How to resolve AdBlock issue? Lake County Sheriff's deputy in critical condition after Monday ocean rescue
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A Lake County Sheriff's deputy remains in critical condition at an out-of-county hospital after he and his son were rescued from the ocean in Mendocino County on Monday.
The deputy, whose name has not been released, remained in intensive care on Tuesday afternoon, according to Sheriff Brian Martin.
Martin would not confirm the deputy's name or the hospital where he is being treated out of respect for the family's wishes.
According to radio traffic from the incident, just before 11:30 a.m. Monday a water rescue was dispatched at Mendocino Headlands State Park, where an 11-year-old boy and his 39-year-old father were reported to be in the water.
Radio traffic reported that that the two had fallen into the water, and Martin said it wasn't clear if they had both been swept out by a wave or if the deputy had gone into the water to save his son.
A REACH helicopter and a Coast Guard helicopter initially were requested, but the Coast Guard helicopter later was canceled, according to reports from the scene.
The man and his son were reported to be about 100 feet offshore at one point, based on reports from the scene.
At about 11:50 a.m. the boy was rescued and taken by jet ski to Big River Beach, where REACH 18 landed just before noon and other rescue units responded, reports indicated.
By noon, radio reports indicated both the man and his son were on the beach, where CPR was being performed on the father. Shortly afterward they were transported to the hospital.
Martin said the deputy is surrounded by a lot of friends and family who are praying for his recovery.
As for any possible changes in the man's condition, Martin said, “We should know more later this afternoon.”
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Supervisors to consider sheriff's office hours reduction request, hold fire plan hearing and hear fire-related updates
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors this week will consider a request by the sheriff's office to temporarily reduce hours it is open to the public, hold a hearing on an updated fire plan and get updates from staff on the latest fire-related recovery news.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 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.
At 9:30 a.m., the board will consider a request from Sheriff Brian Martin to temporarily reduce window hours at the administrative office at 1220 Martin St. in Lakeport due to short staffing.
Main office hours currently are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Martin is asking to be able to change the Monday hours to 1 to 5 p.m. until they have hired enough law enforcement records technicians to staff the desk while meeting his agency's legal requirements to process reports on Monday mornings for delivery to the District Attorney's Office.
Martin said there currently is an active recruitment under way for those technician positions.
In other business, at 9:45 a.m., the board will hold a public hearing to consider approving the capital fire facility and equipment plans submitted by Lake County fire agencies and updating the Lake County Capital Fire Facility and Equipment Plan.
In fire-related business, on the agenda at 9:15 a.m. is the consideration of continuing the proclamation of a local health emergency issued by Lake County Health Office Dr. Karen Tait in September in response to the Valley fire.
At 10:45 a.m. county staff will give a report regarding the Hoberg's Resort debris cleanup. There also will be an untimed update regarding general fire recovery issues.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
7.1: Approve minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting held March 22, 2016.
7.2: Adopt proclamation designating the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
7.3: Adopt proclamation designating the week of April 10 to 16, 2016, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
7.4: Authorize the county administrative officer to send a letter to the California Department of Parks and Recreation in order to cancel an Off-Highway Vehicle Education Grant.
7.5: Adopt resolution to appropriate unanticipated revenue in Budget Unit 2115 - Domestic Violence Programs.
7.6: Approve budget transfer for Budget Unit 1905 – Information Technology from Acct. 719.01-11 Salaries and Wages to Acct. 719.62-72 Fixed Asset- Equipment/Autos in the amount of $1,700 for the purchase of 2008 Ford Escape SUV from Central Garage and authorize the chair to sign.
7.7: Approve agreement between the county of Lake and Califa for the provision, installation and maintenance of Advanced Network (Data) Services, for the period from July 1, 2016, until June 30, 2017, for an amount not to exceed $70,000 annually; and authorize the chair to sign.
7.8: Approve out-of-state travel to Tacoma, Wash., April 24-28, 2016 for Public Works Director Scott De Leon to attend the National Association of County Engineering (NACE) Annual Meeting/Management and Technical Conference.
7.9: Approve contract between the county of Lake and Lake Family Resource Center for “Be Fresh” Project, in the amount of $144,093 and authorize the chair to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
8.2, 9:10 a.m.: Presentation of (a) proclamation designating the month of April 2016 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month; (b) Proclamation designating the week of April 10 to 16, 2016, as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
8.3, 9:15 a.m.: Consideration of continuing the proclamation of a local health emergency by the Lake County health officer.
8.4, 9:30 a.m.: Continued from Feb. 19, consideration of sheriff's department request to reduce open office hours.
8.5, 9:45 a.m.: Public hearing, consideration of resolution approving resolutions and capital fire facility and equipment plans submitted by Lake County fire agencies and updating the Lake County Capital Fire Facility and Equipment Plan.
8.6, 10:15 a.m.: Hearing, appeal of violation order for nuisance animal (“Purdy”) located at 9840 Rocky Creek Road, Lower Lake, CA (Michelle Thomas).
8.7, 10:30 a.m.: Continued from April 5, discussion/consideration of adoption of resolution approving the Lake County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Submittal to the U.S. Department of Commerce- Economic Development Administration.
8.8, 10:45 a.m.: Staff report regarding Hoberg's Resort debris cleanup.
UNTIMED ITEMS
9.2: Update from staff, assisting agencies and/or community groups, consequent to 2015 wildland fires.
9.3: Consideration of continuing the proclamation of emergency declaration for wildfire conditions.
9.4: Sitting as the Lake County Air Quality Management District Board of Directors, consideration to reappoint James Harvey, public member, to the Lake County Air Quality Management District Hearing Board for a three-year term.
9.5: (a) Consideration of staff recommendation to allow up to two permanent employees to work three 12-hour shifts per week plus one four-hour shift for the Crisis Team; and (b) direct Human Resources to initiate meet and confer with the employee union in regards to this hour change.
9.6: Consideration of resolution authorizing the Registrar of Voters to sign the software license agreement and statement of work terms with Democracy Live Inc.
CLOSED SESSION
10.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1): Bond v. Lake County, et al.
10.3: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(1) – Sevilla v. County of Lake, et al.
10.4: Carried over from April 5, March 22 and March 15, employee disciplinary appeal (EDA-16-01), pursuant to Gov. Code Sec. 54957.
10.5: Public employee evaluations: Interim Behavioral Health director.
10.6: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): Appointment of Behavioral Health director.
10.7: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): Interviews and appointment of Public Services director.
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Lake County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy set to start May 26; spaces still available
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Community members interested in law enforcement are encouraged to sign up to participate in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy, which begins next month.
Lt. Corey Paulich, the academy's director, said there are still spaces available for the academy's 18th session, scheduled to commence on May 26.
Paulich said applications must be received no later than May 16.
There is no cost to those attending the academy, however, Paulich said applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
– Be a resident or employed in Lake County;
– At least 18 years of age;
– No felony convictions;
– No misdemeanor convictions within three years;
– Able to attend all 14 sessions.
More information can be located by going to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Web site, www.lakesheriff.com .
Click on the “Summer 2016 Citizens’ Academy” link. There you will find information about the academy, along with application and instructions. Class size is limited to 25 students and is filling up.
For additional information, contact Lt. Paulich at 707-262-4200.
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Clearlake Police officers discover 1,000-plant marijuana grow
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Police officers on Wednesday made one arrest and seized weapons connected to a 1,000-plant marijuana grow discovered during the response to a loud music call.
Ramon Valencia, 49, of Ukiah was taken into custody during the investigation, according to Lt. Tim Celli.
At about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday Clearlake Police officers responded to the 14000 block of Konocti Street for a report of loud music, Celli said.
When the officers arrived, Celli said they contacted Valencia, who was standing behind his vehicle in the driveway, which was within just a few feet of the roadway.
Valencia showed numerous objective signs of alcohol intoxication to the point the officers determined Valencia was unable to care for his safety or the safety of others. He was subsequently arrested for public intoxication, Celli said.
Celli said a 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol was in plain view on the front passenger seat of his unsecured vehicle. The vehicle windows were down and the vehicle was unlocked. Additionally, officers observed the gate to the backyard and the side door to the residence was open.
Valencia denied living at the residence or being involved with the residence in any way. Based on the fact Valencia was in possession of a firearm and the doors to the residence were open, along with his statements that he did not live there, officers attempted to make contact with someone else at the residence, Celli said.
He said the officers were unable to make contact with anyone at the home, and were concerned that someone may have been injured inside or another crime was occurring. Based on this belief and an exigency exemption, officers conducted a protective sweep of the open residence to make sure there were no victims of a crime located inside of the residence.
Officers did not locate anyone else in or on the property, however, they discovered the entire residence was converted into an indoor marijuana growing operation. Celli said every room beside the bathroom and the kitchen was being used to grow marijuana.
In addition, officers discovered two large “hoop houses” in the back yard that were both completely full of marijuana, Celli said.
Celli said the patrol officers collected the unsecured 9-millimeter handgun that was in Valencia’s vehicle for safe keeping and transported Valencia to the police station.
The patrol officers left the residence and alerted the investigation unit of what they had discovered. Celli said a Clearlake Police detective later authored a search warrant which was signed by a Lake County Superior Court judge authorizing the search of the residence and property to further investigate this large scale marijuana growing operation.
As a result of the search warrant service, 1,018 high grade marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized, Celli said.
There were no living quarters inside the residence, however a makeshift room made out of plywood was located outside the residence, near the backyard and the two hoop houses, he said.
Located inside that makeshift room, forms of identification and other evidence belonging to Valencia were located. Celli said officers also located two additional semi-automatic pistols with a high capacity magazine, a glass methamphetamine pipe and other evidence linking Valencia to the property and the car in the driveway.
Valencia later was charged with felony violations for cultivation, being armed while in the commission of a felony and possession of a high capacity firearm magazine, Celli said.
His bail was set at $15,000. He remained in custody late Wednesday, according to booking records.
Anyone who has information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call Det. Elvis Cook at 707-994-8251, Extension 315.
Celli said the marijuana grow was clearly for a commercial purpose and therefore is being investigated as criminal grow site.
He reiterated that the Clearlake Police Department has no interest in legal medicinal marijuana grows that are in compliance with the city ordinance, and the agency recommends that any citizen desiring to grow medicinal marijuana follow the permit process or risk code violations and civil penalties through Code Enforcement.
Earlier this year a city ordinance went into effect that requires individuals to apply for a permit to grow medicinal marijuana in the Clearlake city limits. Information on the permit process can be located at the City of Clearlake Web site at www.clearlake.ca.us or at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
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Police arrest Clearlake man for marijuana sales and cultivation, weapons charges
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Police officers have arrested a Clearlake man believed to be involved in the cultivation and sales of marijuana.
David Russell Moses, 55, was taken into custody on Thursday after leading officers on a short foot pursuit when Officers attempted to contact him in connection with a search warrant service on property he owns, according to Lt. Tim Celli.
At around 8:30 p.m. Thursday Clearlake Police officers served two search warrants in the 3700 block of Pine Avenue, Celli said.
Celli said both locations were involved in the cultivation of marijuana. Evidence connecting a third location consisting of a remote gate opener linking the residence location was located inside one of the marijuana grow sites.
He said the third location was directly across the street from the two grow sites and also was discovered to be Moses' home.
On Friday, Celli said it was unknown if all three locations are linked, however, at least two of them have been connected.
As a result of the search warrant service, Celli said officers discovered one location contained two very large “hoop houses” in the backyard. Approximately 30 marijuana plants were located inside the hoop houses; however it appeared as though numerous marijuana plants had been recently removed from one of them.
No one was located at the residence however the gate opener for Moses’ house was located at this property. In addition, a canine belonging to Moses was also inside the fenced yard of this property, Celli said.
There was a medical recommendation at this location for the marijuana, however, there also was a written agreement located that indicated that the property was rented for the purpose of growing marijuana and once sold, profits would be shared. Celli said this was a clear indication that the grow site was for commercial purpose.
When officers went across the street to Moses’ house to contact him, he was observed by a police officer to be hiding in an adjacent wooded field next to his house. When officers attempted to contact him, he ran, leading officers on a short foot pursuit. Celli said Moses was taken into custody approximately 70 yards away.
Due to the evidence located at the grow site connecting Moses to it, a search warrant was obtained for Moses’ residence as well, Celli said.
After that search warrant was served, officers located a loaded shotgun in a room believed to be Moses’. Celli said Moses is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to his convicted felon status.
Officers also located other weapons such as a flashlight Taser and pepper spray, all of which he is prohibited from possessing, Celli said. Approximately 24 pounds of high grade, processed marijuana and indications that the marijuana was possessed for sale also were located at the residence.
Six growing marijuana plants were located at Moses’ house and were not seized. This was believed to be Moses' personal medicinal marijuana and therefore was not considered criminal, Celli said.
Moses was later booked into the Lake County Jail for possession of marijuana for sale, resisting arrest, felon in possession of firearm, possession of weapons prohibited by a felon and cultivation. His bail was set at $15,000, and jail records indicated he posted the required portion of bail and was released.
Celli said officers served another search warrant at a property two doors down from the first location. As a result of that search warrant service, approximately 3,329 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized. Also located at that property was a Glock handgun with an extended 32-round magazine.
Most of this residence had been converted into an indoor grow house. Celli said it appeared that the marijuana plants were started inside the residence and then the marijuana plants were moved outside.
The person responsible for this location has not been confirmed at this time and is still under investigation, Celli said. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Det. Elvis Cook, telephone 707-994-8251, Extension 315.
Celli said the Clearlake Police Department has no interest in legal medicinal marijuana grows that are in compliance with the city ordinance.
However, police highly recommend any citizen desiring to grow medicinal marijuana follow the permit process or risk code violations and civil penalties through Code Enforcement.
There is currently an ordinance in effect that requires individuals to apply for a permit to grow medicinal marijuana in the city of Clearlake. Information on the permit process can be located at the City of Clearlake Web site at www.clearlake.ca.us or at City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
Additionally, marijuana ordinance information has been disbursed to local businesses that deal with medicinal marijuana, such as the dispensaries and business involved in hydroponics. This ordinance will be enforced by the Code Enforcement Department.
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