KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Lake County’s participation at several national wine trade shows proved to be a “resounding success,” say representatives of the county’s administration and the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

A California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Specialty Crop Grant made it possible for the Commission to attend selected shows this year.

In January, a contingent of Lake County wine industry representatives traveled to the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento.

Participation in two shows in February took the delegates to the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference and Trade Show – billed as the third largest wine industry trade show in the United States – in St. Charles, Missouri, and to the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association’s Annual Conference and Trade Show in San Marcos, Texas.

During the month of March, individuals worked the Commission’s booth at the Eastern Winery Exposition in Lancaster, Penn., and the Wineries Unlimited Trade Show and Conference in Richmond, Va.

Sharing information about Lake County’s wine industry and the county in general, commission President Shannon Gunier and commission board members were joined by county representatives and commission committee members at the various trade shows.

The Lake County contingent obtained information about potential winegrape buyers and businesses interested in the area. Gunier said leads are available to qualified Lake County growers by calling the Commission office, 707-995-3421.

“We poured wine and talked to interested parties about Lake County and the grapes we grow,” said Bill Brunetti, chair of the commission’s Industry Relations Committee.

Brunetti and his wife Patti attended the Pennsylvania and Virginia shows in March.

“In general, (we) tried to sell our county and our grapes,” Bill Brunetti said. “The county’s participation was well received. I think that the new booth pretty much outdid any other at the show. The wines spoke for themselves, and the presence of County personnel talking about the desire of Lake County to attract business was a home run.”

County Administrative Analyst Alan Flora echoed Brunetti’s sentiments about the reception of the County’s presence at the expositions.

“The interest generated in Lake County as a destination, a producer of fine wines, and as a place to do business exceeded all of my expectations,” said Flora. “The breadth of questions and comments were phenomenal. Few people were able to pass our booth by. Our booth design focused on a dramatic presentation of the scenic beauty of our County, the substantial and impressive development of our most established wineries, education about what makes our growing region so unique and full of potential, and the bold, complex, and delightful wines we produce.”

Budget constraints had forced the commission to cancel participation in out-of-state industry trade shows that had proven to be instrumental in showcasing Lake County wines in past years, according to Gunier.

Receipt of the CDFA Specialty Crop grant, dubbed by the commission as the “Lake County Rising Campaign” grant, allowed the winegrape growers organization to team with the county to continue marketing work at industry shows.

The grant was awarded to increase the effectiveness of the preexisting campaign, Gunier said.

“It was money very well spent,” Brunetti said about use of the grant funds. “There was certainly no downside to the commission's involvement; and even though most of our grape sales are closer to home, we do export to the East Coast. We also have a responsibility to our growers to promote the region, and that certainly was accomplished.”

Brunetti said he spoke with two people who indicated interest in opening wineries in Lake County. Additionally, one manufacturer of wine glasses made plans to visit the area to explore the idea of opening a facility in the county.

Flora, who attended shows in Sacramento, Texas, Pennsylvania and Virginia, said the official county presence “created quite an impression.”

“The commission asked me to be involved in an effort to expand the impact of the shows from the traditional marketing of winegrapes, juice, and bulk wine, to include promotion of Lake County as a recreation destination as well as an opportunity for development of vineyards, wineries, and/or wine related industries,” Flora explained.

“The (county’s) new ‘Growing the Wine Industry’ brochure and Development Incentive Program, which was put together by the County Economic Development Program, strongly emphasize our commitment to both the wine industry and growing our local economy,” Flora said. “Some folks (at the trade shows) even took extra copies of our information to present to their elected officials and say, ‘Look at what Lake County has done; we need to do this here.’ I think that speaks volumes to the commitment and determination our county has to grow a more vibrant economy in this place we love so much.”

The success of the shows will be measured by the demand for winegrapes from Lake County, Flora said.  

“Many tons were sold as a result of the trade show exposure,” said Flora. “One winery owner demanded access to Lake County grapes after one taste of our Sauvignon Blanc. In another example, a winemaker sampled a local Syrah and exclaimed that it was the best he had ever tasted. Similar stories are endless, but the impact was noticeable and the exposure valuable.”

The impact on the area’s tourism may take longer to realize, Flora added. “However, I am confident that there will be an increase in visitors to Lake County as a result of the trade show exposure. There was a really significant interest in development opportunities and investment from a variety of parties.”

For more information about the Lake County Winegrape Commission’s marketing efforts and special events, visit the Commission’s website at www.lakecountywinegrape.org .

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Tuesday that the fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy – known more commonly as “mad cow disease” – has been confirmed in a California dairy cow.

"As part of our targeted surveillance system, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the nation's fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a dairy cow from central California,” said USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford.

Clifford said the animal's carcass is being held under state authority at a rendering facility in California and will be destroyed. It was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, so at no time presented a risk to the food supply or human health. Additionally, milk does not transmit BSE.

Samples from the animal in question were tested at USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

Confirmatory results using immunohistochemistry and western blot tests confirmed the animal was positive for atypical BSE, a very rare form of the disease not generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed.

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross said the detection of the BSE in the cow showed that the surveillance program in place in California and around the country is working.

“Milk and beef remain safe to consume,” she said. “The disease is not transmitted through milk. Because of the strength of the food protection system, the cow did not enter the food or feed supply. There are numerous safeguards in place to prevent BSE from entering the food chain.”

Ross said the atypical BSE designation was an important aspect of the case.

“CDFA veterinarians are working with the USDA to investigate this case and to identify whether additional cows are at risk,” she said. Feed restrictions in place in California and around the country for the last 15 years minimize that risk to the greatest degree possible. We will provide additional information about this case as it becomes available.”

California Department of Public Health Director and Public Health Officer Dr. Ron Chapman said there is no public health threat due to the discovery of BSE in the dairy cow, and his agency is continuing to monitor the situation.

“The food supply in California has not been affected by this discovery, and residents do not need to take any specific precautions,” he said.

Clifford said the United States has had longstanding interlocking safeguards to protect human and animal health against BSE. For public health, those measures include the USDA ban on specified risk materials, or SRMs, from the food supply.

SRMs are parts of the animal that are most likely to contain the BSE agent if it is present in an animal. USDA also bans all nonambulatory (sometimes called "downer") cattle from entering the human food chain.

For animal health, the Food and Drug Administration ban on ruminant material in cattle feed prevents the spread of the disease in the cattle herd.

"Evidence shows that our systems and safeguards to prevent BSE are working, as are similar actions taken by countries around the world,” Clifford said.

In 2011, there were only 29 worldwide cases of BSE, a dramatic decline and 99 percent reduction since the peak in 1992 of 37,311 cases. Clifford attributed that decline to the impact and effectiveness of feed bans as a primary control measure for the disease.

"We are sharing our laboratory results with international animal health reference laboratories in Canada and England, which have official World Animal Health (OIE) reference labs,” Clifford said. “These labs have extensive experience diagnosing atypical BSE and will review our confirmation of this form of the disease. In addition, we will be conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation in conjunction with California animal and public health officials and the FDA.”

BSE is a progressive neurological disease among cattle that is always fatal. It belongs to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Affected animals may display nervousness or aggression, abnormal posture, difficulty in coordination and rising, decreased milk production, or loss of body weight despite continued appetite.

"This detection in no way affects the United States' BSE status as determined by the OIE,” said Clifford. “The United States has in place all of the elements of a system that OIE has determined ensures that beef and beef products are safe for human consumption: a mammalian feed ban, removal of specified risk materials, and vigorous surveillance. Consequently, this detection should not affect U.S. trade.”

He added, “USDA remains confident in the health of the national herd and the safety of beef and dairy products. As the epidemiological investigation progresses, USDA will continue to communicate findings in a timely and transparent manner.”

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A crash Monday morning involving two local men resulted in moderate injuries for one and minor injuries for the other, the California Highway Patrol reported.

Asheton Gene Cufaude, 23, and Allan Foster Stirnaman Jr., 52, both of Lucerne, were injured in the crash, which occurred at 8:20 a.m., according to the CHP report.

Cufaude was driving his 1970 Chevrolet truck westbound on Highway 20 west of Scotts Valley Road and Stirnaman was driving eastbound in a company vehicle, a 2009 Chevrolet pickup, the CHP said.

For reasons still under investigation, Cufaude allowed his vehicle to cross over the solid double yellow lines, with the left side of his truck hitting the left side of Stirnaman’s vehicle, the CHP said.

The CHP report said both vehicles ended up going off the south roadway edge.

Stirnaman’s truck contained a 100-gallon auxiliary fuel tank which fell out of the truck bed and onto the dirt embankment. The CHP said the tank was uprighted with the minimal leakage contained.

Northshore Fire Deputy Chief Pat Brown had told Lake County News earlier in the day that firefighters were able to quickly contain the tank, which landed on the shore of Blue Lakes, and no gas went into the water.

The CHP said Cufaude sustained moderate injuries to his left leg and was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

Stirnaman sustained minor injuries to his back and neck and also was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for care, the CHP said.

Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash, and the CHP said both drivers were wearing their seat belts.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County's annual burn ban starts on Tuesday, May 1, the Lake County Air Quality Management District reported.

The annual ban addresses concerns over both fire hazard and air quality.

The burn restriction applies to all areas in Lake County. All burn permits expire on April 30.

The annual burn ban was first implemented in 1986 in response to weather conditions that often create extreme fire danger and poor air quality.

For many years a managed approach which incorporates fire and air agency concerns has been implemented and improved upon.

The ban as implemented allows a quick fire agency response to all fires observed from May 1 on, as they are all assumed to be uncontrolled fires unless specifically authorized by an exemption for time and place.

Officials credit the program as one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful
air quality.

The ban also helps prevent smoke impacts to the general public and large planned outdoor events by unrestricted vegetative waste burns.

The burn ban includes all open waste burning, though exceptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire safety projects, public safety burns and others.

To obtain an exemption for a necessary burn after May 1, first contact the Lake County Air Quality Management District to determine need, then your local fire protection agency so that your burn site can be inspected and evaluated for fire safety.

Only after the fire agency has inspected the burn site and notified the Lake County Air Quality Management District that the proposed burn is fire safe, can you obtain a written exemption permit.

Anyone responsible for open burning without a valid written exemption permit may be subject to a citation, fines, and the cost of the Fire Agency response to extinguish the fire.

Burn restrictions will remain in effect until Cal Fire declares an end to fire season.

Lake County Air Quality Management District asks that the community help reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires and protect the county's designation as the only air basin in the state to meet all ambient air quality standards by following the ban.

Public cooperation is greatly appreciated and results in a safer and more healthful environment for everyone, the district reported.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – CVS/pharmacy has settled a civil suit with agencies in 45 counties and two cities – Los Angeles and San Diego – over allegations that it failed to properly dispose of hazardous materials.

The company will pay a total of $13.75 million in the suit, with $2 million going toward environmental enforcement and prosecution training, and environmental projects, under the terms of the final judgement signed by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Barbara Lane.

In addition, CVS will be bound by a permanent injunction prohibiting similar future alleged violations of of Business and Professions Code and Health and Safety Code.

Lake County District Attorney Don Anderson confirmed to Lake County News that his office was one of several dozen district attorneys’ offices across the state that took part in the suit, filed by Ventura County District Attorney Gregory Totten.

The suit alleged that over a seven-year period hundreds of California CVS stores, pharmacies and distribution stores – including Long’s Drug Stores that CVS acquired and converted to its brand – violated California laws for handling, storage and disposal of sharps, pharmaceuticals and pharmacy waste.

In addition, CVS is alleged to have failed to properly handle photo waste that contained silver from its film processing labs, hazardous waste generated from spills and customer returns of hazardous products, according to the suit.

Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch’s office reported that California’s investigation into CVS’ operations followed an investigation by environmental enforcement officials with the state of Connecticut.

Ravitch reported that Ventura County Environmental Health Division inspectors subsequently conducted a compliance review at CVS stores in that county and found evidence of improper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous waste and pharmaceutical waste products.

That led to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office teaming up with California Department of Toxic Substances Control and other district attorney investigators from around the state to work on the case, according to Ravitch.

Lake County has only one CVS, located on 11th Street in Lakeport. That store converted from a Longs Drug Store to CVS following CVS’ acquisition.

The Lake County District Attorney’s Office will receive $10,000 in civil penalties for violations of Business and Professions Code, and Lake County Environmental Health will receive $5,000 in civil penalties for violations of Health and Safety Code, according to case documents. The agencies also will receive an additional $1,250 to cover their costs in the case.

Sonoma County will receive $84,625; Glenn, $16,250; Mendocino, $21,250; Napa, $32,000; and Yolo, $370,375.

Ventura County will receive the most from the settlement, $1,573,250.

In addition to paying civil penalties to counties’ district attorneys’ offices, environmental health departments and other agencies, CVS has agreed to pay $625,000 to the Craig Thompson Environmental Protection Prosecution Fund; $600,000 to the CUPA Forum Environmental Protection Trust Fund; $400,000 to fund scholarships and attendance for the annual CUPA Conference; $125,000 to the California District Attorneys Association Environmental Project to provide environmental training; $125,000 to the California District Attorneys Association Environmental Circuit Prosecutor Project to provide training consistent with the Environmental Circuit Prosecutor Project; and $125,000 to the Western States Project for training.

The total civil penalties and cost reimbursements for the counties and cities represented in the suit are listed below.

Alameda County – $351,000
Amador County – $16,250
Butte County – $46,750
Calaveras County – $21,250
Contra Costa County – $95,500
El Dorado County – $52,750
Fresno County – $217,000
Glenn County – $16,250
Humboldt County – $61,125
Kern County – $67,500
Kings County – $21,250
Lake County – $16,250
Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office – $47,500
Los Angeles County – $1,452,500
Madera County – $41,750
Marin County – $36,500
Mendocino County – $21,250
Merced County – $31,750
Monterey County – $133,625
Napa County – $32,000
Nevada County – $31,750
Orange County – $266,625
Placer County – $63,750
Riverside County – $498,750
Sacramento County – $352,500
San Bernardino County – $230,500
San Diego City Attorney’s Office – $63,750
San Diego County – $1,507,625
San Francisco County – $37,000
San Joaquin County – $1,572,500
San Luis Obispo County – $114,500
San Mateo County – $100,000
Santa Barbara County – $15,000
Santa Clara County – $211,000
Santa Cruz County – $52,000
Shasta County – $21,250
Solano County – $295,000
Sonoma County – $84,625
Stanislaus County – $63,750
Sutter County – $16,250
Tehama County – $16,250
Trinity County – $16,250
Tulare County – $151,875
Tuolumne County – $16,250
Ventura County – $1,573,250
Yolo County – $370,375
Yuba County – $16,250

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sheriff's officials are attempting to locate a Lake County Jail inmate who walked away from the facility on Monday morning.

Roger Daniel Vigil, 49, of Clearlake, was working outside the facility on the grounds when he walked away at approximately 9 a.m., according to Sgt. John Gregore of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff’s office personnel – including deputies, detectives and a K9 team – continued to search for Vigil early Monday afternoon, according to Gregore.

Vigil, who last September was sought as Clearlake's “most wanted,” was being held on bench warrants and a controlled substance charge, and the District Attorney's Office also had remanded him to custody, according to jail records.

Gregore said Vigil was an inmate worker assigned to minimum custody.

Vigil is described as a Hispanic male adult, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 155 pounds, with a shaved head and brown eyes, according to Gregore.

Gregore said Vigil has a tattoo of Mickey Mouse on his left arm and a tattoo of Jesus on his right arm.  He also has a tattoo of a peacock on his back and another tattoo of a peacock on his right arm.

Vigil was last seen wearing a blue Lake County Jail shirt and blue jeans, Gregore said.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 707-263-2690.

The American Red Cross has helped people in 16 states whose lives were disrupted by severe spring weather so far this year.

Most recently, the Red Cross responded to tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa by opening shelters, serving meals, providing emotional support and handing out relief supplies.

As of April 20, the Red Cross has deployed 2,700 workers who have helped people affected by floods and tornadoes by serving more than 239,000 meals and snacks; handing out more than 111,000 relief items such as comfort kits and cleaning supplies like shovels, rakes, gloves and trash bags; opening 47 shelters and providing more than 1,300 overnight stays; and providing more than 9,000 health and mental health contacts.

American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties is involved with the effort.

In Santa Rosa, Friedman’s Home Improvement has donated $10,000 to help support Red Cross relief throughout the Midwest. In addition to the funds donated through the local Red Cross chapter, Friedman's is accepting customer donations for the victims of the storms in their stores in Santa Rosa, Sonoma and Ukiah.

“The Red Cross is grateful for Friedman’s donation and their effort to collect funds for those affected by the spring tornadoes,” said Red Cross Regional CEO Tim Miller.

Friends and family outside the disaster area can learn the status of their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address on the Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web site.

The Red Cross encourages people to register on the Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web site to let loved ones know they are safe by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“Safe and Well” also enables disaster survivors to update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Web site.

People can help those affected by disasters like the Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief at www.arcsm.org (Red Cross Web site for Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties); at www.redcross.org (national Red Cross Web site); calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767); texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation; U.S. mail: 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403; at the Red Cross: 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

A new report shows a reduced mortality rate for coronary artery bypass graft surgeries performed around the state.

California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) on Monday released the “California Report on Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, 2009 Hospital Data,” showing that hospital operative mortality declined 34 percent since 2003, the first year of mandated public reporting for the 119 state-licensed hospitals that performed isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery during 2009.

“The findings in this report, especially the continued decline in the mortality rate, reinforce the importance of making our healthcare system more transparent and improving consumer access to information on quality and performance,” said acting OSHPD Director Stephanie Clendenin.

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery takes arteries or veins from elsewhere in a patient’s body and grafts them onto the coronary artery to help relieve angina and improve blood supply.

The surgery can become necessary when arteries are narrowed due to atherosclerosis. A common condition, atherosclerosis results from a buildup on artery walls of substances like fat and cholesterol which create “plaques,” hardened structures that can block arteries, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

The hospitals listed in the report do not include Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport or St. Helena Hospital Clearlake. However, several other regional hospitals serving Lake County residents are included, including North Bay and Bay Area facilities.

Performance ratings for hospitals are based on three risk-adjusted outcomes: operative mortality, operative stroke and, for the first time, hospital readmission.

Additionally, utilization of the internal mammary artery during CABG surgery is used as a measurement of surgical quality.

Hospital results for risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted hospital readmission and internal mammary artery utilization are based only on 2009 data, while hospital results for risk-adjusted post-operative stroke are based on combined 2008 and 2009 data.

Regarding mortality rates, key findings in the report show there were 252 operative deaths among 13,260 isolated non-salvage CABG surgeries, and the operative mortality rate for isolated CABG surgery in California was 1.90 percent, down from 2.24 percent in 2008.

In addition, the report found significant variation – from 0 percent to 13.0 percent – in hospital operative mortality rates after adjusting for patients’ pre-operative health. Despite such variation, 116 of 119 hospitals (97%) performed at a rate that did not differ significantly from the statewide average.

The report showed that only one hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, performed statistically significantly “better” than the state average in terms of risk-adjusted operative mortality, while Scripps Mercy Hospital and West Hills Regional Medical Center performed “worse” than the state average.

When it came to post-operative strokes, of the 27,217 patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery, 384 (1.41%) experienced a post-operative stroke, similar to the national rate of 1.4 percent reported by the National Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

There was wide variation in post-operative stroke rates among hospitals after adjusting for patients’ pre-operative health.

Hospital risk-adjusted stroke rates ranged from 0 percent to 8.87 percent, and 114 of 121 hospitals (94%) performed at a rate that did not differ significantly from the statewide average.

For the third report in a row, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center performed statistically “better” than the state average in terms of risk adjusted post-operative stroke rates. Also receiving high marks were St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton and St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino.

There also were four hospitals that performed “worse” than the state average: Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Providence Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana and Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla.

As for hospital readmissions, of the 11,823 patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery and were discharged alive, 1,565 (13.2%) experienced a hospital readmission within 30 days of the surgery, the report found.

There was wide variation in the readmission rates among hospitals performing CABG surgery after adjusting for patients’ pre-operative conditions.

Hospital risk-adjusted re-admission rates ranged from 0 percent to 29.77 percent, and 117 of 119 hospitals (98%) performed at a rate that did not differ significantly from the statewide average.

One hospital, Queen of the Valley, performed “better” than the state average on hospital readmission, and one hospital, San Joaquin Community Hospital, performed “worse” than the state average.

The study showed that, overall, UC Davis Medical Center, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, St. Helena Hospital, Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa, UCSF Medical Center and Queen of the Valley all performed well in all three categories.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – California Highway Patrol officers and Northshore Fire Protection firefighters spent Monday morning on the scene of a collision involving two pickups near Blue Lakes.

The crash occurred at around 8:15 a.m. on Highway 20 near Scotts Valley Road, according to initial CHP reports.

The collision resulted in major injuries to one of the male drivers, although the initial report did not include names of those involved.

The early reports said two vehicles – a Chevrolet pickup and a Ford pickup – were off the roadway, and power lines were down.

Northshore Fire Deputy Chief Pat Brown said one of the drivers had been able to get out of his vehicle on his own, but the other pickup went off the road and landed against a tree, with firefighters having to work to extricate the male driver.

The man who had to be extricated had a 100-gallon fuel tank in the back of his pickup that was thrown out of the pickup bed by the force of the crash, landing just next to the lake, Brown said.

Brown said firefighters were able to use emergency holding tanks to deal with the fuel tank.

“Nothing actually went into the lake,” he said.

Brown said the crash took place near the site of an April 2009 incident in which a Safeway truck’s load went off the road and into Blue Lakes, as Lake County News has reported.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District reported on Tuesday that it has appointed an interim general manager.

On Friday, April 20, the district board unanimously appointed Roland Sanford of Santa Rosa as interim general manager, the district said.

“We are delighted to have Mr. Sanford on board,” said HVLCSD Board Chairperson Linda Herndon. “His consensus building and technical expertise will be invaluable as we move forward as an organization.”

“I’m pleased to be here and to get to know the Hidden Valley Lake community, and I want to thank the HVLCSD for this opportunity,” said Sanford.

Sanford has 27 years of technical and managerial experience with local, state and federal water projects in California – seven years in the private sector and 20 years with public water agencies, 13 years with the Solano County Water Agency and, more recently, seven years as the general manager of Mendocino County Water Agency.

While with the Solano County Water Agency, Sanford served six years as the agency’s assistant general manager and was instrumental in the settlement negotiations that resolved the Putah Creek water cases of the 1990s.

As the general manager of the Mendocino County Water Agency, Sanford led Mendocino County’s participation in the highly successful seven-county North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and associated grant proposals that secured over $10,000,000 for infrastructure and habitat restoration projects in Mendocino County.

Sanford’s appointment as the interim general manager is expected to last three to six months, the district reported.

On May 1, the district board will meet to discuss recruitment of a permanent general manager.

The board let go its previous general manager, Mel Aust, at its March 20 meeting, as Lake County News has reported.

The district provides sewer and water to an estimated 7,000 residents of Hidden Valley Lake.

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – Three Oakland men are being investigated for their alleged involvement in an early morning home invasion robbery and assault in Fort Bragg over the weekend.

William Taylor, 24; Jelani Kelly, 27, and Robert Miller, 41, were taken into custody within hours of the incident, according to Capt. Kurt Smallcomb of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.

Smallcomb said at approximately 7:10 a.m. on Sunday, April 22, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Communications Center received a 911 telephone call from a Fort Bragg resident advising that her neighbor needed assistance as he had been hurt during a possible robbery.

Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies responded to the location on Boice Lane and located the victim, 29-year-old Daniel Alonso.

Alonso told deputies that he was asleep inside his residence early that morning when two suspects busted into his residence via the front door, Smallcomb said. The two suspects then allegedly started beating on Alonso with a crowbar and stabbed him with a knife.

Smallcomb said Alonso believed the suspects were trying to remove his marijuana from the residence. He had approximately 51 small plants inside his home.

The two suspects – later identified as Kelly and Taylor, who Alonso said he had met previously – then fled the residence and left the location driving a red SUV, Smallcomb said.

Medical personnel transported Alonso to an out-of-county hospital for treatment of stab wounds and blunt force injuries to his upper torso, according to Smallcomb.

Smallcomb said deputies conducted further follow up investigation and confirmed the identities of the suspects. A be on the look out was placed for the suspect vehicle and communicated to southern law enforcement entities.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. that same day Cloverdale Police officers conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle, a red Lincoln Navigator, at Highway 101 near the Highway 128 intersection, Smallcomb said. Inside the vehicle were both suspects along with a Robert Miller.

Both Taylor and Kelly were booked into the Mendocino County Jail for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, Smallcomb said. Kelly also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.  

Smallcomb said Taylor's bail was set at $250,000 and Kelly's at $265,000. Miller was arrested for a violation of parole, and is being held without bail.

Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives are continuing to conduct further investigation into the incident.  It is unknown what items, if any, the suspects removed from the residence, Smallcomb said.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the arrival of warm spring weather, Lake County Animal Care & Control is reminding community members not to leave pets in vehicles.

Even though the very warm weather hasn't been around for very long – just starting last week – Lake County Animal Care and Control Director Bill Davidson said the problem of dogs being locked in hot cars already has surfaced for the season.

Animal experts say that on hot days parked vehicles can become so hot – even with the windows open – that they can lead to fatal heat stroke for pets.

Not only is the practice dangerous for animals, it's against the law for their owners.

In 2006 the state Legislature approved SB 1806, which makes it illegal to leave an animal confined “in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or well-being of an animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.”

In cases where the animal isn't injured, a first conviction is punishable by a fine not to exceed $100 per animal, according to the law's language.

If the animal suffers great bodily injury, the person found responsible can be ordered to pay a fine of up to $500, face up to six months' imprisonment in a county jail or both. Subsequent violations, regardless of injury to the animal, would result in the same maximum punishment.

If you're going on errands and would need to leave your pet in the car, it's suggested that instead you leave your pet at home where they can stay cool.

Signs of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, stupor and even collapse.

If you spot an animal locked in a hot car, call 911.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .