A Clearlake man has been arrested twice in one week after police uncovered multiple illegally possessed firearms during an assault investigation. Officers first arrested 45 year old Eric Pearson on November 13 after he allegedly struck a victim with a handgun, which police found loaded and concealed in his waistband despite his firearm prohibition. Detectives served a search warrant at his home six days later and seized five more guns and ammunition, leading to a second arrest on new weapons charges. Pearson was booked into the Lake County Jail both times as the investigation continues.
A Mendocino College professor is now jailed on a million dollar bond after investigators uncovered a long running sexual relationship with an underage student. Ukiah Police say 54 year old Jason Davis had been living with a former student who was 15, and digital evidence suggested the abuse started when she was only 13. Detectives also found he’d already been the subject of a civil suit accusing him of abusing two other students. Davis was arrested Wednesday on five felony child sex abuse charges.
Lake County is putting another sixty thousand dollars into emergency food aid after local pantries reported lines wrapping around the block and running out of supplies. The move extends earlier relief that helped cover the gap when CalFresh payments were delayed during the federal shutdown. Even with more food coming in, Social Services says some families were still turned away as demand hit levels they’ve never seen before. County leaders say the extra help will get residents through December, though food insecurity remains a major problem heading into the holidays.
New regulations could reduce dangers in California’s landfills. The California Air Resources Board is set to vote this week on new rules to improve detection and response to methane leaks and underground fires at large landfills across the state. The proposal includes using satellites and drones to better identify leaks. Landfill operators would also need to take action within a few days if they find leaks or high temperatures. Those who oppose the regulations say they could cost 12-million dollars a year.
California just logged its best drought numbers in more than a year, with 70 percent of the state now officially out of drought. Severe drought is almost nonexistent, and what’s left is mostly clustered in six Southern California counties. Even those areas are improving fast, with moderate drought dropping from 32 percent to 15 percent. It’s the strongest sign yet that the state’s long dry stretch is finally easing.
Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is officially jumping into California’s 2026 governor’s race. Swalwell announced his bid on his campaign website just before appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” accusing President Trump of “militarizing our streets” and targeting immigrant communities. He’s aiming to replace Governor Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited. The move adds another high-profile contender to what’s expected to be a crowded field.
