How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
News
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Lucerne man has been sentenced to prison for a 2016 carjacking and robbery case.
Judge Michael Lunas handed down the 12-year sentence to 33-year-old Jason Michael Arreaga on May 16, according to Deputy District Attorney Rachel Abelson.
Abelson said that on July 4, 2016, Arreaga and his codefendant in the case, Andrew Nicholas Azbill, 27, also of Lucerne, robbed and assaulted a man who Arreaga had met earlier in the day at a motel in Cloverdale, and also took the man’s car.
The victim discussed selling his car to Arreaga, who agreed to purchase it for cash and marijuana. Arreaga then asked for a ride to Lake County, Abelson said.
During that time, the investigation showed that Arreaga and Azbill were communicating about carjacking the man, she explained.
They later went to a location on Elk Mountain Road where they did drugs, then Arreaga and Azbill began beating the victim, Abelson said.
The victim ran away and, several hours later at about 6 a.m., he ended up at a campground. Abelson said the man was found covered with blood.
She said the victim was transported to an out-of-county hospital where he was treated for his injuries. He would require 30 staples in his head and has a finger that is permanently injured.
Law enforcement would get surveillance video that showed Azbill and Arreaga taking the victim’s property from the Cloverdale motel room. Abelson said those items later were found at Azbill’s home.
Both Azbill and Arreaga would be taken into custody. In Arreaga’s case, Abelson said he was arrested on July 18, 2016, when he was found in possession of drugs for sale and a firearm. At that time he was in the victim’s car, which hadn’t yet been entered into the stolen vehicle system.
Abelson said Arreaga and Azbill stood trial together on charges of attempted murder, carjacking and robbery.
The jury acquitted them of the attempted murder charge, and Azbill was found not guilty of carjacking. Abelson said Arreaga was convicted of carjacking, battery with great bodily injury and auto theft, and the jury also found he had a prior prison term for bringing drugs into jail in Humboldt County.
That Humboldt County case was for bringing drugs into the jail when Arreaga was being held for a 2014 double murder, as Lake County News has reported. Arreaga stood trial twice for those killings, with a hung jury at the first trial and an acquittal on the second.
Abelson said Arreaga also has four other previous prison terms for drug-related cases and for a 2013 case involving assault.
At the May 16 sentencing, Arreaga – who has remained in custody since his July 2016 arrest – lost his good conduct credits because of approximately 30 rule violations which included vandalism and “gassing” other inmates, Abelson said.
In explaining the gassing issues, Abelson cited the penal code which says “gassing” means “intentionally placing or throwing, or causing to be placed or thrown, upon the person of another, any human excrement or other bodily fluids or bodily substances or any mixture containing human excrement or other bodily fluids or bodily substances that results in actual contact with the person's skin or membranes.”
She said Arreaga was putting his feces in a container and then throwing the excrement on other inmates. It was a practice she said he continued while on short breaks from the jail’s version of solitary confinement.
He also was damaging jail property, including a restraint chair and using a mop to destroy jail sprinklers, she said.
“I’ve never had a judge take away that many credits,” Abelson said.
As of Wednesday, Abelson confirmed that Arreaga had been transported to the custody of the state prison system to begin serving his term.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Cemetery District will hold Memorial Day services to honor our veterans on Monday, May 28.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. on the cemetery grounds at 16357 Butts Canyon Road in Middletown.
Join them at the Mary Hardesty Building, on the top of the hill for the festivities and refreshments where parking is provided.
The ceremonies include colorful flowered wreaths made by the floral design class from the Middletown High School. The wreaths are presented in honor of our veterans who have given so much to our country.
Commander Rich Feiro and Sergeant of the Guard Larry Mick from the Lake County Military Honors Team will begin the ceremonies and veteran Bill Vann will do the church calling and “Taps.” Veteran Chaplin Charles Schreiber will do the Invocation. The Lake County Military Honors Team will perform the 21 gun salute. They will be ushered in by the Patriot Guard Riders.
The 4-H club is in charge of the flag ceremony. Girl Scouts Troop No. 10676 with leader Jennifer Popovich will help with wreath placement and programs, and will place the flags on the 206 veterans’ graves with the assistance of Brownies Troop No. 10907.
District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon, who also serves as tribal chair of the Middletown Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, will be the guest speaker and will read the names of the veterans buried in the Middletown Cemetery and the names of the veterans buried at Middletown Rancheria.
Linda Diehl Darms, vice chair of the Middletown Cemetery District, will act as mistress of ceremonies. The benediction will be given by Voris Brumfield, president of the Lake COunty Historical Society. David Neft will provide the sound and keyboard accompanying Kathleen Escude vocalist. The Lion’s Club faithfully provides the chairs and helps with many set up items on this special day.
The community is invited to join this important event to honor our veterans and enjoy refreshments after the services in the Mary Hardesty Building.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. on the cemetery grounds at 16357 Butts Canyon Road in Middletown.
Join them at the Mary Hardesty Building, on the top of the hill for the festivities and refreshments where parking is provided.
The ceremonies include colorful flowered wreaths made by the floral design class from the Middletown High School. The wreaths are presented in honor of our veterans who have given so much to our country.
Commander Rich Feiro and Sergeant of the Guard Larry Mick from the Lake County Military Honors Team will begin the ceremonies and veteran Bill Vann will do the church calling and “Taps.” Veteran Chaplin Charles Schreiber will do the Invocation. The Lake County Military Honors Team will perform the 21 gun salute. They will be ushered in by the Patriot Guard Riders.
The 4-H club is in charge of the flag ceremony. Girl Scouts Troop No. 10676 with leader Jennifer Popovich will help with wreath placement and programs, and will place the flags on the 206 veterans’ graves with the assistance of Brownies Troop No. 10907.
District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon, who also serves as tribal chair of the Middletown Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, will be the guest speaker and will read the names of the veterans buried in the Middletown Cemetery and the names of the veterans buried at Middletown Rancheria.
Linda Diehl Darms, vice chair of the Middletown Cemetery District, will act as mistress of ceremonies. The benediction will be given by Voris Brumfield, president of the Lake COunty Historical Society. David Neft will provide the sound and keyboard accompanying Kathleen Escude vocalist. The Lion’s Club faithfully provides the chairs and helps with many set up items on this special day.
The community is invited to join this important event to honor our veterans and enjoy refreshments after the services in the Mary Hardesty Building.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office will conduct a driving under the influence and driver license safety checkpoint on Sunday, May 27, somewhere within the unincorporated area of Lake County.
The goal of the CHP is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated or unlicensed drivers.
A sobriety/driver license checkpoint is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.
Vehicles will be checked for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving unlicensed.
The objective is to send a clear message to those individuals that consider driving and mixing alcohol or drugs, or driving when unlicensed, that you will be caught and your vehicle will be towed away.
Funding for this program was provided from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The goal of the CHP is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated or unlicensed drivers.
A sobriety/driver license checkpoint is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.
Vehicles will be checked for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving unlicensed.
The objective is to send a clear message to those individuals that consider driving and mixing alcohol or drugs, or driving when unlicensed, that you will be caught and your vehicle will be towed away.
Funding for this program was provided from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit is currently conducting defensible space inspections throughout the counties of Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Solano, Yolo and Colusa.
Defensible space inspectors will be visiting homes to educate residents and inspect structures for compliance with the defensible space requirements found in California Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291.
Cal Fire is seeking the community’s cooperation in defending homes from damaging wildfires. Failure to comply with PRC 4291 may result in a citation.
Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief Shana Jones reminds residents that “creating and maintaining a defensible space is critical for the protection of their home.”
PRC 4291 requires homeowners living in State Responsibility Area to maintain 100 feet of Defensible Space around structures.
Here are some tips that can help homes survive wildfires:
– Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around all structures.
– Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves, and rain gutters.
– Trim branches 6 feet up from the ground.
– Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m.
– Landscape with fire resistant and drought tolerant plants that require little water.
– Remove branches away from roofs and 10 feet from the chimney.
– Keep wood piles and flammable materials at least 30 feet from the home.
– Use fire ignition resistant building material.
For more information, visit the Cal Fire Web site at www.fire.ca.gov.
Defensible space inspectors will be visiting homes to educate residents and inspect structures for compliance with the defensible space requirements found in California Public Resources Code (PRC) 4291.
Cal Fire is seeking the community’s cooperation in defending homes from damaging wildfires. Failure to comply with PRC 4291 may result in a citation.
Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit Chief Shana Jones reminds residents that “creating and maintaining a defensible space is critical for the protection of their home.”
PRC 4291 requires homeowners living in State Responsibility Area to maintain 100 feet of Defensible Space around structures.
Here are some tips that can help homes survive wildfires:
– Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around all structures.
– Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves, and rain gutters.
– Trim branches 6 feet up from the ground.
– Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m.
– Landscape with fire resistant and drought tolerant plants that require little water.
– Remove branches away from roofs and 10 feet from the chimney.
– Keep wood piles and flammable materials at least 30 feet from the home.
– Use fire ignition resistant building material.
For more information, visit the Cal Fire Web site at www.fire.ca.gov.
MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Summer is here and visitors are ready to travel to the mountains for the Memorial Day weekend.
The Mendocino National Forest offers nearly one million acres to explore, camp, hike, fish and ride off-highway vehicles.
This is the only forest in California not crossed by a paved road or highway. Forest Highway 7 is passable from Stonyford to Covelo.
On the Grindstone District, the water is on at Letts Lake and Mill Valley campgrounds. The fee is $12.00 at Letts Lake and campsites may be full by Friday evening.
At Red Bluff, campsites may be full by Saturday evening. Camp Discovery will have a special use permit; Woodflock will be coming to Camp Discovery Thursday, May 24.
On the Upper Lake District, travelers can drive to these Yolla Bolly Wilderness trailheads: Foster Glade, Rock Cabin, Smokehouse, Soldier Ridge, and upper and lower Traveler’s Home. High clearance vehicles are required to reach Howard Lake and Howard Meadow campgrounds.
When venturing into the forest’s more remote areas, visitors will likely have the road or trail to themselves. Along with the tranquility and solitude that visitors may experience, it’s important to remember that cell phone coverage is not reliable in some areas of the forest.
Expect the unexpected. One of the great attractions of this forest is the potential to observe animals such as black bears, turkeys and deer in their natural setting. While hiking, make noise to avoid surprising a bear. In the camping area, store food and equipment so that they won’t invite loss or damage by wildlife.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides important information about safety around wildlife. Please see https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/ .
To prepare for a trip to the Mendocino, tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you are returning. Carry emergency equipment and appropriate maps in your vehicle and remember that food, gas, and lodging are not available on the forest road network or within forest boundaries.
Know the weather forecast before heading out and be aware that conditions may change suddenly in the high country. During the summer months, there is the potential for daily thunderstorms, lightning and rain. If you hear thunder and see lightning, seek shelter.
There are a few road closures in effect and hazards such as falling trees, washouts and debris may exist. Do not ignore caution signs or go around road barriers. Know which roads are closed by checking the forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/landmanagement/?cid=FSEPRD542661.
Remember, fireworks are always prohibited on national forest lands. Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves outside designated recreation sites. Permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/.
Follow these campfire guidelines:
– Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions.
– Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
– Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
– Never leave your campfire unattended.
– Never build a campfire on a windy day.
– To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making
sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.
– Every campfire will be put dead out before leaving it.
Mendocino National Forest offices will be closed Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Also, the Stonyford office will be closed Tuesday, May 29. Forest officials wish the public a safe and enjoyable weekend.
For more information, please call the ranger district office nearest your destination or check the forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino/.
The Mendocino National Forest offers nearly one million acres to explore, camp, hike, fish and ride off-highway vehicles.
This is the only forest in California not crossed by a paved road or highway. Forest Highway 7 is passable from Stonyford to Covelo.
On the Grindstone District, the water is on at Letts Lake and Mill Valley campgrounds. The fee is $12.00 at Letts Lake and campsites may be full by Friday evening.
At Red Bluff, campsites may be full by Saturday evening. Camp Discovery will have a special use permit; Woodflock will be coming to Camp Discovery Thursday, May 24.
On the Upper Lake District, travelers can drive to these Yolla Bolly Wilderness trailheads: Foster Glade, Rock Cabin, Smokehouse, Soldier Ridge, and upper and lower Traveler’s Home. High clearance vehicles are required to reach Howard Lake and Howard Meadow campgrounds.
When venturing into the forest’s more remote areas, visitors will likely have the road or trail to themselves. Along with the tranquility and solitude that visitors may experience, it’s important to remember that cell phone coverage is not reliable in some areas of the forest.
Expect the unexpected. One of the great attractions of this forest is the potential to observe animals such as black bears, turkeys and deer in their natural setting. While hiking, make noise to avoid surprising a bear. In the camping area, store food and equipment so that they won’t invite loss or damage by wildlife.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides important information about safety around wildlife. Please see https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/ .
To prepare for a trip to the Mendocino, tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you are returning. Carry emergency equipment and appropriate maps in your vehicle and remember that food, gas, and lodging are not available on the forest road network or within forest boundaries.
Know the weather forecast before heading out and be aware that conditions may change suddenly in the high country. During the summer months, there is the potential for daily thunderstorms, lightning and rain. If you hear thunder and see lightning, seek shelter.
There are a few road closures in effect and hazards such as falling trees, washouts and debris may exist. Do not ignore caution signs or go around road barriers. Know which roads are closed by checking the forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/landmanagement/?cid=FSEPRD542661.
Remember, fireworks are always prohibited on national forest lands. Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves outside designated recreation sites. Permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/.
Follow these campfire guidelines:
– Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions.
– Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
– Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
– Never leave your campfire unattended.
– Never build a campfire on a windy day.
– To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making
sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.
– Every campfire will be put dead out before leaving it.
Mendocino National Forest offices will be closed Monday, May 28, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Also, the Stonyford office will be closed Tuesday, May 29. Forest officials wish the public a safe and enjoyable weekend.
For more information, please call the ranger district office nearest your destination or check the forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino/.
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – On Sunday, the Lower Lake Community Action Group is sponsoring its annual Lower Lake Daze Memorial Day parade and celebration.
“It’s been a part of Lower Lake history for 50 years,” said Lower Lake Community Action Group President Mike Dean.
Lake County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Charlie Diener will be the grand marshall of the parade.
Being a fireman is in Diener’s blood as his father, Bill Diener, was the fire chief of Lower Lake Fire District in 1963, the year Charlie was born.
As a volunteer and paid fireman for 36 years, Battalion Chief Diener will continue to volunteer long after he retires in 2019.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. and continues until noon.
Also in the parade will be pets, dancing horses (FFA members Pooper Scoopers will be right behind the horses), Clear Lake Car Club, a Mariachi band, the Military and a Colour Guard to honor the militaries’ fallen heroes.
Dean said the most unusual pets that he remembers being in the parade in years past were a “miniature pot belly pig and a very big snake!”
After the parade at noon, there will be an old time barbecue at the Russell Rustici Community Park, located behind the Brick Hall, Main Street and Mill.
Parade awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m. in the park. So come to win.
Live music of Tattooed Cherries will play at the park, where vendor booths will also be located.
In a community effort, Lower Lake High School students will help with the parade and food.
Lakeshore Lions Club is providing spirits and the Clearlake Car Club will stage their cars by the Fire Department for the public to enjoy.
Proceeds benefit the Lower Lake schools and community.
Lucy Llewellyn Byard is a correspondent for Lake County News. She lives in Lucerne.
“It’s been a part of Lower Lake history for 50 years,” said Lower Lake Community Action Group President Mike Dean.
Lake County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Charlie Diener will be the grand marshall of the parade.
Being a fireman is in Diener’s blood as his father, Bill Diener, was the fire chief of Lower Lake Fire District in 1963, the year Charlie was born.
As a volunteer and paid fireman for 36 years, Battalion Chief Diener will continue to volunteer long after he retires in 2019.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. and continues until noon.
Also in the parade will be pets, dancing horses (FFA members Pooper Scoopers will be right behind the horses), Clear Lake Car Club, a Mariachi band, the Military and a Colour Guard to honor the militaries’ fallen heroes.
Dean said the most unusual pets that he remembers being in the parade in years past were a “miniature pot belly pig and a very big snake!”
After the parade at noon, there will be an old time barbecue at the Russell Rustici Community Park, located behind the Brick Hall, Main Street and Mill.
Parade awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m. in the park. So come to win.
Live music of Tattooed Cherries will play at the park, where vendor booths will also be located.
In a community effort, Lower Lake High School students will help with the parade and food.
Lakeshore Lions Club is providing spirits and the Clearlake Car Club will stage their cars by the Fire Department for the public to enjoy.
Proceeds benefit the Lower Lake schools and community.
Lucy Llewellyn Byard is a correspondent for Lake County News. She lives in Lucerne.