LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The inaugural “Bark for Life” fundraiser to benefit Relay for Life will make its debut in Lakeport on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the old Natural High School grounds on N. Main Street.

Stacey Folmar and sister Danyelle Johnson are organizing the event, an American Cancer Society Relay For Life fundraiser that honors the caregiving qualities of canine companions. 

It presents an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine companion partnerships and to contribute to cancer cures through the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Bark for Life fundraisers also help save lives by supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society.  Basically, it’s a relay for dogs, according to the organizers.

Canine caregivers are canine companions, guide dogs, service dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, police dogs, cancer survivor dogs and diagnostic dogs who, with their owners, are joining the American Cancer Society as Relay teams and participants to celebrate cancer survivorship, to honor people lost to cancer, to fundraise in support of cancer research, education, awareness, patient services, and to help eliminate the suffering that cancer causes worldwide.

The event’s organizers are seeking the support of local businesses and community members. Become a sponsor, set up a booth, start a team, and/or donate goods/gift certificates.

Vendors are welcome to set up a booth. There is a $10 booth space fee, and they ask that a minimum of 25 percent of your profits be donated to Bark for Life.  If you have a Relay team already, the 25 percent will go toward your team.

All money raised for Bark for Life count toward the 2014 Relay for Life of Lake County. 

For more information on this event, contact Danyelle Johnson, 707-350-1774 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or Stacey Folmar, 707-350-4314 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LUCERNE, Calif. – A 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred early Thursday afternoon near Lucerne.

The quake was recorded at 12:02 p.m.  11 miles north northeast of Lucerne and 19 miles north northwest of Clearlake at a depth of 7.6 miles, according to the US Geological Survey.

The US Geological Survey received two shake reports from the Upper Lake area.

Additional reports from area residents who reported feeling the quake were posted on Lake County News’ Facebook page. One woman reported her couch shaking.

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. 

Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr., Senate President Pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez on Wednesday announced their strong support for AB 10 by Assemblymember Luis Alejo (D-Salinas), which will raise the minimum wage in California from $8 per hour to $10 per hour.

“The minimum wage has not kept pace with rising costs,” said Gov. Brown. “This legislation is overdue and will help families that are struggling in this harsh economy.”

“For millions of California’s hard working minimum wage employees, a few extra dollars a week can make a huge difference to help them provide for their families,” said Steinberg. “They deserve a modest boost and after six years, an increase in California’s minimum wage is the right thing to do.” 

“The real winner here is the economy. A $10 hour minimum wage boosts earnings by $4,000 a year and will put $2.6 billion dollars back into the hands of workers,” said Speaker Pérez. “This is money that will be spent at grocery stores, on school supplies and invested in education, and that ultimately strengthens the recovery and ensures California’s job market continues growing faster than the rest of the nation.”

AB 10 will raise California’s minimum wage in two one-dollar increments, from $8 per hour today to $9 per hour, effective July 1, 2014, and from $9 per hour to $10 per hour, effective Jan. 1, 2016.

More than 90 percent of minimum wage workers in California are over the age of 20, and 25 percent of California children – nearly 2.4 million – live in a household with one minimum wage-earning parent.

“AB 10 is about equity. It puts more money directly into the pockets of workers struggling to provide food, clothes, and housing for their families. I’m proud to author this measure on behalf of hard working families in California,” said Assemblymember Alejo.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – An enforcement stop conducted Thursday morning by a sheriff’s patrol deputy has resulted in two arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and an illegal weapon.

Terry James Hempstead, 55, and 39-year-old Shannon Jeanette Reinhofer, both of Kelseyville, were arrested during the stop, according to sheriff’s Lt. Steve Brooks.

At approximately 6:14 a.m. Thursday a deputy conducted a vehicle stop on Point Lakeview Road, near the intersection of Lassen Way in Kelseyville, due to an equipment violation and expired registration, Brooks said.

The deputy contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as Hempstead, who told the deputy that he did not possess a driver’s license because his driving privilege had been suspended, Brooks said.

The deputy also contacted Reinhofer, Hempstead’s passenger, noticed that Reinhofer was exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant, according to Brooks.

The deputy had Hempstead step out of the vehicle and when he did, a knife which was concealed under his shirt fell to the ground. Brooks said the deputy deployed his narcotics detection canine which produced a positive alert on the front driver’s side door; indicating there was the odor of a controlled substance present.

A search of the vehicle revealed two glass pipes which are commonly used to ingest methamphetamine. One of the pipes contained a substantial amount of suspected methamphetamine, Brooks said.

Brooks said the glass pipes and methamphetamine were located inside a coin purse, in an area easily accessible by both Hempstead and Reinhofer. Neither Hempstead nor Reinhofer admitted ownership of the glass pipes or the methamphetamine.

Hempstead was arrested for transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession of a dirk/dagger, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license, Brooks said.

Reinhofer was arrested for transportation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia and for being under the influence of a controlled substance, according to Brooks.

They were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked, Brooks said.

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

LAKEPORT, Calif.  – Approximately two dozen people attended a prayer gathering in Museum Square in Lakeport on Wednesday to commemorate the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The presentation, which took place from noon to 1 p.m., featured local pastors and church members from around the lake who shared music, prayers and messages of hope during the one hour gathering.

The event, called Cry Out America, is a grassroots prayer and renewal movement seeking to unite citizens around the country in prayer and declaring September 11 as a day of prayer and repentance for the nation, according to National Coordinator Kay Horner.

According to information on the Web site www.awakeningamerica.us , in 2012 city and county officials, first responders, pastors, and committed laity gathered at 2,600 prayer points in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Approximately 260,000 people participated in these interdenominational, public prayer events.

This year's gathering marked the sixth annual national event and was captured on video in Lakeport. The video can be seen below.

Email John Jensen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

SACRAMENTO – Dr. Ron Chapman, state health officer and director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), is urging Californians who want protection from the flu to get immunized in order to prevent sickness, hospitalization and health complications resulting from the flu.

“Thousands of serious illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths can be prevented if Californians receive a flu vaccine as soon as possible,” Chapman said. “We can’t predict exactly when flu will arrive, but getting vaccinated now will help you and your family stay healthy when that time comes.”

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CDPH recommend for anyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is effective and safe.

This year, there are many types of flu vaccinations that may be offered. The most common vaccine is made from three influenza viruses (two A and a B).

Newly available are “quadrivalent” formulations that contain the same three viruses and an additional B virus which sometimes circulates in the United States.

“Even if you were vaccinated against the flu last year, you will need a new vaccine this year,” said Dr. Chapman. “Check with your health care provider if you have questions about your vaccine options.”

CDC estimates that every year, more than 200,000 in the United States are hospitalized and flu-associated deaths range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.

Influenza, also called the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. The flu begins with an abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat and cough that often make people sick enough to keep them in bed for several days.

Flu can be especially dangerous for young children, seniors, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma.

In addition to getting vaccinated against flu, Chapman encouraged Californians to stop the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses by taking the following additional basic steps:

• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

Chapman also reminded parents and caregivers to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead of aspirin when treating fever and aches in children and teenagers.

Aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare childhood disease which can lead to coma, brain damage and even death.

For information about low- and no-cost flu vaccines, consumers should contact their local health department.

The Lake County Health Department can be reached at 707-263-1090, http://health.co.lake.ca.us/ .

For more information about the flu, visit CDPH’s Immunization Branch Web site, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Pages/default.aspx .

To find a flu clinic, visit the Health Map Vaccine Finder, http://flushot.healthmap.org/ .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will observe National Child Passenger Safety Week from Sept. 15-21 by conducting child safety seat events throughout the state.

During these events, CHP child safety seat technicians will assist the public by demonstrating and teaching the proper way to install an infant or child safety seat.

The technicians will perform safety inspections for all children in the vehicle who are required to be in a safety seat or a seat belt.

“When installed and used correctly, child safety seats and safety belts can prevent injuries and save lives,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “The best way to protect your children in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, collisions are the leading killer of children ages 1 to 12 years old in the United States.

Across the nation, 73 percent of child restraints are misused in a manner that can cause serious – if not fatal – injuries to a child.

Infant seats have the highest percentage of misuse followed by rear-facing convertible seats. When used correctly, child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

California’s child passenger safety seat law, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2012, now requires children to ride in the back seat of a vehicle, in either a car seat or booster seat, until the age of eight, or until they are 4 feet 9 inches in height.

“We encourage everyone to take advantage of our ongoing free inspections and to ensure their child safety seat is correctly installed,” added Commissioner Farrow. “When it comes to our children, we have to take every step we can to ensure their safety.”

Parents are encouraged to contact their local CHP Area office to make an appointment with a child safety seat technician for a free car seat inspection or to request information on any child passenger safety events taking place in your area.

The CHP’s Clear Lake Area office can be reached at 707-279-0103. 

NORTH COAST, Calif. – For the second time this month, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has taken an arson suspect into custody.

The agency said that Jordan Waugh, 23, of Oakland was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of having set a fire off Calistoga Road.

Just after 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies and the sheriff’s helicopter “Henry-1” were summoned to assist Cal Fire crews who were working to extinguish a brush fire in the Plum Ranch area, the agency reported.

Cal Fire personnel requested the sheriff’s deputies and Henry-1 because they believed the fire was started by an arsonist who was still on scene, the sheriff’s office said.

Firefighters who deployed from Cal Fire Copter 104 and engine personnel were on the ground when they encountered a potential arson suspect seated in the area of the fire, officials reported.

The male suspect, identified as Waugh, was sitting in the immediate area of the fire and refused to communicate with the fire crews, the sheriff’s office reported. As more firefighting aircraft arrived in the area, the suspect stood up and partially disrobed as he walked away from the converging firefighters.

The fire crews followed Waugh and radioed his description and direction of travel to the Henry-1 flight crew members, who located Waugh shortly after arriving on scene, officials said.

Due to the rugged terrain, Pilot Paul Bradley conducted a "toe in" or partial landing to allow Henri Boustany, the deputy/tactical flight officer, to safely exit the aircraft. The agency said that Boustany, once out of the aircraft, encountered Waugh – who was somewhat despondent but cooperative – and took him into custody.

After evaluating the safest exit out of the rugged terrain, it was determined that Waugh would be evacuated with the flight crew, via long line, to waiting sheriff’s deputies, officials reported.

Waugh was safely secured into a traverse stretcher, so his feet and arms were restrained and Boustany and Paramedic Don Ricci accompanied the suspect on the end of long line. The sheriff’s office said Bradley then flew the restrained suspect and flight crew to awaiting sheriff’s deputies.

Officials said Waugh was transported by sheriff’s deputies from the scene to the Sonoma County Jail where he was booked for arson, with the potential to cause great bodily harm, which is a felony. His bail was set at $125,000.

On Sept. 1, sheriff’s deputies arrested James Novak, 28, of Cloverdale on suspicion of setting a number of fires around Sonoma County, including one that burned near Healdsburg, as Lake County News has reported.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A probation search conducted last week has resulted in the arrest of an Upper Lake man and the seizure of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Ira Jude Donelson, 36, was arrested in the case, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

At 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, sheriff’s patrol deputies conducted a probation search of Donelson at his residence, which is located in the 9000 block of Elliott Street in Upper Lake, Brooks said.

As the deputy approached the residence, he could hear people talking inside the detached garage, according to Brooks.

Brooks said the deputy knocked and identified himself at the side door of the garage, which is within close proximity of the front door of the residence. After several seconds, the deputy could hear what sounded like people moving items around inside the garage.

The deputy opened the unlocked door and saw Donelson reaching into a coffee can, which was sitting on a metal shelf. Brooks said Donelson was holding a loaded hypodermic syringe in his left hand and was trying to conceal it prior to the deputy entering the garage.

Donelson admitted the syringe contained methamphetamine. The syringe was seized as evidence and it appeared to contain approximately 24 milliliters of a clear liquid, Brooks said.

When asked if there were any other illegal items in the garage, Donelson provided the deputy with a box he said contained paraphernalia, Brooks said.

Inside the box the deputy located 36 hypodermic syringes and needles, another hypodermic syringe containing approximately 25 milliliters of suspected methamphetamine and a small metal box that contained a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine, Brooks reported.

A small amount of the crystalline substance and some liquid from each of the syringes were tested using a narcotic identification kit. Brooks said each test kit flashed blue indicating a presumptive positive for methamphetamine.

Donelson was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, and destroying or concealing evidence. He was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked, Brooks said.

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

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Three people were hospitalized and one of them was arrested Thursday after an early morning single-vehicle wreck near the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff.

Dustin Marshall, 26, of Clearlake was arrested for driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The solo-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 3:25 a.m. Thursday when Marshall, driving a 2000 Lincoln, went off the road and hit an embankment east of Lakeshore Boulevard, the CHP reported.
 
The CHP said Marshall was arrested before being taken to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for lower back injuries he sustained in the crash.

Two of three passengers, Alicia Reynoso, 22, and Bridgett Mosonyi, 22, both from Clearlake, also were hospitalized with major injuries, according to the CHP. Reynoso was flown to UC Davis while Mosonyi was flown to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

Reynoso reportedly suffered major head injuries and Bridgett received a broken arm and a head injury in the crash, the CHP said.

The third passenger, James Torrey, 34, of Clearlake complained of moderate injuries involving pain to his ribs but it is unclear whether he was transported for medical attention.

According to the report, the crash was reported moments after it happened and medical personnel were dispatched. When medical personnel arrived they found Reynoso unconscious in the front seat.

The collision is under investigation by CHP officer John Geer.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – A Santa Rosa man accused of assaulting two men last summer as part of hate crime motivated by his membership in a white supremacist gang pleaded to charges in the case on Wednesday.

Salvatore Ezio Bordessa, 33, pleaded no contest to two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and admitted to personally inflicting great bodily injury on one victim, along with hate crime and gang allegations, according to Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch.

Bordessa additionally pleaded to a misdemeanor charge of preventing a witness from reporting a crime, according to Ravitch.

“This resolution underscores the fact that this kind of violence is intolerable. Gang members who commit violent hate crimes will continue to be aggressively prosecuted,” Ravitch said.

Bordessa’s co-defendant in the case, 27-year-old Aaron Joseph Welch of Clearlake, was sentenced in April to 15 years in state prison after having reached a plea agreement on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, with enhancements being admitted, as Lake County News has reported.

The charges resulted from an assault that took place near the McDonald’s on Santa Rosa Avenue in South Santa Rosa on Aug. 26, 2012.

At 2 a.m. that day Bordessa and Welch – members of the white supremacist criminal street gang, the Barbarian Brotherhood – both wielded knives and assaulted two male victims, both of whom were black, according to prosecutors.

Welch stabbed one of the victims in the arm and leg, which required stitches to close each wound, officials said.

During the assault the defendants yelled racial slurs and “BBH,” which Ravitch’s office said are the common initials of the Barbarian Brotherhood.

The pleas are part of a negotiated disposition requiring Bordessa to serve a seven-year prison term, Ravitch reported.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 5 before the Honorable Gary Medvigy. Once sentenced, Bordessa must serve 85 percent of his term before being eligible for parole, according to prosecutors.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Jason Riehl, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Denise Urton.

Sgt. John Cregan and Detective Kyle Philp of the Santa Rosa Police Department headed the investigation. 

LAKEPORT, Calif. – “Bandemonium!” – a benefit for the Clear Lake High School concert, jazz and marching bands – returns this year on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The rockin' end of summer fundraiser will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Natural High School on Main Street in Lakeport.

Events will include a car, truck or boat wash a tri-tip barbecue, a bake sale and live music performed by Clear Lake High School musicians throughout the day.

According to organizers, Clear Lake High School recently lost a major source of funding for its music program, therefore all funds necessary for extracurricular activities involving the concert, jazz, and marching bands must now be raised by the CLHS Band Boosters Club and band members.

For further information regarding the CLHS Music Program, contact Jenny Ingram at 707-262-3010, Extension 7009, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .