State Route 20 is getting some long overdue upgrades to make it safer for folks on foot, bikes, and buses. Caltrans says the improvements will stretch across several North Shore communities and include better crosswalks, flashing beacons near bus stops, and posts to keep drivers from misusing turn lanes. The effort covers towns like Nice, Lucerne, and Clearlake Oaks—areas where foot traffic and fast cars often don’t mix. Crews are expected to break ground in summer 2026.
Ukiah police say a late-night chase turned dangerous Saturday when 28-year-old Alexi Rangel took off from a traffic stop with his 14-month-old son still strapped in the backseat. Officers say Rangel blew through lights, raced across town, and eventually crashed into a fence before bolting into a creek, where he was taken into custody. The toddler wasn’t hurt and was checked out at the hospital before going home with family. Police say Rangel was on DUI probation, appeared intoxicated, and had open containers in the car when he was arrested.
The City of Ukiah is finally set to revive the old Diamond Jim’s property on North State Street after the Planning Commission signed off on plans for a new commercial building. The owners don’t have tenants yet, and they won’t be getting a drive-through either, with the city saying traffic at Empire Drive is already too hectic. The project calls for a single-story, 3,200-square-foot building surrounded by 32 parking spaces and fresh landscaping. The spot has been an empty lot since Diamond Jim’s was torn down in 2012 after a fire the year before.
Congressman Eric Swalwell is reportedly close to launching a campaign for California governor. Politico reports the Democrat who represents parts of the Bay Area will officially announce his campaign soon. The report comes after a fundraising page for Swalwell appeared online. The former presidential candidate could announce his run for governor on Thursday, when he is scheduled to appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
A major search-and-rescue effort played out yesterday at Navarro Point Preserve after a vehicle went off a cliffside curve late Monday morning. Fire crews, CHP, and Helicopter 601 scoured the area after early reports hinted the driver might be somewhere along the steep terrain but wasn’t visible from the roadway. Despite an extensive ground and air search, responders weren’t able to find the driver. The scene has now been handed over to CHP to investigate the crash.
Lakeport’s City Council is set to hear a first-quarter financial update tonight, covering how the city’s books look through the end of September. Council members will also decide whether to buy a $35,000 pickup for Utility Director Paul Harris after plans to share another truck didn’t pan out. City staff say changing workloads made the shared-use setup impossible. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers, with the agenda posted online.
Fort Bragg says it’s one step closer to easing its drought problems after showing off California’s first wave-powered desalination buoy at Noyo Harbor. The city partnered with Oneka Technologies on the state-funded pilot, which is expected to pump out more than 13,000 gallons of fresh water a day during a 12-month test run. The system needs no fuel or electricity and could become a long-term backup water source when the river runs dry. Local and state leaders say it’s a prime example of using clean energy and ocean tech to tackle drought and support the community.
Ukiah is holding a public meeting tonight to gather ideas on how to improve local sports fields and community spaces. The discussion starts at 5 p.m. at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center and will also cover possible grants to help fund upgrades. City staff say they want to hear from anyone who uses the parks, from coaches and parents to everyday residents. The goal is to shape better fields and better programs with the community’s help.
