Expect higher fire mitigation fees in Lake County .LakeCoNews.com reports consultants have told the board of supervisors the current fees are not enough to cover costs and future maintenance. The fee of a dollar per square foot hasn’t changed since 1993 and doesn’t take inflation and other new expenses into account The County Board of Supervisors will consider a recommendation to raise fees to as much as $2.42 in some cases. They’ll decide on the plan at their next meeting on June 4th. Even if the fees are raised, they can’t take effect for 60 days after their adopted
The trial of a man accused of setting a major fire in Mendocino County three years ago is underway in Marin County. The Daily Journal reports Devin Johnson successfully argued for a change of venue in the case. Prosecutors say Johnson was responsible for the Hopkins fire that destroyed nearly 50 structures in September 2021. The case has slowly worked through the legal system with initial concerns about Johnnon’s mental health that weren’t resolved until several months after his arrest. The trial is expected to last around 11 days.
The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is gaining new acreage. President Biden has announced the addition of more than 13,000 acres to the Monument in Lake and Colusa Counties. Berryessa Snow Mountain as a national monument in 2015, Representatives John Gamendi and Mike Tompson are applauding the decision. They say the addition will preserve the tribal wisdom, heritage, and cultural traditions of the Condor Ridge region of the monument. State and federal officials have been lobbying for the expansion for the last two years. The federal government will work with tribal leaders on plans for the new acreage.
