Lake County News,California

News

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Thursday, 24 August 2017 01:32; 24 August 2017

Clearlake City Council to consider future cannabis ordinances, hold abatement hearings

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council is set to consider what direction it wants to take regarding establishing ordinances for governing cannabis-related businesses in the city and also will hold a series of public hearings on abatement cases.

The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

City Manager Greg Folsom is asking the council to consider giving staff direction on creating commercial cannabis ordinances.

Folsom’s report to the council explains that there are new laws at the state level regarding the legalization of cannabis, as well as new regulations in place to make it a legitimate business.

He said the city has been approached by “multiple entities” about starting cannabis-related businesses in the city.

“Some of these businesses have the potential to generate significant revenues to the City, while generating few impacts on the City,” he wrote.

Folsom said the city can’t levy taxes on such businesses unless it goes to a vote in 2018, but said the city could require that such commercial enterprises have development agreements in place that would pay the city a portion of revenue.

He said the city’s marijuana ad hoc committee has met several times to discuss the issue and has made a number of recommendations, including that the council allow all of the types of commercial licenses inside the city, with the exception of the volatile solvent manufacturing.

Folsom is asking that the council offer direction, noting that staff can work with the ad hoc committee and the Clearlake Planning Commission to bring back recommended ordinances.

In other business on Thursday, the council will hold separate public hearings on abatement orders for properties at 16640 Sixth Ave., 3912 Fir Ave., 15326 22nd Ave. and 15901 21st Ave.

In a separate public hearing also, the council will consider assessing administrative penalties totaling $30,000 for failure to abate properties at 3965 Mullen Ave., 14390 Austin Road, 15240 Cass Ave., 3841 Manchester Ave., 5914 Mohican Place, 16293 33rd Ave., 16303 22nd Ave., 16116 33rd Ave., 16011 32nd Ave. and 15834 31st Ave.

Also on Thursday’s agenda is a presentation from District Attorney Don Anderson to local nonprofit organizations, a resolution approving the form of a preliminary official statement and bond purchase contract in connection to refunding the redevelopment successor agency’s long-term bonded indebtedness, a second amendment to the city’s employment services agreement with Folsom and a discussion of the 2017 League of California Cities annual conference resolutions.

On the meeting's consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are warrant registers, minutes of the July 27 and Aug. 10 meetings, and consideration of road abandonment for the Konocti County Water District.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 23 August 2017 03:45; 24 August 2017

Lake County Sheriff’s deputy dies following fight, crash Tuesday night

Lake County Deputy Sheriff Robert Rumfelt. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Authorities are investigating the Tuesday night death of a veteran Lake County Sheriff’s deputy following a fight with a domestic violence suspect and a vehicle crash in Lakeport.

Deputy Robert Rumfelt, 50, died at Sutter Lakeside Hospital where he had been transported following the wreck, according to Sheriff Brian Martin.

Rumfelt is the first sworn member of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to die in the line of duty in nearly four decades.

“Our hearts are saddened,” Sheriff Martin said, adding of Rumfelt, “He was a true friend to a lot of us. He was very well respected by his peers and everyone who knew him.”

Martin said Rumfelt was looked up to by deputies and sergeants alike.

“He will be sorely missed,” Martin said.

Sgt. Corey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that at 7:55 p.m. Tuesday Lakeport Police units were dispatched to the 900 block of Boggs Lane in Lakeport for a report of four to five subjects physically fighting, with one of the subjects running from the scene with blood on him.

Lake County Sheriff’s units responded to assist, arriving on scene within five minutes. Paulich said the deputies – who included Rumfelt – observed a large group in front of a residence on Healton Circle and saw a bloody subject run into the woods.

The sheriff’s deputies searched the area and located the male subject who was later identified as Alex Michael Castillo, 21, of Nice, Paulich said.

The deputies attempted to take Castillo into custody, but he physically resisted. Sheriff Martin said Rumfelt was involved in the altercation with Castillo.

Deputies deployed a Taser and were able to place Castillo under arrest for a domestic violence incident that was related to the original call. Paulich said Castillo also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for failing to appear in court related to a separate domestic violence charge.

Shortly after police and sheriff’s units cleared the scene, Rumfelt’s patrol SUV struck a tree on Hartley Street north of 20th Street, according to the sheriff’s office report.

District Attorney Don Anderson is leading the investigation into Rumfelt’s death under the auspices of the county’s critical incident protocol.

Anderson told Lake County News that it’s not yet known why Rumfelt lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the tree.

Anderson said Rumfelt, who was in the vehicle by himself, was not driving with lights and sirens or at high speed at the time of the crash.

Both Martin and Anderson said there are concerns that Rumfelt may have suffered an injury in the fight that led to him having the crash.

Anderson said he suspected that Rumfelt – who didn’t appear to have suffered serious injuries from the fight – also could have had a medical emergency such as a heart attack that resulted in the wreck.

However, Anderson – who spoke to Lake County News at about 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday – cautioned that the investigation is in its very early stages.

“We’re not going to know for sure until we have an autopsy,” he said.

Sheriff’s units on scene requested medical assistance for Rumfelt after the crash. Lakeport Fire Protection District units responded to the report of the officer-involved crash in the area Boggs Lane and Hartley Street just minutes after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to radio reports.

Lakeport Fire Chief Doug Hutchison said when he and his firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the patrol vehicle had hit a tree.

Shortly before 9 p.m., radio reports indicated firefighters were working to resuscitate Rumfelt.

REACH 6 was requested to respond to Sutter Lakeside Hospital, where Hutchinson said Rumfelt was transported.

Hutchison, who rode in the back of the ambulance with Rumfelt to the hospital, said the original plan had been to transport Rumfelt to an out-of-county trauma center.

However, Hutchison said the decision was made to instead treat Rumfelt at Sutter Lakeside Hospital due to the severity of his condition.

Martin said that despite the lifesaving efforts made by medics, Rumfelt was declared dead at Sutter Lakeside shortly after his arrival at the hospital.

Complex investigation under way

Early Wednesday, after the scene was cleared, Anderson said his investigators were at the jail to interview Castillo, and also were speaking with people at the original fight scene and the other deputy who responded along with Rumfelt to the fight call.

At that point, Anderson was at a hangar where his office was storing Rumfelt’s Ford SUV patrol vehicle so it can be processed as part of the investigation. He said the SUV sustained major front-end damage in the crash.

His office is being assisted in the investigation by the Lakeport Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.

Anderson said his team has been in contact with the CHP’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team, or MAIT, to get advice and suggestions on the inquiry. He said MAIT may help examine the patrol vehicle at some point, but the team’s involvement is yet to be determined.

The district attorney said the goal is to keep his investigation separate from the sheriff’s office in order to ensure there are no conflicts of interest – or even the appearance of a conflict.

“The sheriff’s office has a limited role,” Anderson said of the investigation. “They’re there to help if we need them.”

Martin agreed, explaining that they want to make sure there is a thorough and impartial investigation conducted.

“When it’s one of our own, it tends to be very emotional,” Martin said, noting that his deputies are processing their own emotions as a result of Rumfelt’s death.

“We’re going to leave the criminal investigation to the DA’s Office,” said Martin, explaining that work will include looking at criminal actions that contributed to the situation.

Additionally, Martin said the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has been asked to handle the coroner’s investigation aspect of the case.

Martin had been in Mount Shasta for a California State Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors meeting when he was notified of the incident involving Rumfelt.

He said the CHP flew him back to Lake County late Tuesday night.

Since arriving back in Lake County, Martin was able to speak to Rumfelt’s wife and one of his daughters, and other immediate family members.

Rumfelt was a lifelong resident of Lake County and a law enforcement veteran who came from a family known for its community service. His father, Bob Rumfelt, was a longtime member of the Lakeport City Council and former mayor who also worked for a time as a deputy sheriff.

Rob Rumfelt began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Lakeport Police Department in 1997, the sheriff’s office said.

He left the police department in 2006 to work as a private contractor overseas, where he conducted law enforcement training.

Rumfelt returned to Lake County and was hired as a deputy sheriff with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2014.

During his time with the sheriff’s office, Rumfelt was a firearms instructor, field training officer and mentor to many newer deputies.

Rumfelt also active in the community as an assistant football coach at Clear Lake High School.

He is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughters, Brittany and Nicole; sister, Amy; parents, Leslie and Robert “Bob” Rumfelt, and mother Juanita Dickson, the sheriff’s office reported.

Rumfelt’s death is the first in the line of duty for a sworn sheriff’s office employee in Lake County in 36 years and the fourth on-duty death in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s history.

Sheriff George Kemp in 1910, Deputy Sheriff William Hoyt in 1967 and Sgt. Richard Helbush in 1981 all gave their lives while in service to Lake County.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: Clearlake Police Department; Posted On Tuesday, 22 August 2017 22:00; 21 August 2017

Clearlake Police logs: Tuesday, Aug. 15

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017

00:41 SUSP CIRCS 1708150002
Occurred on Kabal, Clearlake. RP STATES SOMEONE WAS POUNDING ON HIS FRONT WINDOW DOES NOT HEAR THEM NOW. Disposition: Log Note Only.

00:53 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150003
Officer initiated activity at Villa Wy/Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake. Disposition: Warning (Cite/Verbal).

01:17 PATROL CHECK 1708150005
Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Creek, (Unknown Address), Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

01:44 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150007
Officer initiated activity at Highland Park, (Unknown Address), Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

01:44 PATROL CHECK 1708150008
Officer initiated activity at 7TH St, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

02:05 PATROL CHECK 1708150009
Officer initiated activity at El Grande, Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake. Disposition: Gone On Arrival.

02:34 PATROL CHECK 1708150012
Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

03:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150016
Occurred on Palmer Ave, Clearlake. DUE TO 602 SUBJ 594 RESD/RESD IS TO BE UNOCC. Disposition: Log Note Only.

03:19 PATROL CHECK 1708150017
Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Mall, Olympic Dr/Old Highway 53, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

04:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150020
Occurred on Redwood St, Clearlake. No one aloud in res/anyone contacted detain for 602 and contact rp. Disposition: Log Note Only.

04:46 PATROL CHECK 1708150021
Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

07:27 TRAFFIC COMPLAINT (SPEEDING, ETC) 1708150031
Officer initiated activity at Pomo Elementary School, Acacia, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

08:23 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150032
Occurred at PHILLIPS/39TH, Clearlake. Loose blk k9 running around into the roadway near the roadwork area. Disposition: Log Note Only.

08:24 MUSIC/DOGS/ETC 1708150033
Occurred at Walnut Grove on Smith Ln. , Clearlake. Ongoing issue with neighbors playing loud music. Disposition: Log Note Only.

08:26 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150034
Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. States was bit by a k9 over the weekend went to the hospital yesterday believes he knows where the k9s live. Disposition: Log Note Only.

08:54 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150035
Officer initiated activity at Uhl Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Counseled.

09:11 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150036
Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Behind rays in the turn out. Disposition: Warning (Cite/Verbal).

09:29 RESIDENTIAL ALARM 1708150037
Occurred on Lakeshore Dr, Clearlake. Aud living slider 2. Disposition: False Alarm.

09:43 DOMESTIC 1708150038
Occurred on 5TH St, Clearlake. MALE AND FEMALE YELLING FIGHTING WITH BOYFRIEND AND DISCONNECTED AFTER TRANSFER. Disposition: Log Note Only.

10:04 TRESPASS 1708150039
Occurred at McDonalds on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. TRANSIENT LOITERING ON THE PROPERTY FOR THE PAST HOUR WILL NOT LEAVE WOULD LIKE HIM REMOVED WMA NO SHIRT RED BACKPACK. Disposition: Counseled.

10:11 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150040
Occurred on 8TH St, Clearlake. SUBJS TOOK THE RED TAGGED THE SIGNS OFF THE RESD AND HAVE K9S RUNNING LOOSE IN THE ST. Disposition: Log Note Only.

10:16 FLAGGED DOWN 1708150042
Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

10:18 SUSP CIRCS 1708150043
Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. RP WAS CONFRONTED BY A MALE STATING THE VEH HE IS DRIVING IS STOLEN. Disposition: Log Note Only.

10:59 PETTY THEFT 1708150044
Occurred at Lower Lake High School on Lake. , Lower Lake. CELLPHONE. Disposition: Log Note Only.

11:38 AUTO THEFT 1708150046
Occurred at 32D Av/Pine Ave, Clearlake. WHI GMC YUKON WAS SITTING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS UNK WHEN WAS TAKEN. Disposition: Report Taken.

11:46 ANIMAL CONTROL CALL 1708150047
Occurred on Myrtle Ln, Clearlake. RESD BEHIND THE RP HAS SEVERAL VICIOUS K9'S AND ONE GOT OUT AND RAN OFF WITH THE RPS CAT. Disposition: Log Note Only.

12:12 PATROL CHECK 1708150048
Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Mall, Olympic Dr/Old Highway 53, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

12:27 SUSP CIRCS 1708150050
Occurred at Lakefront Apts on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. ON GOING ISSUE NEIGHBOR IN APT 1 KEEPS GOING INTO THE MAILBOXES. Disposition: Counseled.

12:33 PATROL CHECK 1708150051
Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

12:34 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150052
Occurred on Lakeview Way, Clearlake. VEH PARKED IN THE GRASS OF THE CHURCH. Disposition: Log Note Only.

12:46 SUSP CIRCS 1708150054
Occurred at Courthouse on South Center Dr. , Clearlake. WAS YELLING AT HER AT THE COURTHOUSE PARKING LOT THE MALE HAS A RO AGAINST THE RP AND SHE FEELS HE VIOLATED HIS OWN ORDER. Disposition: Report Taken.

12:49 EXTRA PATROL 1708150055
Occurred at Woodland Dr/Halika, Clearlake. TEENAGERS CONGREGATING AFTER GETTING OFF THE BUS EVERYDAY. Disposition: Log Note Only.

12:55 MISSING PERSON 1708150056
Occurred at Rays Food Place on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. TRANSIENT USUALLY BEHIND RAYS HAS NOT BEEN SEEN SINCE SATURDAY NIGHT. Disposition: Log Note Only.

13:42 TICKET SIGN OFF 1708150057
Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. TICKET SIGN OFF. Disposition: Log Note Only.

14:10 PATROL CHECK 1708150058
Officer initiated activity at ADAM/2ND, Lower Lake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

14:21 ANY CIVIL PROBLEM 1708150059
Occurred on Laddell Ave, Clearlake. LANDLORD TENANT ISSUES. Disposition: Log Note Only.

14:41 TRESPASS 1708150061
Occurred at McDonalds on Dam Rd. , Clearlake. Refusing to leave the property wfa blu tank top striped shorts / large group assoc w/ a green in a altercation. Disposition: Cited.

15:09 NON INJURY TC 1708150062
Occurred on 18TH Ave, Clearlake. HARLEY DAVIDSON INTO GOLD HONDA ALTA, MC RIDER ON THE GROUND. Disposition: Cited.

15:25 SUSP CIRCS 1708150063
Occurred at Time To Shop on Lakeshore Dr. , Clearlake. Male laying on the ground not responding when spoken to but is breathing. Disposition: Arrest Made.

17:31 TRAFFIC COMPLAINT (SPEEDING, ETC) 1708150064
Occurred at Pomo Rd/Taawina, Clearlake. ON THE BLIND HILL KIDS HAVE A RAMP SET UP AND RP IS AFRAID THAT JUVES WILL GET HIT. Disposition: Counseled.

17:42 ANY CIVIL PROBLEM 1708150065
Occurred at Olympic Village Apartments on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. IS AT THE RPS APARTMENT WAS DROPPED OFF BY HER SISTER IS DRINKING BEER AND HAS HX OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND DOES NOT WANT HER AT HIS APARTMENT ANY LONGER. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:06 PATROL CHECK 1708150066
Officer initiated activity at Burns Valley Mall, Olympic Dr/Old Highway 53, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:11 PATROL CHECK 1708150068
Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:24 PATROL CHECK 1708150069
Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:35 PATROL CHECK 1708150070
Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

18:40 RESIDENTIAL ALARM 1708150071
Occurred on 41ST Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: False Alarm.

18:49 FIGHT COLD INCLUDES COLD DV 1708150072
Occurred on Maple, Clearlake. Rp states her 17 yr old son is bipolar he is very angry and tearing up the house. Disposition: Log Note Only.

19:30 PATROL CHECK 1708150075
Officer initiated activity at Rays Food Place, Dam Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

19:45 911 WIRELESS HANGUP 1708150077
Occurred at Lakeview Terrace Apartments on Old Highway 53. , Clearlake. 2950953 nothing heard 32 meters not apt. Disposition: Log Note Only.

19:50 PATROL CHECK 1708150078
Officer initiated activity at Yuba College, Dam Road Ext, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

20:55 SUSP CIRCS 1708150080
Occurred at 18TH Av/Phillips Ave, Clearlake. Obstacles in the road from construction rp states he was almost in a head on collision because of them. Disposition: Log Note Only.

21:28 ASSIST OTHER AGENCY 1708150082
Occurred at 37TH Ave/Eureka Ave, Clearlake. Vehicle fire poss wildland fire 16 ft mh no plates. Disposition: Log Note Only.

22:00 PATROL CHECK 1708150083
Occurred on Burns Valley Rd, Clearlake. RP LIVES ALONE AND HAS BEEN HAVING THINGS MOVED OR PUT ON HER PROPERTY SHE IS ELDERLY AND LIVES ALONE. Disposition: Log Note Only.

22:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150084
Occurred on Redwood St, Clearlake. No one aloud in res/anyone contacted detain for 602 and contact rp. Disposition: Log Note Only.

22:10 PATROL CHECK 1708150085
Officer initiated activity at La Rosa Plaza, Hwy 53/OGULIN Canyon Rd, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

22:42 RESIDENTIAL ALARM 1708150087
Occurred on Eastlake Dr, Clearlake. SLIDING DOOR. Disposition: False Alarm.

22:50 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE 1708150088
Officer initiated activity at Redbud Park, Ballpark Ave, Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

22:59 FIGHT IN PROGRESS 1708150089
Officer initiated activity at 5TH St, Clearlake. Loud verbal. Disposition: Log Note Only.

23:00 EXTRA PATROL 1708150090
Occurred at Redbud Park on Ballpark Av. , Clearlake. PATROL THE PARK AND LOCK THE BATHROOMS /COP PROJECT. Disposition: Log Note Only.

23:15 FIGHT IN PROGRESS 1708150091
Occurred at Austin Park on N/A. , Clearlake. Hma blk tank top black shorts has numerous warrants is in the parking lot of the pd. Disposition: Arrest Made.

23:22 MUSIC/DOGS/ETC 1708150092
Occurred on Ridge Rd, Clearlake. Loud music. Disposition: Log Note Only.

23:48 ANY CIVIL PROBLEM 1708150093
Occurred at Clearlake Police Department on Olympic Dr. , Clearlake. Disposition: Log Note Only.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Thursday, 24 August 2017 01:30; 24 August 2017

Lake County Fair prepares to open Aug. 31; annual event celebrates ‘Boots N Bling’

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County’s premier end-of-summer event, the Lake County Fair, is set to open next week.

The fair traditionally occurs Labor Day weekend of each year at the fairgrounds in Lakeport.

This year’s dates are Thursday, Aug. 31, through Sunday, Sept. 3. The 2017 theme is “Boots N Bling.”

The Lake County Fair is one of Lake County’s favorite summertime events enjoyed by more than 36,000 people each year.

The fair features a variety of entertainment, food, exhibits, a carnival and livestock shows.

Local musicians can be found playing in several venues during just about any hour of the event.

Special features for the 2017 Fair include the Junior Livestock Auction and a huge aquarium stocked with local fish from Clear Lake.

Fairgoers can also expect appearances by a variety of musical acts and attractions on the Lake County News Stage and the Mediacom Gazebo Stage, a variety of maker demonstrations and walk on contests for the kids! Watch for the strolling entertainment and don’t forget the grandstand shows.

Fair buildings and grounds swell to bursting with the thousands of displays made, grown, or raised for entry by talented residents both young and young at heart.

The annual Junior Livestock Auction takes place on Saturday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Baldwin Pavilion.

Businesses and individuals are invited to bid on the prize-winning livestock raised and exhibited by local youth.

Various livestock species are displayed throughout the fair, including swine, beef, sheep, goat and horse exhibits from local 4-H and FFA exhibitors.

Small animals are represented as well, with chickens, turkeys, and rabbits, all residing in the barn areas.

A public safety area will feature displays from a variety of agencies. The area is located near the C Street entrance to the fairgrounds, and features displays from the California Highway Patrol, California Division of Forestry, the Clearlake Police Department and climbing demonstrations from K-Corp. There will be daily appearances by Smokey Bear.

A fair parade, the kickoff event for the fair, takes place beginning at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31. It’s open to all individuals, businesses and organizations.

It starts at Natural High in Lakeport, travels south on Main Street, and ends at the main gate to the fairgrounds.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be performed by grand marshals Ruth Stewart, Jane Alameda, Robert “Bob” Renker, Chuck Doty (posthumously), and Erica Illg, all directors of the Lake County Fair Foundation created in 2015. All of the grand marshals are all longtime fair supporters through a variety of volunteer work or participation at the fair or Junior Livestock Auction. Illg donated an animal to the Lake County Fair Foundation as a fundraiser in 2015.

Participants of the parade receive free admission to the fair upon arrival at the Jepson gate.

Go to www.lakecountyfair.com for parade entry forms or contact the fair office at 707-263-6181.

Regular admission prices for the fair are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6 through 11. Children under 6 years old are admitted free each day.

Parking is $9 per car, which benefits local Boy Scouts.

More fair information can be obtained at www.lakecountyfair.com or on Facebook.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Wednesday, 23 August 2017 03:39; 07 September 2017

Sept. 30 groundbreaking planned for wastewater system, home building effort in Anderson Springs

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED, WITH THE DATE CHANGED TO SEPT. 30.

ANDERSON SPRINGS, Calif. – A special event planned for next month will celebrate the start of building on the new wastewater system and the first in a group of new homes in the community of Anderson Springs, which was devastated in the 2015 Valley fire.

State Sen. Mike McGuire announced that the community meeting and official groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Anderson Springs Recreation Center, located off of Highway 175.

The public is invited to attend the free event. Refreshments will be served.

The residents of South Lake County have been hit hard by some of the worst wildland fire events in California history.

The Valley fire, the third worst in state history, displaced thousands of residents, destroyed 1,280 homes and caused $1.5 billion in damage.

Just one year later, the Clayton fire tore through the community of Lower Lake destroying 299 homes and buildings and caused millions in damage.

McGuire has been working hand-in-hand with representatives from the county of Lake and numerous state and federal agencies for nearly two years, and his efforts led to securing the funds for the wastewater system.

McGuire said the community meeting and groundbreaking will be focused on the $10.5 million wastewater collection system that will allow for 119 homes to be rebuilt in the community of Anderson Springs.

Hammers for Hope, the state of California’s nonprofit housing development partner, will be breaking ground on the first of a few dozen homes that will be rebuilt with millions from the State’s CalHome Fund.

CalHome loans are extremely low interest to no interest and will help residents rebuild their home, lost to the fires, and help them rebuild their lives.

“From the first night of the devastating Valley fire, we made a promise to rebuild South Lake County stronger than ever,” McGuire said. “We have been working with a tireless team from the County of Lake along with numerous state and federal agencies to secure millions in rebuilding funds which will get these improvement projects built. Sept. 30 will be a milestone day for the County and the hundreds of residents who have been waiting to rebuild in the community they love and call home.”

“The fires over the last two years hit this county hard and thanks to the leadership of Sen. McGuire and the collaboration between the county and state agencies, we have been able to make great progress on projects like Anderson Springs,” said Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown.

The many state and local leaders along with several businesses and nonprofits who helped bring these wildland fires under control, those who stepped up in the recovery process and those who are helping to rebuild Lake County stronger than ever will also be recognized during the event.

“It’s been a difficult two years and while progress has been made, we know there is a lot of work in front of us,” said McGuire. “That said, we invite the community to spend the morning of Sept. 9 to celebrate our shared progress and recognize those who have been instrumental with the extensive recovery and rebuilding efforts.”

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Tuesday, 22 August 2017 00:58; 22 August 2017

Fair Foundation directors named grand marshals for Lake County Fair

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Fair Foundation’s directors have been named the grand marshals of the 2017 Lake County Fair.

Foundation directors are Ruth Stewart, Jane Alameda, Chuck Doty (honored posthumously), Bob Renker and junior member at large, Erica Illg.

Foundation President Ruth Stewart, has been involved in the Lake County community since 1996. She bought Kelseyville Pharmacy in 2002 and later purchased Coyote Valley Pharmacy in Hidden Valley.

A generous supporter of many Lake County events and activities, Stewart has been a buyer at the Junior livestock auction and a sponsor of prizes and awards for the 4-H and FFA exhibitors. She a generously supports the Lake County Wine Alliance, the Wine Adventure and the Lake County Rodeo. She worked diligently to assist pharmacy customers during the recent Lake County fires.

Also honored is another founding member of the Lake County Fair Foundation, Chuck Doty, who died in March.

Doty was a vital part of Lake County since 1988, involved in many community groups over the years including the Lake County Land Trust, The Children's Museum of Art and Science, Soroptimist, founder of Lake County Business Outreach and Response Team and was on the committee to bring a university to Lake County.

He was a volunteer firefighter for several years, before becoming chief of the Lower Lake Volunteer Fire Department. He also was on the Board of Directors of the Lake County Fire Protection District.

Doty was very involved in the Lake County Fair and over the years implemented financial activities that greatly benefited the Junior Livestock Auction.

As a founding member of the Lake County Fair Foundation, he was instrumental in obtaining the volunteer services of a local contractor to assist in infrastructure improvements on the fairgrounds.

Another founding director of the Lake County Fair Foundation and longtime Lake County resident is Jane Alameda.

Alameda is very much involved in the community through many organizations such the Lake County Arts Council, Clearlake Horsemen’s Association, Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, Soper Reese Theatre and Tango Mike.

She has been involved with Lake County Fair since 1976 as a beef and sewing leader for her girls and held the position of livestock chairperson. She volunteered her time in the fair’s clothing and textile building for many years.

Robert “Bob” Renker is a strong supporter of Lake County and the Fair Foundation. A lifelong resident of Lake County, Renker is an Air Force veteran, a 22-year member of the Kelseyville Lions Club, a 24-year member of American Legion Post 194 and also belongs to the Lake County Farm Bureau.

Renker has supported our community through many outreach and fundraising programs. His children were raised in Lake County and were all participants of 4-H and FFA programs where they learned the importance of the agriculture industry. He also supports the fair through his exhibits and entries each year.

This year’s youngest honoree is Junior Director Erika Illg. In 2004 she came to Lake County, where she and her family have a medium-sized dairy and market goat hobby farm, as well as being a foster family for 26 children in the last four and a half years.

Illg and her family raise Nigerian, La Mancha’s and Boer goats and she will be a participant at this year’s fair.

She is a member of the American Dairy Goat Association and travels through the country showing her goats. She has been involved in 4-H since she was 7 years old. As her 4-H All-Star project, Illg bred, raised, then donated the first animal for auction with all proceeds, close to $9000, benefiting the Lake County Fair Foundation.

The annual Lake County Fair kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 31, with a parade up Main Street in Lakeport, followed at 6 p.m. by the opening ceremonies at the main entrance.

For more information visit www.lakecountyfair.com.

: Editor; Posted On Wednesday, 23 August 2017 22:00; 21 August 2017

Clearlake Marketing Committee seeks new members

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake is seeking members interested in applying for the marketing committee.

Fourth annual ‘Veterans Stand Down’ coming up in September

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The fourth annual Lake-Mendocino Homeless Veterans Stand Down/Veterans Resource Fair is coming this September.

The stand down, organized by Lake County Vet Connect, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, and Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport.

Free lunch will be served to all attendees.

The stand down/resource fair event last year at the fairgrounds hosted more than 200 veterans and offered a variety of services, assistance and information provided by more than 45 agencies and organizations.

This year's stand down will offer access to on-site medical services, enrollment in health care and supplemental nutrition programs, as well as other programs relating to educational, employment, and food resource issues that are important to our veterans.

Numerous Veterans Affairs resources will be onsite in addition to other federal, state, county and community organizations offering programs and avenues of assistance.

Organizers are again seeking volunteers to assist with the event. Volunteers will assist in capacities including helping to set up and tear down the venue, staging and issuing materials and supplies to Veterans, and preparing food.

United Veterans Council of Lake County is still seeking financial assistance for the purchase of additional material and supplies.

If you would like to donate financial assistance or volunteer to assist with this event, please contact Lake County Vet Connect Committee Chairman Frank Parker at 707-274-9512.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Tuesday, 22 August 2017 00:54; 22 August 2017

Clearlake Oaks man injured in Sunday motorcycle crash

CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – A Clearlake Oaks man was seriously injured in a motorcycle wreck on Sunday night.

Scott Oathout, 48, was involved in the crash, which occurred at 9:25 p.m. Sunday on New Long Valley Road north of Highway 20, according to the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office.

The CHP said Oathout was riding a 1989 Harley Davidson motorcycle southbound on New Long Valley Road at approximately 50 miles per hour.

Oathout approached a curve in the roadway and, for reasons that the CHP said are so far unknown, he lost control of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle went off of the roadway and hit a large dirt mound. The CHP said Oathout was thrown from the motorcycle, which subsequently overturned.

Oathout, who was using his safety equipment, suffered major injuries and was flown by an air ambulance to Kaiser Vacaville, the CHP said.

The CHP did not have an update on Oathout’s condition.

No drugs or alcohol are suspected to have contributed to the crash, which is being investigated by Officer Goldstein, the CHP said.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: Elizabeth Larson; Posted On Wednesday, 23 August 2017 15:34; 23 August 2017

Memorial service set for Lake County Sheriff’s deputy

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that the date has been set for a memorial service to honor a deputy who died in the line of duty on Tuesday.

Sgt. Corey Paulich said the memorial service for Deputy Rob Rumfelt will be held at Clear Lake High School’s Don Owens Stadium in Lakeport on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The service is scheduled to begin promptly at 10 a.m., Paulich said.

Rumfelt, 50, died on Tuesday night in Lakeport, as Lake County News has reported.

Authorities said Rumfelt and another deputy had been at the scene of a domestic violence call, backing up a Lakeport Police unit, and had taken a suspect into custody after a physical altercation.

After the arrest, police and deputies cleared the scene. It was then, as Rumfelt was driving away in his SUV patrol vehicle, that he hit a tree in the area of Hartley Street and Boggs Lane.

Rumfelt was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office reported.

The Lake County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation into Rumfelt’s death under the auspices of the county’s critical incident protocol.

On Wednesday the sheriff’s office said cards and condolences will be accepted at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 1220 Martin St., Lakeport, CA 95453.

For those wanting to make a donation to assist the Rumfelt family during this tragic time, a “Deputy Rob Rumfelt Memorial Fund” account has been opened at Umpqua Bank, located at 805 11th St. in Lakeport.

More details will be provided as the planning process progresses throughout the week, Paulich said.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

: l; Posted On Wednesday, 23 August 2017 03:39; 23 August 2017

Joe Louis Walker headlines Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Fest

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Music fans are in for a treat on Labor Day evening, Monday, Sept. 4, as one of the best blues bands in the country, headed by the veteran Joe Louis Walker, comes to the Tallman Hotel veranda for the annual Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Fest.

“With the Lake County Fair over and guests gone home, a little quality music in a relaxing outdoor setting is a great way to end the Labor Day weekend,” said Blue Wing owner Bernie Butcher.

The venue is the tree-shaded garden between the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Restaurant in Upper Lake.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts in the cool of the evening at 6:15 p.m. The price of admission ($50 plus tax) includes a gourmet barbeque dinner in addition to the music.

“We’ve been trying to get Joe Louis Walker to the Blue Wing Blues Fest for a number of years,” said Butcher. “The dates didn’t work last year, so we helped to sponsor a show at the Soper-Reese in Lakeport. Anyone who saw Walker tear up the place last year at the Soper-Reese won’t want to miss this one.”

Walker is a Blues Hall of Fame inductee who has toured extensively throughout his career.

He’s earned a legion of dedicated fans while performing at the world’s most renowned music festivals.

His latest album Everybody Wants A Piece cements his legacy as a prolific torchbearer for the blues.

Looking back on his rich history, Walker said, "I'd like to be known for the credibility of a lifetime of being true to my music and the blues. Sometimes I feel I've learned more from my failures than from my successes. But that's made me stronger and more adventurous and helped me to create my own style. I'd like to think that when someone puts on one of my records they would know from the first notes, 'That's Joe Louis Walker.'"

The Walker traveling band will be supplemented for this show by a horn section composed of veteran saxophone players Nancy Wright and Keith Crossan. “I’ve had a great time playing with Joe Louis Walker in the past,” says Nancy Wright, “and I’m delighted that he’s invited Keith and me to join his show at the Blue Wing.”

Opening for Walker will be a scaled down version of local blues harp master Pat Gleeson’s Clean Sweep Blues Band.

Joining Gleeson will be guitarist Mike Gymnaites with David Neft on keyboards. Keith Crossan will also join the group on sax.

Tickets for the Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Fest are limited to 100 only and may be purchased by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.

: Lake County News reports; Posted On Tuesday, 22 August 2017 00:37; 22 August 2017

Sheriff’s office warns community of new telephone scam

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities are warning of a new telephone scam targeting Lake County residents.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports from citizens who have received phone calls from a person claiming to be a sheriff’s office employee.

The caller advised the citizens that they have a warrant for their arrest for not appearing for a grand jury summons. The caller tells them that they are to pay the fine by putting money on a prepaid credit card and then report to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to be booked.

The phone number which was obtained from the caller ID of one citizen was called back and had a recording indicating it was the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division. This is not the phone number for any Lake County Sheriff’s Office phone line.

The sheriff’s office said this is a scam and it is not involved in this activity.

The agency urges anyone who receives such a call to not respond to the caller. Do not provide the caller with any personally identifying information, including your name, date of birth, address, Social Security card, bank information or credit card information.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating these reports of fraud. If you have any information concerning this, you may email your information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..