A new 2024–25 Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury report is slamming the county’s Planning and Building Services (PBS) department for systemic failures that could jeopardize public safety. The report labeled “PLANNING AND BUILDING DEPARTMENT: STRUCTURAL ISSUES: EXPOSING THE CRACKS,” highlights the department’s misuse of “Class K” permits, which was originally intended for basic, owner-built rural homes, but are now being issued for commercial buildings and large residences that don’t meet standard safety codes. Nearly half of all 2024 permits were granted for substandard structures. The Grand Jury also found that on a regular basis, PBS routinely fails to enforce a California Public Resources Code which mandates fire safety measures in high-risk areas. Mendofever says the findings "are a clear call for immediate action."
An investigation has been launched by California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara regarding State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims. Those claims were sent in regards to the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles County. The State’s Department of Insurance is initiating a formal Market Conduct Examination targeting their handling of smoke damage claims. The investigation comes one month after the insurance department approved a 17-percent increase in home insurance premiums for all State Farm customers.
About 50 people attended a community meeting this week at the Whitesboro Grange in Albion to discuss the future of the Albion Headlands. It’s 84-acres of coastal land recently put on the market for nearly $7 million. The property has been privately owned for more than 30 years. The Mendocino Land Trust has made an initial offer, and though Executive Director Conrad Kramer described it as “weak,” he says he thinks he has more time to put funds together to make a better offer, plus he says the seller, Carol Smith, wants to work with the Trust. The Mendocino Voice says while the Trust has committed $20,000, Kramer figures that $200,000 in earnest money is what will be needed to secure enough time to raise the full purchase amount.
California is suing the Trump administration for the 26th time. The latest suit was filed after President Trump signed legislation that blocked Governor Newsom’s EV mandate banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit along with ten other states, arguing the federal government is violating California’s rights to set its own clean air rules. The clean air mandate was established by executive order in 2020 with its rules set by the unelected California Air Resources Board.
The California DMV is warning drivers about a new online scam that offers discounts on vehicle registration renewals. The shucksters go on social media and claim they can save you up to 50 percent on fees to get you to reply. Then, they ask for personal details like your license plate and VIN numbers, and your full name and ask you to make payments through money apps. The DMV says they only request information from you on their website and never offer discounts. You should only complete transactions on the DMV’s official website or with trusted businesses through the Business Partner Automation Program.
A new program in Fort Bragg is targeted at improving communication and trust between law enforcement and people with developmental disabilities or mental health disorders. The Blue Envelope Project, which is a nationwide initiative, helps individuals with communication challenges identify themselves to police using blue envelopes and or wristbands and stickers. These items can contain personal and vehicle information, along with details about their disability, which in turn will help officers respond more appropriately during interactions. The Mendocino Voice says the program is especially helpful for individuals with autism. Fort Bragg Police launched the initiative last Tuesday with a community lunch at Bainbridge Park, in partnership with local organizations.
