One person is dead and another badly hurt after a plane crashes into the water off Shelter Cove. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says the small aircraft went down around 3:25 p.m. Sunday near Lower Pacific Drive, sending two people into the ocean. Volunteers with Shelter Cove’s Ocean Rescue Team pulled both victims from the water, but one was pronounced dead at the scene while the other was flown to a trauma center. Authorities say the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The Lakeport City Council meets tomorrow night with a full agenda, including a proposed hike in fines for alcohol violations in city parks. The council will consider doubling the maximum penalty from $500 to $1,000 after police logged two alcohol arrests, three assault reports, and confiscated over 55 pounds of fireworks on July 4th. Members will also review how law enforcement handled the holiday events and take up a public hearing to close out a $500,000 business loan program funded by a Community Development Block Grant. The grant helped support local businesses in health care, hospitality, retail, and other industries.
Two Mendocino County murder cases are now headed to trial after last week’s preliminary hearings in Ukiah. Twenty-one-year-old Edher David Lozano Urena of Clearlake faces murder and two attempted murder charges for a May shooting north of Covelo, while 41-year-old Fletcher Ross Pinkham of Little River is charged with murder, arson of an inhabited home, and illegal gun possession tied to a 2024 case. Both defendants were bound for trial after magistrates found enough evidence to proceed. Court dates for their next appearances are expected to be set in the coming weeks.
Firefighters in Redwood Valley battled a fast-moving blaze Saturday afternoon that tore through a home on Road E. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke, flames, and explosions at the property near 2791 Road E, with the fire threatening nearby vegetation. A wildfire camera captured flames punching through the roof before responders began containing the burn. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has asked residents to steer clear of the area while crews remain on scene.
A convicted sex offender with a violent past is facing fresh charges after being arrested in Clearlake on more than a dozen felonies, including kidnapping and rape. Prosecutors say 54-year-old Clifford Merle Cutrell, known as “Cliff Hanger,” was arraigned last week in connection with two separate attacks — one in April and another just days ago. The charges include sexual assault, burglary, and criminal threats, with bail topping $1 million. Cutrell, whose criminal record stretches back nearly two decades, is due in court tomorrow to enter his pleas.
Caltrans says several road projects in Mendocino County could slow traffic for Ukiah-area drivers this week. Bridge work south of Ukiah on Highway 101 near the Robinson Overcrossing is set to wrap up Friday, while additional bridge and paving work will continue along stretches of 101 near Willits and Laytonville. On Highway 1, crews will have one-way traffic controls causing short delays. Motorists are urged to use caution and expect anywhere from 5- to 30-minute slowdowns depending on the project.
A California parole board will review the case of Lyle and Erik Menendez on Thursday, more than three decades after they were convicted of killing their parents in 1989. The brothers, whose trial drew national attention, were resentenced earlier this year to make them eligible for parole consideration. While the board will weigh in on their release, the final decision lies with Governor Gavin Newsom
Fort Bragg’s Coast Cinemas will stay open under new ownership, easing fears the Mendocino Coast might lose its only movie theater. Desiree and Terry Ramos have purchased the 60-year-old cinema, and are promising no service interruptions and plans to make the theater a community hub. The sale ends months of uncertainty after longtime previous owners re-announced their retirement. The new owners say they’ll also consider upgrading food and drink options and expanded film offerings, all while preserving the theater’s role as a local gathering place.
