[PM News Update]
The Mendocino Council of Governments has hired a consultant to update Local Road Safety and Action Plans for Mendocino County, and the cities of Fort Bragg, Point Arena, Ukiah, and Willits. The updated safety plans will help local jurisdictions to enhance safety for all modes of transportation for all ages and abilities. It will also help the process of getting state and federal grant funding. MCOG will hold a virtual public workshop tomorrow from 6 to 7:30pm for those who want to hear a presentation on the project and offer input.
Just yesterday Federal officials say that a habitat restoration project in Lake County has received a financial grant. The Tejeda Ranch Habitat Management Project was selected to receive $2.5 million. Department of the Interior officials said the project will clear debris dams and plugged culverts and will also provide sustainable fish passage from Blue Lakes to Scotts Creek. This action will be a huge benefit for several fish species. Officials also said that besides removing the barriers and controlling river flow, the project will reduce flood risk and increase aquifer recharge.
40-year -old Melinda Mildred Fred, of Lakeport, has been arrested on alleged murder charges. She entered a no contest plea to voluntary manslaughter. A no contest plea means the defendant accepts the conviction for the crime without admitting factual guilt. She presented a collection of certified documents, a black and white photo and a DVD. They were all put into evidence and according to Judge J. David Markham felony violations had been committed and there was enough to believe that Fred is guilty. She was alleged to have stabbed Christopher Aaron Burrows back in May of last year. Video surveillance and interviews led to her initial arrest.
