How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
News
Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) has cosponsored new legislation to protect voting rights of the nation's citizens.
The two bills Garamendi cosponsored are H.R. 885, the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015 and H.R. 411, the SIMPLE Voting Act.
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy. The Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015 would prevent this sacrosanct right from being abridged,” Garamendi said. “I am pleased that Democrats and Republicans have come together to introduce this legislation. I urge House Leadership to continue the strong bipartisan tradition of Voting Rights Act reauthorizations by bringing this bill to the floor without delay.
The SIMPLE Voting Act would help ensure that no American has to wait in line for several hours just to cast his or her ballot – lines that often present another type of voter suppression.
“Collectively, these bills would better safeguard our right to vote,” Garamendi said.
The bipartisan Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2015 was introduced in response to the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision which struck down Section 4b, the core provision in the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965 that determines how states are covered under Section 5 of the Act (which requires federal preclearance of voting changes by covered jurisdictions to protect against discriminatory voting methods).
The bill updates the coverage formula by making all states and jurisdictions eligible for the coverage formula based on voting violations in the last 15 years.
President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law in August of 1965, and it has been reauthorized four times since.
President George W. Bush signed the most recent reauthorization into law in 2006, after the House voted 390-33 and the Senate 98-0 in favor of the legislation.
Key provisions in the bill include:
– Through a coverage provision based on current conditions, the bill would require states or jurisdictions that have a persistent record of recent voting rights violations over the last 15 years to abide by strong preclearance voter protection standards.
– Allows our federal courts to add the worst actors to the list of those who must abide by preclearance voter protection standards. The current law permits states or jurisdictions to be required for preclearance for intentional violations, but the new legislation amends the Act to allow states or jurisdictions to have preclearance for results-based violations.
– Greater transparency in elections so that voters are made aware of changes. The additional sunlight will deter discrimination from occurring and protect voters from discrimination.
– Allows for preliminary relief to be obtained more readily, given that voting rights cannot often be vindicated after an election is already over.
The SIMPLE Voting Act would protect the right to vote by: 1) providing for at least 15 days of early voting in every state, and 2) requiring that states provide adequate poll workers, machines and other resources to ensure that voters do not wait in line more than one hour to vote.
It also would strengthen enforcement of these rights to ensure that states comply with the bill’s provisions.
Garamendi also released a video, which can be seen above, honoring Black History Month.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Yuba College Clear Lake Campus Human Services Student Association is presenting an event on Thursday, Feb. 19, in honor of Black History Month.
The students are inviting the public to the event which they are calling, “Black History, No Mystery.”
This free cultural and historical presentation will begin at 1 p.m. in room 209.
An opening prayer will be shared by Thomas Brown, tribal administrator and cultural director for Elem Indian Colony.
NAACP President Rick Mayo will deliver remarks. Music will be provided by professors Doug and Sissa Harris with accompaniment from their friend Bill Bordisso.
A black history poem will be shared by Delores Davis. A black history speech will be spoken by elder community member Denise Johnson.
Randall Cole will conclude with a motivational speech. Cole is the communications director of the Human Services Club, the student organizer for this event and a local author.
The event includes the option of a buffet lunch available for purchase from Aromas Café.
The buffet is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The college's culinary students are collaborating by presenting a buffet lunch which features Southern Soul Food for $9 per person.
The menu includes pulled pork, Mary's free range fried chicken, wild style pulled pork pizza, collard greens, red beans and rice, full fresh salad bar, corn bread muffins, honey butter, sweet potato pie and buttermilk pie.
For questions about this event call Yuba college Clear Lake Campus at 707-995-7914.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has a new group of cats available to homes this week.
The cats – four males and two females – are all domestic short hair mixes.
In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .
The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).
Male domestic short hair mix
This male domestic short hair mix has a black and white coat.
Hes in cat room kennel No. 8, ID No. 1755.
Domestic short hair mix
This female domestic short hair mix has an orange, gray and white coat.
She's in cat room kennel No. 43, ID No. 1745.
'Max'
“Max” is a 1-year-old male domestic short hair mix with a cool tuxedo coat.
Shelter staff said Max came in injured and his owner surrendered him.
He's a big, sweet healthy boy who is affectionate and will greet you, waiting to be petted.
Max is neutered and vaccinated, so he is ready for the right person, or family, to take him to his forever home.
He's in cat room kennel No. 53, ID 1646.
Domestic short hair mix
This female domestic short hair mix has a multi-colored coat.
She's in cat room kennel No. 55, ID No. 1737.
'Aloe'
“Aloe” is a male domestic short hair mix with a gray tabby coat.
He's in cat room kennel No. 79, ID No. 1747.
'Mokie'
“Mokie” is a male domestic short hair mix with a gray tabby coat.
He's in cat room kennel No. 98, ID No. 1746.
Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .
Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.
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
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Searchers on Sunday located the body of a Hidden Valley Lake man who was last seen by family the previous morning.
The body of 58-year-old Mark Albee was discovered at around 9 a.m., according to Sheriff Brian Martin.
Albee's family had reported him missing early Saturday afternoon. He'd last been seen at around 8:30 a.m. Saturday, according to his daughter, Michelle Smith.
Albee's Ford Ranger pickup later was found near a creek in a dirt turnout at the bottom of the Coyote Grade near Middletown, Martin said.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office and Lake County Search and Rescue began a search early Saturday evening, continuing until into the night. Martin said a helicopter also had been brought from Napa County to assist.
At 7 a.m. Sunday the search had resumed, Martin said.
Martin said Albee's body was found about 500 yards from where his pickup had been located the previous day.
“The body was recovered by one of the Search and Rescue dogs,” he said.
There are no signs of foul play, Martin said.
The cause of death is pending an autopsy, although early indications are that Albee may have taken his own life, according to Martin.
Albee's daughter said he had health issues and had been depressed, and Martin said Albee's wife had reported to authorities that he had sent her a “concerning message” around the time of his disappearance.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A Hidden Valley Lake man died Saturday afternoon when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle on Highway 175.
The California Highway Patrol did not release the name of the 51-year-old man late Saturday pending notification of next of kin.
The CHP report said the crash occurred just after 4:30 p.m. on Highway 175 west of Socrates Mine Road near Middletown.
A 62-year-old Cobb man – whose name also wasn't released by the CHP – was driving a 2002 Chrysler Sebring eastbound on Highway 175 at approximately 25 to 30 miles per hour, while the motorcyclist, riding a 1998 Honda Super Hawk, was headed westbound at an undetermined rate of speed, the CHP said.
As the motorcycle entered a turn to the right in the roadway, the rider lost control and the bike began to slide on its side, according to the CHP.
The CHP said the motorcycle continued sliding out of control on its side, crossing the highway's double-yellow lines and heading toward the Chrysler.
The vehicle's driver saw the motorcycle coming and attempted to stop, but the motorcycle continued sliding toward the car until it collided with the front of it, the CHP said.
Firefighters arrived on scene and were unable to revive the motorcycle rider, according to the report.
Both the motorcyclist and the vehicle's driver were using their safety equipment, the CHP said. The Chrysler's driver was not injured.
CHP Officer Rob Hearn is the crash's investigating officer.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The White Cap Murders that took place in Middletown, in 1890 were considered the most heinous crimes in Lake County history.
In her book, “The California White Cap Murders,” Helen Rocca Goss goes into great detail about the crimes.
White Caps were “groups of lawless bands,” according to Goss.
They formed in south Indiana, and then spread to nearby states, then finally in the West.
Goss’ father was Andrew Rocca, who was then superintendent of the Great Western Quicksilver Mine, located about three miles from the scene of the crimes.
According to Goss, he was “called to serve as a member of the coroner’s jury to examine the cause of Mrs. Riche’s death.”
But I am getting ahead of myself.
It was a typical, chilly fall Lake County evening on Oct. 10. The skies were clear and full of twinkling stars. The town was bustling with activity this particular evening, as there was a major gala social event taking place – the candidate’s ball.
About three miles south of Middletown at a saloon called “Campers’ Retreat” all was quiet.
Normally, the local quicksilver miners from the nearby mines – such as The Bradford, Mirabel, Great Western, Oat Hill or others – overflowed the establishment, drinking, playing cards and noisily debating local politics.
It was 9 p.m., and only the owner, J.W. Riche, his wife Helen Matilda Riche and Fred Bennett, the bartender, were present.
It's important to note that the name, “Riche” was spelled in varying forms by different newspapers of the day. It was spelled Ritch, Ritchie and so on, but during preliminary investigations in Middletown he spelled it, “Riche.”
While Mrs. Riche and Mr. Bennett played cards, Mr. Riche sat and observed the friendly game.
Suddenly the door was thrown open and a masked man entered the room. Soon to follow were about a half a dozen more men with shotguns, rifles and other firearms drawn.
Mr. Riche thought he recognized one of the men as a miner who worked the Bradford Mine and breathed a sigh of relief, assuming it was an early Halloween trick. When a bullet nearly grazed his head, he fully understood the serious intent of the intruders.
Mrs. Riche decided to take matters into her own hands, and promptly ripped the white cap off one of the intruders.
It seems that everything broke loose at once then, and Mr. Riche tried in vain to pull his wife to safety and shield her with his body.
Just then, a cacophony arose and a myriad of gunshots filled the room. Mrs. Riche had been wounded by a shot in her side.
Although wounded, she managed to pick up her husband’s Winchester 44 in hopes of retaliating, but her plan did not succeed.
Riche testified later that, “one man grabbed the rifle from her hand and threw it behind him.”
Then, the White Caps decided to leave the establishment. Most backed their way out, guns brazenly aimed at them, but Bennett threw the last one out.
Not to be trifled with, the White Caps opened up with a new volley of fire.
Shaken, Riche carried his wife to the bedroom and asked Bennett to go for the doctor.
While nervously awaiting the doctor’s arrival, Riche heard more footsteps on his porch.
He tore open the door and aimed his revolvers out into the dark, yelling at whoever was there that he was now quite prepared for them. It became eerily quiet.
As the festivities of the ball were beginning in Middletown, the reverie was interrupted by Bennett, who came galloping in on his horse, yelling for help.
Dr. Hartley immediately left the party, and was trailed by Constable J.W. Ransdell, Sheriff Moore, District Attorney Sayre and many others who were eager to get to the bottom of this crime.
One man, who was found by some neighbors on the Riche’s porch, could give no answers; he was dead.
It seems that it was the body of one McGuyre, who, as Dr. Hartley stated, wore “a most fiendish looking disguise.”
He was wearing an outfit with red sleeves. Burlap sacks made up the rest of his makeshift shirt and pants. White flour-sack masks were found near the house, along with a bucket of tar.
Dr. Hartley learned that Mrs. Riche had sustained five gunshot wounds. She only lived four days after the incident.
Much of the town attended services at the Middletown Methodist church, and then formed a procession to the cemetery.
The story of the murders was covered by many newspapers, including the Middletown “Independent,” the “Calistogian,” the Lakeport “Democrat” and the San Francisco “Examiner.”
Ten men were eventually arrested. Some, like Charles Osgood, chief engineer at the Bradford Mine, Charles Evans, a Bradford Mine employee, and Henry Arkarro stated that they did not intend to injure the Riches.
Instead, they had planned to attack Bennett. They wanted to “flog him well, give him a coat of tar and feathers, and then escort him to the border of the county and order him never to set foot within it again.”
Three men were turned in to the Lakeport jail without bail, accused of murder: B.F. Staley, A.E. Bichard and J. Archer, all employees of the Bradford Mine.
Before the legal proceedings were ever completed, Mr. Riche died of “apoplexy of the brain.”
It was believed that all of the sadness and stresses of the events, along with a bullet wound to his side having never healed properly, no doubt led to his early demise.
Andrew Rocca was appointed executor of his will and vowed to “champion the Riche’s cause” and “find and prosecute the perpetrators of the crime.”
It turns out that the murderers, according to historian Henry Mauldin, “were not outlaws or desperados, but just plain ordinary people, most of them were well known in Middletown or at the neighboring mines.”
At the conclusion of the trial there were no death sentences given. They spent time in San Quentin Prison, with the longest term given to a man named Blackburn, who was released on Sept. 26, 1897.
Kathleen Scavone, M.A., is an educator, potter, writer and author of “Anderson Marsh State Historic Park: A Walking History, Prehistory, Flora, and Fauna Tour of a California State Park” and “Native Americans of Lake County.” She also writes for NASA and JPL as one of their “Solar System Ambassadors.” She was selected “Lake County Teacher of the Year, 1998-99” by the Lake County Office of Education, and chosen as one of 10 state finalists the same year by the California Department of Education.
