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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Marymount California University’s chairman of the board, Burt Arnold, on behalf of the university's board of trustees, announced the appointment of Lucas Lamadrid, Ph.D., a veteran administrator with 20 years of experience in Catholic higher education, as the seventh president of Marymount California University.
Dr. Lamadrid begins with the university on April 1.
He is due to visit the university's Lakeside Campus in Lucerne in May, officials reported.
“Marymount California University has a tradition of honoring the core values set forth in the institution’s mission,” said Arnold. “Dr. Lamadrid will serve the MCU community ethically, and with a high degree of integrity, in a kind-spirited way.”
Board member Juan Yñiguez chaired the search committee, comprised of faculty, staff, board members, students and alumni, and noted the depth and talent of the field of candidates.
"Dr. Lamadrid was selected as our president from a very committed and talented pool of educators,” said Yñiguez. “I believe that he has the right combination of skills, experience and passion for Catholic higher education to lead MCU for many years to come."
In his most recent role, Lamadrid served as a senior executive managing the higher education division of a private company that specializes in the recruitment of international students.
Prior to his entering the private sector, he served as vice president for enrollment and student affairs at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina, and as vice president and chief student officer at Saint Vincent College, in Latrobe, Penn.
As a senior administrator at both institutions, Lamadrid achieved historically high student enrollment; improved the academic quality of the student body; increased student retention; raised significant funds for the improvement of student life; and recorded high levels of student satisfaction.
Michael James, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Administrators in Catholic Higher Education, has known Lamadrid for three decades.
"Dr. Lamadrid has both breadth and depth in higher education and knows intimately its highly competitive landscape, in particular the challenges and opportunities that face Catholic institutions,” James said. “He is committed to the same mission and values that stand at the core of Marymount California University, and he will articulate a vision for the university that focuses on its significant service to the community."
Lamadrid, in his acceptance of the position, stated that he is deeply honored and humbled to be selected as the seventh president of Marymount California University.
“I have visited, spoken with and consulted for more than 200 colleges and universities in the last two years and never before witnessed the single-minded devotion of faculty and staff to individual student success that I have seen at Marymount,” Lamadrid said. “I believe this devotion and care springs from the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, who founded the university and who continue to be its inspiration. The motto for the RSHM is 'to serve so that all may have life and have it to the full.' MCU honors that commitment by offering a life-changing educational experience for its students, and I will be faithful to that heritage in my role as president."
Lamadrid received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English at Marquette University, a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctorate from the Graduate Program in Religion at Duke University.
He began his career at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, where he served as assistant dean of students and taught in the philosophy, theology, and communications departments.
While at Bellarmine, he developed a new course on religion in film that was highly popular, grew the residential population by 44 percent and raised substantial funds for a student leadership program.
He has published articles in Modern Theology and The Heythrop Journal; edited a book for Oxford University Press; and written and presented on collaboration between academic and student affairs, the first-year student experience, the role of parents of college students and the value of Catholic higher education.
Lamadrid is married to Beth Kreitzer, Ph.D., an expert on 16th century history, who grew up in Porterville, Calif., and attended Stanford University for her undergraduate studies.
They have three children – Claire, 18, Grace, 15, and John Carlos, 11 – and are currently active parishioners in Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Belmont, North Carolina. His family will join him in California in June.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Police arrested a Clearlake man on Monday who led officers on a vehicle pursuit and was found to be in possession of a weapon and drugs.
Jose Serapio Murillo, 38, was taken into custody on numerous charges, according to Clearlake Police Sgt. Travis Lenz.
On Monday just after 7:15 p.m. Officer Jared Nixon was on routine patrol in the city of Clearlake. Officer Nixon is currently on the field training program and was being supervised by Sgt. Lenz, who was sitting in the passenger seat of their patrol vehicle.
Lenz said Nixon observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of Old Highway 53. While following the vehicle, a black Dodge truck, Officer Nixon observed a vehicle code violation on the truck.
Nixon attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on the truck by activating his patrol vehicle’s overhead emergency lights and siren on Austin Drive near the west entrance to the Ridge Lake Apartments, said Lenz.
Lenz said the truck entered the west entrance to the parking lot, and then accelerated to an unsafe speed in the parking lot. There were numerous subjects standing in the parking lot near the roadway.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Murillo, drove the truck out of the parking lot, then headed eastbound on Austin Drive, failing to yield to the emergency lights and siren, Lenz said.
Murillo made an abrupt right turn onto Dexter Lane and drove into a vacant field prior to coming to a complete stop. Lenz said Murillo was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest at that time.
During a search of Murillo’s person, Officer Nixon located a small plastic bag which contained 8.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine, Lenz said.
During a search of the vehicle, Lenz said they located numerous live .38-caliber rounds of ammunition, yet did not locate a firearm.
Lenz said they began checking the area and located a .38-caliber revolver lying in the roadway of Dexter Lane at the intersection of Austin Drive.
Based on statements obtained during the investigation, it was determined Murillo threw the pistol from the vehicle during the vehicle pursuit, Lenz said.
Murillo, who is a convicted felon, was placed under arrest and later booked into the Lake County Jail on charges of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, evading a police officer while driving in wanton and willful disregard for public safety, possession of narcotics for the purposes of sales, and driving on a suspended driver license, Lenz said.
Murrillo's bail was set at $35,000. Jail records indicated he remained in custody early Wednesday.
Anyone with information in regard to this investigation is asked to contact Officer Jared Nixon at the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251, Extension 543.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – “Buddy” is a handsome guy who is waiting at Lake County Animal Care and Control for a new family.
Shelter staff said he is a Labrador Retriever-hound mix.
Buddy has a short tricolor coat and a fun attitude, and enjoys time out in the play yard, rolling in the grass and running in the sunshine.
He's well-mannered, affectionate and tolerant, and is relaxed, with a low energy level.
He's been tested with other dogs his size and loved them all. Shelter staff suggested he should be in a home without livestock, small dogs or cats.
He's in kennel No. 22, ID No. 4487.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Director Malcolm Dougherty on Tuesday signed a letter of intent with the Province of Noord-Holland (Netherlands) Vice Governor Elisabeth Post, MMC to look at sustainable options for capturing solar energy in transportation infrastructure.
Caltrans will explore the Dutch technology, known as SolaRoad, which implements the use of solar panels in roadway projects and has been successfully implemented in a project in Krommenie, The Netherlands.
The idea behind SolaRoad is that sunlight falling on the road surface is converted into electricity by concrete panels with solar cells and a translucent top layer of tempered glass.
The generated electricity can be used for street lighting, traffic systems, electric vehicles and households.
“We’re excited to explore the application of solar energy in Caltrans assets – everything from emergency power generation to provide self-sustaining maintenance stations to lighting signs and lamps, among others,” said Dougherty.
California and The Netherlands are leading the way for zero-emission transportation and energy innovation in terms of sales, policies and incentive programs, vehicle research and development and innovation, and education and public awareness.
Both states have committed themselves to stringent climate change action programs to meet 2030 goals in terms of greenhouse gas reductions and sustainable energy generation.
In the Netherlands, The first SolaRoad project is a solar bicycle path in Krommenie in North Holland, which opened November 2014 and is being tested for three years.
Caltrans’ District 7 (Los Angeles and Ventura counties) will explore the Dutch technology at its maintenance rest area in Lebec along Interstate 5 in Kern County.
The Dutch representatives will join Caltrans on Friday, April 1, to discuss capabilities, possibilities and information exchange.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake Animal Control is starting off the week with two dogs available for adoption.
The dogs go by the names of “Timothy” and “Mona.”
“Timothy” is a male pit bull mix, estimated to be about a year to a year and a half old. Shelter staff described him as a “fantastic” and fun dog that would do best in a home without cats.
“Mona” is a female Rottweiler mix with a low-key personality. She is already spayed. Shelter staff said she walks well on a leash, is good with children, cats and other dogs.
To meet the dogs, contact Marcia Taylor, the animal control outreach technician, at 707-994-8201, Extension 103, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or contact Animal Control Officer Jenna Tuller at Extension 115 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. those same days.
Also follow Clearlake Animal Control on Facebook for the latest updates.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
With Tax Day fast approaching on April 18, California Attorney General Kamala Harris has issued a consumer alert, advising taxpayers to be wary of schemes targeting hardworking Californians during this tax season.
Each year, millions of California taxpayers file their taxes and many look forward to receiving tax refunds.
Unfortunately, tax season also draws scam artists who prey on individuals who may need help with filing their taxes.
This alert explains some of the most common tax season scams and provides resources to help Californians find reputable tax help.
In addition to this written alert, Attorney General Harris has also released the second in a “Consumer Spotlight” audio series highlighting consumer issues across the state.
This alert, which can be heard by clicking on the file above, focuses on tax season scams and includes one Californian’s story about a tax impersonation scam, discussion of other common tax season concerns, and resources to find tax help.
COMMON TAX SEASON SCAMS
IRS impersonation scams
One of the most common scams begins with an unsolicited call or email from a person claiming to represent the IRS.
Sometimes the caller will claim to have information about an unexpected tax refund. Other “representatives” may demand immediate payment of a phony tax bill, threatening that the consumer will be sued or even arrested if she does not comply.
Consumers should hang up the phone or delete the email because the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by telephone or email, nor does it demand immediate payment without first offering the taxpayer the opportunity to appeal.
Seniors and immigrants in particular may be targeted by these scams, and should exercise caution.
Tax preparation scams
Consumers should also be on the lookout for dishonest tax preparers. Some deceptive preparers may falsify returns in order to claim an inflated refund, only to keep portions of the inflated refund for themselves. Others may steal the taxpayer’s identity and use it to file a completely fraudulent return.
Finally, as the implementation of the Affordable Care Act continues, consumers should look out for a new scam in which tax preparers incorrectly tell consumers they owe a health coverage penalty that they must pay to the preparer.
Unnecessary high cost products
Consumers should also steer clear of high-cost products that allow them to pay the cost of tax preparation out of their refund.
These refund transfers or refund anticipation checks do not get consumers a faster refund and generally have triple-digit annual interest rates.
TAX SEASON TIPS
While the overwhelming majority of tax professionals are honest, the tips below can help consumers avoid the deceitful ones.
Free tax preparation assistance is also available for seniors, the disabled, individuals whose first language is not English, and people with incomes under $54,000.
Individuals who qualify for free assistance should start by visiting the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov , to find free tax prep help near you. Those who do not qualify for free assistance should follow these tips when searching for a legitimate tax preparer.
– Look for a tax preparer with a longstanding presence and trustworthy reputation in the community.
– Always verify that the tax preparer is either registered with the state or exempt from registration because he or she is an attorney, a certified public accountant, or an IRS-enrolled agent. Visit the California Tax Education Council’s Web site at https://www.ctec.org/ to check a preparer’s status and for more information about registration and exemption requirements.
– Make certain the preparer has a valid IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers at http://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf to research tax professionals.
– Beware of suggestions that a tax preparer will exploit hidden loopholes or uncover little-known deductions to obtain a bigger refund than the competition. As a taxpayer you are responsible for the return that you file, so do not allow scammers to coax you into falsifying information. If a promise seems too good to be true, it probably is.
– Always review a tax return before signing it and watch out for suspicious signs like too many dependents claimed or tax credits that do not seem applicable or have not been clearly explained. And never, ever sign a blank return.
– Keep a copy of the return. Honest preparers should provide copies of the return that may be needed for future reference or to answer questions from the IRS.
Review the IRS Tips on “How to Select an Income Tax Return Preparer” at https://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Choosing-a-Tax-Professional .
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR CALIFORNIA TAXPAYERS
– Free tax assistance is widely available through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for taxpayers with disabilities or limited English proficiency, as well as those with incomes under $54,000. Visit the VITA Web site at https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/IRS-VITA-Grant-Program for more information.
– The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program also offers free services focusing on issues affecting seniors. Visit the TCE program Web site at https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Tax-Counseling-for-the-Elderly for more information.
– Visit the IRS Web site at http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ for more information on finding free tax help.
– Both the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at https://www.treasury.gov/tigta/ maintain informative Web sites with detailed information on the latest scams.
Consumers can report suspected tax scams to the Office of the Attorney General. To submit a complaint, please use one of the following forms:
English: https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company
En Español: http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/contact/business_corpform_sp.pdf?
中文: http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/contact/business_corpform_chin.pdf?
Tiếng Việt: http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/contact/business_corpform_viet.pdf?