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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A man arrested last month after two break-ins, assaults and an attempted sexual assault is facing numerous charges, but his mental competency to stand trial has been questioned.
Markel David Plummer, 36, is facing 13 counts — eight felonies and five misdemeanors — for the forcible rape case, which involves two separate incidents hours apart, one in which he assaulted a woman and the second involving a commercial break-in, for which he was arrested on Feb. 28.
Early that day, he entered a woman’s apartment on North Main Street through an unlocked door. The victim awakened to find him in her home and he assaulted her, with authorities concluding he was planning to sexually assault her.
The woman fought back and Plummer fled. Hours later, he was found inside a business in the 1100 block of North Main Street. There, he assaulted the employee and again attempted to flee the scene.
Lakeport Police officers responded to the scene and took Plummer into custody. He has remained in the Lake County Jail since his arrest. He is currently being held without bail.
The charges the District Attorney’s Office has filed against Plummer include felonies of first degree burglary with the intent to commit a sex crime such as rape, sodomy and oral copulation; assault with the intent to commit a sex crime; sexual battery while the victim is restrained; entering an inhabited dwelling with the intent to commit a felony; unlawful entry of a commercial building with intent to commit larceny and any felony; unlawful maliciously destroying a lap top computer; and two counts of threatening an executive officer.
Misdemeanors include sexual battery, unlawful entry to an apartment, assault and battery, prowling and giving false identification to a law enforcement officer.
There also is a special allegation relating to the victim’s vulnerability, Plummer’s violence, previous convictions and a prior prison term, as well as the fact that he was on post-release community supervision and his previous performance on probation or supervision was unsatisfactory.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Rachel Abelson is handling the prosecution.
Abelson told Lake County News that Plummer is on post-release community supervision — a type of supervision used for someone released from state prison to the jurisdiction of a county agency — on two felony convictions out of San Francisco County.
The first of the cases, for which he was convicted in July 2019, is for assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, while the second conviction, from September 2021, is for false imprisonment.
Plummer entered a not guilty plea on March 4.
He was due to appear in court for preliminary hearing on Wednesday, but Abelson said a doubt was declared that day regarding Plummer’s competency to stand trial.
That competency issue appears in court records to have been raised by the Lake County Public Defender’s Office, which is representing Plummer.
“We handle the hearings on competency in Department 4 as part of the mental health court,” Abelson said.
Court records indicate a doctor’s report on Plummer’s mental competency is expected on April 8.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
Markel David Plummer, 36, is facing 13 counts — eight felonies and five misdemeanors — for the forcible rape case, which involves two separate incidents hours apart, one in which he assaulted a woman and the second involving a commercial break-in, for which he was arrested on Feb. 28.
Early that day, he entered a woman’s apartment on North Main Street through an unlocked door. The victim awakened to find him in her home and he assaulted her, with authorities concluding he was planning to sexually assault her.
The woman fought back and Plummer fled. Hours later, he was found inside a business in the 1100 block of North Main Street. There, he assaulted the employee and again attempted to flee the scene.
Lakeport Police officers responded to the scene and took Plummer into custody. He has remained in the Lake County Jail since his arrest. He is currently being held without bail.
The charges the District Attorney’s Office has filed against Plummer include felonies of first degree burglary with the intent to commit a sex crime such as rape, sodomy and oral copulation; assault with the intent to commit a sex crime; sexual battery while the victim is restrained; entering an inhabited dwelling with the intent to commit a felony; unlawful entry of a commercial building with intent to commit larceny and any felony; unlawful maliciously destroying a lap top computer; and two counts of threatening an executive officer.
Misdemeanors include sexual battery, unlawful entry to an apartment, assault and battery, prowling and giving false identification to a law enforcement officer.
There also is a special allegation relating to the victim’s vulnerability, Plummer’s violence, previous convictions and a prior prison term, as well as the fact that he was on post-release community supervision and his previous performance on probation or supervision was unsatisfactory.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Rachel Abelson is handling the prosecution.
Abelson told Lake County News that Plummer is on post-release community supervision — a type of supervision used for someone released from state prison to the jurisdiction of a county agency — on two felony convictions out of San Francisco County.
The first of the cases, for which he was convicted in July 2019, is for assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, while the second conviction, from September 2021, is for false imprisonment.
Plummer entered a not guilty plea on March 4.
He was due to appear in court for preliminary hearing on Wednesday, but Abelson said a doubt was declared that day regarding Plummer’s competency to stand trial.
That competency issue appears in court records to have been raised by the Lake County Public Defender’s Office, which is representing Plummer.
“We handle the hearings on competency in Department 4 as part of the mental health court,” Abelson said.
Court records indicate a doctor’s report on Plummer’s mental competency is expected on April 8.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With an incoming winter storm expected to bring snow and more rain on Friday, county officials are urging community members to use care and caution in response to the weather conditions.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Office of Emergency Services reported that the National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and Winter
Storm Watch for Lake County.
Local agencies urge residents and travelers to prepare for hazardous road conditions and exercise extreme caution.
The advisory is in effect from 2 and 11 a.m. Friday.
Forecasters expect snow levels to drop to 1,500 feet overnight with 1 to 4 inches of accumulation possible. For areas over 3,000 feet, snowfall could total up to 7 inches.
Also in the forecast are wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour, along with rain and continued higher elevation snow through Sunday.
Drivers are urged to expect icy roads, reduced visibility, downed trees and power lines that may cause travel hazards.
Officials urge people to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas; to expect slippery roads, and slow down and use caution, especially at night; carry chains if traveling at higher elevations; prepare for road closures or delays; and report emergencies, including road hazards or stranded motorists, by dialing 911.
County agencies are monitoring the weather and prepared to respond. Conditions are expected to improve by Monday.
For real-time updates, follow these sites:
• Highway conditions: Caltrans QuickMap
• County Road Conditions: Genasys Protect
• Emergency alerts, preparedness, weather and other information: Ready.LakeCountyCA.gov
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Office of Emergency Services reported that the National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and Winter
Storm Watch for Lake County.
Local agencies urge residents and travelers to prepare for hazardous road conditions and exercise extreme caution.
The advisory is in effect from 2 and 11 a.m. Friday.
Forecasters expect snow levels to drop to 1,500 feet overnight with 1 to 4 inches of accumulation possible. For areas over 3,000 feet, snowfall could total up to 7 inches.
Also in the forecast are wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour, along with rain and continued higher elevation snow through Sunday.
Drivers are urged to expect icy roads, reduced visibility, downed trees and power lines that may cause travel hazards.
Officials urge people to avoid non-essential travel in affected areas; to expect slippery roads, and slow down and use caution, especially at night; carry chains if traveling at higher elevations; prepare for road closures or delays; and report emergencies, including road hazards or stranded motorists, by dialing 911.
County agencies are monitoring the weather and prepared to respond. Conditions are expected to improve by Monday.
For real-time updates, follow these sites:
• Highway conditions: Caltrans QuickMap
• County Road Conditions: Genasys Protect
• Emergency alerts, preparedness, weather and other information: Ready.LakeCountyCA.gov
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Do you ever wonder how much rainfall you received from a recent thunderstorm? How about snowfall during a winter storm?
If so, you can help an important volunteer weather observing program.
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network, or CoCoRaHS, is looking for new volunteers across northwest California.
This grassroots effort is part of a growing national network of home-based and amateur rain spotters with a goal of providing a high density precipitation network that will supplement existing observations.
CoCoRaHS came about as a result of a devastating flash flood that hit Fort Collins, Colorado, in July 1997. A local severe thunderstorm dumped over a foot of rain in several hours while other portions of the city had only modest rainfall. The ensuing flood caught many by surprise and caused $200 million in damages.
CoCoRaHS was born in 1998 with the intent of doing a better job of mapping and reporting intense storms. As more volunteers participated, rain, hail and snow maps were produced for every storm showing fascinating local patterns that were of great interest to scientists and the public.
Recently, drought reporting has also become an important observation within the CoCoRaHS program across the nation. In fact, drought observations from CoCoRaHS are now being included in the National Integrated Drought Information System.
How does one become a CoCoRaHS observer? Go to the CoCoRaHS website and click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem on the upper right side of the main website.
After registering, take the simple online training, order your 4 inch rain gauge and start reporting.
To obtain a rain gauge, volunteers can order through the CoCoRaHS website for $42 plus shipping. They have a limited number of rain gauges to give out if you are able to be a regular observer and there is a limited number of observers currently in your area. Apply with this form.
Observations are available on maps and reports for the public to view within five minutes of submitting them.
The process takes only five minutes a day, but the impact to the community is tenfold: By providing high quality, accurate measurements, the observers are able to supplement existing networks and provide useful results to scientists, resource managers, decision makers and other users.
The CoCoRaHS program also has an extensive list of short YouTube videos at www.youtube.com/user/cocorahs.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Matthew Kidwell at the NWS in Eureka at
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- Written by: National Weather Service
The shelter has 46 adoptable dogs listed on its website.
This week’s dogs include “Syd,” a 1 and a half year old male Belgian Malinois mix.
“He is an energetic, affectionate dog who thrives on companionship, play, and comfort,” said shelterstaff. “His playful nature and love for toys, coupled with his excellent leash skills and potential for cohabitation with other dogs, make him a wonderful addition to any home.”
The shelter is located at 6820 Old Highway 53. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information, call the shelter at 707-762-6227, email
This week’s adoptable dogs are featured below.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With more rain and possibly snow in the forecast this week, the National Weather Service has issued a new winter storm watch and a winter storm advisory.
The storm advisory is in effect through 11 a.m. Thursday, with the watch to go into effect from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
Forecasters said snow accumulations of up to 2 inches are expected above 2,000 feet, while wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour also are possible.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain in the 40s until the weekend, when they will edge up into the low 50s. Nighttime temperatures into next week are expected to be in the 30s.
With storm impacts expected throughout much of California through Friday — periods of heavy rain, heavy mountain snow and widespread strong winds are in the forecast — on Tuesday the governor directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, to coordinate statewide response efforts, including the pre-deployment of over 400 fire and rescue personnel.
Resources include fire engines, swift water rescue teams, urban search and rescue, dozers and helicopters.
“This is a serious storm impacting much of California, and we all must do our part to prepare and stay safe. We’ve deployed hundreds of fire and rescue personnel throughout the state to support response efforts — but the best way to stay out of danger is to be alert and follow all guidance of emergency officials,” said Newsom.
Cal OES pre-deployed flood fighting and debris flow response resources to Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Lake, Napa, Colusa, Glenn, El Dorado, Nevada, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Resources sent to Lake and other counties include 64 fire engines, seven local government dozers, three front loaders, three excavators, six helicopters, 11 hand crews, 36 specialized personnel, eight swift water rescue teams, seven urban search and rescue companies and one regional task force.
Cal Fire also has 242 total engines deployed throughout the state to rapidly respond, including 109 staffed in the Southern Region and 133 in the Northern Region.
In addition, to date, the Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force has deployed over 120 miles of protective measures, including 606,576 feet of compost sock, 22,625 feet straw wattle, 7,500 feet silt fence and 7,960 feet of K-rail secured for use by local government partners, the state reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.
The storm advisory is in effect through 11 a.m. Thursday, with the watch to go into effect from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
Forecasters said snow accumulations of up to 2 inches are expected above 2,000 feet, while wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour also are possible.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain in the 40s until the weekend, when they will edge up into the low 50s. Nighttime temperatures into next week are expected to be in the 30s.
With storm impacts expected throughout much of California through Friday — periods of heavy rain, heavy mountain snow and widespread strong winds are in the forecast — on Tuesday the governor directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, or Cal OES, to coordinate statewide response efforts, including the pre-deployment of over 400 fire and rescue personnel.
Resources include fire engines, swift water rescue teams, urban search and rescue, dozers and helicopters.
“This is a serious storm impacting much of California, and we all must do our part to prepare and stay safe. We’ve deployed hundreds of fire and rescue personnel throughout the state to support response efforts — but the best way to stay out of danger is to be alert and follow all guidance of emergency officials,” said Newsom.
Cal OES pre-deployed flood fighting and debris flow response resources to Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Lake, Napa, Colusa, Glenn, El Dorado, Nevada, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Resources sent to Lake and other counties include 64 fire engines, seven local government dozers, three front loaders, three excavators, six helicopters, 11 hand crews, 36 specialized personnel, eight swift water rescue teams, seven urban search and rescue companies and one regional task force.
Cal Fire also has 242 total engines deployed throughout the state to rapidly respond, including 109 staffed in the Southern Region and 133 in the Northern Region.
In addition, to date, the Cal OES Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force has deployed over 120 miles of protective measures, including 606,576 feet of compost sock, 22,625 feet straw wattle, 7,500 feet silt fence and 7,960 feet of K-rail secured for use by local government partners, the state reported.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — On Saturday, Feb. 22, more than 50 plungers, chickens and supporters gathered for the 2025 Lake County Special Olympics annual Polar Plunge at the Buckingham Homeowners Association Clubhouse.
Funds raised at this annual plunge party support the local volunteer Special Olympics program in the purchase of training equipment, uniforms and transportation costs to attend competitions throughout Northern California.
Lake County Special Olympics currently offers six sports which include basketball, track and field, bocce, golf, softball and soccer.
This year over $18,576 has been raised and Special Olympics has reached its goal of supporting the program for the entire year.
This was the 14th year Lake County Special Olympics has participated in the Northern California Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.
In each of those years, Lake County Special Olympics has been fortunate to have the support of the Kelseyville Lions Club for the after-plunge luncheon and the Kelseyville Fire Department for EMT services to keep our plungers safe. Riviera Foods provided lunch supplies and Debbie Bridges provided our luncheon sweets.
Plungers raising money were supported by many individuals, including sizable donations from the Lakeshore Lions Club, Blue Angels Gas & Food in Clearlake, Clearlake Police Officers Association, Clearlake Police Department, Antique & Classic Boat Club and Profitt Construction.
This fun and enjoyable event is a plunge with a twist. Plungers and teams are encouraged to dress in costume and plunge. Those not able to or brave enough to take the plunge can still join the party as a designated “chicken” and hang out in our very own chicken coop.
Awards were presented included top fundraiser Halena Smalley; top athlete team fundraiser, Saderlund Splashers; top law enforcement fundraiser, Lake County Probation Department; top schools fundraiser, Lake County Office of Education; top community team fundraiser, Lakeport Elks~Lakeport Kiwanis~Early Lake Lions; and top health services team, Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
The best costume winner was John Lahti Jr. and the best team costume went to Team Raccoon, the Lake County Behavioral Health Services Department.
Many thanks to everyone that helped with organizing, set up and take down for the event, including Mary Lahti, Tammy Rund, Robert Saderlund, Eric Saderlund, John Lahti Sr., John Lahti Jr., Buckingham Homeowners Association and the spontaneous volunteers that helped.
Our sincere appreciation to all that donated to your favorite plunger and all those helping bring this event together. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/lakecountyspecialolympics.
Cathy Saderlund is volunteer area director for Lake County Special Olympics.
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- Written by: Cathy Saderlund
On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, or GO-Serve, Director Josh Fryday announced California is seeking 10,000 people to join the California Service Corps.
Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money.
Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 strong and serve nearly five million hours.
Service members help communities by taking environmental actions, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services.
“As Californians, the spirit of service and giving back is in our DNA — it’s why we have the largest service corps in the nation, bigger than the Peace Corps and a model for other states,” said Newsom. “In the coming year, our service members will provide critical support — whether responding to disasters like the LA fires or tackling critical issues like loneliness — as we work to build a California for all.”
The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs:
• #CaliforniansForAll College Corps.
• California Climate Action Corps.
• Youth Service Corps.
• AmeriCorps California.
Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and will be mobilized at a time when California is addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, the LA fire recovery and the future of our workforce.
“These are California’s future leaders, and we need their passion, energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “There is no better example of what they’re capable of than how they immediately mobilized to support the LA fire recovery efforts.”
California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive difference. Additionally, service experiences foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, an answer to the loneliness crisis — as defined by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory.
“California Disaster AmeriCorps members offer a skilled and dependable volunteer workforce, providing essential support to communities across the state impacted by disasters,” said Matthew Martinez, AmeriCorps Program manager for the American Red Cross. “These committed individuals play vital roles during disaster response efforts, ensuring that those affected have the resources and assistance necessary to recover and rebuild.”
“In California, we’re all carrying the trauma of fires through our daily lives. It’s part of the reason why I joined the California Climate Action Corps, or CCAC — to work on wildfire resilience and land management,” said Emily Lacy, California Climate Action Corps fellow. “CCAC has allowed me to build an authentic life of service and stewardship, becoming a certified Prescribed Fire Crew Member and dedicating myself to protecting California’s natural resources and our shared ecological heritage.”
Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity can learn more about the benefits and impact of service at a virtual workshop on March 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. Register here to attend.
Learn more and join at CAServiceCorps.com.
Members gain meaningful work experience while helping their communities and earning money.
Over the coming year, California Service Corps programs will be over 10,000 strong and serve nearly five million hours.
Service members help communities by taking environmental actions, tutoring and mentoring students to help them succeed, supporting communities impacted by disasters, working to end hunger and connecting vulnerable people to vital resources and services.
“As Californians, the spirit of service and giving back is in our DNA — it’s why we have the largest service corps in the nation, bigger than the Peace Corps and a model for other states,” said Newsom. “In the coming year, our service members will provide critical support — whether responding to disasters like the LA fires or tackling critical issues like loneliness — as we work to build a California for all.”
The California Service Corps is the largest service force in the nation, consisting of four paid service programs:
• #CaliforniansForAll College Corps.
• California Climate Action Corps.
• Youth Service Corps.
• AmeriCorps California.
Combined, it is a force larger than the Peace Corps and will be mobilized at a time when California is addressing post-pandemic academic recovery, the LA fire recovery and the future of our workforce.
“These are California’s future leaders, and we need their passion, energy and enthusiasm to address our greatest challenges,” said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. “There is no better example of what they’re capable of than how they immediately mobilized to support the LA fire recovery efforts.”
California Service Corps members gain skills and experience while connecting with others and making a positive difference. Additionally, service experiences foster a positive sense of connection and belonging, an answer to the loneliness crisis — as defined by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory.
“California Disaster AmeriCorps members offer a skilled and dependable volunteer workforce, providing essential support to communities across the state impacted by disasters,” said Matthew Martinez, AmeriCorps Program manager for the American Red Cross. “These committed individuals play vital roles during disaster response efforts, ensuring that those affected have the resources and assistance necessary to recover and rebuild.”
“In California, we’re all carrying the trauma of fires through our daily lives. It’s part of the reason why I joined the California Climate Action Corps, or CCAC — to work on wildfire resilience and land management,” said Emily Lacy, California Climate Action Corps fellow. “CCAC has allowed me to build an authentic life of service and stewardship, becoming a certified Prescribed Fire Crew Member and dedicating myself to protecting California’s natural resources and our shared ecological heritage.”
Those interested in finding a paid service opportunity can learn more about the benefits and impact of service at a virtual workshop on March 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. Register here to attend.
Learn more and join at CAServiceCorps.com.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
