Mendocino County has applied for a grant to buy some dedicated emergency vehicles for Redwood Valley to help with fire evacuations. Officials tell the Mendocino Voice the USDA Community Facilities Grant of $50,000 would help buy two specialized law enforcement vehicles to enhance patrolling in Redwood Valley and support evacuation efforts. They could also be used for drug-related emergencies and general crime. The total cost of the two SUV’s, which are Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrids, is closer to $160,000 once fully outfitted. Officials tell the Voice the rest of the money has already been earmarked by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors from the county’s general fund provided there are some matching funds which the grant should satisfy.
A Ukiah woman’s been arrested with police alleging she was intending to sell several types of drugs. Police say Selene Gonzalez was arrested January 3 by an officer on patrol on Leslie Street. They did not specify why the officer started talking to Gonzalez but say she admitted to being in possession of drug paraphernalia and a search of her purse allegedly turned up fentanyl, a scale, records of drug transactions, and a bunch of cash. A search of her clothing then allegedly produced more fentanyl plus meth and ketamine. And they say when they searched her hotel room they found more cash, scales, transaction records and commercial quantities of meth, fentanyl, and heroin.
If you are planning rhododendrons for your yard this year, tomorrow is the winter rhododendron sale at the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. They say they have almost 500 plants for sale of more than 100 varieties and they also have evergreen varieties of azaleas. Society members will be there to offer tips on planting and planning for how to always have something in bloom all year with different varieties. The sale is tomorrow from 9am-2pm. The Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society at 300 South Main Street in Fort Bragg. Note they only take cash or checks.
The end is near for ranching at the Point Reyes National Seashore south of Bodega Bay. A deal has been reached between the National Park Service, ranchers and environmental groups that was brokered by The Nature Conservancy. It will phase out farming at 12 out of 14 ranches operating within the seashore over a period of 15 months. The two other ranches will be allowed to negotiate for long-term lease extensions for possibly 20-30 years. Officials say the deal will mean more opportunities for visitors and continued non-lethal management of the native tule elk. The settlement payout to dairy and beef cattle farmers will reportedly be around $30 million.
The Clear Lake Flying Club is offering flying lessons for kids ages 9 to 13. The series of classes is set to begin Sunday January 19 at Lampson Field Airport. Kids will take four once-a-month two-hour classes which will lead into the Young Eagles Rally at the Clear Lake Splash-In in April. It’s not just flying – it’s also mechanics and avionics. The Record Bee reports there is no charge for the course or the flights. The Clear Lake Flying Club’s mission is to encourage young people in Lake County to pursue aviation as a career. For more information check out their website: clearlakeflyingclub.com
