Health officials are warning Mendocino County shoppers to check their cheese drawers. A recall has been issued for Sierra Nevada Bella Capra Raw Milk Goat Cheddar. The 6-ounce blocks are sold in stores all over the county, from Ukiah and Willits to Fort Bragg, Covelo, and Gualala. The cheese tested positive for listeria, which can be dangerous for kids, the elderly, and pregnant women. State officials say anyone who bought it should throw it away immediately, and stores have been told to pull it from their shelves.
A Lucerne man accused of supplying fentanyl that led to a deadly overdose was back in court this week. Prosecutors say 40-year-old Ryan Stahl is facing murder and drug charges in the February death of 28-year-old Carissa Morton of Nice, whose toxicology tests confirmed a fentanyl overdose. Detectives allege Stahl was the source of the drug, and he was arrested in June after a months-long investigation. A judge has ordered he remain held without bail, calling him too great a risk to public safety.
Congressman Mike Thompson made a stop in Cobb Thursday afternoon, hosting a town hall that drew about 80 Lake County residents. He talked about California’s upcoming Proposition 50, which could change the shape of his district and create a new northern seat expected to be a tough fight in November. People pressed him on everything from rising insurance costs and immigration to federal land policy and even the possible renaming of Kelseyville. Thompson said he backs independent redistricting commissions across the country and told residents that local involvement is key to keeping democracy strong.
A Clearlake Oaks man has been found guilty of reckless driving and two other misdemeanors after a jury trial in Ukiah. Officials say 44-year-old Anthony Lovisone was convicted this week of reckless driving, lying to police, and hit-and-run. The CHP handled the investigation, while Deputy DA Carla Ocodhain took the case to court. A retired Butte County judge oversaw the three-day trial, which ended with Lovisone’s conviction.
Fort Bragg is betting big on tourism and downtown life with a slate of new projects approved this week. City council signed off on a downtown Entertainment District where open containers will be allowed at permitted events, gave the green light for scenic viewing stations along the Coastal Trail, and awarded nearly $1 million to build a biosolids storage building at the wastewater plant. The Entertainment Zone comes with rules for alcohol, security, and cleanup. Some neighbors raised questions about family impacts and enforcement, but city leaders say the move will help to revitalize the downtown core.
Drivers in Lake and Mendocino counties should plan for slowdowns as Caltrans crews get ready for a week of overnight road work starting Monday. In Lake County, Route 29 near Lower Lake will see nightly one-way traffic control September 1–5, while in Mendocino County, crews will be out on Route 1, Route 20, and U.S. 101 for paving, bridge repairs, and emergency work. Some areas, like near Westport on Route 1, could bring half-hour delays. Caltrans says to expect flaggers, lane closures, and to allow yourself extra time to get where you’re going.
The fight over State Farm’s insurance rates is heating up, with a judge handing down several key rulings this week. The Department of Insurance was blocked from holding private talks behind closed doors, and State Farm’s push to delay scrutiny of its wildfire claims was also shot down. Consumer groups are already raising alarms as the company seeks a billion-dollar-plus rate hike on top of the 17% increase approved in June. All hearings will now play out in public, putting the pressure squarely on State Farm and state regulators.
The details of Proposition 50 are now public, laying out temporary congressional maps through 2030 before an independent commission redraws them in 2031. Governor Gavin Newsom says the measure is meant to keep elections fair, especially as Republicans push new maps in Texas. Opponents argue it’s a costly plan, with a price tag near $230 million and could weaken community voices while tilting the ballot wording in Democrats’ favor.
