Parts of California are seeing snow in August. Snow was measured in small amounts in and around Lake Tahoe on Saturday, with National Weather Service precipitation data showing accumulations of about a quarter of an inch. The Palisades Tahoe snow resort was the site of falling snow, caught on multiple cellphone videos. California Highway Patrol video of Interstate 80 at Donner Summit in Soda Springs showed snow falling in “small flurries,” and asked, “Too soon?” The National Weather Service office in Reno, Nevada, said a winter-like cold front moved in from the Pacific and would continue to bring rain overnight and temperatures in the low 30s.
California residents can now store their identification in Google Wallet. Last year, the state launched the mobile Driver’s license, or mDL, app which allows drivers to store their license on their cell phones. The state has agreed to integrate digital wallets from Google and Apple. Google users can add their license now. Apple integration is coming soon. The DMV says one-point-five million people are using a digital ID. Privacy groups raise concerns that the mDL app allows the state to track participants wherever they go.
A Ukiah man has been arrested for arson. The fire happened just after 11pm on August 20th near the McClure Subdivision. UVFA responded to the scene and found vegetation burning along the roadway. The crew was able to put the fire out quickly. A man who’d been watching the fire was questioned by police. Edward Vikart of Ukiah was eventually arrested and now faces charges of arson, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Vikart was booked into the Mendocino County Jail.
Two suspects have been arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase through Mendocino County. It happened Saturday night when a motorcycle refused to stop for police and instead took off. The chase started just before 7pm on Northbound Highway 101 through Hopland. The motorcycle then came through Ukiah and headed for Sonoma County. Police said the chase continued at speeds of up to 140 miles an hour at times. Just before 8pm, the California Highway Patrol stopped the bike inside a parking garage outside the Santa Rosa Mall. The two riders tried to run from police on foot but were eventually caught and arrested. Police have not released any information on what started the chase, the incident is still being investigated.
One person is dead after a rollover crash on Highway 101. According to a release from the California Highway Patrol, the driver was heading south on 101 near Ridgewood Ranch Road on August 17th. The driver reportedly lost control and went off the road, the vehicle rolled and came to a stop on its roof. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim’s name has not yet been released. Ukiah PD are still investigating the cause of the crash.
The Park Fire continues to burn. CalFire says it’s now 79% contained. Rain made things difficult for crews fighting the fire over the weekend. The latest update from CalFire says crews continue to mop up and remove weakened and dead trees. Officials remind residents to stay diligent and keep an evacuation plan. Get more information at Ready.gov
Sacramento is home to the third-largest Ukrainian population in the United States and it was evident on Saturday. Hundreds of people gathered at the California State Capitol to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day. It marks the third year in a row the country has recognized the holiday, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The event’s organizers, the Sunflower Society and the Ukrainian American House, said it’s a celebratory day that also serves as a statement as those in attendance mourn the lives lost in the war and to showcase the resilience of their people. The event showcased Ukrainian culture through music, food, crafts, powerful speeches and a war art exhibit.
Multiple SAT testing sites across California announced last-minute closures and test cancellations, leaving students across the Golden State concerned about college admissions. According to reports ten testing sites across California announced Saturday closures. While not all schools require the SAT or ACT for admissions, the test remains a critical component for many competitive universities.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors will get an update tomorrow on the project to turn the old Lakeport Armory into the new HQ for the Sheriff’s Office. The Board meets at 9am Tuesday in the board chambers at the county courthouse in Lakeport. Officials say the project will create a larger campus and will include the county jail. So far that project has a reported cost of just over 20 million dollars. Other agenda items for Tuesday’s meeting include the consideration of smoking regulations in unincorporated Lake County, and whether or not to extend the temporary reduction of the cannabis cultivation tax rate. You can see the full BOS meeting agenda and get the Zoom link at CountyofLake.com
