Mendocino County Superior Court has rolled out a new online case access system, replacing its outdated portal with “Re-Search CA.” The upgrade requires users to register with an email and offers features like personalized dashboards, alerts, and secure document access for attorneys and involved parties. While civil case records are now available remotely, access to criminal, family law, and other sensitive files remains limited to courthouse kiosks. Court officials emphasize that any legally confidential cases will be promptly removed from public view.
Emergency crews have recovered the body of a man near the South Fork of the Eel River, just south of the Humboldt–Mendocino County line. Multiple agencies responded Saturday, including sheriff’s offices from both counties, after the man, believed to be in his 40s or 50s and possibly from Los Angeles, was found in a deep pool near the historic festival grounds. Sheriff Matt Kendall says there were no signs of trauma and the man may have recently drowned, His identity has not yet been released.
Lake County supervisors are set to meet Tuesday to consider a temporary halt on issuing new commercial cannabis permits while they work on updating zoning regulations. The agenda also features a public hearing on proposed increases to fire mitigation fees and a review of Behavioral Health contracts totaling more than $19 million. Supervisor Helen Owen supports the cannabis moratorium, arguing that the county needs clearer rules before moving forward. Other items up for discussion include taking over responsibility for water and sewer services in the Westlake Homes subdivision and evaluating contracts for foster care services.
A fast-moving wildfire in Clearlake scorched 340 acres Sunday, forcing thousands to evacuate and knocking out power to hundreds before crews gained ground. Firefighters now have 25 percent containment on the Lake Fire, which sparked around 2:20 p.m. yesterday near Eastlake Drive and quickly spread over a ridge. Evacuation orders impacted nearly 3,400 residents but were lifted by early evening as conditions stabilized. At the fire’s peak, 15 engines, six aircraft, and multiple agencies battled the blaze amid gusty winds and dry heat. No injuries were reported, but PG&E confirmed power outages affecting more than 600 customers in the area.
A late-night police chase through Ukiah and beyond ended Saturday with the suspect in custody after abandoning a red Dodge Ram and fleeing on foot through nearby vineyards. Officers tracked the man across vineyard rows near Sanford Ranch and McClure Subdivision Road, ultimately catching him after locking down the area. The pursuit involved speeds of up to 85 mph, and the deployment of spike strips which also damaged police cars. Multiple tow trucks were called in as damaged cruisers lined the scene following the high-speed chase.
Facing mounting criticism over his leadership and legal decisions, Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster is now the target of a formal recall effort. Opponents cite his prolonged time in office, controversial prosecutions, and a cannabis enforcement program they call “pay-to-play.” Leading the charge is political strategist Helen Sizemore, who points to Eyster’s failed case against the county auditor as the final straw. If enough signatures are collected, a recall vote could appear on the ballot by mid-2026.
California now has the largest civilian aerial firefighting fleet in the world. On Friday Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state just added two more Fire Hawk helicopters, bringing its total to 16 and officially retiring its aging Vietnam-era Hueys. Each Fire Hawk can drop 1,000 gallons of water and operate day or night, a major boost as wildfire seasons grow more intense. Newsom used the opportunity to also criticize President Trump’s cuts to federal firefighting support, saying California is “stepping up” to protect its own.
