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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster said Thursday that law enforcement officers conducted a search that morning of the Caspar residence of probationer Katie Rhiannon Smith, 35.
In December, Smith was sentenced for the December 2019 shooting of “Thunder the Wonder Dog: The Cone Dog from the Woods,” who was found days later wounded and wandering in Jackson State Forest in Mendocino County and rescued by two horseback riders.
In October, Smith pleaded no contest to felony animal cruelty.
During Smith’s December sentencing, Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Clayton Brennan reduced the charge to a misdemeanor, placed her on unsupervised probation for 36 months, suspended jail time, declined to order her to reimburse the county for her legal expenses, ordered her to complete 500 hours of community service and denied the prosecution’s request that Smith be prohibited from owning or possessing animals during the term of her probation.
She was, however, ordered to submit to probation searches and to attend counseling so she can avoid committing animal cruelty in the future.
Eyster decried Brennan’s ruling and is seeking appellate review. Last month he sought to disqualify Brennan from animal cruelty and firearm cases, as Lake County News has reported.
On Thursday, Eyster said a search of Smith’s property found she was residing in possession of six chickens, a violation of state law that prohibits people convicted of animal cruelty from possessing animals.
He said a dog Smith claimed to own in December was not located during search of the property.
The chickens were seized pursuant to the warrant and have been placed in the protective custody of Mendocino County Animal Control, Eyster said.
California’s law mandates that a defendant convicted of animal cruelty as a misdemeanor shall not, “within five years after her conviction, own, possess, maintain, have custody of, reside with, or care for any animal.” To do so is a public offense punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, Eyster said.
Eyster referred to Brennan's December order that Smith serve 360 days in the county jail. He then suspended that time on the condition that Smith “obey all laws.”
Subject to the standard charging review by the district attorney, Eyster said it is believed that the six animals found Thursday residing at her home constitute a failure by Smith to obey all laws.
Once he receives and completes a review of all the reports from today’s search, Eyster said he will make a charging decision on whether to file one or more new charges against Smith, file a petition seeking violation of Smith’s informal probation, or both.
When asked to comment about today’s enforcement action, Eyster said, “If I conclude that the evidence summarized in those reports supports the filing of a new case, it should be no surprise to anyone that I will have that new case filed in Ukiah versus having it filed in Judge Brennan’s courtroom in Fort Bragg.”
He added, “Further, if I conclude that the animals found today constitute a failure by the defendant to obey all laws, specifically a failure by her to obey the statutory prohibition that she cannot be around animals, we will initiate proceedings to violate her probation.
“If and when that happens, the community at large should watch and see if Judge Brennan stays true to his December words that a violation of probation will result in the defendant having to serve the 360-day jail sentence that he suspended,” Eyster said.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
California’s public health recommendations encourage residents to gather outdoors and with no more than three households.
In addition, Californians should stay close to home and limit non-essential travel to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
If you must travel, the CHP wants to remind you of some important traffic safety tips to help you arrive safely: drive sober, avoid distractions, always buckle up and leave plenty of time to get to your destination.
“The Super Bowl is one of the most celebrated sporting events of the year, and I am encouraging Californians to celebrate responsibly,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “If you choose to drink, do not get behind the wheel. Designate a sober driver.”
CHP officers will be on high alert for impaired drivers this weekend. Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the influence. Cannabis, prescription medications and illegal drugs can all impair your ability to drive.
According to preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, four people died in alcohol-involved collisions in California on Super Bowl Sunday in 2020, and 120 people were injured. In addition, the CHP made more than 300 DUI arrests that day.
The public can help keep California roadways safe by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect an impaired driver. Callers should be prepared to give the vehicle’s description, location, license plate number and direction of travel.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.
Because of the county’s shelter in place order, Clearlake City Hall remains closed to the public, however, the virtual meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEG TV YouTube Channel. Community members also can participate via Zoom.
The agenda can be found here.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to Administrative Services Director/City Clerk Melissa Swanson at
To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments prior to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4.
Each public comment emailed to the city clerk will be read aloud by the mayor or a member of staff for up to three minutes or will be displayed on a screen. Public comment emails and town hall public comment submissions that are received after the beginning of the meeting will not be included in the record.
The council will start the meeting with presenting a proclamation declaring February 2021 as Black History Month and will receive the Clearlake Police Department 2020 Annual Report.
Under business, the council will consider entering into a lease with RM Clearlake LLC for 15900, 15910, 15920 and 15970 Dam Road, Clearlake, as well as agreements with Cal Fire for fire mitigation efforts in vicinity of those properties.
The proposed lease is for a two-year term with two one-year city-owned options. The city would pay the landlord the rate of $1 per year, based on the city’s report.
The four parcels, totaling approximately 30.8 acres, are next to the Dam Road shopping center, where Tractor Supply, Big 5 and Walmart are located. The property in recent years has been the site of homeless encampments, vegetation fires and illegal dumping.
In his report to the council, City Manager Alan Flora wrote that the city has been approached by the property owners to lease the parcels.
RM Clearlake, a California General Partnership, purchased the properties with the intent of developing the land into a commercial center, as a second phase of the original Walmart Development, Flora said.
“However, market conditions have made development of the site difficult, and the second phase never happened,” he said. “Accordingly, the property owners are interested in leasing the property to the City as the City is in a better position to keep this property code compliant. This property has historically been a problem site in terms of code violations, to include homeless encampments and wildfire danger.”
Flora’s report explained that one of the primary benefits of the city becoming a tenant for this site is that Cal Fire has offered to perform vegetation clearing for the benefit of fire mitigation with the condition that the properties are controlled by a public entity. “By entering in this proposed lease, Cal Fire would be able to conduct the fire mitigation.”
City staff are coordinating with Cal Fire to schedule fire mitigation work when the weather permits in early 2021, Flora said.
“During the term of the lease, the City and landowner will engage in negotiations regarding the potential transfer in fee of the properties to the City. If the properties are to be transferred to the City, separate Council action will be required,” he said.
Flora said the proposed lease will have a negligible impact on the city’s budget, although city resources will be required for cleanup efforts.
He told Lake County News that he’s not aware of any existing homeless camps on the property and much of the current problems are on some of the paper lots – largely tax-defaulted – to the east of this property.
He added, “There have been some fires started on the property over the years, but as an example the fire last year that claimed a home was not started on this property.”
Flora said there is really a larger problem in this section of the city, “but we have to start somewhere and this is a big chunk.”
Also on the agenda is a public hearing to consider acceptance of the State Community Black Grant Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, or CDBG- CV, Round 2 in the amount of $335,613.
The council will provide direction to staff to prepare an application to pursue funds for COVID-19 related activities that benefit low- and moderate-income residents and will consider adopting a resolution authorizing the city manager and staff to submit the grant application due by Feb. 14.
On the meeting's consent agenda – items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote – are warrants; continuation of a declaration of local emergency issued on Oct. 9, 2017, and ratified by council action on Oct. 12, 2017, for the Sulphur fire; continuation of a declaration of local emergency issued on March 14, 2020, and ratified by council action on March 19, 2020, for the COVID-19 pandemic; award of contract for design services for the 2021 Measure V Projects with California Engineering Company for an amount not to exceed $101,443.85; reappointment of three planning commissioners to fill four-year terms effective March 12, 2021 through March 11, 2025; adoption of sixth amendment to the FY 2020-21 Budget (Resolution No. 2020-27) appropriating revenues from sale of surplus Public Works Equipment and authorizing the city manager to lease a vehicle from Enterprise Fleet Management for the Parks Division, Resolution No. 2021-06; adoption of the seventh amendment to the FY 2020-21 Budget (Resolution No 2020-27) appropriating a donation from Lake County Tribal Health Consortium for the purchase of AEDs, Resolution No. 2021-07.
Following the public portion of the meeting, the council will hold a closed session to discuss existing litigation, the City of Clearlake v. Tonya Shold; Jonathan Haws; Sunshine Properties, LLC.- Case No CV421430- Lake County Superior Court; and City of Clearlake v. Joyce L. Madden - Case No. CV421431 - Lake County Superior Court.
The closed session also will include a case, City of Clearlake v. William Reece Smith, a deceased individual; all persons claiming any interest in the real property commonly known as 13672 Arrowhead Road, Clearlake CA - Case No. CV421429 - Lake County Superior Court, and a discussion regarding the city’s suit against the county of Lake and Treasurer-Tax Collector Barbara Ringen.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
Appointments are limited due to vaccine supply.
The department will initially open up a few days of appointments, and then increase the number of available slots as they ensure an adequate supply of vaccine.
Those age 65 and above can visit http://health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus/Vaccines.htm and click the links to register.
People that have difficulty navigating the online scheduling platform are encouraged to call 707-993-4644 for assistance. Do not call this number if online appointments are filled; check again in a few days, and see if more slots have opened up.
Remember, these appointments are for Lake County residents, 65 years old and older. Please do not make an appointment if you do not qualify.
Public Health will check ID at the entrance of the site and those who don’t meet the criteria will be turned away.
The public is asked to be patient and not to show up at the sites without an appointment
If you are in a group that has previously been vaccinated, but missed out for some reason, you can email Public Health at
When eligible, Lake County residents are encouraged to get vaccinated. If you have chronic medical conditions you are concerned may affect your ability to be safely vaccinated, please contact your medical provider.
Vaccine questions can now be answered by dialing 211 or texting “covid19” to 211-211.
Additional resources are also available here.
Citas para vacunas para el público limitada para mayores de 65 años ahora disponible en el condado de Lake
Condado de Lake, CA (3 de febrero de 2021) — La División de Salud Pública del Departamento de Servicios de Salud del Condado de Lake se complace en anunciar que citas para vacunas ya está disponible para los residentes del Condado de Lake de 65 años o más.
Las citas son limitadas debido al suministro de vacunas.
Inicialmente abriremos algunos días de citas y luego aumentaremos la cantidad de espacios disponibles a medida que garanticemos una vacuna adecuada.
Los mayores de 65 años pueden visitar http://health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus/Vaccines.htm y hacer clic en los enlaces para registrarse.
Se recomienda a las personas que tengan dificultades para navegar por la plataforma de programación en línea que llamen al 707-993-4644 para obtener ayuda. No llame a este número si no hay citas disponibles; Vuelva a verificar en unos días y vea si se han abierto más espacios.
Recuerde, estas citas son para los residentes del condado de Lake, mayores de 65 años. No programe una cita si no califica. Verificaremos la identificación en la entrada del sitio, y se le rechazará si no cumple con los criterios. También tenga paciencia y no se presente en los sitios sin una cita.
Si está en un grupo que ha sido vacunado anteriormente, pero no puedo obtener una cita por alguna razón, puede enviar un correo electrónico a
Cuando sean elegibles, se alienta a los residentes del condado de Lake a vacunarse. Si tiene condiciones médicas crónicas que le preocupa que puede afectar su capacidad para vacunarse de manera segura, comuníquese con su proveedor médico.
Las preguntas sobre vacunas ahora se pueden responder marcando 211 o enviando un mensaje de texto con “covid19” al 211-211. Los recursos adicionales también están disponibles aquí: http://health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus/Vaccines.htm.