Lake County is taking a serious look at creating its own energy option and breaking away from PG&E power generation. The Board of Supervisors and the city councils of Clearlake and Lakeport will meet in a joint workshop Tuesday, September 30 to hear from Sonoma Clean Power, a community-owned provider that’s already saving money for customers in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Supporters say the change could mean cheaper bills, cleaner energy, and more local control, while PG&E would still handle poles and wires. Sonoma Clean Power has cut rates by more than $100 million over the past decade and is building new renewable projects across the region. County and city leaders are set to vote on the plan in October.
A flash lit up the sky last night around 8 p.m., as people from Mendocino Lake and Napa counties spotted a bright meteor overhead. One Ukiah resident caught it on video showing the glowing streak breaking apart into pieces. Scientists say no major meteor showers were visible this week, adding that those who witnessed it, got lucky seeing a fireball in the sky. The next major show in the sky comes in late October.
Mendocino College has given its auto program a $3 million makeover, and it’s built for the EV future. The remodel adds more shop space, new gear for electric and hybrid cars, and even a fresh certificate program focused on EV tech. Instructor Michael Pratt says the overhaul is about getting local students ready for real-world jobs in electric and hybrid service. The public can check it all out during a ribbon-cutting at the Ukiah campus next Friday, October 3 at 11 a.m.
California families will see a little break on their power bills next month thanks to the state’s Climate Credit. More than 11 million households will automatically get a refund, averaging about $61, with most falling between $56 and $81. The program, signed into law by Governor Newsom, is designed to grow over time and could deliver as much as $60 billion in credits by 2045. A similar refund already went out earlier this year in April.
Lake County’s attempt to rewrite its cannabis rules unraveled Tuesday after heated debate and a close vote. Supporters said the ordinance would finally bring cannabis into the mainstream ag market, while critics blasted it as bad policy that could sink farmers, trigger lawsuits, and dry up tax revenue. Some speakers pushed for a pause to rewrite the law, while environmental groups called for tougher protections around Clear Lake. Supervisors were split, but the proposal failed 2–3. For now, the county is sticking with its current cannabis rules.
We have an update on the body found Tuesday evening along the shoreline in Nice. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man as 28-year-old Dyllan Shane Sadler of Lucerne. Deputies say there’s no sign of foul play, though the exact cause of death is still unknown. Investigators are waiting on toxicology and autopsy results before making a final determination.
