The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with dangerous fire conditions likely continuing into tomorrow. The warning affects areas in Mendocino County (including Laytonville, Covelo, and the Mendocino National Forest) as well as parts of Humboldt, Trinity, and Lake counties. Forecasters warn that dry lightning and winds up to 50 mph could spark and rapidly spread wildfires. Mendofever says residents are urged to avoid any activities that could cause sparks. If you’re living in an area at risk, be ready to evacuate just in case. So you know, keep your pets close, your car gassed up and have your bag packed and ready to go.
As the summer temperatures rise, health experts are warning parents and caretakers about the risks of heatstroke to children left inside hot vehicles. Kids and Car Safety, which collects data on hot car deaths, says already this year nine children have died after being left alone in cars in California, New Mexico, New Jersey and North Carolina. Last year, at least 39 children died after being left in hot cars.
A study from UC Davis says e-cigarettes aka vapes, may pose a greater danger than traditional cigarettes. It found hazardous levels of several toxic heavy metals in vapes could cause a high cancer risk. Researchers tested three popular vape brands: ELF Bar, Flum Pebble and Esco which are not FDA-authorized for use in the U.S, but are sold. Lead, nickel and antimony were detected in all heavily flavored and lightly flavored devices that were tested.
The Corner Gallery in Ukiah will showcase an eclectic art exhibit by the Seven Sisters, a group of seven women artists from Willits, Redwood Valley, and Ukiah. Running from July 1 to July 26, the show will feature entirely new, never-before-seen works by Elizabeth Raybee, Esther Siegel, Nancy Simpson, Nan Trichler, Julie Beardsley, Carolyn Bakewell, and Laura Fogg. The Ukiah Daily Journal says daily hours are from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The Lakeshore Lion’s Club of Clearlake is hosting the 67th annual Redbud Parade and Festival this Saturday. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Redbud Park and ends at Austin Park, with the theme “Cruising the 50s.” Grand Marshal Darrell Jarett, a 45-year fire service veteran, will lead the parade. Lake County News says to expect lots of fun stuff, including floats, marching bands, vintage cars, horses, and emergency vehicles. A fireworks display will finish off the Fourth once it gets dark.
The Lake County Office of Education’s Teach Lake County (TLC) program has received full approval from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which will allow it to operate independently as a local teacher preparation program. TLC is now working to refine its curriculum to better serve local schools, focusing on areas like trauma-informed teaching and rural education. Lake County News says, since its start in 2017, nearly 70 educators have graduated from the program. For more information, go to www.lakecoe.org/TLC.
Late last week, Representative Mike Thompson and other lawmakers sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee urging them to reject the Trump Administration’s proposed 53% funding cut to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Fiscal Year 2026. The cuts would eliminate key flood prevention projects in California, including the Middle Creek restoration in Lake County. Lake County News reports that Thompson’s office is sounding the warning that the reduced funding threatens flood management, navigation, and ecosystem restoration efforts locally and statewide.
A week-long search for 23 year old Cayden Craig, ended with his arrest for allegedly breaking into a Fort Bragg home and sexually assaulting the resident nearly 2 weeks ago. Fort Bragg police served two search warrants on S. McPherson Street and found items connected to the sexual assault and to a burglary that remains unsolved. Following Craig’s interview, he was arrested and booked into Mendocino County Jail on charges of rape, burglary, and false imprisonment, with bail set at $1 million. The Mendocino Voice says the investigation remains ongoing.
