Several new rules designed to protect tenants in unincorporated Sonoma County from eviction will take effect in January. On Tuesday, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors voted to approve an ordinance, which applies to tenants in multi-family housing. The new rules will limit evictions after a state of emergency has been declared and increase relocation benefits for renters who have been evicted. Another rule will limit evictions for nonpayment of a month’s rent, unless a tenant is unable to pay rent more than two times in a year. Evictions must also be based on certain state requirements, like nonpayment, lease violations or criminal offenses. Landlords of both single-family and multi-family units will also have to notify the county about evictions.
A number of Republican lawmakers in California are calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to put an electric vehicle fleet mandate on hold after an electric semi-truck caught fire. They issued a letter Tuesday, asking Newsom to delay a mandate that would require all big rigs to be electric by 2045. This comes after a Tesla Semi truck veered off the road Monday and hit some trees. The resulting fire, caused by the vehicle’s batteries, led to an Interstate closure as firefighters worked to contain the flames and the toxic fumes for hours.
The latest status updates from CalFire say the Park Fire is now 56% contained. The fire burning over 4 counties started on July 24th and has burned over 429 thousand acres. The update says crews continue with mop-up operations, removal of hazardous trees, and patrol for spot fires. Cooler weather coming to the area will help with operations. CalFire said all evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted, but they ask area residents to stay cautious as crews continue to work the fire.
The Ukiah City Council will meet tonight at 5:15 in the Council Chambers on Seminary Avenue. Among other agenda items will be the discussion of how to close a loophole in the city’s prohibition of outdoor burning. Officials said the current regulations don’t allow for UVFA or UPD to cite people who build campfires on property they don’t own. A staff report says the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority responds to a number of fires that are related to cooking or recreation around the city and said it’s a dangerous practice that could lead to disaster. The City staff said they’re recommending the board amend the Ukiah City Code to close the loophole so authorities can address the issues created by these kinds of fires within the city limits. You can get the Zoom link to watch tonight’s meeting at CityofUkiah.com/meetings.
The city of Laytonville is turning 150. The Laytonville Rodeo Association will celebrate the milestone with the Taste of Summer this Saturday. The event includes a cornhole tournament, whiskey and wine tastings, live music and BBQ. Tickets are on sale now for $20 in advance when you swing by Pour Girls Coffee or Long Valley Feed, or you can get them for $25 at the gates when they open on Saturday at 1pm.
A California wildfire is threatening some of the tallest trees in the world. The Coffee Pot Fire was sparked by lightning two and a half weeks ago in Tulare County. At first, it moved slowly through Sequoia National Park, holding steady under 250 acres. But the fire picked up speed and now tops 15-hundred acres. Officials say it’s burning giant sequoias on the southern edge and putting even more at risk along the fire’s western flank. One road and two trails are closed.
A new bill being unveiled today aims to change California’s lemon law. Consumer advocates and automakers say they’ve reached a deal to speed up refunds. Customers who don’t see defects fixed in a reasonable time would be allowed to replace their vehicle or buy another within 30 days. They would also get six years to file claims. The lawmaker behind the bill says it ensures the law remains the strongest in the nation.
California is helping students learn how to handle their money. Every high school will be mandated to offer a personal finance class starting in 2027. That’s thanks to a bill that was just signed into law. The course must last at least one semester and will become a graduation requirement by 2030. Experts say they hope the lessons impact both students and their families.
