A recall effort against Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster is picking up steam, with organizers bringing on consultants and gearing up to gather signatures. Eyster, in office since 2011, says the campaign is fueled by anger over a single case, but opponents cite a string of controversies, including his failed prosecution of former payroll manager Chamise Cubbison. Recall organizer Helen Sizemore says residents are tired of what she calls Eyster’s unchecked ego and leadership style. The campaign needs more than 8,000 signatures to put the recall before voters.
Authorities wiped out more than 6,200 cannabis plants this week in a crackdown on illegal grows in Mendocino County’s remote Island Mountain area. Deputies from Humboldt, Trinity, and Butte counties carried out raids on three sites with no permits, seizing plants, hundreds of pounds of processed pot, and dangerous banned pesticides. Officials say the chemicals pose serious risks to wildlife and groundwater. No one was arrested, but the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
Lake and Mendocino Counties will get their first taste of fall storms this week. Forecasters say several systems are lining up, bringing rain and gusty winds that start Monday and continue through midweek. Winds could hit 25 miles an hour, with the heaviest rain expected Monday and Tuesday. Things should dry out by the weekend, with highs in the 60s and 70s and nights in the low 50s.
Starting Wednesday, most roads and all campgrounds in Jackson Demonstration State Forest will close for the winter. Cal Fire says the seasonal shutdown is needed to protect against damage from heavy rains. A handful of roads will stay open for now, but conditions could force temporary closures. Everything is expected to reopen once the weather clears in the spring.
Fort Bragg’s fishing fleet is getting a boost with a new 20-ton flake icehouse, and the community is invited to check it out on Oct. 7. The ice plant will give local fishermen a steady supply of ice to keep salmon, crab, and black cod fresh from the ocean to the market. Harbormaster Anna Neumann says the project is more than ice—it’s about protecting the future of the harbor. The public walk-through runs from 11 to noon at 19101 South Harbor Drive.
Ukiah is gearing up for its Día de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, November 2, and the city is looking for vendors to join in. The festival will take place from 11 to 4 at Alex Thomas Plaza in downtown, with space for local artists, makers, and community groups. Applications are available online or at City Hall on West Clay Street. Anyone interested can reach out to Marianne at maranda for more information.
A massive food recall is underway across the country, including here in California, after wood was found in corn dogs and sausage-on-a-stick products. The USDA says nearly 58 million pounds of State Fair Corn Dogs and Jimmy Dean Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick are affected, all tied to a Texas Tyson Foods plant. At least five people have been hurt so far. Officials are warning people to check their freezers and toss or return any of the recalled food.
Kelseyville was buzzing Saturday as thousands turned out for the 31st annual Pear Festival under sunny fall skies. The day kicked off with a big breakfast and parade, where Clear Lake State Park grabbed first place for its float. Visitors lined the streets for food, crafts, and pear treats, with pies and popovers selling fast. And in the pear dessert contest, Emily Navarro’s holiday pear cake balls earned the blue ribbon.
