Assembly Democrats have been shamed into not opposing a controversial bill to increase the penalty for soliciting minors to include 16 and 17 year olds. The decision comes after public backlash and criticism from Republicans, along with a verbal smackdown from Governor Newsom. New legislation to the bill will now allow prosecutors to file felony charges against adults soliciting sex from all minors, including 16 and 17 year olds.
As of yesterday, water is OFF at Middle Creek Campground on the Upper Lake Ranger District due to a water line break. The staff are working to repair the line and will hopefully have water turned back on this weekend. US Forest Service officials say if you’re planning on visiting the campground this week, you’ll need to bring your own water.
The Ridge Fire, which burned southeast of Willits yesterday, was put down after it burned around 5 acres. Cal Fire says the vegetation fire was spotted after 1:30 p.m. near Ridgewood and Mariposa Creek roads and the Mendocino Voice says it took crews another 3 hours or so to fully contain the flames.
Strong winds and dry weather have already sparked two fires in the Sacramento area as peak wildfire season approaches in California. Cal Fire says it is expecting higher-than-normal fire conditions this summer. Cal Fire says it has trained over 19-hundred new firefighters in the past few months.
The Ukiah City Council is set to consider approving the contribution of $84,000 to another local entity for ongoing work related to the Potter Valley Project. A staff report states the City Council will be asked to approve the 84k to (Mendocino County) Inland Water and Power Commission for consulting and legal services related to the Potter Valley Project, and approve a corresponding budget amendment. The Ukiah Daily Journal says tonight’s meeting begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Council Chambers. You can also watch the meeting online.
More than 1000 people attended the third annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous People’s Day last week at Xabatin Park in Lakeport. The event, which was hosted by the Lake County Tribal Health Consortium, raises awareness pertaining to the ongoing epidemic of violence and sexual crimes against Native Americans, at a much higher rate than other races. The Record Bee says it was the third annual LCTHC MMIP Day, and the second one at the Xabatin Park location.
Caltrans is hosting a tribal resource fair in Ukiah today, featuring employment & educational opportunities, training programs and small business support services to tribal communities across four counties. The Mendocino Voice says reps from Caltrans, Norcal APEX Accelerator, West Business Development Center, the California Capital Access Program, Mendocino College, Cal Poly Humboldt, Sonoma State University, CA Conservation Corps, Cal Fire and various worker unions and contractor firms will be part of today’s event. It runs from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Pomo Plaza at Mendocino College, Ukiah. You should know that Caltrans oversees the state’s transportation system, including highways, bridges and public transportation.
Mendocino County library patrons who use the library’s free services to stream classic movies or learn how to speak another language will soon lose access to those services. The Mendocino County Library, which manages six locations and a bookmobile, will end subscriptions to streaming services Hoopla and Kanopy, in July due to a lack of funds. The Mendocino Voice says eBook and audiobook providers Libby, Enki, and The Palace Project; children’s educational service Capstone Interactive; and dance, music and theater media service Alexander Street will continue to be available.
