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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Police officers arrested nine individuals, and seized 1,234 marijuana plants and 48 pounds of processed marijuana during the service of search warrants late in May.

Sgt. Martin Snyder said officers executed two search warrant in the city of Clearlake during daytime hours on May 23.

The first warrant was located at the 3100 block of 12th Street. Snyder said the officers arrived on scene and could hear several subjects inside the garage. When the officers announced their presence several Hispanic male subjects fled from the residence in various directions.

Snyder said the officers had already set up a perimeter around the residence and after several short foot pursuits were able to detain 23-year-old Daniel Alcazar-Varelas; 28-year-old Jaime Alvarez; 19-year-old Juan Cervantes-Cuevas; 30-year-old Carlos Soto-Silva; 51-year-old Luis Soto; 36-year-old Pedro Soto; 45-year-old Manuel Vasquez-Alcazar; and a 17-year-old minor after several short foot pursuits.

Inside the house, officers located two female juveniles and a 45-year-old female, Maria Tomasa, Snyder reported.

He said the juveniles were released from the scene to a family member.

The other subjects located on scene were arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, resisting/obstructing a police officer, conspiring to commit a crime and child endangerment, Snyder said.

Snyder said approximately 895 marijuana plants were located at the property.

He said there was 728 marijuana plants located in an underground bunker, which was converted to an indoor grow. Officers located two separate green houses that had approximately 167 marijuana plants.

In addition, Snyder said officers located approximately 37 pounds of processed marijuana inside the bunker and inside the garage, which was being used as a processing center.

Also on May 23, police officers executed a second search warrant in the 3400 block of Jackson Street, which was an open lot with a shed on it, Snyder said.

He said officers located and arrested 19-year-old Ulysses Esparaza-Soberanis for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.

Officers located 339 marijuana plants and 11 pounds of processed marijuana, which was drying in the shed, according to Snyder.

The Clearlake Police Department will continue to investigate illegal commercial grows in the city of Clearlake. If anyone has any information or questions regarding illegal marijuana production in city of Clearlake, contact Officer Leonardo Flores at 707-994-8251, Extension 542.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Over the past five years, more than 5,000 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period starting at Memorial Day when teen crash deaths historically climb.

As the summer driving season begins, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is releasing a followup study confirming that nearly 60 percent of teen crashes involve distractions behind the wheel.

The research also finds a disturbing trend showing that texting and social media use are on the rise amongst teen drivers.

Crashes for teen drivers increase significantly during the summer months because teens drive more during this time of year. Over the past five years during the “100 Deadliest Days:”

· An average of 1,022 people died each year in crashes involving teen drivers.

· The average number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers ages 16-19 increased by 16 percent per day compared to other days of the year.

This year’s new followup report from the AAA Foundation is part of the most comprehensive eight-year research project ever conducted into crash videos of teen drivers.

In collaboration with researchers at the University of Iowa, the AAA Foundation analyzed the moments leading up to a crash in more than 2,200 videos captured from in-car dash cameras.

The latest report compared new crash videos with those captured from 2007 -2012 and found consistent trends in the top three distractions for teens when behind the wheel in the moments leading up to a crash:

· Talking or attending to other passengers in the vehicle: 15 percent of crashes.

· Talking, texting or operating a cell phone: 12 percent of crashes.

· Attending to or looking at something inside the vehicle: 11 percent of crashes.

“Every day during the summer driving season, an average of 10 people die as a result of injuries from a crash involving a teen driver,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “This new research shows that distraction continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes for teen drivers. By better understanding how teens are distracted on the road, we can better prevent deaths throughout the 100 Deadliest Days and the rest of the year.”

Researchers also found that how teens use their cell phone when behind the wheel changed significantly over the course of the study. In the moments leading up to a crash, teens were more likely to be texting or looking down at the phone than talking on it.

This supports findings by Pew Research Center, which shows text messaging has become a key component in day-to-day interactions amongst teenagers. Fifty-five percent of teens spend time every day texting, sending an estimated 80 text messages per day.

“It’s no secret that teens are extremely connected to their cell phones,” said Harris. “Many teens are texting or using social media behind the wheel more often than in the past, which is making an unsafe situation even worse.”

Research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that texting creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.

A recent AAA Foundation survey shows that nearly 50 percent of teen drivers admitted they had read a text message or email while driving in the past 30 days. NHTSA’s National Occupant Protection Use Survey also shows that from 2007 to 2014, the percentage of young drivers seen visibly manipulating a handheld device quadrupled.

“Nearly two-thirds of people injured or killed in crashes involving a teen driver are people other than the teen themselves,” said Harris. “This shows that teen drivers can be a risk to everyone on the road and it is important to regulate their actions when behind the wheel.”

Keeping cell phones out of the hands of teen drivers is a top priority for AAA. The association’s advocacy efforts are helping to protect teens by working to pass graduated driver licensing laws and teen wireless bans in states across the country.

In preparation for the “100 Deadliest Days,” AAA encourages parents to educate their teen about the dangers of distracted driving and monitor their actions behind the wheel. Parents should:

· Have conversations early and often about the dangers of distraction.

· Make a parent-teen driving agreement that sets family rules against distracted driving.

· Teach by example and minimize distractions when driving.

The Web site www.TeenDriving.AAA.com has a variety of tools to help prepare parents and teens for the dangerous summer driving season. The online AAA StartSmart program also offers great resources for parents on how to manage their teen’s overall driving privileges.

Established by AAA in 1947, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, publicly-supported charitable research and educational organization.

Dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries on our roads, the foundation’s mission is to prevent crashes and save lives through research and education about traffic safety. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org for more information.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport's annual Memorial Day Parade once again drew many people to the city's downtown to enjoy the kickoff to the summer season.

The parade took place on Saturday, May 28.

This year's theme was “Lake County Strong.”

Parade winners are listed below.

DIVISION I – FLOATS/GROUPS

Best of Division: Mendo Lake Credit Union

COMMERCIAL

First place: Mendo Lake Credit Union                   

ORGANIZATIONS

First place: Operation Tango Mike
Second place: Lake County Special Olympics
Third place: Miss Lake County Scholarship Pageant

MILITARY

First place: Vietnam Veterans of America, Lake County Chapter 951   
Second place: Lake County Pearl Harbor Survivors   
Third place: 40 & 8 Voiture 912 of Lake County

SENIOR/ADULT

First place: Lakeport Elks Lodge 2704
Second place: (Tie) Lakeport Host Lions, Lakeport Senior Center   
           
DIVISION II – VEHICLES

Best of Division: Lakeport Disposal

CLUBS

First place: Corvettes of Lake County No. 1

CARS

First place: Bob Lininger, Lakeport   
Second place: HS Ranch   
Third place: David Kacharos, U.S. Navy veteran

TRUCKS

First place: Lakeport Disposal

OTHER

First place: Spyder Owners Group

DIVISION IV – JUNIOR

Best of Division: Junior Giants

SPORTS

First place: Junior Giants

DIVISON VII – EQUESTRIAN   

Best of Division: Hidden View Gypsy Ranch

MATCHED PAIR

First place: Hidden View Gypsy Ranch

NOVELTY COSTUME

First place: Lonne Sloan

PONY DRAWN

First place: Lake County Horse Council

OVERALL WINNERS

GRAND SWEEPSTAKES   

Mendo Lake Credit Union

JUDGES' CHOICE

Mendo Lake Credit Union

THEME: LAKE COUNTY STRONG!   

Winner: Operation Tango Mike

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Mike McGuire’s legislation – modeled after a successful Sonoma County program – that would save residents money on their water bills was approved overwhelmingly by the Senate.

Senate Bill 1233 – The Water Bill Savings Act – will allow residents to finance water efficiency energy upgrades in their homes, which will significantly reduce their water and energy use while saving money on their monthly utility bills as well.

“Californians want to be water and energy efficient, but in many cases, the upfront costs of installing efficiency projects and appliances creates a barrier that prevents property owners and renters from doing the right thing,” Sen. Mike McGuire said. “For the first time, because of this bill, all Californians will be able to easily advance proven water and energy upgrades that are good for the environment and pocketbooks up and down this state.”

The “Pay As You Save” program will allow residents to finance energy efficient hot water systems, gray water systems, high efficiency toilets, aerators, hot water recirculation pumps, irrigation controllers, commercial dishwashers and several other water efficiency measures on their water utility bills including removing their water hog lawns and replacing the turf with drought tolerant landscapes.

The way the program works is simple. The local government agency, for example the city’s water authority, issues bonds and then issues payments for approved projects once they are completed. The customer pays their monthly bill that includes a line item for the efficiency measures.

In the town of Windsor, under this program the average family will pay $6 on the efficiency utility charge and save an average of $20, equaling a net savings of $14 a month.

“This is a proven program for reducing water consumption and allowing residents on tight budgets to make smart upgrades which will reduce their carbon footprint and save them money,” Sen. McGuire said. “This model is currently operating in 13 utilities in six states and to date, these programs have funded over 18 million dollars in projects, and collectively have only seen $3,000 in default, which is less than .02 percent.”

SB 1233 was approved on a bipartisan vote by the Senate with a 34-2 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly for consideration.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital announced a pilot neonatal telemedicine program in partnership with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital (SSRRH), beginning June 6.

Through generous philanthropic funding at SSRRH, Sutter Lakeside Hospital’s Family Birth Center received one telemonitor unit, which connects an on-call neonatologist with the on-site newborn care team, should the need arise for immediate expert consultation.

“Immediate access to a neonatologist will help support specialty care for our infants born at Sutter Lakeside,” said Jackie Rad, RNC, MSN, Sutter Lakeside Hospital Family Birth Center manager. “A neonatologist specializes in caring for sick or premature babies. On-site telemedicine allows the specialist to visually assess sick infants and provide real time care recommendations to our doctors.”

Each telemonitor comes equipped with one stationary and one mobile camera, which allows nurses to manipulate the neonatologist’s view as directed. The teams communicate via video live stream.

“Giving the neonatologist a visual on an unusual rash or other abnormal symptoms can help our team make informed decisions on whether or not we should transfer a patient,” said Rad. “In addition, when time is critical, a visual assessment allows the specialist to better determine the most appropriate level of care for a sick baby.”

“The rural setting of Lake County can present barriers that only the most innovative technology can overcome,” said Siri Nelson, chief administrative officer, Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “We’re thankful for the ability to partner within the Sutter system to access the necessary care when our patients need it most.”

The Family Birth Center, which averages about one transfer per month, has already facilitated training on how to operate the telemonitor for its nurses and doctors.

“We love how easy the monitor is to use,” said Dee Allison, RN, Family Birth Center. “It’s an added safety measure that we can’t wait to get up and running.”

Sutter Lakeside Hospital will serve as the pioneer satellite campus for the neonatal telemedicine partnership, with the goal of providing feedback to help form a program for all qualifying Sutter affiliates.

The grant provides funds for two years, and aims to expand beyond Sutter Lakeside Hospital during year two of the project.

“This technology is truly cutting edge,” said Rad. “Because of our partnership with Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, we’re able to provide care above and beyond the current standard while reducing unnecessary transfers and improving response times. We’re thrilled to be the pilot affiliate, and excited to help shape neonatal telemedicine within the Sutter system.”

To learn more about Sutter Lakeside, or schedule a tour, please visit www.sutterlakeside.org/ or call 707-262-5121.

Morgen Wells is Community Relations & Fund Development specialist for Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald has granted equitable relief to more than 24,000 veterans following a national review of traumatic brain injury (TBI) medical examinations conducted in connection with disability compensation claims processed between 2007 and 2015.

This action by the secretary allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer new TBI examinations to veterans whose initial examination for TBI was not conducted by one of four designated medical specialists and provides them with the opportunity to have their claims reprocessed.

Equitable relief is a unique legal remedy that allows the secretary to correct an injustice to a claimant where VA is not otherwise authorized to do so within the scope of the law.

“Traumatic brain injury is a signature injury in veterans returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and VA is proud to be an organization that sets the bar high for supporting these, and all, Veterans,” said Secretary McDonald. “Providing support for veterans suffering from a TBI is a priority and a privilege, and we must make certain they receive a just and fair rating for their disabilities.”

To ensure that TBI is properly evaluated for disability compensation purposes, VA developed a policy in 2007 requiring that one of four specialists – a psychiatrist, physiatrist, neurosurgeon or neurologist – complete TBI exams when VA does not have a prior diagnosis.

Since 2007, medicine around TBI has been a rapidly evolving science. VA designated particular specialists to conduct initial TBI exams because they have the most experience with the symptoms and effects of TBI.

As more research became available, VA issued a number of guidance documents that may have created confusion regarding the policy. VA has confirmed that its TBI policy guidance is now clear and being followed.

“We let these Veterans down,” Secretary McDonald said. “That is why we are taking every step necessary to grant equitable relief to those affected to ensure they receive the full benefits to which they are entitled.”

VA understands the importance of an accurate exam to support veterans’ disability claims. The secretary’s decision to grant relief will enable VA to take action on any new examinations without requiring veterans to submit new claims. If additional benefits are due, VA will award an effective date as early as the date of the initial TBI claim.

VA will contact veterans identified as part of this national TBI review to offer them an opportunity to receive a new examination and have their claims reprocessed.

More than 13,000 of these affected veterans are already receiving service-connected compensation benefits for TBI at a 10-percent disability evaluation or higher, which means that the diagnosis has already been established.