Just a reminder. The Mendocino-Lake Community College District Board of Trustees is meeting on Wednesday afternoon, in the Ukiah Campus room at 4 P.M. for its regular meeting. You can also attend the meeting virtually by Zoom.
The Mendocino Council of Governments or (MCOG) is updating the Mendocino County Regional Transportation Plan and Active Transportation Plan and would like to hear from you regarding your transportation needs, desires and challenges. It tackles a 20-year time span, including near and long-range transportation projects such as motorized, non-motorized, and public transit. They aim to promote a safe and efficient transportation system, along with supporting mobility, economic, and health targets for the region. For more information or to offer suggestions, go to MCOG’s website at mendocinocog.org or call them at 707-234-3434
The 37th Annual Event of the Heart, which is the primary fundraiser for MCAVHN Care and Prevention Network takes place on February 15 at the Barra of Mendocino Winery and Event Center. The evening will begin with a champagne reception, followed by a three-course buffet catered by Gabriel Schoonmaker. MACAVHN has been a grassroots, frontline provider of services to individuals that have been historically marginalized or neglected by families, funders and even their own communities. Statistics from the California Department of Public Health note that Mendocino County ranks among the top ten counties in California for rates of opioid abuse, prescription drug abuse and methamphetamine use. MCAVHN continues to be one of the county’s sole providers of on-the-ground services, education, direct support and referrals, using Harm Reduction principles and the concept of “meeting people where they are.”
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors will again discuss whether to allow a “new type of transient habitation” referred to as “Low Intensity Camping.” According to the staff report prepared for the board at Tuesday’s meeting, the supervisors are expected to discuss and possibly provide direction to the Department of Planning and Building Services on allowing a “limited number of short-term commercial campsites on properties within the inland areas of the county.” The board meeting is set to begin at 9 a.m. and will be held in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, in Ukiah. You can submit your comments online at Mendocino.legistar.com/calendar.
New bathrooms use policies at Ukiah High School continue to generate mixed feelings. The new policies which went into effect after winter break include limiting the number of students in a restroom based on posted maximum occupancy, using the restroom only for its intended purpose and locking them up at the warning bell during break and lunch. The administration hopes these policies will help students manage their time better and reduce tardiness. Many students have weighed in saying they have different reasons for using the bathroom and students will still end up missing classes. No matter, UHS Supervisor Tiffany Montesonti says the policies are already having a positive effect, since she has seen fewer tardies.
Leaders among the North Bay’s hotel industry say they are seeing varying levels of worry and fear among their immigrant workforce in the face of growing incidents of ICE raids. That’s due to the Trump Administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. They’re targeting criminal illegal immigrants, but many here worry some workers are at risk. Liliana Gallelli, the founder and partner of K & G Immigration Law in Santa Rosa says that she hasn’t heard of an ICE raid in the North Bay so far.
Sonoma County investigators have arrested six people on suspicion of drug-related charges following an investigation into suspected narcotics dealing, authorities said. The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office served three search warrants last week and seized several pounds of suspected narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and crack cocaine.
A candlelight vigil was held Saturday night to remember Lakeport resident, Vicente Colacion, who was shot and killed last month. Friends and family shared his story at the gazebo in Library Park, about 50 yards away from where the 32-year-old was murdered. Around 300 people paid their respects including Supervisors Brad Rasmussen and Bruno Sabatier, City Manager Kevin Ingram and Police Chief Dale Stoebe. Police say their investigation into his murder is ongoing. So far, investigators say that Colacion’s murder was the result of an argument that began in the Clearlake Club bar and escalated into the shooting at the park. 33 year old Joshua Tovar, of Lakeport has been arrested and charged with Colacion’s killing. He was arraigned last week and is due to enter a plea in court this week.
Lake levels at Clear Lake are up due to recent storm activity, so officials are reminding motorboat users about Ordinance 3065. It requires idle speed when boating within one-quarter mile or less from the shore of Clear Lake and went into effect Saturday morning. That’s because Clear Lake retained over the 8 foot Rumsey mark and remains at that level since early Sunday.
By the way, Clear Lake is considered “full” at the 7.56 foot Rumsey mark. Also, boaters are advised to be vigilant and more careful when operating motorboats throughout the lake due to floating and submerged debris hazards thanks to last week’s storms.
Despite last week’s heavy winter rains, the first Pet Fix animal clinic spayed and neutered 203 animals between January 31 and February 2. Pet Fix is a volunteer-driven partnership of three local animal care nonprofit groups: Clearlake Animal Association, Dogwood Animal Rescue and SPCA of Lake County. Their goal is to provide low-cost and high-volume spay and neuter services that target Lake County’s pet overpopulation crisis. In addition to the surgeries, every pet served received vaccinations and a microchip. Lake County News reports that Pet Fix has four more clinics planned for this year.
