Wednesday, 11 December 2024

News

LAKE COUNTY – While still higher than last year's rate, Lake County's unemployment numbers for April showed improvement over March.


Lake County’s preliminary April 2008 jobless rate was 9.4 percent, down 0.8 percent from the revised March rate of 10.2 percent, but remained 1.2 percent above the year-ago, April 2007 rate of 8.2 percent, reported Dennis Mullins of the Employment Development Department's North Coast Region Labor Market Information Division.


At 9.4 percent, Lake ranked 38th among the state’s 58 counties, according to labor statistics. Some surrounding county rates included 12.1 percent for Colusa, 6.6 percent for Mendocino and 4.9 percent for Sonoma.


Marin had the lowest rate in the state at 3.9 percent and Imperial County had the highest with 18.4 percent, Mullins reported. The comparable California and U.S. rates were 6.1 and 4.8 percent respectively.


Total industry employment increased 150 (1.0 percent) between April 2007 and April 2008 ending the year-over period with 14,880 jobs, according to Mullins' report.


Year-over job growth occurred in farm; manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities; information; private educational and health services; and government, Mullins reported.


Year-over job losses, according to Mullins, occurred in natural resources, mining and construction; financial activities; professional and business services; and leisure and hospitality. The “other services” sector showed no change over the year.


Farm and government sectors led industry gainers adding 160 jobs each over the year, said Mullins. Private educational and health services gained 40 and manufacturing was up 20. Trade, transportation, and utilities and information each gained 10.


Mullins said leisure and hospitality led decliners, dropping 120 jobs for the period. Professional and business services were down 80 jobs, while natural resources, mining and construction dropped 30 and financial activities shed 20. Seven industry sectors gained jobs or held steady over the year, and four declined.


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CLEARLAKE – Clearlake's Austin Park will be the site of a special day of fun for children and their families this Saturday.


Konocti Kids' Day will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


This year's theme is, “Wild About Kids.” Admission is free to the event.


Konocti Kids' Day is a countywide event this year, say organizers. In the past it's focused on children from birth to age 5, but this year – thanks to new partnerships – the event is open to children of all ages, with activities included for older children as well.


The day will include activities for all ages – performers, bouncy houses, car seat and bike helmet fittings, good food and much more.


An event highlight will be the appearance of the 129th Rescue Squadron from the Air National Guard, whose 65-foot Team Hawk helicopter will land in Clearlake on Friday night in preparation for Saturday.


Team Hawk's commander and members will offer presentations and handouts that will educate children and parents alike about the danger of drugs.


The California Highway Patrol helicopter and REACH helicopter also will be on hand, according to organizers.


Other special visitors expected to make appearance are Smokey Bear, Sparky, McGruff and Chipper, and Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Center for Health mascots Heart, Sun and Bee.


Groups including Girl Scouts, Pomo Preschool, Redbud Hospital, California Highway Patrol and Clearlake Police will have booths at the event.


One of the booths will offer the Managing Information on Lost Kids – also known as m.i.l.k. – Digital ID event, sponsored by local Farmers Insurance agent Marvin Carpenter, with additional support from the Rotary Club of Clearlake, the local Rotaract and Interact members, and the Clearlake Police Department.


Carpenter said m.i.l.k. helps increase awareness about missing children, and educates parents about what to do if the unthinkable happens – their child is abducted or lost.


In addition, Lake County Fire Protection District will provide education on everything from fire safety to accident prevention and disaster preparedness.


This year's event also will include a contest to promote the “Wild About Kids” theme. All agencies and organizations with a booth are encouraged to decorate their booth in accordance with the theme, with the winner receiving a $100 gift card to Walmart for their organization.


As part of Konocti Kids' Day, Lake Transit will give free rides to the event or elsewhere in the county.


Konocti Kids' Day is presented by the Lake County Office of Education (Healthy Start, School Readiness Program and Americorps), First 5 of Lake County, Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Center for Health, Lake Transit, Redbud Health Care District and Westamerica bank in partnership with the city of Clearlake.


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


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KELSEYVILLE – The California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake area office has won a state award for its work to increase compliance with seat belt laws.


The office won the California Law Enforcement Challenge's award for occupant protection, said CHP Officer Adam Garcia.


The Clear Lake office – which has 25 sworn officers – won the statewide honor competing in a division of departments officers numbering between 11 and 25, said Garcia.


The competition's purpose, said Garcia, is to reward agencies that reduce fatalities on the state's roadways, with particular focus placed on occupant protection, driving under the influence and speeding laws.


Six out-of-state law enforcement judges came to the CHP Academy this year for five days to score competition submissions, which were divided by category and size, said Garcia.


The judges themselves were divided into three groups of two and worked in teams to score the submissions, using an objective scoring method for the enforcement section and subjective scoring on other categories, he explained.


The judges scored the departments by comparing three-month periods in 2006 and 2007 and looking at improvement, said Garcia.


The Clear Lake CHP office won for occupant restraint usage, which improved from 96.3 percent in 2006 to 96.7 percent in 2007, Garcia said.


The local CHP office showed a major increase in enforcement, said Garcia. During the three-month period judges examined, in 2006 there were 252 citations for seatbelt-related violations, and 394 citations in the same three-month period a year later.


Department officials attribute the increase in restraint usage to enforcement and community education and outreach, including child safety checkpoints, education and training classes. Garcia said CHP also has conducted talks at schools and carried out an overall effort to get the word out to people that they need to buckle up.


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


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Mario Lucchesi will be honored at services on Friday. Courtesy photo.

 


THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED.


CLEARLAKE – Hundreds of people are expected to gather today to bid a fond farewell to Mario Lucchesi, a longtime Clearlake resident who was known for his generosity, willingness to volunteer and his skills as a cook.


Lucchesi, 89, died peacefully at his Clearlake home on May 7 following a life that was filled with accomplishments and activities that touched many in his community.


Former Clearlake Mayor Bob Malley called Lucchesi “a pillar of the community.”


“His involvement in every aspect of the community was always prevalent and his smile and physical involvement will sorely be missed,” said Malley.


The Clearlake Masonic Lodge, which Lucchesi joined in 1972, will host a Masonic ritual memorial beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by interment at the Lower Lake Cemetery where he'll be laid to rest beside wife, Daisy, and daughter, Nickola.


Lucchesi's son, Delmar Fellers, said a wake will be held at the Masonic Lodge after the burial. Fellers said several hundred people are expected to gather for the celebration of life.


Born in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 1918, Lucchesi would grow up in the Bay Area, according to Fellers.


Lucchesi entered the Army after high school and served in the Philippines during World War II. Reaching the rank of 1st Sergeant, Lucchesi received a bronze star.


After Lucchesi was honorably discharged from the Army just after Christmas of 1945, he returned to San Francisco, where he worked as a butcher in the Marina District with his brother, Bruno.


It was in 1952 that Lucchesi came to Clearlake Highlands, a place he first visited on family vacations during his childhood. He purchased several acres along the lakeshore, including a restaurant that went by the name of “Two Bit Tony's Italian Dinners” which Fellers said was renamed “The Lodge.”


Eventually renamed “Mario's Lounge,” the establishment also hosted visits from celebrities such as singer Tennessee Ernie Ford and actor Slim Pickens, Fellers said.


About the same time as Lucchesi arrived in Clearlake, Dick Lewis came to the community. Lewis, now retired and the former owner of Jones and Lewis Mortuary, said that, when it came to describing Lucchesi – who was more like a brother than a friend – “I don't know where to begin.”


“He was one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet – a good friend, and a credit to his city and to the county,” said Lewis.


Lucchesi married wife, Daisy, in 1955, with Lewis' parents standing up for the couple at their wedding in Reno. Together, the Lucchesis operated the restaurant and bar – where he was known as “The Boss” for 52 years.


In the early years, to support their growing family, he worked as a butcher during the day and at the restaurant at night. Later he was able to focus on the restaurant, where he worked seven days a week.


“Mario always wanted to succeed and he was good at what he did,” said Lewis. “He pleased people, he wanted to do right by people.”


That led to Lucchesi creating what was considered the best dinner house in Lake County, which attracted visitors from as far away as San Francisco, said Lewis.


Lucchesi was understandably proud of his business, and worked to put out the best meals possible. Lewis said he became famed for his Thursday night special of osso buco – an Italian dish made with braised veal shank.


He also was very proud of his Italian heritage, said Lewis.


Fellers said his father had passion for the community – as well as food. He combined the two to help causes all over the county, but he especially enjoyed cooking for the Redbud Parade's annual barbecue.


“He did fundraisers, he did everything,” said Fellers.


One of Lucchesi's lasting marks on the community is in the form of Redbud Park and Thompson Harbor, located on the property he originally purchased along Lakeshore.


Fellers said the county approached his father about the property and its lengthy lake frontage for the purpose of building a park. Lucchesi and his partners agreed to trade the land for another parcel that now is the site of the TraveLodge motel, which Fellers built.


Even with all the hard work, Lucchesi still found time to travel with friends like Lewis, and devoted himself to the community, staying active over the decades in numerous clubs and organizations. They included: Lakeshore Lions Club, 53 years; Masonic Lodge, 36 years; 32nd degree Shriner of the Scottish Rite; 25-year active member of the Lakeshore Volunteer Fire Department, where he reached the rank of assistant chief and served on the board of directors; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Sons of Italy; Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce; was a charter and founding member of the Clearlake Elks Lodge No. 2299; board member of the Highlands Water Co. in 1977 and president in 2004.


The Lakeshore Lions Club named Lucchesi "Citizen of the Year" for 1993-94, and he served twice as the Redbud Parade's Grand Marshall.


The Lucchesis retired in 2004. Daisy died in 2005 after 49 years of marriage.


Daisy's death hit her husband hard, said Lewis. Since she died, Lucchesi was at the cemetery every day for an hour or so. “He never missed a day, rain or shine.”


In recent years, Lucchesi had found it difficult to keep up with his furious pace of activities, largely due to a series of surgeries and chemotherapy to battle lung cancer, Lewis said.


One of his brothers also had recently died, which Lewis said was tough on his friend.


“In the end, of course, he just wore out,” said Lewis.


The two men had spoken recently, not long before Lucchesi died. Lewis, also a Mason, was helping conduct his ceremony, which he said was a challenge due to the sadness he felt.


Lucchesi is survived by five children, Jocko Lucchesi and his wife Valerie, Delmar Fellers and his wife Jeanette, Clifford Fellers, Penny Banatyne and her husband Tommy, and Rodney D'Acquisto and his wife Gretta; nine grandchildren, Hollie and Anthony Lucchesi, Karen Winchell, Steve and Bill Fellers, Annie Roche, and Mark, Adam and Jamie D'Acquisto; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and one brother, George Quilici, who recently celebrated his 102nd birthday.


The family has asked that memorials be made to the Lakeshore Lions Club in lieu of flowers.


Lewis recalled Lucchesi's enormous kindness, and said he felt deep love and respect for a man who he called “a great person, a great friend.”


“And I'm going to miss him,” said Lewis.


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


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UPPER LAKE – The ninth annual sunrise ceremony to commemorate the massacre at Bloody Island will be held this Saturday, May 17, beginning at 5:30 a.m.


On May 15, 1850, soldiers attacked Pomo – mostly women and children – living on the island near Upper Lake, brutalizing and murdering many of them.


“Forgiving the oppressor who was guilty of this crime is a way for us, the Pomo people, to bring back much needed positive energy and balance,” said one of the event's organizers, Clayton Duncan, in a statement on the event. “We will have prayers and our children will dance.”


To get to the ceremony, take Highway 20, turn onto Reclamation Road by the Bloody Island

Massacre Monument and follow the road to the site of the ceremony.


For more information please call Clayton Duncan at 274-6788 or Bernadine Tripp at 275-9574.


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LAKE COUNTY – Lake County law enforcement and Lake County Special Olympics will bring the Northern California Special Olympics Torch Run to Lake County this June 7, and the effort is seeking volunteers and support.


The event features the running of the "Flame of Hope" throughout communities to raise awareness for

Special Olympics programs, the Northern California event highlights the running of the torch throughout cities and towns, culminating at the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games.


Law enforcement officers here in Lake County have come together to carry the flame throughout the county to show their support for the many athletes in our community that participate year-round in our own Lake County Special Olympics program, along with those that will be participating in the Northern California Summer Games.


Support for the event can include officers volunteering to run, as well as community members supporting participating officers, volunteering or simply coming out to cheer them on.


For more information about this year's event, call Officer Adam Garcia at the Clear Lake California Highway Patrol office, 279-0103 or Kristina Navarro, 349-7728.


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LAKE COUNTY – A man accused of kidnapping and robbery in a 2006 incident in Middletown has been found guilty on all charges.


John Alan Gillies, 44, was accused of robbing Twin Pine Casino at gunpoint on Nov. 6, 2006. He had allegedly taken $23,500, according to District Attorney Jon Hopkins.


This week Gillies was found guilty by a jury of three felony counts – kidnapping in the course of a carjacking, carjacking and robbery in the second degree, Hopkins reported Thursday. Judge Richard L. Freeborn presided over the jury trial in Department One of Lake County Superior Court.


In addition, the jury found to be “true” a special allegation attached to each of the offenses – specifically, that in the commission of these crimes Gillies personally used a handgun.


Following the return of the verdicts, Judge Freeborn remanded Gillies into custody and set his bail at “no bail,” according to Hopkins.


Deputy District Attorney John J. Langan prosecuted the case, with attorney Thomas Quinn representing Gillies.


Gillies was arrested last December following a 13-month multi-agency investigation that included the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Gambling Control, as Lake County News has reported.


The Bureau of Gambling Control had received information that Gillies was allegedly planning to rob Colusa Casino Resort in April 2007, and coordinated with the Colusa County Sheriff's Office to perform a traffic stop on him as he was allegedly on his way to commit the robbery.


As officials searched his vehicle, they found evidence including gloves, a mask and a firearm, and subsequently arrested Gillies for attempted robbery, possession of stolen property and felon in possession of a firearm and booked him into the Colusa County Jail, according to an investigative report from last December.


An investigation eventually linked Gillies to the Twin Pine robbery, authorities reported.


Gillies is due to appear for sentencing in Lake County Superior Court on June 23, said Hopkins.


The three felony counts and the special allegations carry a maximum prison sentence of 33 years to life, given the particular facts of this case, said Hopkins.


Hopkins' office expressed gratitude to Special Agents Clyde Raborn and Michael Redman of the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Gambling Control, for their assistance with prosecuting the case.


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


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Clear Lake State Park (pictured) and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park are no longer under threat of closure in the governor's budget. Courtesy photo.

 

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED. 

 

LAKE COUNTY – Lake County's two state parks appear to be safe from threats of closure.


That's the word from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who released his May budget revise on Wednesday afternoon.


In January, Schwarzenegger's initial budget proposal suggested closing 48 state parks – including Clear Lake State Park and Anderson Marsh State Historic Park – which gave rise to public outcry around the state.


Traci Verardo-Torres, director of legislation and policy for the California State Parks Foundation – and manager of the groups Save Our State Parks campaign – said the updated budget proposal is headed in the right direction.


“We've staved off the immediate crisis,” Verardo-Torres told Lake County News.


Leona Butts, a member of the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association board, said Wednesday that she was “extremely relieved” to hear of Schwarzenegger's decision.


In Lake County, the possibility of losing the two state parks triggered a local grassroots movement that included signature gathering and a trip to Sacramento.


Butts said a petition drive mounted in Lake County gathered 5,260 signatures. She said she sent in the last petitions on Monday to Schwarzenegger's office.


Verardo-Torres credited efforts like that as an important factor in convincing the governor not to close the parks.


Madelene Lyon, president of the park interpretative association, said she was thrilled to hear the news. “It's been such a big cloud hanging over us.”


Even with the threat of closure looming for the last four months, Butts said the Clear Lake State Park Interpretive Association had continued to move forward with plans for the park, including fundraising for its Education Pavilion, which will be located across from the park Visitor Center at 5300 Soda Bay Road. Anderson Marsh also has building plans, including a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater and museum.


Butts and several park supporters had visited the state capitol in April for Park Advocacy Day. There, they had received a less than enthusiastic welcome from officials with the finance department and the governor's office, who had warned them that the closure were necessary.


That admonition, and recent rumblings from the capitol's heated budget committee sessions, made it seem as if the closures might actually take place.


While the parks have been spared, there will still be deep cuts, said Schwarzenegger. One area that will be targeted is Health and Human Services. Schwarzenegger also said he plans to modernize the lottery and use it to help create a rainy day fund.


North Coast Sen. Patricia Wiggins criticized Schwarzenegger's overall plan. “This budget is based on some of the same short-sighted tricks that got us into this mess in the first place, including massive borrowing and fund-shifting, without offering a long-term solution to our state’s budget problems.”


She suggested that Schwarzenegger's lottery plan “may be even worse speculation than buying a home in an inflated housing market.”


Parks face changes ahead


Schwarzenegger's plan includes using $11 million from the state general fund to support the parks in lieu of the park closures, said Verardo-Torres.


At the same time, Schwarzenegger is requiring the parks department to raise $2 million in fees. Verardo-Torres explained said she was on a conference call with parks officials Wednesday afternoon, and they haven't yet indicated which parks will see fee hikes, or how much the fees might go up, but she said she believes day use fees will be affected.


Fees always contain some risk, she added, and can't be relied upon to solve all of the parks' problems which, luckily, Schwarzenegger isn't proposing.


Lyon said raising fees at local parks is “doable.”


Pointing out that everything is going up in price, Lyon added, “I don't think people are going to balk at one or two dollars more to come into the park.”


Verardo-Torres warned that the parks aren't out of the woods yet. She said it hadn't taken much to lead the governor to a “pretty dire proposal” regarding a system that is already underfunded.


She said the foundation plans to encourage the legislature and Schwarzenegger to find longterm solutions to the parks department's funding needs. The California State Parks Foundation reported that state parks have more than $1.2 billion in deferred maintenance backlog.


The legislature also could choose to take serious action to cut expenses in a year where there is a multi-billion-dollar shortfall, as a state Senate budget subcommittee reportedly did this week in slashing funds for rural law enforcement. However, Verardo-Torres said the foundation heard almost unanimously that legislators didn't want to close state parks.


Butts said she's hopeful that the value of the parks to communities has made an impression on state officials.


The parks, she said, are a vital educational tool.


Just last week, she and her husband, DA, helped introduce 26 sixth graders from Ukiah to the wonders of Clear Lake State Park. The students camped there for two nights and worked on a variety of educational projects.


Supervisor Rob Brown, who took part in the April Sacramento trip to advocate for keeping the parks open, said he was encouraged by the news that the parks were spared.


“I think that it shows that the governor's office will listen to local residents and our efforts were actually not wasted, so I'm very happy about that,” Brown said.


He added, “Maybe we need to make another trip down there to talk to him about roads.”


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


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LAKE COUNTY – Enjoy the spring weather while you can, because hot summer temperatures will be here by midweek.


The National Weather Service in Sacramento is forecasting a strong ridge of high pressure to build over the entire West Coast, including Lake County, by the middle of the week, bringing high temperatures up to the 90s and near 100 degrees.


As the high pressure system strengthens, the National Weather Service predicts that Lake County and areas of Northern California may break the century mark by Thursday.


The ridge of high pressure will begin to head east by Saturday, according to the National Weather Service, which will cool down local temperatures – but they will remain higher than normal through the weekend.


If you've planted a garden in the past week or so, make sure to water adequately.


Even though air temperatures will be hot later this week, the water temperature of Clear Lake and area streams, rivers and lakes are still cold. The National Weather Service reminds everyone that wading, swimming, rafting or fishing can still be hazardous due to cold water temperatures and hypothermia (sudden loss of body temperature) can set in – and be fatal.


If you work outdoors, be sure to take frequent breaks from the sun, wear light-colored clothing and drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids, warns the National Weather Service. Also remember to not leave children or pets alone or in unattended vehicles.


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


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Rescuers worked Thursday afternoon to extricate victims of the head-on collision. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

 



THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED.


KELSEYVILLE – A portion of Highway 29 is expected to remain closed until later this evening following a fatal traffic collision near Highland Springs Road.


The head-on crash took place at approximately 3:10 p.m. just north of Highland Springs Road, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Adam Garcia.


Two vehicles were involved – a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup registered out of Middletown and a 2008 Toyota 4Runner from Washington state, Garcia said.


The male passenger in the 4Runner died at the scene. Garcia said three others were seriously injured and one minor child sustained minor injuries.


Based on the preliminary investigation, Garcia said it appears that the 4Runner, traveling northbound, went into the southbound lane. The Ford pickup – which was traveling southbound on Highway 29 – crossed over into the northbound lane to avoid a collision, and the 4Runner swerved back into the northbound lane at the same time, with the two vehicles colliding head-on.


Garcia said the account of the crash was corroborated by the parties involved and an eyewitness.


Neither of the two passengers in the 4Runner were wearing their seat belts, and both were partially ejected from the vehicle, said Garcia.


Numerous CHP and rescue personnel were on scene working to extricate the crash victims and control traffic. The crash scene completely blocked traffic, with car parts strewn across the roadway.


Helicopters landed at nearby Lampson Field to transport the collision victims to area hospitals.


Both vehicles sustained major front-end damage, Garcia said.


The names of the involved parties were not available Thursday evening, said Garcia. The identify of the man who died in the crash will be withheld until next of kin has been notified.


Highway 29 has been closed temporarily from Highway 175 to Highland Springs as the rescue and investigation continue. Garcia's estimate for the closure has the highway reopening sometime between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.


CHP Officer Dallas Richey is investigating the incident, Garcia said.


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


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LAKE COUNTY – A preliminary hearing scheduled to take place Tuesday morning in a Lakeport murder case was postponed because federal officials failed to return the defendant on time.


Ivan Garcia Oliver, 30, is being charged with the November 20 murder of 67-year-old Michael Dodele. He's also facing charges for having been found in jail with a shank he'd made from a toothbrush, as Lake County News has reported.


Not long after he was arrested and charged with Dodele's murder, Oliver and his half-brother were indicted by federal officials in an illegal dumping case in San Diego County, according to court documents.


Oliver was transported to San Diego County several weeks ago for a hearing in the federal case, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.


The US Marshal's Office, who is overseeing Oliver's transport to and from the San Diego court appearances, told Hinchcliff they would have Oliver back in time for his preliminary hearing, which was to have begun at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday in Judge Arthur Mann's Department 3 courtroom.


However, Oliver, who has been in transit since last Thursday, didn't arrive in time for the hearing, said Hinchcliff.


And just where he was on the way back to Lake County was uncertain. Hinchcliff said the last report of Oliver's location came last Friday, when he was in Kansas City.


The US Marshal's Office reports that it transports 300,000 prisoners annually through a network of aircraft, cars, vans and buses. Their aircraft fleet moves prisoners over long distances, offering more security and less expense than commercial airlines. All scheduling is handled at the Kansas City headquarters of its Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System division.


Hinchcliff said Oliver may not be returned to Lake County until late in the week. No new preliminary hearing date has yet been set.


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


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LAKE COUNTY – The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life Lake County has 45 teams with one to 20 members per team, 24 committee chairs plus committee members. These volunteers come from all over Lake County. Also involved are musicians, dancers, vocalists and performers who have donated their time and talents for the continuous free entertainment at the relay.

 

There are many reasons for involvement in this event.


This is event chair Beth Berinti's fifth year doing relay. Berinti is a cancer survivor from Lucerne. She was on a team her first year, has been a team captain for four years, a committee chair for four years, last year and this year as event chair.

 

"Once you've participated in a Relay event, you just want to continue,” Berinti said. “I lost my mom to cancer and most recently, my cousin, Dave Fesmire, which makes this Relay more poignant."

 

Charwin Ward, with Broken Ground, a band that is playing at the relay on Saturday, May 17, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., lives in Spring Valley. One band member lives in Sacramento. Ward heard about Relay from Sally Lusinger and wanted to volunteer.

 

"I lost my mother to cancer when I was 13 years old,” Ward said. “When I heard about Relay, I wanted to be a part of it. The whole band is willing to support Relay."

 

Sally Owens from Lakeport has been participating in Relay since her husband, Don, passed away from cancer six years ago. Don Owens was the principal of Clear Lake High School and the stadium is named after him. Her mother-in-law is a 20-year cancer survivor.

 

"The reason I support Relay is to help with research so our children will never have to experience this disease,” she said. She'll be walking for two teams this year.

 

Entertainment chair Naomi Wheelan from Kelseyville has participated in Relay for seven years. She heard about it from her sister who is involved in Napa's Relay. Wheelan became a team captain with Americorp her first year and has had her own team of family and friends since. She has been entertainment chair for six years.

 

"I have lost family members and close friends to cancer but every year that I hear of someone who has lost the battle to cancer, I hear of someone who has beat cancer,” she said. “Once you get involved you do whatever you can and there's plenty to do. We do make a difference."

 

Cobb resident David Neft, who has a business in Middletown, is volunteering his musical talent and time for the third year. Neft accompanies the National Anthem singer, Shelly Mascari from Middletown, and plays for the heartwarming Survivor's Lap at the 10 a.m. Opening Celebration Ceremony. Neft also will entertain us with his jazzy piano selections from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

 

Neft has close friends and relatives who have been touched by cancer. "I feel that there is no other place we should be that day,” he said. “We need to donate what ever energy and talents we have to this event. If people only knew that you gain much more than you could ever give by joining the Relay family."

 

Relay For Life supports programs right here in Lake County. One is Road To Recovery where volunteer drivers take people to and from treatments and appointments.

 

Deanne Dale of Lakeport is a driver. She got involved when, as a new resident, she needed someone to drive her to and from an important appointment. She said, "I didn't know anyone that well and figured there were other people that might need someone to drive them, also. I heard about Road To Recovery and volunteered."

 

Most every person has been touched by cancer in some way, and participating in Relay For Life is a way of "fighting back" against this disease.


There have been all types of fundraisers prior to Relay and there will be raffles, auctions, items for sale and other fundraising events at Relay.


Free entertainment starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, with the Celebration Ceremony including the Survivor's Lap. Pastor Shannon Kimball-Auth will do the invocation and the flag ceremony will be performed by the Boy Scouts of Kelseyville Troop 45.


Performers for all day Saturday and for Sunday morning are Shelly Mascari, David Neft, DJ Ken Steely and Groove Crew, Kelseyville High School Jazz Combo, Twice As Good, Antoinette School Of Dance, Open Mic at Cafe Victoria's emceed by Phil Mathewson, Sweet Adelines, Irma and Luis, Broken Ground, Hamed Hokamzedeh and Lefty. There will be karaoke contests with DJ Lori Steely with finals and awards on Sunday morning.

 

There will also be theme laps where relayers dress in styles from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

 

Come join us in supporting Relay For Life Lake County on May 17 and May 18 at Don Owens Stadium, Clear Lake High School, 350 Lange St., Lakeport.


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Upcoming Calendar

12Dec
12.12.2024 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Lake County Planning Commission
12Dec
14Dec
12.14.2024 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Christmas Bird Count
14Dec
12.14.2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Wreaths Across America
14Dec
12.14.2024 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Wreaths Across America ceremonies
14Dec
12.14.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
18Dec
19Dec
12.19.2024 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
General plan agricultural focus group meeting
21Dec
12.21.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile

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