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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — A Middletown man arrested last month on a host of charges including arson, assault, carjacking and kidnapping was in court on Thursday to enter a plea in the case.
William Ralph Harbour IV, 37, who was arrested in Napa County on Aug. 21, is being prosecuted there.
He appeared in Napa County Superior Court before Judge Scott Young on Thursday morning to enter his not guilty plea in the case.
He’s charged with kidnapping for carjacking, which upon conviction could carry a life sentence; kidnapping; carjacking with a special allegation of causing great bodily injury to the woman whose vehicle he took; evading an officer against traffic; evading an officer with willful disregard; two counts of assault on a peace officer for assaulting two California State Parks officers; attempted unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle; unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle; carjacking; elder or dependent adult abuse of his father, William Harbour III; grand theft of personal property, specifically, $1,000 from William Harbour III; arson of property of another for setting fire to his father’s Mercedes; and recklessly causing a fire of a structure or forest near the intersection of Highway 175 and McKinley Drive.
On Aug. 21, authorities said Harbour was involved in a fight with family members, leading to him running over his father and setting fire to his father’s car.
Later, he is believed to have set the McKinley fire near Middletown, then carjacked a woman, taking her car with her 7-year-old daughter inside of it, before he led authorities — including California Highway Patrol and State Parks officers — on a pursuit into Napa County, where he was finally arrested that afternoon.
This week, state officials issued a report in which they explained how the initial encounter between State Parks officers and Harbour near Robert Louis Stevenson State Park on Highway 29 came about.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said State Parks officers were taking part in a multiagency cannabis enforcement operation in Napa County as part of the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce on Aug. 21.
The State Parks officers executed a search warrant and dismantled a water diversion that originated from within the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.
While they were involved in that operation, Harbour attempted to steal a State Parks patrol vehicle before later carjacking the motorist, taking her vehicle with the child still inside. Authorities said he dropped off the child a short distance away.
“State Parks officers initiated a pursuit and safely recovered the child before arresting the suspect,” the report said.
"This was more than a simple enforcement action — it was a moment of heroism, a moment where State Park Rangers and lifeguards demonstrated their prowess as fully sworn peace officers,” said State Parks Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Division Chief Alex Luscutoff. “The officers’ swift response and coordinated pursuit resulted in a mother being reunited with her daughter and a very dangerous individual being safely taken into custody.”
During his Thursday court appearance, Harbour’s preliminary hearing was set for Oct. 17.
Harbour remains in custody in the Napa County Jail on a no bail hold.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LINGZI CHEN
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — A series of community events to remember the Valley Fire and celebrate resilience will take place in Middletown on Saturday afternoon, following Friday’s commemoration in Cobb.
The Middletown gathering will be held in Middletown Square Park, beginning with a ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Cal Fire Division Chief Mike Wink will host the ceremony.
Designated representatives from the offices of Congressman Mike Thompson and State Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry also may attend.
Speakers will also include former District 1 supervisors Jim Comstock and Moke Simon; Sheriff Luke Bingham; Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg; Callayomi County Water District Director Pat Giaccimini; current District 1 Supervisor Helen Owen, who will present a plaque dedication to the Middletown Area Town Hall; and Lake County Poet Laureate Brenda Yeager, who will offer a poetry tribute.
An open mic session will follow, inviting community members to participate and share personal stories.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring a photo, drawing, flower or note to add to the community Memorial Wall, described by organizers as a space that “honors those we lost and celebrates our shared resilience,” the event poster said. “All ages welcome."
From 6:30 to 10 p.m., the Middletown Art Center will host an art and expression session featuring poetry, music, dance and visual arts.
At 7:30 p.m., a free screening of “The Wild Robot” will be shown under the stars at the park.
Email staff reporter Lingzi Chen at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Sept. 16th will look a little brighter in Kelseyville this year.
In honor of Mexican Independence Day, the Kelseyville Business Association, or KBA, will proudly line Main Street with forty beautiful Mexican flags.
The flags, purchased by the KBA, will be a lasting tradition in future years as a tribute to the many community members of Mexican heritage who help make Kelseyville such a vibrant place to live.
Generous donations from local residents funded the new flagpoles, underscoring the community spirit that Kelseyville is known for.
While this year’s Día de la Independencia festival was canceled to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents, the KBA wanted to ensure the day was still honored in a meaningful way.
“We’re excited to bring this new tradition to Main Street,” said Helen Finch, president of the Kelseyville Business Association. “It’s a simple but powerful way to show our support for the many residents who celebrate this important day. We hope everyone takes a moment to stroll downtown, enjoy the display, and join us in honoring Mexican Independence Day.”
Founded in 1967, the Kelseyville Business Association is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to supporting the prosperity and growth of Kelseyville and its surrounding communities.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Community members are invited to take the Lake County Climate Vulnerability Analysis survey.
The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday, Sept. 18.
The survey responses will help local officials complete the climate adaptation plan, the community's roadmap for preparing for and responding to climate challenges.
The comprehensive climate vulnerability analysis found:
• Wildfire and smoke pose the greatest climate risks countywide.
• Most vulnerable populations include outdoor workers, households in poverty, tribal community members, and people with chronic illnesses/disabilities.
• Most at-risk community assets include energy infrastructure, homes, transportation systems and agriculture.
Take the survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLG7CC2.
This five to 10 minute survey asks for your thoughts on our findings, ideas for building resilience, and barriers to implementing climate solutions.
County officials said the lived experience of residents and local knowledge are essential to ensuring the climate adaptation plan reflects community needs.
For more information, visit www.LakeCounty2050.org.