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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 24.
The group will meet at 5 p.m. via Zoom.
The meeting ID is 946 2182 6581, pass code is 121115. The meeting also can be accessed via phone at 1-669-900-6833.
The group will host Deputy Water Resources Director Marina Deligiannis, who will give a presentation on Scott Valley’s groundwater, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Under old business, the group will discuss site visits with the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the bridge approach over Scotts Creek at Scotts Valley Road and Hendricks and an cannabis early activation permit on Eickhoff Road, the Scotts Valley water basin and mapping of Scotts Creek via drone.
Under new business, they will discuss new use permits and the Scotts Valley Firewise Committee report.
There also will be an open forum for community members to share their concerns with District 4 Supervisor Tina Scott.
The group will meet at 5 p.m. via Zoom.
The meeting ID is 946 2182 6581, pass code is 121115. The meeting also can be accessed via phone at 1-669-900-6833.
The group will host Deputy Water Resources Director Marina Deligiannis, who will give a presentation on Scott Valley’s groundwater, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Under old business, the group will discuss site visits with the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the bridge approach over Scotts Creek at Scotts Valley Road and Hendricks and an cannabis early activation permit on Eickhoff Road, the Scotts Valley water basin and mapping of Scotts Creek via drone.
Under new business, they will discuss new use permits and the Scotts Valley Firewise Committee report.
There also will be an open forum for community members to share their concerns with District 4 Supervisor Tina Scott.
The remains of 2020 wildfire survivors’ homes and property — burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil — have now been cleared from more than 80 percent of the properties enrolled in California’s statewide Consolidated Debris Removal Program, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services reported.
Cal OES said most properties still need critical soil testing, erosion control and hazard tree removal to ensure the lots are safe for families to rebuild.
In 2020, more than 8,000 climate-induced wildfires burned 4.2 million acres of California, destroying more than 5,700 homes.
Property owners incur no direct costs for participation in the state-managed clean up and recovery program, administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, or CalRecycle, and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services in collaboration with 25 participating counties.
Major clearing work: 83.4% complete
Wildfire survivors had the option to either use their own contractor or enroll in the state-managed program.
Of the 5,991 properties with damage from the 2020 fires, 3,764 signed up to have the remains of their homes and other structures cleared by the state.
As of May 12, state-managed crews cleared burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil from 3,141 or 83.4% of the properties participating in the program.
That includes about half a dozen properties in southern Lake County impacted by last summer’s LNU Lightning Complex.
Steps left to complete
Before homeowners can begin rebuilding, cleared properties need additional work including:
— Separate contractors collect soil samples for verification at a state certified laboratory that they meet state environmental health and safety standards.
— Contractors next may install erosion control measures.
— Certified arborists or professional foresters assess wildfire-damaged trees in danger of falling on the public or public infrastructure for removal by separate contractors.
— Finally, state officials inspect the property to verify all completed work meets state standards. Debris officials submit a final inspection report to local officials to approve the property for reconstruction.
So far, 940 properties have gone through the entire post-debris removal steps of soil testing, erosion control, and removal of fire-damaged trees in danger of falling on public infrastructure before being returned to the county to begin reconstruction. 897 properties have cleared the entire process.
Property owners can track the above data on the Debris Operations Dashboard for the 2020 statewide wildfires.
The dashboard is updated every hour and provides users with the ability to search by county or address.
Cal OES said most properties still need critical soil testing, erosion control and hazard tree removal to ensure the lots are safe for families to rebuild.
In 2020, more than 8,000 climate-induced wildfires burned 4.2 million acres of California, destroying more than 5,700 homes.
Property owners incur no direct costs for participation in the state-managed clean up and recovery program, administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, or CalRecycle, and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services in collaboration with 25 participating counties.
Major clearing work: 83.4% complete
Wildfire survivors had the option to either use their own contractor or enroll in the state-managed program.
Of the 5,991 properties with damage from the 2020 fires, 3,764 signed up to have the remains of their homes and other structures cleared by the state.
As of May 12, state-managed crews cleared burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil from 3,141 or 83.4% of the properties participating in the program.
That includes about half a dozen properties in southern Lake County impacted by last summer’s LNU Lightning Complex.
Steps left to complete
Before homeowners can begin rebuilding, cleared properties need additional work including:
— Separate contractors collect soil samples for verification at a state certified laboratory that they meet state environmental health and safety standards.
— Contractors next may install erosion control measures.
— Certified arborists or professional foresters assess wildfire-damaged trees in danger of falling on the public or public infrastructure for removal by separate contractors.
— Finally, state officials inspect the property to verify all completed work meets state standards. Debris officials submit a final inspection report to local officials to approve the property for reconstruction.
So far, 940 properties have gone through the entire post-debris removal steps of soil testing, erosion control, and removal of fire-damaged trees in danger of falling on public infrastructure before being returned to the county to begin reconstruction. 897 properties have cleared the entire process.
Property owners can track the above data on the Debris Operations Dashboard for the 2020 statewide wildfires.
The dashboard is updated every hour and provides users with the ability to search by county or address.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A Tuesday night vehicle pursuit involving a stolen vehicle led to the California Highway Patrol arresting two local residents.
Joe Nathan Boggs, 24, of Lucerne, and Nina Phyllis Martin, 19, of Nice, were taken into custody late Tuesday night, the CHP’s Clear Lake Area office reported.
The CHP said that on Tuesday at 9:42 p.m. Officer Ryan Erickson observed a white Chevrolet TrailBlazer traveling southbound on Highway 29, north of Park Way near Lakeport, in excess of the maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour.
Officer Erickson attempted a traffic stop on the speeding vehicle, however the driver, later identified as Martin, attempted to flee and a vehicle pursuit ensued, the CHP said.
Officers Brian Hanson and Brooks Faraco and Sgt. James Rexius responded to assist with the pursuit, according to the CHP report.
The CHP said Martin continued to flee law enforcement and traveled into the Kelseyville area, where she sideswiped a guard rail on Stone Drive.
Martin then drove to a residence on Soda Bay Road where she ran into a wood post. The Chevrolet became disabled as a result of the crash and the CHP said Martin exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
The CHP said Martin’s male passenger, later identified as Boggs, exited the passenger side and also fled on foot in a different direction.
Officer Hanson and Officer Faraco pursued Boggs and Martin on foot and apprehended them a short time later, the CHP said.
One CHP officer sustained minor injuries during the arrest. Martin also complained of pain to her chest and lower back, however, the CHP said her transportation by ambulance was not required.
The CHP said Martin was medically cleared at Sutter Lakeside Hospital and booked at the Lake County Jail.
The Chevy TrailBlazer Martin was driving during the chase was determined to have been stolen out of Chico, the CHP said. Due to it having paper plates, which have smaller numbers, the officers weren’t able to read the plate number until the end of the pursuit.
Her booking sheet showed she is being held on felony counts of taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, receiving stolen property, evading a peace officer with disregard to safety and evading a peace officer by driving in the opposing lane, and two misdemeanor outside agency warrants.
Boggs also remained in custody on Wednesday for a no-bail warrant and resisting arrest, based on the CHP report and booking records.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lakeport’s police chief updated the Lakeport City Council on Tuesday evening on plans to deal with illegal fireworks in the weeks surrounding the Independence Day holiday this summer.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen presented the Illegal Fireworks Operation Plan for the 30-day period surrounding July 4 — June 17 through July 16 — to the council as he’s required to do under the Lakeport Municipal Code.
New Lakeport Fire Chief Jeffrey Thomas also was on hand during the Zoom meeting, with Rasmussen noting that he and Thomas had worked together on the plan.
Thomas, who arrived in April, was formally introduced to the council on Tuesday night, ahead of the plan’s presentation.
Rasmussen said the plan has to identify areas within the city where illegal fireworks were a problem the previous year; how fire and law enforcement personnel will be deployed to those areas as well as the rest of the city; what apparatus and personnel who will be on duty for the period of June 17 through July 16 and, specifically, July 1 through 5; and include recommendations for dedicated enforcement.
He said last year’s problem areas were the city’s parklands; Willopoint; major shopping centers such as Willow Tree Plaza, Shoreline Shopping Center, Vista Point and 16th and Hartley Street; the Lakeport Unified School District campuses; and the residential districts surrounding those areas.
Lakeport Fire will be operationally ready for a response and Lakeport Police will do routine patrols and extra patrols as staffing permits in any of the problem areas, Rasmussen said.
On July 4 itself, when there will be a larger city celebration taking place, Rasmussen said Lakeport Police’s entire police force will be deployed. As in past years, the department has requested mutual aid from allied law enforcement agencies across Lake County.
Rasmussen said one police officer and one Lakeport Fire firefighter acting as a fire prevention officer will work together, forming a specialized team dedicated to a focused patrol targeting illegal fireworks. His written report said they’ll use an unmarked police vehicle.
“Their only job for 12 hours during that afternoon and evening and into the early morning hours will be to attempt to catch those persons that are setting off the dangerous and illegal fireworks that are happening in our city,” Rasmussen said.
Illegal fireworks are a problem every year and expected to be so again this year, said Rasmussen, adding that they plan to do a media outreach campaign to inform the community.
Councilman Michael Green asked Rasmussen how police know which fireworks are legal and which ones aren’t, especially on private property at places like the Safeway parking lot.
Rasmussen said they have experience in knowing the difference between safe and sane, which typically stay on the ground, and illegal fireworks, which tend to be fired off into the air.
He said various locations put up signs that they don’t want fireworks discharged on their property but due to the amount of fireworks activity, especially on Independence Day, police have to focus their efforts on the illegal and dangerous ones.
Green followed up by asking what police do if they run across safe and sane fireworks that are being discharged in an unsafe manner.
“We’re not going to ignore that,” said Rasmussen, adding that police encourage people to call and report dangerous fireworks activity.
“We’re looking for violations that are dangerous to public safety,” said Rasmussen.
Mayor Kenny Parlet asked Rasmussen how many years he’s worked on the July 4 holiday. “I think this will be 32,” said Rasmussen.
Parlet asked about an idea that Green had suggested at a previous meeting regarding expanding areas where the city allows safe and fireworks to be used.
Rasmussen said yes, and that a plan that includes those expanded areas will be presented to the council at its June 1 meeting.
Councilwoman Mireya Turner said she was thankful to hear about police and fire personnel teaming up to target the areas where the city has had trouble with illegal fireworks. “That’s helpful. That’s reassuring.”
Rasmussen said he appreciates Thomas for allowing him to have a fire department staffer for 12 hours, noting Lakeport Fire, like the police department, is short-staffed.
In other business on Tuesday, the council approved a resolution to approve the future issuance of one or more series of pension obligation bonds in order to address the city’s $8.4 million in unfunded pension liabilities.
The resolution also approved the commencement of a judicial validation action related to the issuance of the bonds, a process expected to take several months. At that point, the council will have to take final action to go forward with issuing the bonds, staff and bond counsel told council members.
In a related action, the council voted to appoint Green and Parlet to the Unfunded Accrued Liability Policy and Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, which will make policy recommendations and evaluate restructuring options.
The council also presented proclamations designating the week of May 22 through 28 as Safe Boating Week and the month of May as California Tourism Month, and received an update from the Lake County Tourism Improvement District Board.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen presented the Illegal Fireworks Operation Plan for the 30-day period surrounding July 4 — June 17 through July 16 — to the council as he’s required to do under the Lakeport Municipal Code.
New Lakeport Fire Chief Jeffrey Thomas also was on hand during the Zoom meeting, with Rasmussen noting that he and Thomas had worked together on the plan.
Thomas, who arrived in April, was formally introduced to the council on Tuesday night, ahead of the plan’s presentation.
Rasmussen said the plan has to identify areas within the city where illegal fireworks were a problem the previous year; how fire and law enforcement personnel will be deployed to those areas as well as the rest of the city; what apparatus and personnel who will be on duty for the period of June 17 through July 16 and, specifically, July 1 through 5; and include recommendations for dedicated enforcement.
He said last year’s problem areas were the city’s parklands; Willopoint; major shopping centers such as Willow Tree Plaza, Shoreline Shopping Center, Vista Point and 16th and Hartley Street; the Lakeport Unified School District campuses; and the residential districts surrounding those areas.
Lakeport Fire will be operationally ready for a response and Lakeport Police will do routine patrols and extra patrols as staffing permits in any of the problem areas, Rasmussen said.
On July 4 itself, when there will be a larger city celebration taking place, Rasmussen said Lakeport Police’s entire police force will be deployed. As in past years, the department has requested mutual aid from allied law enforcement agencies across Lake County.
Rasmussen said one police officer and one Lakeport Fire firefighter acting as a fire prevention officer will work together, forming a specialized team dedicated to a focused patrol targeting illegal fireworks. His written report said they’ll use an unmarked police vehicle.
“Their only job for 12 hours during that afternoon and evening and into the early morning hours will be to attempt to catch those persons that are setting off the dangerous and illegal fireworks that are happening in our city,” Rasmussen said.
Illegal fireworks are a problem every year and expected to be so again this year, said Rasmussen, adding that they plan to do a media outreach campaign to inform the community.
Councilman Michael Green asked Rasmussen how police know which fireworks are legal and which ones aren’t, especially on private property at places like the Safeway parking lot.
Rasmussen said they have experience in knowing the difference between safe and sane, which typically stay on the ground, and illegal fireworks, which tend to be fired off into the air.
He said various locations put up signs that they don’t want fireworks discharged on their property but due to the amount of fireworks activity, especially on Independence Day, police have to focus their efforts on the illegal and dangerous ones.
Green followed up by asking what police do if they run across safe and sane fireworks that are being discharged in an unsafe manner.
“We’re not going to ignore that,” said Rasmussen, adding that police encourage people to call and report dangerous fireworks activity.
“We’re looking for violations that are dangerous to public safety,” said Rasmussen.
Mayor Kenny Parlet asked Rasmussen how many years he’s worked on the July 4 holiday. “I think this will be 32,” said Rasmussen.
Parlet asked about an idea that Green had suggested at a previous meeting regarding expanding areas where the city allows safe and fireworks to be used.
Rasmussen said yes, and that a plan that includes those expanded areas will be presented to the council at its June 1 meeting.
Councilwoman Mireya Turner said she was thankful to hear about police and fire personnel teaming up to target the areas where the city has had trouble with illegal fireworks. “That’s helpful. That’s reassuring.”
Rasmussen said he appreciates Thomas for allowing him to have a fire department staffer for 12 hours, noting Lakeport Fire, like the police department, is short-staffed.
In other business on Tuesday, the council approved a resolution to approve the future issuance of one or more series of pension obligation bonds in order to address the city’s $8.4 million in unfunded pension liabilities.
The resolution also approved the commencement of a judicial validation action related to the issuance of the bonds, a process expected to take several months. At that point, the council will have to take final action to go forward with issuing the bonds, staff and bond counsel told council members.
In a related action, the council voted to appoint Green and Parlet to the Unfunded Accrued Liability Policy and Restructuring Ad Hoc Committee, which will make policy recommendations and evaluate restructuring options.
The council also presented proclamations designating the week of May 22 through 28 as Safe Boating Week and the month of May as California Tourism Month, and received an update from the Lake County Tourism Improvement District Board.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A Novato woman charged with vehicular manslaughter for a double-fatal car crash in March has been found mentally competent.
Keilah Marie Coyle, 22, appeared in Lake County Superior Court on Tuesday, May 11, for a hearing on her mental competence after her attorney raised concerns last month.
Coyle is facing several counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated plus special allegations for causing great bodily injury and the death of more than one person for the March 13 wreck near Middletown that claimed the life of Clearlake residents Cassandra Elaine Rolicheck, 53, and Miguel Maciel Dominguez, 47.
At an April court appearance, Tim Hodson of Sacramento, Coyle’s attorney, declared a doubt about her competency, which triggered a mental competency review process before the criminal case could proceed.
On May 11, the court received a doctor’s report and Coyle was found to be competent.
Hodson told Lake County News that he didn’t object to the finding and they’re moving forward with additional proceedings.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff said a bail review hearing has been set for May 25.
At that point, Coyle — who has remained in custody since her arrest early on the morning of March 14 — will make a bid for release or a reduction of her $2 million bail, Hinchcliff said.
Hinchcliff said Coyle’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 12.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Keilah Marie Coyle, 22, appeared in Lake County Superior Court on Tuesday, May 11, for a hearing on her mental competence after her attorney raised concerns last month.
Coyle is facing several counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated plus special allegations for causing great bodily injury and the death of more than one person for the March 13 wreck near Middletown that claimed the life of Clearlake residents Cassandra Elaine Rolicheck, 53, and Miguel Maciel Dominguez, 47.
At an April court appearance, Tim Hodson of Sacramento, Coyle’s attorney, declared a doubt about her competency, which triggered a mental competency review process before the criminal case could proceed.
On May 11, the court received a doctor’s report and Coyle was found to be competent.
Hodson told Lake County News that he didn’t object to the finding and they’re moving forward with additional proceedings.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff said a bail review hearing has been set for May 25.
At that point, Coyle — who has remained in custody since her arrest early on the morning of March 14 — will make a bid for release or a reduction of her $2 million bail, Hinchcliff said.
Hinchcliff said Coyle’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 12.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Cemetery District will hold Memorial Day services to honor our veterans on Monday, May 31.
The event will begin at 9 a.m. in the Mary Hardesty building, on the top of the hill on the cemetery grounds at 16357 Butts Canyon Road. Parking is provided at the locations.
The office building will not be open to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, but refreshments and water will be provided outside.
The ceremonies include colorful flowered wreaths, made by the floral design class at Middletown High School. The wreaths are presented in honor of veterans who have given so much to our country.
Commander Rich Feiro and Sergeant of the Guard Bob Perez from the Lake County Military Honors Team will begin the ceremonies and Veteran Chaplin Woody Hughes will do the invocation and Taps.
The Lake County Military Honors Team will perform the 21-gun salute. They will be ushered in by Rick Rice of the Patriot Guard Riders.
The 4-H Club is in charge of the flag ceremony and Girl Scouts Troop No. 10403 will help with wreath placement, programs and will place the flags on the 219 veteran’s graves, assisted by Daisy Troop No. 10917 will help.
District 1 Supervisor Jose “Moke” Simon III, who also serves as tribal chair for the Middletown Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, will be the guest speaker and read the names of the veterans buried at Middletown Rancheria.
Jim Comstock, former District 1 supervisor, will read the names of the veterans buried in the Middletown Cemetery.
Linda Diehl Darms, chairwoman of the Middletown Cemetery District, will act as mistress of ceremonies.
The benediction will be given by Voris Brumfield, president of the Historical Society and pastor of the Middletown Methodist Church.
David Neft will provide the sound and keyboard accompanying Kathleen Escude vocalist.
The Lion’s Club faithfully provides the chairs, tables and ice and helps with many set up items on this special day.
In addition, this year there will be a headstone dedication ceremony performed by Dean Enderlin, past department commander of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, and Cindy Eddy, past department president of the Auxiliary for three Civil War veterans, Hiram Cook, Phillip Maxwell and David Henry Thorne.