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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Wildlife officers have uncovered what is likely the largest raptor poaching case in known California history, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported.

Wildlife officers assigned to Lassen County received an anonymous tip from someone who reportedly witnessed a man killing a hawk near the town of Standish, according to CDFW.

Officials said the local wildlife officer conducted surveillance, then visited the private property and discovered nine dead raptors, which was enough evidence to obtain a search warrant.

He returned on March 11 with additional officers and a CDFW K-9. A search of the 80-acre property led to the discovery of an extraordinary number of raptor carcasses, other dead birds and wildlife and spent rifle casings indicating more than 140 potential state and/or federal violations, the agency said.

In addition to the original nine birds, they found 126 dead raptors, all in various states of decay. Most of the birds were red tail hawks, but at least one dead owl was found, as well as an uncommon migratory ferruginous hawk. CDFW said officers also located two dead bobcats, one taxidermied mountain lion and other nongame birds, all suspected to be unlawfully taken.

Property owner Richard Parker, 67, was booked into Lassen County jail on multiple charges including take of birds of prey, take of migratory nongame birds as designated by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, take of other nongame birds, and possession of wildlife unlawfully taken. Additional charges may be added as the investigation proceeds, CDFW said.

Staff at CDFW's Wildlife Investigations Laboratory in Rancho Cordova are working to positively identify the species of all of the birds.

As the top bird predators in the food chain, raptors serve an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent and small mammal populations. However, they are also particularly susceptible to environmental stressors such as drought and habitat loss. For these reasons, biologists refer to them as an indicator species.

Standish is located near Honey Lake and the Honey Lake Wildlife Area, with habitat that supports a rich diversity and quantity of wildlife. The sheer number of birds poached on the 80-acre property will undoubtedly affect the raptor population in the immediate area, CDFW said.

"Poaching crimes of this egregious nature against raptors is unprecedented in California," said David Bess, CDFW deputy director and chief of the Law Enforcement Division. "The local raptor population may take years to recover from these killings."

Each potential violation is a misdemeanor poaching crime at the state level, with maximum penalties of six months in jail and up to a $5,000 fine per each raptor.

An unlawfully taken mountain lion could result in up to a $10,000 penalty. Each potential federal crime could result in additional penalties.

NICE, Calif. – A local tribal leader on Wednesday made the formal announcement of his candidacy for District 3 supervisor.

E.J. Crandell, tribal chair since 2014 of Robinson Rancheria, said he is joining the race.

Crandell said he firmed up his decision to run for the District 3 seat on the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Friday, March 9.

The primary election is June 5.

Incumbent Supervisor Jim Steele is not running for reelection.

Businesswoman Denise Loustalot previously announced her candidacy for the District 3 seat in February, as Lake County News has reported.

“With the news that Supervisor Jim Steele will not seek reelection, I respectfully ask the people of Lake County’s Third District to consider my qualifications and background to serve as their next representative on the county Board of Supervisors,” Crandell said.

Known as “E.J.,” Crandell is a long-time resident of District 3 with ancestral ties to Lake County. He attended Lucerne Elementary and Upper Lake High, where his son is currently enrolled, playing high school football and baseball. He’s volunteered his time coaching both sports.

After graduating high school Crandell served his country in the United States Army as a phase team sergeant. He was deployed to Qayyarah West, Iraq, in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the “Screaming Eagles” of the 101st Aviation Airborne Division. He served eight years and was honorably discharged in 2006.

“My roots run very deep, I am firmly committed to the well being of our District 3 communities and the county,” he said. “I grew up in this district and am intimately familiar with the hopes and dreams of many of the people who make their homes in the largest of all five districts in the county.”

There are five distinct towns – Upper Lake, Nice, Lucerne, Glen Haven and Clearlake Oaks – that line the North Shore as well as the three off-highway communities of Spring Valley, Lake Pillsbury and Blue Lakes.

“It’s a big job, something I’ve come to more fully appreciate while serving as Lake County’s planning commissioner for District 3,” Crandell said.

“I have a sound grasp of the land use issues that are such an important part of our future. There’s so much to consider – from the management of cannabis, to zoning requirements that impact our ancient and beautiful lake, to the neighborhood protections so vital to our children and the elderly – proper land use decisions are imperative to our quality of life,” he said.

“The experience I gained as planning commissioner will give depth to understanding issues in front of the Board of Supervisors,” he added.

As tribal chair of the Robinson Band of Pomo Indians, Crandell brings a unique experience and skill set to the table. He’s had the rare experience of observing and working in both tribal and local governments.

“There are differences and nuances to consider. Most importantly, it is through positive working relationships that the tough work gets done. If I am elected, my relationships with local leaders will serve the community well. Working closely with County leaders on inter-governmental relations, I have supported activities that benefit the broader community. My leadership approach is inclusive, every voice matters and no effort is too small,” he said.

A big fan of nonprofit organizations, Crandell said, “Volunteer organizations are worth their weight in gold, it’s important to support them whenever possible. Recently we hosted two new non-profits, 100 Women Strong and the first annual Senior Summit.”

His leadership skills have been tested in a unique way. “One of my proudest moments as tribal chair was our decision to reenroll members who were cast out under prior council leadership. This was a long journey of meetings and discussions with a fair and just outcome,” he said.

Also under his leadership the Robinson Rancheria tribe paid $4,158,265 in debt due to prior mismanagement. Currently, he supervises a workforce of 355 employees, a mix of tribal and non-tribal members. “The need for jobs in our impoverished communities is great and I am proud we can provide opportunities,” he said.

His priorities have been shaped by the teachings of a sacrosanct model that respects the wisdom of the generations that came before and looks with vision several generations ahead.

“As supervisor, my priorities and actions will be guided by the responsibility we bear as citizens to take care of the most vulnerable in our communities while ensuring a sustainable economic framework to meet those responsibilities,” Crandell said.

Crandell believes the unused buildings and ample natural resources along the heavily traveled Northshore highway are the path to more vibrant and healthy communities. “One of my priorities will be to work towards friendlier leasing and building terms to open the door to more businesses and tap the entrepreneurial spirit of our communities,” he said. “Revitalizing Lake County as a destination economy is key to our success.”

Clear Lake will be a focus for Crandell. As a longtime resident of the county and Pomo native, the lake has a unique value to him. “With sadness I have watched neglectful land practices that have harmed our lake and ultimately factored heavily in our economic instability,” he said.

“We can’t afford to dismiss the importance of the lake to our economic recovery. Thanks to the recent efforts of Supervisor Steele and other leaders there is hope. I will monitor carefully the promise of new money that has been made by our legislators and State Agency representatives as well as the implementation of management practices so vital to the lake’s recovery,” he said.

Another key area of focus is Lake County’s fire prone landscape. “Continuing the work of Supervisor Steele, I’ll be working closely with local fire districts to identify resources and implement methods to make our communities more fire resistant. I am also going to make it a priority to follow up on the hard lessons of the terrible fire years we’ve experienced. It is vital to ensure our emergency planning is up to date and that all residents have access to important, potentially life-saving information,” he said.

Crandell earned an AA degree in 2004 from American Intercontinental University. He is a few units shy of achieving a BA degree and plans to squeeze in the time to complete his degree.

To help launch his campaign, Crandell has formed a diverse, talented and dedicated committee of friends and family.

A campaign kick-off event is scheduled for April 8; details will soon follow.

In the meantime the community is invited to meet Crandell at the Elders Native Craft Fair on Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Robinson Rancheria Conference Center, 1545 E. Highway 20, in Nice.

“There is much work to be done and I welcome your ideas and support,” Crandell said. “Drop by on Saturday, if you can, I’d love to meet you.”

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Sen. Mike McGuire’s bipartisan legislation to extend the sunset date and adjust the amount of property damage and fire suppression costs associated with an aggravated arson charge passed a key committee in the State Legislature on Tuesday.

McGuire introduced SB 896 in January.

McGuire’s office said there are three possible ways to be convicted of aggravated arson: Any prior arson convictions within the last 10 years; damage or destruction of five or more inhabited structures; or damage and other losses and fire suppression costs in excess of $7 million.

The Legislative Counsel’s Digest explains that, beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, existing law deletes the aggravating factor of property damage and other losses in excess of $7 million from the definition of aggravated arson.

McGuire’s bill would extend until Jan. 1, 2024, the aggravating factor of property damage and would increase the threshold of property damage and other losses to $7.3 million.

On Tuesday, the bill passed the Senate Public Safety committee with a 7-0 vote.

The bipartisan legislation is co-authored by State Senators Bill Dodd, Ted Gaines and Tom Berryhill, and members of the Assembly, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Marc Levine and Jim Wood.

“An aggravated arson charge is reserved for the worst of the worst – arsonists who exhibit specific intent to inflict damage to their communities or who are a continuing threat to society. We need to ensure this important law remains in place in order to protect our communities and first responders in this new normal we’re all facing,” McGuire said.

The legislation could have special importance for Lake County, which has suffered from several major wildland fires since the summer of 2015.

One of the worst and most destructive, the August 2016 Clayton fire, burned 3,929 acres and 300 structures – 189 of them homes – in the Lower Lake area.

Suppression costs on the Clayton fire were estimated at more than $18.5 million, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire arrested Clearlake resident Damin Anthony Pashilk, 42, and charged him with setting the Clayton fire, as well as 16 others blazes or attempted starts around Clearlake, Clearlake Oaks, Lower Lake and Middletown between July 2015 and August 2016.

The Lake County District Attorney’s Office has charged Pashilk with nearly two dozen felonies, including 19 felony counts of arson with special allegations of causing multiple structures to burn and committing a crime in a disaster area, and misdemeanor charges related to methamphetamine possession. Among the charges filed against Pashilk is aggravated arson.

Lt. Norm Taylor of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Tiffany Matthews with the California District Attorneys Association provided supporting testimony at Tuesday’s hearing on the bill.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff, who is prosecuting Pashilk’s case, said he was called by the California District Attorneys Association about three weeks ago and asked if he would write a letter in support of the legislation, which he did.

In his letter, Hinchcliff said the law would affect cases like Pashilk’s.

Pashilk’s case has had numerous delays, in part due to what Hinchcliff has explained is its extremely complex nature.

Another delay was that Pashilk’s appointed defense attorney, J. David Markham, was sworn in last month as Lake County’s newest Superior Court judge. Hinchcliff said the case has now been assigned to defense attorney Mitchell Hauptman of Lakeport.

Hinchcliff said Pashilk’s case has been set for preliminary hearing on June 6.

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, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department on Tuesday executed a search warrant at the home of a convicted felon and sex offender, finding a cache of weapons that included AR-15 semiautomatic rifles and a machine gun.

Sgt. Rodd Joseph said the search warrant was served at the home of 53-year-old Robert David Cooper early Tuesday.

Joseph reported that on Monday the Clearlake Police Department was contacted by officers with the Fresno Police Department, who reported that they had arrested Cooper for numerous firearm violations.

Cooper is a convicted felon and a registered sex offender and may not lawfully possess firearms or ammunition, Joseph said.

The Fresno Police Department officers had obtained information that Cooper had additional firearms and ammunition concealed in hidden compartments in his Clearlake home, according to Joseph.

With that information from Fresno Police, Joseph said Clearlake Police Det. Ryan Peterson was able to obtain a search warrant which was endorsed for night service.

On Tuesday just before 1:15 a.m. Clearlake Police officers, along with a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy, served the search warrant on Cooper’s residence located in the 16100 block of 36th Avenue in Clearlake, Joseph said.

Joseph said that during service of the search warrant a number of illegal weapons, ammunition and narcotics were located. Most of the weapons and ammunition located were found in hidden compartments within the home, corroborating the information obtained from the Fresno Police officers.

Some of the weapons located and seized include three handguns, an automatic “Uzi-style” machine gun, two AR-15 semiautomatic rifles, a large number of high capacity magazines for both the rifles and handguns, a Taser, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a small amount of methamphetamine, according to Joseph’s report.

Since Cooper is in custody in Fresno County, numerous felony charges will be filed with the Lake County District Attorney’s Office, Joseph said.

Joseph said the Clearlake Police Department is committed to removing illegal firearms and weapons from those who may not possess them.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that a man convicted of an attempted armed robbery in Lakeport is due to be paroled this week.

Lt. Corey Paulich said the sheriff’s office recently received notice from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation that Lonny Teter Jr., 73, originally from Lakeport, is being paroled back to Lake County on Wednesday.

In 2013 Teter was arrested when he attempted to rob a Lakeport business. Teter, who was armed with a knife and handgun, was subdued by the victim and a good Samaritan, Paulich said.

At that time, Teter stated he came to the store to rob it and use his gun to scare people into giving him their money. He also said he planned to shoot any law enforcement that tried to stop him, according to Paulich’s report.

Teter eventually pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and assault with a firearm, as Lake County News has reported.

He was sentenced to six years in prison. Because the robbery was a violent felony, Paulich siad Teter had to serve 85 percent of the sentence.

It is unknown at this point where in Lake County Teter will be paroled, Paulich said.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Police arrested a Clearlake man last week after finding him in possession of weapons that he is prohibited to have because of being on parole for sex-related offenses.

Clifford Merle Cutrell, 47, was taken into custody on the night of Tuesday, March 6, according to Sgt. Tim Hobbs.

Hobbs said that just before 11 p.m. March 6 Clearlake Police Sgt. Rodd Joseph observed a male subject acting suspicious in the Mormon Church parking lot located at 14972 Lakeview Way.

Sgt. Joseph contacted the subject and found he was armed with an illegal police style expandable baton. Hobbs said the subject was identified as Cutrell.

Cutrell is on state parole for sex-related offenses and is a convicted sex offender, Hobbs said.

Hobbs said Cutrell was acting extremely nervous and making claims that he was being chased by subjects with a gun. Joseph then placed Cutrell into handcuffs.

Once Cutrell was secured in Sgt. Joseph’s patrol car, Joseph went to the area where Cutrell had just been standing. There, Hobbs said Joseph located a loaded handgun on the ground where Cutrell had just been.

There was no evidence to support Cutrell’s claim of being chased by someone with a firearm, Hobbs said.

Cutrell was charged with the felony violations of possession of a police baton, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm in public, possession of a firearm with a prior violent offense conviction, armed while committing a felony and parole violation, and booked into the Lake County Jail, according to Hobbs.

Lake County Jail booking records showed that Cutrell remained in custody on Wednesday, with a no-bail hold in place due to the parole violation.

His booking sheet shows he is tentatively scheduled to appear in court on March 26.