A Lake County judge is facing a tough decision. Lake County News reports that Superior Court Judge Shanda Harry will have to decide if a man named Justin Lord should be eligible for mental health diversion and no jail time. Lord was arrested last summer and charged with breaking into the Kelseyville home of the mother of his children. Court documents allege that Lord then tried to smother the woman–who was seven months pregnant at the time–and committed other violent acts before he was arrested.. He was convicted of similar crimes in 2020 and in 2022. He remains in Lake County Jail. His lawyers are arguing for a mental health diversion for treatment and no time in jail. Prosecutor says Lord could face a 10-year prison term if he is convicted. The judge is expected to rule at a hearing on April 8th.
Ukiah Police have arrested two people and charged them with driving a stolen vehicle and drug possession. They say officers got an alert from their license plate reader, which picked up a Jeep reported stolen in the City. Police say when they stopped the Jeep near the intersection of Stella Drive and Warren last Friday both the driver, identified as Sesario Rios of Hopland–and the passenger Jenna Hatcher of Ukiah claimed to own it, but couldn’t provide any proof. When they searched the vehicle, officers say they found suspected fentanyl–allegedly belonging to Hatcher. Rios and Hatcher were both taken to the county jail–the Wrangler was returned to its owner.
Ukiah is taking public comment on its newly released draft Climate Action plan. The city says the plan aims to reduce fossil fuel use, promote renewable energy and enhance natural resource and land conservation. The city hopes to be carbon neutral by 2045. You can comment on the plan until April 2nd, though a link on the city’s website.
