Friday marks 10 years since the Valley Fire tore through Lake County, and supervisors paused Tuesday to honor the lives lost and the people who pulled together in the aftermath. Along with a proclamation, the board voted to buy three bronze plaques — one specifically recognizing Middletown Rancheria for opening its doors during disasters. Not everyone agreed, with Supervisor Helen Owen warning against singling out one group, but most of the board backed the move. The plaques will be dedicated at Friday’s anniversary event at Mandala Springs in Cobb.
Mendocino County supervisors agreed this week that the complaint system for reporting code violations needs fixing after a wave of anonymous filings turned into more neighbor feuds than real violations. Supervisors say too many recent reports, especially in Laytonville, were just personal disputes clogging the system. Staff will spend the next six months drafting changes, like adding space to flag safety concerns, but people will still be able to file anonymously to protect those calling out illegal cannabis farms.
Lake County’s in-home care workers packed the supervisors’ meeting Tuesday, calling on officials to boost pay and invest in long-term care. A union survey paints a tough picture, caregivers who look after seniors and people with disabilities are skipping meals, falling behind on rent, and putting off doctor visits because their wages don’t cover basic needs. With their old contract expired, they say it’s getting harder to hang onto workers in a county already short on caregivers. Union leaders want a new deal that keeps providers in the field and makes sure vulnerable residents get the care they deserve.
The Western Region Town Hall is back this Wednesday, September 17, with a meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Upper Lake. The agenda includes a proposal for Sonoma Clean Power to expand into Lake County, plus updates on policing programs, school traffic safety, and local levee issues. You can show up in person, tune in on PEGTV, or log into Zoom using the ID and passcode posted online. Supervisor EJ Crandell will also be on hand with his latest update.
We’re learning more about Monday’s deadly crash on Highway 29 near Hidden Valley Lake. CHP says a 92-year-old woman crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a car driven by Lower Lake’s Margaret Ann Titus. The elderly driver and Titus’ 83-year-old passenger didn’t survive, while Titus was hurt but is expected to recover. Officers say seat belts were used and alcohol or drugs don’t appear to be factors.
Mendocino’s biggest farm-to-table tradition is back. The Good Farm Fund Farm-Raiser turns 10 this year with a celebration at Yokayo Ranch set for next Tuesday. Guests can expect barbecue, empanadas, Japanese-inspired plates, and farm-fresh bites from some of the region’s best chefs, all paired with live music and community spirit. Over the past decade, the event has poured more than $600,000 into local farms and helped families put healthy food on the table.
The Western Region Town Hall is back this Wednesday, September 17, with a meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Upper Lake. The agenda includes a proposal for Sonoma Clean Power to expand into Lake County, plus updates on policing programs, school traffic safety, and local levee issues. You can show up in person, tune in on PEGTV, or log into Zoom using the ID and passcode posted online. Supervisor EJ Crandell will also be on hand with his latest update.
Drivers on Highway 1 should plan ahead for overnight closures at the Jack Peters Creek Bridge starting Monday. The stretch just north of Mendocino will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through September 18 so crews can finish pouring a new bridge deck. Emergency vehicles will still get through, but drivers are urged to plan around the shutdown. It’s all part of a $15.5 million upgrade that will make the old 1939 bridge wider and safer for cars bikes and pedestrians.
Governor Newsom is condemning the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk. In a post on X, Newsom called the act "disgusting, vile, and reprehensible." Newsom, who recently hosted Kirk on his podcast "This Is Gavin Newsom," emphasized that political violence must be rejected in every form across the U.S. Kirk was shot and killed today during a live event at Utah Valley University.
