By next month, a judge is expected to issue a ruling on whether to grant a request for a gag order on Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez. The order would ban Rodriguez from publicizing false information about fentanyl. On Wednesday, prosecutors argued that the order would exceed the court’s authority by regulating an elected official’s speech. The gag order is being requested by the attorneys for two parents facing charges after their 15-month-old daughter died from acute fentanyl intoxication in 2022. The defense attorneys say Rodriguez has publicized misinformation designed to poison the pool of prospective jurors that may serve in the upcoming murder trial. Judge Robert LaForge says he will issue a ruling by March 14th.
There’s a new push to have the state right historical wrongs of slavery. A group of lawmakers detailed a package of 14 reparations bills yesterday, deemed as the first step in a multi-year effort. California’s Legislative Black Caucus wants a formal apology from the governor for human rights violations. They’re also proposing to restore property taken in race-based cases of eminent domain. None of the bills call for cash payments.
DoorDash is agreeing to pay a $375,000 civil penalty. That’s the settlement for allegedly violating California privacy laws. A state investigation found the San Francisco-based company sold personal information of food delivery customers without giving notice or the opportunity to opt out. DoorDash says this had to do with one vendor over four years ago and they have since ended that relationship and resolved the matter.
Many California farmers are celebrating as state regulators increase their water allocations after recent storms. The Department of Water Resources says the allocation is now 15-percent of what was requested, up from 10-percent in December. This assessment does not include the results of any of the storms that hit California since February 1st. That means officials may revise their decision again next month. The State Water Project says rain runoff is helping to fill lakes and reservoirs. As of Wednesday, the statewide snowpack is 86-percent of average for this date, and 69-percent of its April 1st average, which is considered the peak snowpack for the season.
Mendocino County voters are finding more incorrect ballots. County officials said they’re investigating new reports that residents have found more errors on the ballots for the March 5th election. They’re asking the Secretary of State’s office for guidance on how to address these new claims. Reports are that some voters have gotten ballots from the wrong Supervisorial districts. They said it’s possible the 2021 redistricting was not correctly input into the voter files. Officials said in a press release that they want to assure voters they will get the proper ballots and that every vote will be properly counted. They said they’ll be working overtime to get to the bottom of the issue.
Good news from Laytonville. In a story we told you yesterday, a hiker was reported missing in a remote area of Laytonville after they did not return to a meeting spot on Branscomb Road. According to an update on Mendo Fever just before 8pm Wednesday, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, plus first responders from Laytonville and Westport Fire Departments successfully located the hiker and were able to bring them back to safety.
The State Water Resources Control Board is holding a virtual workshop today. The purpose of the workshop is to answer questions about the Clear Lake Information Order. Property owners got certified letters earlier this month asking them for more information in response to the emergency declaration for the Clear Lake hitch. During tonight’s meeting, staff will give presentations on how to comply with the order, reporting timelines, and more. They’ll also take questions. The meeting will be held on Zoom starting at 5:30pm. Here’s the Zoom Link. The meeting ID is 981 3670 2028. Questions can be emailed to ClearLakeHitch@waterboards.ca.gov.
The Mendocino Land Trust has announced the rescheduled date for the 10th Anniversary Hike at Pelican Bluffs. The hike is happening on Saturday, March 2nd starting at 11am. The hike celebrates the 10th anniversary of MLT’s acquisition of Pelican Bluffs. It’s open to the public, and should wrap up around 2pm. The hike starts one mile south of the city of Point Arena. Find event info here.
