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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A routine Monday night traffic stop led to the arrest of a Northshore man who authorities say was responsible for a Sunday hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a girl in Lucerne.
Andrew James Gravlee, 27, of Nice was arrested following the stop in which he was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a woman arrested for driving under the influence and other drug-related charges, according to the California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake Area office.
On Wednesday Gravlee was arraigned in Lake County Superior Court and is set to return for further proceedings next week, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.
Based on an investigation that includes eyewitness accounts, authorities believe that it was Gravlee who was at the wheel of a 2015 GMC U-Haul pickup that hit a 2002 Honda Accord parked on the side of Highway 20 in Lucerne on Sunday afternoon.
The crash caused the Honda to roll forward and hit a San Jose girl who was standing on the side of the highway directly in front of the car, the CHP said.
The driver of the U-Haul then fled the scene, dumping the pickup – still filled with appliances and furniture – on a dirt road in the hills above Lucerne, according to the CHP.
The pickup was found Sunday evening following a search that included several CHP units on the ground along with a CHP helicopter that searched the hillsides, as Lake County News has reported.
Officials did not have an update on Wednesday on the condition of the girl, who was flown to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland with major injuries that included both of her legs being broken.
CHP Officer Joe Wind said that, based on the investigation, officers developed information that led them to make Gravlee a person of interest in the crash.
However, while investigators were attempting to locate him, it was another officer out on routine patrol who would help take Gravlee into custody, said Wind.
“How it came about was just awesome,” said Wind.
CHP Officer John Geer had just returned from an Explorer competition out of county. When he came on shift on Monday, he didn't know what had been happening on the prior shift, Wind said.
Wind said Geer was out on patrol when he spotted a vehicle – as it happened, a 1998 Honda Accord – without a front license plate in the area of Pomo Pumps on Highway 20 east of Upper Lake.
Geer pulled the Honda over as part of a normal enforcement stop, according to Wind.
During the enforcement stop, Geer noticed the female driver, Talia-Alene Elizabeth Correia, 26, of Nice appeared to be under the influence, Wind said.
At the same time, Wind said CHP Dispatch told Geer that Gravlee, riding as Correia's passenger, was a person of interest in the Sunday crash.
“We had developed some potential leads,” Wind explained.
Officer Mark Crutcher, who has been leading the investigation into the crash, was off duty at that point. However, Wind said Crutcher was called back to duty because of Geer locating Gravlee.
Once he was back on duty, Crutcher would arrest Gravlee on charges related to the crash shortly before 10 p.m. Monday, according to Wind.
During the stop officers found methamphetamine, marijuana and a meth pipe in the vehicle, Wind said.
Wind said Geer subsequently arrested Correia for misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia.
Correia is not believed to have had anything to do with the Sunday crash, according to Wind.
“Everything indicates he was by himself,” Wind said of Gravlee.
Through interviewing Gravlee, Crutcher had enough reason to believe he was the U-Haul driver. “Everything developed super fast,” Wind said.
On Tuesday Crutcher spent much of the day doing followup work on the investigation, with Wind adding that the investigative work is continuing.
Meantime, Crutcher forwarded a basic case, including a preliminary arrest report, to the District Attorney's Office. Wind said the goal was to get Gravlee arraigned and held in custody, as there are concerns he is a flight risk.
Hinchcliff said Gravlee made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Gravlee is charged with felonies including assault with a deadly weapon – in this case, the U-Haul pickup – as well as hit-and-run and assault by means of force likely to create great bodily injury, Hinchcliff said.
In addition, Hinchcliff said the District Attorney's Office has charged Gravlee with two misdemeanor counts for reckless driving and being an unlicensed driver.
Gravlee's bail was set at $75,000, Hinchcliff said. However, Gravlee also has a no-bail hold for violating felony probation on a local drug possession case.
Hinchcliff said Gravlee also has a criminal history out of the state of Washington, including a case of auto theft.
Gravlee is scheduled to return to court on the morning of July 6 for appearance of counsel and entry of plea, Hinchcliff said. Senior Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg will be handling the case.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Le Roy Gill passed away suddenly at home on June 25, 2016. He was 85 years old.
Le Roy was born on October 18, 1930, in Santa Ana, Calif., the youngest of three brothers.
His mother, Notra Gill, died when he was young. Along with the help of Le Roy’s older brother’s wife, June, Le Roy was raised by his father, Mike Gill, a migrant farm and factory worker (who proudly earned his US citizenship).
As a young man Le Roy worked in the packing houses in Huntington Beach. He graduated from Tustin High School in 1949 and in 1950 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. That same year, he was sent overseas to fight in the Korean War. Le Roy was proud of being a Marine and upon return from Korea, he finished out his service in Japan and at Camp Pendleton.
He married Wanda Holland in 1952, and they had two children, Cathy and Sharon.
After his service ended in 1953 Le Roy went to work in the booming oil and gas industry in Southern California. In 1965, he moved to Contra Costa County and continued to work in the foil and gas field.
He and Wanda had two more children, Gloria and Donna, to complete the family.
Le Roy worked on drilling rigs all of his life, a pipe man through and through. In 1977, he got the opportunity to do something different when he was offered the position of production supervisor at The Geysers in Lake County, so he moved his family to Kelseyville, and worked for Calpine for over 20 years until he retired.
After retirement and the passing of his wife in 1991, Le Roy enjoyed spending time outside, working in his yard, fishing and watching his family grow.
In 2006 Le Roy married Vivian Bucknell and they began their life together. They enjoyed traveling and were diehard basketball fans. They built a beautiful home together.
Le Roy loved his family and spending time with them. He and Vivian hosted many family gatherings year after year, getting all of the family together for giant Christmas parties and even bigger Easter Sundays.
Le Roy is survived by his wife, Vivian Gill; daughters, Cathy Kruenegel (Roy), Sharon Sonafrank (Greg), Gloria Rivas (Marc) and Donna Gill; stepchildren, Karen Brett (Matt) and Tim Bucknell; grandchildren, Ronald Russo, Justine Gill, Meranda and Evan Pogroszewski, Marc Daniel Rivas, Nathan Taffi, Julian Reeder, Zachary Brett, Barrett Brett, Sarah Brett; and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Friday, July 1, at 10 a.m. with military funeral honors immediately following at Hartley Cemetery.
Family prefers donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2015, c/o Dennis Yows, P.O. Box 744, Lakeport, CA 95453.
For further information please contact Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary at 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .
NORTH COAST, Calif. – People are looking forward to the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend and the American Red Cross has steps they can follow to stay safe when enjoying the fireworks or taking a trip to the beach.
“This coming weekend, millions of people will hold cookouts and barbecues, visit beaches and pools, and watch fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Jeff Baumgartner, CEO, American Red Cross of the California Northwest. “The American Red Cross has developed simple steps that will help ensure everyone enjoys a safe and prepared holiday. Additionally, we also invite the public to download our First Aid and Swim Apps to have important safety information at their fingertips.”
FIREWORKS SAFETY
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show.
Many cities and states outlaw most fireworks.
If someone is setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:
· Never give fireworks to small children.
· Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
· Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
· Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
· Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
· Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
· Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
· Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
BEACH SAFETY
If holiday plans include visiting the beach, learn how to swim in the surf. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
While enjoying the water, keep alert and check the local weather conditions. Other safety steps include:
· Swim sober and always swim with a buddy. Make sure you have enough energy to swim back to shore.
· Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
· Protect your neck – don’t dive headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters.
· Keep a close eye and constant attention on children and adults while at the beach. Wave action can cause someone to lose their footing, even in shallow water.
· Watch out for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants and leave animals alone.
RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year, and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents. Be aware of the danger of rip currents and remember the following:
· If you are caught in a rip current, try not to panic. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
· Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.
DOWNLOAD SWIM, FIRST AID APPS
The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim.
The app has features specifically designed for children, including a variety of kid-friendly games, videos and quizzes.
It also contains water safety information for parents on a variety of aquatic environments including beaches and water parks.
The First Aid App provides instant access to expert guidance on a variety of situations from insect bites and stings to choking and Hands-Only CPR.
People can download the apps for free by searching for “American Red Cross” in their app store or at http://redcross.org/apps .
HOME POOL ESSENTIALS COURSE
The Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) have developed an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners.
Home Pool Essentials helps people understand the risks of pool ownership, how to maintain a safer and cleaner pool, what safety equipment is appropriate, how to prevent pool and hot tub entrapment hazards, and how to respond to an emergency.
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Stop by the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum on Sunday, July 3, to celebrate America’s Independence with some toe-tapping Americana music.
Musicians will play in the Ely barn from noon until 2 p.m.
Attendees will be treated to “old timey” tunes and sing-a-longs with the musicians likely adding some patriotic ditties for this special weekend. Bring the whole family to this free event.
Enjoy the music with beverages and tasty treats provided by the Ely volunteers. Enjoy a picnic in the oak grove. Bring your own wine and sip it in Ely Stage Stop wine glasses that are available for purchase.
There will be the regular monthly raffle near the end of the jam and the opportunity to purchase tickets for a “quilt” raffle that will celebrate a winner later in the year. Those items will be on display in the barn during the jam.
Come early and enjoy the latest exhibits in the house and on the grounds. Take a hayride or stroll the new barn trail. See our new permanent outdoor stage, built the Mendocino College Construction Fundamentals Class, taught by Lake County contractor Glenn Mueller.
Donations made during the jam benefit both the Ely Stage Stop, helping to fund the construction of the blacksmith shop, and the Old Time Fiddlers Association District 10, who uses it to partially fund their scholarship programs.
Lake County Historical Society’s Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum is located at 9921 State Highway 281 (Soda Bay Road) in Kelseyville, near Clear Lake Riviera, just north of Highway 29-Kit's Corner. Current hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.
Visit www.elystagestop.org or www.lakecountyhistory.org , check out the stage stop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/elystagestop or call the museum at 707-533-9990.
SACRAMENTO – Sen. Mike McGuire’s bill that will again require the State to make Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) payments to counties received unanimous bipartisan support in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee this morning.
PILT payments were established in 1949 to offset adverse impacts to county property tax revenues that result when the state acquires private property within a county for wildlife management areas.
Currently, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife owes nearly $8 million in payments to California’s 36 rural counties and a change in 2015 to the Fish and Game Code makes it even easier for the state to continue to forgo making these payments.
“The state needs to step up and follow through on a promise and advance Fish and Wildlife PILT payments to rural counties,” McGuire said. “Since 2001, California has been depositing millions of PILT dollars that should have been going to rural counties into the State General Fund and it’s time to give counties their due.”
Holding back these payments to counties on the North Coast has had a detrimental impact on the counties and their bottom line.
For example, in PILT payments alone, Del Norte is owed more than $220,000, Humboldt County is owed more than $160,000, Lake County is owed $93,000, Sonoma County is owed $116,000 and Marin County is owed over $150,000.
“This was an agreement made decades ago and the state has reneged on these payments for far too long,” Senator McGuire said. “Let’s continue to level the playing field for our rural counties.”
SB 1188 is a bipartisan effort to make PILT payments to counties a requirement. It passed unanimously, 15-0, in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee. It will now head to Assembly Appropriations.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – New pastoral assignments and retirements have been announced in the United Methodist Church's Lake Circuit.
The Lake Circuit is composed of seven United Methodist Churches within Lake County.
The California Nevada Annual Conference of United Methodists meets each June to recognize pastoral assignments for the coming year, worship, acknowledge programs, honor pastors who complete their studies, retire or have died.
Several changes to pastoral assignments were announced by Great Northern District Superintendent Rev. David Samelson and Bishop Warner Brown on Thursday, June 23, in Burlingame for the Lake County United Methodist Congregations.
"We first give thanks for the church leaders who are retiring or completing their assignments: Rev. Wanda Celli of Upper Lake, Pastor Cindy Lawer of Clearlake and Pastor Claudia Listman in Middletown,” said Rev. Shannon Kimbell-Auth, leader of the Lake Circuit.
Pastors continuing in their current United Methodist assignments are Rev. Dawn Karen Roberts of Clearlake Oaks, Rev. John Pavoni of Lower Lake and Pastor Voris Brumfeld of Kelseyville, who were reappointed to their United Methodist churches.
Rev. Kimbell-Auth will lead the Middletown and Clearlake United Methodist congregations beginning July 1 after serving 17 years at Lakeport's United Christian Parish.
There will be new Sunday worship times at Clearlake United Methodist, 9:30 a.m., and at Middletown Community United Methodist at 11:30 a.m.
Rev. Bob Green is incoming pastor for the Upper Lake United Methodist Church.
United Methodists practice “Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors” making disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world.
If you would like more information about the services and programs of Lake County's United Methodist Churches, call 707-295-7174 or check the Lake Circuit Facebook page.