The Mendocino Coast Health Care District is moving forward with a $53 million plan to expand and upgrade Fort Bragg’s Emergency Department while keeping it open during construction. The preferred option adds 18 exam rooms and leaves space for future services like labs or infusion therapy, alongside $62 million in surgical upgrades that include two new operating rooms and a modern sterilization unit. A more expensive $108 million standalone facility was ruled out as unrealistic. The board will review cost plans and refine its funding strategy, which could include up to $50 million in bonds, at its Aug. 28 meeting.
A PG&E town hall this afternoon will outline plans to remove two dams and decommission the Potter Valley Project, a move that will reshape water flows between the Eel and Russian rivers. The utility’s July 25 filing with federal regulators details timelines for removing Scott and Cape Horn dams, restoring river habitat, and addressing economic and environmental impacts. The proposal includes building a new diversion facility to keep seasonal water transfers to the Russian River watershed. Dam removal could take up to two years and would eliminate Lake Pillsbury, replacing it with restored river corridors and new recreation opportunities.
The Lake Fire in Lake County is fully contained after burning 401 acres since it started August 3. Cal Fire says crews remained on scene over the weekend to ensure it stayed within control lines while investigators work to determine the cause. Meanwhile, all evacuation warnings have been lifted for the 26-acre Arden Fire in Lucerne, which destroyed two outbuildings and was 60% contained Sunday morning. Firefighters are still mopping up hot spots and assessing damage from that blaze, which also sparked three small spot fires Saturday night that were quickly contained.
Fort Bragg’s hospital is set for a major emergency and surgical upgrade, but without the $100 million price tag once on the table. The Mendocino Coast Health Care District has chosen a $53.5 million plan to expand the Emergency Department with 18 exam rooms while keeping it open during construction, paired with $61.8 million in surgical improvements, including new operating rooms and a modern sterilization unit. Officials say the scaled-back approach frees up space for future services and avoids the cost of a $108 million standalone facility. The board will fine-tune funding plans, potentially tapping up to $50 million in bonds, at its Aug. 28 meeting.
The California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake office will host a free driving safety class for drivers 65 and older this Thursday, Aug. 14, in Kelseyville. The “Age Well, Drive Smart” program runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church and covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and how aging can affect driving ability. CHP says the class helps seniors stay confident and safe on the road, and some insurance companies may offer discounts for completing it. Space is limited, and reservations can be made by contacting the church.
A new State Auditor’s report warns that California’s cannabis packaging may be enticing to children. Officials say colorful designs, cartoon imagery, and products like chocolate are linked to a nearly 470% spike in poison control calls for accidental child consumption. The Department of Cannabis Control does not currently review packaging before products hit the market. The report recommends adopting stricter rules, similar to Oregon’s ban on child-attractive branding.
Tomorrow, the Lake County Board of Supervisors will honor three 4-H members for achievements in public speaking, shooting sports, and civic leadership. The board will present awards to Phenix Rain, Saphera Edwards, and Emmy Hayes, who earned top honors at the California State 4-H Presentation Day and medaled in the State 4-H Archery Postal Shoot. The trio is also active in the 4-H Citizenship and Leadership Group, now fundraising for a trip to the 2026 Ignite National 4-H Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Donations can be made through Lake County 4-H.
Healthcare workers at Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport and seven other Sutter Health facilities across California plan to picket Tuesday over what they call chronic understaffing and low wages. The United Healthcare Workers West Union says years of stagnant pay have driven high turnover, forcing employees to take on multiple roles and work long hours, leading to burnout. The union is also protesting service closures in underserved areas while Sutter executives receive multimillion-dollar salaries. Caregivers are demanding safe staffing levels, fair wages, and affordable health care.
