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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The District Attorney’s Office reported that a Clearlake Oaks man has been convicted and sentenced to felony probation and jail time for setting a fire in June.
On Oct. 5, Joseph Edward Calia Jr., 28, was convicted of committing felony arson, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Hinchcliff.
According to investigation reports, sheriff’s deputies and Cal Fire Arson Investigator Joe Baldwin responded to a reported fire on June 23 at 2:10 a.m. on New Long Valley Road south of Pomo Trail near Clearlake Oaks.
Hinchcliff said Deputy Tony Bracisco contacted Calia, who admitted starting the fire. Calia stated that he had become involved in a verbal argument with his girlfriend and left the residence on foot in the dark and was walking on New Long Valley Road toward Highway 20.
Calia told investigators that while walking in the dark he saw something moving in the bushes and believed it was a mountain lion about to pounce on him. He told investigators at first he did not see the mountain lion, then stated he did see it.
He then used matches he had to start a fire on both sides of the road to scare the lion away and to create light so he could see, according to his statement to investigators.
Hinchcliff said Calia later told the same story to Baldwin, who determined the fire started where and in the manner described by Calia.
The fire was extinguished by Cal Fire and burned a little more than a quarter of an acre of brush, Hinchcliff said.
Hinchcliff said further investigation revealed that Calia suffered from some mental health issues and had no prior criminal convictions. He advised he was willing to participate in mental health treatment programs.
Hinchcliff prosecuted the case and Thomas Quinn was appointed to represent Calia.
Because of the mental health issues and lack of any criminal convictions, it was agreed that Calia would be placed on formal felony probation.
Calia pleaded to a felony violation of Penal Code 451(c), arson of forest land, and was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Andrew Blum on Oct. 5.
Hinchcliff said Calia was placed on three years’ formal probation, sentenced to 280 days jail and 80 hours work service, will be required to register as an arson offender for his lifetime, ordered not to possess any accelerants or items that can be used to start a fire and ordered to comply with orders of the Probation Department, including Behavioral Health counseling and treatment with mental health staff.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The four candidates running for Lakeport City Council this fall sat down on Thursday to share their ideas, plans and issues.
Michael Froio, Michael Green, Nathan Maxman and Kenny Parlet took part in the virtual forum, held by Lake County News.
The four candidates discussed a number of topics, from COVID-19 to annexation, protecting the city from wildland fires, roads, the health of Clear Lake and park development.
The full video can be seen above.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The council will meet for a closed session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss negotiations for a property at 14885 Burns Valley Road owned by One Shot Mining, litigation against the county of Lake over Treasurer-Tax Collector Barbara Ringen’s performance and conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation before the public portion of the meeting convenes at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.
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, Oct. 15.
On this week’s agenda is the presentation of October’s adoptable dogs.
Under business, the council will consider an agreement for agenda management services with Municipal Code Corp.
Administrative Services Director/City Clerk Melissa Swanson’s report to the council explained that an agenda management system would help reduce staff time in putting together agendas.
She said the cost would be $11,500, which includes the one-time cost of $1,500 for data importation. That’s compared to staff time totaling $2,200 per month or $26,400 annually to prepare agendas and packets.
The council also will consider updates to the city of Clearlake’s zoning code, design review procedures and design standards.
In other business, councilmembers will hear and act upon appeals of abatement orders for 15615 34th Ave. and 16221 32nd Ave., which both were cited for illegal outdoor marijuana cultivation.
Also on the agenda, the council will consider a resolution in support of Proposition 20, the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act, which is on the November ballot.
The League of California Cities has asked for the council to consider adopting a resolution in support of the measure, which would reclassify as “violent” some crimes currently categorized as “nonviolent” and create two additional categories of punishable crimes with increased penalties, according to Swanson’s report.
On the meeting's consent agenda – items that are not considered controversial and are usually adopted on a single vote – are warrant registers; and consideration of Resolution No. 2020-52, approving a temporary street closure for the annual Trunk or Treat.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The commission will meet via webinar beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The agenda can be downloaded here or seen below.
To speak on an agenda item, access the meeting remotely here or join by phone by calling 213-929-4231 or toll-free, 866-901-6455. The access code is 567-145-696; the audio pin will be shown after joining the webinar. Those phoning in without using the web link will be in “listen mode” only and will not be able to participate or comment.
Comments can be submitted by email to
Please indicate in the email subject line "for public comment" and list the item number of the agenda item that is the topic of the comment. Comments that read to the council will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words). Written comments that are only to be provided to the council and not read at the meeting will be distributed to the council prior to the meeting.
The main item on the agenda is the proposed renaming of Westside Park Road to honor Charlie Jolin.
The Lakeport City Council in July approved beginning the street’s renaming process to honor Jolin, who died at age 96 in June and had begun the effort to develop the park in 1997.
The commission discussed the matter initially at its Sept. 8 meeting, with the majority at that point favoring “Charlie Jolin Way” as the new name for the street.
However, the commission voted to put off making a decision at that time in order to hear from the Westside Community Park Committee, which made the original proposal.
Also on Wednesday, the commission will review a pending projects list.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
101420 Lakeport Planning Commission agenda packet by LakeCoNews on Scribd