Governor Newsom is marking National Fentanyl Awareness Day by giving an update on the progress officials have made in preventing the drug from entering California. According to a press release from Newsom’s office on Tuesday, over three-million fentanyl pills have been seized statewide since the beginning of the year. That’s about 7,100 pounds of fentanyl. Newsom says the Golden State is “continuing to tackle this issue head-on,” and added that “our efforts are getting this poison off our streets and out of our communities.”
As remote work becomes more common, many cities see abandoned office buildings. In response, California Assemblymember Matt Haney introduced a bill to give buyers the right to convert office spaces into housing without bureaucratic hurdles. The bill applies to state and privately owned buildings, with incentives from property tax dollars to make it possible. While some buildings are considered historic, Haney hopes the bill can encourage private property owners to take advantage of the opportunity.
Max Schlienger passed away Saturday at his home south of Ukiah. Known locally as creator and owner/manager of RETECH, an advanced Metallurgical manufacturing company. He was a local employer since the 60’s. Max, a second generation metallurgical scientist and engineer, was a significant force in developing advanced metals for things like Plasma furnaces and aircraft jet engines which need extreme strength and heat resistance. Well known locally, Max and his wife Joan, who passed away last year, have been major contributors to community projects like the Grace Hudson Museum and many others.
The City of Fort Bragg has cancelled the meeting of the Public Works and Facilities Committee for this week. It was scheduled for 3pm on Thursday at Town Hall. The next meeting of the committee will be held on Thursday June 13th at 3pm.
Pro-Palestinian protesters at Sacramento State University must clear out of their encampment by tonight. That’s according to the university’s latest update. Dozens of people have been camping in tents on the campus’ library quad since April 29th, calling for the university to divest from Israel. Members of the encampment marched through campus on Tuesday, going through the student union and by the president’s office before holding an hour of speeches. The California State University system has not announced any plans to meet students’ demands by cutting financial ties with companies associated with Israel. The encampment has remained peaceful, which was the university’s condition for allowing it to stay until tonight.
Flood-control releases into the Russian River are violating the Endangered Species Act. That’s what a federal judge ruled on Monday, saying the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has disturbed salmon populations by releasing water from Coyote Valley Dam into the Russian River. The releases happen during rainy months, to relieve water pressure upstream from the dam. But, the water kicks up sediment from the bottom of Lake Mendocino. That increases turbidity, which harms coho and chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley says that goes against the mandates of the Endangered Species Act.
There’s more support to ensure all of California is tackling the homelessness crisis. Governor Newsom is sponsoring new legislation to hold cities and counties accountable when they don’t do their part. He says this approach creates new income categories so local jurisdictions can include the needs of those earning the lowest amount of money and those living on the street in their long-term housing plans.
FBI officials are warning the public of an extortion scheme targeting the Indian community in Northern California. Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel with the FBI Sacramento Field office says they’re tracking several incidents in which people with family or business ties to India were targeted for extortion and threatened with violence. Patel adds they’ve seen an uptick in cases, and they often go unreported. If it’s an immediate threat of violence, Patel urges victims to call 911.
You’ll see more officers on the roads this Memorial Day Weekend in Lake County. Especially in the Clear Lake area as additional officers are deployed on Butts Canyon Road and State Route 20. The effort is to look for violations by motorcycle riders and drivers to include speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and improper turning. The California Highway Patrol says new data shows motorcycle crashes are up in the state, and it’s a major concern. There were 37 motorcycle crashes and 3 fatalities in 2022 in Clear Lake alone. Funding for the extra CHP officers on duty will be provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, according to a news release. The extra patrols will be working in the Clear Lake area through the end of September.
Union members at the Mendocino Lake Community College have a rally planned for this afternoon. They’re hoping to call attention to the need for more support for the local community from the Board of Trustees. At 4pm staff including those in admissions, financial aid, and maintenance will gather at 1000 Hensley Creek Road in Ukiah. Union representatives said the union plans to demand fair negotiations with the administration. MendoFever reports a recent survey showed 22% of workers have experienced homelessness, and 3% of those who are homeless are employed. Union officials said education is important to strengthen the community.
