Firefighters say they have the 400-acre fire in Clearlake 50% contained. Now called the Lake fire, it broke out Sunday and temporarily forced nearly 3,400 residents to evacuate. Crews halted the fire’s forward progress by Sunday evening and continued working Monday to strengthen containment lines and extinguish hot spots. At least one outbuilding was destroyed, another was damaged, and there are reports that a firefighter suffered minor injuries. all evacuation warnings have since been lifted. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
A new Grand Jury report reveals that dozens of criminal cases in Lake County were tossed out because prosecutors missed critical deadlines. The 2024-25 report says the District Attorney’s Office let the statute of limitations expire on cases submitted by local law enforcement, making prosecution impossible. Officials blame staffing shortages and COVID-era backlogs. The DA’s Office has 90 days to respond to the findings, as required by state law.
Landowners in Lake County will have a direct say in shaping state conservation programs during a public meeting this week. The Lake County Resource Conservation District and the USDA will be hosting the first local work group session at Mendocino College’s Lake Center in Lakeport on Thursday, with a wide range of topics. The morning session runs 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and will focus on farming and rangeland. The afternoon session, which runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., will discuss forest health. Officials say feedback from the meeting will guide conservation efforts across California.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors meets today to consider a temporary pause on commercial cannabis permitting while new zoning rules are developed. Supervisor Helen Owen is pushing for the moratorium, saying it’s not in the county’s best interest to issue new permits without updated regulations. The meeting begin at 9am at the Lake County Courthouse and you watch live on channel 8 or online on the county’s Facebook page.
Two repeat offenders are back behind bars after a stolen credit card spree across Humboldt County. 41-year-old Michael Vanwert and 35-year old Crystle Angel, both of Eureka, were arrested last Friday after deputies linked them to a vehicle break-in in Blue Lake and fraudulent purchases at multiple businesses. Investigators say both were recently arrested for similar crimes. A third suspect has been identified, and at last check, deputies are working to make an arrest.
Ukiah’s downtown makeover will hit a major milestone this week as crews prepare to close Main Street in order to lay fresh asphalt. Part of the city’s ongoing Urban Core Rehabilitation Project, the closure will begin on Friday and last at least one day, possibly two, as crews lay the base layer of pavement. City officials say it’s the most disruptive phase yet but also one of the final steps before reopening with new sidewalks, bike lanes, and utilities. Meanwhile, striping begins yesterday on East and West Gobbi streets, and storm drain work is set for later this month at Perkins and Orchard Avenue.
Fort Bragg’s top cop is calling it a career. Police Chief Neil Cervenka will retire at the end of next month after three years leading the department through some major reforms and community initiatives. Cervenka was hired in 2022 and helped to modernize operations, expanded training, and launched a Social Services Unit aimed at homelessness and mental health. The 25-year law enforcement veteran, who also served in the Air Force says he’s proud to leave while the department is “rising,” adding he plans to stay in Fort Bragg with his family.
California’s minimum wage is getting another bump, increasing to $16.90 an hour starting January 1. The 40-cent increase is part of the state’s annual inflation adjustment. It’s also capped at 3.5% and never allowed to decrease. The current minimum wage is $16.50, up from $16 at the start of 2024. Fast-food workers at large chains will still earn at least $20 an hour under a separate law that took effect in April of last year.
