Judge Andrew Blum, Lake County’s senior Superior Court judge, has retired after more than 40 years in the legal field, including 15 years on the bench. His wife, Yolanda, who worked for the courts for 29 years, is also retiring. Though staying in Lake County, Blum plans to travel to visit his three children and growing number of grandchildren. Lake County News says he also looks forward to taking a more active role in community organizations like the Lakeport Rotary. His final day as a full-time judge was July 3.
Assemblymember Avelino Valencia is sponsoring Assembly Bill 708 to allow youth football players to wear padded helmet add-ons, like Guardian Caps, which are designed to reduce concussions. Valencia, a former college football player, says the bill addresses safety concerns for young athletes, especially since a ban on tackle football is unlikely under Governor Newsom. Some youth leagues currently prohibit the add-ons, fearing they might invalidate helmet safety certifications and increase liability risks. These concerns stem from a warning by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment, which said such attachments could void helmet certifications. CalMatters says the bill has support from the California Medical Association, the California Academy of Family Physicians, the California Neurological Society and the California Orthopedic Association
Firefighters in Lake County were busy over the weekend responding to multiple wildfires.
The first fire one broke out Saturday morning near the Pomo Pumps gas station in Nice. The Pomo Fire, as it was called, prompted responses from Northshore Fire, Lakeport Fire, and Cal Fire, which also deployed aircraft. Though structures were initially threatened, none were damaged. The fire, which burned into a previously scorched area, was contained at 16 acres within an hour. An investigation into the cause of that fire remains ongoing. Lake County News says later that afternoon, another fire ignited at Highland Springs reservoir. Witnesses said it was started by juveniles using fireworks and provided photos to authorities. The blaze, measuring about 200 by 100 feet, was quickly contained.
The planned demolition of a historic 1904 water tower on Mendocino’s Main Street has triggered two lawsuits against Mendocino County and its Board of Supervisors. The suits allege the county violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by approving the tower’s removal without conducting a required environmental review. You should know that the Board had overturned the Mendocino Historical Review Board’s opposition, despite concerns from locals who view the tower as a cultural landmark. The owners argue the structure is beyond repair, but critics dispute that, calling the supporting engineering report inadequate.The Mendocino Voice says the first lawsuit was filed mid June by realtor Scott Roat, who also claims the county violated local land use procedures. The second, filed late last month by the Mendocino Preservation Fund and Citizens to Save the Water Tower, also centers on CEQA violations, stressing the law’s role in protecting historic structures.
Mental health support phone lines in California are facing potential shutdowns or severe cutbacks due to funding cuts in the state’s new budget. These lines, which differ from crisis hotlines, assist thousands of residents each month. Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin of Parents Anonymous, whose helpline serves 24,000 people annually, said they requested $3 million in state funding but received nothing. CalMatters reports that Layoffs have already started, raising concerns about the loss of a vital safety net.
Thousands gathered in Mendocino on the Fourth of July for the Independence Day celebration, featuring the annual parade organized by the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce. The parade was led by the U.S. Coast Guard Station Noyo River color guard. This year’s grand marshal was the team behind Corners of the Mouth. The 2025 parade, themed “Life in Mendocino,” also honored locals celebrating major anniversaries, including the Kelley House Museum and Harvest Market (both celebrating 50 years) and Mendocino Masonic Lodge No. 179 (160 years). The Mendocino Voice says festivities continued throughout the day at Rotary Park.
