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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Heavy rain on Monday led to flooding in parts of Lake County as well as road slipouts and closures.
The National Weather Service had a flooding advisory in place most of the day due to concerns about the impacts of more rain on already saturated ground.
The service’s weather observations showed that rainfall totals across Lake County ranged as high as 3 inches in Whispering Pines on Cobb Mountain.
Rainfall totals in inches for the 24-hour period ending at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday are as follows:
• Elk Mountain: 2.87.
• Kelseyville: 1.98.
• Knoxville Creek: 1.39.
• Lake Pillsbury: 2.25.
• Lyons Valley: 2.16.
• Middletown: 2.29.
• North Cow Mountain: 2.48.
• Upper Lake: 2.40.
• Whispering Pines: 3.00.
The United States Geological Survey said the level of Clear Lake on Monday topped 6 feet Rumsey, the special measure for Clear Lake. The lake level on Jan. 5, 2025, was 5.93 feet Rumsey.
The county of Lake reported Monday evening that it “is actively responding to the impacts of significant rainfall affecting our communities today.”
The report on the county’s Facebook page said that, due to the volume of rain, portions of local sewer systems have been overwhelmed.
“The Special Districts team has deployed pumpers to relieve system pressure and reduce the risk of further impacts. The Environmental Health team is in close and ongoing communication with Special Districts and is actively monitoring conditions to protect public health,” the county reported.
Officials confirmed three sewer spill locations discharging into Cache Creek. “Based on current conditions the creek is flowing into the lake,” the county reported.
“Out of an abundance of caution residents are advised to avoid contact with creek water standing water or areas near storm drains during and immediately following storm conditions,” the report said, asking that anyone who sees sewage, wastewater or unusual discoloration in waterways should report it to Lake County Special Districts at 707-263-0119.
The saturated conditions led to issues on roadways throughout the county on Monday.
There were numerous reports of slideouts as well as roadway flooding.
On Monday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol reported flooding over one lane of Highway 20 at Bartlett Springs Road between Nice and Lucerne.
The Lake County Public Works’ Roads Division reported on several road closures in effect due to conditions.
They include, as of late Monday afternoon:
• Clearlake Oaks: Mesa drive, closed to all traffic from Stubbs.
• Hidden Valley Lake: Spruce Grove Road Extension, closed near USS Liberty Lane (Quarry Road) due to a road slipout.
• Kelseyville: The Bell Hill Road low water crossing is closed to all traffic due to water over the roadway.
• Lakeport: Scotts Valley Road is closed from Hendricks Road/Eickhoff Road back towards Lakeport on the straight stretch (English Lane). Soda Bay Road has flooding between Big Valley Road and S. Main Street, with flooding signs up, and it may change to a full closure.
• Middletown: The Dry Creek Cutoff’s low water crossing is now closed for the season. Socrates Mine Road is down to one lane at MPM 2.4, below Lincoln Rock, due to a slipout. K-rail and stop signs were set to be installed on Monday. This will be a long term lane closure.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Authorities have arrested a Kelseyville man for the sexual abuse of children over the course of several years, with investigators reporting that they believe there are still more victims that have not come forward.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies arrested Kyle Joseph Beck, 34, on Dec. 29.
The agency said its Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating reports of sexual abuse involving juveniles.
That led to the service of a search warrant and, ultimately, Beck’s arrest last week.
On Dec. 31, the Lake County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony forcible rape case against Beck, who appeared in Lake County Superior Court the same day for arraignment.
Court filings show that the felony charges against Beck stretch back to sexual abuse that is alleged to occurred beginning 10 years ago.
Beck is so far facing four felony counts: recurring sexual conduct with a victim under age 14, dated to Jan. 1, 2016; lewd and lascivious conduct on a victim under age 14 from June 1, 2021; and two counts of oral copulation on a victim under 10 years old, both from Jan. 1, 2023.
Beck is being held in the Lake County Jail on $1.2 million bail.
He’s scheduled to return to Lake County Superior Court on Tuesday morning, at which time a bail review hearing is planned, along with the appearance of his public defender and plea entry, according to court records.
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office said the case remains under active investigation.
“As the investigation continues, detectives believe there may be additional victims,” the sheriff’s office said in a Monday report.
The sheriff’s office statement continued, “The Major Crimes Unit understands how difficult it can be to come forward and wants victims and families to know that support resources are available, and information can be shared confidentially.”
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 707-262-4088 or Sgt. Jeff Mora at 707-262-4224.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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