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Lakeport Police logs: Saturday, Jan. 10
Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
00:00 EXTRA PATROL 2601100001
Occurred at Lake County Law Library on 3D....
Supervisors to discuss request to rescind resolution calling for State of Jefferson vote
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The chair of the Board of Supervisors is asking his colleagues this week to consider rescinding a resolution passed earlier this year that called for putting a proposal to join the State of Jefferson before county voters in 2016.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, 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 http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Boards/Board_of_Supervisors/calendar.htm . Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
In an item scheduled for 9:30 a.m., Board Chair Anthony Farrington will ask the board to discuss and consider a request to rescind Resolution No. 2015-22, which the board voted 3-2 on March 3 to approve.
The resolution calls for a November 2016 advisory measure asking Lake County residents if they wish to adopt a declaration of support for the county's separation from California in order to join the State of Jefferson, which would be made up of several Northern California and Southern Oregon counties.
“I am asking this Board to reconsider this decision based upon a myriad of reasons with the most compelling being the obvious reliance on the State of California during catastrophic events,” Farrington wrote in his memo to the board.
“This Board should recall that the proponents of the State of Jefferson at this Board's request failed to provide a clear and competent financial analysis as to how the poorest 7-8 counties in California and Oregon could create the tax base necessary to provide the most basic of public services,” Farrington wrote.
“Their financial analysis conveniently only considered property and sales tax revenues generated within our county jurisdiction and annual expenditures, while failing to take into consideration the following monies that come back from the state: realignment funding for public safety; social services, mental health services; AODS, and public health; funding that the state provides by way of grants for law enforcement and infrastructure; and low interest loans for water and sewer infrastructure, to name a few. These examples do not include the financial harm that would be realized by our farmers who rely on the branding of California agricultural crops and produce,” Farrington's memo said.
He noted that State of Jefferson proponents also failed to quantify the amount of financial support that Lake County realizes for everything from courts to public schools to law enforcement, and support for fire suppression during wildland fires, among other services.
“These wildfires that our county has endured, and our dependence on state financial resources and assets requires this Board to reconsider its previous position; and in so doing, this Board should request that the proponents of the State of Jefferson engage in democracy from the bottom up by reaching out to the great people of our community by collecting signatures for petitions to place this issue before the electorate on the November 2016 ballot,” Farrington wrote. “This endeavor and approach would be consistent with a showing of whether there truly is support by the people to carve out Lake County from the Golden State of California.”
In another timed item, at 11:45 a.m. Farrington will ask the board to consider a formal resolution opposing the city of Lakeport's goal of annexing the South Main Street/Soda Bay Road Corridor.
Farrington said the annexation would provide “zero benefit to the county,” and cause an estimated $500,000 loss in tax revenue on an annual basis.
Also on Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m. the board will host a swearing-in ceremony for Correctional Officers Susan West and Wesley Besgrove, and at 11 a.m. consider the request for proposals for community choice aggregation development and operations services.
The full agenda follows.
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
5.1: Contract Change Order No. 1 - Paradise Valley Intertie Pipeline Construction Contract with O.C. Jones & Sons Inc., cost reduction of $31,022.85.
5.2: Contract Change Order No. Three with Statewide Traffic Safety & Signs Inc for HR3 sign replacement and striping project.
5.3: Contract Change Order No. Two with Statewide Traffic Safety & Signs Inc for HR3 sign replacement and striping project.
CONSENT AGENDA
7.1: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meetings held April 7, 2015, April 21, 2015, April 28, 2015, May 5, 2015, November 17, 2015, and special meeting on November 20, 2015.
7.2: Approve late travel claim for Assessor-Recorder Richard Ford, in the amount of $327.28.
7.3: Approve reissuance of tax refund check to F and C Investment in the amount of $1,366.62.
7.4: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and Redwood Community Services Inc. for AOD Perinatal Program Services for Fiscal Year 2015-16, in the amount of $299,655 and authorize the chair to sign.
7.5: Approve first amendment to the agreement between the county of Lake and Community Care HIV/AIDS Program for provision of HIV/AIDS counseling and case management services for Lake County residents for fiscal year 2015-16, changing the location of four of the 10 workshops and authorize the chair to sign.
7.6: Approve second amendment to agreement between the county of Lake and Breezy Bill Pay and Errands for janitorial services, contract maximum of $29,100 and authorize the chair to sign.
7.7: Adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2015-120 establishing position allocations for fiscal year 2015-2016, Budget Unit 2110, District Attorney.
7.8: Adopt resolution authorizing the Public Services director or his designee to sign a notice of completion for work performed under agreement for construction of the Holiday Harbor sheet pile wall.
7.9: Adopt resolution delegating to the Lake County Public Works director authority to initiate negotiations for the purchase of a portion of certain parcels (APN 008-664-010, 008-664-120, 008-665-010, 242-042-010, 242-041-010, 242-041-020 and 242-041-030) as part of the Konocti Road Safe Routes to School project.
7.10: Adopt resolution delegating to the Lake County Public Works director authority to initiate negotiations for the purchase of a portion of certain parcels (APN 050-471-080, 050-471-090, 050-471-150, 050-471-100 and 050-471-140) as part of the bridge replacement on Foard Road.
7.11: Adopt resolution delegating to the Lake County Public Works director authority to initiate negotiations for the purchase of a portion of a certain parcel (APN 013-031-240) as part of the bridge replacement project on Dry Creek Road.
7.12: (a) Waive the normal sealed bid process under Ordinance No. 2406, section 38.2, for the purchase of two F-250 pick-ups; and (b) authorize the sheriff/coroner or his designee to issue a purchase order to Downtown Ford in the amount of $57,310.
7.13: Adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2015-120 establishing position allocations for fiscal year 2015-2016 for Budget Unit Number 5012 – Social Services Special Programs.
7.14: Adopt resolution amending Resolution No. 2015-120 establishing position allocations for fiscal year 2015-2016 for Budget Unit Number 5164 – Housing.
TIMED ITEMS
8.2, 9:15 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of appeal (AB 15-04) of Planning Commission's denial of Cobb Vista Subdivision Unit No. 1 SD-14-01 and Initial Study IS 14-11; project located at 15385 Stonefield Court, Middletown (APN 014-11-21); applicant is Damon Fanucchi.
8.3, 9:20 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of request for general plan amendment (GPA 15-01) of one parcel from low density residential to high density residential and a rezone (RZ 15-02) from "PDR-SC" Planned Development Residential-Scenic Combining to "R3" multi-family residential; project applicant is Mark Tanti; located at 500 Whalen Way, Lakeport (APN 029-371-01).
8.4, 9:30 a.m.: Discussion and consideration of a request to rescind Resolution No. 2015-22, a resolution to put an advisory question concerning the adoption of a declaration calling for state split pursuant to Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution on the Ballot for the next general election so to determine the will of the voters regarding support for the State of Jefferson.
8.5, 10:30 a.m.: Swearing-in ceremony for Correctional Officers Susan West and Wesley Besgrove.
8.6, 11 a.m.: Consideration of the request for proposals for community choice aggregation development and operations services.
8.7, 11:05 a.m.: Consideration of a letter of opposition to the California Public Utilities Commission regarding the proposal by Pacific Gas & Electric to increase the power charge indifferent adjustment.
8.8, 11:30 a.m.: South Main Street, Lakeport, Water Project Update.
8.9, 11:45 a.m.: Consideration of resolution opposing annexation by the city of Lakeport of South Main Street/Soda Bay Road Corridor.
UNTIMED ITEMS
9.3: Ratification of Valley fire-related contracts entered into between September 12, 2015, and December 1, 2015, over $10,000 for services and over $25,000 for materials, supplies and equipment.
9.4: Consideration of using Juvenile Hall for Probation Department’s Day Reporting Center and for Behavioral Health programs and eventual re-location of Emergency Operations Center to Alternative Work Program building.
9.5: Consideration of (a) resolution authorizing an increase in the county’s cash contribution to the proposed adult local criminal justice facility project; and (b) resolution amending Resolution No. 2015-119 to amend the Adopted Budget for FY 2015-16 by canceling obligated fund balance in fund 153 and transferring funds for the SB 1022 jail expansion project to appropriate money in Fund 960 to provide the necessary cash contribution.
9.6: Consideration of salary adjustment for certain classifications in Social Services Department and Child Support Services Department.
9.7: Consideration of revision to sick leave policy.
9.8: Consideration of applicant interview travel expense reimbursement policy.
9.9: Consideration of resolution adopting amendment number two to the memorandum of understanding by and between the county of Lake and the Lake County Safety Employees Association, for the period from July 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2015.
9.10: Consideration of amendment number two to the memorandum of understanding by and between the county of Lake and the Lake County Correctional Officer's Association, Unit 6, for calendar years 2014 and 2015.
9.11: Consideration of amendment number one to the memorandum of understanding by and between the county of Lake and the Lake County Sheriff's Association, Unit 16, for Fiscal Years 2014-15.
9.12: Consideration of approval of correspondence to the Robinson Band of Pomo regarding an obstruction to a public roadway.
9.13: Consideration of resolution approving an application for funding under the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Community Facilities Program for the Lakeport Library Modernization Project.
9.14: Consideration of agreement between the county of Lake and Kitchell CEM Inc. for construction management services for the Hill Road Correctional Facility Expansion Project.
CLOSED SESSION
10.2: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9 (d)(2) (e) (3) - Claim of Gilmore.
10.3: Public employment pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54957 – Interviews. Title: County Administrative Officer.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Clearlake Planning Commission to consider medical marijuana cultivation ordinance amendments
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In its last regular meeting of the year the Clearlake Planning Commission is set to consider possible amendments to the city's medical marijuana cultivation ordinance.
The commission will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
City Manager Greg Folsom is taking to the commission a recommendation that the Clearlake City Council take up the amendments to the city's medical marijuana cultivation ordinance at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
The current ordinance was approved by the city council on June 11 after a referendum challenged an outright medical marijuana cultivation ban the council passed in February.
“The City Council was generally unhappy with the current ordinance and wanted to enact a more enforceable ordinance and they appointed an ad hoc committee to meet and discuss the current ordinance and come up with a recommendation for changes,” Folsom said in his report to the commission.
The ad hoc committee consists of Councilman Russ Perdock, Councilman Bruno Sabatier, Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta, Liz Byrd, Dan Griffin, Dave Hughes and Vincent Metzger.
The committee met for the first time on Oct. 7, two days before Gov. Jerry Brown signed a comprehensive package of bills to establish a regulatory structure around the medical marijuana industry, Folsom said.
Folsom said that the package of bills – the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act – gives the city the authority to regulate or ban medical marijuana cultivation, as well as to require a permit or license and to charge a fee.
The ad hoc committee isn't suggesting a ban, but is recommending a much stricter ordinance that can be easily enforced, according to Folsom.
After meeting several times, the ad hoc committee agreed on a series of recommendations that include prohibiting cultivation on vacant lots and within 600 feet of a public or private school or child care center, as well as allowing no cultivation within any property that has multifamily dwellings – all prohibitions on the current ordinance.
New rules would prohibit commercial grows, grows within mobile home parks and in residential units unless allowed by dispensary ordinance. There also could not be cultivation within any commercial, scenic corridor or beautification zone.
No grows would be allowed within 600 feet of a public park or 100 feet from specified drainage areas such as Clear Lake, Burns Valley Creek, Miller Creek, Alvita Creek, Molesworth Creek or Cache Creek, and no diversion from any waterway.
Processing marijuana in any way that alters the chemical structure wouldn't be allowed, and the cultivation area would be limited to 100 square feet, with no more than six plants allowed on properties of any size.
Growers would have to register with the city and have city-approved permits for cultivation, with all grow sites to be enclosed within fenced areas measuring no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet, or a fully enclosed accessory structure of the same size. Grow sites would need to be locked at all times.
Anyone cultivating marijuana also would have to give permission to enter and inspect grow sites up to twice annually in addition to an initial inspection, have the property owner's approval and a copy of a current recommendation issued for the property's legal tenant, as well as proof of residence and a permanent water source to the home.
There would be a $150-per-year registration fee, a $300 fine and the potential for abatement for failing to register, along with additional fines. Failures to abate could result in one-year or permanent growing suspensions. Permits to grow would be issued by the police chief.
Folsom estimated that the permitting costs could generate up to $75,000 annually to help partially offset the ordinance's enforcement.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
121515 - City of Clearlake Draft Medical Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance Amendment
Leadership reorganization, warming center proposal on Lakeport City Council agenda
LAKEPORT, Calif. – This week the Lakeport City Council will select its leadership for the coming new year and hear a presentation on a warming center for the homeless.
The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St., for a closed session to discuss an anticipated case of litigation involving Verizon Wireless. Earlier this month, the council granted an appeal of the company's proposal for a cell tower at 1875 N. High St. that the Lakeport Planning Commission had approved in May.
The open portion of the meeting will convene at 6 p.m.
The meeting will begin with the council reorganization, and the nomination and election of mayor and mayor pro tem for a period of one year.
Martin Scheel currently serves as mayor, with Stacey Mattina as mayor pro tem.
That will be followed by the announcement of the winners of the city's holiday lighted decoration contest.
The council also will hear a presentation by Taylor Johnson on behalf of the Lake Ministerial Association regarding a proposal to open a warming center this winter at the Lakeport Seventh-day Adventist Church. Johnson and members of the association spoke about the plan to the Board of Supervisors earlier this month.
In council business, acting City Clerk Kelly Buendia will present for the council's approval appointments to the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and the Lake County Vector Control District Board of Trustees.
Police Chief Brad Rasmussen will take to the council the proposed approval – with staff recommendations – of the application for the Lakeside Car and Boat Show to be held in Library Park on Aug. 12 and 13, 2016.
On the meeting's consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are ordinances; minutes of the regular Lakeport City Council meeting on Dec. 1; the Dec. 10 warrant register; amending and adopting the city's updated conflict of interest code; and the removal of Rick Hamilton from the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee.
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Former deputy sentenced for fatal October 2013 crash
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A former Lake County Sheriff's deputy was sentenced this week to jail time for a 2013 crash that killed a Clearlake woman.
On Tuesday, Judge Stephen Hedstrom sentenced James Scott Lewis, 55, to six months in jail for a count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to Deputy District Attorney John Langan.
Lewis' attorney, Joshua Olander of the Sacramento law firm Mastagni Holstedt, said his office would not comment on the case at this time.
Lewis was charged for the Oct. 3, 2013, on-duty crash that killed 26-year-old Gabriela Rivas Garcia, who was driving to her job in Kelseyville.
He was responding early that morning with lights and sirens, and driving at a high speed, from Kelseyville to the Lower Lake area on the report of a home invasion robbery.
Lewis' 2009 Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle crossed into the northbound lane on Highway 29 and hit Rivas Garcia's 1995 Honda head-on, killing her. The crash also left Lewis with serious injuries.
Lewis was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2014 and left his job with the county in November of that same year, the county Human Resources Department confirmed to Lake County News earlier this year.
District Attorney Don Anderson said Lewis had been set to go to trial in early August when he and his attorney reached a plea agreement to the vehicular manslaughter charge with Anderson's office and the trial was canceled.
Lewis subsequently pleaded to the charge in November, Langan said.
What hadn't been agreed to in the discussions between the defense and prosecution was the sentence, Anderson said, with the defense wanting probation and community service and the District Attorney's Office seeking the six-month sentence.
Langan said Hedstrom gave the six-month jail sentence over the defense's objections. Hedstrom also included in Lewis' sentence three years of formal misdemeanor probation, with standard probation conditions – including community service in addition to the jail sentence, standard fines and fees – also imposed.
Lewis can serve his jail time at any penal institution, as he no longer lives in Lake County, Langan said.
Langan said it will be up to the sheriff of whatever county in which Lewis serves his sentence as to whether or not Lewis would be eligible for alternative sentencing programs, such as electronic monitoring, work furlough or other such programs.
Hedstrom gave Lewis a turn-in date during the first week of February. Langan said the delay is to allow Lewis time to apply for some type of alternative sentencing – “a practice that is legally available to him and one that is afforded to virtually all criminal defendants similarly situated.”
In May, the Board of Supervisors reached a $600,000 settlement with Rivas Garcia's parents, Gloria Garcia Gamino and Jose Daniel Rivas Cruz, who originally had sought $2.5 million when they filed the suit the previous spring, as Lake County News has reported.
County Counsel Anita Grant explained that the county of Lake, as a public entity employer, is required by state law to indemnify a county employee for any actions occurring within the course and scope of his or her employment.
The settlement the Board of Supervisors reached earlier this year occurred in that context, she added.
As part of Lewis' Tuesday sentencing, Hedstrom reserved restitution to the family of Rivas Garcia, with the criminal court now retaining jurisdiction to impose it should additional damages be discovered or additional claims made after the resolution of the civil case, Langan said.
Langan said that if the victims make any additional restitution claims, Lewis would be entitled to a restitution hearing to challenge the claim and the amount being requested.
Email Elizabeth Larson at