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LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Monday a Clearlake man was sentenced to six years in state prison for fatally stabbing his neighbor during a fight over a rented boat in May 2013.
Judge Andrew Blum gave the sentence to Darrell Vernon Sidwell, 58.
Sidwell originally had been facing a murder charge and the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison.
However, in March Deputy District Attorney Megan Lankford and Sidwell's attorney Stephen Carter reached an agreement in which Sidwell pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, as Lake County News has reported.
Clearlake Police officers arrested Sidwell last May for stabbing to death 43-year-old Brad Beaudion, as Lake County News has reported.
Police found Beaudion outside of his Park Street home on the evening of May 9, 2013, with a stab wound to his stomach. He identified his assailant as “Darrell” before losing his ability to speak and being taken to St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, where he died later that night.
According to the police investigation, the men had quarreled over a boat located near Sidwell’s residence.
During the Monday afternoon sentencing, Victim-Witness advocate Crystal Martin read into the court record a victim impact statement from Beaudion's parents, who were present for the sentencing.
In their letter, Beaudion's parents described the devastating impact of their son's death on his family and friends.
They felt their son was being forgotten in the case, and lamented how that Sidwell's version of events – that it was an accident – had become the accepted story.
Stephen Carter, Sidwell's attorney, said he also wanted to make a statement to the court.
Sidwell began to read the statement but became too upset to continue and instead Carter read it for him.
“It was the worst day of my life and I will never forget it as long as I live,” the statement said.
Sidwell, in his written statement, called the deadly confrontation an “accident” that arose over a rented boat.
He said he and his family have owned property in Lake County for about 35 years. The home he owns has access to a dock and beach.
Sidwell, who said he is 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds and is on permanent disability, said he had been approached aggressively four times by Beaudion before the stabbing occurred.
“This is a clear case of self-defense,” he said in his statement, adding that he put himself at Blum's mercy.
Blum denied probation, noting that Sidwell has a demonstrated history of alcohol abuse and was drunk at the time he stabbed Beaudion.
Based on the plea agreement, Blum sentenced Sidwell to the middle term of six years, noting he had 432 days of custody credit.
Due to the crime's violent nature, Blum said Sidwell is limited to 15 percent of other available credits.
Blum then ordered Sidwell be remanded into custody and transported to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Carter said in a previous interview that he expected Sidwell to be released from prison in four years.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Kelseyville man received a 60-day jail sentence on Monday for a May 2013 drunk driving crash that seriously injured a bicyclist.
Judge Andrew Blum gave 20-year-old Steven Wayne Boatright the two-month sentence – along with three years of formal probation and restitution – for a single felony count of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more and causing injury.
The California Highway Patrol arrested Boatright on May 18, 2013, after he hit Upper Lake resident Brian Pecknold, then age 64, on Blue Lakes Road.
The CHP report said that as Pecknold was making a left turn off of Blue Lakes Road onto Irvine Avenue, Boatright entered the intersection and hit the left side of the bike.
Pecknold was knocked to the ground and suffered a severely broken leg, according to Deputy District Attorney John Langan.
Boatright admitted to smoking marijuana before the crash, and also had a blood alcohol level of 0.87, Langan said.
Langan had asked for a sentence of up to 180 days in jail in the case, but the Probation Department proposed 60 days.
The District Attorney's Office also originally had alleged a great bodily injury charge that could have brought prison time on conviction, but ended up dropping it due, in part, to Boatright's youth and lack of criminal record, Langan said.
Pecknold also didn't want that more serious charge pursued against Boatright, Langan added.
Boatright's defense attorney, Lisa Proffitt, said her client had expressed remorse for the crash and admitted he should have not have been drinking while under age and should not have been driving.
However, Blum questioned that assessment after reading a letter Boatright submitted to the court.
“His letter doesn't sound remorseful. His letter blames the victim,” said Blum.
Reading from Boatright's letter, Blum focused in on one particular passage that referred to Pecknold. “'If anything, he is as guilty as I am.'”
Statements in court by Proffitt indicated that Boatright believed Pecknold made an “unsafe turning movement.”
Turning his attention to Boatright, Blum asked, “So, are you blaming the victim for this?”
“No sir, your honor, I'm not,” Boatright responded.
Blum didn't appear convinced, and while reading over the sentence proposed by the Probation Department, noted, “If anything this should be higher than 60 days.”
However, he said he would go along with the proposed sentence.
As part of the Monday hearing, Langan – with Pecknold's permission – had obtained Pecknold's medical records and submitted them into the court record.
Langan said the records showed that Pecknold was not under the influence of any substance – alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs – when he was on the bike ride that ended with the crash.
Blum ordered Boatright to report to the Probation Department this week and to turn himself in at the Lake County Jail on the morning of July 3 in order to begin serving his sentence.
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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A Lake County woman was arrested Sunday evening after she allegedly left her baby unattended at a truck stop in the Sacramento area.
Christina Reed, 36, of Lower Lake was taken into custody for felony child endangerment, according to a Monday report from Sacramento County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Sgt. Lisa Bowman.
Bowman said Reed's infant daughter has been placed in protective custody with Child Protective Services.
Bowman said an employee at a truck stop located in the 2800 block of El Centro Road contacted the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department at 5:20 p.m. Sunday to report that a baby had been left in a carrier on the sidewalk at the location.
Deputies responded to find the truck stop employees caring for a 6-week-old female infant, Bowman said.
Witnesses reported seeing a male and female subject with the infant earlier who both went separate ways and left the location approximately 45 minutes earlier, Bowman reported.
Bowman said the child was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center to be medically evaluated.
Nearly 90 minutes later, the mother of the infant – identified as Reed – returned to the scene. Bowman said deputies questioned Reed and subsequently arrested her for felony child endangerment.
Bowman told Lake County News that Reed's bail was set at $50,000.
Sacramento County Jail records indicated Reed was released from custody on Monday.
The father of the child is being sought by detectives for questioning, Bowman said.
Anyone having information related to this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Child Abuse Bureau at 916-874-5115.
Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com , by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) and entering the keyword “SSD,” or by calling 916-874-TIPS (8477).
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – This weekend's Catfish Derby reeled in record attendance and showcased the big fish in Clear Lake's waters.
The Clearlake Oaks-Glenhaven Business Association's derby, which has been taking place for more than 30 years, is billed as the largest catfish tournament west of the Mississippi.
“We had another record turnout this year, with 741 adults and 117 kids entered,” said Dennis Locke, one of the dedicated volunteers who run the derby each year.
Locke said most entrants – 65 percent – were from outside Lake County, with visitors coming from all around California, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho, and as far away as Kentucky to take part in the three-day event, which began Friday.
This year the derby awarded $10,000 in cash and merchandise to winners in the adult and children's divisions, Locke reported.
Raymond Johnson of Santa Rosa won the adult division with a fish weighing 24.87 pounds that he caught on Friday. The big fish earned Johnson a $4,000 cash prize.
Rounding out the top five in the adult division were Allan Rogers of Nice, 23.25 pounds; Daniel Renninger, Hidden Valley Lake, 23.21 pounds; Charles Owen, Roseville, 22.52; and Joe Wynn of Clearlake Oaks, 21.43 pounds.
Five-year-old Kieran Brosnan of Crockett won the children's division with a fish weighing 16.34 pounds that he caught on Saturday. Kieran took home an Apple iPad for his efforts.
The other two top finishers among the children were from Lake County. Darlene Duncan of Lucerne caught a 16.07-pound fish on Saturday, with Bradley Hansen of Lower Lake catching his 15.74-pound fish on Friday.
This year's derby saw good fishing overall, said Locke, with 241 fish weighed.
Clear Lake's level is well below normal for this time of year, measuring around 2.11 feet Rumsey on Friday, the tournament's first day, compared to the 5.68 feet Rumsey measurement on the first day of the 2013 tournament, according to US Geological Survey records.
However, the lower-than-normal lake level didn't seem to impact the fishing, Locke said, with contestants able to launch their boats from all public ramps and reach their favorite fishing spots with no difficulty.
“Fish tended to be larger this year,” he said, adding that adults needed a fish of at least 19 pounds to finish in the money.
“Weather was mostly fair and warm, but heavy winds that came up Saturday evening into Sunday slowed the catch considerably,” Locke added.
Derby Chairwoman Gail Jonas once again led a large volunteer force of more than 50 people who worked four straight days to produce this year's tournament, according to Locke.
Locke said tournament proceeds will go back into the community, with the business association continuing its tradition of supporting local schools, parks, senior and youth services, nonprofit organizations, a graduating senior scholarship program and the Maxine Sherman Memorial July 4 fireworks display through its donations.
Locke said more derby information and pictures will be available on the association's Web site, http://www.clearlakeoaks.org , on Monday.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control this week has a full house of cats needing loving, forever homes.
The cats range in age from 8 months up to 6 years, with many already being spayed and ready to go home with new families right away.
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”).
Female brown tabby
This female brown tabby is 3 years old.
She has a curly coat and green eyes, weighs 8 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel 18, ID No. 39711.
Female gray tabby
This female gray tabby is 8 months old.
She has gold eyes and a short coat, and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 29a, ID No. 39805.
Female gray tabby
This female gray tabby is 8 months old.
She has a short coat and gold eyes, and has been spayed.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 29b, ID No. 39806.
Male domestic long hair mix
This male domestic long hair mix is 6 years old.
He has a long black coat, weighs 11 pounds and has been neutered.
Find him in cat room kennel No. 39, ID No. 39576.
Female gray tabby
This female gray tabby is 8 months old.
She has a short coat and gold eyes, and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 44a, ID No. 39803.
Female gray tabby
This female gray tabby is 8 months old.
She has a short coat and gold eyes, and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 44b, ID No. 39804.
Male brown tabby
This male brown tabby is 4 years old.
He has a short coat and gold eyes, and has been neutered.
He's in cat room kennel No. 49, ID No. 39706.
Male orange tabby
This male orange tabby is 4 years old.
He has a short coat and gold eyes, and has been neutered.
Find him in cat room kennel No. 55, ID No. 39707.
Domestic long hair mix
This domestic long hair mix is 2 years old.
She has dilute tortie markings, weighs nearly 11 pounds and has been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 56, ID No. 39764.
Domestic medium hair mix
This female domestic medium hair mix cat is 2 years old.
She has a gray coat and has not yet been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 62, ID No. 39667.
Female gray tabby
This female gray tabby is 8 months old.
She has a short coat and gold eyes, and has been spayed.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 99, ID No. 39807.
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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – In 1993, a group of Lake County residents joined together to start the process of forming the Lake County Land Trust.
In May of 1994, the Land Trust was officially incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization.
Since then, the Land Trust has played a vital role in conservation efforts in Lake County.
It purchased and now owns and operates the Rodman Preserve on the north end of Clear Lake near Rodman Slough, spearheaded the purchase and preservation of the Black Forest on the slopes of Mt. Konocti, owns and manages the small Rabbit Hill park in Middletown, and is cooperating with The Nature Conservancy in managing The Boggs Lake Preserve on Mt. Hannah.
The Land Trust is currently working to purchase a 31-acre wetland parcel in the Big Valley Wetlands as part of its effort to preserve and protect some of Clear Lake’s last remaining shoreline areas that feature tules, riparian forests, and other vital habitat.
The Land Trust started out meeting on a monthly basis in Lower Lake. The original board was made up of Roberta Lyons, who was the first president; Mary Benson, secretary; the late John Graham who was retired from the Lake County Planning Department; the late Glenn Dishman, who was the first treasurer; Kim Clymire, now retired as parks director for the county of Lake; Sibyl Day, Ginger Kite, and Susanne Scholz.
Many of these first board members were people who had been active in conservation actions in the county and had come to the realization that the best way to protect land in the county was to simply buy it.
“We had fought our battles with developers and realized that the formation of a Land Trust was a really elegant way to permanently protect land,” said Roberta Lyons, one of the founders. “However, it’s a good thing that we didn’t heed the warnings we read in the ‘Forming a Land Trust Handbook,’ or we would never have done it!”
That is because the handbook outlined numerous reasons why a place like Lake County should probably not even have a Land Trust.
“The handbook recommended against forming a land trust in a rural county with numerous low-income residents as well as a county that already has a lot of state or federal land,” Lyons explained.
“I can say we proved them wrong,” said Lyons. “We have had fantastic support from local residents; have found numerous projects that need completion, many involving Clear Lake. Despite the large amount of federally-owned land in the county, much of the natural land near the populated areas of Lake County, areas that are part of the everyday lives of our community, lies near the lake itself and is in danger of development. It needs protecting!”
Once the Land Trust was formed, it quickly attracted other board members including local attorney Michael Friel, Pete McGee, the late Tommy Gilliam, Judy Cox, Nina Marino, Jan Parkinson, Tom Smythe, Kristine Groff, Brad Barnwell, Christian Ahlmann, Keith Petterson, Susanne LaFaver, Greg Cornish, Barbara LeVasseur and current president Jon Ambrose.
Over the years, some board members have retired and new board members have arrived. They all share the same mind set: a palpable love of Lake County and a sense of place.
Current board members include President Jon Ambrose, Hidden Valley; Vice President Bill Lincoln, Middletown; Secretary Val Nixon, Kelseyville; Treasurer John Wise, Hidden Valley; Kathy Windrem, Kelseyville; Gaye Allen, Cobb; Tom Smythe, Kelseyville; Roberta Lyons, Lower Lake; and Michael Friel, Kelseyville.
As the Land Trust grew, it added paid staff. Susanne Scholz was the Land Trust’s first executive director and Catherine Koehler now holds that position.
In addition to a part-time executive director, the Land Trust also has a part-time bookkeeper in Kathy Hall. The administrative offices have moved from donated space in Michael Friel’s law office to being at the Rodman Preserve.
The Land Trust’s first major project was purchase of the Rodman Ranch near Rodman Slough on the north end of Clear Lake. This was a complicated transaction and the Land Trust relied heavily on the expertise of Kelseyville attorney Peter Windrem who helped the trust navigate the field of options and escrows that were required to finally purchase this beautiful property.
At the time, a large great blue heron rookery was located in the tops of the oak trees on part of the property and it was this rookery (nesting site) that supplied the impetus to gain local support for the project, as well as funding from the state Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), which is the state funding agency for land acquisition for the Department of Fish and Wildlife (then Fish and Game).
By the time the Rodman Slough project was completed, a package of seven different sources of funding was coordinated by Windrem and a core committee of Land Trust members.
The purchase of the Rodman property, now known as the Rodman Preserve, was finalized in 1999, which was also the year of the first Lake County Land Trust annual dinner, a fun event that has become a yearly “must attend,” for many supporters.
Since purchasing the property, the Land Trust has led weekly Saturday nature walks and has developed a small nature education center by remodeling an old farm house that was originally on the property where it presents two to four educational programs each year and during the summer presents a children’s nature education program on the third Saturday from June through September.
The Land Trust also annually hosts membership events at the center, like the spring “State of the Land Trust” Coffee, and a wine and cheese event during the summer.
The Trust protected 282 acres, 142 of which are now in the preserve, with 104 acres belonging to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and 36 to the county of Lake.
The Land Trust manages the Preserve for its wildlife and natural values while at the same time providing guided access to the public on a weekly basis.
In 2007, the Lake County Land Trust produced its Land Conservation Priority Plan, which is the guiding document that the Trust uses to identify priority projects, including the current Big Valley Wetlands protection plan.
The conservation priorities were developed during two workshops attended by Land Trust board members and 17 experts in local land use and natural resources.
Workshop participants were asked to prioritize areas and/or issues they believed, based on their familiarity and experience, most worthy of conservation in light of future threats from development and conversion.
The plan summarizes the Lake County Land Trust’s efforts at identifying and ranking unique areas/ecosystems in Lake County in order to guide conservation prioritization efforts, and identifies a total of 30 distinct conservation-worthy areas/ecosystems.
At that time, three areas were identified to be of highest conservation priority: the Clear Lake shoreline between Clear Lake State Park and south Lakeport (which is the current conservation focus of the Land Trust); Mt. Konocti (now protected by the County) and the Tule Lake/Middle Creek areas upstream of Rodman Slough (protection and restoration of which are being worked on by the county).
The Land Trust will continue to revisit its conservation priorities as it makes progress in protecting the important natural lands of Lake County.
The Lake County Land Trust has enjoyed strong support over the past 20 years, and is looking forward to continuing the preservation and protection of the best parts of Lake County.
To learn more about the Land Trust or to donate and become a member, go to www.lakecountylandtrust.org or call the Land Trust office at 707-262-0707.