A Lake County judge says 55-year-old Clifford Merle Cutrell will face trial on accusations he kidnapped and raped a woman in August. Prosecutors listed 10 felony counts at a hearing before Judge Shanda Harry, from kidnapping with intent to commit rape to multiple forced oral copulation charges. Cutrell, a registered sex offender with a long record, is still in jail on $4 million bail. He’s set for arraignment Oct. 14 in the rape case, and a separate April assault case is slated for Oct. 13.
Sonoma Clean Power leaders were back in Clearlake recently explaining their “Geo Zone” plan, which could one day bring geothermal power development to the region. CEO Geof Syphers said it’s still early, but the goal is to create low-water, low-impact clean energy with local input. Council members pressed for details on environmental protections after recent CEQA changes, and residents were split on the idea. Some welcomed new energy opportunities, while others worried geothermal work could harm the lake and community.
Fifteen years of work have finally paid off for Lake County’s emergency crews. The Goat Mountain communications repeater is now live. The system went online October 1, giving police and firefighters stronger radio coverage across some of the county’s toughest terrain, including Bear Valley and Bartlett. It’s the result of a long partnership between the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Protection District, and PG&E to fix dangerous communication gaps. Officials say the project will make a big difference during wildfires, rescues, and other emergencies where every second counts.
Lakeport’s National Night Out kicks off tonight from 4 to 7 at the city’s new Xabatin Community Park. It’s all about connecting police, neighbors, and local groups in a fun, family-friendly setting. There’ll be free games, prizes, and plenty to eat—hot dogs from the Kiwanis Club, popcorn, and even snow cones from Lakeport Police. Safety Pup, McGruff, and other familiar faces will also be there meeting families and kids.
Kids at Grace Hudson Language Academy in Ukiah are getting new playgrounds, thanks to $250,000 in state funding from Senate leader Mike McGuire. The money will cover upgrades to two play areas at the dual-language school, which serves about 450 students. McGuire says the improvements are well deserved and will serve the entire community, not just students. Construction is set to start in 2026.
Lake County’s Planning Commission meets Thursday morning to take up three big topics. A new cell tower in Lucerne, cannabis rules, and the county’s climate action plan. The public meeting starts at 9 a.m. in the courthouse chambers in Lakeport and will also be streamed online. The proposed 150-foot tower would rise on Leslie Place and include a small equipment area. County planners will also outline updates to cannabis regulations and share the latest on the county’s Climate Adaptation Plan. That plan focuses on protecting air, water, and forests while helping communities prepare for wildfire and other climate impacts.
Three crew members are in critical condition after a medevac helicopter went down on Highway 50 in east Sacramento Monday night. Fire officials say it crashed near Howe Avenue just after the crew dropped off a patient at UC Davis Medical Center. The pilot, nurse, and paramedic were all hurt—one trapped under the wreckage until bystanders lifted the helicopter to pull them out. No patients were on board, and investigators are now trying to determine what caused the crash.
