Clearlake’s city council has voted to bring back rental inspections, saying it’s time to make sure tenants are living in safe conditions. The program was first launched back in 2001 but got shelved during the recession, and now the building department will take the lead. Inspectors will use a checklist, offer self-certification, and let landlords register online. While city leaders say it’s about fixing unsafe housing, some Realtors warn it could mean higher costs and fewer rentals. Council members say they’ll watch closely and make changes down the road if problems come up.
Ukiah’s plan to remodel the old Bank of America building hit a snag Wednesday after a bid protest sparked more than an hour of debate. Cupples and Son Construction, the second-lowest bidder, claimed rival DMR Builders left out key subcontractor details in its bid. City staff said the bid was valid, but council members weren’t satisfied, with Vice Mayor Susan Sher frustrated that DMR didn’t show up to explain their side. The council put off the vote until Sept. 17, asking for more legal research before moving forward.
It’s peak harvest season in Mendocino County, and that means more fresh produce than some gardeners know what to do with. The Mendo Food Network says volunteers are stepping up to make sure those extra tomatoes, squash, and carrots don’t end up in the trash but instead on the tables of families who need them. there are dozens of free produce sites where neighbors can drop off what they’ve grown and others can pick it up, more details can be found through the link with this story on our website. www.Mendofood.org
California senators voted unanimously Thursday to ban lawmakers from using non-disclosure agreements that keep the public in the dark about how tax dollars are spent or laws are made. The bill was briefly pulled from the consent calendar but still sailed through with bipartisan support. It now heads to the Assembly, where lawmakers are set to vote Monday.
Lakeport’s new planning services manager is a familiar face — Victor Fernandez, who’s been promoted from associate planner after years of steering big projects and guiding the city’s growth. City leaders say Fernandez has the mix of technical know-how and collaboration skills to keep development running smoothly. Now he’ll lead the planning team, oversee projects, and work closely with both city officials and the community on Lakeport’s future growth.
Willits is staring at a $2.23 million budget hole, and city leaders say the cuts ahead won’t be easy. Mayor Sapone warned the council that if spending continues as usual, the city could be broke in two years. Ideas on the table include outsourcing police dispatch, trimming health benefits, and even shutting down the community pool, with a Sept. 10 meeting set to decide which jobs and services may be cut.
CHP says its Labor Day crackdown paid off, with fatal crashes cut almost in half from a year ago. Troopers were busy, making nearly 46,000 stops, writing more than 34,000 tickets, and citing almost 20,000 drivers for speeding. They also arrested 1,214 people for DUI, a bit higher than last year, but say the sharp drop in deadly crashes proves the extra patrols kept more Californians safe.
PG&E customers will see a little relief on their September bills, with the utility cutting wildfire safety and emergency response charges to save the average household about five bucks. The typical bill is pegged at $293 this month, and another break is coming in October when a $58 credit from the state’s cap-and-trade program hits accounts. PG&E says rates will hold steady through 2025, with another round of savings expected early next year.
