Hedstrom also set a date of Friday, Feb. 16 for a preliminary examination in preparation for setting a preliminary hearing date for Sanders, who is accused of mistreatment of more than 60 Arabian horses.

"You should understand that it is my intent to go ahead and appoint counsel," Hedstrom told Sanders and followed by appointing public defender Marta Cadloni to represent her.

"You have been going a long time without appointing counsel. That's why I'm obliged to appoint one for you," Hedstrom added.

Sanders pleaded not guilty to all counts filed against her in the case by the District Attorney on Oct. 20 of last year. The case was initiated by a county Animal Care & Control investigation. When the case began, Hedstrom noted that Sanders was represented by Lakeport attorney Ed Alvord.

But Alvord recently sent a message to the court that he no longer represents her. In two appearances in the Clearlake court since then, Sanders was unable to name a defense attorney.

On Friday, Sanders mentioned the name of a San Francisco attorney when Hedstrom again asked her if she had appointed counsel.

But Hedstrom elected to move the case forward by appointing Cadloni.

He told Sanders that, if she chooses, she can still hire another attorney to represent her.

E-mail John Lindblom at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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