Gas prices are going up in California on July first, but just how much is unclear. Patrick Dehaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy says for sure there will be a two-cents-per-gallon tax increase, which is the inflation adjustment. Reports have prices rising anywhere from two-cents to 65-cents-per-gallon.
Three people were arrested in Ukiah on suspicion of a shooting that severely injured a 42 year old man. It happened on Saturday in the parking lot of Taqueria Jalos. Investigators obtained security footage and a witness statement revealing that a confrontation happened between the victim’s vehicle and two suspect vehicles—a silver Jeep and a silver sedan—in the restaurant parking lot. The video showed the suspects attempting to trap the victim’s car, with the sedan ramming it. 38 year old Raul Mandujano, was allegedly seen getting out of the sedan and shooting the victim at close range before fleeing in his car. Police identified the Jeep’s driver as Mandujano’s wife, 34 year old Anna Escamilla, with a family member inside. Both suspect vehicles fled the scene and were traced to a residence on North Bush Street. Mandujano was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, and personal use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The other two were booked on suspicion of aiding in the commission of a crime.
The California Senate has passed a law allowing car dealers to charge buyers hundreds more in extra fees on vehicle purchases. This comes as both political parties had promised to lower costs for people. Only one senator opposed the bill, which raises the maximum processing fee from 85 dollars to as much as five hundred, or one percent of the car’s price. Car dealers claim the increased fees are needed to cover rising costs related to handling paperwork, such as loan documents and vehicle registrations.
Police say a Ukiah man and Willits teen were arrested last month in Ukiah for allegedly possessing a gun and a large amount of marijuana for sale. According to the police, a man was driving and a teenage boy was in the passenger seat of the car and when the driver was asked for his name, he allegedly gave the officer a fake name. While talking to the driver and his passenger, the officer allegedly saw several pounds of marijuana bud behind the driver’s seat. The Mendocino Voice says the driver, 19-year-old Ukiah resident Ivan Aguilar was booked at Mendocino County Jail, and the 17 year old passenger from Willits at Mendocino County Juvenile Hall, on suspicion of felony conspiracy, concealing an unregistered firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a car, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana for sale.
California lawmakers have released a budget proposal to close the state’s projected $12 billion deficit by prioritizing borrowing over spending cuts. The plan relies on $7.8 billion in borrowing, $3.5 billion in spending reductions, and $1 billion in fund shifts and delayed payments. Meanwhile, while Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget includes major cuts to health care, higher education, and homelessness programs, Democrats in Sacramento aim to preserve key social services. Republicans criticized the plan for not dialing back the big spending. The Legislature faces a June 15 deadline.
The Ukiah Planning Commission may offer recommendations to the Ukiah City Council at its next meeting pertaining to the possible annexation of certain parcels of land under Mendocino County jurisdiction. A staff report highlighted Ukiah’s progress in aligning city planning with regional goals, citing the Ukiah Valley Area Plan. The city aims to build on this foundation through the Ukiah Valley Reorganization, a proposed annexation that supports long-term regional planning, service delivery improvements, and the protection of agricultural and open spaces. Proponents argue annexation would improve coordination and reliability of city services and infrastructure, strengthen the city’s tax base and give annexed residents voting rights and representation. The group “No Ukiah Annexation” argues against it saying it would put a strain on services like police and district residents would be looking at higher fees for permits, taxes, and utilities. The Ukiah Daily Journal says the Planning Commission meeting is set for 6 p.m. tomorrow night at the City Council Chambers or online.
