Students across Ukiah are returning to class this week, marking the official start of the new school year. On Monday families filled drop-off zones across the city, and crossing guards helped usher children to and from school. District officials say updates this year include construction projects completed over the summer, free meals for every student, and supply support from the schools to ease the burden on parents. Families also received new information packets with calendars, digital access tools, and resources to help them stay connected throughout the year.
Ukiah is taking another step toward converting the old Bank of America building into a new city services hub. The South State Street property, bought in 2020, is set for a $3.8 million remodel funded through lease revenue bonds and city obligations. Earlier bids were tossed out after contractors flagged problems with the project specs, but officials say those issues have now been addressed. The updated plans go out for bid this afternoon, with results to be opened at 2 p.m. in the council chambers.
A police chase in Fort Bragg ends in a dramatic crash Sunday after officers spotted a stolen car linked to Ukiah. Investigators say 19-year-old Gabriel Chaon sped away from a traffic stop, ran a red light, and flipped the vehicle near the Emerald Dolphin Inn. The pursuit lasted just under a minute before the driver was taken into custody. Police say they found a ghost gun inside the car, and that man now faces charges including vehicle theft, felony evading, and violating probation.
A small vegetation fire broke out Monday afternoon near Tucker Lane in the Fort Bragg area . Crews from CAL FIRE and Fort Bragg Fire responded with engines, aircraft, and a hand crew after reports the flames were threatening an outbuilding. The blaze, known as the Carey Fire, was quickly contained at about 50 feet in diameter, and forward progress was stopped. Most responding units were cancelled once the fire was under control.
Fire crews quickly knock down a structure fire just east of Ukiah Monday evening. The blaze broke out around 7:30 p.m. on Appolinaris Drive, with heavy smoke pouring from the garage of a two-story home. Everyone inside made it out safely, and firefighters kept the flames from spreading into the main house. Deputies were called to the scene as crews worked to protect nearby buildings, but officials say there was no threat to surrounding wildland.
Firefighters stopped forward progress Monday afternoon on the Sawyer Fire burning along Highway 20 near Potter Valley Road. The blaze was first reported around 3:45 p.m. and quickly grew to about 4 acres, destroying one outbuilding. Air support, engines, dozers, and hand crews were dispatched as traffic on Highway 20 was reduced to one-way control. Cal Fire says the fire was burning in grass before crews brought it under control.
A big community celebration is set for this weekend as Cobb hosts its fifth annual Blackberry COBBler Festival. The event runs Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Belmont Pines Golf Course and will feature live music, food, drinks, and a Kids Zone. More than 130 local craft and food vendors, and nonprofits will be taking part, along with a blackberry cobbler contest, judged at noon. Organizers say the festival is meant to bring visitors to the area while supporting local businesses and community groups.
