MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A vehicle stop by a sheriff's K9 unit led to an arrest, along with the seizure of 8.5 pounds of concentrated marijuana and $26,940 last week.

Shawn Pasha Barkman, 44, of Cobb was arrested as a result of the stop, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's office.

Just after 11:30 a.m. last Thursday, Nov. 14, a K9 unit on patrol in the Middletown area observed a silver Infinity traveling southbound on Highway 29 at a high rate of speed. Brooks said the deputy also noticed the vehicle exhibited multiple vehicle code violations.

He said the deputy followed the vehicle and paced it traveling at 70 miles per hour for approximately two miles. The posted speed limit within those two miles varied from 45 to 55 miles per hour.

The deputy conducted an enforcement stop in the 22000 block of Highway 29 in Middletown and contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Barkman, Brooks said.

While speaking to Barkman, the deputy smelled the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. He also noticed Barkman appeared to be extremely nervous, according to Brooks.

The deputy deployed his canine to conduct a sniff around the vehicle, Brooks said. As the canine approached the trunk of the vehicle, she produced a positive alert indicating there was the odor of a controlled substance present.

The deputy had Barkman exit the vehicle and advised him of the canine alerting to his vehicle. He also advised him he would be searching the vehicle, Brooks said.

Brooks said the deputy opened the trunk and located a large green plastic container. He told Barkman he believed there was marijuana in the container and Barkman replied it contained concentrated cannabis and hashish.

The deputy opened the container and located 65 clear plastic bags containing concentrated cannabis and hashish. Brooks said the deputy also located $6,692 inside an envelope within the container.

The deputy noticed each of the bags was marked for sales, Brooks said. Barkman said he was selling the concentrated marijuana to dispensaries for whatever they give him. Later all of the bags were combined and determined to have a gross weight of 8.5 pounds.

Barkman was arrested for the possession of marijuana for sale, the transportation of marijuana and the possession of concentrated cannabis. He was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked, Brooks said.

The K9 deputy contacted narcotics detectives and provided them with the details of his enforcement stop and arrest. Brooks said narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for Barkman’s residence which was located in the 11000 block of Gifford Springs Road in Cobb.

Later that same day, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force served the warrant at the residence. During the search detectives located and seized an additional 4.5 pounds of processed marijuana, 21.4 grams of hashish and $20,248, Brooks reported.

A total of 4.5 pounds of processed marijuana and 8.5 pounds of concentrated cannabis were seized as evidence in this case. The $26,940 in US currency also was seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings, Brooks said.

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

The California Department of Water Resources on Wednesday announced an initial allocation of five percent of requested deliveries to State Water Project (SWP) contractors in calendar year 2014.

The initial allocation is a conservative estimate of what DWR expects it can deliver as a percentage of the total amount requested by the public water agencies that contract for SWP deliveries.

“We hope things improve with this winter's storms,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin, “but there is no guarantee that 2014 won't be our third consecutive dry year. Today's allocation is a stark reminder that California's fickle weather demands that we make year-round conservation a way of life.”

It is still early in the water year; DWR will update the allocation as the winter progresses based on mountain snowpack accumulation. On average, half of California's annual precipitation occurs in December through February, and three-quarters occurs from November through March.

Initial water delivery estimates are conservative because they are made before the wettest period of the year. The lowest previous initial SWP allocation, also five percent, was for calendar year 2010.

Made on the heels of the 2007-09 drought, the 2010 allocation was eventually increased to 50 percent of the slightly more than four million acre-feet of water requested by the 29 public agencies that receive SWP water. Winter storms increased the second-lowest initial allocation of 10 percent for calendar year 1993 to 100 percent of requested deliveries.

Storage levels in the state's major reservoirs largely dictate the initial SWP allocation.

Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water Project's principal reservoir, is at 41 percent of capacity (66 percent of its historical average for the date). Lake Shasta north of Redding, the federal Central Valley Project's largest reservoir, is at 37 percent of capacity (61 percent of average).

San Luis Reservoir in Merced County – a vital south-of-Delta supply pool for both the State Water Project and Central Valley Project – holds only 25 percent of capacity (42 percent of average for the date) due both to dry weather and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta pumping restrictions to protect Delta smelt and salmon.

The final State Water Project allocation this year was 35 percent of the 4.17 million acre-feet requested by agencies that collectively deliver water to more than 25 million Californians and 700,000 acres of farmland in the Santa Clara Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and Southern California.

In 2012, the final allocation was 65 percent. It was 80 percent in 2011, up dramatically from an initial allocation of 25 percent. The final allocation was 50 percent in 2010, 40 percent in 2009, 35 percent in 2008, and 60 percent in 2007.

The last 100 percent allocation – difficult to achieve even in wet years because of Delta pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fish – was in 2006.

DWR is convening its annual winter outlook science workshop this week to develop an experimental seasonal forecast which will be posted on DWR’s website later in the month. Regardless of whether the experimental forecast suggests wet or dry conditions, DWR will continue to prepare for the possibility that water year 2014 may become a third dry year.

If 2014 is dry, the greatest risks for public health and safety impacts stem from the increased chances for major wildfires and from drinking water shortages in some rural small water systems relying on fractured rock groundwater.

Minimal surface water allocations to some agricultural areas, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, can result in economic impacts to growers and increased land subsidence where groundwater overdraft occurs.

As provided for in Gov. Brown’s May 2013 Executive Order to expedite review and processing of voluntary water transfers, DWR has been working to streamline the process by improving contracting procedures for transfers dependent on SWP facilities, facilitating fast-tracking of transfers with appropriate supporting documentation, and improving coordination with other agencies involved in approving transfers, including the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and State Water Resources Control Board.

In partnership with the National Integrated Drought Information System program, DWR organized four classes this fall on drought preparedness and water conservation for small water systems. DWR co-sponsored a drought preparedness workshop for urban water agencies with the National Water Resources Institute. Presentations from the workshop are available at http://www.nwri-usa.org/drought.htm .

DWR and California State University Fresno will hold an agricultural drought preparedness workshop in December.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The parent company of two Lake County supermarkets said it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

C&K Market Inc., based in Brookings, Ore., said it took the step of filing the voluntary Chapter 11 petition to address legacy costs, sell or close underperforming stores, and resolve debt issues.

The case was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon in Eugene.

C&K's operations are expected to continue as normal throughout the bankruptcy process, as it develops a reorganization plan.

The company owns Bruno's Shop Smart in Lakeport and Ray's Food Place in Clearlake.

Company spokesman Grant Lunde told Lake County News that both of Lake County's stores will remain open, with no changes to their operations.

Lunde said C&K has owned the Clearlake store since 1995 and the Lakeport store since 2006.

The family-owned company – which operates 60 grocery stores under the banners of Ray's Food Place, Shop Smart, C&K Market and LoBuck$ – said it plans to emerge from Chapter 11 in 2014, and has a commitment for debtor-in-possession financing.

“Entering Chapter 11 was a difficult decision for our family,” said Doug Nidiffer, chairman of the board. “We seriously considered our options, and believe this approach is in the best interest of many of the communities we've served over the years. We will retain about two-thirds of our 60 stores, tighten our corporate structure, and shed legacy costs.”

At the initial hearing in a few days, a number of first day motions will be filed, including one that will seek approval of a debtor in possession financing facility with U.S. Bank, the company said.

C&K reported that it will continue to operate in the ordinary course of business during the bankruptcy, as it reorganizes.

“The decision to sell or close about a third of our stores was extremely difficult,” said Gregory L. Sandeno, president of C&K Market. “We appreciate the dedication and hard work of all of our employees and are saddened that some cannot continue with us. We anticipate we will eliminate approximately 20 percent of our positions, as a result of selling or closing stores and restructuring on the corporate side.”

“The positive news is that we will put our energies into the remaining stores with our family-friendly service, and intend to emerge from bankruptcy as a stronger, leaner company,” Sandeno said.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The National Weather Service on Thursday issued an urgent wind advisory and a hazardous weather outlook for Lake County and other portions of Northern California, while thousands of county residents at one point found themselves temporarily without power due to weather conditions.

Gusting winds around Lake County on Thursday are believed to have contributed to a series of power outages – ranging from Upper Lake to Hidden Valley Lake – that were reported beginning in the late afternoon and continuing into the early evening.

Firefighters in Lakeport, Kelseyville, Clearlake Oaks and Upper Lake were dispatched on reports of downed power and phone lines, and damaged utility equipment, based on radio reports.

At one point early Thursday evening, the power was out for a total of 5,000 customers across Lake County as the result of 25 separate outages, according to Pacific Gas and Electric spokesperson Jana Morris.

Morris said a majority of those outages were weather-related, with one outage due to an object on the power lines.

One of the outages impacted 4,800 customers in the Clearlake Oaks and Clearlake areas. Most of those customers had power restored between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Morris said.

She said about 400 people across Lake County were still without power as of 6:30 p.m., with 107 of them in the area covered by the Lucerne substation.

Morris didn't have an estimated time for power restoration to those affected by the continuing outages.

In a wind advisory issued on Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service warned of strong north to east winds that are expected to continue throughout the region into Friday night.

The strongest winds are expected on Thursday night, according to forecasters.

The advisory, in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday, anticipates winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour.

Lighter winds are forecast through the weekend, at which point showers also are expected to clear, the agency said.

The windy conditions are the result of strong high pressure building in the Pacific Northwest, combined with a deep low pressure system off of the Southern California coast, the National Weather Service 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.

The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining held a Wednesday hearing on the proposed Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act (S.483) – sponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer – would permanently protect 350,000 acres of public lands located less than one hundred miles from Sacramento and the Bay Area, including thousands of acres in Lake County.

Supporters say that protecting this region will provide well-managed recreation opportunities and user education while safeguarding the region’s natural beauty, sensitive areas, and wildlife and rare plants.

“This bill will put the Berryessa Snow Mountain region on the map as a destination for families and recreation enthusiasts, and it permanently protects this area for future generations to enjoy,” said Boxer. “Even though the region is one of the most beautiful and diverse, it is also one of the least known regions of California. An NCA designation will raise the area's profile, reaching out to more diverse audiences, allowing people from all walks of life to better appreciate this truly amazing and awe inspiring area.”

“There is something for everyone to appreciate in the Berryessa Snow Mountain region,” said Don Amador of the Blue Ribbon Coalition. “No matter what kinds of recreation you enjoy, be it a quiet trip out in nature, or riding your mountain bikes, horses or OHVs on designated trails, you find it here.”

Amador added, “We want to ensure that these opportunities are available for everyone to enjoy, and as an advocate for responsible OHV riding on legally designated routes, I am excited to see this collaborative legislation move forward. This grassroots bill will enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation, ensure continued access, and help protect this remarkable place for existing and future generations.”

“I am overjoyed that this legislation has taken this big step forward,” says Sara Husby-Good, executive director of the conservation group Tuleyome. “The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is a hidden gem and we appreciate Sen. Boxer’s leadership to permanently protect this region for future generations. Designating the region as a National Conservation Area will provide a safeguard for our natural resources, support our local economies, and benefit those who work, live, and play in the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.”

The hearing paves the way for a vote on the legislation in the full Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA-05), chair of the bipartisan Invasive Species Caucus, hosted a caucus hearing in Washington, DC about the threat invasive species pose to local budgets, agriculture, infrastructure and the environment across California’s Fifth Congressional District and other communities across the country.

“Invasive species pose a costly challenge to our economy, infrastructure, agriculture and the environment,” said Thompson. “In the counties that make up our district, three lakes are rated at the highest risk for a quagga invasion.”

He added, “If such an invasion occurs, it could devastate our local budgets, wreck our water infrastructure and threaten native species. That’s why I brought together experts for a bipartisan hearing on the plans Congress and local leaders need to put in place to protect our communities from invasive species before they become a major problem.”

At the hearing, members of the caucus heard from experts about federal coordination of state-based efforts for invasive species control.

Thompson asked about quagga mussel control in the state of California and commented on the need for improved prevention activities such as watercraft inspection and decontamination.

Thompson also highlighted the need for rapid response to relatively new infestations, such as the tree-of-heaven in California’s Fifth Congressional District.

Co-Chairman Dan Benishek (R-MI-1) mentioned the need for an increased focus on state and local efforts for invasive species such as eurasian milfoil in the Great Lakes.

Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA-32), also in attendance, commented on the need for better federal agency coordination in the prevention of infrastructure-damaging invasive species at federal waterways.

All members present agreed to an ongoing commitment to work with federal agencies to continue to improve invasive species prevention and control across the country.

Experts joining Thompson at the hearing to testify were Susan Mangin, executive secretary, Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; Lori Williams, director, National Invasive Species Council; and Bill Hyatt, invasive species committee chair for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Invasive species threaten communities by devastating native habitats, damaging crops, clogging water pipes, infecting plants and animals with dangerous diseases, and outcompeting native species. This can lower crop yields, pose health hazards, damage natural environments, and take a severe toll on local, state and federal budgets.

Nationwide, damages associated with invasive species cost an estimated tens of billions of dollars per year.

In the Fifth Congressional District, Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma and Lake Berryessa are all rated at the highest possible risk level for quagga invasion. Currently none of these lakes has been invaded by quagga mussels.

However, if quaggas invade one of these lakes, control and treatment would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and negatively impact the water supply for residents in Sonoma, Lake and Solano counties.

Aquatic mussels such as quagga and zebra mussels have cost U.S. communities more than $5 billion since their introduction in the 1980s.

The Congressional Invasive Species Caucus, co-chaired by Reps. Mike Thompson and Dan Benichek is an informal, bipartisan group dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species issues, supporting local communities who are bearing the brunt of this problem, and promoting efforts to prevent and control the spread of invasive species.

The caucus provides opportunities for representatives to meet with the most important policy makers, organizations, and industry leaders that are impacted by invasive species.

Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

LUCERNE, Calif. – Sheriff's deputies have arrested two Mendocino County residents for their alleged part in a shooting that occurred early on Thursday morning in Lucerne.

Samantha Lee Rilla, 35, and Stephen Anthony Thomas, 36, both of Redwood Valley, were taken into custody not long after the incident, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Brook said that at 12:38 a.m. Thursday deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 3600 block of Country Club Drive in Lucerne for a report of a shooting. Initial radio reports indicated the shooting occurred at Country Club Mobile Home Park.

While responding to the residence, Central Dispatch provided a description of the suspect vehicle. The suspects were reported to have left in a white pickup, traveling westbound on Highway 20 towards Ukiah, Brooks said.

Deputies located a white Dodge pickup matching the description near the intersection of Bartlett Springs Road and Highway 20 in Lucerne. Brooks said they conducted an enforcement stop of the vehicle on Highway 20, just west of Bartlett Springs Road.

Deputies contacted the driver, who was identified as Rilla, and her passenger, identified as Thomas. Brooks said both Rilla and Thomas were detained as additional deputies continued to the shooting location.

When deputies arrived at the residence they contacted the victim, who was bleeding from the left side of his head, Brooks said.

The victim reported that a male and a female – later identified as Thomas and Rilla, respectively – had shown up to his residence and started an argument. Brooks said Rilla told the victim that his girlfriend had planned to rob Thomas. The argument occurred at the top of the victim's stairs in the driveway.

The victim told Rilla and Thomas they needed to leave his residence. Thomas continued to yell at the victim’s girlfriend, who was standing in the doorway, Brooks said.

The victim punched Thomas in the face, knocking him backwards to the bottom of the stairs. The argument intensified and Thomas drew a handgun from the right side of his waistband. Brooks said Thomas then struck the victim twice in the head with the grip portion of the firearm, causing the laceration to the victim's head.

The argument continued and Thomas fired the handgun near the victim’s feet, striking his pants. Brooks said the bullet continued through the door and into the side of the residence. The victim said Rilla and Thomas then took off running to their nearby pickup and drove away.

The victim was able to provide detailed descriptions of Thomas, Rilla and the vehicle they were driving. He also was able to describe the handgun as having a silver-colored barrel and a black handle, Brooks said.

A deputy examined the victim’s injuries and found he was bleeding from the left side of his face and had bruising near his eye. Brooks said the deputy also noticed both pant legs had tears in them, which was consistent with the travel of a bullet across the material.

Northshore Fire Protection District personnel arrived on scene and provided medical attention to the victim and transported him to the hospital for additional medical treatment, Brooks said.

Deputies located a shell casing on the ground, close to the stairs, which was seized as evidence. Brooks said they also noticed a hole in the door and a hole in the side of the residence, which were in line with each other. The holes and entry points were consistent with a gunshot.

A witness identified Thomas as being the subject who fired the gun at the victim. The witness also identified Rilla as being the female who was with Thomas and initiated the argument, according to Brooks.

A search was conducted of the vehicle Rilla was driving. Deputies located a firearm and ammunition inside the vehicle, which was accessible to both Thomas and Rilla. After further investigation, Brooks said deputies discovered they are both convicted felons.

Thomas was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition. Rilla was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, being an accessory, felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition, Brooks said.

They were both transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked. Their booking sheets showed that bail for each was set at $100,000, and both remained in custody on Thursday afternoon.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Due to an overwhelming response from concerned citizens regarding invasive mussel infestations in California’s bodies of water, boat owners will now see an additional fee on their California Department of Motor Vehicles vessel registration.

This fee is a result of AB2443 that was signed into law by Gov. Brown in 2012.

“The money collected by the DMV will go to the state of California Department of Boating and Waterways to make grants available to local agencies to fund quagga and zebra mussel prevention plans,” said Lake County Public Works Director Scott De Leon.

Since 2008, the county of Lake has taken a positive, proactive and aggressive approach to the threat of an invasive mussel infestation because of the huge impact it could have on the ecosystem of Clear Lake and the local economy, officials said. This approach has been funded largely by the fees received from the county’s sticker program.

In order to keep Clear Lake free of invasive mussels and keep its ecosystem intact, boat owners are still required to participate in Lake County’s mussel prevention plan.

This will include the annual requirement of purchasing a Lake County Quagga Mussel Sticker, as there is no guarantee that monies collected through the DMV will be awarded for use in Lake County.

Please continue to support the Lake County program by showing your current mussel sticker and remember to check in with a participating screener when you return from an out-of-county trip with your boat.

Rescreening and any necessary decontamination are free.

County officials credit the Lake County mussel prevention program with being the reason Clear Lake is still free of quagga and zebra mussels.

For the latest list of screeners see www.nomussels.com or call 707-263-2344.

The 2014 mussel stickers will be available in late December of this year.

California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris on Tuesday announced a settlement with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. over its misrepresentations in residential mortgage-backed securities sold to California's public employee and teacher pension funds, CalPERS and CalSTRS, between 2004 and 2008.

According to the terms of the settlement, California will recover $298,973,000 in damages.

“JP Morgan Chase profited by giving California’s pension funds incomplete information about mortgage investments,” Attorney General Harris said. “This settlement returns the money to California’s pension funds that JP Morgan wrongfully took from them.”

An investigation conducted by Attorney General Harris showed that offering documents for the securities failed to accurately disclose the true characteristics of many of the underlying mortgages, and that due diligence to weed out poor quality loans had not been adequately performed.

The broader settlement reached today by the United States Department of Justice and other federal and state agencies totals $13 billion, and represents the largest settlement with a single entity in American history.

CalPERS and CalSTRS will be reimbursed through this settlement for losses on investments in mortgage-backed securities of J.P. Morgan Chase or its predecessors Washington Mutual Bank and Bear Stearns.

J.P. Morgan Chase will also provide $4 billion in relief to aid consumers across the country, including Californians, harmed by the unlawful conduct of J.P. Morgan Chase, Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual.

That relief will take various forms, including principal forgiveness, loan modification, targeted originations and efforts to reduce blight.

An independent monitor will be appointed to determine whether J.P. Morgan Chase is satisfying its obligations.

The settlement related to California’s pension funds arises from the investigation into mortgage-backed securities by Attorney General Harris's Mortgage Fraud Strike Force, which was formed in May 2011 to comprehensively investigate misconduct in the mortgage industry.

The Attorney General's additional efforts to investigate the mortgage crisis include securing an estimated $20 billion for California in the National Mortgage Settlement and sponsoring the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, a package of laws instituting permanent mortgage-related reforms.

For more information on the U.S. DOJ settlement visit: http://www.justice.gov/ .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A local woman with roots in the Philippines is launching a fundraising effort to help the country in the wake of the devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan earlier this month.

Maria Montero Bowers of Lakeport is setting up collection canisters around Lake County and also has created a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/philippinetyphoonrelieflakecountyca , to help bring awareness to the country's plight.

The super typhoon hit the Philippines' southern and central provinces, including the Visayas islands, on Nov. 8. It's reported to be one of the most powerful storms ever recorded on earth, according to the National Aeronautic and Space Administration.

The Philippine government's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's latest report on the typhoon's impacts stated that there are approximately 4,011 dead, 18,567 injured and 1,602 missing.

The council said that about 2.15 million families – or just over 10 million people – have been affected in 44 of the country's 81 provinces.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that Haiyan has displaced 4.4 million people, and estimated a higher number of impacted individuals – 13.25 million.

Bowers – who is working with the American Red Cross – so far has donation canisters set up at six locations: in Clearlake, at Cactus Grill, 3900 Bayliss Ave., Main Street Bar and Grill, 14084 Lakeshore Drive, and Notts Liquors, 14772 Lakeshore Drive; in Lakeport, Jimmy's Deli N Taqueria, 540 Lakeport Blvd., and Taqueria La Mexicana, 1303 S. Main St.; and in Clearlake Oaks at Happy Garden, 3440 Highway 20.

“They're going to be out for two weeks before the first collection,” she said, adding that she wants to continue collecting funds through January, and also hopes to host a charity dinner.

She hasn't set a goal, but added, “The more I can collect the better.”

Bowers said the money is being used to purchase and distribute relief items like food, blankets, hygiene kits and mosquito nets, with the Red Cross hoping to provide cash grants when the economy begins to function normally. The organization also is helping families find lost members.

She said 12 Red Cross disaster specialists have been deployed to the country.

“There's a severe need and it's immediate,” she said.

Officials with the American Red Cross of Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties said a full tally of the region's donations to help the Philippines isn't expected until the end of this week.

However, “The community has been very generous,” said Ashley Fehrmann, regional chief development officer for the California Northwest Region, who Bowers is working with on the local fundraiser.

Kristie Fry, regional communications officer with the local Red Cross chapter, said community members can donate in a variety of ways, including texting “typhoon” to 90999, which designates a $10 gift, or by going to the Web site at http://www.redcross.org/ca/santa-rosa .

Facebook also has partnered with the Red Cross to collect donations, she said.

Bowers, who was born in the Philippines, came to the United States with her family as a child in 1989. She has lived in Lake County ever since, attending local schools and becoming a US citizen in 2009.

She estimated there are between 20 and 25 Filipino families who make their home in Lake County.

Her family members who remain in the Philippines are OK because they live in the north, which wasn't impacted by the typhoon. She said family friends who live in the country's central area have reported damage to homes.

Bowers said she's been lucky to be a child of two nations – the Philippines and the United States.

“I love them both,” she said, adding, “Right now, the Philippines needs help.”

For more information, contact Bowers through her Facebook page or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

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.

Attorney General Kamala Harris has launched a new initiative designed to curb recidivism in California through partnerships between the California Department of Justice’s new Division of Recidivism Reduction and Re-Entry and the state’s counties and district attorneys.

The division will support counties and district attorneys by partnering on best practices and policy initiatives, such as the development of a statewide definition of recidivism, identifying grants to fund the creation and expansion of innovative anti-recidivism programs and using technology to facilitate more effective data analysis and recidivism metrics.

“California’s district attorneys bring vital experience to the challenge of reducing recidivism, and it is important their perspective is incorporated,” said Attorney General Harris. “This new division will support innovative, evidence-based approaches to recidivism solutions in California.”

“San Diego County has been a statewide leader in working to reduce recidivism through innovative prisoner re-entry programs,” said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. “We welcome the attorney general’s leadership and commitment of resources in this area as our county continues to protect public safety while dealing with the ongoing challenges brought on by prisoner realignment.”

“The attorney general's initiative will provide local prosecutors with the accurate data we need to determine realignment's real impact on public safety,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said. “I look forward to working with other prosecutors in developing effective diversion programs for nonviolent offenders and seeking funds to expand alternative sentencing courts.”

“Any successful crime reduction effort must include a strategic and well planned approach to combating recidivism,” said Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley. “Both low level criminals as well violent offenders will eventually return to our communities when released from jail or prison, and I welcome the opportunity to work closely with Attorney General Harris’ office on putting into place the best possible strategies to reduce crime and recidivism rates.”

“The decision to implement a new strategic plan that would ultimately help reduce crime and recidivism in our state is a powerful step forward, and I commend Attorney General Harris for her leadership in this area,” San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos said. “It is a data-driven methodology that will not only better equip local DAs with resources and technical assistance, but one that will make our streets safer. As we continue to address the ever changing needs brought about by prison reform, this initiative is a much-needed, collaborative approach to tackling crime more effectively at the state and local levels.”

“I appreciate the leadership of Attorney General Harris in focusing our collective attention to best practices to reduce recidivism and crime in our communities,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said. “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been a national leader in rehabilitating jail inmates while incarcerated, and those efforts will only be enhanced with proven re-entry strategies focusing on helping offenders be successful upon release from jails and prisons.”

“As the California Criminal Justice System continues to recalibrate itself with the implementation of Realignment, the California Police Chiefs Association is encouraged by the Attorney General’s announcement that the Department of Justice will partner with counties to identify and implement successful reentry programs,” California Police Chiefs Association President Kim Raney said. “Ensuring public safety in our communities is the primary mission for Police Chiefs, and we welcome the Attorney General’s commitment to work with counties to ensure the safety of cities statewide.”

The Division of Recidivism Reduction and Re-Entry will consist of three subdivisions focused on program development, evaluation and grants. It will be funded through existing California Department of Justice resources.

The division will use innovative technology, such as the department’s recently created California SmartJustice system, to analyze offender populations and recidivism risk factors.

SmartJustice, a new database and analytical tool created by the California Department of Justice, can track repeat offenders and offense trends to provide counties with more effective options in developing anti-recidivism initiatives.

In 2005, then San Francisco District Attorney Harris created a reentry initiative called Back on Track, which aimed to reduce recidivism among certain low-level, non-violent drug offenders.

Over a two-year period, the program reduced recidivism among its graduates to less than 10 percent. Back on Track was designated as a model for law enforcement by the US Department of Justice.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A vehicle stop conducted Monday night by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force has resulted in one arrest and the seizure of approximately 24 pounds of processed marijuana.

Jasmine Leigh Schrade, 31, of Upper Lake was arrested following the stop, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

At 10 p.m. Monday narcotics detectives were traveling westbound on Highway 20 in Upper Lake when they noticed a Ford pickup also traveling westbound in front of them, Brooks said.

Detectives provided the license plate number to Central Dispatch and requested the status of the vehicles registration. Brooks said Central Dispatch advised the vehicles registration had been expired and suspended since July.

Detectives conducted an enforcement stop of the vehicle in the 100 block of East Highway 20 in Upper Lake and contacted the driver, who was identified as Schrade, Brooks said.

Schrade said she did not have a driver’s license because it had been suspended for driving under the influence. Brooks said Schrade also admitted to being on felony probation out of Lake County for possession of a controlled substance.

Detectives smelled the strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. They also noticed several large plastic containers, covered by a clear plastic tarp in the bed of the pickup, Brooks said.

Brooks said Schrade was asked if she had a medical recommendation to possess marijuana and she said her recommendation was expired.

When asked, she refused to tell detectives how much marijuana was in the vehicle. Brooks said detectives conducted a search of the vehicle and located six plastic containers which contained processed marijuana.

Schrade was arrested for the possession of marijuana for sale, selling or furnishing marijuana, violating the terms of her probation and for driving while her license was suspended. Brooks said she was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.

The marijuana from the plastic containers had a combined weight of 23.9 pounds, Brooks said.

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