Clearlake Police are trying to find a missing 15 year old boy. Josiah Jackson was last seen on Monday at his home in Clearlake. He is a black juvenile with black short hair and brown eyes. Josiah is 5 foot 6 inches tall and weighs around 135 pounds. Lake County News reports he was last seen in a blue hoodie, blue sweatpants and black shoes. If you have any information on Josiah Jackson, please call the Clearlake Police Department.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Coroner has identified the body of a man who was reported missing over a week ago. Scott Graves was reported missing on the 7th after family members could not find him at his home in Piercy. A large contingent of agencies, search and rescue teams from nearby counties and more searched for the 63-year-old for days. On Sunday the 10th, authorities found a body in the search area surrounding Grave’s home. Yesterday, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed the body belonged to Graves. The Coroner’s Division and Sheriff’s Detectives are continue to find out how Graves died, searching for the cause and manor of his demise. Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call the Sheriff’s Tip-Line at 707-234-2100.
The 2023 America’s Health Rankings report is out, and the news isn’t great for the Golden State in three very different areas. California ranks worst among the states for high school graduation, colorectal cancer screenings and air pollution. Advocates for cleaner air blame the state’s pollution problems primarily on the transportation sector. The E-P-A is currently considering strict limits on emissions from cars and big rigs. The California News Service reports the state has generated maps of regions with high colorectal cancer rates, to promote screenings in those communities. And school districts offer counseling to help struggling students make it to graduation. The report also praises California’s strong climate policies, comparatively lower rates of mental distress, and a lower percentage of people with multiple chronic health conditions.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and Ukiah Police Department are investigating an attempted murder. Early yesterday morning, before 6am Ukiah Police and emergency responders were sent to North State Street to a possible stabbing victim. They found a woman who had been stabbed with a blade. Ukiah Police called in the Sheriff’s Office where Deputies learned the 56 year old woman who had been attacked was sleeping in the home of Remelee Guerrero Laxa. The woman had been staying there as a guest. Laxa reportedly attacked the woman with a utility knife leaving the victim with serious injuries. They learned that Laxa was on formal probation in the county and had probable cause to arrest Laxa for violation of probation and attempted murder. She was arrested and taken to jail, where she is being held on a No Bail status.
The Lakeport City Council has a new mayor for the new year. During the last city council meeting of the year, they unanimously voted Mayor Pro Tem Michael Froio starting on the first of the year. Kim Costa was voted in as mayor pro tem. The council approved a request to amend work to the Westside Community Park in the Phase II of the plan to include an area for future pickleball courts, and update the cellphone policy that city issued phones only be used for city business. Lake County News reports the Chief of Police got the council’s approval to have the county Behavioral health for crisis staff work out of the Lakeport Police Department.
The National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Consumer Advisory Board and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council are inviting communities to host public events on the winter solstice to honor those who died while homeless. The event will take place tomorrow December 21, 5 to 8 pm at Hope Center 3400 Emerson St, Clearlake. The invitation issued in the Record Bee notes there will be a candlelight vigil, a remembrance tree that we hope to use every year to follow, and dedication and those who have lost people, as well as a panel of speakers with lived experiences of homelessness. They will be serving chili and warm beverages. Warming supplies and jackets will be available for people currently experiencing homelessness. If anyone attending has a jacket to donate, we invite you to do so. This event will be held outside and we encourage you to dress warmly.
The prosecution of suspended Mendocino County Auditor, Chamise Cubbison will wait until after the holidays to continue. Her attorney said there will be a remote conference today to reschedule court proceedings in January. MendoFever reports Defense Attorney Chris Andrian was set to present his arguement on the DA’s recusal, but that will have to wait for next month. Cubbison apparently hurt her foot and was unable to make the hearing, she is reportedly getting medical care for the injury. The co-defendant, Paula Kennedy entered a not guilty plea as expected yesterday. Cubbison’s attorney wants to see DA Eyster recused due to a history of conflict with the auditor and with the county finance teams since 2011. Cubbison and Kennedy will face the felony misappropriation of funds charge next year.
In Supervisor for District 3, John Haschak’s letter to his constituents he notes the work of the Department of Social Services helping foster kids and families with a holiday party. Haschak notes that Willits residents are working to make a warming center for those in need. The supervisor also says Laytonville is working on a community emergency response plan with local agencies. The city will also begin building a bridge over Ten Mile Creek to help the fish and be a safer route for drivers and pedestrians with funds from the Department of Fish and Wildlife and State Water Resources Board. Haschak says Covelo residents are looking for ways to get a fire hydrant system placed downtown, saying the county will work on applying for grant funds for that project. Talk with the Supervisor is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10pm at the Brickhouse Coffee in Willits.
The Mendocino National Forest is looking to hire firefighting crews for its 2024 wildland fire on-call program. Lake County News reports they’re looking for 9 on-call/organized crew wildland fire type 2 hand crews. There is training for the positions in basic fire courses. Once the 10 day program is completed, recruits will be certified as a Firefighter Type II. They’ll hold hiring events in Willows on the 9th and 25th of January, and in Upper Lake on January 16th and 17th. The Mendocino National Forest asks that applicants register online and check their website for more details.
Representative Jared Huffman issued a release on water diversion from the Eel to the Russian River in the decommissioning process of the Potter Valley Dam by PG&E. Huffman says yesterday, the US Bureau of Reclamation announced a $2 million grant to Sonoma County Water Agency for a diversion study on the impact to salmon and steelhead. The release issued in KymKemp reports the federal funds will help develop the Two-Basin Solution, supported by the Round Valley Tribes. A contingent of local agencies, community members and Tribes are proposing continued diversion to the Russian River to protect fish habitat. PG&E released its initial draft surrender application a month ago, with the final application expected by the end of next month.
The Lake County Health Services are warning everyone to stay home if you’re sick this holiday season. The department notes infections are on the rise. RSV, the flu and COVID numbers are increasing, with cold and flu like symptoms. There are some viral infections circulating as well with respiratory and gastrointestinal viral infections so far similar to last year’s levels. The county is monitoring wastewater samples and data is being tracked by the CDC. The department is urging people to get vaccines to reduce the likelihood of serious and extended illnesses. If you are sick and unable to isolate, you can take precautions like wearing a mask and washing your hands frequently.
The Ukiah Valley Christmas Effort, ongoing since 1945, is asking residents for help in the final stretch of the organizations holiday charity. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the group works to help those in need from schools, health clinics and other area agencies serving families in need. This year, over 420 families will be provided with gifts, food and more. The Christmas Effort President says they’ll end up helping about 1,300 kids with age-appropriate gifts from newborns to 18-year olds. Increased food prices have also given intense needs for families. They’re asking the community for specific things and emphasize the need for toys and cash donations. Things like gifts for teens like gift certificates are needed, as well as personal care kits. The old Curry’s building will be open for donation drop-offs from 4 to 8pm until tomorrow, with deliveries beginning on the 24th.
