California lawmakers have started the process of analyzing Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed state spending plan, but now with President Donald Trump in office, the picture could look completely different in a matter of months. California is facing a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to the stock market, the impact of the wildfires in Southern California along with its delay on tax returns, and the economy. Monday’s hearing launched the first of dozens of hearings over the next several months that aim to analyze the state’s spending plan, which is due by late June.
California’s legal cannabis industry is bracing for a big tax increase and higher licensing fees later this year–which some say could doom the legal marketplace. SFGate reports that the state is required to update the cannabis excise tax in July and because sales have slowed, that excise tax could go up between 15 and 20 percent. Plus, the Department of Cannabis Control is facing a 23-million-dollar budget deficit and could have to raise license fees to make up the shortfall. Growers and retailers say the extra cost could force them to raise prices or go under–driving customers away from the LEGAL market and back underground. They say that would defeat the whole purpose of California’s cannabis legalization in 2016.
State Assemblymember Chris Rogers is introducing legislation that would fund offshore wind projects. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports that Assembly Bill 472 would require the governor to plug in assessments of funding opportunities for offshore wind seaport infrastructure in the state’s five-year infrastructure plan. The bill would mandate that offshore wind port infrastructure be included in Governor Gavin Newsom’s infrastructure planning requirements. Adam Stern, executive director of industry group Offshore Wind California praised the bill saying that California is focused on making offshore wind a key part of its clean-power future.
Local residents have lots of questions regarding a new executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. It could force many homeowners to create a 5-foot “ember-resistant” zone around their houses. Newsom, who’s been taking heat over state policies that may have had an impact on the wildfires in Southern California, ordered state officials to post a draft of the five-foot rule within 45 days, hold a public workshop to collect feedback, and draft a final rule by the end of the year. Wildfire experts have pointed out the danger of wind driven embers that can travel and ignite flammable materials on and around homes. However, Cal Fire says that several components of this new rule are still being fleshed out. Officials say the office of the State Fire Marshal would support the state’s forestry board to recommend regulations at the board’s meeting next month.
Lake County News is reporting that the Board of Supervisors will meet later this morning at 9 in the board chambers at the County Courthouse. You can watch it live on Channel 8, online at their site or on the county’s Facebook page. Today’s meeting calls for an update on funding for senior centers and a conversation over the Clear Lake hitch status. A couple of agenda items include the board approving the continuation of emergency proclamation declaring a shelter crisis in the county of Lake and consideration for the appointments of District 1 and District 4 planning commissioners.
The Middletown Area Town Hall, or MATH, is set to meet this week and discuss the new leadership team and a transportation plan. The meeting is set for Thursday night at 7 in the Middletown Community Meeting Room/Library and is open to the public. MATH, a municipal advisory council, serves the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Hidden Valley Lake, Long Valley and Middletown.
Retired Captain Kurt Smallcomb, who’s career with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s office, covered 31 plus years has died. He passed away last week. Kurt began his career with MCSO back in March 1984 as a Corrections Deputy before transferring to the Field Services Division as a Deputy Sheriff. Over the years, he held various assignments, and was consistently promoted. He served as a Patrol Deputy, Sheriff’s Detective, Detective Sergeant, Investigations Lieutenant, Patrol Lieutenant, and ultimately Captain, overseeing the Field Services Division for several years prior to his retirement in August 2015. Kurt Smallcomb was 62 years old.
More rain is expected for Wednesday and Thursday along with some mild flooding according to the National Weather Service. They say we can also expect some mild flooding along the Russian River in Hopland. 2 to 3 inches of rain is expected and should start to dry up by Friday afternoon.
2024 was a record-breaking year for California when it comes to the amount of marijuana products pulled by state regulators due to consumer safety issues. Officials are now upping their efforts to test the safety of marijuana sold in the state. Zarha Ruiz with the Department of Cannabis Control says that they implemented 63 recalls that affected 259 product lines. Manufacturers and retailers face fines and suspensions if they don’t comply. Last year, the Department of Cannabis Control issued more than 360 disciplinary actions and suspended 230 licenses.
The Mendocino High School Improv Club will present its 25th show, “More Legs, More Fun,” for two nights beginning tomorrow and Thursday, with both performances at 7:00 pm. It will be held at the Matheson Performing Arts Center across from the high school. The Improv Club is part of the school’s extra-curricular program that students have the option of attending after school. Tickets are available at the door for a $12 donation for adults, $7 for kids, with the money going to support the Improv club.
