News 10/31/23

Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies are searching for a carjack suspect. The sheriff asked residents in Hopland to shelter in place last night while authorities searched for the man.  New details are emerging today about the suspect, Christian Beyer.  Among local arrests, investigators found that Beyer was convicted by a military judge for assault, domestic violence and more last year.  He had been demoted in rank and confined for 43 days.  KymKemp reports Beyer had a YouTube channel where he seemed paranoid about law enforcement following him.  In another video of his arrest by Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies last weekend, he was aggressive towards the deputies.  Beyer is still on the run and authorities continue to warn residents that he may be dangerous.  Call the sheriff’s office if anyone knows something or sees suspicious activity.  Beyer is 6 feet tall and weighs around 200 pounds.  He was last seen with a large knife in Hopland last night. 

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified a body found two weeks ago. Andrew Cleofaus-Paul Gurrola is the name of the man whose body was found along Highway 29 at Hofacker Lane.  The Press Democrat reports a cause of his death has not yet been released.  His body was found on October 17th by CHP about a mile and a half south of Lower Lake.

The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority with the City of Ukiah are partnering with Pano AI, an early wildfire detection technology to help keep the community safe from wildfires.  It’s the first commercial deployment of the technology in early wildfire detection program in NorCal.  MendoFever reports Pano AI has set out 4 ultra-high-definition mountaintop camera systems that can rotate 360 degrees.  The four stations will support rapid response times, situational awareness for fire fighters and more.  The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Chief says early detection improves their ability to suppress and helps reduce costs and ensuring firefighters are kept safe.  The new technology is said to be the most advanced and is already working with governments, fire authorities and more throughout 7 states and in Australia and Canada.

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors will hear from suspended Auditor/Controller Chamise Cubbison’s attorney after her court appearance this morning.  In their afternoon meeting today the Board is including an opportunity for Cubbison to make a presentation in response to her suspension earlier this month at 4pm. The public is invited and will have an opportunity to be involved in questions, according to MendoVoice.  The plea hearing for felony charges filed against her and Paula Kennedy is scheduled for 9am.

PG&E is inviting North Coast region customers to a Town Hall for regional updates and tips on energy savings. On Wednesday, November 1 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., PG&E experts will provide a brief presentation where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions. The utility will also provide an update regarding a pair of proposed decisions in the General Rate Case by the California Public Utilities Commission. The proposed decisions would reduce PG&E’s undergrounding plans of more than 2,000 miles between now and 2026.

In the latest Russian River Water Forum update yesterday, the Planning Group meeting scheduled for November 2^nd will be postponed to December 7^th.  PG&E intends to release its initial draft decommissioning plan within a few weeks. The meeting in December will cover the update on PG&E’s decommissioning process and include a presentation on the Eel River watershed fisheries, tribal connections, and restoration efforts.  The group is asking people to register for the December meeting by the end of November. 

The Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission is inviting the public to apply for the position of the Alternate Public Member on the Commission to fulfill a four year term that will end in December of 2027.  Candidates should submit a letter of interest, an application and resume and include a financial disclosure statement.  The applications and more details are on the Mendo LAFCo website.

The Clearlake City Council will go over a potential rate increase by Golden State Water Company who could raise rates over 40 percent over three years.  In the council’s meeting on Thursday night at 6pm, they’ll discuss the rate increase application submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission, filed in August.  Lake County News reports other business the council will decide on adoption of an amendment to an agreement between the city and the county and City of Lakeport for operation of a local cable tv channel.  The city council will also discuss adopting an employee home loan assistance program. And in closed session the council will discuss a liability claim.

California salmon numbers are at a critical level.  For only the third time in history, the state banned recreational and commercial salmon fishing.  Scientists are beginning to capture and bring juvenile fish to an emergency hatchery at UC Davis.  In a report in Politico the director of California’s Fish and Wildlife Department describes the hatchery he and NOAA oversee as “Noah’s Ark.” He describes that salmon have dealt with increasing temperatures and manmade barriers, but says there is hope as dams are removed and aquasystems are rehabilitated.  Officials are modernizing infrastructure to benefit salmon and restore habitat across the state. 

PG&E is distributing nearly $80 million to help communities build up microgrids to keep lights on during outages.  Politico reports ownership and operation of microgrids will remain under the purview of PG&E, with the Public Utilities Commission working in partnership with the state’s three main utilities.  Groups like the Green Power Institute say the commission should consider microgrids that are not managed by the large utilities, but rather local non-utility-driven alternatives.  The commission was tasked with microgrids in a law passed in 2018.  Growing intensity of wildfires and other weather events are pushing authorities to add to the electricity grid.

Starting January 1st, California’s ban on the sale of new gas-powered mowers and blowers will go into effect; and experts say the transition will require money, education and tolerance. It won’t be illegal to use existing gas-powered landscaping tools, and the current inventory will be sold until it runs out. The California News Service with the Sac Bee report Assembly Bill 1346 created a 30-million-dollar CORE program and fund to give landscapers big discounts on new equipment, which is more expensive than gas models. But the money is running low in some categories. Check the CORE website for a current list of funds still available.

The East Region Town Hall will meet tomorrow afternoon at 4pm in Clearlake Oaks. They are poised to get an update on the John T. Klaus Park and commercial cannabis.  There will be an update on the Clearlake Oaks Roadmap Taskforce and meetings with the Sonoma Clean Power, the Lake County Area Plan update, and the Blue Ribbon Committee.  Lake County News reports other business will include an update on Spring Valley, FireWise Community safety and Spring Valley Lake recovery.  The next meeting of the East Region Town Hall is set for December 6^th.

The poverty rate climbed for California in the first part of this year as social programs expire from the pandemic.  The rate increased from nearly 12 percent to over 13 percent, adding 5 million more residents.  Tax credits, emergency food help and more expired in late 2022 and into spring of this year.  When CalFresh food assistance had been keeping over a million people out of poverty in the first quarter of this year, but has now stopped. The LA Times reports nearly 40 percent of those living in poverty are Latino.  The child poverty rate is now 14 percent, compared to 9 percent in 2021.  Seniors are also feeling the social programs absence with a rate of 15 percent.  Workers across the state in service industries experience higher rates of poverty than other sectors.  Some say increased wages and improved training and education would help the working poor.

News 10/30/23

A 19-year old is facing manslaughter charges after a baby was killed in a crash near Sea Ranch.  Saturday night, the Press Democrat reports the driver is suspected of driving under the influence when his truck drove off of Highway 1 and flipped over, killing a one year old child. Colton Marrufo will face gross vehicular manslaughter, child endangerment and gun charges.  A four year old suffered minor injuries.  Marrufo was found drunk according to CHP.  He went through medical clearance and is now in custody in Sonoma County Jail on a $200,000 bail.  He is set to appear in Sonoma County court one week from tomorrow.

No damage or injuries are being reported after a 3.9 earthquake shook south of San Francisco.  The Press Democrat reports it happened Friday evening just after 6:30pm and was centered near Millbrae.  It was measured at nearly 8 miles deep.  The quake happened on the San Andreas Fault, where earlier this month farther north in Mendocino and Humboldt Counties a few 3 point magnitude quakes shook the coastal areas. 

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors along with District Attorney David Eyster face as much scrutiny as two women who were suspended from duties in the finance office.  Auditor Chamise Cubbison says supporters will be at her plea hearing tomorrow morning at 9am.  The Board will meet later tomorrow afternoon at 1pm to go over the suspension that may have a legal challenge to it.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports some say District Attorney Eyster’s continued battles with Cubbison over spending have affected the latest investigation.  Some say the DA should have referred the high profile case due to their involvement.  Cubbison was recruited years ago by the county, and elected last year to work in a combo position of Auditor/Controller/Treasurer & Tax Collector Office.  Cubbison’s attorney says the suspension over $68,000 in overtime pay to Paula Kennedy was arranged before her tenure. 

California’s unemployment rate in September is a point above where it was last year, 4.7 percent.  Nationwide, the unemployment rate for the month is 3.8 percent, just .3 percentage points higher than last year.  In Lake County News, the unemployment rate for Lake County didn’t change from August, with 5.6 percent; but the rate is higher than September of last year.  California added over 430,000 new jobs than in February of 2020, the pre-pandemic high.  Regionally, Lake County’s private service grew by just over a point and private education and health services grew by 4.5 percent.  Mendocino County’s rate is 4.6 percent and Sonoma is 3.5 percent for the same time period. 

The oldest confirmed Californian ever is in Mendocino County.  The Press Democrat reports that Edie Ceccarelli of Willits is the third oldest person on Earth at 115 and the oldest person in the country.  The active senior was born in 1908 and lives in a care home in the town where she was born, Willits. Ceccarelli’s blood was drawn by researches last week to study her blood in a bio bank for researchers to discover how her longevity might help the discovery of new medical breakthroughs. 

Storm drains are being installed along the west side of Mill Street, to Gobbi in Ukiah with no utility service interruptions slated for this week.  In a few weeks, work to replace the sewer lines in the center of State Street will begin.  MendoFever reports Sidewalk work is ongoing on the north side of town, with new curbs and gutters being put together.  On the west side, sidewalk demo has begun with base rock installed for pedestrian access.  Electrric lines, irrigation lines will be placed before new sidewalks are set.  With four crews working hard downtown, Phase One is speeding along.  Construction is happening this week from 7am to 6pm. 

Mendocino’s County CEO Report includes information about work the Redwood Empire Hazardous Incident Team does.  Early this month, a damaged sail boat was found off the coat of Mendocino.  The Coast Guard found a sailor and noticed a noxious gas on board.  Elevated carbon monoxide levels were high, officials believe from a jug of fiberglass resin.  The Redwood Empire Hazardous Incident Team stepped in to clear out contaminates.  The team eliminated the cause and turned the boat back over to the Coast Guard. 

Mendocino County is alerting taxpayers to an error in billing.  Some taxpayers received more than one notice and could see mistakes on the bills due to a printing error.  In a release sent out Friday, they say corrected tax bills will be prepared and sent out as soon as possible.  The county is asking residents to use the reprinted bill when sending in tax payments.  You can reach out to the Mendocino County Tax Collector’s Office for more information.

Hackers changed a digital sign on Highway 20.  KymKemp reports instead of a safety message at the intersection of State Route 20 and Road 144 the sign had two words, “Fat Cock.”  The signs were apparently reprogrammed in an online hack that could lead to felony charges of vandalism.  Caltrans has faced this issue before in 2017 when a sign near Davis read “Trump Has Herpes” in another online attack.  Tongue-in-cheek responses from some media say the latest hack was an attack on overweight roosters.  Caltrans worked to fix the sign where the agency is working on the Calpella Two Bridge Replacement project. 

The heavy rain in NorCal this year has helped to produce an infestation in pear orchards of the flatheaded borer.  In an article in the Willits News, reported by UC Coop Extension Diversified Ag Advisor Dr. Goncalves, the insect has been found in Lake County orchards.  The flathead borers tend to invade sunburned areas on first year trees.  The insect mainly feeds on soft woods.  The borer is a beetle found around the world and is one of the largest beetles.  The flatheaded borer is one of over 300 species in the state and can also be found damaging logs and wood products and in other fruit orchards like walnut, cherry, apple and more.  The California Pear Advisory Board and UC Coop Extension Advisors are testing to identify the stages of life for the insect to work on mitigation measures.  The group will hold an online meeting this Thursday from 8 to 9am.  You can get more details at the UCCE offices in Lake and Mendocino Counties.

The Ukiah City Council is meeting Wednesday and will talk about demolishing the Palace Hotel.  Last month, the building was officially inspected and was found to have structural failures including a collapsed floor, failed joists and buckling lead glass windows.  A report was made to the city that the building needs to be demolished because of its serious threat to public health and safety.  MendoFever reports the demolition is exempt from environmental review because of the damage done by the storms of late winter.  The Palace Hotel has been vacant for nearly 3 decades.  The City of Ukiah will hold a public meeting on Wednesday at 4pm to include the public as the historic building makes its final mark on Ukiah as it comes down.

Heavy rain is predicted for the state as we begin a new water year.  Officials with the National Weather Service and the NOAA say El Nino will be a predominant climate factor driving winter’s outlook.  Cal Matters reports the west will see above average precipitation that could surpass the 1997-98 winter with damaging and sometimes fatal mudslides and nearly a billion in property damage.  With reservoirs up from last winter, officials say it’s time to be more proactive on flood protection and water storage. 

The UC Hopland Research and Extension Center and Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project are collaborating this week for a youth environmental education event.  Local youth organizations in Ukiah, Hopland and Redwood Valley will get together on November 1^st to find volunteers needed to help guide filed trips and nature walks.  The Hopland Research Center and Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project welcome over 3,000 students in field trips annually since the end of the pandemic.  They need volunteers to support site staff and guide groups on nature walks while sharing information about the wildlife and ecosystems of the area.  The recruiting event next Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at Shippey Hall at the Research Center on University Road.

News 10/27/23

A portion of funds from the voter approved Prop 64 will help the Fort Bragg Police Department with CHP to gather data on DUI enforcement.  A part of the Cannabis Tax is being set aside for law enforcement grants and projects.  Fort Bragg announced is has received about $47,000 to host educational events, publicity of DUI offenders and get specialized training in recognizing drivers under the influence of not only alcohol, but marijuana and other drugs.  The first event will be next Friday, November 3^rd from 9 to 11pm at the intersection of E. Redwood Avenue and North Franklin Street.

A Fire Weather Watch is in place for the weekend in Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma Counties.  The National Weather Service predicts gusty winds and relative low humidity for the state.  Winds are forecast to gust up to around 20 miles per hour in the interior, with higher elevations gusting up to 50 miles per hour.  Fire and emergency officials are warning Californians to exercise fire safety precautions and have an emergency plan.  The watch is in effect from 5am tomorrow morning through 5pm Sunday evening.  The critical fire weather comes as a dry low-pressure system dives into Northern California pulling a cold, dry air mass into the region. Simultaneously, a ridge of high pressure is developing to the east, and the low pressure front is expected to create a pressure gradient that helps winds develop.

Caspar Beach is open for swimmers.  The beach had been closed recently due to an influx of bacteria.  Warning signs were posted on October 19 following positive testing for high levels of enterococcus. MendoVoice reports there was a dead sea lion floating in Caspar Creek before the warnings were posted last week.  The latest warning was the only one this year that the county tested for on several beaches.  Mendocino County Environmental Health will test the beaches again on Halloween for the last time until next spring.  Last week’s positive test was the first one in years at Caspar Beach. 

Governor Newsom is announcing two significant Cal Fire appointments;  Chief Deputy Director Anale Burlew and State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant.  Both have a long history with the department.  Chief Burlew has been working with Cal Fire for 25 years.  She began in the Nevada Yuba Placer Unit and was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2011.  In February of 2022 Chief Burlew was appointed as the Assistant Deputy Director of Fire Protection Operations statewide.  Chief Daniel Berlant was appointed State Fire Marshal by the governor on October 6^th.  He has worked with Cal Fire for over 20 years, starting off as a volunteer and moving up to Assistant Deputy Director at the Office of the State Fire Marshal in 2016.  Chief Berlant will continue oversight of Fire Engineering and Investigations Division.

The Mendocino County Department of Public Health is issuing a health care workers masking order. Personnel with patient contact working in health care facilities to be masked with strong recommendations to get the seasonal flu and COVID vaccinations.  The order is aimed at preserving the capacity of health care workers during the cooler months, aka flu season.  Effective November 24th thru the end of April the mask mandate will be in place.  Starting next year, the order will be in place beginning in October.  Mendocino County Health Officer Dr. Andrew Coren says vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to prevent severe infection, hospitalization or worse from viruses.  High quality and well fitting masks will help prevent staff from spreading viruses and other infections.

The Mendocino Unit of Cal Fire announced that the prescribed burn plan for Shamrock Ranch near Laytonville has been postponed until further notice.  Cal Fire does have plans to continue burning piles at the unit headquarters on Highway 101 in Willits.  Smoke will be visible from Redwood Valley through Willits today and tomorrow. 

There are details emerging from the plane crash one week ago in Covelo.  A Beechcraft A-36 plane went down west of Covelo killing two passengers.  KymKemp reports the pilot, Vaughn Porter and his girlfriend Jamie Rust from Utah had planned a trip to Shelter Cove.  The couple planned to fly to the Humboldt County Airport but stopped at the Round Valley Airport and refueled, hoping to avoid the fog.  The plane they were in crashed shortly after take-off.  Utah TV station KSL reported that the pilot, Vaughn Porter had over three decades of flying experience; sadly, his wife and mother of his four children was a fatal victim to COVID in 2022.  The family of both people have set up a Go-Fund-Me page to help cover the funeral expenses.  The NTSB and FAA continue to investigate how the crash occurred. 

The Measure B Committee was recently formed to advise the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors discussed funds for the behavioral health wing of the new jail as well as the Ford Street Project.  MendoFever reports the board put off the decision last week, and created an ad hoc committee to research the Measure B budget.  The Ford Street Project has requested additional funds for their health facility.  The board put off their decision about awarding over $4 million in Measure B funds to for the Ford Street Project, hoping to use funds to help cover the behavioral health wing of the future new jail.  They decided to vote on jail funds next Tuesday. They did vote to pass a proposal of support to the Board of Supervisors.

The future of California’s zero-emissions goals may depend on Governor Newsom’s trip to China this week.  The Record Bee reports most metals needed for electric car batteries are in China.  Newsom is the third California governor to make the trip east to discuss climate regulation to technology and more.  The governor met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, keeping the focus on climate change and cooperation.  New laws are on the books in California that force large companies to disclose their emissions; those laws include US company operations in China.  Newsom has plans to visit an offshore wind facility in the country, as well as the Tesla Shanghai gigafactory there.  Newsom is cementing the relationship between California and China moving forward.

The Fort Bragg Food Bank’s annual Turkey Challenge is on.  The Thanksgiving fundraiser aims to reach the goal of $50,000 to feed the hungry.  The Mendocino Beacon reports there various ways to participate in the community wide event.  People can pledge money with local businesses matching individual donations of $200 up to $25,000.  Another avenue to help in the fundraiser is donations at the Harvest Market.  The food bank will be able to purchase turkeys and more with the funds. People can also give directly to the Food Bank in person on North Franklin Street. 

A couple from Willits will face a jury next month, in the charges of drug possession after their storage unit was seized by police.  James Biocca and Melody Yadon had stored methamphetamine and fentanyl in a Kelseyville storage unit.  Police are charging the couple with possession, transportation and sales of controlled substances.  Lakeport Police arrested the defendants after the search in February.  Biocca had a previous charge of possession earlier this year.  Yadon and Biocca both were taken into custody, and are out of jail on bond.  The trial is scheduled to begin on November 15^th. 

Harvest Mendocino has expanded dates for the annual festival.  October 27^th through November 12, the tourism organization, Visit Mendocino has several events featuring locally produced produce and craftsmen.  This weekend, the Fort Bragg Magic Market will have local foods and gifts with Halloween themes along Franklin and Laurel Streets.  Saturday, there will be a costume and pet parade, live music and kids activities.  The first ever Craft Cannabis Cornucopia event is set for Saturday afternoon with live music, foods and flower tasting.  You can meet the California State Fair winners.  The county tourism site also has information on Fungi Walks and Talks with the Mendocino Botanical Gardens and more.

Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  The Lakeport Police Department is working with the US Drug Enforcement Administration on the take-back between 10am and 2pm on Saturday.  Lake County News reports the drug take back will be in the front lobby of the police station on South Main Street.  They’ll accept all over-the-counter or prescription medications in all forms including schedule 2 through 5 controlled and non-controlled substances.  The containers should be emptied with pills in a plastic bag so they can be seen.  They are also collecting vape pens and other e-cigarette devices without batteries.  Lakeport Police will not accept illegal drugs, needles or inhalers. 

News 10/26/23

Governor Newsome met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing yesterday.  Newsom was joined by the US Ambassador to China.  The Record Bee reports Newsom has been touring China discussing how California and the county can work together to advance climate action, promote economic development and tourism and strengthen cultural ties.  Newsom also has been discussing human rights violations and anti-democratic efforts in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and more.  He talked about his trip to Israel last Friday and how China can help diffuse tension in the region. He invited China to the Asia Pacific Economic cooperation summit in San Francisco next month. 

The Mendocino County Cannabis Department is announcing that Go-Biz is allowing an increase in funding to verified local equity applicants, with over $1 million disbursed for the month of October. The LEEP Round 3 Direct Grant Disbursement has begun, and awardees have been notified and can expect payment before October 31^st.   Other grant funding opportunities are still expected, including the Local Jurisdictional Assistance Grant Program and future rounds of LEEP. Funding is aimed a lowering barriers to cannabis permitting and licensing.  Eligibility includes current Cannabis Cultivation Permit or Business License holders, applicants and those seeking to apply.

Senator Mike McGuire is traveling throughout his district and visited the newly named Xabatin (Ka-bah-ten) Community Park in Lakeport last week.  City officials accompanied McGuire after the Lakeport City Council officials changed the park’s name at their meeting on Tuesday.  There is a grand opening ceremony planned for this coming Thursday at 4pm.  The official re-naming campaign was funded by a nearly $6 million grant through Prop 68.  The public is invited to the ribbon cutting of the former Natural High School property.  The Big Valley and Scotts Valley Bands of Pomo Indians will be performing native dances and more.

A man has been arrested for shooting at people in Clearlake Oaks. Yesterday afternoon Lake County Sheriff’s deputies responded to shots fired at the Red and White market.  Witnesses say a man was shooting his rifle at homeless people in the area.  Thankfully, there were no injuries reported. The shooter was identified as Glenn Prasad. The Major Crimes Unit detectives found an unregistered AR style rifle at a home on Shoreview Drive, where he was arrested and taken to jail.  Prasad is charged with two felonies: discharge of a firearm in a gross negligent manner and felony possession of an assault weapon.   His bail is set at $10,000.  Prasad will be arraigned in one week.

The Governor’s Office is announcing $95 million for flood preparation across the state in projects to repair levees, enhance flood diversion and recharge capacity.  In a release issued in Lake County News, Newsom’s office is working to get ready for a wet winter. $436 million has been invested to support flood response and projects to protect communities.  The funding highlighted yesterday includes $67 million to repair levees impacted by last year’s storms.  $14 million is going to the State Water Resources Control Board to help domestic wells that were damaged.  Over $11 million in funding is set for the Storm Assistance for Immigrants project.  The state has 2.4 million more sandbags ready.  Officials’ emergency response coordination across local communities is a priority with more enhanced forecasting and warning data. 

An east coast man is free after being found not guilty of two alcohol related driving charges.  A Mendocino Superior Court jury found William Britton of Rhode Island not guilty during a three day trial.  The charges stem from spring of last year, when Britton allegedly drove under the influence near Talmage. 

The Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County will have adoption fees reduced this weekend in their Halloween Event.  There is also a trunk or treating at the center Saturday and Sunday.  They’re open 1pm to 5pm today and tomorrow and 11am to 3pm on the weekend.

Cal Fire Mendocino Unit will be doing a prescribed burn on the Shamrock Ranch area east of Highway 101 near Laytonville.  The burning will start tomorrow morning around 10am and continue through the weekend, finishing Sunday around 5pm.  The fuel mitigation and reduction goals are part of the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.  You can track prescribed burns at fire.ca.gov.  Fire crews will monitor the burn areas and weather conditions while in progress. 

The state Attorney General Rob Bonta says victims of sexual trafficking deserve support and financial restitution.  In a brief filed this week in the First District Court of Appeal Bonta argues according to the state’s broad restitution statue, victims rights and more, that victims of exploitation are entitled to restitution from the person who exploited them.  In a release issued in KymKemp, the California Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking, and Bonta wants to clarify that the statue in the state does not distinguish between labor and sex trafficking.  The brief alleges that trafficking victims need a chance to recover physically, mentally and financially.

Mendocino County Residents have a one year amnesty program for building permits beginning next Wednesday.  November 1^st begins the program to encourage residents to get into compliance and get the right permits.  The one year amnesty effectively waives all violation and penalty fees for permits submitted after work has already been started or even completed.  In a reminder, MendoVoice says there are some eligibility requirements and more information can be found at the Mendocino County Department of Planning.

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is facing legal scrutiny after they unanimously suspended the elected Treasurer Tax Collector / Auditor Controller Chemise Cubbison.  The Anderson Valley Advertiser reports at the board meeting last week the supervisors appear to have acted before consulting with county counsel on how to proceed.  The suspension came as the county’s former payroll manager Paula Kennedy allegedly misappropriated over $68,000 in public funds for 3 years.  Cubbison and Kennedy were supposed to have been arraigned last week, but in order for Kennedy to arrange representation, the move is postponed until next Tuesday.  Sara Pierce was appointed as the Acting Auditor Controller/Treasurer.  Some argue that Cubbison has rights that were denied to her.  She may have been entitled to appear before the Board and respond to the proposed suspension. 

As Northern California cools way down, there is snow expected in the Sierras this week.  Snow may fall all the way from northern California to the Central Valley with areas below 6,000 feet could get an inch and valley floors will see some rain. The LA Times and National Weather Service measured the first snow of the season near Donnor Pass.  The winter wetness moves in as the state and federal officials prepare for El Nino.  A storm could bring more cold weather and rain tomorrow through early Saturday.

The Cal Fire Mendocino Unit will be continuing their prescribed burns through Saturday, of a couple dozen burn piles at the unit headquarters on Highway 101 in Willits.  Smoke will be visible from Redwood Valley through Willits.  Cal Fire is using very tight restrictions and will monitor wind conditions and more to conduct the burns safely. 

The CV Starr Center in Fort Bragg is repairing the pool.  There is scheduled maintenance that will shut down the pool to the public from November 1^st through the 10^th.  Repairs include the urgent auto-fill system, UV disinfection and backwash maintenance, according to reporting in MendoFever on a release from the City of Fort Bragg.  Last week, contractor Knorr Systems Inc. let the center know parts have arrived and they are ready to repair systems that are critically failing.  During the closure, the center is planning to recertify lifeguards.  The CV Starr center will open the pool back up in time for the Mendocino Sea Dragons swim team meet on November 18^th. 

News 10/25/23

California Governor Newsom is visiting the Great Wall of China today.  The AP reports Newsom met with China’s leader Xi Jinping in Beijing today.  His weeklong tour of China is being scrutinized after years of heightened tensions between the US and China.  Newsom and Xi are discussing ways to work on climate change.  Fentanyl was also part of a discussion as a leading killer of young people in the US, along with China’s role in combating the transnational shipping of chemicals used to make the drug.  Newsom says he also raised human rights issues and Taiwan. The governor also met with the leader of China’s National Development and Reform Commission where a memorandum on environmental issues was signed. 

In the fatal plane crash near the airport in Covelo more information is coming in.  The two fatalities on board are from out of state.  A family member had been tracking the flight and knew the plane had gone down.  Mendocino County Sheriff’s investigators along with the FAA and NTSB are looking into the details of the fiery scene.  Dental records helped the coroner’s office identify the victims.  The Press Democrat reports they expect those details this week.  The Beechcraft A-36 plane went down around 6pm Friday evening, we don’t yet know if it was taking off or landing at the airport. Teams from the Forestry Service and the Round Valley Tribal Police were on hand. Ultimately, the National Traffic Safety Board will determine the circumstances and cause.

Highway 101 is the scene of an investigation into a roll over accident near Standish Hickey State Park.  Reporting in KymKemp says a car rolled over after a high speed pursuit north of Leggett.  It was a suspect being chased northbound by CHP.  The highway was closed while the driver was trapped for over an hour until emergency personnel could get him loaded onto a CHP helicopter to an area hospital.  Authorities kept the road closed as CalTrans and CHP investigated the accident and cleared the road safely. 

The Cal Fire Mendocino Unit will be actively doing prescribed burns beginning today through Saturday, of a couple dozen burn piles at the unit headquarters on Highway 101 in Willits.  Smoke will be visible from Redwood Valley through Willits.  Cal Fire is using very tight restrictions and will monitor wind conditions and more to conduct the burns safely. 

The Governor’s Office is announcing that the state has created over 6,600 megawatts of battery storage.  In a release in Lake County News, the office reports the storage is double the amount from two years ago, a significant step to California’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2045.  Storing access power from solar, wind and other renewable sources generated during the day will help meet demand when energy is needed.  The announcement says nearly 2,000 more megawatts of energy storage projects will be online by the end of the year.

The Anthropology Department at CSU Chico is helping authorities investigate human remains found in Covelo.  The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying their office was contacted by a hunter on Bauer Ranch Road near Mendocino Pass Road when they found several human bones scattered on a property.  The hunter also found a man’s ID in the same area Saturday evening.  After a storm delay, yesterday deputies and search and rescue teams found several human skeletal remains.  Anyone with information to help the coroner is urged to call the sheriff’s tip-line.

The Fort Bragg City Council is announcing increased usage and membership fees for the CV Starr Center that the city took over.  As the council works on the center after taking over from the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Parks District, they’ve also agreed to use a special fund to help a local swim team. Beginning in 2024, swim team lane rental fees will go to $13.  MendoFever reports the increased rental fees and other funds could generate $180,000 a year.  The fees there haven’t increased in a decade.  The operating costs to run the center have increased with the price to heat the pool doubling.  Insurance and minimum wage have increased as well.  A former official says the increased fees remain lower than similar facilities nearby.  The City of Fort Bragg will do a comprehensive study to analyze the costs to continue operations.

The California Department of Cannabis Control is discussing potential federal rescheduling of marijuana and how it will affect the state’s cannabis industry.  In a release this week, KymKemp reports cannabis may be reclassified from Schedule 1 to Schedule III in the federal Controlled Substances Act.  The state department claims the move will have significant tax benefits for cannabis businesses.  People are watching how the DEA will respond in deciding that reorganization.  The move won’t legalize marijuana on a federal level, and state licensed cannabis businesses would remain operating as the regulatory framework. 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is joining with 32 other state’s attorneys general in a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.  The suit filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California alleges that Meta designed and is using harmful features on their social media platforms to addict children and teens.  The attorneys are looking for an injunction and funding to address what they say is harmful to young people’s mental and physical health.  Lake County News reports the complaints come after a nationwide investigation that began 2 years ago.  The suit was filed yesterday, where Meta is reported to have violated federal and state laws.  AG Bonta began also investigating TikTok this spring that is ongoing. 

The Lake County Board of Supervisors is approving a resolution to continue to use the Juvenile Hall in Lakeport for an overnight shelter.  The board recognized that some repairs are needed to meet code standards.  Based on the state of emergency for the health of shelter residents, the board waived the request for competitive bidding.  The Lake County Behavioral Health Services will continue to administer the shelter contractor, the Continuum of Care provider and Blue Horizon Foundation until new management by Redwood Community Services takes over operations in December.  The Record Bee reports the move will require a General Plan Conformity Determination. 

Clearlake Police are investigating a shooting that involved at least three suspects.  Last month, police responded to a shooting near Austin Park.  A couple of juveniles fled the scene, one being arrested days later.  The Record Bee reports a 26 year old man Treyvon Jones was arrested in connection with the shooting, with help from the Mendo/Lake Regional SWAT team a few weeks ago on Highway 20.  Jones was arrested for attempted murder.  Anyone with information on the events of September 12^th is urged to call the Clearlake Police Department.

The UC Hopland Research and Extension Center and Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project are collaborating next week for a youth environmental education event.  Local youth organizations in Ukiah, Hopland and Redwood Valley will get together one week from today, November 1^st to find volunteers needed to help guide filed trips and nature walks.  The Hopland Research Center and Redwood Valley Outdoor Education Project welcome over 3,000 students in field trips annually since the end of the pandemic.  They need volunteers to support site staff and guide groups on nature walks while sharing information about the wildlife and ecosystems of the area.  The recruiting event next Wednesday from 10am to 1pm at Shippey Hall at eh Research Center on University Road. 

There will be a grand opening for the newly named Xabatin Community Park,  tomorrow at 4pm.  Parking will be available near the park on North Main Street as well as at the Silviera Community Center.  People are asked to not walk on the newly sown grass.  Lake County News reports the Clear Lake High School, Lake County Military Honors Team and more will help welcome an invocation from Senator Mike McGuire.  The mayor and other community leaders will be on hand to celebrate the renaming of the park to reflect the original residents of the area, the Pomo Indians with the Big Valley and Scotts Valley Bands engaged in tomorrow’s event.  The new skate park there will be broken in with performances by professional skateboarders and BMX riders.  Food trucks will be there with free goodies provided by the city. City funding will pay to demolish the school district building for future development, including a boathouse.

News 10/24/23

In the fatal plane crash near the airport in Covelo more information is coming in.  The two fatalities on board are from out of state.  A family member had been tracking the flight and knew the plane had gone down.  Mendocino County Sheriff’s investigators along with the FAA and NTSB are looking into the details of the fiery scene.  Dental records helped the coroner’s office identify the victims.  The Press Democrat reports they expect those details this week.  The Beechcraft A-36 plane went down around 6pm Friday evening, we don’t yet know if it was taking off or landing at the airport.

Highway 101 is the scene of an investigation into a roll over accident near Standish Hickey State Park.  Reporting in KymKemp says a car rolled over after a high speed pursuit north of Leggett.  It was a suspect being chased northbound by CHP.  The highway was closed while the driver was trapped for over an hour until emergency personnel could get him loaded onto a CHP helicopter to an area hospital.  Authorities kept the road closed as CalTrans and CHP investigated the accident and cleared the road safely. 

Clearlake Police are searching for a missing teenage girl.  Alysa Ontko is a native girl with dark brown hair and brown eyes.  The 16 year old is five foot 4 inches tall and weighs around 125 pounds.  Lake County News reports Alysa was last seen yesterday near Carle High School wearing a black hoodie and black jeans.  Anyone with information is asked to call Clearlake Police.

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors are getting a request for Measure B funds to build a treatment center for substance use disorder while costs are mounting for construction of the new jail that will include mental illness treatment.  MendoFever reports the Ford Street Project is looking for over $4 million to build a 24 bed sober living facility near the Ukiah Recovery Center.  The California Department of Healthcare Services offered the project over $3 million for their first phase.  The Executive Director for the Ford Street Project says they have followed the county’s processes to the letter and is demanding clarity in their funding.  At the end of this weeks meeting, two supervisors were appointed to an ad hoc committee to research questions about the proposal with Ford Street and the potion of Measure B funds for the new jail.

The Lake County Board of Supervisors will work on a response to state regulations that would mandate water right holders give information on wells and water usage as part of an effort to preserve Clear Lake hitch.  Lake County News reports they’ll meet this morning at 9am.  Board members will take written comments on the draft regulations through the end of this month.  The board will also consider approval of the Facilities Capital Improvement Plan through fiscal year 2027-2028.  Regarding the Lake County Watershed Protection District, the group plans to adopt a resolution to accept a State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Mussel Infestation Prevention agreement with over $330,000 in grant funding.  In closed session, the board will confer with a labor negotiator and go over litigation with Earthways Foundation, Inc.

Governor Newsom is announcing that the state passed it’s zero-emission vehicle truck sales goal ahead of schedule by two years.  The goal was 6 percent of new trucks to be ZEV by 2024 and surpassed that percentage by a point and a half last year with over 7,600 trucks sold.  The Record Bee reports by 2035 half of all new medium and heavy duty truck sales need to be zero emissions with 100 percent ZEV by 2045.  California has accelerated the transition with over $10 billion for the charging infrastructure development.  Trucks make up over 35 percent of California’s transportation emissions and a fourth of the state’s on road green house gasses. 

Harvest Mendocino has expanded dates for the annual festival.  October 27^th through November 12, the tourism organization, Visit Mendocino has several events featuring locally produced foods and crafts.  This weekend, the Fort Bragg Magic Market will have local foods and gifts with Halloween themes along Franklin and Laurel Streets.  Saturday, there will be a costume and pet parade, live music and kids activities.  The first ever Craft Cannabis Cornucopia event is set for Saturday afternoon with live music, foods and flower tasting.  You can meet the California State Fair winners.  The county tourism site also has information on Fungi Walks and Talks with the Mendocino Botanical Gardens and more.

Three local nonprofits will get a chance at $10,000 from the 100+ Women Strong fathering next week.  The American Association of University Women’s Tech Trek, Oscar’s Place Adoption Center and Sanctuary and the Ukiah Senior Center are the three finalists who will participate in next week’s presentation on November 2^nd with the 100+ Women Strong Gathering in Hopland.  Each organization will get five minutes to make their case and take audience questions.  The Willits News reports the gathering is open to the public and supported by local organizations.  100+ Women Strong was created in 2019 and has so far given away more than $187,000 to support local nonprofits in the Mendocino community.

The Lake County Superior Court has a new way to remind people to show up to court.  The court has a new technological service to remind people of court dates and appearance times.  Lake County News reports people who sign up will get text and or email reminders. Reminders will ping people two weeks before their date, and 2 days head of their appearance.  People can sign up and create an account using their case number to register. 

The Clearlake Oaks Water District was ordered to repay disaster relief funds it got from the feds and state agencies.  They must pay FEMA nearly $1.6 million and nearly $400,000 to Cal OES.  The Record Bee reports the general manager of the water district said the funds were given for relief from flooding that happened in 2017.  The Inspector General of the US Department of Homeland Security says with the US Attorney’s Office in Northern California, the money will be repaid to the US.  Combating fraud in federal grants is part of an effort by the False Claims Act to resolve the matter.  The district says they kept the funds in an investment fund and a spokesperson says they fully cooperated in the investigation.  The claim they offered to return the funds a number of times and never concealed the money.  In order to settle the matter rather than going to trial, the district decided to repay the money.

California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta is filing a motion in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to extend a stay on a decision to halt the state’s restrictions on assault weapons.  In a release in KymKemp, the AG says the court granted a ten day stay that will expire on October 29^th.  Bonta says California law has prohibited sales of semi-automatic assault weapons for decades and that the district court issued a dangerous decision.  The Assault Weapons Control Act was passed in 1989 and strengthened in 2000.  Since then, the state has restricted the manufacture, distribution, possession and more.  AG Bonta says without an extension of the stay, pending appeal, assault weapons may flood into the state. 

Banks across the country are engaging the public in a campaign to combat phishing on social media.  The Savings Bank of Mendocino County is participating in the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign sharing information by the American Bankers Association to inform the public about bogus bank scams.  The national group aims to explain to everyone that banks will never ask for sensitive information like passwords and Social Security numbers by phone, email or social media.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports people should watch for misspelled words, poor grammar or false links that could hook customers into a scheme.  Officials urge people to change their passwords and check in with your local branch if you are the victim of a scam. 

Eight kids who were abducted from foster homes in Arkansas were driven across the country by their biological mom before being found safe in Northern California.  Anderson Police responded to a welfare check on Saturday after a group of children and a woman were acting bizarre.  Police arrived and identified Trista Fullerton with a felony warrant on the abduction of her eight kids.  The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office found all eight kids and issued protective custody warrants for their safety.  Fullerton was jailed and the children will be reunified with their legal foster guardians in Arkansas. 

Wednesday the First 5 Lake County Commission will hold a public hearing on their Annual Evaluation Report.  The meeting at 2pm on Wednesday at the Anderson Ranch Conference Room will also be available virtually, according to Lake County News.  The hearing is aimed at accepting comments from the public and will be available for residents to see.

A Lake County Superior Court received evidence in a preliminary hearing this week where the judge ordered Melinda Fred of Lakeport to answer to murder charges.  Fred is scheduled for arraignment and bail review hearing one week from today.  The charges stem from the homicide of a man last May. The Record Bee reports Christopher Burrows, was found last spring stabbed to death on Red Feather Lane in Lakeport. Fred was arrested and initially bail was set for $1 million.  Fred is charged with murder, assault with a deadly weapon and corporal injury on her partner. 

News 10/23/23

A fatal airplane crash is being investigated after it crashed in Covelo on Friday.  In a release from the Mendocino County Coroner, the flight went down on Airport Road in Covelo Friday evening that left its two passengers dead.  The crash caught on fire that spread to nearby brush.  Authorities from many agencies were looking into how and why the accident happened, and who the passengers are.  The Mendocino County Coroner is investigating along with the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA in conjunction with Cal Fire, CHP, the county sheriff’s office and the Round Valley Tribal Police.

The Mendocino County Cannabis Department is opening an eligibility window for applications for people who have been previously convicted of a non-violent cannabis related offense.  Due to confusion at a recent public meeting where the county says inaccurate information was given the department will accept submissions for equity applicants, November 13^th through the 17.  The department reports that more information will be ongoing through Canna Notes.  They continue to streamline and coordinate state and county regulations on legal cannabis cultivation and permitting.

The Fort Bragg City Council meeting set for today at 6pm will include discussion on appointing a director and alternate to represent the city on the Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund Board of Directors.  The agenda also includes adding an additional Engineering Technician to the Fort Bragg Employee Organization and remove the position of Public Works Administrative Analyst.  Business of the council will include getting an update on the end of the CV Starr Operating Agreement with Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District.  The council will also get a presentation on the Noyo Harbor Blue Economy Visioning, Resiliency and Implementation Plan. During closed session, the city council plants to go over the employment of City Clerk and City Manager positions. 

Governor Newsom is traveling after a surprise visit Friday to Israel on his way to China.  Newsom had no official diplomatic agenda, but raised speculation about his political ambitions. Newsom said he will be meeting “with those impacted by the horrific terrorist attacks and offering California’s support.” The Mercury News reports Newsom’s visit is welcome news to a Southern California woman who flew to Israel after her daughter and her father other family members, including children were taken hostage during the deadly Hamas massacre two weeks ago. Newsom began his climate-themed visit at the University of Hong Kong today touting the US and China’s partnership on climate change.  He is now headed to Beijing, Shanghai and other provinces.

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is facing scrutiny over the suspension of Auditor Chamise Cubbison.  Over the weekend her lawyer told the Ukiah Daily Journal that they’re in touch with an employment attorney and will follow up today.  DA David Eyster filed felony charges of misappropriation of public funds against Cubbison as well as Payroll Manager Paula Kennedy from reports that Kennedy received $68,000 over a couple of years in extra pay.  Cubbison says she and her council will fight the charge.  A court hearing to enter her plea was delayed until next week.  Now the board’s decision may have been an illegal one as Cubbison is an elected official who has not yet pled in the case. Cubbison’s lawyer says she never received any funds and there is no claim that public money is in jeopardy.  Cubbison’s title at the time of her employment is also a contentious issue as the board cited a state code specifying a county treasurer, and not an auditor.  The history of the relationship between DA Eyster and Cubbison has been a tumultuous one for many years.  The county is waiting for the State Controller’s Office audit of its finances for more information.

Across the Bay Area, homebuyers are seeing rate increases and their budgets shrink. People are paying more money for fewer square feet than they did last year. A half percentage point increase raises monthly payments by hundreds. The Bay Area News Group reports mortgage rates, at their highest level in 23 years, also have discouraged possible sellers from moving, creating tight supply. The lack of inventory has increased prices for a second month in a row. The median home price in the Bay Area was $1.3 million in September, a 6.6% increase from last year, according to new data from the California Association of Realtors.

Senator Mike McGuire is traveling throughout his district and visited the newly named Xabatin (Ka-bah-ten) Community Park in Lakeport last week.  City officials accompanied McGuire after the Lakeport City Council officials changed the park’s name at their meeting on Tuesday.  There is a grand opening ceremony planned for this coming Thursday at 4pm.  Lake County News reports the official re-naming campaign was funded by a nearly $6 million grant through Prop 68.  The public is invited to the ribbon cutting of the former Natural High School property.  The Big Valley and Scotts Valley Bands of Pomo Indians will be performing native dances and more.

The Koi Nation of Northern California has an advocate with the Attorney General.  In the Koi Nation lawsuit against the City of Clearlake, the tribe alleges officials did not adequately consult with them on preservation of cultural sites in the development of a new hotel.  The quarter mile extension of 18^th Avenue west of Highway 53 is part of the hotel development project.  Last year, the city council decided a full environmental analysis was not needed, according to reporting in the Press Democrat.  The Koi Nation says the project requires meaningful consultation according to the California Environmental Quality Act.  Attorney Rob Bonta says he agrees.  A brief was filed Tuesday with the state arguing the city’s inattention to tribal involvement violates the law.  The tribe wants to factor in values like spiritual, cultural and related resources to be taken in account and included in the management of the Airport Hotel and 18^th Avenue Extension Project. 

A prominent Ukiah realtor will spend a year in jail, and register as a sex offender.  David Ryan was arrested by Ukiah Police two years ago for felony sexual behavior and burglary. MendoFever reports last week Ryan pled no contest in Mendocino County Superior Court.  He’s sentenced to a year in county jail and will be on probation for two additional years, as well as registering as a sex offender.  The realtor had been buying and selling homes locally for years.  In a victim impact statement a woman told the court how he sexually attacked her, in front of her 7 year old child; an additional charge of misdemeanor child endangerment had been dropped.  The journal reports several women filed police reports as far back as 1998, accusing Ryan of sexual crimes, alleging he kept keys to several residences and harassed women in their own homes. 

Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar Curry is reaching out to local officials on ongoing work in Lake County.  She is running for re-election to continue representing District 4.  Aguiar Curry says she helped bring $40 million to Lake County and discussed a partnership with UC Davis and economic development projects.  The Record Bee reports she is championing the Internet for All initiative saying every child deserves quality internet in the state. She talked of mental health during the Judge’s Breakfast on Thursday in Clearlake and talked about continued efforts to recruit medical professionals.  Aguiar Curry touted the need for increased wildfire mitigation and how state and federal resources can help fund efforts to reduce risk.

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is addressing cannabis policies.  The meeting last week included discussing cannabis prohibition zones.  The current policy allows people to petition the Planning Commission and the Board to create special zones if 60 percent of neighborhoods get enough signatures, to prohibit cannabis.  So far this year, two groups have tried to petition for prohibition zones, but were denied by the board.  MendoFever reports the process of overlaying already zoned areas into cannabis free areas involves many levels of staff review, so the board decided if residents want to opt in or out of a zone, they must ask the Planning Commission or Board to start the process.  Some supervisors said the zoning question is not a priority.  At the end of their meeting they decided to table the topic and come back with a policy in the future.

The Lake County Burn Ban is lifted as of 9am this morning.  Cal Fire decided the wildfire risk has been sufficiently reduced.  Burn permits are still required for outdoor burning with the Lake County Air Basin.  Lake County News reports for those seeking multi-day burns, overnight burns, standing vegetation burns and more a smoke management plan is required and is available at the Lake County Air Quality Management District. 

The Lake County Board of Supervisors will work on a response to state regulations that would mandate water right holders give information on wells and water usage as part of an effort to preserve Clear Lake hitch.  Lake County News reports they’ll beet tomorrow morning at 9am.  Board members will take written comments on the draft regulations through the end of this month.  The board will also consider approval of the Facilities Capital Improvement Plan through fiscal year 2027-2028.  Regarding the Lake County Watershed Protection District, the group plans to adopt a resolution to accept a State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Mussel Infestation Prevention agreement with over $330,000 in grant funding.  In closed session, the board will confer with a labor negotiator and go over litigation with Earthways Foundation, Inc.

News 10/20/23

Clearlake Police are investigating an attempted homicide.  This morning at 7am, the Mendocino/Lake Regional SWAT team initiated a search warrant on East Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks.  A suspect in the investigation was taken into custody by the Clearlake Police Department.  More information has yet to be released, but we will update you when details are available.

Former Mendocino County officials are scrutinizing the suspension of Auditor Chamise Cubbison.  She is facing a felony charge of misappropriation of public funds.  Even though Cubbison has not yet entered a plea in the case, the board voted to immediately suspend her without pay earlier this week.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports there are questions surrounding the suspension and her formal position title as Auditor, not Treasurer.  As an elected official, Cubbison’s attorney says the code provision the board used to suspend her may have been the wrong choice.  The former Treasurer, Shari Schapmire resigned in December of 2021 when the board consolidated county financial offices. The former county DA, Schapmire and Cubbison’s attorney point to the board’s consolidation as a cause for the county’s financial issues.

The California Transportation Commission is allocating over $3.7 billion for projects to rebuild the state’s transportation infrastructure.  Most of the funding is going to over 600 cities, counties and regional agencies to fix bridges, reduce pollution, increase highway safety and provide transportation services.  Projects include about $38 million toward roadway repairs and extension of the existing retaining wall as well as a dewatering system o n Route 1 near Westport south of Hillcrest Terrace in Mendocino County, along with nearly $2 million to road and culvert repairs on Route 162 east of the Middle Fork Eel River Bridge.

The Mendocino County Public Health Environmental Division has an advisory for Caspar Beach.  During an ocean water quality sample the department found bacteria levels were too high.  The enterococcus bacteria are at a level that is an increased risk to human health.  Warning signs have been posted at Caspar Beach warning people to avoid the water for 50 yards on both sides of the drainage entering the ocean.  The beach will remain closed with warning signs until water quality meets the minimum standards mandated by the state of California.

The Lake County Treasurer Tax Collectors Office issued an update on this years coming property taxes.  Tax bills are set to be mailed out beginning next Monday.  The return address on your property tax bill will show Whittier, California.  It is a transition the office recently changed, to electronic check processing.  Check received in office will be immediately deposited.  The county aims to make paying your taxes easier, more efficient and significantly faster.  You can still pay your bill in person at the Treasurer Tax Collector’s Office on Forbes Street in Lakeport or to the address in Whittier.  Payments will be due on December 11^th.

The Mendocino Unit of Cal Fire is planning a prescribed burn today in Hopland.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the planned blaze will be controlled in cooperation with the Hopland Research Extension Center on the property on University Road.  The burn is expected to start at around 9am through 6pm.  Firecrews will be on hand to reduce burnable vegetation, improve wildlife habitat and decrease the chance of wildfires.  Residents can expect to see smoke throughout the day.  Fire officials will monitor conditions, weather and more and are expected to be there to mop up and make sure there are no spot fires.    

It’s about 2 and a half weeks away from the special election in Fort Bragg.  On November 7^th, voters will decide on Measure Q.  It would extend a one half percent tax on retail and use sales funding the city streets repair, maintenance and more. Measure Q must get a two-thirds vote of approval to effectively pass.  The Advocate News reports the tax was approved in 2004 and in 2014 and is project to generate over $1.3 million if passed.  Vote by Mail ballots were mailed out earlier this month to voters and are also available at the County Clerk’s Office on Low Gap Road. 

The Fort Bragg City Council is approving an agreement with the Housing Mendocino Coast and work for the water treatment plant rehab project.  The new work will improve reservoirs at the treatment plant and other water saving construction. The Advocate News reports the plant, built in 1958 was upgraded in 1986, with the latest upgrades done nearly 20 years ago. The Department of Housing and Community Development was approved to use funds from the state for a community land trust.  The Mayor of Fort Bragg proclaimed honors for the late City Clerk and Assistant Fire Chief for the Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department. 

Ukiah’s Purple Pipe project will impact traffic next week as the city updates infrastructure.  The project includes adding a recycled water pipes to irrigate schools, the golf course and Todd Grove Park.  The project will also help underground power lines and widen streets and sidewalks.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the Public Works Director says much of the work that may congest traffic will be done during school breaks, so as to not disrupt students on their way to school at Low Gap Road and Bush Street.  The improvement project includes ADA widening that will likely happen next summer when school is out.  By mid-week, city officials forecast work will move to the section of Low Gap Road between State and Bush streets.  Low Gap Road will be open to one way west bound traffic from 7am to 5pm next week. 

PG&E is offering free-in-home safety checks as the seasons change.  The utility offered the service in a press release issued in KymKemp.  The safety checks will help customers operate furnaces and water heaters efficiently and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.  The gas can be dangerous as it can’t be seen, smelled or heard.  The CDC reports year over 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning with over 100,000 visiting the ER and 14,000 hospitalized.  This year, PG&E has responded to over 6,000 incidents where carbon monoxide was suspected.  Officials say residents should have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes on every floor and should be tested twice annually.  Generators, grills and propane heaters should never be used inside. 

A special meeting is planned within a few weeks for an update to the Palace Hotel in Ukiah.  The City Council met this week, when staff announced they are planning on an update regarding the condition of the Palace Hotel soon.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the hotel has been vacant and decaying for years and was recently about to sell before the proposal fell through this earlier this year.  Also at the council meeting this week, the council considered an appeal to the permit granted for a new car wash on Talmage Road.  On that property staff found some procedural issues and have reached out to the applicant with a resolution to move the proposed new car wash to be compatible near the Ukiah Municipal Airport.  The Council also discussed the future of water diversions surrounding the Potter Valley Project.  The water resources director says there are details yet to be worked out.

Law enforcement officials are investigating human remains in the Mendocino National Forest.  Earlier this month the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office got a report of an abandoned truck in a remote area off of Road  20N59.  MendoFever reports officials ran a check and discovered that Donald Stockwell Jr. had been reported as an at-risk missing person with dementia in January.   He was last seen in the truck at a gas station in Willows in February.  Detectives searched the area and found human remains near the truck.  They are working with the family as they continue to determine what happened.

A Clearlake man is in jail for setting a fire in Lakeport.  Lakeport Police arrested Cameron Bates yesterday on charges including arson, drug possession and receipt of stolen property.  Lake County News reports he was arrested after being released from Lake County Jail earlier the same day.  The wildland fire was reported around Lakeport Boulevard and Highway 29 around noon Thursday.  Local fire protection districts quickly contained the blaze at about a quarter of an acre according to police.  Officials say there were multiple witnesses who saw a person walking away from the fire who also say the person tried  to start another fire on the northeast side of the Chamber of Commerce. 

A lawsuit against Clearlake by the Koi Nation Tribe is set to go to trial today.  The Clearlake City Council approved additional funding for the litigation and legal challenges surrounding major park and road projects.  Lake County News reports at a meeting earlier this month the council approved doubling the city’s expenditures with their law firm to half a million dollars.  The Koi Tribe, whose territory includes the city of Clearlake and Lower Lake began the suit in March to stop the city’s projects on the 18^th Avenue extension, related to a new hotel.  An additional suit this summer was filed on the Burns Valley Sports Complex and Recreation Center project, saying the city did not conduct state required consultation with the tribal government. 

The Planning Group for the Russian River Water Forum continues to discuss PG&E’s “non-binding acceptance in concept” of a Proposal to take control over the Potter Valley Project and more.  MendoFever reports on the latest Russian River Water Forum update.  The proposal has two options for the Cape Horn Dam.  An official from the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission said the group is happy PG&E accepted the proposal and are seeing the move as a step forward in the complex process.  More work is yet to be done on the future of the hydroelectric facility including water rights.  The Water Rights working group is set to meet on November 2nd.  Discussion over the future of Lake Pillsbury was included in the latest meeting as the group weighs the pros and cons of dam removal versus rehabilitation. 

The late Senator Diane Feinstein’s replacement, Laphonza Butler says she is not seeking election to a full term next year.  Butler said she made the decision after thinking about what kind of life she wants to have.  She does plan to continue in public service, but not at the level some expected her to.  There is a crowd of candidates for the full term including US Representatives Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee as well as Republican Steve Garvey. 

A federal judge is ruling that California’s prohibition of semiautomatic gun sales violates the constitutional right to bear arms.  The AP reports US District Judge Benitez said that firearms like AR-15 rifles are commonly used by criminals, but are also owned by people who obey the law.  His ruling is similar to his decision in 2021 where he called the state’s ban on assault weapons a failed experiment.  His decision may overturn several state statues across the country related to assault weapons.  California has 10 days to seek a stay as part of an appeal to the US 9^th Circuit Court.  Attorney General Rob Bonta has said he has already filed that notice of appeal.

News 10/19/23

Bay Area residents are saying many did not feel the earthquake that shook the area yesterday morning, but DID get the ShakeApp alert at 3:19am, instead of the planned 10:19am.  The Bay Area News Group reports the quake triggered a ShakeAlert for surrounding counties during the 4.1 magnitude quake yesterday, but many say they didn’t feel it.  The Press Democrat reports representatives with ShakeAlert, in participation with CalOES had planned for an earthquake drill after 10am today. ShakeAlert officials say it was a mistake, on an X social media post.  Apparently, there was a mix-up between time zones in the test alert system.  Emergency officials, drill participants and area residents are still waiting for a formal announcement about the errant alarm.

Parts of Northern California could match or break a heat record today, set over a century ago.  The Press Democrat reports for those wanting to escape the heat and head to the coast, to be watchful of sneaker waves.  The National Weather Service issued a moderate heat advisory through 11pm tonight for parts of Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties.  While it’s not a Red Flag warning, high heat could dry out fuels and lead to fires, according to authorities.  Yesterday, there was a 3 acre fire near The Geysers that was stopped within an hour.  As for the coast, hazardous conditions are expected today with a northwest swell with a lot of energy associated with it.  A high-surf advisory is in effect through 7pm tonight.

CHP is offering teen driver safety education classes to help know the dangers the age group faces on the road.  Lake County News reports fatal and injury crashes have been increasing, showing the need to educate teen drivers and their parents to keep the roads safe for everyone.  Start Smart is a free two hour class to inform new drivers of their responsibilities that come with being a licensed driver in California.  Parents or guardians must also attend the class with their teen led by public information officers at local CHP area offices.  Taking the class  may even lower your car insurance rates.  There is a free CHP Start Smart app that has access to the state driver handbook.

The Mendocino Land Trust is holding a Soiree this coming Saturday.  The group is looking at six new public access projects including a park in Fort Bragg and trails along the coast.  The Land Trust plans to work on a new headlands trail in Albion as well as improving part of the California Coastal Trail, the Cove Trail in Point Arena and improve the Mill Bend Preserve in Gualala.  The Sunset Soiree will be October 21^st from 4 to 7pm at the Caspar Community Center.  There will be a silent auction, local cuisine and live music.  The auction is also available online.

CHP Clear Lake is investigating a possible hit and run fatality.  Last night, CHP responded to reports of a possibly injured person near State Route 29, north of Hofacker Lane near Lower Lake.  MendoFever reports a Hispanic man was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Northern Division Investigative Services Unit of CHP is asking anyone with information on the events of Tuesday night in the area, to contact the CHP Clear Lake Area Office.

This week the Lake County Board of Supervisors approved a salary increase for the Sheriff’s Office employees.  Salaries were nearly doubled for some positions, while changing some position allocations from funded to unfunded status.  It was a slim majority, with some noting the budget negotiations were required to be in public meetings.  The Record Bee reports Supervisor Sabatier abstained in the vote noting missing information like increase percentage.  There was a Meet and Confer process held at the end of last month including unions representing some.  The Board noted a staffing emergency in Sheriff’s Rob Howe’s office and not giving the salary increases could have hurt retention and recruitment.  Some want a closed session about the impact of the raises. 

The Pear Tree Center in Ukiah is one of the Arts Champions as awarded by the Mendocino County Arts Council.  In a release, the Pear Tree Center is this years Business Arts Champion.  The business has supported local and regional artists through commissioning and licensing their work and has helped local nonprofits by underwriting the cost of space rental supporting innovation to serve the needs of the Greater Ukiah region.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports Solange Roberdeau is the Arts Champion and is an Elk based printmaker and educator working at Art Explorers Inc, in Fortr Bragg as the Gallery Coordinator and teacher.  Jess Thompson is the Arts Champion Individial at the Cider Creek Collective ceramic studio, and the late potter, artist and sculptor Doug Browe is this year’s honoree. The champions will be recognized in a proclamation by the Board of Supervisors at their meeting on the 31^st.

In the latest Russian River Water Forum Update this week there is more information on the Potter Valley Project decommissioning proposal and the removal the Cape Horn Dam.  The non-binding acceptance in concept of the Sonoma County Water Agency, Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission and the Round Valley Indian Tribes proposal will be included in the November 15^th initial draft Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan.  The draft will be available for public review next month.  The proposal includes co-equal objectives of fish migration and water diversions. 

The Mendocino College Theatre Arts Department is hosting a production of Promise of Paradise: Stories from Back to the Land starting today.  The show will start tonight at 7:30 with productions Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2pm.  The original ensemble performance aims to engage audiences in original story telling by and about our community.  The one weekend only performances this weekend will be at the college’s Center Theatre on the Ukiah Campus.  Tonight’s show will have a pay what you wish preview.  Official opening night tomorrow will include a gala reception starting at 6:30pm.  Saturday’s performance will be a fundraiser for Mendocino College Foundation Student Scholarships. 

Under a new law signed by the governor last week, public agencies, corporate campuses, industrial parks and others will be banned from watering “nonfunctional turf” using potable water.  The new rules will be phases in at the beginning of 2027. The prohibition is currently in place as a temporary measure.  The State Water Resources Board started the ban as an emergency regulation during the drought of last year; it is set to expire next June.  The Sac Bee reports on the water education aquafornia news release, saying the new restriction will not apply to residential lawns, apartments, sports fields or cemeteries.

The Mendocino County Planning and Building Services is establishing a one year amnesty program waiving all violations and penalty fees related to building permits that don’t have a confirmed code enforcement case. The waiver also applies to permits not already under review or to programs that do not apply to zoning violations.  The county issued a release yesterday, confirming the amnesty program from November 1^st this year to November, 2024.   All amnesty building permit applications must be submitted on or before November 1^st 2024 to be eligible.  Residents are invited to self-report any unpermitted structures and legalize improvements during the year long program. 

The Coalition to Save Jackson Forest issued a release in MendoFever saying the Mendocino Redwood Company has filed a lawsuit against Cal Fire, alleging breach of contract on the Soda Gulch timber harvest plan.  The largest landowner in the county employs John Anderson, who is also a member of the Jackson Advisory group, creating a legal or ethical conflict of interest.  The lawsuit was filed one year ago but was recently reported on when Mendocino Court Judge Nadel issued a tentative ruling in late September denying the company didn’t follow the correct procedure for dispute resolution.  In last Friday’s meeting of the Advisory Committee, there was a listening session for public input.  Residents addressed environmental and indigenous co-management concerns. 

News 10/18/23

The Mendocino Board of Supervisors is suspending Chamise Cubbison as Auditor Controller Treasurer Tax Collector after her felony charge of misappropriation of public funds.  During their board meeting yesterday, the board appointed Sara Pierce as Acting Auditor Controller. District Attorney David Eyster was given evidence of the misappropriation about a year ago from the CEO.   Human Resources and the IT department worked together to understand the extent of the issue and preserve evidence. The board also brought on a forensic auditing firm last March to assess internal controls.  The county is also awaiting the close of an audit being done by State Controller with Supervisor Williams saying they welcome the opportunity to understand where systems can be improved. Cubbison and co-defendant Paula Jane Kennedy have yet to enter pleas; their next court appearance is set for October 31^st.

Governor Newsom signed AB 436 which repeals all bans in cruising state wide. The car culture of California could not be happier. From car clubs to regular people cruising has been a part of California since there were cars, and this move is intended to bring back a time honored tradition of cruising in your car. Drag racing and side shows however are still very illegal. The new law starts in 2024.

The missing woman whose body was found beneath the floorboards of a van is still being investigated and no cause of death yet determined.  The Ukiah Daily Journal reports an autopsy was done last Friday after the crash that led police to search Root Mirimisa’s Toyota Sienna.  The crash on the 8^th is where Mirimisa was found after fleeing the scene, which led police to search the van days later where they found missing person Christine Randolph’s body.  Mirimisa was found to be Randolph’s son, the two traveling together.  The Mendocino County Sheriff Captain Greg Van Patten says there were no obvious signs of foul play, related to her demise.  They are still waiting for those toxicology results from last week’s autopsy.  Anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff’s Tip-Line.

The Clearlake City Council is set to meet tomorrow evening. There is a resolution on the agenda to support the Konocti County Water District’s proposal of annexation of over 100 acres in the Dam Road area.  Lake County News reports the City Manager is expected to explain about the annexation and how it will eliminate the service of two districts.  The Creekside Mobile Home Park water system was destroyed in the Cache fire and has been getting water service from the Konocti County Water District.  The move would let the water district install a new main line and upgrade water service to the area.  The council also plans to go over 8 city-owned properties as surplus.  The meeting begins tomorrow at 6pm in the Clearlake City Hall.

Tomorrow is California’s Great ShakeOut.  The statewide earthquake drill encourages people to practice how to protect themselves during quakes to reduce injuries and more.  Lake County News reports more than 53 million people worldwide are participating in drills this year including over 17 million in the US.  Tomorrow, October 19^th, many are holding the drill at 10:19am.  Nearly 10 million people in California are participating.  In Lake County, over 7,000 were signed up to take part in the Great ShakeOut. The Lake County Board of Supervisors will participate.  There is still time to officially register to take part in the earthquake drill, at ShakeOut.org.  The MyShake app will get a test alert along the west coast as one of many ways to get the alert sent by the USGS. 

A Lakeport man is guilty of felony assault with a deadly weapon.  The Mendocino County Superior Court jury deliberated early Tuesday to announce the guilty verdict.  Jacob Coleman had a prior Strike conviction of felony assault with a firearm in Lake County last year.  The prosecutor proved six separate circumstances in aggravation, according to MendoFever, providing factors that may influence his sentencing.  Coleman‘s case is now with the Adult Probation Department for investigation and sentencing recommendation. Coleman’s sentencing is scheduled for November 14^th.

A couple of brothers and their mother out of Sacramento have pled guilty to conspiracy in a nationwide catalytic converter theft scheme.  According to national news outlets, $600 million worth of stolen catalytic converts were shipped from California to New Jersey.  The converters contain small amounts of precious metals.  Three members of a family in California pled guilty on Monday for their role in transporting the stolen car parts, where they got $38 million for their part.  21 people from California and New Jersey have been charged in the case. 

The City of Ukiah is announcing the start of Phase 4 construction of the Ukiah Recycled Water Project.  The city release in MendoFever indicates the funding is from an over $53 million grant.  City residents can expect traffic delays and construction sites at Bush Street and Low Gap and State Streets starting next week.  On Monday, the 23^rd, crews will be digging holes in the side of the street to find underground utilities, primarily on the west side.  A week from today, work will be directed to the section of Low Gap Road between State and Bush Streets.  Low Gap will have one-way traffic from 7am to 5pm through Friday.  The section is getting water and sewer infrastructure replaced along with recycled water installation with work through next month. 

Testing for California Basic Education Skills and other teacher credentialing may change.  The Record Bee reports the Pearson contract expires about two years from now and currently tests teachers statewide.  Last Friday, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing was directed to research how to best improve assessments in the state.  California has been thinking about moving away from the standardized testing for years.  In 2021, legislation passed that gave teacher candidates the option to take the approved coursework instead of commission testing. Some say the standardized testing causes disproportionate harm to people of color.  Others say there is an urgent need to review testing as California faces a teacher shortage. 

The last year is been among the wettest ever in California.  Maven’s Notebook reports atmospheric rivers that slammed the state along with rain from Hurricane Hilary have added more water than ever.  California’s annual rainfall year is typically measured from October 1 to September 30^th.  This week, state data indicates that the state got 141 percent of its annual average.  The snowpack reached its deepest level recorded in 4 decades.  The precipitation has replenished the state’s lakes and groundwater with reservoirs currently at 128 percent of the average for this time of year.  After years of extreme drought, the water has been welcome, for the most part.  Less that a quarter of California’s acreage burned in wildfires this year with just over 300,000 acres burned compared to over 1.5 million annually.  Experts are warning of El Nino, the phenomenon expected to last through the winter with forecasts of continued wet weather. 

The California Trucking Association is suing the Air Resources Board over new regulations.  The lawsuit claims the state cannot begin regulating trucking emissions without getting permission from the Federal EPA.  The “Advanced Clean Fleets” regulation mandates all new trucks sold after 2045 would be zero-emission vehicles.  KCRA reports the trucking association is asking the regulations be declared invalid and wants an injunction to stop the board from enforcing regulations.  The phasing out of diesel big rigs was created with the Clean Truck Partnership and Air Resources Board with participating companies like GM and Daimler. 

The Mendocino County Planning and Building Services is establishing a one year amnesty program waiving all violations and penalty fees related to building permits that don’t have a confirmed code enforcement case. The waiver also applies to permits not already under review or to programs that do not apply to zoning violations.  The county issued a release today, confirming the amnesty program from November 1^st this year to November, 2024.   All amnesty building permit applications must be submitted on or before November 1^st 2024 to be eligible.  Residents are invited to self-report any unpermitted structures and legalize improvements during the year long program. 

CHP Clear Lake is investigating a possible hit and run fatality.  Last night, CHP responded to reports of a possibly injured person near State Route 29, north of Hofacker Lane near Lower Lake.  MendoFever reports a Hispanic man was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Northern Division Investigative Services Unit of CHP is asking anyone with information on the events of last night in the area, to contact the CHP Clear Lake Area Office.