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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force eradicated 6,206 marijuana plants from two separate locations in the Middletown area on Monday.
No suspects or evidence leading to the identity of the growers were located at the grows, according to sheriff's spokesman Lt. Steve Brooks.
In April, narcotics detectives conducted overflight missions in the Middletown area in an effort to locate illicit marijuana growing operations, Brooks said.
He said during the overflight detectives located what appeared to be two illicit growing operations.
One of the grows was located in an area commonly known as Dog Rock, which is located off of Dry Creek Road in Middletown, Brooks said, with the second located in an area commonly known as Black Oak, located off of Butts Canyon Road in Middletown.
At 8 a.m. Monday narcotics detectives entered the grow site in the Dog Rock area. They located and eradicated 2,222 marijuana plants in different stages of maturity, Brooks said.
On the same day at 11 a.m. narcotics detectives entered the grow site in the Black Oak area, where they located and eradicated 3,984 marijuana plants, also at different growth stages, he said.
Brooks said that, so far this year, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force Marijuana Unit has eradicated 128,349 marijuana plants from Lake County this year.
In addition, they have seized 421 pounds of processed marijuana, 76 firearms, made 42 arrests and seized $51,596 for asset forfeiture.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Winery Association will host the ninth annual Lake County Wine Adventure – a two-day passport event – this weekend, July 27 and 28.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Throughout the weekend, adventurous wine enthusiasts will discover the Bay Area’s distinct high elevation American Viticultural Areas of Lake County, visit participating wineries, meet their winemakers and proprietors, and sample award winning wines.
Wine Adventure tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at any participating location for $45.
Each ticket is good for two full days of activities and entitles the holder to wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres at each participating location, a logo wine glass and wine bag – as well as art exhibits and entertainment.
Event-goers who submit their stamped passport to the Lake County Winery Association will be entered into a raffle drawing for one of a dozen Lake County vacation packages and a special grand prize featuring a stellar cellar collection of Lake County’s finest wines.
Event organizers promote responsible hospitality and encourage all participants to hire or designate a driver. Designated drivers are invited to enjoy non-alcoholic drinks, food and entertainment free of charge at each site compliments of the Lake County Winery Association.
For more information and a map of participating locations, visit www.lakecountywineries.org , email
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Tuesday, Lake County's members of Congress and a Napa County rancher testified before a House subcommittee regarding legislation to establish a National Conservation Area across the region stretching from Snow Mountain to Lake Berryessa.
Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3) and Mike Thompson (CA-5) testified at a Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation in support of H.R. 1025, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act.
Judy Ahmann, a private land owner and rancher from Napa, also testified in support of the legislation.
H.R. 1025, introduced by Thompson in March 2013, would designate the 350,000 acre Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Conservation Area (NCA).
Under this designation, all currently owned federal lands within the NCA boundary would be united under one management plan, allowing the region to be managed according to the site-specific needs.
The region also would be permanently protected under a NCA designation, ensuring continued recreational opportunities while safeguarding the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, rare plants, and waters – which include important sources of drinking water and irrigation for nearby communities.
“The Berryessa Snow Mountain Region is a national treasure,” Thompson said during testimony. “We have a responsibility to preserve it and make sure the region is managed efficiently and responsibly. Designating the region as a National Conservation Area would preserve the land, help our local economies, and benefit those who live in and visit the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region.”
Garamendi, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, told the subcommittee, “The Berryessa Snow Mountain NCA bill would open up a range of business opportunities for our region. The bill allows for federal agencies to coordinate on management of federal lands.”
He said the NCA designation has a proven track record of increasing tourism and creating jobs, which is why H.R. 1025 has garnered the support of chambers of commerce, boards of supervisors, Northern California cities and other local stakeholders.
Ahmann and her husband operate a 3,000 acre cattle ranch, Running Deer Ranch, directly adjacent to Bureau of Land Management lands that are included in the proposed National Conservation Area.
“As a grandmother, protecting our public lands for future generations is important to me,” she said. “I want to make sure that this scenic treasure is permanently protected so that it can be enjoyed by my grandchildren and their grandchildren.”
“I am overjoyed that this legislation is gaining momentum,” said Sara Husby-Good, executive director and campaign director of nonprofit Tuleyome. “There are many people who enjoy recreating in the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region because there is something for everyone. Visitors can hike, hunt, camp, fish, bird, mountain bike, use off road vehicles on legal routes, boat on Lake Berryessa, horseback ride and much more. I look forward to a House floor vote for this important legislation.”
For more information about the area visit http://berryessasnowmountain.org/ .
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Thanks to aggressive efforts by firefighters on the ground and in the air, a wildland fire near Hopland was contained within hours on Tuesday afternoon.
The Pratt Fire, located at Highway 175 and Pratt Ranch Road in Mendocino County, was first reported at about 1:30 p.m., according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire said a total of 45 acres burned, with the fire fully contained at 4 p.m.
The fire had burned close to the highway and structures, with additional agencies called in for mutual aid, according to radio reports. From above, Cal Fire air resources hit the fire quickly.
There was aggressive spotting on the incident, with three spots on the south side of Highway 175 at one point, radio reports indicated.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Local and state firefighters are working on a wildland fire off of Highway 175 in the Hopland area.
The fire, located off of Highway 175 at Pratt Ranch Road, is east of Hopland, according to Cal Fire spokesperson Julie Cooley.
Cooley said the fire was first reported at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Shortly before 2:30 p.m. it had reached an estimated 30 acres, Cooley said.
“It's got aggressive spotting ahead of the main fire,” she said.
Structures are threatened but Cooley did not have information immediately available concerning how many were in the fire's path, or whether they were homes or outbuildings.
Reports the California Highway Patrol received on the fire indicated there were some homes nearby.
Cal Fire air resources have been hitting the fire from the air, and mutual aid is being requested from nearby agencies.
Although the fire was reported to be burning close to the roadway, no road closures had been reported as of 2:30 p.m.
Fire official estimated around 3:30 p.m. that the fire had reached close to 50 acres.
Additional details will be posted as they become available.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Lioness sixth annual Christmas Boutique will be held Dec. 6-7.
Vendors are selected by first-come, first-chosen basis for this juried show.
For information and an application email Teri Beagan at