A former Rohnert Park police officer pleads not guilty to federal charges against him that also include a former sergeant. Joseph Huffaker was indicted on charges of impersonating a federal officer, falsifying records and aiding and abetting. Another defendant, Brendan “Jacy” Tatum, pleaded guity to extortion charges against him at the beginning of the month. Tatum was charged with extorting at least $3,700 in cash and 85 pounds of marijuana from drivers traveling Highway 101. Huffaker is accused of taking part in at least two of these incidents. Tatum led the Rohnert Park Public Safety Department’s Drug Interdiction Team for three years. Prosecutors accuse both men of running a shakedown operation where they could coerce drivers into giving them cash, pot and property if they would let the drivers go.
When tens-of-thousands of people lost power in Humboldt County after an earthquake last Tuesday, a mini power grid turned one Native American reservation into virtually the only area where the lights were still on. Some 10,000 people were served by the Blue Lake Rancheria during the day long power outage. Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport and Blue Lake Rancheria were the only two public places that preserved power in the area during that time. Many lined up to use wifi and charge their devices after tribal police opened up an emergency center.
Three big Lake County projects will get funding thanks to Representative Mike Thompson of California’s 5th district. $3,738,600 in total from the government’s final 2023 appropriations government funding bill. Including $2,000,000 for the Clearlake Burns Valley Sports Complex and Recreation Center Project, $988,600 for the Lakeport Armory Facility Repurposing Project, and $750,000 for the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project. Clearlake City Councilman Dirk Slooten says “The Burns Valley Sports Complex is one of the most transformative projects we are working on for our community.” Money for the Burns Valley Sports Complex will allow them to break ground next year.
A man is being held in the Humboldt County Jail after a reported shooting incident on Highway 101. On Friday a driver heading north on 101, south of SR-299, allegedly opened fire on another driver. The suspect, identified, as Daniel Robert Logan Fernandez Ralls, fled the scene afterward in his 2014 Mercedes C350. With the help of Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Ralls was taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol. The other driver was not hurt. And no damage to his vehicle was reported. Anyone who saw the incident is asked to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
Drivers in Humboldt County be aware. Roadwork continues through this Thursday the 29th in several areas. The Bridge work south of Phillipsville will continue. On Highway 101 near Myers Flat, also emergency work at Fields Landing Overhead. In that area, drivers should look for an alternate route. The emergency work from “B” Street to “D” Street is ongoing. The northbound lane will be closed from 12Pm till 7pm. And Emergency work at Fernbridge. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. Utility work between Pacheco (Pah-CHAY-Coe) Road and Jackson Ranch Road will result in One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. Falsework installation from Route 200 to Route 101 will mean One-way traffic in effect from 6 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
After the earthquake last Tuesday, tens of thousands of people were without power, But a mini power grid turned one Native American reservation into virtually the only area where the lights were still on. Some 10,000 people were served by the Blue Lake Rancheria during the day long power outage. Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport and Blue Lake Rancheria were the only two public places that preserved power in the area during that time. Many lined up to use wifi and charge their devices after tribal police opened up an emergency center.
After a year of California drivers paying some of the highest prices on record for gasoline, the prices are finally coming down. The average price in the state for a gallon of regular is around $4.34, which is 80 cents lower than a month ago and 30 cents lower than a year ago. Roughly 112 million million people will have traveled from Christmas till January 3rd. Around 101 million by car. Local refineries coming back on line is one of the reasons for the price drop. Doug Shupe of Triple A in Southern California says that fewer people were filling up and driving last month also contributing to the price drop. Gas prices in Humboldt County averaging a little higher at $4.59. A little lower in Mendocino County at $4.09
