Less than a week until election day and thousands of voters in Lake County have made up their minds and cast ballots. The state says 80 percent of those early ballots in Lake County have come back by mail with the rest dropped off in person or ballot boxes. The total return of almost 6,000 votes is a 15 percent early return rate, STatewide, the return rate of early votes is slightly higher at 21 percent. Officials expect the final number of early votes will be near 80 percent. That would be a record. Early in-person voting ends Monday. Until then, the drop-off at the Registrar of Voters office is open from 8 to 5. Boxes are around the clock until the normal poll closing time of 8 pm Tuesday. The Registrar of Voters office has more information.
Fire restrictions in the Mendocino County National Forest end at midnight. The Forest Service says Wet weather patterns, longer nights, and cooler temperatures have reduced the risk. Substantially–but not completely. Once the ban is lifted a valid California campfire permit may have open campfires or camp stoves outside of designated campgrounds. Officials are urging people who use the forest to be responsible when they burn anything outside. https://readyforwildfire.org has information about permits and safe burning.. fs.usda.gov/mendocino.com has information specific to the forest.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has closed two Recreation areas at Lake Mendocino. They say damage from a traffic incident has caused damage to the Pomo B and Pomo C recreation areas. There’s no date set for a reopening as the corps works to fix the damage
A group that provides transportation for seniors in Mendocino County is scrambling after thieves apparently stole catalytic converters from all three of their buses. A social media post says Coastal Seniors found the busses vandalized at their location in Point Arena earlier this month and is working to get at least one back in service soon. Until then, service is suspended. That means no rides for seniors and caregivers for things like medical appointments, classes, and local errands both within and outside the town. The cost is substantial–around $18,000.Coastal Seniors is looking for help because they have a limited budget.
