You may want to call ahead if you’re planning to swing through a DMV this week. The Department of Motor Vehicles is dealing with a statewide computer outage. It happened yesterday, and at the last check they were still working to bring the systems back up. The DMV posted on their social media that they’re experiencing network interruptions. DMV offices may not be able to process Real ID cards or issue driver’s licenses until the computer issues have been resolved. They suggest handling as much DMV business online as you can in the meantime.
California content creators under the age of 18 may soon start getting paid. There’s a new bill moving to the state Assembly that would guarantee fair compensation for children who are social media influencers. The lawmakers pushing for the bill say it works to protect children from all kinds of exploitation and abuse. It would cover children who are featured online by themselves and in their family’s online content.
The California Department of Health has issued a public advisory after seeing an increase in cases of HIV and Syphilis in Mendocino County. Deputy Health Officer Charles Evans, MD says there were 53 cases in the county last year, an all-time high. According to a news release there have also been 2 cases of neurosyphilis, which affects the brain, and a single case of syphilis that was passed from mother to newborn child. In severe cases, the disease can cause blindness, memory loss, or seizures. If you think you’ve been exposed, authorities recommend you make an appointment to see a doctor immediately.
Mendocino National Forest Officials announced they have terminated the latest forest order, effective at midnight. That means all OHV trails have been reopened. The Forest Service recommends trail users check their website and social media posts for the latest information before heading to the forest.
The Ukiah Community Concert Association is getting ready for the third concert of the season. This time it’s the New World String Project coming to the Mendocino College Center Theater. The performance will be on February 18th at 2pm. Enjoy live Celtic, Nordic, and American Folk music. Grab your tickets online at UkiahConcerts.org or at a local Mendocino Book Company location.
An Upper Lake woman has been reported missing. Detectives are asking for help locating 76 year old Judy Klien. They say she walked away from her vehicle sometime around December 26th and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Klein reportedly told a friend she was walking to a nearby gas station. She was reported missing on January 4th after a neighbor called for a welfare check. Officials say they’ve found her cell phone and her vehicle. Anyone with information about Judy Klien is asked to call Lake County police. You can see a picture of Judy on the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Over 600 racers showed up for the 2024 Hopper / Cross Gravel Bike race in Ukiah. Saturday’s race started early at Todd Gove Park and stretched out over 48 miles of mixed terrain. Willits News reports that this is the 4th year the race has been held in Ukiah and it drew 100 more racers than last year. The Hopper Cross Gravel Bike race is possible through a partnership between the city and the Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance, and Grasshopper Adventures.
We’re coming up on the Lunar New Year. Mark your calendar for the Year of the Dragon Lantern Festival. It will be held on Saturday February 24th from 11:30am to 3pm in Ukiah. The event features a Chinese Orchestra, 24 Seasons drumming and dancing dragons and lions. Family friendly activities and food and drinks will also be available, and admission is free.
A local woman took only her booze when she ran from a wreck in Willits. Police responded to the crash just after 7pm on Monday. Mendo Fever reports officers found a black Toyota Corolla stuck in a ditch along Hearst Road with a passenger inside. According to the Mendocino county Sheriff’s Office, the passenger said the driver left the scene on foot and was picked up by a white car. Officers found her a short time later, walking down Hearst Road carrying a bottle of vodka trying to flag down a ride. She was finally arrested around 8pm by the California Highway Patrol.
A Cincinnati man was arrested after a stabbing at a Fort Bragg Rite Aid. It happened Sunday evening when to men reportedly got into an argument. According to a release from the Fort Bragg PD, officers responded to reports of a fight around 5:30pm. They found several people trying to subdue Kenneth Jenkins, of Ohio, who reportedly had a knife. Jenkins was arrested and taken to Mendocino County Jail on charges of attempted homicide and assault with a deadly weapon. Witnesses said he stabbed another man during an argument over the victim’s dog. A woman who tried to help was also injured. Both victims were taken to the Adventist Mendocino Coast Hospital. The incident is still being investigated.
Mendocino County is under a flood watch as an atmospheric river heads our way. According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, the flood watch is accompanied by a wind advisory or high wind watch depending on the area. Rain is forecasted to start late this evening and last through Thursday. This front is expected to bring high winds, flooding, and possible landslides. The National Weather Service said they’re expecting as much as 6 and a half inches of rain locally as the system passes through. Officials remind drivers not to try and push through floodwaters, as it only takes a foot of water to push a vehicle off the road. Visit Weather.gov for the latest updates.
