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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
The CHP conducted several operations as part of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force, or ORCTF, which was formed in 2019 by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The ORCTF has worked tirelessly since that time to help recover $30.7 million in stolen merchandise, returning the goods to impacted retailers throughout California.
With ramped up law enforcement cooperation and activities across California, the CHP seeks to disrupt criminal operations of this nature across the state, sending a strong message that these illicit activities will not be tolerated.
“Through increased collaborative efforts, retailers and law enforcement have become more efficient and effective in our fight against organized retail crime,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “As a result, the number of statewide investigations and arrests by the task force have increased year over year — keeping more Californians safe.”
“Organized retail theft is simply unacceptable,” said Gov. Newsom. “No state is investing more to tackle this type of crime –– and I'm incredibly proud of the CHP, and our law enforcement and retail partners, for doubling down to keep our businesses and families safe.”
Since the inception of the ORCTF, there have been more than 1,850 investigations into retail crimes in California that have resulted in over 1,250 arrests.
One key to the ORCTF’s success is the partnership with retailers, local law enforcement, and district attorneys, to effectively disrupt organized retail theft rings and prosecute organized retail crimes.
A press conference held earlier this week highlighted the results from last weekend’s “Blitz” operations conducted by the CHP Central Division’s ORCTF in which more than 50 suspects were arrested for various violations including organized retail crime, shoplifting, grand theft, petty theft, criminal conspiracy, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Over the course of the two-day operation, nearly 700 assets were recovered and returned to the victims.
“The CHP is committed to investigating these reprehensible crimes,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Our investigators throughout the state work countless hours to identify, apprehend, and submit for prosecution those individuals who are victimizing our communities.”
If you witness one of these crimes occurring, do not attempt to intervene. Call 9-1-1 Members of the public and retailers can also report retail crime tips directly through the CHP’s website.
The ORCTF’s efforts are consistent with the CHP’s mission to provide the highest level of safety, service and security to the people of California and are in line with the CHP strategic goal to protect life and property.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The disease — which hits its peak during the heat of summer, at the same time that mosquito populations increase — is transmitted primarily by the western encephalitis mosquito, known also by its scientific name, Culex tarsalis.
“We find West Nile virus every year in Lake County. Our goal is to 'flatten the mosquito curve' to reduce the risk of people being infected with West Nile virus,” Dr. Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District, said in a joint statement released by her agency and Lake County Public Health.
Of California’s 58 counties, 31 have detected WNV, mainly in mosquitoes, although they’ve also been reported in sentinel chickens, dead birds and horses, according to the state website that tracks the cases.
So far this year, Lake County has had confirmed West Nile virus activity detected in seven mosquito samples and one dead bird.
The first two mosquito samples were collected in early July near Kelseyville and Lakeport. Then, at the start of this month, the Lake County Vector Control District confirmed five more mosquito samples and one dead bird had tested positive for the virus, as Lake County News has reported.
Statewide, the most recent data shows 14 cases in humans, which does not count four confirmed cases in Lake County.
Until this summer, Lake County hadn’t had a confirmed human case of West Nile virus since 2018.
Officials said the first human case reported this year in Lake County became ill during the third week of July. The second probable case that remains under investigation became ill in mid-August.
Both individuals experienced the “neuroinvasive” form of the infection, which can produce symptoms ranging from a form of meningitis to more severe and potentially permanent effects on the nervous system, the county reported.
The third case resulted in a fatality reported earlier this week, officials confirmed. The fourth case was reported to have involved a resident who health officials said contracted the disease out of Lake County.
Since 2004, 14 individuals in Lake County have been diagnosed with West Nile virus, officials said.
Scott said the infection can range from mild, even symptom-free infections, to deadly forms of the disease, with mild forms of the infection often going undetected.
She said less than 1% of cases result in severe illness and these are the most likely to be diagnosed.
An estimated 80% of cases won’t show any signs of infection. Officials said some of those who contract the virus may feel flu-like symptoms including body aches, fever, rash and tiredness.
While many WNV infections can be symptom-free or mild, officials said severe cases can result in encephalitis or meningitis, with potentially permanent effects on the nervous system.
Individuals over the age of 50 and those with conditions like diabetes are at a higher risk for severe forms of the disease.
Symptoms reported for more serious cases include confusion or dizziness, high fever, intense headache, muscle weakness or paralysis, shaking or tremors, and stiff neck.
The Lake County Vector Control District and Public Health Department said the following tips can help protect people from infection:
• Avoid mosquito bites: The most effective way to prevent WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and wear long-sleeved clothing, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate standing water: Remove any stagnant water around your property. Mosquitoes need water for breeding. For larger water sources, like unmaintained swimming pools, the Vector Control District provides free mosquito-eating fish.
• Report concerns: Residents should report dead birds, especially crows, ravens, and scrub-jays, as they can be indicators of WNV activity. Report them to the state's toll-free hotline at 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD) or online.
• Don’t leave swimming pools or large standing water areas neglected, as they can create breeding areas for mosquitoes. The Lake County Vector Control District offers mosquitofish for standing water; call the district at 707-263-4770 to request fish or submit a request online.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
The CHP’s goal is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated or unlicensed drivers.
A sobriety/driver’s license checkpoint is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.
Vehicles will be checked for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who are driving unlicensed.
The objective is to send a clear message to those individuals who consider driving and mixing alcohol or drugs, or driving when unlicensed, that they will be caught and their vehicle will be towed away.
Funding for this program was provided from a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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- Written by: LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
Forest officials said the Slide 1 fire, which is located approximately 1.5 miles north of Mt. Linn in the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, has grown slightly today to an estimated 320 acres.
All assigned resources remain on scene, as of the forest’s Wednesday evening update.
On Wednesday, initial attack crews hiked to the fire’s edge and had the opportunity to work on a direct fire line. Though firefighters are making progress, containment on the Slide 1 Fire remains at 0%.
Access to the fire’s edge is quite challenging and requires strenuous hiking through steep, rugged country, officials said.
Excessive heat is also taking its toll on firefighters, and two heat-related medical incidents occurred on Wednesday, according to the evening report.
Incident managers have requested additional support including a type-3 helicopter, type-1 initial attack hotshot crews, fire-line qualified medics and resource advisors. A falling crew is also on scene.
The weather forecast shows active potential for thunderstorms over the next several days.
Agency administrators expect a portion of the Yolly Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness on the Grindstone Ranger District to close to the public in the coming days.
On Tuesday there were 156 lightning strikes on the forest. On Tuesday night, an engine and initial attack crew responded to the Pebble fire, which is located near Pine Mountain on the Upper Lake Ranger District. The Pebble fire is contained at 0.32 acres and in patrol status.
Also on Wednesday, smokejumpers and a hotshot crew responded to a lightning fire in the Sanhedrin Wilderness near Impassable Rock and west of Big Signal Peak, now called the Rock Fire.
Fire personnel have requested additional jumpers and air attack as the fire is burning in steep terrain with heavy fuels. The Rock fire is currently at one acre.
The Hole fire on the Covelo Ranger District was contained on Tuesday and remains in patrol status.
Additional information about the Slide 1 Fire and other lightning-related fires will be posted to Inciweb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/camnf-2023-slide-1.