We’re learning more about a motorcycle crash in Nice that required the rider to be flown to a hospital. The California Highway Patrol says around 6pm Thursday the motorcycle and a pickup truck collided on Highway 20 at Keeling Avenue. The CHP has ID’d the motorcyclist as Karl Pentz. They have not given an update on his condition, saying only he was taken to an out-of-county trauma center. CHP says so far their investigation does not point to any drugs or alcohol.
A convicted felon who is banned from having guns has been arrested on gun and drug charges in Ukiah. Ukiah Police say Kenneth Douglas of Mendocino County was arrested January 2 on Airport Park Boulevard after a patrol officer alleges he saw Douglas’ truck speeding through a parking lot with no license plates. When the officer asked for Douglas’ ID he allegedly ran off but was tackled by the officer. A body search allegedly turned up a switchblade knife and some meth. A search of his truck allegedly turned up a handgun, a shotgun and more meth. UPD says he is on probation from Lake County on weapons charges and has other previous convictions for drugs.
The Fort Bragg Police Department is the latest to have their phone number used in a phone scam called “spoofing”. That’s where a crook impersonates a trusted source to gain access to your personal information or money. FBPD says they are now getting reports from people about calls from a "spoofed" number where caller ID says "Fort Bragg Police" and tell you there is an active warrant for you and you can pay a fine in order to avoid charges by using a transfer or a prepaid card. Fort Bragg Police say they will never ask for payment over the phone. If you do get a call from an officer, you can request they let you verify their employment by calling Fort Bragg Dispatch. If they refuse to let you do this, that’s a strong clue that they are a scammer.
The US Department of Interior has approved plans for a casino in Vallejo that is being backed by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians of Lakeport. The planned 400,000 square foot, $700 million casino complex is also reportedly set to include 24 homes. But as Lake County News reports, it has faced a lot of opposition, especially from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation which says the land is their ancestral territory and they wanted it preserved as open space. They claim the Department of the Interior undermined many of the required steps such as public notice, tribal consultation, and environmental review in order to push the project forward. The project is also reportedly opposed by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Representative Mike Thompson and Governor Gavin Newsom. The Yocha Dehe Wintun say they plan to take steps to stop the project.
Redwood Community Services is in the process of moving today. RCS says their Crisis Office at 780 S. Dora Street in Ukiah is relocating to 150 Gibson Street in Ukiah. While they are moving, their 24/7 Crisis Line and services will remain fully operational to ensure continuous support for those experiencing mental health crises. For immediate crisis assistance you call the 24/7 Crisis Line at 1-855-838-0404. For more information about the relocation, contact CEO Victoria Kelly on their business line: 707-467-2010.
There are several Mendocino and Lake County firefighters still on the scene of the fires in Los Angeles County as officials brace for strong winds to return this week. CalFire crews from the MEU and LNU units have engines, crews, helicopters, dozers and several behind-the-scenes resources working on the Palisades and Eaton fires. On Saturday the Lakeport Volunteer Firefighters Association posted on social media that four Lakeport firefighters went down as part of a strike team with engines from Kelseyville. The Palisades Fire is at nearly 24,000 acres and is 13% contained. The Eaton fire is at 14,000 acres and is 27% contained. 24 people are confirmed dead. Strong winds are expected to start up again tonight and last through Wednesday.
