Outrage in Mendocino County about a CalTrans Sign on State Route 128, changed to show a racial slur over the weekend. Someone hacked into the message sign between Cloverdale and Anderson Valley to include the n-word Saturday night. Staff quickly reprogrammed the sign that was in place to warn about an emergency culvert project in that area. Caltrans District 1 Spokesman Manny Machado tells Mendo Fever.com that a third party operates the sign and that the investigation is ongoing. Reaction condemning the racist vandalism from community Activist Troyle Tagnol, who says the hateful message was put up by those he called–jaded, non-believers in the power of African Americans, too cowardly to repeat the words directly . Reprogramming the signs with obscenities has happened before in Mendocino County with instructions on how to do it accessible online. If anyone is caught, it’s a felony vandalism charge.
CHP is investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision in WIllts. Troopers say the victim, identified as Julian Franks of Willits, died when his pickup was sideswiped on Valley Road east of Davidson Road just after 11 PM on Sunday. CHP says the other vehicle’s driver was a 16-year-old girl from Willits. The investigation is continuing.
The NTSB is out with a preliminary report about a small plane crash that killed two people last fall near Covelo. Pilot Vaughn Porter and passenger Jamie Rust both died when the Beechcraft A36 crashed into a hillside and caught fire just after takeoff from Round Valley Airport on October 22nd. The report doesn’t make any conclusions but notes that the airport is a challenging place to take off because it is surrounded by hills. It also says Porter, a veteran pilot, turned LEFT after take-off when the airport information suggests a RIGHT turn. It may be several more months before the final report.
The Lakeport City Council will talk about a drought response plan this week. The proposal t would set up three stages of drought severity, with specific actions the city could take at each stage. It is one of several agenda items for tomorrow’s regular council meeting at 9:00 at City Hall. Members will also deal with several routine items and will meet privately to consider legal matters. and negotiations with the Lakeport Education Association. The full agenda and how you can take part are at the city’s webpage
