NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of human remains near the Eel River early Tuesday morning.

Sgt. Greg Van Patten of the Mendocino County Investigative Services Bureau reported that just before 7 a.m. Tuesday a caller notified the sheriff’s office that they had found a shoe protruding from the earth near the shore of the Eel River in the 83000 block of Highway 271 near Piercy.

Upon closer examination the caller believed the shoe was attached to a human body, Van Patten said.

Van Patten said a Mendocino County Sheriff's Office patrol sergeant and sheriff's detective responded to the scene and located what the caller had reported.

At that time it was discovered that the shoe was associated with a shallow grave that contained the skeletal remains of a human body, according to Van Patten.

He said Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives requested the assistance of the Department of Anthropology at California State University, Chico in recovering the remains from the grave.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Tip-Line by calling 707-234-2100.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Lakeport woman was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence and drug possession.

Laura Louise Long, 41, was arrested by California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Tuggle following a traffic stop on Highway 29.

CHP Officer Kory Reynolds said that at about 12:15 a.m. Tuggle pulled Long over after observing her vehicle weaving in the northbound lane of Highway 29 at Highland Springs Road.

Tuggle detected the odor of burnt marijuana in the vehicle and observed a marijuana pipe between the subject’s legs as she was seated in the driver seat, Reynolds said.

Reynolds said Tuggle had Long get out of the vehicle and he administered field sobriety tests to her. Afterward he arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.  

A search of the vehicle revealed the subject was in possession of a large quantity of marijuana, as well as methamphetamine, hydrocodone and other drug paraphernalia, Reynolds said.

Long was booked into the Lake County Jail for possession and transportation of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, driving under the influence and possession of a narcotic.

Lake County Jail records indicated her bail was set at $35,000. Long remained in custody on Monday afternoon.

LUCERNE, Calif. – An early morning crash on Sunday did damage to the Lucerne Hotel property.

The California Highway Patrol said a hit and run crash near the building on Country Club Drive was reported shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday.

The vehicle hit a 30-foot stretch of fence along Country Club Drive between 13th and 14th avenues.

The crash sheared four 4-inch by 4-inch fence posts at ground level and completely removed the bottom rails from the fence.

A significant amount of debris from the vehicle remained at the crash site Sunday afternoon, along with a large, full, opened Bud Light can.

The fence recently had been built by the county as part of the renovations to prepare the property for a new Marymount College campus.

Additional information the crash was not immediately available.

A CHP notice left at the scene indicated that the agency was seeking information on the responsible person. The CHP can be reached at 707-279-0103.

John Jensen contributed to this report.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Thousands of people took refuge from Hurricane Sandy in American Red Cross shelters Sunday night as the massive storm neared the East Coast.

More than 3,200 people spent the night in 112 Red Cross shelters in nine states – New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Massachusetts.

The number of people seeking shelter is expected to grow as the storm comes ashore.

Locally, six volunteers from five North Bay counties (Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake and Humboldt) have been deployed to the East Coast.

They are assisting in feeding and sheltering those affected by Hurricane Sandy, as well as providing client services that work to accommodate each person’s individual needs.

Two volunteers from Santa Rosa, and one each from Ukiah, Kelseyville, Napa and McKinleyville, are working with volunteers from across the county to aid in the Red Cross relief efforts.

Due to current storm conditions, deployment has been placed on hold until it becomes safe to fly again.

The Red Cross has deployed more than 1,300 disaster workers to the region from all over the country and more than 230,000 ready-to-eat meals have been sent into the area.

To help find a loved one affected by the storm, people can download the Red Cross Hurricane app, visit the Red Cross web site, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or check their local media outlets.

People can also register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site, a secure and easy-to-use online tool that helps families connect during emergencies.

To register, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This site also connects with the Twitter and Facebook accounts of users.

The Red Cross predicts a large, costly relief response. Financial donations help the Red Cross provide services to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy. To donate, people can:

• visit www.redcross.org ,
• call 1-800-RED-CROSS,
• text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• Contributions may also be sent to American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino, & Lake Counties 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-8070 or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

More than 235,000 people have downloaded the free Red Cross Hurricane App Friday when Sandy began approaching.

The app gives up-to-date weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets someone use social media outlets to let family and friends know they are okay.

The app is available in Spanish just by changing the smart phone setting to Spanish before downloading.

The First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in a person’s hand. Both can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A Cobb man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence late Saturday night following a crash near Kelseyville.

David William Mettler, 31, was arrested as a result of the crash, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kory Reynolds.

On Saturday night Mettler was driving his 2000 Chevrolet pickup eastbound on Bottle Rock Road at an unknown speed when he allowed his vehicle to cross the double yellow lines and side swipe a 1997 Toyota 4Runner driven by Andrew Chinnock, 33, also of Cobb, Reynolds said.

Reynolds said Chinnock was transported to St Helena-Clearlake Hospital with complaint of pain to his head, neck, back and wrist.  

Mettler was uninjured in the collision, Reynolds said.

Lake County Jail records indicated that Mettler was arrested on two felony counts of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, and misdemeanors of driving without a license and an outside agency arrest warrant.

He was booked with bail set at $30,000. Lake County Jail records showed that he remained in custody on Monday afternoon.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – State and local officials are warning that Lake County’s schools and schools across the rest of the state are potentially facing huge cuts if proposed tax initiatives don’t pass this fall.

Proposition 30, supported by Gov. Jerry Brown, and Proposition 38, advocated by philanthropist Molly Munger, are on the November ballot. The initiative that gets the most votes will become law.

Each initiative offers a different approach to providing funds for California’s schools, as Lake County News outlined in an article last week, which can be read here: http://bit.ly/Sc4SiV .

Lake County Superintendent Wally Holbrook told Lake County News that local schools are facing millions of dollars in state cuts if some new revenue source isn’t established. In addition, they are facing loss of federal funds as a result of sequestration.

Both initiatives have passionate supporters and opponents. As for tax opponents, groups like No on 30 say the proposition isn’t true reform and won’t help schools.

Gov. Brown has warned that schools will be hit by the trigger cuts if Proposition 30 doesn’t pass. No on 30 said school funding actually is set to increase by $1.2 billion in the 2012-13 school year, but California Budget Fact Check and the California Budget Project both point out that schools are indeed set to get hit without a successful initiative.

An analysis by the Legislative Analyst’s Office said anticipated reductions include $4.8 billion in midyear trigger cuts that would hit public schools; in addition, $550 million would be cut from the California Community Colleges system, $250 million from the California State University system and $250 million from the University of California.

According to Holbrook – who has formally endorsed Proposition 30 – with no other funding alternative, schools will face a new, deep round of cuts.

In the current fiscal year, local schools already witnessed cuts totaling $13.7 million, according to countywide data he provided.

Potential cuts for all of the county’s districts from the state total approximately $4,027,488 if the tax initiatives fail, Holbrook said.

Kelseyville Unified would lose $756,451; Konocti Unified, $1,291,902; Lakeport Unified, $651,560; Middletown Unified, $703,957; Lucerne Elementary School District, $89,147; Upper Lake Elementary School District, $204,357; Upper Lake High School District, $170,415; Lake County International Charter School, $17,055; and Lake County Office of Education, $142,642.

The districts are looking at another $769,390 in federal sequestration cuts, Holbrook said. Those cuts, as well as cuts across many other federal programs, are set to hit this coming January.

A July report from the American Association of School Administrators explained that sequestration “was designed as a consequence” for the federal government. However, it goes on to add, “The true impact of sequestration will ultimately be felt by individuals at the local level.”

A chart showing the full extent of the anticipated cuts, provided by Holbrook, can be found below.

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.

The California Highway Patrol’s highest-ranking female officer has been awarded the Trailblazer Award by the California Peace Officers’ Association.

CHP Assistant Commissioner Ramona Prieto received the award while attending the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Symposium in Irvine recently.

The Trailblazer Award recognizes a woman in California who, by demonstrating outstanding achievement within their job tenure and in their community, has enhanced the visibility and stature of women in law enforcement.

“Commissioner Prieto took on a leadership role early in her career with the highway patrol and it is a privilege to serve alongside of her every day,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “She is a true role model for women in law enforcement.”

Assistant Commissioner Prieto started her career with the CHP 36 years ago. Throughout her career, Commissioner Prieto has worked in seven field commands and three staff operations.

Notably, Prieto was the very first female motorcycle officer for the CHP, riding a motorcycle on patrol in Los Angeles for five years.

In another first, on May 1, 2008, Prieto was appointed the first female Assistant Commissioner in CHP history, and oversees all CHP field and patrol operations from CHP headquarters in Sacramento.

“It is such an honor to win such an award,” said Assistant Commissioner Prieto. “When I joined the highway patrol there were 50 women total, and I knew them all by first name. Now there are over 400. My goal has always been to make it easier for those who follow after me.”

Prieto attributed much of her success to being an “impact player.” She said that being a mother of five daughters also served as motivation to pave the way for other women.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A Northshore man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence following a crash that injured his passenger.

The California Highway Patrol arrested Klynt Lowrie of Nice for driving under the influence and causing bodily injury just before 4 a.m., according to Lake County Jail records. The crash occurred at about 3:30 a.m.

California Highway Patrol Officer Kory Reynolds said Lowrie was driving a 1994 BMW southbound on Highway 29 north of Mockingbird Lane at an unknown speed when he allowed his vehicle to exit the west roadway edge.

When Lowrie’s vehicle when off the highway, he struck an embankment and overturned, Lowrie said.

Reports from the scene early Sunday morning had indicated the highway’s southbound lane was blocked as a result of the crash.

Lowrie’s passenger, 30-year-old Nicholle Goeken of Lakeport, had lacerations, abrasions and complaints of pain to her neck and back, according to Reynolds.

Goeken was flown by REACH air ambulance to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Reynolds said.

Lowrie later was booked at the Lake County Jail with bail set at $30,000. He remained in custody on Monday afternoon.

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. – This week's adoptable cats feature several older cats and some new kittens.

They range in age from 6 months to 9 years, with all types of coats and personalities.

Cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed and 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.

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”).

‘Dessarie’

Perky eared Dessarie is a domestic medium hair mix.

At 9 years old, she is the oldest of the cats at the shelter currently.

She is a well-mannered older lady with a soft black and white coat and charming green eyes.

Shelter staff did not report if she has been spayed at this point.

She can be found in cat room kennel No. 8, ID No. 34639.

Gray male tabby

This handsome gray male tabby is 2 years old.

He has a fluffy medium-length coat, weighs nearly 9 pounds and has been neutered, so he’s all ready to join a new home.

Find him in cat room kennel No. 11a, ID No. 34357.

Male brown tabby

This brown male tabby is 6 months old.

He weighs nearly 6 pounds, has a short coat and green eyes. Shelter staff did not report if he was altered, but they did report he is housebroken.

He's in cat room kennel No. 26, ID No. 34704.

Domestic short hair mix

This pretty and sweet female domestic short hair mix is 6 years old.

She has blues eyes and a short white coat, and has been spayed. She enjoys interaction with people.

Find her in cat room kennel No. 46, ID No. 34385.

Domestic long hair mix

This black and white female domestic long hair mix cat is 3 years old.

She has green eyes, is of medium size and has been spayed.

She’s in cat room kennel No. 52, ID No. 34632.

Black domestic long hair mix

This wide-eyed black kitten is 6 months old.

She has big gold eyes and is large in size. Shelter staff did not report if she had been altered.

Black cats are known to be among the coolest cats, so check her out in cat room kennel No. 53, ID No. 34709.

Gray and white domestic long hair

This male domestic long hair mix is 1 year old.

He has green eyes and is a smaller-sized cat. He has not yet been neutered.

Find him in cat room kennel No. 54, ID No. 34655.

Gray female tabby

This female gray tabby is 4 years old.

She has a short cat, is quite friendly and personable, and has been spayed.

She’s in cat room kennel No. 63, ID No. 34571.

Male gray tabby

This male gray tabby is 1 year old.

He has a short coat and green eyes, and has been neutered.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 100, ID No. 34479.

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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – A Herlong man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Saturday night following a crash that sent a Santa Rosa woman to an area hospital.

Mark Carpenter, 50, was arrested following the crash, which occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Highway 29 north of Tubbs Lane on the Napa County side of Mount St. Helena, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Garrett Ray.

Injured in the crash was 51-year-old Sasan Barrow, Ray said.

Ray said Carpenter was driving a 1998 Dodge Dakota northbound when he allowed his vehicle to cross over the double yellow lines. Carpenter collided head on with the 1997 Nissan Quest driven southbound by Barrow.

Barrow was transported to Queen of the Valley Hospital for precautionary reasons, said Ray. Carpenter was not injured.

Carpenter later was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Ray said.

Lake County residents reported being held up in traffic over the mountain as first responders worked at the scene. Local fire units also were reported to be among the emergency personnel responding.

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. – California motorcyclist deaths are on the rise, according to a new report from the California Highway Patrol.

The increase in motorcycle-involved collisions reverses a trend of significant decline in such collisions since 2008, the agency said.

In response, the CHP asks for the motoring public’s assistance in preventing future tragedies
involving motorcycles from happening on our roadways.

“Everyone on the highway plays an important role in preventing collisions,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Motorcyclists are encouraged to ride safely and defensively, while drivers need to look out for motorcyclists who are sharing the road.”

California is home to more than one million motorcyclists. Each year hundreds of these motorcyclists are killed in collisions and thousands are injured. According to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, 20 percent more motorcyclists were killed in 2011 than in 2010.

A high percentage of deadly collisions involving cars and motorcycles occur in intersections. The CHP reminds drivers that when making a left turn, look for traffic, and then look again for motorcyclists.

“A little extra vigilance can go a long way,” added Commissioner Farrow. “By looking twice, you may save the life of a motorcyclist.”

Speed is another big contributor to the majority of motorcycle-involved collisions that result in death.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than drivers, and they are encouraged to minimize their risk by riding responsibly and wearing proper safety equipment.

The CHP also encourages all motorcycle riders – new riders and those looking to sharpen their skills --  to register for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP).

For more information about the CMSP, go to www.ca-msp.org .

“Even though the fall and winter months are upon us, areas of California have optimum riding weather year round,” said Commissioner Farrow. “Remember, whether you drive or ride highway safety is a shared responsibility.”

LUCERNE, Calif. – Two local thrift stores – one about to open officially, the other celebrating its first-year anniversary – are raising much-needed funds for local senior programs.

Lucerne Alpine Senior Center has embarked on opening the new “Meals on Wheels Thrift Store Lucerne” at 3985 Country Club Drive this Wednesday, Oct. 31.

The opening falls on the first anniversary of the Lakeport Senior Center Meals on Wheels Thrift Shop, according to Lakeport Senior Center Executive Director Jonathan Crooks, who also is overseeing the Lucerne shop.

Crooks said the new store will benefit the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center and its programs. Faithful volunteers have worked hard to make the grand opening a success.  

Gifts and treats will be given away during the grand opening, and there will be fun for the whole family, he said.

The Meals on Wheels Thrift Store Lakeport at 120 N. Main St. has been an amazing success for the Lakeport Senior Activity Center, according to Crooks.

Since the first ribbon cutting, he said the store has helped fund 128,924 meals, with hundreds more served each day.

Hundreds of volunteers have given thousands of hours to the store, and the generous community giving donations and shopping for deals have made the store and the senior center a success, he said.

Crooks said services provided by senior centers to the fast growing senior population in Lake County are essential. The mission of the Lakeport Senior Center includes providing these services, as well as social activities and ensuring that no senior goes hungry.  

On Halloween, the Lakeport store will celebrate its one-year anniversary in the new downtown location from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with an all-day sale offering 25 percent off the entire inventory. Crooks said festivities will include refreshments and snacks, and trick or treat candy all day for the kids.

He said the Lakeport store and staff are eager to support the Lucerne location and help its store be a success. The Lucerne store is always looking for volunteers and donations.

For more information call Lucerne at 707-274-8779 and Lakeport at 707-263-6174.