Tuesday, 11 February 2025

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The city of Lakeport on Monday afternoon announced operational changes – including the temporary closure of the lobbies of Lakeport City Hall and the Lakeport Police Department – in response to concerns about COVID-19.

Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram said that, as a means to aid in stopping the continued spread of COVID-19 – the illness caused by the novel coronavirus – the city is implementing social distancing practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The city’s priority during this declared emergency is to continue to protect the public, as well as our employees, so we may continue to serve, by limiting the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your understanding and your patience,” Ingram said.

As a result, Ingram said the city is closing the public lobbies of Lakeport City Hall and Lakeport Police Department until Monday, April 13.

On Friday, City Manager Margaret Silveira issued a state of emergency declaration due to the threat of COVID-19, which the Lakeport City Council is due to consider at its Tuesday evening meeting.

The city of Clearlake and county of Lake took similar actions on Friday, and on Sunday Lake County school superintendents closed all public schools through April 10, as Lake County News has reported.

As of Monday afternoon, Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace said there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lake County.

Ingram said the city of Lakeport remains committed to the provision of high-quality essential services during this evolving emergency.

“With the safety of the citizens and the employees of the city of Lakeport in mind, those seeking services from the city are requested to conduct activities through the phone or by email,” Ingram said.

Specific contact information for city services is provided below.

Police services

The Lakeport Police Department will continue to respond to emergency calls and non-emergency calls for service.

For emergencies, call 911 and non-emergencies, call 707-263-2690.

For general administrative business (e.g. evidence and records requests, tow retrieval, etc.) please call 707-263-5491, Extension 8, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fire and emergency medical services

For all fire and medical-related emergencies call 911. For all other fire and administrative services, call 707-263-4296 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Utility payments and account services

To speak with a Lakeport Finance Department representative regarding utility billing or account services, please call 707-263-5615 ext.305 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Utility payments may be made online at https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/lakeportca or by phone at 1-833-208-7229.

Building and planning services, permitting and inspections

For assistance related to building and planning services, permitting and inspections, please call 707-263-5615, Extension 204, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Building permit submission and inspection services may be scheduled through special arrangements.

Public Works

For the reporting of utility and infrastructure problems, please call 707-263-3578 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Business licensing

For payments, obtaining a license or general business licensing inquiries, please call 707-263-5615, Extension 204, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Special events scheduling and reservations

Reserving public spaces and requesting street closures for special events during this continuing emergency will be limited.

For more information please call 707-263-5615, Extension 102, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Public meetings

The city of Lakeport is working on alternative procedures for the administering of upcoming public meetings, including Lakeport City Council meetings.

Additional information will be issued prior to the Tuesday, March 17, Lakeport City Council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
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LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council this week will consider a city emergency declaration in response to COVID-19, discuss a broadband plan and a list of SB 1 projects.

The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

City officials said the meeting is going on as normal.

On the agenda is a city emergency declaration in response to concerns about COVID-19 made by City Manager Margaret Silveira on Friday, as Lake County News has reported.

So far, no cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by novel coronavirus, have been confirmed in Lakeport or in Lake County as a whole, officials said. However, city and county officials have gone forward with emergency declarations in order to be positioned for state and federal assistance should it be required.

Also up for discussion on Tuesday is the proposed adoption of the Lake County Master Broadband Plan as prepared by the Upstate California Connect Consortium and CSU Chico, Geographical Information Center.

Assistant City Manager Kevin Ingram’s report to the council explains, “Rural areas such as Lake County have lagged behind more urban areas in the provision of broadband and/or high speed internet service. Bridging this divide has been a high priority for many civic and governmental organizations throughout the County. The completion of a broadband feasibility study is
noted specifically as a key improvement element within the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.”

He said Lake Economic Development Corp. has partnered with the Upstate California Connect Consortium and the California State University, Chico, Geographical Information Center to develop the Lake County Master Plan.

“The plan aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current landscape of broadband services for residential and business customers, as well as recommendations for improving broadband coverage and service speeds, developing and implementing local government policies that can ease and support broadband infrastructure deployments, and improving broadband service adoption,” Ingram said.

He said a key element to the plan is the development of an accurate baseline of existing broadband and internet service in Lake County.

In other business, the council will consider adopting a proposed resolution approving the city’s project list for funds generated by SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, in fiscal year 2020-21.

Public Works Director Doug Grider’s report to the council said the city is expected to receive $90,770 in fiscal year 2020-21.

“Staff proposes that the anticipated funds for fiscal year 2020-21 be utilized and dedicated to the Second Street Rehabilitation Project. This project includes the reconstruction of a section of Second Street between North Main Street and Park Street along with the replacement of curb, gutter and sidewalk to meet current ADA standards,” Grider wrote.

He said funds from last year will be added to this year’s funds in order to increase available funding for the project. “Any remaining monies will be dedicated to miscellaneous roadway maintenance and rehabilitation activities citywide.”

If approved, the council would direct staff to submit to the California Transportation Commission.

On the consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular council meeting on March 3; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the Mendocino Complex fire; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the February 2019 storms; confirmation of the continuing existence of a local emergency for the October 2019 public safety power shutoff; approval of the Application 2020-011 with staff recommendations, for the 2020 Child Festival to be held in Library Park April 18, 2020; receipt and filing the communication letter and CAFR for year ended June 30, 2019; adoption of the proposed resolution to reaffirm the necessity of AB 1600 development impact fees; introduction of the proposed amendments and revisions to the Lakeport Municipal Code adopting the 2019 California Building Code and removing references to obsolete building codes and schedule a public hearing for April 7, 2020.

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.

031720 Lakeport City Council agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd

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Georgina Marie Guardado, the newest poet laureate for Lake County, California, and her friend and companion, Kenya. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A local woman who has a mission of making poetry inclusive and accessible to everyone has been selected as Lake County’s newest poet laureate.

Georgina Marie Guardado of Lakeport has been selected from a field of five applicants to be the 11th poet laureate for Lake County. She’ll hold the title from 2020 through 2022.

Outgoing Poet Laureate Richard Schmidt, who led the nearly two-month-long selection process for his successor, announced Guardado’s appointment on Saturday.

Schmidt, a cowboy poet who has worked to keep poetry in the public eye during his tenure, will hand off the reins to Guardado at a proclamation ceremony planned for 9 a.m Tuesday, April 14, during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Lakeport.

Guardado, who was a finalist for poet laureate two years ago, told Lake County News that she’s thrilled with the appointment and thanked the selection committee for the opportunity.

“I grew up in Lake County and many members of the community have embraced my writing and encouraged me to continue my work,” she said.

Guardado said she wants to return this encouragement by continuing to participate in writing workshops, readings, and other events around the lake.

She explained that in each of her public endeavors, “I aim to include writers regardless of their experience in writing or public speaking; this is to ensure accessibility for all. I am inspired to perpetuate a community of poetry and other forms of creative writing, inviting others into it and supporting those already in it.”

At 31, Guardado is the youngest poet laureate. She’s also the first Hispanic-American female poet laureate for the county, joining a group that’s known for its ethnic and cultural diversity.

Guardado was praised by two previous poets laureate, Carolyn Wing Greenlee and Casey Carney, both of whom also worked to make poetry accessible and vibrant through public events and performances.

“Our Poet Laureate is not only chosen for excellence in writing, but also has to show significant, enduring involvement in stimulating interest in poetry. For this term we retired laureates recognized Georgina’s extensive efforts to nurture and encourage writers across the county,” said Greenlee.

Guardado “has excellent skills to support her utter passion for poetry. I think she is flying colors, really amazing,” said Carney.

Carney added, “She will knock it out of the park, maybe even put Lake County on the map in other regions. Her talent, drive, skills and passion are incredible.”

Guardado has worked with the Lakeport Branch of the Lake County Library on a poetry reading, created and coordinated “Poetry Pop-ups” at the Farmers’ Markets in both Lakeport and Kelseyville, led writing workshops and hosting readings at the Middletown Art Center, facilitated the Lakeport Writers Circle and implemented a new writers group at Harbin Hot Springs.

She’s also been a volunteer co-editor and assistant editor on various projects and has written two chapbooks, “Finding the Roots of Water” (2018) and “Tree Speak” (2019). In addition, she participates in poetry readings in other counties.

“As laureate, I plan to collaborate with other local poets, artists, museums, schools, and native and marginalized communities to name a few to offer events, partnership, and inclusion of poetry to many areas in our county; and not just in the larger towns but all around the lake, including towns that may not receive as much representation or attention, such as Clearlake Oaks, Upper Lake, and Lucerne,” Guardado said.

She encourages writers to join the Lake County Poet Laureate Facebook group to be informed of upcoming events.

The line of Lake County poets laureate

The Board of Supervisors first established the office of Lake County Poet Laureate in 1998, giving the title first to Jim Lyle.

Lyle had held the office for four years when he was succeeded by James BlueWolf in 2002. Since then, it has been held by local poets for a period of two years each.

Following Lyle and BlueWolf, the local poets laureate have included Carolyn Wing Greenlee, 2004; Sandra Wade, 2006; Mary McMillan, 2008; Russell Gonzaga, 2010; Elaine Watt, 2012; Casey Carney, 2014; Julie Adams, 2016; and Richard Schmidt, 2018.

Greenlee told Lake County News that Lyle insisted that the office be a two-year term rather than a lifetime position. “He had in mind the stimulation of interest in poetry,” she explained.

“He, himself, worked diligently to bring gifted poets to read at the Arts Council and did his best to encourage local poets to contribute to the literary community here,” Greenlee said. “Since then, every successive laureate has been selected with Jim’s vision in mind.”

Greenlee said there was some really good poetry submitted by writers this year, but Guardado’s established efforts made a big difference in her ultimate selection.

“However, I was very impressed with the quality of submissions this year, and I’m so glad for Jim Lyle’s wisdom because two years pass in a flash and we will soon be looking for another gifted writer to take up the mantle and carry on the legacy that Jim started so long ago,” Greenlee said.

Carney said Guardado has already made significant contributions to the Lake County poetry community and beyond.

“Her own poetry is exquisite. Her genuine sense of inclusion is sure to expand the gathering of community through the power of poetry, at a time when we need it more than ever,” said Carney.

Carney added, “The selection of Georgina Marie as the 11th poet laureate of Lake County is a wonderful result.”

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, Calif. – The city of Clearlake announced Monday that it is immediately closing City Hall to the public, a closure to extend through at least March 31.

On Friday, City Manager Alan Flora declared a state of emergency in the city due to concerns about the threat of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, as Lake County News has reported.

The Clearlake City Council is due to ratify that state of emergency declaration at its meeting on Thursday evening, Flora said.

Last week, the city of Lakeport and county of Lake took similar actions to declare emergencies in their jurisdictions, and on Sunday the superintendents of the county’s school districts closed all public schools through April 10.

While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 yet in Clearlake or Lake County, Flora said the declaration will allow city officials to facilitate the mobilization of local resources and gives us the ability to coordinate interagency response, accelerate procurement of vital supplies, use mutual aid, and allow for future reimbursement by the state and federal governments.

Flora said in the Monday City Hall closure announcement that preparation is critical to successfully responding to COVID-19.

Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Flora said social distancing is a vital component of preventing the spread of COVID19 by minimizing the risk of exposure.

“The situation surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly changing and we are implementing measures to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Flora said.

That led to his decision to close city hall to the public until at least March 31.

“This closure includes both the lobby of the administrative offices and the police department lobby,” Flora said. “The city will attempt to facilitate normal business through phone calls, email, and video conferencing as necessary.”

Flora added, “The city’s priority during this declared emergency is to continue to protect the public, as well as our employees so we may continue to serve, by limiting the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your understanding and your patience.”

Community members are invited to call the city at 707-994-8201 for questions or accommodations in conducting city business.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Library is opening as a 2020 Census Questionnaire Assistance Center starting Tuesday, March 17.

Community members will be able to visit three local libraries to get help filling out the census during normal operating hours.

County Librarian Director Christopher Veach said that the service will be offered as long as the library remains open for its normal operating hours.

“The library is taking extra measures regarding cleaning and encouraged patrons to remain a healthy distance apart,” Veach said regarding COVID-19 concerns.

Lakeport Library is located at 1425 N. High St. The hours at Lakeport Library are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Redbud Library is located at 14785 Burns Valley Rd. in Clearlake. The hours are Redbud Library are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m.

Middletown Library is located at 21256 Washington St. The hours at Middletown Library are Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call 707-263-8817. The library is on the internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov .

Library employees will provide online access to those who do not have access or have limited broadband access, and can answer questions about who is considered a household member to be counted.

Each library has public computers that can be used to fill out census questionnaires. Library employees in the QAC can answer questions about the 2020 Census questionnaire and provide clarifications as needed to community members.

Once each decade, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person in the United States. The next enumeration will be April 1, and will be the first to allow online responses as well as responses by phone or in person.

The data collected by the decennial Census determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used to distribute billions of dollars in federal funds to state and local governments.

The U.S. Census Bureau does its part to count everyone. The California Complete Count – Census 2020 office focuses on working with community partners to reach Californians in the hardest-to-count areas.

The mission of the California Complete Count – Census 2020 is to ensure that Californians get their fair share of federal resources and Congressional representation by encouraging the full participation of all Californians in Census 2020.

Jan Cook is a library technician for the Lake County Library.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The superintendents of all of Lake County’s school districts are set to meet Sunday to discuss what measures should next be taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health officials have so far not reported any confirmed cases of COVID-19 – the disease caused by novel coronavirus – in Lake County.

The Lake County Office of Education said County Superintendent of School Brock Falkenberg will meet with all district superintendents Sunday “to discuss potential county-wide solutions to school dismissals.”

The Office of Education said the hope is that an announcement will be made to Lake County families by 4 p.m. Sunday about the status of schools.

Falkenberg, the county’s six district superintendents and Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace have met or held regular conference calls over the past week to discuss what next steps to take, the Office of Education said.

Based on those meetings, district superintendents sent out update letters on Friday to parents outlining their next steps.

Districts reported that as of Monday, March 16, they were canceling nonessential events such as field trips, open houses, club and sporting events, professional development-related traveling and other gatherings until spring break in early April.

In its update, Kelseyville Unified cited advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that gives three reasons for school closure in response to school-based cases of COVID-19: Decontamination and contact tracing, in response to significant absenteeism of staff and students or as part of a larger community mitigation strategy where there is substantial community spread.

Based on that guidance and available modeling data, the district said that short-, medium- or long-term closures are not as effective as mitigation efforts such as hand-washing and home isolation for those at high risk.

Despite there being no local cases confirmed so far, temporary facility closures and some events in the community have been canceled, which has raised the question of whether local schools will follow the example of those in other areas and close down for the next few weeks in an effort to slow the virus’ spread.

With COVID-19 concerns in mind, Kelseyville resident Arnaud Hubert launched an online petition directed at local officials, asking them to close schools temporarily as a preventive measure.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County District Attorney’s Office has ruled that a Clearlake Police officer was justified in the fatal July shooting of a man who was stabbing his half-brother.

Rocco Morgan Jr., 42, was shot on July 15 by Officer Brittany Shores, dying several days later, according to the report, released Sunday by District Attorney Susan Krones.

Krones said Shores responded to a home on Mullen Avenue where a man had called police to report that his brother was threatening to stab and kill him.

When Shores arrived, she found Morgan in a back bedroom of the home he was sharing with his girlfriend, two young children and his younger half-brother, identified in the report as “C. H.” In that bedroom, Morgan was punching his brother.

Shores grabbed Morgan’s arm but couldn’t hold onto him because of his strength. Krones’ report said Morgan continued to punch his brother and then began to stab him.

Believing the victim’s life was in danger, Shores fired one shot at Morgan, which had no effect, so she fired a second time before leaving the room when backup officers arrived and told her to get back, according to the report.

Morgan was taken by ambulance to Adventist Clear Lake Hospital in Clearlake for emergency treatment and later transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for further treatment. Krones said he died on July 20, five days after the shooting.

Krones said an autopsy found that Morgan had a bullet wound to his left wrist and to his chest between his sixth and seventh ribs, which injured Morgan’s right lung, his liver and his diaphragm, causing his death. He also had a blood-alcohol level of approximately 0.13 percent.

Pursuant to a countywide critical incident protocol, Krones and her staff investigated the incident.

Krones said Shores believed the victim’s life was in imminent danger and had tried to use nonlethal force to stop Morgan’s attack before finally shooting him.

“There is overwhelming evidence that Officer Shores’ actions meet the standard of a reasonably prudent law enforcement officer and the discharge of her firearm was an objectively reasonable use of force under both California statutory law and State and federal case law,” Krones said.

She concluded, “It is my opinion that there is no evidence of criminal culpability on the part of Officer Shores in the death of Mr. Morgan. In fact, the words of C. H. summarizes the case very well. “If she didn’t shoot him I would’ve been dead.”

Krones’ full report on the shooting, including her analysis and findings, is below.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.


LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S FINAL REPORT
REGARDING OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING OF
ROCCO MORGAN JR.


INTRODUCTION:

On July 15, 2019, Clearlake Police Office Brittany Shores responded to a call of a “brother threatening to stab him and kill him.” Officer Shores was the first to arrive on scene. As Officer Shores approached the house she heard yelling and a ruckus coming from the residence. She knocked on the door and a female let her in. Shores heard noise coming from the back bedroom and a male yell “Help me.” The back bedroom was barricaded but Shores was able to enter. She saw a heavy set male (Rocco Morgan, Jr.) hitting a smaller man (C. H.) in the corner of the room. Upon further observation, she saw that Morgan had a knife and was stabbing C. H. repeatedly. Shores believed that Morgan was going to kill C. H. so she fired one shot at Morgan. That did not stop Morgan from his attack. Shores fired another shot at Morgan and Morgan stopped the attack. Morgan and C. H. were taken to the hospital. Morgan died due to a bullet wound that damaged his lung, diaphragm and liver.

It is the finding of this office that the killing of Rocco Morgan Jr. was justifiable homicide pursuant to California Penal Code Sections 196 and 197. (see Fn. 1)

PROCEDURES:

Pursuant to the Lake County Law Enforcement Fatal Incident Protocol of 2019, The Lake County District Attorney Investigation Division conducted an independent investigation into the incident. Also, an internal investigation was conducted by the administration at Clearlake Police Department.

The purpose of the District Attorney’s investigation is to determine the facts of the incident, whether any crime has been committed and whether or not criminal charges should be filed against any individual involved.

Fn 1 This incident occurred prior to California Assembly Bill 392’s amendments to Penal Code sections 196 and 835a. Therefore, this incident is analyzed under the law as it existed at the time of the events.
This report and findings are conducted pursuant to California State Law and the Lake County Law Enforcement Fatal Incident Protocol of 2019. Any findings by the District Attorney is for the sole purpose of criminal charging, using a “beyond a reasonable doubt” burden of proof standard.

FACTS:

At the time of his death Rocco Morgan Jr. was 42 years old with a last known address of 3875 Mullen Ave. in Clearlake, CA. Morgan had a lengthy criminal history including but not limited to:

Battery on a peace officer 7/21/97 – misdemeanor
Participation in a street gang 7/1/97 – felony
Concealed weapon on person 7/1/97 – felony
Felon in possession of a firearm 8/15/13 – felony
Domestic Violence 5/31/16 – misdemeanor
Domestic Violence 9/11/18 – misdemeanor

At the time of the incident Morgan was living with his girlfriend and his 2 young children and his younger half-brother, C. H. C. H. had a bedroom in the rear of the single story house.

According to Shores, she was in the area of 36th Ave when she was dispatched to 3875 Mullen Ave. with a reporting party stating that “his brother is threatening to stab him and kill him”. As Shores approached the house she could hear yelling and a ruckus inside. Shores knocked on the door and a woman answered the door. The woman was holding a baby. Shores asked the woman “who has the knife?” Shores was told the name and started calling the name as she went down the hallway to the back room where Shores heard the ruckus. Shores drew her firearm. She heard someone say “help me” from the back room. The back bedroom door was partially open. Shores re-holstered her firearm before entering the room. Shores had to use her shoulder to open the door as it was blocked. Shores said a male with an orange shirt (Morgan) was down on a pile of something. Shores yelled something and then Morgan stood up, looked at Shores and then started punching another male who was on the floor (C. H.).

Shores called for Code 3 (back-up officers). As Shores went further into the room she was able to grab the arm of Morgan but was not able to maintain a grip on his arm because Morgan was very strong. Morgan continued to punch C. H. At this time Shores saw that Morgan had a knife in his hand and was stabbing C. H. Shores saw blood splatter on C. H.’s face. C. H. was on his back against the wall and under a desk.

Shores believed that Morgan was going to continue to stab C. H. and that his life was in danger. Shores drew her firearm and fired one shot at Morgan. This had no effect on Morgan so Shores fired one more shot at Morgan. Shores felt that if she did not use this level of force the suspect would have killed C. H. At this time back up arrived and yelled at Shores to get back. Shores left the room and left the house. By this time an ambulance arrived on scene. Morgan was taken by ambulance to Adventist Hospital in Clearlake for emergency treatment. Morgan was later transported to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital for further treatment. Morgan died on July 20, 2019 at 3:38 a.m. An autopsy was conducted by Dr. Jennifer Hammers on July 20, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Morgan had a bullet wound to his left wrist and to his chest between his 6th and 7th rib. The bullet injured Morgan’s right lung, his liver and his diaphragm. This was the cause of death. Morgan’s blood alcohol level was approximately .13%.

INVESTIGATION:

The investigation was conducted by the District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations. Division. The Lead Investigator was Scott Poma. The investigation included an inspection of the residence and particularly the back bedroom where the shooting took place. Investigators located 2 expended 40 caliber shell casings and a steak knife with a 3 inch serrated blade that was covered in blood. This was the knife Morgan used to stab his brother C. H.

On July 16, 2019 Investigators Poma and Cox contacted C. H. at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital. C. H. said he lived at 3875 Mullen Ave. in Clearlake with his brother, Morgan, and Morgan’s girlfriend. C. H. is Morgan’s half-brother.

C. H. said that Morgan had been consuming drugs recently and was displaying signs of paranoia. About 2 hours before the stabbing, Morgan contacted C. H. in C. H.’s back bedroom and demanded to see his computer as Morgan believed C. H. was recording him. Morgan also threatened to cut C. H.’s throat.

A short time later C. H. heard Morgan’s girlfriend yell for C. H. to call the police. C. H. came out with his phone and told Morgan he would call the police if Morgan did not calm down. About 20 minutes before Morgan stabbed C. H., Morgan told C. H. he was going to go to “Facebook Live” and stream himself stabbing C. H. Morgan told C. H. not to call the police or he would kill him.

Just a few minutes before the stabbing, Morgan accused C. H. of spying on him and Morgan hit C. H. with a closed fist to the left side of his face. Morgan left the bedroom and C. H. started barricading the door to his room. Morgan returned and was able to squeeze through the door.
C. H. called 911. C. H. knew that Morgan kept a knife in his pocket and he saw Morgan had something in his hand as he came into the bedroom. C. H. picked up a screwdriver to defend himself. Morgan asked C. H. what he was going to do with the screwdriver. C. H. put the screwdriver down. Morgan pulled out a knife. Both Morgan and C. H. were standing facing each other at this point. C. H. heard a female voice calling Morgan’s name. C. H. dropped down and went underneath his computer desk. C. H. believed the female calling Morgan’s name was a police officer. Morgan followed C. H. and began stabbing C. H. Morgan stabbed C. H. four times in his chest and two times in his back. C. H. remembers that Morgan was stabbing him when the police officer came into the room. C. H. said everything happened very fast. C. H. said that he believed Morgan would have killed him if it was not for the Officer’s actions. C. H. said, “If she didn’t shoot him I would’ve been dead.”

LEGAL ANALYSIS:

The relevant California statutory and case law regarding this matter is set forth below.

Penal Code Section 196 states in part:

Homicide is justifiable when committed by public officers ….:

(2) When necessarily committed in overcoming actual resistance to the execution of some legal process, or in the discharge of any other legal duty.

Penal Code Section 197 states in part:

Homicide is also justifiable when committed by any person in any of the following cases:

1. When resisting any attempt to murder any person, or to commit a felony, or to do some great bodily injury upon any person.

The test for whether homicide was justifiable is “whether the circumstances ‘reasonably create[d] a fear of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or to another.’ ” Kortum v. Alkire (1977) 69 Cal.App. 3d 325, 333.

In People v. Escobar (1992) 3 Cal.4th 740, 750 the court held that “It is well settled that the determination of great bodily injury is essentially a question of fact, not of law.” In Munoz v. City of Union City (2004) 120 Cal.App.4th 1077, 1109 the court held that “Unlike private citizens, police officers act under color of law to protect the public interest. They are charged with acting affirmatively and using force as part of their duties, because “the right to make an arrest or investigatory stop necessarily carries with it the right to use some degree of physical coercion or threat thereof to effect it.” It continues “The question is whether a peace officer’s actions were objectively reasonable based on the facts and circumstances confronting the peace officer.” “The test is highly deferential to the police officer’s need to protect himself and others.” Munoz p. 1102.

California law permits the use of deadly force in one’s self defense or in the defense of another if it reasonably appears to the person claiming the right of self-defense or the defense of another that he actually and reasonably believed that he or another was in imminent danger of great bodily injury or death. People v. Williams (1977) 75 Cal.App.3d 731.

The reasonableness of a particular use of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with 20/20 hindsight. The calculus of reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments – in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving – about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation. Graham v. Connor (1989) 490 U.S. 386

In the instant case, Officer Shores was responding to a call of a man threatening to stab his brother and kill him. When Officer Shores arrived to the house she asked Morgan’s girlfriend, “Who has the knife?” Officer Shores heard a commotion in the back room and heard someone yell “help me”. When she was able to get through the door she saw a male with an orange shirt (Morgan) over a pile of something. Shores yelled something and then Morgan stood up, looked at Shores and then started punching another male who was on the floor (C. H.). She was able to grab the arm of Morgan but was not able to maintain a grip on his arm because Morgan was very strong. Morgan continued to punch C. H. At this time Shores saw that Morgan had a knife in his hand and was stabbing C. H. Shores saw blood splatter on C. H.’s face.

Shores believed that Morgan was going to continue to stab C. H. and that C. H.’s life was in imminent danger. Before Shores shot Morgan, she did try to stop Morgan using non-lethal force by grabbing Morgan’s arm in an attempt to stop him. She yelled at Morgan to stop. This had no effect on Morgan, who pulled away and continued to stab C. H. Shores then drew her firearm and fired one shot at Morgan. This first shot had no effect on Morgan so Shores fired one more shot at Morgan. Shores felt that if she did not use this level of force the suspect would have killed C. H. Shores’ use of lethal force was justified to save the life of C. H. Shores reasonably believed that if she did not shoot Morgan a second time that Morgan would have killed C. H.

FINDINGS:

There is overwhelming evidence that Officer Shores’ actions meet the standard of a reasonably prudent law enforcement officer and the discharge of her firearm was an objectively reasonable use of force under both California statutory law and State and federal case law.

It is my opinion that there is no evidence of criminal culpability on the part of Officer Shores in the death of Mr. Morgan. In fact, the words of C. H. summarizes the case very well. “If she didn’t shoot him I would’ve been dead.”


Dated:

_____________________________
SUSAN KRONES
District Attorney
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has tabbies ready for new homes.

The following cats at the shelter have been cleared for adoption.

This female domestic short hair cat is in cat room kennel No. 138, ID No. 13560. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female domestic short hair

This female domestic short hair cat has a gray tabby coat and gold eyes.

She is in cat room kennel No. 138, ID No. 13560.

This male domestic short hair cat is in cat room kennel No. 134, ID No. 13591. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male domestic short hair

This male domestic short hair cat has a brown tabby and white coat and gold eyes.

He is in cat room kennel No. 134, ID No. 13591.

“Shelby” is a male orange tabby in cat room kennel No. 108, ID No. 13565. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Shelby’

“Shelby” is a male orange tabby with a long coat and green eyes.

He has been neutered.

He is in cat room kennel No. 108, ID No. 13565.

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Posted On

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches on March 17, the “wearin’ o’ the green” is not nearly as important as having a plan in place if intoxicants will be involved in your celebrations.

The California Highway Patrol is encouraging the public to put safety first and designate a sober driver, a rideshare service or a taxi to make your ride home a safe one.

“St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can often result in a highway tragedy,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Plan ahead and do not let the use of alcohol or drugs mixed with driving result in a collision, jail time, injuries, or death.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes March 17 as one of the deadliest holidays for drunk driving and alcohol-involved crashes.

Last year on that day in California, seven people were killed and 116 others were injured in collisions caused by driving under the influence, or DUI. It was a busy day for CHP officers who made 219 arrests for DUI.

This year, do not push your luck. Buckle up, avoid shenanigans behind the wheel, and designate a sober driver if your St. Patrick’s Day celebration will include alcohol or other impairing substances.

The financial impact of a DUI can be sobering. Attorneys’ fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates and car repairs can reach $15,000 or more in California.

“Temptations to drive impaired can increase during the holiday,” added Commissioner Stanley. “If you are planning to drink, do not get behind the wheel.”

To help keep the roads safe, the CHP encourages the public to report impaired drivers by calling 9-1-1.

Be prepared to provide the public safety dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, location, and direction of travel.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of safety, service and security.
Posted On

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will hold the first public discussion about the results of a long-running employee classification and compensation study and consider approving the sheriff’s emergency declaration for COVD-19.

The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx . Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.

At 10 a.m., the board will consider the county’s total compensation report, prepared by CPS HR.

The county awarded the $100,000 contract for the study to CPS HR, a Joint Powers Agency, in November 2018.

The report is part of an apparent plan by county leadership to raise pay for employees, but just how much salaries could be raised – and how much the county can afford – does not appear as part of the discussion.

The county of Lake’s salaries and classifications were compared to 10 other counties: Calaveras, Colusa, Glenn, Humboldt, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo and Yuba.

The presentation “is expected to include description of the Classification and Total Compensation Study methodology undertaken by CPS HR, and market data, as appropriate, as verified by CPS HR. This does not constitute any indication of your Board’s implementation of the Study data, nor what level of salary adjustment is affordable by the County of Lake at this time. These matters are subject to ongoing confidential labor negotiations,” according to the report from County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson.

Huchingson, who has pushed for the study to be done, is incidentally the county employee whose job classification is shown to be farthest below the market numbers, based on a table on page 12 of the study, shown below.

With a base salary of $9,339 a month up to a maximum of $11,352 a month, the county administrative officer classification is rated as 81.6 percent below the market minimum, 69.15 percent below the market midpoint and 56 percent below the market maximum,

For comparison, a deputy sheriff II position has a salary range of $4,649 to $5,651 per month, and is rated as only 4.1 percent below the market minimum, 6.2 percent below the market midpoint and 10.2 percent below the maximum. The county historically had trouble keeping deputy jobs filled, citing pay as a key issue.

Also on Tuesday, at 9:10 a.m., the board will get an update on the novel coronavirus, and in related untimed items, the board will continue its consideration of a temporary policy for telework during the pandemic and discuss accommodations to facilitate broader electronic access to Board of Supervisors meetings in light of COVID-19 and Executive Order N-25-20.

The board also is expected to consider ratifying Sheriff Brian Martin’s COVID-19 emergency proclamation, issued Friday.

In other business, in an untimed item, the board also will discuss the structure of the Department of Public Works and the Community Development Department.

On Feb. 11, the board appointed Public Works Director Scott De Leon as interim Community Development Director.

“In the next month, all departments must prepare their proposed budgets for Fiscal Year 2020/2021 and with this in mind, staff is in need of Board direction concerning the structure of these two departments,” Huchingson wrote in her report to the board.

The full agenda follows.

CONSENT AGENDA

5.1: Adopt proclamation commending Operation Tango Mike for 17 years of support for military personnel and their families.

5.2: Adopt proclamation designating the month of March 2020 as March for Meals Month.

5.3: Adopt resolution authorizing the Planning Division of the Community Development Department to file a grant application to the California Strategic Growth Council for a Proposition 84 Wildfire and Resiliency and Recovery Planning Grant to update the Upper Lake/Nice area and Rivieras area plans.

5.4: Approve Wildfire Resiliency and Recovery Planning Grant letter of commitment for updates to the Upper Lake-Nice and Rivieras area plans and authorize chair to sign.

5.5: Approve California Mutual Aid Region II Intra-Region Cooperative Agreement for emergency medical and health disaster assistance and authorize board chair to sign.

5.6: Approve PC purchase for district attorney.

5.7: Approve supplemental service agreement between the county of Lake and Mead & Hunt, Consultants, for mandatory filings of Lampson Field Airport Capital Improvement Plan 2020-2025, not to exceed $5,000, and authorize the chair to execute the agreement.

5.8: Adopt resolution authorizing the director of Social Services to execute the standard agreement and all other documents necessary to participate in the HOME Program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

5.9: Adopt resolution authorizing the Lake County Water Resources Department to file a grant application to the California Strategic Growth Council for a Proposition 84 Wildfire and Resiliency and Recovery Planning Grant to update the Lake County Storm Water Management Plan.

TIMED ITEMS

6.2, 9:06 a.m.: (a) Presentation of proclamation commending Operation Tango Mike for 17 years of support for military personnel and their families; and (b) presentation of proclamation designating the month of March 2020 as March for Meals Month.

6.3, 9:10 a.m.: Consideration of update on the novel coronavirus.

6.4, 9:20 a.m.: Presentation of annual report by Lake County PEG TV.

6.5, 9:40 a.m.: Consideration of Ag Department ordinance for industrial hemp regulations.

6.6, 10 a.m. Consideration of CPS HR’s County of Lake Total Compensation Report.

UNTIMED ITEMS

7.2: Continuation of consideration of a temporary policy for telework.

7.3: Consideration of accommodations to facilitate broader electronic access to Board of Supervisors meetings in light of COVID-19 and Executive Order N-25-20.

7.4: Consideration of the structure of the Department of Public Works and the Community Development Department.

7.5: Consideration of the following appointment: Audit Committee.

7.6: Consideration of proposed findings of fact and decision in the appeal of Antonio and Doris Guerra-Freire (AB 19-02).

CLOSED SESSION

8.1: Conference with labor negotiator: (a) chief negotiator: M. Long; county negotiators: C. Huchingson and P. Samac; and (b) employee organizations: LCDDAA, LCDSA, LCCOA, LCEA, LCSEA and LCSMA.

8.2: Public employee evaluation: Animal Control director.

8.3: Conference with (a) temporary representatives designated to meet with county department heads regarding salary and benefits and (b) unrepresented management employees.

8.4: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(3) Threat of Litigation – City of Clearlake.

8.5: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) – Ugorji v. County of Lake, et al.

8.6: Public employee evaluations: Interim Community Development director/ interim Water Resources director/ Public Works director.

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.



County of Lake Total Compensation Report FINAL by LakeCoNews on Scribd

Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Following a Sunday meeting, the superintendents of all Lake County school districts have decided to close public schools until early April in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Although Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace has so far not confirmed any local cases of COVID-19 – the illness caused by the novel coronavirus – the Lake County Office of Education said county students will be dismissed from all public schools beginning Monday, March 16, and continuing through Friday, April 10.

The agency said the decision, announced early Sunday afternoon, was made “after careful consideration” between Lake County district superintendents and Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg, in collaboration with Dr. Pace.

Next, districts will be preparing in the coming days to continue to feed and provide educational opportunities to our Lake County students, officials said.

The Office of Education said more information will be distributed to students and families via their local District Offices before the end of the day Sunday.

The Lake County Office of Education will be providing updates on its website at http://lakecoe.org/covid-19 .
Posted On

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control is offering several adult dogs to homes this week.

Dogs available for adoption this week include mixes of American Staffordshire Terrier, dachshund, German Shepherd, husky and pit bull.

Dogs that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are either neutered or spayed, microchipped and, if old enough, given a rabies shot and county license before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets hoping you'll choose them.

The following dogs at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (additional dogs on the animal control Web site not listed are still “on hold”).

“Smokey” is a male dachshund mix in kennel No. 6, ID No. 11555. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Smokey’

“Smokey” is a male dachshund mix with a short black and brown coat.

He already has been neutered.

He is in kennel No. 6, ID No. 11555.

“Ava” is a female American Staffordshire Terrier in kennel No. 19, ID No. 13606. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Ava’

“Ava” is a female American Staffordshire Terrier with a short black and tan coat.

She is in kennel No. 19, ID No. 13606.

“Tyson” is a male German Shepherd in kennel No. 20, ID No. 11202. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Tyson’

“Tyson” is a male German Shepherd with a medium-length tan and black coat and brown eyes.

He is in kennel No. 20, ID No. 11202.

This female pit bull terrier is in kennel No. 22, ID No. 13604. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Female pit bull terrier

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

She is in kennel No. 22, ID No. 13604.

This male husky is in kennel No. 24, ID No. 13585. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male husky

This male husky has a medium-length black and white coat and brown eyes.

He is in kennel No. 24, ID No. 13585.

“Sheriff” is a male German Shepherd in kennel No. 30, ID No. 13618. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

‘Sheriff’

“Sheriff” is a male German Shepherd with a medium-length black and tan coat.

He is in kennel No. 30, ID No. 13618.

This male pit bull terrier is in kennel No. 31, ID No. 13507. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.

Male pit bull terrier

This male pit bull terrier has a short brindle coat.

He is in kennel No. 31, ID No. 13507.

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

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