In the showdown over the Palace Hotel, Ukiah City officials are not backing down. They’ve given the building’s owner a deadline of today to show them a signed contract to prove they’ve hired a structural engineer. That engineer will be tasked with assessing the condition of The Palace hotel independent of any of the other studies that have already been done. If the current owner doesn’t comply, Mendo Fever reports he could face fines and jail time. It’s the latest drama in the case of the crumbling historical landmark, and so far, the strongest action taken by the city.
Demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war continue in Northern California, this time in Sonoma County. For several hours on Tuesday morning, 15 people blocked the driveway of a major U.S. weapons manufacturer in central Healdsburg. The protesters say the manufacturer, General Dynamics, is supplying arms to Israel. General Dynamics is the sixth largest defense contractor in the world. The facility in Healdsburg produces guidance systems for tactical missiles and extended range munitions.
California senators on the Public Safety Committee are voting down a new proposal to criminalize homeless encampments. One of the co-authors, Republican State Minority Leader Brian Jones, said he was disappointed in yesterday’s outcome but added that the fight will go on. The bill was designed to make it a crime for a person to sit, lie, sleep or camp within 500 feet of a school or other sensitive areas. Jones said it would help “compassionately clear encampments and connect” people with services.
California is making it easier for airline passengers to file complaints. The state is partnering with the Department of Transportation. Meaning the attorney general’s office can investigate reports against airlines, ticket agents and other companies accused of harmful or deceptive practices here. If the problem isn’t solved, it could be referred to the DOT. The U.S. transportation secretary says issues like lost luggage and refunds aren’t just inconveniences, they’re violations. The program will be in place for at least two years.
The Mendocino Winegrowers Inc. has announced they’ve got a new Executive Director. Bonnie Butcher takes the helm bringing a wealth of experience in event management, sales, and strategic planning. A news release said Butcher is poised to drive MWI’s mission of promoting the Mendocino County wine industry. Before Butcher’s appointment as Executive Director, she worked for 8 years as the Tasting Room and Event Center Manager at BARRA of Mendocino. Visit MendocinoWine.com for more.
The Mendocino Council of Governments will be holding a public virtual workshop. The workshop will serve to update Local Road Safety and Action Plans for Mendocino County and the cities of Fort Bragg, Point Arena, Ukiah, and Willits, according to a press release. You can attend the virtual workshop on Thursday, the 25th from 6 to 7:30pm. Get the details here.
The Mendocino College Gallery Student Art Show opens this weekend. It will run from April 19th through May 19th with gallery hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You can see the work of student artists on display at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts Gallery on Hensley Creek Road in Ukiah. It’s the biggest show of the year, boasting 200 works of art from Mendocino College students working across all mediums.
A Mendocino county man will never forget what he found yesterday as he walked near Old Potter Valley Bridge. Richard Rumsey called the police after discovering someone hanging from the bridge. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene just after 11am on Tuesday. The victim is being described as a 53 year old man from Clearlake. Officials said they’re approaching the death as an apparent suicide but said it’s an ongoing investigation. The California Department of Public Health said Mendocino has the 8th highest rate of suicide in the state, and Lake County has the 2nd highest. If you feel you’re in crisis, there is help. Text the word CONNECT to 741-741.
