CHP is investigating a suspect who committed suicide after fleeing the site of an attack. The department is confirming Jason Gillenwater allegedly stabbed his ex-wife and her boyfriend yesterday morning, then fled the Pacifica area and headed into Mendocino County. The couple was taken to the hospital, but the man died of his wounds. The suspect, Gillenwater escaped that area and drove towards Ukiah. Around 1:30pm, MendoFever reports a BOLO was issued for Gillenwater driving a gray F150 truck. . Within minutes, CHP spotted him near the Perkins Street off-ramp. They began to pull him over when he reportedly shot himself. The highway was closed for hours. No officer shot their weapons.
California Climate Investments’ Organics Grant Program is announcing $130 million to grow jobs and help communities turn food and yard waste into clean energy and compost. In a release by CalRecycle in KymKemp, the department says the funds will accelerate California’s climate progress by keeping nearly 8 million tons or organic waste from emitting methane gasses that pollute the environment. Methane is often called a super pollutant with 84 times more heat trapping power than carbon dioxide. Some of the project highlights include funds to 23 infrastructure projects in 15 counties, as well as creating 114 new jobs for the state’s clean economy. The projects will recycle organic material into products like compost and biofuel that will reduce transportation pollution.
An arson and burglary suspect has been found guilty by a Mendocino County Superior Court jury. The District Attorney reports Benjamin Dimmick was found guilty of felony arson on a commercial business north of Ukiah in February as well as felony burglary. The jury decided on a special allegation that the arson was committed during a state of emergency in Mendocino County. A second felony trial is set for next month. Dimmick now faces sentencing as well as two other cases.
CalFire is announcing funding for research on wildfire and forest health. They released information this week stating that they are making $4.5 million available to Forest Health Research grant projects. The department is looking for applications for research in forest health and wildfire science critical to the state, local communities, agencies, organizations and more. There are five categories they’re looking to fund, including research, a study site in a Demonstration State Forest, scientific synthesis and tool development and other projects aimed at restoring forest health and mitigating wildfire destruction. CalFire has opened the application process this week, with applications due by the end of next month.
Some California workers will see a pay raises in the new year. Governor Newsom signed a couple of union backed bills that will increase fast-food and health care workers’ minimum wages. The Press Democrat reports larger fast-food chains will pay at least $20 an hour beginning in April, that’s higher than the state minimum wage of $16 that begins on January 1st. Some fast food franchises plan to increase prices on their menus in response to labor costs. Then in June, health care workers will earn at least $18 to $23 dollars an hour, depending on the health care facility. The state’s unemployment rate is at 4.8 percent, higher than the national average of 3.7 percent. And that’s not all, next November voters will decide if the state should raise the minimum wage to $18 dollars an hour.
The Mendocino County Fire Safe Council is celebrating the completion several projects and is looking for residents to join them in helping to organize your neighborhood to be safer. A release was issued in the Ukiah Daily Journal on the successful grant applications for three of its affiliated Neighborhood Fire Safe Councils. The Vegetation Management Grants were awarded by PG&E for work on the Black Bart Trail Firewise Community, the Wildwood Fire Safe Council and the Bell Springs Fire Safe Council for fuel reduction work. The aim of the projects is to reduce the risk of major wildfires after years of drought and tree mortality in high risk zones. Residents can join in a Fire Safe Council and be eligible for similar projects. More information can be found on the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council website.
Respiratory infections are on the rise and the flu and COVID are not far behind. Lake County’s Public Health Officer is reminding residents to get the latest vaccines, and to be cautious around large gatherings. A new COVID variant, dubbed JN.1 is estimated to make up at least 20 percent of COVID cases in the country. Lake County News reports symptoms of this variant are like the Omicron one, beginning with a sore throat followed by congestion and a dry cough. The Record Bee reports the CDC is tracking COVID data on a county level, and is not reporting daily case rates from individual tests as they did during the pandemic. The county is tracking data through wastewater monitoring.
Habitat for Humanity in Lake County is celebrating its 40th finished home. Lake County News reports the family of a single mother and her three sons moved in just in time for Christmas. As they look to 2024 they are seeing increasing challenges for helping low-income families. They continue to also work on critical repairs to homeowners who cannot do it themselves. Habitat for Humanity is always looking for buildable properties, wheelchair ramps and lifts for veterans and seniors as well as funding to continue the organizations ongoing mission.
California may see their House delegations decrease based on population trends. In a study by the Brennan Center, it is projected that the Golden State could lose four of it’s 52 congressional districts in reapportionment, the Hill reports it is a once a decade process where the population determines representation in Congress. California lost over 75,000 last year according to census data. If the state does lose seats in the House, it would be only the second time in history. The first time California lost a seat was in 2020 after a decline in population. Other states may lose representation as well, including New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Some states are seeing an increase including Arizona, Idaho and Utah. The changes may impact the Electoral College as populations shift across the nation. If the current trajectories of demographics continue, the 2030 census will mean changes for many.
The Willits Police Department is going viral with a post on social media involving a couple of friendly donkeys. MendoFever reports the instagram post called Precious Donkeys has over 80,000 followers with hundreds of photos and videos of donkeys. Last week, a video was featured by the Willits Police Department showing a couple of officers escorting two donkeys back home. The donkeys were wandering near Howard Memorial Hospital where officers slowly corralled the animals and helped them head home.
The saga between suspended Mendocino County auditor and the district attorney continues. MendoVoice reports DA Eyster, and Chamise Cubbison have had issues with one another with at least 13 individual reimbursements over the years. Reimbursements records were uncovered including a banquet and award ceremony for the district attorney’s staff that was audited and found in violation of county policy. Cubbison was the Assistant Auditor-Controller who audited the bill and communicated with the Auditor-Controller. The current case, according to Cubbison’s defense attorney, has no evidence of criminal conduct, stating the money in question was paid to Cubbison’s co-defendant, Paula Kennedy, for work that was approved by the previous auditor. Her attorney is alleging the appearance of a conflict and a hearing for the DA’s recusal is set for January 12th.
