A Clearlake man accused of setting two late-summer fires is now headed to trial. Prosecutors say 66-year-old Patrick Blaine Squier was first arrested Aug. 23 after a trash can went up in flames behind Foods Etc., then picked up again Sept. 6 for another fire behind Grocery Outlet. He’s being held without bail, and prosecutors say they plan to try both cases together rather than cut a deal. Squier is set to return to court Sept. 30, when a trial date is expected to be locked in.
Mendocino County is rolling out a new program designed to give small businesses a boost. The Microenterprise Technical Assistance Program offers free help with everything from permits and licensing to dealing with government red tape. It’s run by the county’s Economic Development Division and funded through a federal grant program that supports low- to moderate-income communities. Small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs can reach out to the county for details on how to get started.
The man who died while in deputies’ custody at a Kelseyville park last week has been identified as 50-year-old Ryan Vandever of Colorado. Deputies said Vandever was acting erratically, and after medics arrived, he turned combative and was handcuffed. Moments later he became unresponsive, and CPR couldn’t save him before he died at the hospital. The District Attorney’s Office is now handling the investigation, while the sheriff’s office reviews whether procedures were followed.
Mendocino County fishermen now have a way to make their catch stand out with a new label called North Coast Catch. The bright orange tag shows up on everything from Dover sole to Dungeness crab, letting shoppers know the seafood was caught right off the county’s coastline. Organizers say it’s about freshness, supporting local livelihoods, and keeping money in the community. Seven markets are already on board, and it’s hoped that a county-wide mailer this month will spread the word even further.
Lakeport Police want to make sure you and your loved ones get the call when an emergency happens. They’re reminding residents to register for LPDAlerts through the Everbridge app, where you can pick zones that matter most, like home, school, or work, and even flag if you’ll need help in the event of an evacuation. Lakeport Police say The system pushes out critical alerts in real time, so no one’s left in the dark. Details and sign-up links are on the department’s website and social media pages.
Grab gloves and a trash bag: Lake County is pitching in for California Coastal Cleanup Day this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Crews will gather at spots like Highland Springs, Library Park, Lucerne Harbor, Austin Park and Kelsey Creek to pull litter from local waterways. There’s a new twist this year with hidden “trashure” items that score prizes, plus a thank-you barbecue at Highland Springs from noon to 2. You can find cleanup sites and sign-up details on the Coastal Commission’s interactive map.
Cooking and cleaning in California may be about to change as lawmakers voted to ban PFAS, the “forever chemicals” found in everything from frying pans to dental floss. Supporters of Senate Bill 682 say the chemicals are linked to cancer and reproductive damage, while opponents argue nonstick cookware is safe when used correctly. If Governor Gavin Newsom signs it by October 12, companies will face deadlines starting in 2028 to phase out those forever chemicals from household products. That means new rules for cookware by 2030 and cleaning supplies by 2031.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is warning Californians to vote no on Proposition 50. At a USC event Monday, the former governor blasted the measure, which would scrap the state’s independent redistricting commission and give map-drawing power back to lawmakers. He said Democrats are trying to “fight Trump” by becoming him, calling it a threat to California’s democratic values. Prop 50 heads to the ballot in November.
