LAKEPORT, Calif. – Although Clear Lake is still officially open to the boating public, to protect public safety and public property, the Parks and Recreation Division of the Lake County Public Services Department has temporarily closed all boat launches located on Clear Lake within county parks due to the lake's continuing high and rising waters.

Officials said the high lake level can damage park structures and facilities.

Temporary boat launch closures include Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch in Clearlake Oaks, Lucerne Harbor Park in Lucerne, Keeling County Park in Nice, Lakeside County Park in Lakeport and Rodman Slough in Upper Lake, Public Services said Friday.

Those ramps will reopen when Clear Lake recedes below the monitor stage of 8 feet Rumsey and the safety of these areas have been assured, according to the report.

Clear Lake hit flood stage, 9 feet Rumsey, early Friday morning, as Lake County News has reported. The lake is predicted to rise still higher, to about 9.5 feet Rumsey, but Monday.

Rodman Slough County Park launch – a “soft” launch with no concrete – is currently submerged and will remain closed for a longer period of time, the county reported.

Along with its boat launch, Lakeside County Park also is closed in its entirety – ball fields, picnic areas, and playground – until further notice due to high water, Public Services said.

The city of Lakeport and the city of Clearlake stated on Friday that their public launch facilities will remain open as long as it is safe to do so and Clear Lake remains open.

In Lakeport, this includes Library Park (ramps at First, Third and Fifth streets) and in Clearlake at Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive.

Privately-owned boat launching facilities may remain open and the public is encouraged to contact these businesses directly.

The boating public is cautioned to keep in mind that due to the ongoing storms, there is much debris in the lake – tree limbs, parts of docks, etc. – and a slower speed is greatly encouraged, particularly near shore where any wake can cause potentially damaging waves to already weakened structures.

For more information about public boat launches and other park amenities, please call 707-262-1618 or visit http://parks.co.lake.ca.us.

For current information on Clear Lake, visit the Lake County Water Resources Web site at www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Water_Resources.htm .

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LEGGETT, Calif. – A woman who attempted to flee law enforcement during a Tuesday chase drowned while trying to swim across a Mendocino County river.

The body of Nicole Pollard, 27, a Mendocino County transient, was located Wednesday morning following a search, according to Capt. Kurt Smallcomb of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.

On Tuesday the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office assisted the California Highway Patrol on a missing person incident, Smallcomb said.

He said deputies learned that at 4 p.m. that day a CHP initiated a traffic stop in the 60000 block of Highway 271 in Leggett on Pollard, who he knew, in an attempt to arrest her on a local misdemeanor warrant as well as for driving on a suspended license.

Pollard stopped her Jeep Cherokee near the area adjacent to the Eel River commonly referred to as the “Judges Hole,” and then fled on foot, eventually diving into the Eel River in attempts to evade the officer, Smallcomb said. She attempted to swim across the river but did not make it to the shore.

Smallcomb said water rescue teams from local fire agencies were summoned and attempted to retrieve Pollard from the water, but they were unsuccessful.

As night time approached they did observe Pollard, who was caught up in the debris in the middle of the swift current, but submerged below the water level, he said.

Due to the dangerous waters, nightfall and the fact that the decedent had been under the water for a few hours prior to emerging, recovery efforts were halted until first daylight on Wednesday, Smallcomb said.

On Wednesday morning Southern Humboldt Counties Swift Water Rescue and Recovery Team arrived and removed Pollard's body from the water, according to Smallcomb.

Smallcomb said an autopsy will be conducted.

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LAKEPORT – This week the Lake County Office of Education announced three senior director appointments that are part of a restructuring of the agency.

With the departure of Lake County Office of Education (LCOE) Deputy Superintendent Chris Thomas, who was recently appointed state trustee to the Round Valley School District, Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook has led his office on a process of restructuring and evaluating how best to serve Lake County communities while efficiently and effectively utilizing resources.

Upon election in September, Holbrook launched a detailed 100-Day Plan, which included a comprehensive review of programs and services.

“Our program review is now complete, and it provided an ideal platform for analyzing how best to restructure the county office and ensure smooth transitions,” Holbrook said.

The program review is available on the LCOE Web site, http://www.lake-coe.k12.ca.us/forms/document.asp?Q=1843&T=Documents , or hard copies can be accessed at the county office, located at 1152 S. Main St., Lakeport.

Rather than replace Thomas as deputy superintendent, LCOE has eliminated this position, and is restructuring by adding three senior director positions to the management team, which Holbrook said has resulted in increased efficiency, cost savings and greater expansion capabilities.

The transition began March 1, with the appointment of Tim Gill to the position of senior director of Educational Services.

Gill has served at LCOE as the director of curriculum and instruction, and prior to that has extensive experience teaching middle and high school math. He also provides a wide range of professional development in the area of mathematics instruction to schools throughout California.

Additionally, Business Services Director Michelle Buell has been appointed senior director of business services.

Buell has served at LCOE for 16 years. She began as an accounts clerk at Kelseyville Unified School District and moved to the County Office in 2005. Buell was promoted to internal business manager in 1998, and has served in her current position as director of business services since 2007.

Finally, the executive management team will be completed with the appointment of Brock Falkenberg to the position of senior director of human resources and designated programs.

Falkenberg has worked at LCOE for five years, and currently serves as the director of regional occupational programs.

This final transition will not be complete until July, ensuring the executive management team will be fully in place for the 2011-12 school year, the LCOE said.

“We are excited about this opportunity to improve our efficiency and effectiveness; there is a real sense of optimism throughout our organization,” said Holbrook. “We are confident that these strategic appointments and the restructuring of our organization will translate into increased support and resources to our schools, districts, students and communities.”

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Saturday, March 26, senior centers around Lake County will host “March For Meals” to highlight the importance of Meals on Wheels programs.

Each senior center will hold a celebration, offering awards and thanks to those who sponsored and participated in the event.

March For Meals is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on a local level, including fundraising to support the programs.

Senior nutrition programs across the United States promote March For Meals in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives, according to the Meals On Wheels Association of America.

The association said the campaign takes place in the month of March because it was during this month that the law was enacted that included Senior Nutrition Programs in the Older Americans Act.

An integral part of this initiative includes the pledge to end senior hunger in America by 2020, the association said. Local senior nutrition programs encourage as many people as possible during their March For Meals events to sign the Pledge and take action against senior hunger.

Mayors For Meals is a component of March For Meals that utilizes the involvement of local mayors. Mayors and other local officials deliver meals on one day in March to show their support of their local senior nutrition program. Local leaders delivered meals earlier this week.

Money collected at the local event will be submitted to the Feinstein Foundation for a contribution match to benefit local Meals on Wheels programs.

For more information, contact one of the local senior centers:

• Highlands Senior Center, 3245 Bowers Road, Clearlake, 707-994-3051, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

• Kelseyville Senior Center, 5245 Third St., 707-279-2175.

• Lakeport Senior Center, 527 Konocti Ave., 707-263-4218, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., www.lcseniors.com .

• Live Oak Senior Center, 12502 Foothill Blvd., Clearlake Oaks, 707-998-1950.

• Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive, 707-274-8779, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , www.lucernealpineseniorcenter.com/ .

• Middletown Senior Center, 15299 Central Park Road, 707-987-3113, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , www.middletownseniorcenter.org/ .

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Thursday the Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services compiled a situation status report on weather, flooding and road conditions relating to the series of storm systems currently passing through the area.

The following information is a compilation of data gathered as of 10 a.m. from local public safety and government agencies charged with monitoring weather and flood related conditions in Lake County, according to Capt. James Bauman.

In Lakeport, minor flooding of the roadway due to the rising lake level has been reported in the areas of Lakeshore Boulevard between Ash and Beach Streets, and in the area of Rocky Point in North Lakeport, Bauman said.

He said several residential streets, including Oak Knoll Avenue, Lily Cove Avenue, Helena Avenue, Lupoyoma Avenue, Konocti Avenue, K Street, E Street and Esplanade are closed due to flooding.

In Kelseyville, Bauman said there are reports of minor flooding from the rising lake level to areas of the Ferndale Resort on Soda Bay Road. Holdenried Road at Hill Creek is closed to all traffic due to a bridge closure.

Also in Kelseyville, the Merritt Road crossing at Adobe Creek is closed, and the Dry Creek Cutoff and Dorn Crossing on Kelsey Creek have both also been closed, he said.

In the Clearlake and Lower Lake area, a minor mud and rock slide has been reported on Highway 53, just north of Highway 29. Bauman said minor flooding and standing water from heavy rains has also been reported in the same area of Highway 53.

In the Cobb and Loch Lomond areas, heavy snow accumulations are reported but all primary roadways are currently open. Bauman said four wheel drive or chains are highly recommended.

In the Northshore communities of Blue Lakes, Upper Lake, Nice and Lucerne, no flooding has been reported, while Bauman said minor flooding has been reported on Lake Street in Clearlake Oaks.

He said a mudslide on Highway 20 between Glenhaven and Lucerne is being cleared, and Widgeon Way between Hillside and Shady Lane is closed due to a slip-out.

Bartlett Springs Road in Lucerne is open but four wheel drive and chains are recommended, he said.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday Clear Lake's water level was 8.87 feet Rumsey. Flood stage is at 9 feet Rumsey, which Lake County Water Resources is predicting the lake will reach by Friday morning, rising to 9.4 feet Rumsey by Monday morning.

Bauman said the Office of Emergency Services will continue to report significant changes in potential flooding and other weather related conditions as they occur.

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SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast) has introduced a bill package to help Del Norte and Mendocino counties recover from the damage caused by the March 11 tsunami.

One bill would ensure the state covers the entire local government cost of responding to the emergency, while the second bill would provide tax relief for those who suffered a significant loss of income, his office reported Friday.

AB 1429 is the bill to ensure local governments are compensated for the expenses they incurred responding to the emergency caused by the tsunami and its aftermath.

If the federal government eventually declares a federal disaster in counties that suffered tsunami damage, the federal government will pay 75 percent of the cost of responding to the emergency, Chesbro's office said. Normally, the state covers 75 percent of the remaining 25 percent and the local government is responsible for the remainder.

Under AB 1429, Chesbro is proposing that the state would reimburse local governments for the full amount of their expenses not reimbursed by the federal government, even if the federal government does not declare a Federal Disaster.

“Crescent City and Fort Bragg are already grappling with the economic blow caused by the tsunami surges that crashed into the North Coast,” Chesbro said. “This comes on top of a time when local governments are financially strapped and responding to a natural disaster is a considerable financial burden.”

AB 1428 would provide tax relief for those in Del Norte and Mendocino counties who suffered a large loss of income as a result of tsunami damage.

“AB 1428 will help lighten the blow for those who lost a significant amount of income by allowing individuals and companies to carry over financial losses to subsequent tax years if the amount of their loss exceeds the amount of the allowed deduction in the current tax year,” Chesbro said.

In addition to these bills, Chesbro last week asked Gov. Jerry Brown to waive the normal one-week waiting period to file for unemployment for those who lost their jobs as a result of the tsunami. The governor agreed and issued a proclamation waiving the waiting period on March 18.

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CLEARLAKE PARK, Calif. – Fire officials are investigating the cause of a Sunday morning fire that destroyed a mobile home.

The fire occurred at 3126 12^th St. in Clearlake Park on Sunday, March 20, according to Lake County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Willie Sapeta.

Sapeta said the fire was dispatched at 2:25 a.m., with firefighters arriving on scene five minute later.

“It was basically down to the ground by the time we got dispatched,” Sapeta said, adding that it was a total loss, with the roof and awnings already down by their arrival.

No one was hurt, as the mobile home was unoccupied at the time, Sapeta said.

Neighbors reported hearing loud explosions, which Sapeta said came from an exploding propane tank as well as the exploding tires on a nearby vehicle that also burned.

No other structures were in danger, with Sapeta explaining that the wind blew the smoke and fire away from adjacent structures.

Sapeta said Lake County Fire sent two engines, a water tender, a rescue unit, two medic units and two battalion chiefs.

It took firefighters a couple hours to overhaul the structure, with the units returning to quarters just after 6 a.m. Sunday, Sapeta said.

He said the fire's cause is still under investigation.

On Thursday Sapeta said the district had had no other structure fires since the Clearlake Park blaze, although they responded to a fire in an abandoned vehicle on Boyles Avenue on Wednesday night.

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Habematolel Chair Sherry Treppa (seated) and Vice Chair Angelina Arroyo have worked steadily to get the gaming compact with the state of California approved. Here the tribe executives the agreement on Wednesday, March 9, 2011. Courtesy photo.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Seven months after it had its compact with the state turned down by the Department of the Interior, the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake have signed a new compact with California's new governor, clearing the way for groundbreaking on a new casino this spring.

“It is huge for the tribe, it really is,” Habematolel Chair Sherry Treppa said Wednesday.

It's also the first Indian compact negotiated and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The new compact will run through Dec. 31, 2031, and supersedes the 2009 compact the tribe signed with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Brown's office reported.

Treppa said the 33,000 square foot sprung structure will be erected outside of Upper Lake on an 11.24-acre parcel next to the county park on Highway 20.

The facility will include a gaming floor complete with 349 machines, six game tables, sitdown and fast food restaurants, a cocktail lounge, retail shops, a players club and administrative offices, Treppa said. Previous project cost estimates have been at $25 million.

It would be part of a phased project that would include a hotel and would eventually encompass a total of 76,750 square feet, according to a tribal fact sheet.

The tribe plans to open with 349 slot machines, Treppa said, with the compact allowing the tribe to have a maximum of 750 machines at one facility, which is set to create more than 145 new jobs.

The compact's signing marks the latest milestone in the 216-member tribe's effort to open its own casino, which last summer hit an obstacle because of the original compact's terms.

Last August the Department of Interior found the 2009 compact too onerous in its revenue sharing requirements, disapproving the document after ruling that it violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

That agreement, said Treppa, would have required the tribe to follow 15-percent revenue sharing on its annual wins for all of its machines.

Because of the debt the tribe would have incurred, “We had to scale back the project twice,” she said, adding that the Schwarzenegger administration “squeezed the life out of us.”

The tribe had to essentially start the process over, going back to its lenders and contractors, the local government districts with which it had reached agreements, and even the chambers of commerce to update them on the situation, she said.

“There were some dicey days in regard to keeping the funding we had,” Treppa said.

They then began the compact negotiation process again, working with the new governor, who both Treppa and the tribe's Sacramento-based attorney, Richard Armstrong with Rosette & Associates, said was markedly different in his approach.

The governor corrected the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act violations of the prior administration, and treated the tribe with fundamental fairness and respect, Armstrong said.

“It was a true government to government negotiation,” said Treppa. “They were extremely respectful of us and our time frame.”

She lauded Jacob Appelsmith, a senior advisor to Brown, for his respectful work with the tribe.

The main difference between the 2009 and 2011 compacts, said Treppa, is the revenue sharing requirements.

From left, interim Habematolel Executive Council Secretary David Tomas; Jacob Appelsmith, senior advisor to Governor Jerry Brown; Habematolel Chairperson Sherry Treppa; Governor Jerry Brown; Vice Chairperson Angelina Arroyo, Member-At-Large Martina Jackson gather on on Monday, March 21, 2011, the day the tribe picked up the compact. Courtesy photo.

Under the compact signed with Brown, the Habematolel have a tiered revenue sharing structure with the state, she said.

The tribe will not be required to pay any revenue sharing on the first 350 machines, with a 7 percent revenue sharing requirement of its net win for machines 351 to 600 and 15 percent from 601 to 750, according to the compact's terms.

In addition, the document states that the tribe will annually pay the state Revenue Sharing Transfer Fund $900 for every machine from 351 to 750.

Treppa said the agreement with Brown makes the casino project viable.

“It's only under the expansion scenario that we'll have to pay that level of revenue share, which is a lot more reasonable,” Treppa said.

The net win proceeds will be paid to the legislatively controlled Special Distribution Fund, which provides grant funds to local communities for mitigation of local impacts of gaming, funding for the California Gambling Control Commission and Bureau of Gambling Control, as well as provides funding for problem-gambling prevention, the tribe reported. The nonmonetary aspects of the compact are consistent with prior compacts entered into by the state.

Brown's office said the document also includes provisions to protect employees and patrons, and measures that the tribe must take to protect the environment during the construction and operation of gaming facilities.

The compact requires regular audits of gaming operations, the governor's office said.

With the signed compact now in hand, the tribe still has several steps to go, including ratification by the state Legislature. Treppa said Assemblyman Wes Chesbro will carry the bill for the tribe. She credited Chesbro and his staff for being “phenomenal” in their assistance throughout the process.

Treppa expects the legislation could be approved within a month.

Once it's past the Legislature, the compact will go back to the Department of Interior for approval. Treppa believes the new document will not take the full 45-day approval process to be approved in this second attempt.

“We do have an expectation that they will expeditiously approve it,” she said.

Once the Department of Interior has approved the compact, building the casino can begin, said Treppa.

“I am so certain that we're going to be in the ground in the spring,” which will help the tribe fulfill its obligations to its contractor, Treppa said.

The tribe has overcome a lot of obstacles in pursuing its casino, a process which Treppa believes has become more difficult due to the “hot button” nature of gaming.

“It's amazing that we've gotten to this point,” Treppa said.

The tribe has received high marks from local governments and agencies for its efforts to work cooperatively.

“The tribe has gone well beyond the county of Lake’s expectations in its extraordinary efforts to include county officials and the community at-large in the preparation and planning of its gaming project, over a period of several years,” said County Administrative Officer Kelly Cox.

Habematolel entered into a local intergovernmental agreement with the county of Lake in 2006 to help mitigate the operations impacts on the community.

The tribe also formed a fire and emergency service agreement with the Northshore Fire Protection District to provide an annual payment of $80,000 to the fire district to offset the cost of potential service calls the district may make to the tribe’s casino.

In 2008, Habematolel invested $378,000 with the Lake County Special Districts for wastewater system improvements and service to the proposed facility.

“This tribe has done everything possible to ensure that its gaming project will benefit our community and that there will be a long-standing positive working relationship between the tribe and the county of Lake,” said Special Districts Administrator Mark Dellinger.

In 2009, the tribe and Caltrans completed a safety corridor improvement project along Highway 20 just east of Upper Lake, which provided over $500,000 in highway safety improvements including safety lighting, lane widening, bike lanes and sidewalks, according to the tribe.

In addition to the numerous intergovernmental agreements, the tribe said it has worked cooperatively with the county to ensure the Middle Creek Flood Protection Project adjacent to the casino site will not be impeded in any manner with the construction of the casino.

As part of that effort, Habematolel set aside more than 55 acres that will eventually be turned over to the county of Lake as part of the joint flood protection project.

To view the compact and related appendix please visit http://gov.ca.gov/docs/Compact-3_22_11.pdf .

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CHICO, Calif. – A Butte County man who was shot by a California Highway Patrol officer earlier this month following a vehicle pursuit and who later walked away from a hospital has been located and arrested.

Jeffrey Daniel Crone, 32, was taken into custody by Chico Police officers on Friday afternoon, the agency reported.

Sgt. Scott Franssen reported that Chico Police's Street Crimes Unit located Crone in an apartment on Rio Lindo Avenue at about 4:30 p.m. Friday.

He said detectives announced themselves to Crone and talked him out, and Crone was arrested without incident.

Crone was to be medically cleared for incarceration and then booked into the Butte County Jail, Franssen said.

On March 4 Crone had been involved in a lengthy vehicle pursuit with Butte County Sheriff's deputies and CHP that began the Durham area of Butte County, according to Franssen.

He said that pursuit ended with a violent collision on W. Fifth Street and Crone ramming a CHP vehicle and another occupied citizen's pickup.

Ultimately Crone was shot by a CHP officer on scene, Franssen said.

Crone, taken to Enloe Hospital in Chico for treatment, walked away from the hospital on March 14, Chico Police reported.

At that point he was not under arrest, but on Friday he was arrested on a felony warrant for charges resulting from the March 4 chase, Franssen said.

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