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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Art Center invites the public to attend “Witnessing,” a poignant art exhibition commemorating the 2015 and 2016 wildfire anniversaries.

The opening reception is Saturday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m., with music and spoken word performances from local musicians and poets.

The event is free to the public.

Marking the second anniversary of the Valley fire and the first anniversary of the Clayton fire, the Middletown Art Center extended an invitation to local artists and the community at large to submit work in any media that speak to the fire and recovery experience.

Many pieces included in the exhibit depict or utilize natural elements or objects burned or altered in the blazes. Others speak to the emotional impacts of the experience or the resilience of nature.

“The arts have helped us heal and cope with this traumatic and challenging experience by allowing us to express and transform the chaos around us into beauty and meaning,” said center Director Lisa Kaplan. “We can shift our attention from pain and devastation to the striking contrasts and changes we witness daily as the natural world revitalizes.”

Along with giving artists a space to share their work, Kaplan said, “Witnessing” is an opportunity for the community to come together and collectively hear, see, speak and feel the broad range of emotions brought on by the disaster.

“Sharing expressions of our collective experience at the first-year anniversary exhibition and concert Ashes to Art, was powerful and healing for all who attended,” she added. “We encourage everyone to join us for this milestone event.”

Since the Valley fire, the art center has provided continuity, community space, subsidized classes and enrichment through the arts to residents of the fire-impacted areas and beyond.

Whether personally, psychologically, environmentally or economically, the devastating fires have affected all Lake County residents. This especially rings true for at MAC as nearly half of the sixty artist members and nine of 10 board members lost their homes, studios, artwork and/or place of employment in the Valley fire. While many friends and neighbors left the area, others are in the midst of rebuilding.

“Witnessing” will be on view through Oct. 22. Gallery hours are Thursdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment at 707-809-8118.

The Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 Highway 175. Visit the center online at www.middletownartcenter.org.

Scot Klingenmaier and Arpita Ohsiek return to Middletown, Calif., to participate in Ashes to Art in 2016. The couple was displaced by the Valley fire and relocated to Mendocino while assessing rebuilding. Their home in Anderson Springs, Calif., is currently under construction. Courtesy photo.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – After the temperatures that were well over the century mark this past week, the National Weather Service is forecasting cooler temperatures into next week, with the potential for rain on Thursday.

The National Weather Service also has issued a red flag warning for areas of Northern California including the northern part of Lake County due to the potential for thunderstorms and lightning from Thursday morning through the evening. That warning remains in effect through Thursday at 11 p.m.

The forecast calls for scattered to numerous thunderstorms over Northern California with some wetting rain. Storms are expected to move quickly from southeast to northwest, and may feature abundant cloud-to-ground lightning strikes.

There also is potential for erratic, gusty winds with gusts of more than 40 miles per hour in some areas, plus hail, based on the forecast.

Across Lake County, the forecast calls for a 20- to 30-percent chance of rain on Thursday, with about a tenth of an inch of rain anticipated. In the higher elevations, there is a 20-percent chance of rain on Thursday night.

There also is a chance of winds of up to 13 miles per hour across the county, according to the forecast.

Temperatures on Thursday are forecast to range from the high 70s during the day and the low 60s during the night.

Daytime temperatures will rise into the high 80s and high 60s at night through Friday. From Saturday through Tuesday, temperatures during the day will be back up into the mid-90s during the day and high 90s at night, forecasters predicted.

Chances of rain will return on Wednesday, when daytime temperatures are predicted to roll back into the 80s, according to the forecast.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office reported that a Clearlake man was the victim of a fatal Friday shooting that has resulted in the arrest of a trio of Clearlake family members.

Antonio Botello-Arreola, 25, was killed in the shooting, officials said.

Sonoma County detectives on Friday arrested Clearlake residents Maria Guadalupe Torres, 40, her husband, 40-year-old Rene Espinoza Martinez Sr., and their son, 20-year-old Rene Espinoza Martinez Jr., as Lake County News has reported.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said it received a call at around 8:30 a.m. Friday from the California Highway Patrol, which found Botello-Arreola’s blue Toyota Previa minivan in the 4500 block of Porter Creek Road in Santa Rosa, with deputies responding a short time later.

The Toyota had its windows shot out, there were bullet holes on the driver’s side, and blood inside and outside of the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies found Botello-Arreola’s body down a nearby ravine, officials said.

Torres, her husband and son were located in Lake County, interviewed and subsequently arrested, according to the sheriff’s office.

Based on the investigation, Torres and Botello-Arreola were having an affair. Torres’ husband and son and had recently found out about the affair and didn’t approve, authorities said.

Torres and Botello-Arreola were in his minivan early Friday when they pulled over in a dirt turnout, where authorities said she got out of the vehicle while her husband and son pulled over alongside them.

The sheriff’s office said the father and son fired into the driver’s side of Botello-Arreola’s vehicle.

Botello-Arreola fled the vehicle from the passenger side and ran to the ravine, where he collapsed and died, and where deputies found his body hours later, according to the sheriff’s office report.

Torres, her husband and son are being held without bail in the Sonoma County Jail and are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, according to jail booking records.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild is presenting the 16th annual Falling Leaves Quilt Show in Lewis Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport on Saturday, Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8.

The hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The show includes over 170 quilts in 28 categories including art quilts, innovative quilts, traditional piecing, wearable items and miniature pieces.

There are also home décor items such as table runners and placemats.

The judges award ribbons for first, second and third place in each category, best of category in the art, innovative and traditional groups, best of show and judges’ choice.

VIP community members each give out a ribbon for their favorite quilt. During the show attendees will be asked to vote for their favorite quilt. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, the viewer’s choice ribbon is announced.

Lynn Wilder, the featured quilter, presents her quilts and talks with attendees about her quilts on display.

“I enjoy designing and making traditional quilts, combining my love of appliqué with pieced blocks,” Wilder said.

Among the quilt show’s other attractions will be vendors, demonstrations, prize drawings, a silent auction, theme basket raffles, opportunity quilt drawing and the Country Store Boutique.

Lunch will be available across from Lewis Hall.

Discount presale tickets are available at Kerrie’s Quilting, 1853 N. High St. in Lakeport now through Oct. 6.

Presale tickets are $8 and at the door $10. Tickets for children ages 5 to 12 are $2 and children under age 5 may attend for free.

For more information call show chair Linda Morrison at 707- 245-5217 or visit the guild's Web site at http://www.llqg.org/quilt-show.html.

Suzanne Lee is a member of the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild and publicity chair for the quilt show.
"Under the Sea in 3-D" was awarded second place in the 2016 Falling Leaves Quilt Show in Lakeport, Calif. It was pieced, appliquéd and quilted by Suzanne Lee.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A fire east of Clearlake Oaks that was reported to have begun as the result of a vehicle fire was almost fully contained on Wednesday night.

The Mule fire is located off of Highway 20 and Mule Skinner Road near the Double Eagle Ranch, 13 miles east of Clearlake Oaks.

The fire began Tuesday at around 2:45 p.m. after a motorhome caught fire, setting ablaze a nearby hillside, according to reports from the scene.

On Wednesday Cal Fire said the incident had been held to 21 acres, with containment late Wednesday night reported to be at 90 percent.

Radio reports indicated just before 9:30 p.m. that Cal Fire was terminating incident command at the site.

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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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council on Tuesday night welcomed the city’s newest police officer, remembered a fallen deputy and approved purchases and change orders for the city’s Public Works Department.

At the start of the meeting, Mayor Stacey Mattina called for a moment of silence for Lake County Sheriff’s Deputy Rob Rumfelt, who died on Aug. 22 in the line of duty after backing up the Lakeport Police Department on a domestic violence call.

Rumfelt and another deputy fought with a suspect at the scene, and a short time later as Rumfelt was leaving the area in his patrol vehicle he crashed into a tree. He died a short time later.

Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen on Tuesday also introduced his newest officer, Kaylene Strugnell, whose first day on the job was Thursday.

Strugnell, who grew up in Kelseyville, also is an emergency medical technician who previously worked for the Lakeport Fire Protection District.

After her introduction, Strugnell and Sgt. Joe Eastham left the meeting to get back to work.

During the meeting, the council gave unanimous approval to several requests from Public Works Director Doug Grider.

Grider presented a bid award for the replacement of an 8-inch well pump to Valley Pump & Motor Works in the amount of $40,685.

The new pump will replace one that was installed in 1978 and kept running well past its prime by now-retired Public Works staffer Bill Gradek, Grider said.

Grider also received the council’s support to begin an informal bidding process to replace the failing HVAC system at the corporation yard office, where the air conditioning has been out for three weeks. As part of that item, the council approved a budget adjustment of not more than $20,000 for the unit.

The council also authorized the purchase of a new 45-horsepower Flygt submersible pump for the Larrecou Lift Station at a cost of $30,955, and change orders with Green Right O’Way Constructors Inc. for the additional work on the Giselman Waterline Replacement Project, with a total fiscal impact of $39,836.92.

City Manager Margaret Silveira also asked for – and received – the council’s support for two proposed resolutions to be presented at the upcoming League of California Cities conference regarding public safety, emergency service levels and direct emergency medical response.

In other business, Silveira announced that the first candidate approved for the new assistant city manager training assignment is Community Development Director Kevin Ingram.

The assistant city manager position was approved by the council in July as a way of assisting with the city’s leadership succession planning. It allows selected staffers to work outside of their areas of expertise for six months to a year, with a $500-per-month stipend.

Silveira said she is excited about starting the program.

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.

090517 Lakeport City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017

00:00 EXTRA PATROL 1709020001
Occurred at Senior Center on Bowers Rd., Clearlake. COMMUNITY GARDEN AREA 594 TO THE GARDEN AND HOSE. Disposition: Log Note Only.

00:10 SUSP CIRCS 1709020002
Occurred at 23D Av/Boyles Ave, Clearlake. 5 M HIS CHILD NO CHILD JEANS BLACK SHIRT HOLDING CHILD HEADED TOWARDS 18TH. Disposition: Report Taken.

00:20 WELFARE CHECK 1709020003
Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. CRAIGSLIST AD LISTED FOR TODAY/HEADLINE "SO MANY WAYS TO DIE" FIRST PICTURE WAS NOOSE WITH GUN AND 3 PICS OF THE MALE/STATED IT WAS FROM LAKE CO. Disposition: Log Note Only.

00:55 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1709020004
Occurred at Cass/Brown Ave, Clearlake. RP WAS TOLD BY NEIGHBOR THERE WAS A SUSPICIOUS VEH IN THE AREA THAT WAS DRIVING AROUND/THEN ANOTHER VEH SHOWED UP WHEN RP RETURNED/WHEN VEH WAS APPROACHED RP STATED THE PERSON WAS VERY FORMAL AND WAS JUST "DOING WHAT HE WAS DOING". Disposition: Cancelled by RP.

01:38 PATROL CHECK 1709020005
Officer initiated activity at American Legion, Austin Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

01:52 ASSIST OTHER AGENCY 1709020006
Officer initiated activity at Cass Ave, Clearlake. AOA Sonoma County SO Follow up. Disposition: Log Note Only.

02:00 EXTRA PATROL 1709020007
Occurred at Tire Pros on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. BELIEVES SUBJ ATTEMPTING TO BREAK INTO THE BUSINESS. Disposition: Log Note Only.

02:48 TC WITH INJURIES 1709020008
Occurred on 40TH Ave, Clearlake. ACCIDENT CAR ACCIDENT SOMEONE/CLOSEST MEDICAL STAGING /WHI CHEVY CAVALIER LIC TOYOTA SIENNA/ BLOCKING THE ROADWAY. Disposition: Arrest Made.

02:49 FIGHT IN PROGRESS 1709020009
Occurred on 5TH Ave, Clearlake. 64M COULD HEAR A MALE YELLING IN THE BACKGROUND/MALE WAS NOT COOPERATING/ON PHONE MALE KEPT SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT MONEY AND THAT THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE THAT PERSON TO JAIL. Disposition: Log Note Only.

03:17 EXTRA PATROL 1709020011
Occurred on Arrowhead Rd, Clearlake. STATES THERE'S A LOT OF NOISY TRAFFIC IN THE AREA AROUND 0600 AND WOULD LIKE EXP. Disposition: Log Note Only.

03:19 MUSIC/DOGS/ETC 1709020012
Occurred at Walnut Grove on Smith Ln. , Clearlake. DOG HAS BEEN BARKING FOR THE PAST TWO HOURS. Disposition: Log Note Only.

03:30 EXTRA PATROL 1709020013
Occurred at People Services on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. NEAR THE BUSES DUE TO SUBJS SIPHONING THE GAS. Disposition: Log Note Only.

03:59 SUSP CIRCS 1709020014
Occurred on 35TH Ave, Clearlake. EX GIRL KEEPS COMING INTO RPS ROOM AND IS REFUSING TO LEAVE HER ALONE/NON THREATENING/NO WEAP. Disposition: Cancelled by RP.

04:44 SUSP CIRCS 1709020015
Occurred at Mullen Ave/Austin Rd, Clearlake. ABOUT 3 VEH DRIVING AROUND WITH NO HEADLIGHTS/LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND SUV/CAN ALSO HEAR PEOPLE TALKING AND WALKING AROUND IN THE AREA FOR 5-10 MINUTES. Disposition: Log Note Only.

05:45 WELFARE CHECK 1709020016
Occurred on 42ND Ave, Clearlake. WELL CHECK ON PATIENT SUPPOSED TO ABOUT THERE HALF HOUR AGO AND SHE IS UNABLE TO REACH HIM OR HIS EMERG CONTACT. Disposition: Log Note Only.

06:18 SUSP CIRCS 1709020017
Occurred at Clearlake Park Post Office on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. QUARTER OF MILE FROM THE POST OFFICE/UNSURE NEAREST CROSS ST --MALE BLK CLOTHES LYING IN THE ROADWAY/UNSURE IF HE NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION. Disposition: Log Note Only.

07:03 PROPERTY FOUND 1709020018
Occurred at Time To Shop on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. Rpts there is a pink bike there that has been there since yesterday. Disposition: Log Note Only.

07:42 DRUNK IN PUBLIC 1709020019
Occurred at El Grande on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. Rp rpts there is a wma wearing red shirt and blue jeans is hbd and yelling at people on the 4th floor /rp advised he is now at the front going to his room room 407 or 408. Disposition: Arrest Made.

08:11 BATTERY COLD 1709020020
Occurred at 5TH St/Bush, Clearlake. **lobby** rp rpts punched the rp in the face and stole $300 from him. Disposition: Arrest Made.

09:16 PETTY THEFT 1709020021
Occurred at 31ST Av/Phillips Ave, Clearlake. No suspect info. Disposition: Log Note Only.

09:25 SUSP CIRCS 1709020022
Occurred at Galaxy Resort on Old Highway 53. , Clearlake. **21 detail** rp rpts her aunt is punishing her and won't let her shower. Disposition: Counseled.

10:09 ACCIDENT UNKNOWN INJURY 1709020023
Officer initiated activity at Lamplighter Motel, Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake. 2 veh tc/blocking sb lane. Disposition: Log Note Only.

10:13 PETTY THEFT 1709020024
Occurred at 32D Av/Phillips Ave, Clearlake. Blk dodge pk is stealing gravel from the construction site/wfa wearing gray shirt and black pants. Disposition: Log Note Only.

11:48 KEEP THE PEACE/CIVIL STANDBY 1709020025
Occurred at Trombettas Resort on Old Highway 53. , Clearlake. **lobby** rp wants an officer to go with him to get the renters out of the res and they were already evicted. Disposition: Log Note Only.

12:20 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1709020026
Occurred on Lenore Ave, Clearlake. Rpts there is a k9 in the garage and has been there for 5 or 6 days and has been beaten/unsure if the owner is home /rp said the owner is. Disposition: Log Note Only.

12:34 ANY CIVIL PROBLEM 1709020027
Occurred on Old Highway 53, Clearlake. Rp rpts that grand parent of the rps child won't let the child leave with the rps in laws so that they can take him to the airport/rp said that there was an argument and the resp is being threatening with her k9s /2nd rp called saying the family was trying to take her nephew and they were recording her and won't leave/rp said the child is crying and does not want to go. Disposition: Civil Problem.

13:20 SUSP CIRCS 1709020028
Occurred at Rays Food Place on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. Rpts the city manager told her to call because there is campers in the rays parking lot. Disposition: Counseled.

13:33 FIGHT IN PROGRESS 1709020029
Occurred on Arrowhead Rd, Clearlake. RPTS THE FATHER OF HER CHILDREN IS AT THE RES TO GET THE KIDS AND HE IS BLOCKING HER VEH IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SHE SAID IF THE POLICE DON'T GO THERE NOW THERE WILL BE A DEAD MAN ON THE GROUND AND THEN DISCONNECTED. Disposition: Civil Problem.

13:42 SUSP CIRCS 1709020030
Occurred at Ridge/Country Club, Clearlake. RP RPTS HE CAN HEAR 9 GUNSHOTS IN THE AREA APPROX 10 MINS AGO. Disposition: Log Note Only.

14:05 AUTO THEFT 1709020032
Occurred at Gaytan Sales 2 on Austin Rd. , Clearlake. RPTS HE RENTED A UHAUL AND IT HAS NOT BEEN RETURNED AND HE CAN NOT GET A HOLD OF HIM/I ADVISED THE RP TO COME 10-19 TO SIGN 180. Disposition: Report Taken.

15:23 PETTY THEFT 1709020033
Occurred at Walmart on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. RPTS A WMA WEARING GRAY SHIRT AND BK PANTS PUSHED OUT A CART OF ITEMS/RP WANTS TO PRESS CHARGES/LAST SEEN GOING TOWARDS MCDONALDS. Disposition: Log Note Only.

17:00 EXTRA PATROL 1709020035
Occurred on Madrone, Clearlake. SUSC ACTIVITY IN THE AREA. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:37 FIGHT IN PROGRESS 1709020036
Occurred on 21ST Ave, Clearlake. Rp rpts her neighbors are at the res/male and female are inside fighting and they left their infant outside/6 or 8 months/unk weapons. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:37 ANY CIVIL PROBLEM 1709020037
Occurred at Clearlake Apartments on Old Highway 53. , Clearlake. Rpts her neighbor under her appt always has loud music/rp says he is racist to her. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:38 MUSIC/DOGS/ETC 1709020038
Occurred on Ridge Rd, Clearlake. Loud music. Disposition: Log Note Only.

19:04 MUSIC/DOGS/ETC 1709020040
Occurred at No Name on Old Highway 53. , Clearlake. Loud music rp does not want an officer to come just wants documentation. Disposition: Log Note Only.

19:17 MISSING PERSON 1709020041
Occurred at Fairfield on (Unknown Address). , Clearlake. has not been heard from since wednesday she is on foot has mental problems/ last seen in fairfield. Disposition: Report Taken.

20:03 SUSP CIRCS 1709020042
Occurred on Redwood St, Clearlake. Rp states no one should be at the res rp states the neighbor called said lights are on and someone inside/ rp states he had alarm installed but it did not go off. Disposition: Log Note Only.

20:32 SUSP CIRCS 1709020043
Occurred at Cheaper Cigarettes Olympic on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. Wma 508 gray hat blk shirt dark pants white shoes walking towards safeway has a taser. Disposition: Log Note Only.

20:47 SUSP CIRCS 1709020044
Occurred at Uhl Av/Howard Ave, Clearlake. Older el camino dark color has been driving up and down the streets with lights off rp heard a metal sound then saw a tire fly by. Disposition: Log Note Only.

21:31 SUSP CIRCS 1709020045
Occurred at Lakeside Mobile Park on Old Highway 53. , Clearlake. Neighbors outside making noise rp heard glass break also someone hit her trailer. Disposition: Log Note Only.

21:37 SUSP CIRCS 1709020046
Occurred on 32D Av, Clearlake. Wma shorts no shirt thin appears to be under the influence acting aggressive walking into traffic. Disposition: Gone On Arrival.

22:00 SUSP CIRCS 1709020047
Occurred on Jackson, Clearlake. Vacant res no one should be there rp saw a vehicle back into the driveway and she can smell someone smoking. Disposition: Log Note Only.

23:00 EXTRA PATROL 1709020048
Occurred at Redbud Park on Ballpark Av. , Clearlake. PATROL THE PARK AND LOCK THE BATHROOMS /COP PROJECT. Disposition: Log Note Only.

23:44 SUSP CIRCS 1709020049
Occurred at Safeway on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. Wfa dark hair green shorts white shirt. Disposition: Log Note Only.
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NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 14-year-old Ukiah boy for shooting three other teenage boys on Tuesday in what investigators believe to be a gang-related incident.

Lt. Shannon Barney said the teen was arrested on Wednesday afternoon as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.

Barney said that shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of gunfire with three young males being shot at the intersection of Portlock Lane and Lake Mendocino Drive in Ukiah.

The deputies who responded to the area learned two 17-year-old males and one 18-year-old male had all been shot at least one time by what has been described as three young Hispanic males, either in their late teens or early 20s, Barney said.

One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, one a gunshot wound to the leg and the third victim suffered a gunshot wound to the groin area. Barney said the three victims appeared to have been shot while walking on Lake Mendocino Drive.

Barney said all three victims were transported to various hospitals to be treated for their wounds. When deputies contacted the victims, they were uncooperative.

Because the shooting appeared to be gang-related, the Mendocino Multi-Agency Gang Suppression Unit was called to assist the Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives with the investigation, Barney reported.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives, aided by the Mendocino Multi-Agency Gang Suppression Unit and the Mendocino County Probation Department, developed information identifying the shooting suspect in this case as a 14-year-old male who lived in the area, Barney said.

Barney said the investigation led detectives to believe there was an altercation between the suspect, the victims and perhaps additional parties that have yet to be identified.

As of Wednesday, Barney said the 14-year-old suspect was the only person who was identified as having fired a firearm during this incident.

Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday detectives served a search warrant in the 300 Block of Lake Mendocino Drive, Barney said.

Barney said that during the service of that search warrant the teenage suspect arrived home and was taken into custody.

While Barney said detectives believe some of the involved parties are either gang affiliates or gang members, the exact motivation behind the altercation is not clearly known.

The teen suspect was transported and lodged at Juvenile Hall on charges of attempted murder, Barney said.

Barney said the investigation is ongoing and the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office is encouraging anyone with pertinent information to contact Mendocino County Sheriff's Communications Center at 707-463-4086 of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Tip Line at 707-234-2100.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Key community leaders representing a wide range of government, business and educational interests from throughout Lake County gathered on Aug. 23 at the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College in Clearlake for the Economic Outlook & Forecast II, "Maximizing Lake County’s Opportunities."

The keynote speaker, Robert Eyler, PhD, president of Economic Forensics and Analytics Inc., and professor and chair of economics at Sonoma State University, focused his presentation on Lake County’s evolving economy and workforce.

He stressed the importance of working regionally and developing key partnerships to take advantage of Lake County’s economic opportunities, encouraging the audience to think five to ten years out.

Eyler shared both “bad and ugly” points and the “good and opportunities” during his one-hour presentation.

He addressed housing considerations through 2020 and the need to develop a Lake County brand and marketing strategy, emphasizing that, "solutions cannot happen from inside Lake County alone.”

Eyler kept the audience of close to 70 community members engaged throughout his thought- provoking presentation.

He finished the afternoon session with a clear list of suggested action steps, including deciding which four industries should be the focus of economic development for the next five years, and identifying partners and what they need to do.

Overall, his message is positive: the economy is good and continues to show forward, steady progress.

He summarized with a challenge to the audience: Where is the planning and the nexus of economic development and workforce training?

Those in attendance represented business and development, education, social services, agriculture, banking and finance, real estate, business associations and communities, as well as county and city government.

Dr. Michael White, president of Woodland Community College; Dr. Douglas Houston, chancellor of Yuba Community College District; and Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg also participated.

District 3 Supervisor Jim Steele represented the Lake County Board of Supervisors and members of the Lakeport and Clearlake city councils with staff were present.

The offices of Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry were represented and the event was supported by Brad Onorato of Congressman Mike Thompson’s office.

Other speakers included Bruce Wilson, executive director, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay; Andy Lucas, Lake County Economic Development Corp.; and Executive Dean Annette Lee, Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College.

At the close of the presentation, attendees were treated to the hospitality and expertise of students enrolled in the college’s culinary management program.

The event was coordinated by Monica Rosenthal on behalf of the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay and the Lake County Economic Development Corp., hosted by the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College, and supported by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

The first Economic Outlook & Forecast event was held in December 2015. In September of 2015, Lake County was impacted by the Valley fire, the third most destructive fire in California history, which destroyed nearly 1,300 homes. In 2016, the Clayton Fire destroyed nearly 200 homes and much of Main Street in the town of Lower Lake.

Although the economy of Lake County has been severely affected by natural disasters in recent years, residents remain resilient, optimistic and engaged in making their community one that continues to be geologically unique, offer world-class air quality, fishing and wines, provides opportunity for business development and growth, and maintains rural charm and natural beauty.

The potential of Lake County to support industries such as tourism, outdoor recreation and hospitality continues to grow.

Additionally, with its close proximity to the Bay Area and Sacramento, Lake County has the potential to increase its light manufacturing and technology sectors as housing prices remain more affordable than in either area.

The Economic Outlook & Forecast II provided guidance and an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and acknowledge the current economy of Lake County. The event facilitated increased efforts to collaborate and develop partnerships within the county and region in order to maximize Lake County’s opportunities.

Monica Rosenthal is a board member on the Workforce Alliance North Bay regional committee and executive committee, a private business owner, and a Director with the Middletown Area Merchants Association, an organization focused on promoting and supporting local businesses and business owners.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – A woman who formerly worked for the county and her boyfriend have pleaded guilty in what a local prosecutor said is the biggest welfare fraud case she’s ever seen.

April Melissa Wilson, 40, a former county social worker and correctional staffer, and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Brian Noel Jones, both of Hidden Valley Lake, entered guilty pleas in the case, which involved receipt of more than $90,000 in public assistance from a combination of programs – In-Home Supportive Services, North Coast Opportunities, CalWorks and CalFresh, according to Deputy District Attorney Rachel Abelson.

Wilson and Jones were arrested last year, as Lake County News has reported.

Abelson said that on June 20 Wilson pleaded guilty to a felony count of filing a fraudulent or false health claim for In-Home Supportive Services assistance for her son. She also pleaded to felony perjury.

On the same date, Jones also pleaded guilty to filing a fraudulent or false health claim for IHSS, as well as a felony count of grand theft, Abelson said.

Abelson said both Wilson and Jones were sentenced that day to five years’ probation and 180 days in jail.

“They are both due to turn themselves in the end of this month,” Abelson said regarding their jail terms.

Wilson also has been ordered to repay $34,207.26 to IHSS and $27,796.38 to NCO for funds received from its Rural Communities Child Care program. To the Lake County Department of Social Services she must repay $3,033 for CalWorks and $30,147 for CalFresh proceeds she received, Abelson said.

The fraud occurred over the course of several years – from January 2011 and continuing through November 2015, according to the case records.

Lake County Human Resources previously confirmed to Lake County News that Wilson was an office assistant in Social Services from October of 2012 to April of 2013, and worked as a correctional aide for the Lake County Sheriff's Office from June 2014 to April 2015. From April to May 2015 she worked as a correctional officer before going back to the aide position and leaving 10 days later, at the end of May.

Abelson said the case began with Wilson not reporting child support her ex-husband was paying her directly for their four children.

Wilson also was receiving IHSS for one of her children, creating a false medical issue to justify it. Abelson said Wilson was the only person who witnessed her son’s alleged health problems, and when the boy went to a science camp for a week, it was noticed that he didn’t display any symptoms.

Jones was providing the child care for Wilson’s son and also helped her by filling out forms, Abelson said.

Lake County Probation – which is contracted with the Lake County Department of Social Services to conduct welfare fraud investigation services for programs including In-Home Supportive Services – arrested both Wilson and Jones on March 1, 2016, according to the original booking sheets.

Abelson, who handles fraud cases for the Lake County District Attorney’s Office, said it’s the biggest – and most bizarre – welfare fraud case she’s ever seen.

“I have never seen somebody commit so many different types of fraud,” Abelson said.

Abelson said Lake County Probation will handle setting up the restitution payment requirements as part of Wilson’s probation terms.

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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CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Firefighters continued working overnight on a fire that began Tuesday afternoon along Highway 20 east of Clearlake Oaks.

The Mule fire began near the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision at about 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, as Lake County News has reported.

Initial reports indicated the fire had begun as the result of a motorhome that caught fire and spread to a nearby hillside just east of the entrance to the Double Eagle Ranch subdivision, located about 13 miles east of Clearlake Oaks.

The fire also had resulted in the sheriff’s office briefly calling for evacuations which were canceled after about a half-hour on Tuesday afternoon.

Cal Fire, Northshore Fire and Lake County Fire sent units, with Cal Fire using air resources to try to contain the blaze, which at one point was estimated to have the potential to burn 300 acres.

The sheriff’s office reported just before 4:45 p.m. that forward progress had been stopped on the fire.

However, work continued through the night. Some resources were released throughout the evening while Cal Fire arranged for other units to come back on Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday evening, Cal Fire reported that the fire was approximately 21.3 acres, with containment at 15 percent.

Also, on Tuesday night, a Northshore Fire ambulance was dispatched to the fire scene to transport an inmate firefighter with an unspecified injury to the hospital, based on radio reports.

Late on Tuesday, the CHP and Caltrans reported that traffic control is in effect in the fire area, as Highway 20 had been reduced to one late of traffic in that location through the night.

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.
Posted On

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A free class on plant-based cooking and Asian-inspired cuisine is planned for Sunday, Sept. 17.

The class will be held beginning at 2 p.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church Fellowship Hall, 14490 Uhl Ave. in Clearlake.

The event will include demonstrations, tastings and a short presentation, “The 10 Principles of Obtaining True Health.”

For more information contact Elicia Kalua at 707-696-3166.

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