In a major decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down California’s landmark law that required background checks for ammunition purchases. The voter-approved measure, which was passed in 2016, mandated that buyers do face-to-face transactions with licensed dealers, which did away with online ammo sales. CalMatters reported it also required out-of-state purchases to be routed through California dealers. In a 2-1 ruling, the court declared the law unconstitutional stating "that the law’s fees, checks and delays constrained California residents’ right to keep and bear arms.”
A popular North Bay lake tops the list when it comes to a certain type of fish. Bassmaster Magazine is naming Clear Lake as the best lake for bass fishing in the country. In its July 8 issue, and for the first time, Clear Lake is ranked number one on its list of “2025’s 100 Best Bass Lakes in America." Last year it was ranked number 8. Bassmaster based its rankings on tournament data, fishery reports, and feedback from thousands of anglers nationwide. So you know, Clear Lake regularly produces double-digit-pound largemouth bass and hosts several professional fishing tournaments each year and about 2/3 of all fish caught are largemouth bass. The Press Democrat says in all, 10 California lakes made the top 100, which is the most of any state.
California’s law which protects breeding pigs is being challenged again. The "Save Our Bacon Act" introduced in Congress opposes California’s restrictions on pork sales. So you know, Proposition 12 requires pigs to have enough space to turn around.The law also bans the sale of non-compliant pork in California including meat from out-of-state farmers. Prop 12 passed in 2018 with 60% of the vote.
A gorgeous chunk of Mendocino coastline is now protected land. The Mendocino Land Trust has finalized the purchase of Bell Point, which is a 157-acre coastal blufftop property, plus an additional 100 acres of redwood and fir forest across Highway 1.
The acquisition, funded by a $2.5 million grant from the State Coastal Conservancy and a $95,000 Project Advancement Grant from the California Council of Land Trusts, marks a major step toward both conservation and cultural restoration.
Once the planning and design of the project is complete, including designing and building a new portion
of the California Coastal Trail, the property will be transferred to Kai Poma. They’re a nonprofit representing the Sherwood Valley Pomo, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The project is supported by State Senator Mike McGuire, former Assemblymember Jim Wood, current Assemblymember Chris Rogers, and others.
An alleged porch pirate is behind bars. That’s thanks to helpful Ukiah residents and the city’s FLOCK camera system.
Ukiah Police say 34-year-old Carlos Magana-Macedo was arrested after a string of package thefts were shared on social media, showing packages being stolen by people connected to a dark gray Toyota Camry in several west Ukiah neighborhoods.
Investigators used video from a Ring camera and the city’s automated license plate readers to track down the suspect. The Ukiah Daily Journal says Magana-Macedo admitted to two of the thefts during a traffic stop and said he was the driver during a third.
He was booked into Mendocino County Jail.
Calling all divers. You are needed to help restore Northern California’s kelp forests by removing purple sea urchins, whose overpopulation has decimated the ecosystem. The California Ocean Protection Council says the invaders wiped out 95% of the bull kelp forests off the Mendocino coast between 2014 and 2019. However, The Mendocino Voice says years-long efforts to remove the urchins have paid off, so the Caspar Cove Project is again inviting the public to the next big removal dive happening tomorrow. Everyone is welcome anytime during daylight hours at Caspar Cove.
