation search.

During the search, Paulich said deputies located clothing that Evans had been wearing when he fraudulently used the stolen credit cards from the auto burglaries. The deputies also located several items that had been purchased with the stolen credit cards.

Evans was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail where he was booked into custody for burglary, use of an access card without consent, grand theft, acquiring access card without card holder’s consent and vandalism, Paulich said.

Evans, whose booking sheet lists his occupation as vineyard employee, remains in custody on $15,000 bail.

He is tentatively scheduled to appear in Lake County Superior Court for arraignment on Tuesday.
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Catfish Derby outgoing Chair Gail Jonas and incoming chair, Dennis Locke, who will lead the event based in Clearlake Oaks, Calif., starting in 2018. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Mark your calendars for the 35th annual Catfish Derby in Clearlake Oaks on May 18, 19 and 20.

Hailed as the biggest Catfish Derby west of the Mississippi, the event brings in people from all over the United States and a few from outside the country.

A record-breaking crowd is anticipated and planning for the one-of-a-kind Lake County event is under way – this year under new leadership.

Longtime event chair, Gail Jonas, has decided to retire from the honor.

“It’s time for me to hand over the reins of this gig to my friend, Dennis Locke,” Jonas said. “He’s been on the planning team for over 10 years, working hard to make sure the database of catfish anglers is maintained and attending to more details than anyone can possibly know.”

She added, “I’ve watched us grow, each year attracting more entries than the last until we’ve almost exceeded carrying capacity at our current location. That’s a good problem to have but I’ll leave it to others to figure out.”

Arguably the best attended event of its kind in North America, the Catfish Derby attracts more than 1,000 anglers, their families and friends as well as hundreds more spectators who enjoy the family-oriented sport.

“It’s a lot of fun to see the excitement on happy faces, young and old, when they weigh in their prized catch,” Jonas said. “When the 11-year-old young man from Sutter won the top prize last year with his 28.81-pound catfish, he grinned ear to ear for the longest time. It just doesn’t get much better than that.”

Managing the Catfish Derby has been a family affair for Gail Jonas and her husband, Jim Jonas, a respected longtime Clearlake Oaks couple.

“We’re not saying goodbye, that’s for sure,” said Jim Jonas. “The Catfish Derby has been a labor of love, a big part of our lives. You don’t just walk away from it, and we’ll be around to help out. We’ve just decided it’s time to ride in the back seat and let the younger generation move up to the front. In fact, you’ll likely find me at the weigh in station next year, helping out as the fish come in.”

Dennis Locke, the new Catfish Derby chair, said he’s confident the event will go off without a hitch.

Like the Jonases, Dennis and his wife, Helen, team up to support the event.

“We’ve got a fantastic committee including my wife. We’ve met twice already,” he said. “Some of the details take quite a bit of advance effort, especially the signup process. Most of the anglers sign up months ahead of the derby, something we like to encourage. We’ve gotten more and more sophisticated in our processes and these days, the preferred method to register is online and by mail.”

Locke said that after 34 years, the popular annual event has a momentum that carries the group through the myriad of details.

“It takes more than 50 volunteers to run the derby. We’ve got our regulars but each year we welcome new volunteers. They must have a good time because most come back the following year. It’s a broad-based community effort, three days of gathering with friends from around the lake for a good purpose,” he said.

“One of the most gratifying aspects of the Derby is the economic boost it gives us,” he explained. “Of course, we see it in our little town of about 2,400 people but it’s a boon to the entire county. The hotels, resorts and campgrounds fill up, sales at our bait and tackle shops increase and the restaurants and casinos also get a boost along with our wine tasting and other venues.”

“Because the derby is a multi-day family affair, I know the wives like to go off and explore the sites and do some shopping,” Gail Jonas added. “I’ve lived in Lake County almost all my life and as someone who’s seen the ups and downs of our tourist based economy, I can tell you we need this derby and more events like it to bring folks in. They used to flock to Lake County – on a regular basis. I’d like to see that type of enthusiasm for our piece of paradise return.”

The event averages 1,000 or more entries each year. The first place winner earns a $4,000 cash prize; second place wins $1,000 and third wins $800. A total of 20 will place in the adult category with prizes scaling down to $40.

There are also two categories for children, up to 10 years and 11 to 15 years of age. The child prizes start at $100 and scale down to $10.

Locke explained that several years ago the planning team decided to open up the adult category to kids, provided they paid the adult entry fee.

“Wouldn’t you know it, last year, an 11-year-old won the top prize,” Locke said. “It’s a great family activity and we love to see the younger generation get hooked on fishing.“

As in past years, in addition to the $10,000 in cash prizes for the derby winners, there will be another $2,500 in cash and merchandise given away through daily drawings.

Entry fees will stay the same in 2018, $40 for pre-sale entries; $50 after deadline and kids pay $10 and receive a free derby t-shirt.

The traditional derby t-shirts and hats will also be available for sale.

The Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association, or CLOGBA, has been the major sponsor of the derby since its inception in 1983.

Through CLOGBA, proceeds from the derby support many local worthy causes.

More information on the Catfish Derby is available at www.clearlakeoaks.org/derby.

Businesses that want to get in the annual program can sponsor the event by contacting Dennis Locke at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A missing at-risk woman has been located.

Alexy Rei Jenkins, 24, was first reported missing by her family on Friday, as Lake County News has reported.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that Jenkins was located on Sunday.

No other details on the case were immediately available.

LCNews

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