Fort Bragg police say for now there is no evidence of foul play in the disappearance of 15-year-old Roy Mora who has been missing since December 7. As we reported yesterday, Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka says they have several agencies working to scour phone records, social media posts and surveillance video and are following up on leads from witnesses, friends and a psychic. They are also working with police in other states where Mora has connections. Cervenka tells the Mendocino Voice there are so far no signs of foul play, but nothing is being ruled out.
Scammers are reportedly taking advantage of the massive search for a missing teen from Fort Bragg. 15-year-old Roy Mora has been missing since December 7, triggering a search involving dozens of professional and volunteer searchers from across Mendocino County. The Mendocino Voice reports one searcher got a phone call from someone claiming to have information on Mora and asking for money in exchange for it. The searcher reported it to Fort Bragg Police who have since posted information on their social media about how to recognize and react to this kind of scam.
Some Lake County tobacco retailers are about to get new rules. The Lakeport City Council has passed a tobacco retailer licensing ordinance with a 4-1 vote city manager, Kevin Ingram, says that the main goal is to stop kids from buying tobacco and make sure that state laws are being followed. Council member Kenny Parlet voted no. Lake County News reports he objected to certain requirements and penalties in the ordinance that will take effect on January 1. The Board of Supervisors approved licensing in unincorporated areas in September, while Clear Lake also has licensing rules in effect.
The Lake County Office of Education says they’ve reached out to thousands of kids and community members this week with the “Stop the VOID” presentation tour about drug use and in particular fentanyl. They say Steve Filson and Chris Didier from Stop the VOID and Sgt. Frace from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office spoke with over 4,500 students this week on the tour to several schools. “Stop the VOID” is a national movement through a network of private, state and national governmental organizations.
You can learn more about the Mendocino County Probation Department’s effort to keep those who’ve been jailed from reoffending. The Probation Department and GEO Reentry Services are hosting an open house this afternoon from Noon to 2pm at their Reentry Center at 579 Low Gap Road. You can tour the facility and meet with staff and people who are currently going through the program which include learning new skills and about the community resources that can help them. Some get help with sobriety and others with jobs or going to school. Mendocino County says since the Center opened in 2012 participants have reoffended at a much lower rate than across the state.
U.S. Representative Jared Huffman has been chosen to be the Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. The recommendation came from the Steering and Policy Committee and needs to go before the full Democratic Caucus for a final vote. Huffman said in a statement that Natural Resources have been his highest priority since he came to Congress 12 years ago. Endorsements for the post for Huffman came from 32 tribes and tribal representatives including the Round Valley Tribes, as well as the Center for Biological Diversity, the Grassland Water District, Ecological Restoration Business Association, Save the Redwoods League, CalTrout and many others.
