Today marks the 50th anniversary of California’s Moscone Act, a landmark law back in 1975, that reduced marijuana possession (under one ounce) from a felony to a misdemeanor with a $100 fine and no jail time. It was sponsored by Senator George Moscone and California NORML, and signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. The Redheaded Blackbelt reports it led to an 80% drop in felony marijuana arrests, saved the state about $100 million annually in enforcement costs, and helped over a million people avoid or clear criminal records.
The Middletown Area Town Hall, or MATH, will get updates on projects in the south county area. MATH is meeting tomorrow night at 7 in the Middletown Community Meeting Room/Library. The agenda features a presentation by Public Services Director Lars Ewing regarding a new park in Middletown. Also on the agenda, an update on a public meeting on Aug. 7 regarding Caltrans projects in the Middletown area and the Lake Lake Area Planning Council’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan. Lake County News says the group will also consider voting to finalize MATH’s updated bylaws. This meeting will not be available by zoom or online. Only in person.
California lawmakers are advancing a bill that would require all newly hired police officers, starting in 2031, to complete additional education or experience within three years of certification. Acceptable qualifications include an associate degree, a policing certificate, or two years of relevant military or out-of-state law enforcement experience. The bill aims to raise professional standards while also addressing police staffing shortages.
The Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury is recommending changes in the city of Willits after finding substantial evidence of a toxic work environment among city leadership. In its 2024-25 report titled "Healing the Toxic Culture in the City of Willits Workplace," the Grand Jury cited a complaint alleging workplace intimidation and other irregularities. Following a detailed investigation, which included reviewing documents, interviews with employees, department heads, management, and City Council members, the Grand Jury confirmed there was a pattern of bullying, retaliation, and unethical behavior by top management. Employees reported feeling belittled, unable to speak up, and in some cases, driven to quit due to poor treatment and mental health challenges due to the pressure. Some positive news. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the same couldn’t be said of the Willits Police Department.
Ukiah Unified School District received three national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding communication efforts. The District earned the prestigious Award of Excellence for its updated Strategic Plan, which made complex goals readily available to staff and families. So you know, Dan Dougherty, Communications Officer for Ukiah Unified created these projects for the District. It also received Honorable Mentions for its Recruitment Brochure and monthly Staff Celebration Video Series. The NSPRA awards program recognizes exceptional school communication, with over 1,500 entries submitted nationwide this year.
The Ukiah Branch Library is hosting its 36th annual Kids’ Farmers Market. Kids ages 5 to 17 are encouraged to participate. The summer bake sale, which is held annually, teaches young people skills in sales, bartering, math, design, gardening, and marketing through selling handmade or homegrown goods. The market runs Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Alex Thomas Plaza. The Ukiah Daily Journal says you’ll need to arrive by 9:30 a.m. to set-up and the last market of the summer is August 6.
