Mendocino County Superior Court has some new assignments for the new year coming up. MendoFever reports the Presiding Judge Keith Faulder has announced judicial assignments that are reviewed every couple of years and will be effective on January 2nd. Criminal cases will be presided over felony matters by Judge Faulder and Judge Shanahan. Judge Pekin will preside over infractions and misdemeanors, Adult Drug Court and Behavioral Health. Family Law, Civil and Probate assignments were announced as well. Juvenile Court cases will be presided by Judge Dolan. In the Ten Mile Courthouse, Judge Brennan will continue to preside over criminal, civil, probate and family law matters at the courthouse in Fort Bragg. Judge Dolan will continue as the Presiding Judge of the Court’s Appellate Division.
Short-term rentals in Mendocino County will be discussed through several communities meetings this month. County officials say short term rentals have implications for transient occupancy tax revenues, housing stock and neighborhood stability, according to the Ukiah Daily Journal. County officials say there are no explicit short term rentals regulations for the inland areas of the county in zoning. The Mendocino County Department of Planning and Building Services is inviting residents to engagement sessions about a proposed Inland Short Term Rental Ordinance. Willits Library on Wednesday, Nov 29th, 6 -7pm and in Ukiah, Conference Room at Low Gap Road on Nov 30th from 6 – 8pm in person and online.
A federal grant is being given to CHP with the California Office of Traffic Safety to initiate the “California RFestraint Safety Education and Training” campaign. The yearlong work will focus on reducing the number of children killed or injured in car accidents and crashes throughout the state. Lake County News reports state law requires kids to be property restrained in an age appropriate seat in the rear of a vehicle until they are at least 8 years old. Check with your local CHP office for details. As a reminder, CHP will continue their maximum enforcement period through Sunday evening, and CalTrans work remains postponed through Sunday.
A lost hiker has been found. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a 73 year old man went missing after hiking with his wife near Fish Rock Road, east of the dump. MendoFever reports the couple was separated around 4:30pm on Wednesday. The couple is from out of town and was not equipped to be outside overnight. The Sheriff’s Office and the South Coast Fire Department were searching for the man lost several miles north of Gualala. Within 4 hours, the man was found and was evaluated by medical personnel.
The City of Fort Bragg is holding a special meeting today at 4pm. In the closed session, the agenda includes a conference with legal counsel on litigation between the city and the Mendocino Railroad. They’ll also go over public employment for the titles City Clerk and City manager. In their regular city council meeting on Monday, they plan to approve work for the construction of the Raw Water Line Replacement Project, and the purchase of EV Fleet Charging Station for about $28,000. The council is set to approve the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade as well. The meeting is set for Monday at 6pm.
California State Parks is extending their Adventure Pass Program from 19 parks to 54 state parks. The pilot program is in its third year and gives fourth graders and their teachers free admission to parks thru next August of next year. Its part of the First Partners California for All Kids initiative to provide kids and their families with more opportunities to get out and enjoy the social, physical and mental benefits of time outdoors in California’s State Parks and historic sites. Lake County News reports the pass is valid for fourth graders for the 2023-2024 school period. You can get the pass free online at ReserveCalifornia.com. So far, over 50,000 passes have been given out. The Golden Bear Pass is also available for income eligible residents and for people enrolled in California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
The Lakeport Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center suspected arsonist has been found guilty in Lake County Superior Court this week. Judge Blum ruled in a preliminary hearing that Cameron Bates is guilty of the felony arson violation in forest land, possession of a controlled substance and more. The crime happened last month, when a fire broke out between the Chamber and the Lake County Agricultural Department buildings. Witnesses saw Bates leaving the area of the fire at the time and called authorities. Within half an hour, the fire was extinguished. Police took Bates into custody after an investigation revealed that Bates was the main suspect. His arraignment hearing is set for next week on the 28th. Bates entered a not guilty plea earlier this month, according to the Record Bee. He also denied special allegations. He’ll also be charged with a probation violation related to grand theft.
Restoration work on former Pacific Lumber Company’s Steam Locomotive Number 37 has been suspended after years of debate. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the association had been working on it at the Strasburg Railroad Shop in Pennsylvania. They came to the decision to sell the locomotive. The organization saved the old engine from being scrapped in 2003 in an effort to preserve the timber/rail heritage and history. They will instead focus on the Arcata and Mad River Railroad Steam Locomotive Number 7 in the roundhouse in Samoa. The proceeds from the sale of engine Number 37 will help in the new restoration along with additional fundraising.
The Holiday Trolley is running now through Christmas Eve, stopping at local stores in Ukiah. The Willits News reports the old-town holiday transportation tradition will run from the El Azteca Restaurant to Slam Dunk Pizza with stops in between. The trolley, presented by the Mendocino Transit Authority, Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance along with local sponsors is now in its 26th year of operation. The old fashioned trolley will run on Thursdays and Fridays starting at 3pm and run hourly until 5pm. Weekends, the Holiday Trolley will run from noon until 6pm hourly.
One man from Lake County is still missing off the Mendocino Coast. About two weeks ago, a man was found dead on the beach near Ten Mile Dunes near Fort Bragg. The body of Charles Case was found on the beach about half a mile away from the small pleasure craft that had launched from Noyo Harbor. Kenneth Silva was with Case when they set out to sea. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office reports that the US Coast Guard, State Park Rangers and the Mendocino County Search and Rescue team searched for the man, but has not been found. The Sheriff’s Office says they are still searching for Silva, according to the Advocate News.
The Bureau of Land Management is announcing a new order to stop the use of cyanide bombs on BLM lands. This week, US Representative Jared Huffman said the cyanide bombs are a cruel and indiscriminate device proven deadly for pets, humans and wildlife. He says they can now focus efforts on pushing other federal agencies to follow suit. In an announcement in KymKemp, BLM notes that the M-44 traps look like sprinkler heads, and when triggered, eject a cloud of cyanide meant to kill coyotes, wild dogs or foxes. They report the poisoning has not been shown to significantly reduce predator pressure on livestock and game species.
A mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs reported in several states has now surfaced in California, prompting animal welfare officials to caution pet owners. The San Francisco Chronicle reports at least 10 cases have been identified in Southern California that they say is an atypical canine infectious respiratory disease. Symptoms in affected dogs include coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing and lethargy, with some cases progressing rapidly within 24-36 hours, occasionally resulting in death. While the San Francisco SPCA has not observed a significant increase in respiratory disease at its facilities, veterinarians say so there is a good chance the illness is already present in the Bay Area. They emphasized the importance of keeping pets current on vaccines and avoiding crowded areas where viruses and bacteria are more likely to spread and shared spaces.
Mendocino County Superior Court has some new assignments for the new year coming up. MendoFever reports the Presiding Judge Keith Faulder has announced judicial assignments that are reviewed every couple of years and will be effective on January 2nd. Criminal cases will be presided over felony matters by Judge Faulder and Judge Shanahan. Judge Pekin will preside over infractions and misdemeanors, Adult Drug Court and Behavioral Health. Family Law, Civil and Probate assignments were announced as well. Juvenile Court cases will be presided by Judge Dolan. In the Ten Mile Courthouse, Judge Brennan will continue to preside over criminal, civil, probate and family law matters at the courthouse in Fort Bragg. Judge Dolan will continue as the Presiding Judge of the Court’s Appellate Division.
Short-term rentals in Mendocino County will be discussed through several communities meetings this month. County officials say short term rentals have implications for transient occupancy tax revenues, housing stock and neighborhood stability, according to the Ukiah Daily Journal. County officials say there are no explicit short term rentals regulations for the inland areas of the county in zoning. The Mendocino County Department of Planning and Building Services is inviting residents to engagement sessions about a proposed Inland Short Term Rental Ordinance. Willits Library on Wednesday, Nov 29th, 6 -7pm and in Ukiah, Conference Room at Low Gap Road on Nov 30th from 6 – 8pm in person and online.
A federal grant is being given to CHP with the California Office of Traffic Safety to initiate the “California RFestraint Safety Education and Training” campaign. The yearlong work will focus on reducing the number of children killed or injured in car accidents and crashes throughout the state. Lake County News reports state law requires kids to be property restrained in an age appropriate seat in the rear of a vehicle until they are at least 8 years old. Check with your local CHP office for details. As a reminder, CHP will continue their maximum enforcement period through Sunday evening, and CalTrans work remains postponed through Sunday.
A lost hiker has been found. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a 73 year old man went missing after hiking with his wife near Fish Rock Road, east of the dump. MendoFever reports the couple was separated around 4:30pm on Wednesday. The couple is from out of town and was not equipped to be outside overnight. The Sheriff’s Office and the South Coast Fire Department were searching for the man lost several miles north of Gualala. Within 4 hours, the man was found and was evaluated by medical personnel.
The City of Fort Bragg is holding a special meeting today at 4pm. In the closed session, the agenda includes a conference with legal counsel on litigation between the city and the Mendocino Railroad. They’ll also go over public employment for the titles City Clerk and City manager. In their regular city council meeting on Monday, they plan to approve work for the construction of the Raw Water Line Replacement Project, and the purchase of EV Fleet Charging Station for about $28,000. The council is set to approve the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade as well. The meeting is set for Monday at 6pm.
California State Parks is extending their Adventure Pass Program from 19 parks to 54 state parks. The pilot program is in its third year and gives fourth graders and their teachers free admission to parks thru next August of next year. Its part of the First Partners California for All Kids initiative to provide kids and their families with more opportunities to get out and enjoy the social, physical and mental benefits of time outdoors in California’s State Parks and historic sites. Lake County News reports the pass is valid for fourth graders for the 2023-2024 school period. You can get the pass free online at ReserveCalifornia.com. So far, over 50,000 passes have been given out. The Golden Bear Pass is also available for income eligible residents and for people enrolled in California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
The Lakeport Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center suspected arsonist has been found guilty in Lake County Superior Court this week. Judge Blum ruled in a preliminary hearing that Cameron Bates is guilty of the felony arson violation in forest land, possession of a controlled substance and more. The crime happened last month, when a fire broke out between the Chamber and the Lake County Agricultural Department buildings. Witnesses saw Bates leaving the area of the fire at the time and called authorities. Within half an hour, the fire was extinguished. Police took Bates into custody after an investigation revealed that Bates was the main suspect. His arraignment hearing is set for next week on the 28th. Bates entered a not guilty plea earlier this month, according to the Record Bee. He also denied special allegations. He’ll also be charged with a probation violation related to grand theft.
Restoration work on former Pacific Lumber Company’s Steam Locomotive Number 37 has been suspended after years of debate. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the association had been working on it at the Strasburg Railroad Shop in Pennsylvania. They came to the decision to sell the locomotive. The organization saved the old engine from being scrapped in 2003 in an effort to preserve the timber/rail heritage and history. They will instead focus on the Arcata and Mad River Railroad Steam Locomotive Number 7 in the roundhouse in Samoa. The proceeds from the sale of engine Number 37 will help in the new restoration along with additional fundraising.
The Holiday Trolley is running now through Christmas Eve, stopping at local stores in Ukiah. The Willits News reports the old-town holiday transportation tradition will run from the El Azteca Restaurant to Slam Dunk Pizza with stops in between. The trolley, presented by the Mendocino Transit Authority, Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance along with local sponsors is now in its 26th year of operation. The old fashioned trolley will run on Thursdays and Fridays starting at 3pm and run hourly until 5pm. Weekends, the Holiday Trolley will run from noon until 6pm hourly.
One man from Lake County is still missing off the Mendocino Coast. About two weeks ago, a man was found dead on the beach near Ten Mile Dunes near Fort Bragg. The body of Charles Case was found on the beach about half a mile away from the small pleasure craft that had launched from Noyo Harbor. Kenneth Silva was with Case when they set out to sea. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office reports that the US Coast Guard, State Park Rangers and the Mendocino County Search and Rescue team searched for the man, but has not been found. The Sheriff’s Office says they are still searching for Silva, according to the Advocate News.
The Bureau of Land Management is announcing a new order to stop the use of cyanide bombs on BLM lands. This week, US Representative Jared Huffman said the cyanide bombs are a cruel and indiscriminate device proven deadly for pets, humans and wildlife. He says they can now focus efforts on pushing other federal agencies to follow suit. In an announcement in KymKemp, BLM notes that the M-44 traps look like sprinkler heads, and when triggered, eject a cloud of cyanide meant to kill coyotes, wild dogs or foxes. They report the poisoning has not been shown to significantly reduce predator pressure on livestock and game species.
A mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs reported in several states has now surfaced in California, prompting animal welfare officials to caution pet owners. The San Francisco Chronicle reports at least 10 cases have been identified in Southern California that they say is an atypical canine infectious respiratory disease. Symptoms in affected dogs include coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing and lethargy, with some cases progressing rapidly within 24-36 hours, occasionally resulting in death. While the San Francisco SPCA has not observed a significant increase in respiratory disease at its facilities, veterinarians say so there is a good chance the illness is already present in the Bay Area. They emphasized the importance of keeping pets current on vaccines and avoiding crowded areas where viruses and bacteria are more likely to spread and shared spaces.
