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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said a jail inmate who escaped from the Lake County Jail on Thursday morning was taken back into custody by a sheriff’s captain a short time later.
Gary Lee Gard, 63, of Kelseyville was captured near the jail, said Lt. Rich Ward.
Ward said Gard was serving a sentence for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine.
The investigation determined that at 7:51 a.m. Thursday, Gard walked away from his work assignment in the jail kitchen, Ward said.
Ward said Gard was then seen on surveillance cameras running and throwing away his jail uniform.
As Gard ran away from the jail, sheriff’s Capt. Norm Taylor was driving in the same area of Hill Road, Ward said.
Taylor recognized the white jail uniform pants Gard was wearing. Ward said when Gard saw Taylor he turned and ran up an embankment, which led to a freeway overpass for Highway 29.
Ward said Taylor stopped and gave Gard verbal commands to stop. Gard surrendered without further incident.
Gard’s online booking record shows that he is now facing a felony charge of escaping the jail while charged with a misdemeanor.
There has not been another escape from the Lake County Jail since 2013, Ward said.
Gary Lee Gard, 63, of Kelseyville was captured near the jail, said Lt. Rich Ward.
Ward said Gard was serving a sentence for misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine.
The investigation determined that at 7:51 a.m. Thursday, Gard walked away from his work assignment in the jail kitchen, Ward said.
Ward said Gard was then seen on surveillance cameras running and throwing away his jail uniform.
As Gard ran away from the jail, sheriff’s Capt. Norm Taylor was driving in the same area of Hill Road, Ward said.
Taylor recognized the white jail uniform pants Gard was wearing. Ward said when Gard saw Taylor he turned and ran up an embankment, which led to a freeway overpass for Highway 29.
Ward said Taylor stopped and gave Gard verbal commands to stop. Gard surrendered without further incident.
Gard’s online booking record shows that he is now facing a felony charge of escaping the jail while charged with a misdemeanor.
There has not been another escape from the Lake County Jail since 2013, Ward said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced the California Judicial Mentor Program, a statewide undertaking between the executive and judicial branches to advance the shared goal of an inclusive judiciary that reflects California’s diversity.
Comprised of an Appellate Court Mentor Program and a Trial Court Mentor Program, the initiative aims to demystify the appellate and trial court application process and improve transparency and accessibility for all members of the legal community throughout California, fostering the development of a qualified and diverse judicial applicant pool.
“Our state’s remarkable diversity is a point of pride and strength that I am committed to advancing at every level of state government,” said Gov. Newsom. “This mentor program supports our efforts to identify the best and brightest judicial candidates from throughout the state, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive bench to better serve all Californians.”
The California Judicial Mentor Program Executive Committee consists of Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Cespedes, Chair Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Paul A. Bacigalupo and co-chairs representing the appellate and trial courts. On behalf of the appellate courts, the Executive Committee is co-chaired by California Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, Second District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Lee Smalley Edmon and First District Court of Appeal Associate Justice Teri L. Jackson.
On behalf of the trial courts, Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Erica Yew represents medium and large counties and Tehama Superior Court Judge C. Todd Bottke represents small and rural counties.
The program co-chairs will utilize working groups of justices and judges to communicate across sectors of the legal community to support and encourage lawyers and judges considering service on the appellate and trial courts.
The program will work to identify and provide judicial mentors for these individuals and deploy informational resources and tool kits about the judicial appointment process.
Participation in the program is not a guarantee of an appointment nor a prerequisite in the application process.
“This program will foster transparency and accessibility to all members of the legal community in our great state who wish to serve as judicial officers,” said Judge Bacigalupo, Executive Committee chair. “In making justices and judges accessible to prospective judicial applicants, we hope to demystify the application process and recruit a wide array of qualified candidates to serve our courts and administer justice fairly, equitably and honorably.”
The Appellate Court Mentor Program has initiated a pilot in the First District Court of Appeal with the goal of implementing the program statewide.
The Trial Court Mentor Program has been implemented in regional collaborations, including between the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial; the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo; and the counties of Sacramento, Yolo and El Dorado.
“I’m pleased to be a part of this program,” said Executive Committee Co-Chair Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, who previously served as Gov. Newsom’s Judicial Appointments Secretary. “I look forward to working with Secretary Cespedes and the other outstanding members of the Executive Committee to build a mentor program throughout our great state to meet the governor’s goal of diversity, equity and inclusion in our judiciary.”
“I’m very pleased that the First District Court of Appeal will serve as the appellate court pilot program with the goal of implementing the Appellate Court Mentor Program statewide,” said First District Court of Appeal Administrative Presiding Justice Jim Humes. “We plan to conduct outreach events and provide mentors for those interested in an appellate court appointment.”
Moving to increase transparency in the judicial nomination process, Gov. Newsom in 2019 made public the state’s eight Judicial Selection Advisory Committees composed of attorneys and judges who live and work in regions across the state. For the first time in California history, the individuals who provide important feedback on judicial candidates for nomination and appointment are known to the public.
The following judges are members of the Trial Court Mentor Program Working Group:
Judge Ana de Alba — Fresno County Superior Court
Presiding Judge Eric Taylor — Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge Helen Zukin — Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge Monique Langhorne — Napa County Superior Court
Judge Elizabeth Macias — Orange County Superior Court
Judge Raquel Marquez — Riverside County Superior Court
Judge Shama Mesiwala — Sacramento County Superior Court
Judge Roderick Shelton — San Diego County Superior Court
Judge Russell Roeca — San Francisco County Superior Court
Judge Barbara Kronlund — San Joaquin County Superior Court
Comprised of an Appellate Court Mentor Program and a Trial Court Mentor Program, the initiative aims to demystify the appellate and trial court application process and improve transparency and accessibility for all members of the legal community throughout California, fostering the development of a qualified and diverse judicial applicant pool.
“Our state’s remarkable diversity is a point of pride and strength that I am committed to advancing at every level of state government,” said Gov. Newsom. “This mentor program supports our efforts to identify the best and brightest judicial candidates from throughout the state, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive bench to better serve all Californians.”
The California Judicial Mentor Program Executive Committee consists of Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Cespedes, Chair Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Paul A. Bacigalupo and co-chairs representing the appellate and trial courts. On behalf of the appellate courts, the Executive Committee is co-chaired by California Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, Second District Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Lee Smalley Edmon and First District Court of Appeal Associate Justice Teri L. Jackson.
On behalf of the trial courts, Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Erica Yew represents medium and large counties and Tehama Superior Court Judge C. Todd Bottke represents small and rural counties.
The program co-chairs will utilize working groups of justices and judges to communicate across sectors of the legal community to support and encourage lawyers and judges considering service on the appellate and trial courts.
The program will work to identify and provide judicial mentors for these individuals and deploy informational resources and tool kits about the judicial appointment process.
Participation in the program is not a guarantee of an appointment nor a prerequisite in the application process.
“This program will foster transparency and accessibility to all members of the legal community in our great state who wish to serve as judicial officers,” said Judge Bacigalupo, Executive Committee chair. “In making justices and judges accessible to prospective judicial applicants, we hope to demystify the application process and recruit a wide array of qualified candidates to serve our courts and administer justice fairly, equitably and honorably.”
The Appellate Court Mentor Program has initiated a pilot in the First District Court of Appeal with the goal of implementing the program statewide.
The Trial Court Mentor Program has been implemented in regional collaborations, including between the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial; the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo; and the counties of Sacramento, Yolo and El Dorado.
“I’m pleased to be a part of this program,” said Executive Committee Co-Chair Associate Justice Martin Jenkins, who previously served as Gov. Newsom’s Judicial Appointments Secretary. “I look forward to working with Secretary Cespedes and the other outstanding members of the Executive Committee to build a mentor program throughout our great state to meet the governor’s goal of diversity, equity and inclusion in our judiciary.”
“I’m very pleased that the First District Court of Appeal will serve as the appellate court pilot program with the goal of implementing the Appellate Court Mentor Program statewide,” said First District Court of Appeal Administrative Presiding Justice Jim Humes. “We plan to conduct outreach events and provide mentors for those interested in an appellate court appointment.”
Moving to increase transparency in the judicial nomination process, Gov. Newsom in 2019 made public the state’s eight Judicial Selection Advisory Committees composed of attorneys and judges who live and work in regions across the state. For the first time in California history, the individuals who provide important feedback on judicial candidates for nomination and appointment are known to the public.
The following judges are members of the Trial Court Mentor Program Working Group:
Judge Ana de Alba — Fresno County Superior Court
Presiding Judge Eric Taylor — Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge Helen Zukin — Los Angeles County Superior Court
Judge Monique Langhorne — Napa County Superior Court
Judge Elizabeth Macias — Orange County Superior Court
Judge Raquel Marquez — Riverside County Superior Court
Judge Shama Mesiwala — Sacramento County Superior Court
Judge Roderick Shelton — San Diego County Superior Court
Judge Russell Roeca — San Francisco County Superior Court
Judge Barbara Kronlund — San Joaquin County Superior Court
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Health officials reported that two cases of the “Delta variant” have been identified in Lake County and updated assessments of COVID-19-related deaths have increased the county’s total deaths by 24%.
The Thursday report from Lake County Public Health said the cases of the Delta variant confirmed locally are “a stark reminder COVID-19 remains a present and evolving threat, despite relaxation of business and activity restrictions statewide.”
The Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health characterize Delta (B.1.617.2) as a variant of concern, as it is “hypertransmissible,” and “may have moderately decreased response to antibody treatments.”
At the same time as the variant has been identified locally, Lake County’s testing positivity and daily case rates have begun to increase after an all-time low during mid-June, Public Health reported.
In another development, Lake County Public Health medical staff are currently undertaking a significant effort to appropriately document COVID-19-related deaths, applying criteria provided by the California Department of Public Health.
Documentation regarding dozens of deaths not previously recognized as COVID-related was recently sent to counties across the state, officials said.
Thus far, this process has resulted in the identification of 11 additional Lake County-connected COVID-related deaths, bringing the total to 56.
Public Health said these newly-recorded deaths are not recent. Most occurred in December or January, when the pandemic was at its peak in California, and some date as far back as October. Further updates are expected.
Health officials are continuing to urge Lake County residents to be vaccinated against the virus.
As of Monday, June 28, 44.2% of eligible Lake County residents still had not received even one dose.
Public Health said unvaccinated individuals continue to face significant risk of severe illness, should they come into contact with the virus, and with people now moving about more in our communities, precautions are essential.
“The best tool available is vaccination,” the agency said in its Thursday statement.
Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines have continued to prove protective, even against the Delta variant. Rare “breakthrough cases,” those identified among fully vaccinated individuals, have generally been quite mild or even asymptomatic, officials said.
People at high risk of severe complications (e.g. age 65+, people of any age with a history of heart, lung or autoimmune disorders or diabetes) that have not already been vaccinated should strongly consider doing so, Public Health said.
If you are concerned the vaccine may not be safe for you because of a history of allergic reactions or other particular factors, please consult your doctor and get your questions answered. Online resources such as https://yourvaccinationguide.org/ can also be helpful.
The Thursday report from Lake County Public Health said the cases of the Delta variant confirmed locally are “a stark reminder COVID-19 remains a present and evolving threat, despite relaxation of business and activity restrictions statewide.”
The Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health characterize Delta (B.1.617.2) as a variant of concern, as it is “hypertransmissible,” and “may have moderately decreased response to antibody treatments.”
At the same time as the variant has been identified locally, Lake County’s testing positivity and daily case rates have begun to increase after an all-time low during mid-June, Public Health reported.
In another development, Lake County Public Health medical staff are currently undertaking a significant effort to appropriately document COVID-19-related deaths, applying criteria provided by the California Department of Public Health.
Documentation regarding dozens of deaths not previously recognized as COVID-related was recently sent to counties across the state, officials said.
Thus far, this process has resulted in the identification of 11 additional Lake County-connected COVID-related deaths, bringing the total to 56.
Public Health said these newly-recorded deaths are not recent. Most occurred in December or January, when the pandemic was at its peak in California, and some date as far back as October. Further updates are expected.
Health officials are continuing to urge Lake County residents to be vaccinated against the virus.
As of Monday, June 28, 44.2% of eligible Lake County residents still had not received even one dose.
Public Health said unvaccinated individuals continue to face significant risk of severe illness, should they come into contact with the virus, and with people now moving about more in our communities, precautions are essential.
“The best tool available is vaccination,” the agency said in its Thursday statement.
Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines have continued to prove protective, even against the Delta variant. Rare “breakthrough cases,” those identified among fully vaccinated individuals, have generally been quite mild or even asymptomatic, officials said.
People at high risk of severe complications (e.g. age 65+, people of any age with a history of heart, lung or autoimmune disorders or diabetes) that have not already been vaccinated should strongly consider doing so, Public Health said.
If you are concerned the vaccine may not be safe for you because of a history of allergic reactions or other particular factors, please consult your doctor and get your questions answered. Online resources such as https://yourvaccinationguide.org/ can also be helpful.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — While July 4 is synonymous with sun, fun, barbecuing and fireworks, this year’s extremely dry and hot conditions have authorities concerned for fire and injuries related to fireworks.
In the city of Lakeport, the only place where safe and sane fireworks are allowed in Lake County — and only between July 1 and 4 — Police Chief Brad Rasmussen and Fire Chief Jeffrey Thomas are asking community members to use particular care this year because of conditions.
During the city’s July 4 celebration, a special area will be set up on Fourth Street at Library Park for the discharge of safe and sane fireworks.
Rasmussen and Thomas also are partnering to put a team of a firefighter and a police officer on the street on July 4 to attempt to catch people setting off dangerous or illegal fireworks in the city.
Cal Fire also is reminding everyone to do their part to have a safe holiday and help prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that two out of five fires on July 4 are caused by fireworks, more than any other cause of fires.
Most of these incidents are related to the use of illegal fireworks and the misuse of legal fireworks.
Sparklers, which can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees, account for roughly 25% of emergency room visits for firework injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Fifty-eight percent of the emergency department-treated injuries were burns. Burns were the most common injury to hands, fingers, arms and legs. One-third were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 36% of the estimated fireworks-related injuries, officials reported.
“With the lack of significant rain over the winter months, and now the dry, hot temperatures, wildfire activity is quickly picking up," said Chief Thom Porter, Cal Fire director. "Residents need to understand the dangers associated with the use of illegal fireworks or misuse of legal fireworks. Here in California, we have a zero tolerance for the use and sale of illegal fireworks. Any person can be held liable for the firefighting costs as well as property damage costs associated with the start of a fire.”
Cal Fire and Office of the State Fire Marshal law enforcement personnel have been conducting targeted interdiction operations at ports of entry into the State of California throughout 2021.
With just days left before the July 4 holiday, Cal Fire and local enforcement agencies continue to seize tens of thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks and enforce the state’s fireworks laws.
“There are major legal consequences when it comes to using, transporting or even being in possession of illegal fireworks,” said Chief Mike Richwine, California State fire marshal.
“Possession of illegal fireworks such as skyrockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, travel through the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner can lead to a possible fine of up to $50,000 as well as prison time or jail for up to one year,” Richwine said. “Even ‘safe and sane’ fireworks taken into a city or county where they are banned are considered illegal. Before purchasing these types of fireworks, be sure to check your local ordinances and follow the instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.”
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Community volunteers and staff of the Lake County Fair have been working hard to plan this year’s event after having to cancel it in 2020.
This year’s fair is scheduled for Sept. 2 to 5.
The theme is “Race to the Lake County Fair” and the grand marshal is Calpine at the Geysers.
The fair kicks off Thursday, Sept. 2, with the horse show.
The evening grandstand event is Guns & Hoses, where law enforcement squares off against fire for a perpetual trophy.
Thursday is also kids’ day with $4 admission for children.
Other highlights will include:
— On Friday the main event is Mud Boggs.
— Saturday at noon is the Junior Livestock and Ag Mechanics Auction, Power Wheels Destruction Derby in the afternoon and an evening Motorsports Destruction Derby.
— Sunday is Fiesta Day, with boat races starting at 7 p.m.
Entries open online July 1 and presale tickets are set to begin in August.
Commercial or concession vendors can get information by writing toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
This year’s fair is scheduled for Sept. 2 to 5.
The theme is “Race to the Lake County Fair” and the grand marshal is Calpine at the Geysers.
The fair kicks off Thursday, Sept. 2, with the horse show.
The evening grandstand event is Guns & Hoses, where law enforcement squares off against fire for a perpetual trophy.
Thursday is also kids’ day with $4 admission for children.
Other highlights will include:
— On Friday the main event is Mud Boggs.
— Saturday at noon is the Junior Livestock and Ag Mechanics Auction, Power Wheels Destruction Derby in the afternoon and an evening Motorsports Destruction Derby.
— Sunday is Fiesta Day, with boat races starting at 7 p.m.
Entries open online July 1 and presale tickets are set to begin in August.
Commercial or concession vendors can get information by writing to
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Many Californians are looking forward to a three-day weekend this year for Independence Day. Even though people are eager to travel and get together with family and friends, the California Highway Patrol is urging motorists to slow down and enjoy the holiday.
Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 2, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 5, the CHP will observe a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, focused on speed enforcement.
To keep the roadways safe for everyone, all available officers will be watching for motorists who are distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence.
CHP officers will also be on alert for aggressive driving and acts of road rage.
With many motorists expected on the roadways, patience will be key. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and avoid unsafe driving behavior such as tailgating.
Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel reduces your risk of an unpleasant encounter with other motorists. If you feel you are at risk, call 9-1-1.
“Saving lives is a priority for our officers,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists will help make everyone’s holiday safer on the road by observing the speed limits, avoiding distractions, staying sober, practicing patience and being courteous to other drivers.”
During the 2020 Independence Day MEP, at least 36 people were killed in crashes on California roadways. The CHP also made 738 arrests for DUI of alcohol and/or drugs.
This year’s Independence Day MEP also coincides with a speed-related traffic safety effort that the CHP is participating in along with the Oregon State Police and the Washington State Patrol along Interstate 5, which passes through all three states.
Officers in the three states will focus on speed violations along the entire stretch of Interstate 5.
“By getting the message out, we are hoping for voluntary compliance from motorists,” added Commissioner Ray. “However, officers will be looking for anyone who is speeding or driving impaired and posing a danger on the roadways.”
The most recent nationwide data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows one fourth of traffic fatalities in 2018 were the result of speeding. In fatal crashes in 2018, nearly half (48%) of speeding drivers in passenger vehicles were not using seat belts at the time of the crash.
Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Friday, July 2, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 5, the CHP will observe a maximum enforcement period, or MEP, focused on speed enforcement.
To keep the roadways safe for everyone, all available officers will be watching for motorists who are distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence.
CHP officers will also be on alert for aggressive driving and acts of road rage.
With many motorists expected on the roadways, patience will be key. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and avoid unsafe driving behavior such as tailgating.
Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel reduces your risk of an unpleasant encounter with other motorists. If you feel you are at risk, call 9-1-1.
“Saving lives is a priority for our officers,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists will help make everyone’s holiday safer on the road by observing the speed limits, avoiding distractions, staying sober, practicing patience and being courteous to other drivers.”
During the 2020 Independence Day MEP, at least 36 people were killed in crashes on California roadways. The CHP also made 738 arrests for DUI of alcohol and/or drugs.
This year’s Independence Day MEP also coincides with a speed-related traffic safety effort that the CHP is participating in along with the Oregon State Police and the Washington State Patrol along Interstate 5, which passes through all three states.
Officers in the three states will focus on speed violations along the entire stretch of Interstate 5.
“By getting the message out, we are hoping for voluntary compliance from motorists,” added Commissioner Ray. “However, officers will be looking for anyone who is speeding or driving impaired and posing a danger on the roadways.”
The most recent nationwide data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows one fourth of traffic fatalities in 2018 were the result of speeding. In fatal crashes in 2018, nearly half (48%) of speeding drivers in passenger vehicles were not using seat belts at the time of the crash.