An open nursery showing small marijuana plants. In all, Glenn County Sheriff's Office Marijuana Eradication Team members removed 13,632 marijuana plants from a grow operation near Elk Creek, Calif., on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Photo courtesy of the Glenn County Sheriff's Office.

Glenn County Sheriff Larry Jones said the Glenn County Sheriff's Office Marijuana Eradication Team (MET) removed 13,632 marijuana plants, in the nursery stage, from the Mendocino National Forest on Tuesday.

The plants were found in the Grindstone Canyon off of Forest Highway 7, west of Elk Creek, Jones said. The MET was assisted in the eradication by US Forest Service officials.

Jones said members of a drug trafficking organization had selected an extremely remote site, some 1,000 feet drop in elevation, below FH 7, near a good water source where they had started to clear cut areas, terrace the land and lay plastic irrigation pipe in preparation for planting.

One camp site was located, which appeared to have been hastily abandoned by at least two individuals, he said.

A large amount of trash and waste had all ready started to accumulate on the forest floor. Jones said that in an effort to conceal and camouflage the operations, all equipment in the camp and grow areas had been painted green. Three nursery grow areas also had been set up and camouflaged with green netting.

Jones said that it was be a large grow operation as seeds and growing materials were located indicating additional plants would be started.

If allowed to grow to maturity, the potential street value of the plants would have been in the millions of dollars, Jones said. However, since they don't know how many of these plants would be female, the estimated street value will be adjusted.

Due to the late rains, which will provide good watering sources on public lands, the illegal marijuana growing season potentially could be large, Jones suggested.

Anyone traveling in remote areas of our forests who views suspicious activity is asked to call their local law enforcement, he said.

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One of three nurseries covered by green netting found by Glenn County Sheriff's Office Marijuana Eradication Team members on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, near Elk Creek, Calif. Photo courtesy of the Glenn County Sheriff's Office.

A propane tank painted green, trash and plastic pipe discovered at the camp site near Elk Creek, Calif., on Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Photo courtesy of the Glenn County Sheriff's Office.

LAKE COUNTY – The Old West lives on in Lake County with the return of two annual western-themed events, Wild West Day in Upper Lake on June 5, and Middletown Days, in Middletown on June 18, 19, and 20, where families can enjoy a ranch rodeo, live music, parades, wagon rides, Old West skits, and much more.

The 17th-annual Wild West Day, held in downtown Upper Lake from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 5, is a Western-themed street festival and wearing costume is encouraged.

With Old West skits, a parade, pancake breakfast, tri-tip barbecue, wagon rides and country music, Wild West Day is a family-friendly event and all ages can enter contests for best beard, bonnet and costume.

Established in 1854, the town of Upper Lake once was a former stagecoach stop along the route from Sacramento to Mendocino and today features the restored Tallman Hotel, which is listed on the California Register of Historic Resources as a Point of Historical Interest, a re-created Blue Wing Saloon & Café next door, and a former livery that is now home to an antique plumbing business.

Also along Upper Lake’s Main Street, visitors will find a local wine tasting bar, antiques, and collectibles from all over the world, local crafts, and fine art from throughout Northern California, as well as household necessities, pet care items, gifts, and home décor.

Wild West Day in Upper Lake is sponsored by the Upper Lake Community Council for community projects and the Northshore Fire Protection District. Admission is free. For information call 707-275-2000 or visit www.upperlakeca.org.

On June 18, 19 and 20, Middletown Days, a tradition for 49 years, returns for three days of family fun and features a ranch rodeo, live music, craft and food booths, children’s activities and more.

Friday features team roping in the evening and Saturday begins with a parade at 10 a.m. and ends with a dance at 8:30 p.m. Sunday features the gymkhana.

Established in 1870, Middletown, midway between Lower Lake and Calistoga, is surrounded by outlying ranches, vineyards and The Geysers, the largest geothermal energy source in the world.

Middletown balances Old West charm and forward-thinking businesses with a vision for a sustainable world, including Harbin Hot Springs, one of the oldest operating hot springs resorts in California, Hardester’s Market, Boar’s Breath Restaurant, and more.

Middletown Days is held at Middletown Central Park, 15299 Central Park Road. Admission is free; small fee for dance on Saturday night. Team roping on Friday begins at 5 p.m. Parade on Saturday begins at 10 a.m. and gymkhana at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. Call 707-994-1954 for information.

For information about guided trail rides, the 81st-annual Lake County Rodeo on July 10 and 11, and other equestrian activities, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or visit www.lakecounty.com.

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A California interagency taskforce battling the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels urges boaters to remain especially vigilant this Memorial Day weekend.

Anyone who launches their vessel at any body of water must clean, drain, and dry their boats, personal watercraft, and any equipment that comes in contact with the water-both before arrival and after leaving the waterway.

“Quagga and zebra mussels are a serious threat to our aquatic environment and fisheries,” Director of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) John McCamman said. “It’s crucial that everyone who uses public waters takes the time to make sure they’re not moving these mussels from place to place. It only takes a few mussels to infest an entire waterway and destroy the ecosystem there.”

Quagga and zebra mussels are non-native, fast-reproducing invasive species that will cause serious problems for boaters and water enthusiasts. Mussels spread from one body of water to another by attaching themselves to nearly anything that’s in the water for more than a few minutes. Water in boat engines, bilges, live-wells and buckets can carry tiny mussel larvae (called veligers) to other waterways, as well.

“Boat trailers are often overlooked as an avenue for the spread of quagga and zebra mussels and many other aquatic invasive species,” Department of Boating and Waterways Acting Director Lucia Becerra said. “About 85 percent of boaters trailer their boats, so it is critical for them to clean, drain and dry their vessels.”

To help prevent the spread of mussels, boaters must inspect all exposed surfaces, wash boat hulls thoroughly, remove all plants from the boat and trailer, drain all water, including that in lower outboard units, clean, and dry live-wells and bait buckets, and dispose of baitfish in the trash.

Watercraft should be kept dry for at least five days in warm weather and up to 30 days in cool weather between launches in different bodies of fresh water. These measures are essential to safeguard boats and preserve California waterways.

An excellent guide to cleaning vessels of invasive mussels is available on the Web site: www.dbw.ca.gov/PDF/BoatingQuaggaGuide.pdf.

Travelers are also advised to contact their destination waterway before leaving home, to learn what restrictions or inspection requirements are in place.

For information about Lake County's mussel prevention rules, visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Water_Resources/Mussel_Prevention.htm.

Inspections, which can also be conducted by DFG and the Department of Parks and Recreation, include not only a check of boats and personal watercraft, but also trailers and all onboard items. Contaminated vessels and equipment are subject to quarantine or impoundment.

Quagga mussels were first detected in the Colorado River system in January 2007 and were later found in San Diego and Riverside counties. They are now known to be in 21 waters in the Golden State, all in Southern California. Zebra mussels were discovered in San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County in January 2008.

Both mollusks can attach to and damage almost any submerged surface. They can ruin a boat engine by blocking the cooling system and causing it to overheat; increase drag on the bottom of a boat, reducing speed and wasting fuel; jam a boat’s steering equipment, putting occupants and others at risk; require frequent scraping and repainting of boat hulls; colonize all underwater substrates such as boat ramps, docks, lines and other underwater surfaces, causing them to require constant cleaning; cost the owners of these items a great deal of money.

A toll-free hotline at 1-866-440-9530 is available for anyone involved in activities on lakes and rivers seeking information on quagga or zebra mussels.

A multi-agency taskforce that includes the California Department of Fish and Game, Department of Boating and Waterways, Department of Water Resources, and State Parks has been leading an outreach campaign to alert boaters and the public to the quagga and zebra mussel threats.

For more information about quagga and zebra mussels, the state’s response activities, and what you can do to help prevent their spread in California, visit the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel.

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Lake County Registrar of Voters Diane Fridley collects the information from candidates in all local elections. The information is public.

The most recent reporting period is for March 18 through May 22.

For both the district attorney and sheriff races, approximately $76,254.78 was raised by the six candidates during that two-month period. For the year so far, they've raised approximately $90,212, including a total of $26,961 in loans.

Expenditures for all six candidates in the two races totaled $54,801.72 for the two-month reporting period, and $61,411.82 for the year to date.

In the district attorney race, the single highest amount of actual cash – excluding loans – was raised during the reporting period by Don Anderson, who brought in $9,304.78, followed by $4,338 by Doug Rhoades and $4,283 for Jon Hopkins.

When counting all funding sources – including nonmonetary contributions and loans – Anderson also led, with $10,344.78, followed by Rhoades with $7,616 and Hopkins with $6,403.

Hopkins has raised the most funds overall of the year to date, with $11,722 – including $2,000 he has loaned himself – followed by Anderson with $11,004.78 and Rhoades with $9,066.

Anderson spent $11,220.92 for the reporting period and $11,360.60 year-to-date, followed by Hopkins with $9060.60 for the reporting period, $10.943.43 year-to-date, and Rhoades, $3,552 for the reporting period, $3,687.83 year-to-date.

In the sheriff's race, incumbent Rod Mitchell brought in the most cash from March to May with $23,782, followed by Francisco Rivero with $4,452 and $300 for Jack Baxter.

Rivero reported raising the most money for the year, approximately $30,643.22, of which he loaned himself $24,961. Mitchell reported a year-to-date fundraising figure of $25,431, followed by Baxter with $2,345.

Regarding expenditures, the three sheriff candidates spent the following: Mitchell, $15,888.91 for the reporting period, $18,046.17 year-to-date; Rivero, $14,575.52 for the reporting period, $16,795.81 year-to-date; and Baxter, $503.77 for the reporting period, $577.98 year-to-date.

Reports for the District 2 and 3 supervisorial races, and the county superintendent of schools will be published later this week.

The candidates will be required to file a late report, for the period covering May 23 through June 7.

Details of the district attorney and sheriff race financials are listed below.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Don Anderson

Total contributions received this period: $10,344.78

Monetary contributions: $9,304.78

Nonmonetary contributions: $1,040

Itemized contributions: $8,756

Unitemized contributions: $480.78

Loans: $0

Expenditures: $11,220.92

Itemized expenditures: $10,028.92

Beginning cash balance: $1,591

Total cash ending balance: $714.86

Outstanding debts: $0

Total contributions received year-to-date: $11,004.78

Total loans received year-to-date: $0

Total expenditures year-to-date: $11,360.60

Itemized contributions: $8,756

Paul Swanson, Kelseyville, attorney, $1,375

Barbara Galvan, Cobb, retired, $175

Lake County Auto Financing Inc., Lakeport, business auto financing, $500

Comprehensive Support Systems, Clearlake Park, business support, $500

Richard Knox, Ukiah, attorney, $100

Lucinda A. Brozynski, Kelseyville, Lake County deputy assessor clerk, $100

Services Employees International Union, Sacramento, employees union, $100

Perry, Johnson & Anderson et. al, Santa Rosa, attorneys at law, $250

Surface Art Engineering Inc., San Jose, art engineering service, $2,000

Theresa Sanders, Middletown, manager of Middletown Times Star, $174

Ruth Porter, Kelseyville, housewife, $125

RH (Ron) Henning, Kelseyville, retired, $200

Rob Gambill, Lakeport, self-employed, Mendo-Lake Health Care, $125

Dan Walsh, Kelseyville, self employed plumber, Valentine Plumbing, $125

Beck Law Inc., Santa Rosa, law office, $125

William Feeney, Lakeport, attorney, $200

Cheryl Pick, Kelseyville, self-employed accountant, First Pick Accounting, $100

Ruth Porter, Kelseyville, housewife, $57 (year-to-date: $182)

Wayne and Colleen Chatoff, Glenhaven, self-employed, Chatoff Realty, $185

Leilani Kohlruss, Clearlake, homemaker, $220

Vern Huggins, Kelseyville, Lake County deputy sheriff, $125

LR Russ Addiss, Kelseyville, self-employed accountant, Russ Addiss Accounting, $125 (year-to-date: $625)

Mel W. Williams Co., Lakeport, Mel's Bail Bonds, $125

Gary Muench, Lakeport, retired, $125

Tim Valentine, Clearlake Oaks, self-employed plumber, Valentine Plumbing, $140

Lauren Snider, Lakeport, self-employed automotive repair, S&K Auto, $245

Tibor Major, Lakeport, attorney, $125

Maria Messimer, Kelseyville, self-employed insurance sales, Farmers Insurance, $285

Olga Martin Steele, Clearlake Oaks, retired, $125

Donald Anderson, Lakeport, attorney and district attorney candidate, $600

Nonmonetary contributions: $1,040

Donald Anderson, Lakeport, attorney and district attorney candidate, $1,040 (auction items and supplies for silent auction and fundraiser)

Itemized expenditures: $10,028.92

Perfect Printers, Clearlake, stencils for signs, lawn signs and brochures, $3,998.09

Lake County Record-Bee, Lakeport, newspaper advertising, $235

California Voters Guide, Lakeport, voters guide inclusion information, $450

Advantage Marketing, Santa Rosa, direct mailers, $3,681

Sysco Food Services, Fremont, food for Blue Lakes fundraiser, $985.65

Tuscan Village Deli, Lower Lake, food for Tuscan Village fundraiser, $291.48

Olga Martin Steele, Clearlake Oaks, wine for Tuscan Village fundraiser, $120

Lake County Registrar of Voters, Lakeport, election office, $267.70

Jon Hopkins

Total contributions received this period: $6,403

Monetary contributions:$4,283

Nonmonetary contributions: $1,120

Itemized contributions: $3,050

Unitemized contributions: $1,233

Loans: $1,000 (all from self)

Expenditures: $9,060.60

Itemized expenditures: $7,905.17

Beginning cash balance: $3,636.17

Total cash ending balance: $978.57

Outstanding debts: $0

Total contributions received year-to-date: $11,722

Total loans received year-to-date: $2,000 (all from self)

Total expenditures year-to-date: $10,943.43

Itemized contributions: $3,050

Anthony Marchese, Lucerne, retired, $100

Jeanette Bartley, Lakeport, owner/president of Bob Bartley Pump Inc., $100

Monica Rosenthal, Middletown, self-employed, Rosenthal Vineyard, $100

Thomas Reed, Hackettstown, NJ, assistant prosecutor, county of Sussex, NJ, $250

James Hermann, Kelseyville, retired, $100

Robert Chalk, Kelseyville, retired, self-employed, Lakeside TV and Appliance, $200

James Bargetto, Soquel, financial advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, $100

Carole Becker, Lakeport, vice president and operations manager, Airport Auto Brokers, $100

Tracy Davis, Lakeport, legal secretary, county of Lake, $100

Jon Ballesteros, Kelseyville, public affairs, LS9 Inc., $200

G. David Genochio, San Jose, assistant district attorney, county of Santa Cruz, $250

Bob Wall, Nice, self-employed, BJ Wall's RV Park, $100

Bruno's Property Management, Lakeport, property management company, $100

Ted Mandrones, Lakeport, manager, Piedmont Lumber, $100

Frances Montgomery, Lakeport, owner, North Shore Sentry, $100

Kelly Ilnicki, Redwood City, housewife, $500

Mary Harry, Lucerne, retired, $100

George Speake, Kelseyville, retired, $200

Walter Cox, Lakeport, sales representative, CSAA, $100

Re-elect Bonnie Dumanis 2010, Encinitas, $150

Nonmonetary contributions: $1,120

Wildhurst Vineyards, Kelseyville, wine, $200

Amanda Beyer, Lakeport, owner, Kelsey Creek Coffee Co., auction items, $230

Geraldine Groody, Kelseyville, graphic designer, Groody River Media, Web site maintenance, $550

Leslie Levitas, Lakeport, analyst, San Francisco Sheriff's Office, auction items, $60 (year-to-date: $110)

Unitemized: $80

Itemized expenditures: $7,905.17

Pak N' Mail, Lakeport, campaign literature, $1,346.07

Lake County Registrar of Voters, Lakeport, voter registration information, $266.49

Econoline Signs, signs, $908.96

Auto Zip Mail Services/USPS, Ukiah, postage, processing and handling mailer, $5,258.65

Lake County News, Lucerne, Internet advertising, $125

Douglas Rhoades

Total contributions received this period: $7,616

Monetary contributions: $4,338

Nonmonetary contributions: $3,278

Itemized contributions: $3,365

Unitemized contributions: $973

Loans: $0

Expenditures: $3,552

Itemized expenditures: $3,552

Beginning cash balance: $1,314.17

Total cash ending balance: $2,100.17

Outstanding debts: $0

Total contributions received year-to-date: $9,066

Total loans received year-to-date: $0

Total expenditures year-to-date: $3,687.83

Itemized contributions: $3,365

Laurel Groshong, Lakeport, retired state administrator, $25 (year-to-date: $275)

Nancy Rhoades, Lakeport, educator, Lake County Office of Education, $390 (year-to-date: $890)

Ron Green, Lower Lake, attorney, $50 (year-to-date: $150)

Mitchell Hauptman, Lakeport, attorney, $50 (year-to-date: $250)

Bill Wolfe, Kelseyville, retired tire salesman, $0 (year-to-date: $100)

Quinn Law Office, Lower Lake, Quinn Law Offices, $0 (year-to-date: $100)

Douglas Rhoades, Kelseyville, attorney and district attorney candidate, $1,500

Lake County Democratic Club, Clearlake Oaks, recipient committee, $200

Stephen Carter, Lower Lake, attorney, $500

Thomas Slaight, Cobb, retired, $100

Lowell Grant, Lakeport, Realtor, $100

Dana Kearney, Kelseyville, pharmacy tech, $150

Lake County Democratic Central Committee, Clearlake Oaks, recipient committee, $200

Jim Herrman, Kelseyville, retired PG&E employee, $100

Nonmonetary contributions: $3,278

Douglas Rhoades, Kelseyville, attorney and district attorney candidate, campaign signs, $2,212

Douglas Rhoades, Kelseyville, attorney and district attorney candidate, newspaper and balloon advertising, $746

Wildhurst Vineyards, Kelseyville, vineyard and wine store, one case premium wine for fundraiser, $220

Joey Luiz, Clearlake, wine salesman, six bottles of Shannon Ridge wine, $100

Itemized expenditures: $3,552

Lake County News, Lucerne, three months Internet advertising, $375

Lake County Registrar of Voters, Lakeport, countywide voter file with five history election, $266

American Button Machine, Plano, Texas, political button machine, $390

Lee's Sporting Goods, Lakeport, four banners, $326

Diane Davis, Lakeport, campaign Web site development, $165

Linnell Printing, Kelseyville, 5,000 brochures, layout and typesetting, $790

Victory Shore Administration, Davenport, Iowa, 14 4x8 full color plastic signs, $849

Saw Shop Gallery Bistro, Kelseyville, fundraiser on May 1, $391

SHERIFF

Jack Baxter

Total contributions received this period: $695

Monetary contributions: $300

Nonmonetary contributions: $395

Itemized contributions: $300

Unitemized contributions: $0

Loans: $0

Expenditures: $503.77

Itemized expenditures: $463.77

Beginning cash balance: $1,650

Total cash ending balance: $1,446.23

Outstanding debts: $0

Total contributions received year-to-date: $2,345

Total loans received year-to-date: $0

Total expenditures year-to-date: $577.98

Itemized contributions: $300

Mike Watson, Valencia, retired, $100

Hall Family Trust (Robert Hall), Los Gatos, retired, $100

Keith Kalm, Rancho Santa Margarita, retired, $100

Nonmonetary contributions: $395

Frank Taylor, Clearlake Oaks, editor/owner, The Outlook, media advertising, $395

Itemized expenditures: $463.77

Linnell Printing, Kelseyville, campaign literature, $204.60

Vista Print, Oakland, campaign paraphernalia, $157.48

Polestar Computers, Kelseyville, office expenses, $101.69

Rodney Mitchell

Total contributions received this period: $23,782

Monetary contributions: $23,782

Nonmonetary contributions: $0

Itemized contributions: $19,450

Unitemized contributions: $4,332

Loans: $0

Expenditures: $15,888.91

Itemized expenditures: $15,605.94

Beginning cash balance: $3,517.17

Total cash ending balance: $11,510.26

Outstanding debts: $0

Total contributions received year-to-date: $25,431

Total loans received year-to-date: $0

Total expenditures year-to-date: $18,046.17

Itemized contributions: $19,450

David and Marilyn Waldschmitt, Lakeport, self-employed vineyard owner, $100

William Forbes, Lakeport, retired, $100

Terry Fries, Kelseyville, self-employed, Fries & Fries Consulting, $100 (year-to-date: $600)

Helen Behn, Middletown, retired, $200

William Kearney, Kelseyville, self-employed, Northlake Pharmacy, $200

Linda Anton, Lakeport, retired, $100

Calvin and Irene McCarley, Lower Lake, retired, $100

Jeffrey Carlton, Kelseyville, registered nurse, St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, $50 (year-to-date: $100)

Ted Mandrones, Lakeport, manager, Piedmont Lumber, $100

Roland and Nell Shaul, Kelseyville, retired, $200

Richard Seiler, Lakeport, retired, $100

Jeanette Bartley, Lakeport, self-employed, Bartley Pumps, $100

Jack Parker, Lower Lake, self-employed, Parker Plastics, $500

Michael Zimmerer, Kelseyville, self-employed, Big Valley Storage, $200

Bob Borghesani, Kelseyville, self-employed, Kelseyville Lumber, $100

Anthony Marchese, Lucerne, retired, $100

Toni Scully, Lakeport, self-employed, Scully Packing, $100

Jed Steele, Kelseyville, self-employed, Steele Winery, $100

Brandt Peterson, Clearlake Oaks, real estate broker, Coldwell Banker, $100

Richard Kuehn, Lucerne, self-employed, Copper Cross Vineyards, $250

Clay and Margarita Shannon, Clearlake Oaks, self-employed, Shannon Ridge Winery, $250

Lawrence and Carolyn Boardman, Finley, Pacific Gas & Electric, $500

Thomas Hewlett, DDS, Clearlake, self-employed, Hewlett Dentistry, $200

Richard Gorman, Clearlake Oaks, retired, $200

Carol Bise, Lakeport, registered nurse, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, $250

Monty and Nicky Tavares, Upper Lake, self-employed, Drift Inn RV Resort, $250

Ken and Joann Avila, Kelseyville, retired, $100

Craig Flynn, Cotati, self-employed, Windsor One, $2,500

Roger Sciutto, Hidden Valley Lake, investigator, county of Sonoma, $100

Austin Tavares, Upper Lake, self-employed, Drift Inn RV Resort, $100

Gregory Scott, Lakeport, retired, $100

Allen and Donna Thomas, Lakeport, retired, $100

Dennis and Ruth Darling, Lakeport, self-employed, Foods Etc., $100

Ron Minudri, Middletown, self-employed, Minudri Insurance, $100

Wolfgang Schug, Lakeport, physician, St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, $100

Robert Jordan, Kelseyville, retired, $200

Gerry Mills, Lakeport, retired, $200

Tom Marshall, Hidden Valley Lake, retired, $100

Andreas Juon, Clearlake, retired, $200

William and Victoria Myer, Kelseyville, self-employed, Piedmont Lumber, $300

William Gordon, Hidden Valley Lake, self-employed, Gordon Construction, $10,000

William T. Fithian, MD, Monterey, self-employed, $500

EA James and Francesca Peretti, Lucerne, retired, $100

Itemized expenditures: $15,605.94

United States Postal Service, Lakeport, first-class postage stamps, $264

Signs on the Cheap, Austin, Texas, signs, $1,880.22

Lake County News, online advertising, $500

Next Day Flyers, Rancho Dominguez, campaign literature, $665.04

Political Data, Burbank, voter information, $367.59

4 Over 4, Astoria, New York, bumper decals, $539.31

Target Marketing USA, Mission Viejo, voter calls, $895

Lake County Publishing, print advertising, $3,104.23

National Wild Turkey Federation, Lower Lake, event admission, $100

Cogs Signs, Modesto, signs, $2,463.16

California Voter Guide, Torrance, slate mailer, $900

Lee's Sporting Goods, Lakeport, shirts, $135.39

Political Technologies, Sacramento, online advertising, $200

Chris Jones, Newcastle, campaign consultant, $1,000

Bicoastal Media, Lakeport, radio advertising, $592

Democratic Voter Guide, Covina, slate mailer, $500

Comcast Spotlight, San Francisco, television advertising, $1,500

Francisco Rivero

Total contributions received this period: $27,414

Monetary contributions: $4,452

Nonmonetary contributions: $500

Itemized contributions: $4,060

Unitemized contributions: $392

Loans: $22,462 (all to self)

Expenditures: $14,575.52

Itemized expenditures: $14,300.52

Beginning cash balance: $1,009.91

Total cash ending balance: $13,348.39

Outstanding debts: $24,961

Total contributions received year-to-date: $30,643.22

Total loans received year-to-date: $24,961 (all to self)

Total expenditures year-to-date: $16,795.81

Itemized contributions: $4,060

Larry Fabisch, Nice, retired, $110

Bill Newborn, Clearlake Oaks, retired, $100

Service Employees International Union, Sacramento, employees union, $500

Martin Levy, Santa Rosa, self-employed Realtor, $100

Alvina Vecellio, Hidden Valley Lake, retired, $100

Beverly Van Pelt, Clearlake Oaks, retired, $250

Big Valley Rancheria, Lakeport, Native American tribe, $1,000

Rosemary Cordova, Middletown, supervisor, Harbin, $500

Lake County Democratic Club, Clearlake Oaks, political party, $200

Thomas Slaight, Cobb, retired, $200

The Outlook, Clearlake Oaks, newspaper, $350

Carol Bettencourt, Lucerne, retired, $200

Susan Lockhart, Clearlake Oaks, retired, $250

John Condova, Albuquerque, New Mexico, public relations, $100

Wendy White, Glenhaven, retired, $100

Nonmonetary contributions: $500

Gregg Van Oss, Middletown, self-employed, computer services, $500

Itemized expenditures: $14,300.52

The Advantage, Santa Rosa, print advertising, $5,908.25

Pak N Mail, Lakeport, miscellaneous campaign paraphernalia, $478.50

Voter Information Guide, Sherman Oaks, mailers, $700

Signs on the Cheap, Austin, Texas, signs, $842.46

Mendo Mill, Clearlake, supplies for signs, $313.21

RA Hamilton, Hidden Valley Lake, banners and signs, $1,082.50

Bicoastal Media, Lakeport, advertising, $2,316

Lake County Record-Bee, Lakeport, advertising, $1,680

El Grande Inn, Clearlake, rent for use of room, $100

Perfect Printers, Clearlake, campaign buttons, $581.81

Lake County Registrar of Voters, Lakeport, voter information CD, $297.79

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

Leaving assets out of trust may result in an otherwise avoidable probate, so undoing one of the main advantages of having a living trust.

For married persons and registered domestic partners, transferring assets into their trust entails the additional requirement that the existing community and/or separate property character of the assets be preserved as such.

How assets are transferred varies with the asset in question. The following discussion is a glimpse into how assets are transferred under United States laws. Some asset transfers require the assistance of professionals (e.g., attorneys, brokers, transfer agents, etc.).

Real estate is transferred by means of a notarized trust transfer deed that names the trustee(s) as the grantee (owner). Also, the county’s preliminary change of ownership report (PCOR) is completed and submitted with the deed. This does not trigger a change in assessed value.

Personal property (such as furniture, furnishings, jewelry, etc.) is transferred by means of a general assignment granting ownership to the trustee(s). Except in limited circumstances, no title documents are involved, but any insurance on valuables (e.g., jewelry) should list the trustee as an insured party.

Financial accounts are retitled in the name of the trustee. This sometimes may require a new signature card with each bank. Also, it may sometimes result in a new account being created, depending on the financial institution.

Stocks and bonds must also be transferred into the trust. If securities are held in the “old-fashioned” certificate form, then these certificates must be surrendered to receive newly titled certificates in the name of the trustee(s). This involves the services of a stock broker and/or an authorized transfer agent. Otherwise, for securities held in account form, just provide letters of instruction and/or complete the company’s paper work, as required by the financial institution.

Promissory notes (IOUs) owned by the settler of the trust should be transferred by means of an assignment of note, and the original note endorsed by the settler over to the trustee. The borrower should be notified in writing to make all future payments to the trustee, as such.

Debts secured by deeds of trusts (or mortgages), recorded against real estate, entail both an assignment of the promissory note and its related deed of trust. Like a trust transfer deed, a newly notarized deed of trust naming the trustee as the grantee is recorded with the county, together with a PCOR.

With respect to business interests in domestic (not foreign) legal entities (e.g., partnerships, corporations, LLC’s), the membership interest must be reissued in the name of the trustee. This entails an assignment as well as working with the general partner or the secretary of the corporation (or LLC) as the case may be, to have the entity recognize the trustee as the new owner.

Documents required by the Secretary of State (in the state where the legal entity was created), by the IRS and tax authorities, must also be completed.

In conclusion, funding a trust is an ongoing process. As assets are sold and new assets acquired the appropriate steps in transferring assets must be taken.

Dennis A. Fordham, attorney (LL.M. tax studies), is a State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law. His office is at 55 1st St., Lakeport, California. Dennis can be reached by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 707-263-3235.

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At the direction of the President Barack Obama, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Jane Lubchenco will continue responding to the BP oil spill, the EPA reported Saturday.

These officials' actions on scene will be coordinated by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, who is leading the administration-wide response and directing all interagency activities.

The Deepwater Horizon oil well in the Gulf of Mexico exploded and burned on April 20, with about a dozen people missing and another 126 people rescued, according to the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command.

Last Wednesday, BP started “top kill” operations, intended to stop the flow of oil and gas into the ocean. The procedure was intended to ultimately kill the well by injecting heavy drilling fluids through the blow-out preventer on the seabed, down into the well.

Despite successfully pumping a total of over 30,000 barrels of heavy mud, in three attempts at rates of up to 80 barrels a minute, and deploying a wide range of different bridging materials, the operation did not overcome the flow from the well, officials reported.

The government, together with BP, have therefore decided to move to the next step in the subsea operations, the deployment of the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System.

The operational plan first involves cutting and then removing the damaged riser from the top of the failed blow-out preventer (BOP) to leave a cleanly-cut pipe at the top of the BOP’s LMRP. The cap is designed to be connected to a riser from the Discoverer Enterprise drillship and placed over the LMRP with the intention of capturing most of the oil and gas flowing from the well. The LMRP cap is already on site and it is currently anticipated that it will be connected in about four days.

This operation has not been previously carried out in 5,000 feet of water and the successful deployment of the containment system cannot be assured, BP said.

Drilling of the first relief well continues and is currently at 12,090 feet. BP reported that drilling of the second relief well is temporarily suspended and is expected to recommence shortly from 8,576 feet.

Administrator Jackson will make her fourth trip to the Gulf Coast to inspect coastline protection and cleanup activities and meet with community members to discuss ongoing efforts to mitigate the oil's impacts on public health and the environment.

A native of the Gulf region, Administrator Jackson will spend a total of six days on the ground, visiting Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to review plans for cleanup of oil-impacted wetlands and marshes, analyze scientific monitoring of dispersant use, and ensure that recovery and cleanup plans are proceeding quickly.

Secretary Salazar will make his eighth trip to the area to meet with top BP officials, federal personnel and government scientists in Houston to get a firsthand account of the on-scene direction and oversight of BP's efforts to cap the leaking well. He will also participate in discussions with state, local and business leaders to discuss the ways the administration is supporting their communities during this catastrophe.

Administrator Lubchenco will make her third visit to the affected area to meet with top government and independent scientists and engineers who are working with BP and coordinating efforts across the federal government to ensure the best science is used to assess and mitigate the BP oil spill’s impacts to the environment.

President Obama visited the affected area for the second time Friday to view the administration's all-hands-on-deck response to this unprecedented disaster.

He spoke to the frustration felt by those in the local community and across America and discussed extensively what he saw touring the tragedy this morning. The president also commended those in the area who have “rolled up their sleeves” to help with the clean up, saying that “we’re in this together.”

In total, senior administration officials have visited the region 28 times since BP's oil rig exploded on April 20 – including trips by the president, National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, Interior Secretary Salazar, EPA Administrator Jackson, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, NOAA Administrator Lubchenco and SBA Administrator Karen Mills.

Learn more about the response to the spill at www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/site/2931/.

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LAKEPORT – D-Day veterans will gather to remember their experiences at the Normandy invasion during a special ceremony planned for Sunday, June 6, at the Pearl Harbor Survivors' memorial flag mast in Lakeport's Library Park.

The commemoration will begin at 11 a.m.

D-Day is a military term used to designate the date of the launching of an attack or operation.

The term is attached to June 6, 1944, because that was the date of World War II’s most famous D-Day, the largest invasion by sea in history. The code name for the operation that launched the invasion was “Operation Overlord.”

This year marks the 66^th anniversary of the historic invasion of Normandy. Western Allied forces advanced on the beaches of Normandy, France from across the English Channel by sea and by air to liberate mainland Europe from Nazi control.

The ceremony honors D-Day veterans from around Lake County and beyond. Please bring information to share of love ones who participated in the invasion.

Guest speakers will be Bill Brunetti and Ronnie Bogner.

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Local Pearl Harbor survivors were featured in the Memorial Day weekend parade in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Photo by Tera DeVroede.

LAKEPORT – Perfect parade weather graced Lakeport just in time for its Memorial Day parade on Saturday.

The streets filed quickly and people parked many blocks away to get a spot on Main Street in their lawn chairs for the sunny 11:00 a.m. start time.

This year’s theme was “Celebrate America,” and all participants showed their patriotism in red, white and blue. The American flag marked many of the goodies thrown from the parade’s theme contestants, like tiny toy beach balls and foam airplane gliders.

Candy was hurled from high and low, aimed at friends and family all the while people were waving and smiling. Kids filled their pockets, and mouths, full of candy and yet still screamed and waved for more.

“Kids are candy magnets,” said one woman, although she did not have hers with her at the time.

Those who wished to enter their floats into the competition had four categories to go for: grand sweepstakes, judge’s favorite, theme awards and best of division.

The revving engines of the Corvettes of Lake County were a favorite during the Memorial Day weekend parade in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Photo by Tera DeVroede.

Amidst the array of political displays, there were some fun ones, like Uncle Sam – portrayed once again by Clearlake Oaks resident Ronnie Bogner – with members of the local Pearl Harbor Survivors chapter.

The revving engines of the Corvettes of Lake County were a big hit with the kids, many of whom preferred purring motors over the blaring fire trucks towards the end.

The equestrians also appealed to the many little kids running up and down the sidewalks to get a better look.

Once the last fire engine honked its horn, the crowd dispersed, mostly to the craft fair held afterward at Natural High. The fun faire had the essential food, music and cool crafts to have a good time on such a gorgeous day.

More fun is ahead this weekend, as on Sunday Lower Lake will host its annual Memorial Day weekend parade and activities from noon to 4 p.m.

The festivities will include fun for children – a petting zoo, face painting, games and pony rides – plus activities for adults, including food and craft vendors, a barbecue, music during the afternoon and a raffle.

E-mail Tera deVroede at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .

The Clear Lake High School marching band made its way through the streets of Lakeport, Calif., during the city's annual Memorial Day weekend celebration on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Photo by Tera DeVroede.

The Patriot Guard Riders make their way along Main Street in Lakeport, Calif., during the Memorial Day weekend parade on Saturday, May 29, 2010. Photo by Tera DeVroede.

Jubal Ray Massie, 39, a caregiver from Clearlake, went on trial May 11, charged with felony domestic violence and felony assault by force likely to produce great bodily injury, according to his attorney, Stephen Carter of the Law Offices of Carter & Carter in Lower Lake.

Massie was arrested by Clearlake Police on June 26, 2008, according to sheriff's records.

At the conclusion of prosecutor Susan Krones' evidence, Judge Stephen Hedstrom granted Carter’s motion to dismiss the assault charge.

Massie was facing eight years in state prison if convicted, Carter reported.

Carter said that on Thursday, following an hour of deliberation, the jury returned the not guilty verdict.

“This is a fantastic result for Mr. Massie and we are thrilled that the jury saw through the prosecution’s weak evidence,” said Carter.

Krones said she didn't speak with the jurors afterward but noted that the alleged victim in the case – who originally told police that Massie had kicked her in the head repeatedly – had stated in the preliminary hearing last year that she couldn't remember what happened, testimony she gave again in the trial.

Judge Hedstrom had allowed in the previous statements about the assault in the case the woman was purposefully changing her testimony, said Krones.

The alleged victim also testified that she was under the influence of various substances, including alcohol, Krones said.

“It's difficult to establish to a jury what happened when the victim is there saying, 'I don't remember,'” Krones said.

Carter called witnesses including an individual who testified that the alleged victim was the one attacking Massie, and that the alleged victim yelled at Massie that she was going to make sure he went to jail before she reportedly threw herself on the ground.

The defense argued that the alleged victim caused injuries to herself, and that Massie was defending himself against an extremely intoxicated and enraged woman.

However, Krones said the alleged victim in the case had significant facial injuries – including a black eye and abrasions. “That was not something she would have received unless she was hit in some way,” Krones said.

Carter said the officer who arrested Massie and investigated the case – who was with the agency for seven months before the incident –is no longer employed by Clearlake Police Department, having left for reasons unrelated to this case.

Krones said she believed that, in the end, the jurors just couldn't get enough detail from the victim to make a conviction, and they couldn't base a verdict on her past statements.

In the domestic violence cases she handles, Krones said she sees a lot of victims who recant or say they can't remember.

“Depending on the situation, I cannot just drop a case like that because it's going to continue,” she said of the abuse.

If she drops a case and someone ends up getting hurt, the blame would likely come back on the District Attorney's Office, Krones said.

Krones added that the District Attorney's Office has to pursue cases that are best for the victims and society. But one of the goals, she added, is to get help for alleged offenders, including counseling.

“I take it to trial, I present what evidence I have to the jury and they decide, that's all I can do,” he said.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow Lake County News on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LakeCoNews and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-County-News/143156775604?ref=mf .