The man accused of selling the fentanyl that killed a girl in Lake County last year in November has entered a not-guilty plea in his first court appearance. Joe Boggs was arrested last week after an investigation into the death of a 17-year-old. Illeanna Frease of Lakeport in November. It’s the first time anyone in Lake County has been charged for a death caused by a drug overdose. Judge Andrew Bloom set bail at one million dollars and another hearing in the case on June 26th. Members of Iliana’s family were in court on Monday. They say they want justice for her and to ensure she isn’t forgotten as the case moves forward.
You’ll have more time if you’d like to serve on the Mendocino County Grand Jury. The judge who oversees recruitment has extended the application deadline for the 19-member panel which provides civil oversight of local government operations and hears citizen complaints. You’ll now have until June 28th to express an interest. A superior court judge will interview the applicants, who must be at least 18, a US Citizen, have lived in the county for at least a year, and meet other requirements. Pay for the one-year term is 25 dollars per full grand jury meeting and 10 dollars per committee meeting, where much of the group’s work happens. The application and other info is at grandjury.ca.gov.
The battle against a major wildfire to our south in Sonoma County goes on. The Point Fire near Healdsburg has burned just over 1,200 acres and is just 20 percent contained. Cal Fire reports about 300 people have been evacuated, with another 400 standing by in case they need to move out quickly. A local fire emergency put into effect means the county can apply for government assistance for response and recovery. The fire is one of several burning across the state as the wildfire season arrives. Among the others is the Sites Fire in Colusa County. It’s just 15 percent contained and covers over 10,000 acres, making it the largest active fire in California.
