A man has been convicted of starting the 257-acre Hopkins Fire, which destroyed 30 homes in Calpella in September of 2021. Devin Johnson was found guilty in a Marin County courtroom on Thursday. The trial was held in Marin County due to concerns about the jury remaining impartial. Johnson was convicted on one count of felony arson but acquitted on one count of felony aggravated arson. The jury only deliberated for about two hours before reaching the verdicts. Johnson faces up to 21 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 16th.
The largest active wildfire in the U.S. has now burned over 394-thousand acres in Northern California. As of Thursday night, the fire was 22% contained and evacuation orders were still in effect across three counties. Over 530 structures have been destroyed by the fire and another 47 have been damaged. No deaths or injuries have been reported. Over 6,300 firefighters are battling the blaze. A Chico man has been arrested for allegedly starting the Park Fire last week when authorities say he pushed a burning car down a ravine.
Smoke from the Park Fire burning across Northern California is settling in the Sierra foothills, causing unhealthy conditions for many. A joint Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for Sierra, Plumas and Nevada counties as the blaze continues raging. Officials believe the air quality problem will worsen going into the weekend, as the smoke continues to spread. Air quality around Oroville, Red Bluff and Gridley is listed as unhealthy to very unhealthy. Public health officials say people with respiratory problems or COPD should stay indoors if possible, and even wear an N95 mask if they need to go outdoors.
The Sonoma County Fair is underway. The gates opened at noon Thursday for this year’s edition of the fair, with the theme “Greatest Fair on Earth.” The fair runs through August 11th. Admission gates will stay open each day from noon to 9 p.m. The fair will stay open until 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and until 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and the first Sunday. This year, guests bringing bags in must have clear bags only. There will be exceptions for medical equipment and baby gear.
A Lake County code enforcement officer is behind bars on suspicion of felony bribery, extortion and grand theft. Antonio Chavez Anguiano was arrested in North Lakeport on Wednesday afternoon. Police say they found $19,000 in cash and 35 pounds of marijuana in his home. Authorities have not said what other circumstances led to Chavez’s arrest.
Clearlake Police arrested a man driving a stolen vehicle with drugs inside. It happened yesterday when officers spotted a vehicle speeding on Highway 53. According to a press release, the vehicle was reported stolen from Winters. After pulling over the driver, Anthony Hollomon of Clearlake, officers found suspected fentanyl inside. Hollomon was arrested and taken to Lake County Jail on multiple charges including possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of Fentanyl with intent to sell.
