Lakeport Police say a hit-and-run at Xabatin Park yesterday turned into a full-blown DUI arrest after officers tracked down the suspect’s car in a nearby parking lot. They say the driver reeked of alcohol, failed sobriety tests, and had several open containers in the vehicle before being booked on felony DUI and felony hit-and-run charges. Police add he was also driving without a license. The department says keeping impaired drivers off the road is central to keeping Lakeport safe.
Point Arena just picked its next mayor, with the City Council unanimously tapping Barbara Burkey to lead the city through next year. Jeff Hansen put her name forward during Tuesday’s meeting, and former mayor Anna Dobbins, who resigned in September because of health issues, said Burkey’s the real deal and has the community’s best interest at heart. The mayor handles meeting leadership and the usual ceremonial stuff alongside regular council work. While Burkey has already taken over as mayor, the city plans to make an official announcement at a meeting in January.
A major workshop is coming Monday as the Inland Water and Power Commission tries to spell out what the Potter Valley Project shutdown really means for the region’s water supply. Organizers say they want to cut through the rumor mill and lay out the facts on water diversions, long-term agreements, and how the loss of the Scott and Cape Horn dams will reshape the Russian River watershed. Several agencies will give updates before a Q&A led by Potter Valley Irrigation District Commissioner Janet Pauli. The meeting runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center.
Clearlake Police are opening up spots for their Police Explorer Program, giving teens and young adults a shot at real-world law enforcement training. It’s open to ages 14 to 20 and includes everything from patrol basics and scenario drills to helping officers at community events. Officer Virgil Ellis, who once started as an Explorer himself, says it’s a solid way to build confidence, leadership, and maybe even spark a future career in public safety. The program is free, meets once a month, and details on how to apply can be found on the department’s Facebook page.
Lake County’s Rotary clubs are partnering with the Polly Klaas Foundation to roll out online safety classes for middle schoolers after experts warned about a spike in online predators and runaway kids being targeted. Rotary leaders say the county’s rural geography and its closeness to major trafficking routes make prevention a must, not a luxury. The foundation’s program walks families through how predators use social media and what red flags kids need to watch for. Public presentations start in early January at schools throughout the county.
California’s budget deficit now stands at around 18 billion. The Legislative Analyst’s Office says it’s about five billion more than projected this summer. Analysts say the state is spending above and beyond its revenues, with several programs running six billion over expectations. That doesn’t include the future increases for Medi-Cal and CalFresh as federal support for the programs declines. KTLA reports Lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom will need to close the gap before the new fiscal year begins in July.
New legislation in California aims to help citizens hold immigration agents accountable if their rights are violated. Senator Scott Wiener’s "No Kings Act" aims to eliminate inconsistencies in current state law that prevent people from suing immigration officials for things like free speech violations, illegal searches, or racial profiling. The measure would allow Californians to seek compensation under state law for violations of their constitutional rights.
