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“Celebrating our great country’s birthday with friends and family is a holiday tradition for many people,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.
“Many Californians will be taking to the roadway and we encourage motorists to celebrate safely; designate a non-drinking driver, buckle up, minimize distractions and allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so that you don’t feel the need for speed on the highway,” Farrow said.
The CHP will join travelers on the roadway this coming weekend. The Independence Day weekend is a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) for the CHP.
Officers will be on duty during the MEP, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, July 1. and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 4.
“With many people taking to roadway this holiday weekend, motorists can rest assured our officers will be on the lookout for those in need of assistance,” said Farrow.
In addition to providing service to motorists, throughout the Independence Day MEP, CHP officers also will focus on removing impaired drivers from the roadway, discouraging speeders from exceeding the posted speed limit and encouraging all motorists to buckle up; those are three primary causes of death on the roadway.
During last year’s Independence Day MEP, 23 people were killed statewide; among the 11 vehicle occupants killed in CHP jurisdiction, three were not wearing a seat belt.
In addition, CHP officers made 1,438 arrests for driving under the influence.
“We want you to travel safely through this great state and enjoy your weekend with friends and family,” added Commissioner Farrow.
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Paul William Braden, 21, of Clearlake Oaks appeared with his defense attorney, Jacob Zamora, before Judge Stephen Hedstrom in Lake County Superior Court's Clearlake division Tuesday afternoon, according to District Attorney Don Anderson.
Anderson said Braden pleaded not guilty to all of the counts against him, as well as a number of special allegations.
Braden is one of three men accused of opening fire on a family and their friends at a residence on Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake late on the night of Saturday, June 18.
He was charged last week with one count of murder for the death of 4-year-old Skyler Rapp; and five counts of attempted murder for shooting Desiree Kirby, 22, Skyler Rapp's mother, along with her 25-year-old boyfriend, Ross Sparks and his brother, Andrew Sparks, 23, as well as Ian Griffith, 19, and Joey Armijo, 15.
Braden also faces six counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of mayhem and special allegations including personally using and discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury, the District Attorney's Office previously reported.
Each attempted murder charge carries a potential life sentence, and the special allegations also could carry 25-years-to-life prison terms, Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff said last week.
Hinchcliff said the prosecution will not be a death penalty case because the evidence doesn't support any of the 22 required conditions for capital prosecution.
State law sets out standards that require prosecutors prove conditions that include lying in wait; gang affiliation; torture; killing of a law enforcement officer, political leader, judge or witness; and drive-by shootings, among numerous other scenarios.
Charged last week along with Braden was Kevin Ray Stone, 29, of Clearlake, who is still at large.
Acting Clearlake Police Chief Craig Clausen indicated Tuesday afternoon that he had no updates yet on the efforts to locate and arrest Stone.
Braden's arraignment came several hours after a third suspect in the case, 23-year-old Orlando Joseph Lopez, was rearrested, as Lake County News has reported.
Lopez and Braden both had been arrested on June 20, with Lopez released from the Lake County Jail late last week as investigators continued to work to build a case against him.
On Tuesday morning, Clearlake Police Det. Tom Clements picked Lopez up after he was able to assemble the needed evidence to charge him, according to Hinchcliff.
Lopez is being held in the Lake County Jail with bail set at $1,510,000. His booking records indicate he is to appear in court for arraignment on Thursday, June 30.
Braden's preliminary hearing has been set for Aug. 1, Anderson said.
Anderson – who indicated he will be handling the prosecution of Braden, Lopez and Stone – said it's too early to tell if all of the men will be tried together.
“We just don't know yet,” he said.
The Clearlake Police Department also is continuing it extensive work on the case, he said.
The victims who survived the shooting are continuing their own work along the road to recovery.
On Tuesday, UC Davis Medical Center spokesman Charles Casey said Kirby, the most seriously injured of the survivors, was listed in fair condition.
Ian Griffith and Andrew Sparks were discharged late last week, according to Casey.
Ross Sparks had been discharged a few days after the shooting and Armijo had been treated and released at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, as Lake County News has reported.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
On June 23 the California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $825 million in new funding to 92 highway, transit, and rail projects that will strengthen California’s economy and upgrade the state’s vast transportation system.
The allocations included nearly $9 million from Proposition 1B, a 2006 voter-approved transportation bond. To date, the state has allocated nearly $8 billion in Proposition 1B funds.
“From one end of the state to the other, transportation projects are providing jobs and improving mobility for people and businesses in California,” said Caltrans Acting Director Malcolm Dougherty.
Lake County will receive $6.15 million for a project to repave about three miles of Highways 29 and 53 in Lower Lake, Caltrans reported.
Caltrans spokesman Phil Frisbie said the project will repave Highway 53 from the junction of Highway 29 and 53 to 40th Avenue. There also will be repaving done on Highway 29 on either side of the intersection of Highways 29 and 53.
There also will be some guardrail repairs, Frisbie added.
The goal is to improve ride quality, prevent further deterioration of the road's surface, extend the roadway life and minimize costly repairs, according to the project list.
Frisbie said the paving project will extend to the south end of another, separate project to rehabilitate Highway 53 and install a traffic signal at the Olympic Drive intersection.
The list of projects also included $236,000 for a pedestrian and bicycle safety outreach program – with emphasis on areas where the state highway is the main street – in Lake, Humboldt, Mendocino and Del Norte counties.
In March Lake County received $13.3 million to repave sections of Highways 29 and 175, as Lake County News has reported.
Other notable projects around the North Coast include several in Mendocino County, including $9 million for a project that will replace the Greenwood Creek Bridge on Highway 1 near Elk with a wider bridge that will include a protected pedestrian walkway; $9.9 million to repave about 20 miles of Highway 128 from near Boonville to the Sonoma County line; $300,000 for road improvements to reduce collisions near Willits; and $3 million to remove a bypassed northern portion of Highway 101 as part of minimizing the manmade features along the south fork of the Eel River, which has received “wild and scenic” designation.
Among the largest dollar value projects approved statewide include two notable design-build projects in Los Angeles County that received $526 million in allocations: the Gerald Desmond Bridge ($470 million) and the Interstate 10/Interstate 605 Direct Connector ($56 million).
Design-build streamlines a project by overlapping design and construction to speed up construction and potentially reduce costs, Caltrans said. Design-build is currently being used in 32 other states.
Caltrans obtained design-build authority in February 2009 with the passage of Senate Bill 4 (second extraordinary session).
The legislation established a demonstration program, which allows 10 design-build projects for Caltrans and five for local transportation agencies, subject to authorization by the CTC.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County is home to numerous fireworks shows during the July 4 holiday, many of which dazzle the skies over Clear Lake, illuminating the water’s surface.
The following is a sampling of fireworks shows and festivals.
Saturday, July 2
City of Clearlake Independence Day festivities, Clearlake
A lively parade from Redbud Park to Austin Park, street fair, musicians, a car show, arts and crafts, food, a worm race competition (following the parade) and children’s activities complement the evening fireworks show over Clear Lake at dusk at Austin Park. Admission is free. Information: 707-994-3600 or 707-994-3070.
Sunday, July 3
Hidden Valley Lake Independence Weekend Celebration
Hidden Valley Lake community members will gather at the Big Beach, 18600 Lakeridge Circle, beginning at 10 a.m. for a sand castle building contest and casting contest. A poker run for all paddle boats, rowers and canoers at the Little Beach will be held at 11 a.m.; at 1 p.m. a boat parade for best decorated powerboat and paddle-power boat will take place. There will be a pre-fireworks celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Big Beach with a water slide, face painting, jumpy house, crafts for kids and volleyball competition. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. there will be live music from the California Cowboys plus Tony Neves' Steamroller Music. Other events: 5 p.m., water balloon tossing contest; 6 p.m., three-legged race; 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., barbecue; with fireworks (conditions permitting) beginning at dusk. Information: Hidden Valley Lake Association, 707-987-3138,
Maxine Sherman Memorial fireworks show, Clearlake Oaks
For a spectacular show, the best viewing area for the Maxine Sherman Memorial Fireworks display is on the water, anchored east of Rattlesnake Island, where the fireworks twinkle overhead and reflect off the waters of Clear Lake. From the shore, Clearlake Oaks Beach on Island Drive is a great spot. Show begins at dusk. Admission is free. Information: 707-998-9563, www.clearlakeoaks.org.
Lakeport Speedway Deake Lyndall Memorial and fireworks, Lakeport
The 2011 Deake Lyndall Memorial will be held at the Lakeport Speedway, located at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St., Lakeport. Following a night of racing, the Lakeport Speedway will have fireworks from the infield, put on by the speedway and Robinson Rancheria Resort and Casino. Information: http://lakeportspeedway.com/.
Monday, July 4
Lakeport Independence Day festivities, Lakeport
An all-day street fair with music, arts and crafts, food, and beverages. The day features a cardboard/duct tape boat race at Library Park. The event ends with fireworks over Clear Lake at Library Park at dusk. Sponsored by the Lakeport Main Street Association and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Library Park, between First and Third streets. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. Admission is free. 866-525-3767, 707-263-5092, www.lakeportmainstreet.com, www.lakeportchamber.com.
For more information, call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743.
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Annually, the July 4 event draws a large crowd of people to the parklands thus causing safety
concerns.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said the city is expecting heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic in on July 4, with peak flows being just before and after the fireworks show. Citizens are asked to drive with caution.
Park Street between First and Third streets and Second Street between Park and N. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic on July 4.
The Lakeport Police Department has set up a public information cellular telephone text alert function through Nixle to provide public safety alerts, other important information, such as lost children, safety concerns, street closures or location information for the safe and sane discharge area to members of the public who are attending the activities during the event.
In order to receive these important public information text messages, members of the public can opt-in by texting the word fireworks to 888777.
As in previous years, the city of Lakeport is allowing the sale and use of Safe and Sane fireworks within the incorporated area of Lakeport.
Any person who wishes to purchase and use Safe and Sane Fireworks shall adhere to the following dates, times and locations for discharging the fireworks.
Dates and hours of discharge
Friday, July 1: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 2: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 3: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Monday, July 4: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Designated places for discharge
All Safe and Safe fireworks are permitted on any street within the incorporated area of Lakeport from July 1t through July 4, which does not violate section 5.30.180B, which states: “It is unlawful for any person to ignite, discharge, project or otherwise fire or use any safe and sane firework, or permit the ignition, discharge or projection upon or over or onto another’s property without his/her permission or within 10 feet of any residence, dwelling or other structure used as a place of habitation by human beings.”
Discharge of Safe and Sane fireworks will be permitted in a new location north of Library Park during the July 4 event. The location will be cordoned off by barrier tape and will be in the 50 block of Fourth Street.
Discharging Safe and Sane fireworks in any other location in or near Library Park is prohibited.
Alcohol use
Alcohol will be permitted by persons in the parklands during the July 4 event. The event has been issued a “special permit” for alcohol consumption with certain restrictions which are listed below.
These restrictions are in place as a precautionary measure to protect public safety, damage to city property or private property and to protect any and all persons in attendance.
Failure to abide by these conditions may result criminal actions, the immediate suspension of the alcohol permit for the responsible person as well as seizure of their alcoholic beverages and the possible forfeiture of future alcohol permits for the responsible person at special events in the city of Lakeport.
Alcohol restrictions
The following alcohol use restrictions will be in place:
No kegs or other large alcohol storage/dispensing containers.
No glass containers.
No sales of alcohol will be allowed.
Public intoxication is prohibited.
Authorized hours for consumption/possession: 12 p.m. to fireworks display.
Noise restrictions
No amplified music outside of facility or event location.
Park rules
Park lands will be closed between midnight and 6 a.m.
Obey all posted rules and regulations.
The Lakeport Police Department will also have a command post set up at City Hall Chambers, 225 Park St., during the event for those who wish to stop by or have questions.
For more information call the Lakeport Police Department, 707-263-5491.
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Orlando Joseph Lopez, 23, of Clearlake Oaks was arrested Tuesday morning, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.
Hinchcliff said Clearlake Police Det. Tom Clements developed the evidence necessary to charge Lopez and at about 9 a.m. Tuesday made the arrest.
The evidence Clements put together ties Lopez to the shooting that killed 4-year-old Skyler Rapp and left five other people – including the boy's mother and her boyfriend – wounded, Hinchcliff said.
Lopez and Paul William Braden, 21, of Clearlake Oaks had both been arrested on June 20 on allegations that they had participated in the shooting, as Lake County News has reported.
Police are still seeking a third suspect, 29-year-old Kevin Ray Stone of Clearlake in the case.
Hinchcliff formally charged both Stone and Braden on June 22 with murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and numerous special allegations for shooting the little boy, his mother, Desiree Kirby, 22; her boyfriend, Ross Sparks, 25, and his brother, Andrew, 23; Ian Griffith, 19; and Joey Armijo, 15.
Lopez had been released from the Lake County Jail late last week after Hinchcliff said they didn't have the evidence to charge him.
However, Hinchcliff had said at the time that the investigation was continuing, and Tuesday's arrest was the result of those continued efforts.
Hinchcliff said he will charge Lopez with the same counts as Stone and Braden. If convicted on all of the counts, the men would spend the rest of their lives in state prison.
In the wake of the shooting, which police have confirmed claimed the largest number of victims of any shooting in the city's history, many community members discussing the case on Facebook and in article comments sections have clamored for the District Attorney's Office to seek the death penalty.
Hinchcliff said the District Attorney's Office isn't seeking the death penalty because it can't under the law.
He pointed out that death penalty cases must meet one of 22 special circumstances under Penal Code Section 190.2.
Among the special circumstances included in Penal Code Section 190.2 that allow the death penalty are if the murder was motivated by financial gain; if the suspect previously had a first- or second-degree murder conviction; conviction of multiple murders in one case; use of a bomb or other explosive device that either was hidden or mailed; the victim was a peace officer, federal law enforcement officer, firefighter, current or former prosecutor, a judge, elected official or a juror; the victim was a witness to a crime who was intentionally killed to prevent their testimony; the murder was especially heinous and cruel, or involved torture; the defendant killed the victim by means of lying in wait; the victim was killed due to race, color, religion, nationality or country of origin; the murder was committed during the commission of a number of felonies, from robbery and kidnapping to arson and sex crimes; the murder was perpetrated by discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle; and the defendant was an active participant in a street gang.
At the time of the shooting there had been speculation by community members that the suspects involved were gang members, but police and Hinchcliff have said they have not found evidence of gang involvement.
Hinchcliff said there is no firm court date for Lopez yet, although he could be in court on Wednesday for arraignment.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at