Mendocino County is one step closer to storm recovery after Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation for seven hard-hit regions in February’s storms. The severe weather earlier this year washed out roads and caused millions in damage. Some repair work is underway, but permitting delays mean parts of the county may wait until 2026 for full fixes. The proclamation opens the door for state and federal aid to help speed up critical repairs.
The Redwood Empire Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction smashed records again this year, raising over $1.3 million and tying its all-time high for animal entries. Fair officials praised the strong support from local buyers and volunteers who make the event one of the most successful in California. Swine drew the most entries, and market goats sold for more than $22 a pound. Organizers say the auction teaches kids lifelong skills in responsibility, hard work, and community service.
Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is blasting Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting plan, calling gerrymandering “evil” and a direct hit on voters’ power. A spokesperson says Schwarzenegger believes the proposal manipulates political maps for partisan gain. Newsom argues the changes would add five Democrat-leaning districts to help offset Republican redistricting efforts in Texas backed by former President Trump.
A repeat DUI offender from Ukiah is finally off the streets. 52 year old Patrick Lee Painter Jr., was sentenced Tuesday to 68 months in state prison for a long list of crimes, including high-speed chases, multiple DUIs, and assaulting a teenage fast-food worker. His record includes two felonies, 14 misdemeanors, and a forged registration charge filed just last month. Prosecutors say the judge didn’t buy his plea for leniency and Painter will begin his sentence immediately.
Mendocino County is near the bottom of the barrel when it comes to household income in California. New Census data shows the median annual income is just under $65,000, ranking 49th out of the state’s 50 counties. That’s more than $27,000 below the state average, and the ranking also shows nearly 1 in 5 households earn less than $25,000 a year. The numbers highlight a growing economic gap between rural communities like Mendocino and California’s wealthy coastal tech hubs. Only Lassen County ranks worse.
California’s community colleges are doing more than educating, they’re driving the state’s economy. A new report shows the system supported nearly 1.7 million jobs and added $173 billion to the state’s economy last year, making up 5% of California’s total economic output. For every dollar invested, students see a $13 return in earnings, and taxpayers get nearly $2 back in added revenue. State officials say the findings prove community colleges are a smart investment with long-term payoffs.
