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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A sheriff’s deputy arrested a Clearlake man last weekend for marijuana possession and transportation, as well as obstruction of a peace officer following a vehicle stop, with the man later found to have methamphetamine during a jail search.
James Jeffrey Peng, 52, was arrested following the stop, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
At 8 p.m. last Saturday, Oct. 19, a deputy was patrolling the area of Highway 53, between Lower Lake and Clearlake, when he noticed a Chevy pickup traveling northbound on Highway 53, exhibiting multiple vehicle code violations, Brooks said.
The deputy activated his emergency lights to conduct an enforcement stop in the area between Dam Road and 18th Avenue, Brooks said. The pickup continued northbound and passed a vehicle which had already yielded to the deputy, by pulling over to the right side of the road.
Brooks said the deputy activated his siren and the vehicle continued northbound and then turned east onto 18th Avenue. The pickup passed a second vehicle which had already yielded to the deputy by pulling over.
The pickup continued and finally pulled over in the parking lot of the St. Helena Hospital in Clearlake,
Brooks said.
As the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, he noticed the subject was drinking a liquid substance and appeared to have swallowed something other than the liquid, Brooks said. The deputy identified the driver as Peng.
Peng then stated, “I panicked because I sell weed,” according to Brooks' report.
The deputy said when he approached the vehicle he could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the inside of the pickup, Brooks said.
The deputy searched the vehicle and located a duffle bag on the passenger seat. Inside the duffle bag, Brooks said the deputy located 17 plastic bags containing processed marijuana of varying weight and quality, which were seized.
Brooks said the deputy also located a scale and a calculator in close proximity to the duffle bag, which he also seized. The combined weight of all the marijuana was 2.8 pounds.
Peng said the reason he did not pull over was because he thought the deputy was trying to pull over someone else who was traveling in front of him, Brooks said. Peng also said he panicked, because he had a half smoked joint in his mouth and was trying to chew it up and swallow it.
He then told the deputy that he pulled into the parking lot at the hospital because he felt it was a safe place to stop. Brooks said Peng told the deputy that he had to drink something to help wash the chewed marijuana down because it tasted bad.
Peng was arrested for the possession of marijuana for sales, transportation of marijuana and obstructing or delaying a peace officer. Peng was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility for booking, Brooks said.
During the intake process at the jail a correctional officer located a small bag containing methamphetamine in Peng’s pocket. Brooks said the additional charges of possession of a controlled substance and bringing a controlled substance into a jail were added during Peng’s booking.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Three years after the first Lake County Community Health Needs Assessment was issued, a new assessment has been released as local officials seek to better understand and address the county's unique health needs.
The original assessment created a baseline for tracking health needs and creating health policy, and this latest report builds on that effort, offering an additional component of tracking trends, according to Dr. Karen Tait, Lake County's public health officer.
The 2010 assessment also was the basis for the “Climb to the Peak of Health” effort Tait's agency created to encourage community members to take small steps toward improving their own health.
The newest assessment identifies both challenges and opportunities, from high poverty and above-average smoking rates to signs of low occurrences of some diseases, including AIDS.
The Lake County Collaborative of Health behind the report includes a number of organizations and agencies – St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Lake County Health Services, Lake Family Resource Center, First 5 of Lake County, Lake County Tribal Health Consortium, Health Leadership Network, Lake County Behavioral Health, Veteran’s Affairs, Mendocino Community Health Clinic Inc. and Area Agency on Aging, Lake and Mendocino Counties.
The new 180-page assessment, like its earlier counterpart, was completed by Barbara Aved Associates, which oversaw focus groups, as well as paper and online surveys, 994 of which were completed.
The report draws on a number of data sources – including state county health profiles, according to Tait.
It includes demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, selected health status indicators, health resource availability and utilization, a summary of related assessments, local perspectives and conclusions and recommended priorities.
“I don't think there are big surprises to it,” said Tait.
When it comes to health matters, Tait said rapid change isn't to be expected. “Population changes take years to become manifest.”
Among the major health issues identified are that Lake County residents are more likely than other Californians to have higher rates of drug use, including prescription drugs, as well as higher rates of obesity and coronary heart disease. Teen pregnancy rates also are higher than the state average.
County health statistics also show residents have high rates of death from lung cancer, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Tait said the report is age-adjusted to account for Lake County's large senior population; the county's population of residents over age 65 is nearly double the proportion of seniors in California as a whole. She added the large senior pool “doesn't explain away our statistics altogether.”
The encouraging signs in the report include lower-than-state-average AIDS incidence rates and diabetes-related deaths, and better access to dental services for the county's children.
The collaborative said the focus group participants and the residents who completed the community health surveys showed an understanding that choosing exercise, eating fresh produce and not smoking were the top three health habits that contribute to maintaining personal health.
The report also found that Lake County is becoming increasingly diverse, and that about 34 percent of children – one-third higher than the state average – and 9.3 percent of seniors, close to 8,000 individuals, live below the poverty level, while 33 percent of low-income adults report not being “food secure.”
The assessment's recommended priorities include promotion and support of healthy choices/healthy behaviors; promotion and support of emotional and mental well being; prevention and treatment of use/misuse of legal and illegal substances, including prescription drugs and medications.
While the county's smoking rates are high, Tait noted that there was an improvement in the rate, which dropped from a quarter of the population to a fifth. There's a concern, however, that more younger people are starting to smoke.
“That's really where we need to put our effort, to prevent that early use of tobacco,” she said, adding that there is a concern that e-cigarettes aren't reducing smoking rates but are hooking young people early. “We could lose all those gains.”
In terms of how those reduced smoking rates impact cancer rates, Tait said that might not show up for 20 years.
“I think we're just building the trends at this point,” she said. “Two points on a graph doesn't always tell the story, but you need those point.”
One of the notable points of the assessment process was that Tait said focus group leaders were particularly touched by the stress factors that people shared that they experience.
“It was present last time but it was more pronounced this time,” she said.
She said it's appropriate for people to be anxious about real life problems, but the assessment process caused officials to see the toll that anxiety was taking on local residents.
Social and economic distress impacts health, with Tait pointing out that it's hard to make good decisions when people can't envision a future for themselves. She said that's why dealing with the psychological aspects of health is important.
Tait said chronic disease prevention is a new priority in public health. “We're just now really turning our attention to it,” she said, adding, “Our eyes are being opened and it's a good thing, we just need to keep it in context.”
Health ultimately boils down to personal health choices, and Tait said health officials don't want county residents to be discouraged by the assessment's findings.
Even if the county ranks poorly, it doesn't mean numbers haven't improved, it just means they haven't improved as much as local officials and residents might hope. “Any improvement is improvement, and we just have to persevere,” Tait said.
She hopes to see another assessment completed in three years.
“This is reinforcing our current priorities,” she said.
Tait encouraged county residents to make a commitment to do one thing every day to improve their health.
“Take a walk, eat an apple, cut down on smoking or quit, volunteer, talk to your doctor about preventive screenings. Even small steps yield big rewards,” she said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – There is lots of spooky fun for people of all ages as Lake County celebrates Halloween this month.
Trick-or-treating, haunted houses, costume parties and performances, and even a pet costume contest can be found during the remaining days of October and the beginning of November.
A list of events follows. If you know of an event that should be included, email it to
FRIDAY, OCT. 25
Lakeport Senior Activity Center Halloween dance and potluck
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Senior Activity Center, 527 Konocti Ave., will host a Halloween dance and potluck from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There is no cover charge, and ghouls, goblins and ghosts of all ages are welcome.
There will be special punch for the kids and a donation bar for adults, along with a silent auction and raffle, games and prizes for the children, face painting and a candy basket, and a best costume contest for both children and adults. Music is to be provided by the Southern Comfort Band.
In addition, there will be a free pumpkin provided for a decorating competition for each table. Absolutely no cutting. Best pumpkin will win a prize.
For more information call 707-263-4218.
Animal Coalition of Lake County plans Halloween fundraiser
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The Animal Coalition of Lake County will hold its fourth annual Halloween and costume party beginning at 5 p.m. at the Clearlake Oaks Moose Lodge, 15900 East Highway 20.
Cocktails start at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6 p.m. There will be a buffet dinner, dancing, costume contest and silent auction.
Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased at several Clearlake businesses, including From Me to You, the thrift shop that supports the coalition, located at 14104 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-994-9335; Marie's Lakeshore Feed & Grain, 14590 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-994-9335; Clearlake Veterinary Clinic, 3424 Emerson St., telephone 707-994-9100; and The Spot, 14625 Lakeshore Drive, telephone 707-900-8671.
For more information call 707-994-9335 or visit the group's Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/pages/Animal-Coalition-of-Lake-County/244591148937005 .
Toles Family Haunted House
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The admission fee is $5 per person.
Teen Fright Night
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The “Teen Fright Night” will take place at the Hidden Valley Lake Community Center, 18677 Lakeridge Circle, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The evening will feature a dance party, fortune telling, costume contest, free pumpkins for everyone in costumes, and pizza, snacks and soda.
For information call 707-987-3138 or email
SATURDAY, OCT. 26
Lakeport Christian Center Fall Fest
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lakeport Christian Center will hold its annual Fall Fest on its grounds at at 455 S. Forbes St. from noon to 3 p.m.
There will be several local bands performing live music, lots of games and prizes for the kids, jumpy house, free pumpkins, free barbecue, free clothing, face painting and even a visit from Officer Chipper of the California Highway Patrol.
Everyone is welcome and this is a fun and free event for the whole family. Friendly costumes are welcome.
For more information call 707-263-4514 or visit the church online at www.lcchub.com .
Pet costume contest
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Rainbow Ag, 1975 Argonaut Road, will host its pet costume contest at 12:30 p.m.
There will be prizes in four categories: small dog under 25 pounds, large dogs over 25 pounds, most unique pet (non-dog) and best trick.
For more information call 707-279-0550.
Youth Halloween Fun Day
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The Hidden Valley Lake Association will host a Youth Halloween Fun Day and Spookfest from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the community center, 18677 Lakeridge Circle.
The family-friendly event will include costume contests, spooky games and prizes, wicked crafts, fortune telling, magic tricks, a puppet show, and ghostly treat bags and a haunted teen center.
For more information call 707-987-3138 or email
Toles Family Haunted House
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The admission fee is $5 per person.
'A Scary Night Under the Stars'
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – “A Scary Night Under the Stars” will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Taylor Observatory, located at 5725 Oak Hills Lane.
Enjoy a “spook-tacular evening” with refreshments and Halloween decorations. See their “Scary Night” show in the full dome planetarium.
Shows will play every hour on the half hour. View Deep Sky Objects through our telescopes. Enjoy the musical entertainment by Rafael and Christian Contreras along with the sounds of Halloween.
Costumes are encouraged to engage in the spirit of Halloween. Join in the children's costume contest. Children under 12 years of age will receive a treat bag.
Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years.
Lower Lake High School haunted house
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The students at Lower Lake High School are putting on a huge haunted house inside the multipurpose room at Lower Lake High from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The haunted house is open to the community. All are welcomed to come to this event but they suggest that visitors are at least 13 years of age.
Admission is free, but donations are welcomed and appreciated.
SUNDAY, OCT. 27
'The Cat Screamed at Midnight'
HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE, Calif. – The Hidden Valley Lake Association and the Commons Committee will host “The Cat Screamed at Midnight,” a murder mystery dinner, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the community center, 18677 Lakeridge Circle.
Costumes are optional but encouraged. There will be a light buffet and cash bar.
Tickets are $25 per person; seating is limited. For information call 707-987-3138 or email
'Lake County Live!'
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Halloween show of “Lake County Live!” will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre, 275 S. Main St., Lakeport.
The audience is asked to be seated by 5:45 p.m.; they’re also invited to stay after the show for additional performances by the featured musicians.
This month's show features the Rural Jazz Project – which includes local musicians Tom Aiken on piano, Jim Leonardis on sax, Dave Borjon on hand drums and Rick LeVasseur on bass. The audience also will meet Sid the Werewolf and enjoy a special Halloween edition of “Ladies of the Lake.”
“Lake County Live!” is produced before a live theater audience, broadcast on Lake County Community Radio KPFZ 88.1 FM and streamed on the Internet at www.KPFZ.org . The show is rebroadcast the Saturday after the live performance on KPFZ 88.1 FM at 7 a.m.
Tickets cost $5 and are available at the theater box office Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Travel Center in Lakeport at 1265 S. Main, at the door and online at www.soperreesetheatre.com .
Visit “Lake County Live!” at www.lakecountylive.com or on Facebook.
Toles Family Haunted House
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The admission fee is $5 per person.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30
Lakeport Main Street trick-or-treating
LAKEPORT, Calif. – More than 25 downtown Lakeport stores will open their doors to hand out treats to children in costume from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Families are invited to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween on Main Street, concluding at 4 p.m. with a costume contest on Museum Square.
There is no charge for this event, which will be held rain or shine.
Maps indicating trick or treat locations will be available after Oct. 23 at participating businesses or at the Lakeport Main Street Association desk in the lobby of City Hall at Second and Park streets.
On the day of the event, participating businesses will have a pumpkin sign in the window to indicate their participation.
This event is sponsored by the Lakeport Main Street Association. For more information call 707-263-8843.
THURSDAY, OCT. 31
Clearlake 'Trunk or Treat'
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clearlake's inaugural “Trunk or Treat” Halloween celebration, sponsored by Lake County Youth Services, will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the youth center on Golf Avenue in Clearlake.
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., children can “trunk or treat” through a collection of festively decorated car trunks in the parking lot at Redbud Park, located across the street from the center.
There will be Halloween goodies, a carnival of Halloween games and prizes, bouncy house, haunted house, music by DJ Nemesis and a dance floor, costume and trunk contests, community-sponsored booths, free raffle drawings and more.
For those wanting to participate in the festive trunk decoration portion of the event, registration forms can be picked up at Hair by Mz. C, located in the indoor flea market at City Hall Plaza next to Clearlake City Hall on Olympic Drive.
Anyone who would like more information regarding any aspect of contributing should contact one of the following volunteer organizers: Bruno Sabatier, 707-695-0834; Ami Landrum, 707-350-7419; or Crystal Williams, 707-655-8559.
Lucerne Community Church Halloween trunk or treat party
LUCERNE, Calif. – Lucerne Community Church will host a safe trunk or treat party on Halloween evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the church parking lot, 5870 East Highway 20.
They will provide free hot chocolate and face painting in addition to handing out treats. Everyone is welcome.
For more information call 707-274-8326.
Middletown Lioness Halloween Carnival
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Lioness club is having a free Halloween carnival from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road.
Children will receive a ticket for a free hotdog; parents are able to purchase one for $1.
There will be popcorn, cotton candy and several activities for the children.
Youth appreciation event
LUCERNE, Calif. – The Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 3985 Country Club Drive, is hosting a youth appreciation event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be treats and activities for all attending at a suggested donation of $1. Treats will include many yummy edibles and activities will be carnival games which all can play. Costumes are optional. Parents also are welcome.
For more information call Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, 707-274-8779.
Toles Family Haunted House
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Tatonka Land Mini Golf, 14240 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, will present the Toles Family Haunted House from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The admission fee is $5 per person.
Lakeside Family Fun & Event Center Halloween Trunk or Treat
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeside Family Fun & Event Center Trunk or Treat Halloween event will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the center's parking lot, 872 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport.
For more information, call the event center at 707-263-4828.
Lakeport Kiwanis Halloween party
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Kiwanis of Lakeport will host a Halloween party for the community's children from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake High School gym, 350 Lange St.
Admission to the party is free. Children up to age 13 are invited to come and enjoy a fun evening that includes games, candy, refreshments and prizes. At 7:15 p.m. a costume contest will take place.
The event is a safe way for children to celebrate Halloween.
'The Rocky Horror Show'
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Theatre Co. and Konocti Vista Casino present Richard O'Brien's “The Rocky Horror Show” in the banquet room at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, at 7 p.m.
All tickets are $15 general admission and $30 for VIP front row seats; the cost is $2 for LCTC members with a card.
Tickets are on sale at the Konocti Vista Casino Player's Club from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Hillbilly massacre haunted house
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Speedway, 401 Martin St., will host the hillbilly massacre haunted house from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Children age 5 and under get in free; the cost is $3 for children ages 6 to 12; and $5 for age 13 and up.
There also will be a separate haunted house geared to younger children.
Konocti Vista Casino costume party
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Konocti Vista Casino will host a costume contest at 9:30 p.m. on Halloween.
The costume contest follows the 7 p.m. “Rocky Horror Show” performance, with the cast and crew to be the judges. Check in at the Player’s Club at or before 9 p.m. to get your name on the contest list.
The top prize is $500, second prize is $250 cash and third prize $100 EZ KASH. Participants in the contest must be 18 years of age and older, and must be or become a Player’s Club member to receive the prizes.
For more information call the casino at 707-262-1900, Extension 1118.
FRIDAY, NOV. 1
'The Rocky Horror Show'
LAKEPORT, Calif. – Lake County Theatre Co. and Konocti Vista Casino present Richard O'Brien's “The Rocky Horror Show” in the banquet room at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road, at 12 a.m.
All tickets are $15 general admission and $30 for VIP front row seats; the cost is $2 for LCTC members with a card.
Tickets are on sale at the Konocti Vista Casino Player's Club from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Hillbilly massacre haunted house
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Speedway, 401 Martin St., will host the hillbilly massacre haunted house from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Children age 5 and under get in free; the cost is $3 for children ages 6 to 12; and $5 for age 13 and up.
There also will be a separate haunted house geared to younger children.
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
Hillbilly massacre haunted house
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Speedway, 401 Martin St., will host the hillbilly massacre haunted house from 7 p.m. until the completion of the North Coast Rock Racing event.
Admission to the haunted house is free with a purchase of tickets to the racing event.
Visit http://www.lakeportspeedway.com for more information.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The 2014 Lake County College-Going Initiative Academic Decathlon is about three months away, and the county's teams are in the midst of preparing for the competition in hopes of going to the state event.
The topic of the 2014 Academic Decathlon, which takes place in February, is World War I.
Students received their World War I curriculum in early summer, including the novel “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, 20 students from Kelseyville, Upper Lake and Clear Lake Highs participated in a special workshop with Dr. Harry Lyons of Yuba College.
The workshop focused on genetics, which is a key component of this year's science curriculum.
The energetic Lyons stayed true to form with engaging lessons mixed with humor and relevance.
Hands-on activities included simulated blood typing and learning about human genetic traits, such as why some can roll their tongue and others have dimples.
This event was offered free to the decathletes. The workshop was arranged by the Lake County Office of Education with instructional and planning time donated by Dr. Lyons.
For more information on the Academic Decathlon and how you can help with workshops or be a judge for speech or interviews, please contact Tammy Serpa at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Area Town Hall will hold a special town hall meeting with Congressman Mike Thompson on Monday, Nov. 4.
The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the new Middletown Community Center, located at 21256 Washington St.
The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will focus on national issues.
The congressman will give opening marks and then take questions from community members.
For more information contact MATH at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Veterans Day will be celebrated at Konocti Vista Casino on Monday, Nov. 11.
Veterans, their families and all supporters in the community are invited to Konocti Vista Casino to celebrate those who have served our country.
Annual past participants have included high school bands, 4-H members, Sea Scouts, Lake County veteran organizations and the Military Funeral Honors Team of Lake County.
The Veterans Day ceremony will include presentations of the County’s annual “Friend of the Veteran” and United Veterans Council’s “Veteran of the Year” awards.
Through the generosity of Konocti Vista Casino, a complimentary lunch and beverages will be provided to those in attendance.
Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration and honoring of America’s veterans.
Please join the festivities on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Konocti Vista Casino, 2755 Mission Rancheria Road in Lakeport. Doors open at 10 a.m.
You may call 707-349-2838 for further information.