Ukiah’s city council just took a page from Sacramento and voted to let cops clear homeless camps even when there’s no bed waiting. They insist it’s about following the governor’s model ordinance and a Supreme Court decision, but critics worry it just means more tents getting kicked around. The plan requires officers to at least point people toward shelter and says street‑camping that blocks sidewalks is out. Even supporters admit they’d rather not lean on law enforcement, promising it’s a last resort.
Mendocino County saw not one but two wildfires spark Thursday night, a reminder that fire season isn’t letting up. The Hill Fire broke out on private property around 8:25 pm, and a few hours later the Willis Fire ignited on BLM land just before midnight. Crews didn’t have much to share yet on what caused the fires. More details could be released this morning.
A familiar face will stay on the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Greg Giusti (JUICE-stee) of Kelseyville, who’s been serving since 2013, was reappointed by the governor this week. Giusti has a long career in ecology and agriculture, plus memberships in statewide forestry and wildlife groups. His seat still needs Senate confirmation, but if approved he’ll continue earning $250 a day for his service.
The smell of pancakes will fill Kelseyville this Saturday as the Lions Club serves up a fundraiser breakfast for the Lake County Sheriff’s Activity League. From 8 to 11 am. at Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, ten bucks gets you a full plate including pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, plus coffee and juice. Every dollar raised goes to the Sheriff’s Activities League, which puts on free programs for kids and families. It’s all run by a small crew of volunteers, and more info is online at lakecountysal.com.
A new bill Fort Bragg city leaders are weighing a set of changes aimed at making the city more business-friendly and cutting down on empty storefronts. A report to the council this week suggests everything from more flexible zoning rules to simpler permits for small shops and community events. Council members agreed to send ideas like zoning updates and permit reforms to the Planning Commission, while kicking more sensitive issues like event permits to the Community Development Committee. Councilmembers did seem open to the idea of revising the city’s strict fire sprinkler law, which could be replaced with modern monitoring systems in remodels. The council plans to revisit that idea at a future meeting.
Clear Lake might look peaceful, but scientists say the volcanic field under it is one of California’s most dangerous. According to an SFGATE report, the area still shows signs of magma activity, from bubbling gas to geothermal plants running on the heat below. More than 17,000 people and key facilities sit right in the footprint, along with millions of cars passing through the area. Experts don’t see an eruption coming soon, but warn risks like toxic gas are serious enough to keep it on their watch list.
A familiar face will stay on the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Greg Giusti (JUICE-stee) of Kelseyville, who’s been serving since 2013, was reappointed by the governor this week. Giusti has a long career in ecology and agriculture, plus memberships in statewide forestry and wildlife groups. His seat still needs Senate confirmation, but if approved he’ll continue earning $250 a day for his service.
California lawmakers don’t want federal cuts to derail scientific progress, so they’re putting a massive bond proposal on the table. Senate Bill 607 would let voters decide in November whether to approve $23 billion for a new state research foundation. The money would back projects tackling everything from Alzheimer’s and cancer to wildfires, climate change, and pandemic prep. Supporters say it’s a way to keep labs and universities afloat if Washington pulls the plug on funding.
