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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Four people are facing charges for their part in a Sunday robbery and an assault of an employee at the Clearlake Walmart.
Leanne Lynne Perez, 33, of Santa Rosa; her husband, Johnny Ramon Perez, 28, of Clearlake; Cristina Marie Pacheco, 35, of Clearlake; and Justin Lynn Carey, who has ties to the Santa Rosa area, were arraigned on Tuesday in Lake County Superior Court.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff said it's alleged that at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday the four – taking along with them the 3-year-old son of Leanne and Johnny Perez – went to Walmart, intending to steal items in order to later return them for cash.
Hinchcliff said the Perezes went into the store with their child, while Pacheco and Carey waited in the car.
The couple loaded up their cart with about $1,000 worth of merchandise and attempted to leave through the garden area, Hinchcliff said.
As they were attempting to leave with the merchandise, Hinchcliff said a 66-year-old Walmart employee who was checking receipts asked for theirs.
They couldn't produce the receipt and when they tried to leave anyway, the Walmart employee grabbed ahold of the cart, Hinchcliff said.
At that point, Pacheco jumped out of the car, ran up and pepper-sprayed the Walmart employee before they all fled, taking the merchandise, according to Hinchcliff.
Clearlake Police officers caught up to the four a short time later. “Officers caught them with all these items in the trunk of their car,” said Hinchcliff.
Hinchcliff said the Walmart staffer was taken to the hospital.
He called the crime “outrageous.”
Hinchcliff said he is charging the Perezes and Pacheco with robbery using force or fear to take property, as well as burglary, grand theft and possession of stolen property.
Separately, he said he is charging the couple with child endangerment.
Pacheco is facing charges of use of tear gas, felony assault and elder abuse, Hinchcliff said. Carey – who was not booked but released at the scene – is charged with burglary and grand theft, possession of stolen property and being an accessory after the fact.
Hinchcliff said Carey is alleged to have driven the car away from the scene before pulling over so Johnny Perez could drive.
Johnny Perez has four prior felony convictions from Napa and Sonoma counties, and served time in prison in 2006 for vehicle theft. He's an alleged member of the Nortenos street gang, Hinchcliff said.
The Perezes and Pacheco all remain in custody. Hinchcliff said at the Tuesday arraignment new bail amounts were set: $185,000 for Johnny Perez, $175,000 for Leanne Perez and $100,000 for Pacheco.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Hot weather, carnivals, the duct tape regatta, worm races and fireworks – the staples of Lake County's July 4 celebration are on tap this week.
A lot of fun events, plus several fireworks displays, are once again planned for the annual celebration of Independence Day.
The following is a roundup of the events countywide.
Event calendars are available at www.lakeconews.com and www.lakecounty.com , with updates also available at www.facebook.com/visitlakecountyca .
Thursday, July 2
Schoeppner Shows Carnival
CLEARLAKE – The Schoeppner Shows Carnival, sponsored by Lakeshore Lions, will offer rides, games and food at Austin Park starting at 5 p.m.
The carnival will remain open as long as demand continues.
For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.
Friday, July 3
Schoeppner Shows Carnival
CLEARLAKE – The Schoeppner Shows Carnival, sponsored by Lakeshore Lions, will offer rides, games and food at Austin Park starting at 5 p.m.
The carnival will remain open as long as demand continues.
For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.
Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks display
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association will kick off Lake County's Independence Day celebrations when it presents the Maxine Sherman Memorial Annual Fireworks at dusk on Friday, July 3.
The fireworks are launched from Clearlake Oaks Beach Park over Widgeon Bay.
The association said the best – and most fun – viewing area is from a boat, anchored east of Rattlesnake Island. Another great viewing area is Clarks Island.
During the year, the association raises funds to help pay for the event, but it reported that the cost of the display has now grown beyond what it can raise from those events, so it is seeking donations to help fund this and future years' displays.
Secure online donations can be made through PayPal or credit card by visiting http://www.clearlakeoaks.org/news/22-annual-clearlake-oaks-fireworks-display-set-for-july-3rd . Checks can be mailed to the association at P.O. Box 1211, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423.
Lakeport Speedway hosts firework display
LAKEPORT – The Lakeport Speedway will put on a fireworks display Friday night following the Kelseyville Lumber Deake Lyndall Memorial Race.
Gates open at 3:30 p.m., racing starts at 5 p.m., with the fireworks ground show to take place at dusk.
Tickets are $15 for adults, seniors and students $12, children 6 to 11 $8 and children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Kelseyville Chiefs Cheerleaders at 707-533-7761.
The speedway is located at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St.
Visit www.lakeportspeedway.com for more information.
Saturday, July 4
Clearlake Independence Day celebration
CLEARLAKE – The 58th annual Redbud Parade and Festival will fill Clearlake with fun.
The parade takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
For the rest of the day, there will be bands, street vendors, games and food, along with the Schoeppner Shows Carnival at Austin Park, which will open at 10 a.m. and continue as long as there is demand.
Also featured will be the International Worm Races.
The equestrian awards will take place at 1:30 p.m., with the parade awards, car show awards and raffle drawing at 3:30 p.m.
The fireworks will take place at dusk, at around 9 p.m.
For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.
Lakeport July 4 celebration
LAKEPORT – The city of Lakeport will host its annual Independence Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
The all-day event will include street vendors and a fair on Park Street and the Duct Tape Regatta.
Fireworks will be set off from a barge on Clear Lake at dusk.
For information about safe and sane fireworks usage, rules pertaining to alcohol and other event details, visit bit.ly/1JlNRLM .
Sunday, July 5
Schoeppner Shows Carnival
CLEARLAKE – The Schoeppner Shows Carnival, sponsored by Lakeshore Lions, will offer rides, games and food all day at Austin Park beginning at 1 p.m.
The carnival will remain open as long as demand continues.
For more information contact Lakeshore Lions Parade Chairman Ray Bridges at 707-994-3070.
Hidden Valley Lake Independence Day celebration
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE – The Hidden Valley Lake Association will hold a daylong celebration which will include events for every age group.
From noon to 2 p.m. there will be games for children at the Little Beach, the parade of the fleet at 3 p.m. and live music from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
The fireworks will take place at 9:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the Hidden Valley Lake Association at 707-987-3138.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Monday, the Clearlake Police Department hosted a multiagency probation sweep within the city of Clearlake.
Additional participants included probation officers with Lake County Probation, officers with the California Highway Patrol and an officer with the Lakeport Police Department, according to Sgt. Martin Snyder.
The event focused on subjects in the city of Clearlake who were on probation, parole or Post Release Community Service, or PRCS, Snyder said.
Officers responded to the subjects' listed residences and conducted compliance checks to verify they were in compliance with their terms and conditions of release. Snyder said several subjects were contacted during the event and found to be in violation of their release conditions.
During the event 21 persons were arrested for various violations of their probation or parole, according to Snyder's report. Additionally several subjects were located that were wanted fugitives which had active warrants for their arrest.
During the event 12 subjects were booked into the Lake County Jail, he said.
Several of the subjects were additionally charged with new criminal offenses which Snyder said included being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substances and possession of prohibited weapons.
He said the remaining subjects were booked at the Clearlake Police Department and released on their written promise to appear.
The probation sweep was funded in part with the use of grant funds from Assembly Bill 109 and 112, Snyder said.
The grant, which Snyder said was obtained by the Clearlake Police Department and the Lakeport Police Department, assists smaller agencies with monitoring and enforcement of subject currently on PRCS.
Due to staffing levels over the last two years there has been a reduction with the amount of enforcement operations, Snyder said. However with the recovering economy and filling of vacant positions the department will start holding more frequent events with allied agencies.
Snyder said these events are important for officers to take action or conduct followup on patrol cases which involved subjects on probation or parole. It is also a reminder to persons on probation or PRCS to follow the terms and conditions set forth by their supervising officer.
Anyone with information regarding individuals on PRCS or probation who are violating the terms of their probation in Clearlake can contact the Clearlake Police Department at 707-994-8251.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the Independence Day holiday rapidly approaching, Cal Fire is reminding all Californians and visitors to do their part to prevent fires caused by illegal fireworks or the misuse of “safe and sane” fireworks.
On Sunday, safe and sane fireworks went on sale in approximately 300 communities throughout California, including the city of Lakeport ( www.bit.ly/1JlNRLM ).
Although fireworks are a symbolic display of patriotism during this time of celebration, they can be dangerous when handled incorrectly or used in the wrong environment.
“As we head into the fourth summer of a severe drought, it is more important than ever that everyone use an abundance of caution to avoid sparking a fire,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire. “Here in California we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks.”
In addition to vegetation fires, fireworks cause about 1,200 structure and 400 vehicle fires annually across the country, Cal Fire reported.
Fireworks caused last July's Monticello Fire near Lake Berryessa. Cal Fire said that fire burned 6,488 acres and resulted in five injuries.
Every year, fireworks also cause more than 8,000 injuries nationwide; some are fatal, the agency said.
There are also legal ramifications when it comes to certain types of fireworks.
Possession of illegal fireworks such as sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year.
Even safe and sane fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal.
State fire marshal-approved safe and sane fireworks are allowed for use in many communities; however, they are not approved statewide. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.
“Safe and sane fireworks are only as safe as they are used,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “Last year alone there were over 300 fires sparked by fireworks. We want everyone to enjoy their celebrations in a safe and legal manner.”
Fireworks guidelines:
· First check that fireworks are allowed in the area of use.
· Make sure the firework has the state fire marshal safe and sane seal.
· Purchase only from legitimate organizations authorized to sell.
· Have a bucket of water, sand or garden hose available at firing site.
· Read all instructions before use.
· Never alter, modify or enhance fireworks – use only in the manner intended.
· Make sure fireworks have proper clearance from flammable materials including dry grass and brush.
For a full fireworks safety guide visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org .
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), co-chair of the Invasive Species Caucus, and Scott De Leon, director of the Lake County Water Resources Department, were honored last week in Washington, D.C. at the second annual Reduce Risks from Invasive Species Coalition Congressional Reception and Awards Program.
Thompson, along with co-chair Dan Benishek (R-MI), received the “Outstanding Leadership by an Election Official in Protecting America’s Environment and Economy” award.
De Leon received the “Outstanding Achievement by a Local Government Agency” award.
“It’s a high honor to be recognized for the work our caucus has done in both raising awareness of invasive species and passing laws to help mitigate the costly damage they can cause,” said Thompson. “The work we do would not be possible without great people like Scott De Leon and the Lake County Water Resources Department. They are on the front lines, protecting our communities from the major financial risks that invasive species pose. Scott’s recognition is well-earned.”
Aquatic invasive species pose a costly challenge to water infrastructure, fisheries, and the environment in local communities across the United States.
However, this problem often only receives attention after an invasive species has become established in a new area and has begun clogging water pipes, infecting plants and animals with dangerous diseases, and outcompeting native species.
These impacts can damage fisheries, pose health hazards, irreparably damage natural environments, and take a severe toll on local, state and federal budgets.
For example, aquatic mussels such as quagga and zebra mussels have cost U.S. communities more than $5 billion since their introduction in the 1980s.
In the Fifth Congressional district, Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma and Lake Berryessa are all rated at the highest possible risk level for quagga invasion.
Currently, none of these lakes has been invaded by quagga mussels. However, if quaggas invade one of these lakes, control and treatment would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and negatively impact the water supply for residents in Sonoma, Lake, and Solano counties.
If quagga mussels invade the state water infrastructure it could cost millions every year to keep the pipes clear.
At the event, the Reduce Risks from Invasive Species Coalition demonstrated a Web site developed by the Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia that allows members of Congress to learn which invasive species affect their individual congressional districts.
Attendees learned how the economy, environment and public health in every congressional district are harmed by invasive species and how the award winners are making a difference in this fight.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Fire activity continued to keep firefighters in Lake County and in other parts of the state busy on Monday.
A day after firefighters quickly contained the eight-acre Ogulin fire near Clearlake – it was stopped before it could damage nearby commercial structures – fire danger was again high, with three incidents threatening homes.
The incidents included an abandoned travel trailer fire in Lucerne on Monday morning and a grass fire near Lower Lake in the afternoon – with neighbors and a passerby assisting in those fires – and a fire on the deck of a Clearlake home in the evening, as Lake County News has reported.
In Mendocino County, firefighters wrapped up work on the Covelo fire, which was sparked on Sunday near the community of Covelo.
The Covelo fire burned 35 acres before it was fully contained, Cal Fire reported.
Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said several new fires started from lightning strikes over the weekend, with fire crews taking an aggressive initial attack to keep the fires small.
More than 3,000 firefighters were working California's large wildfire incidents on Monday, Berlant said.
Berlant said the hotter and drier weather than began on Monday is expected to build up by week's end.
With very dry conditions throughout the state, and extreme temperatures forecast for this week, the burning of residential landscape debris piles was suspended statewide effective Monday, according to Berlant.
While outdoor burning had already been suspended throughout much of the state, Berlant said Monday began the suspension of the rest of the North State, including the coastal and bay areas.
“Escaped burn piles are one of the top causes of wildfire each year, so it’s critical that residents look into other options to remove yard waste,” Berlant said. “Consider mulching landscape debris piles, or hauling it to a biomass facility in your area.”
Berlant said this week also marks the beginning of safe and sane fireworks being sold in approximately 300 communities, including the city of Lakeport.
“It's critical that if you choose to buy safe and sane fireworks in one of these communities that you exercise extreme caution. Only use those fireworks with the State Fire Marshal Seal of Approval. California has a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks,” Berlant said.
Rules for using safe and sane fireworks in the city of Lakeport can be found at www.bit.ly/1JlNRLM .
A rundown of other major incidents around the state follows, with the most recent available size estimates from Cal Fire.
Cal Fire incidents
– Covelo fire: Began June 28 in Mendocino County; 35 acres, 100-percent contained.
– Pleasure fire: Began June 27 in Napa County; 19 acres, 100-percent contained.
Unified command fires
– Lake fire: Began June 17 in San Bernardino County; 31,359 acres, 60-percent contained. All evacuations lifted. Cause is under investigation.
Federal incidents
– Sky Fire: Began June 18 in Madera County; 500 acres, 100-percent contained. Caused by a vehicle.
– Washington Fire: Began June 19 in Alpine County; 17,787 acres, 56-percent contained. Caused by lightning.
– Sterling Fire: Began June 27 in San Bernardino County; 100 acres, 100-percent contained. Arson fire.
Email Elizabeth Larson at