Lake County’s two main business organizations are teaming up to stretch their dollars and boost services by sharing one leader. Starting in 2026, Nicole Flora will oversee both the Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce, with the groups moving in together, sharing staff, and coordinating programs while still remaining separate. The Board of Supervisors backed the effort with $60,000 in one time funding, money the EDC needs to bridge a gap in federal support and the chamber needs to keep the Vista Point Visitor Center running. While the deal is for a year, both groups say it could grow into a long-term partnership that strengthens Lake County’s economy.
A Sebastopol school counselor accused of child molestation is now under scrutiny for his ties to a Mendocino County biker club that works to protect kids from abuse. Deputies say 66-year-old John Conant was arrested September 29 after a report at Cinnabar Elementary in Petaluma and is being held on $250,000 bail. MendoFever reports Conant, known as “Crow,” once held a leadership role in the Mendocino chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Detectives fear there could be more victims and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Willits is looking at turning part of downtown into an official entertainment zone for community events. The idea would cover Main Street between Wood and Commercial, but every organizer would need a safety plan approved by police and state alcohol regulators. Some council members worry about stretching police resources, though staff said event organizers would be responsible for security if needed. If approved, the plan would roll out as a pilot with about four major events in the first year.
The date and time for Ukiah’s Pumpkinfest has been set. Organizers say Sunday October 19th will kick off with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at 9 a.m., followed by the Diaper Derby at 11:30, a baking contest at 1 p.m., and a pet costume contest at 2. Each event is backed by local sponsors, with prizes and bragging rights up for grabs. More details are available online at the City of Ukiah Recreation Facebook page.
Mendocino National Forest just scored the biggest chunk of California’s latest off-road funding, almost a million dollars to support ground operation work. Across the state, more than $23 million was awarded to 81 agencies to keep trails open, teach safe riding, and heal damage from prior use. The projects aim to protect wildlife and landscapes while giving riders access to more of California’s public lands. Funds also went to local parks, BLM, and forest service branches. State leaders said this year’s grants continue a decades-long commitment to responsible recreation and conservation.
Starting today campfires will once again be allowed in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest as fire restrictions come to an end. Recent rain and cooler weather gave fire crews the confidence to lift the summer limits. Forest managers say they want visitors to enjoy their time outdoors but warn that most wildfires are still human caused. That means campers need to be smart. No unattended fires, no dragging trailer chains and always make sure your fire is cold before leaving.
Governor Gavin Newsom has made California the first state in the country to pass an AI safety law, forcing big tech firms to come clean about how they keep their systems safe. The bill, written by Senator Scott Wiener, also gives whistleblowers protection and requires companies to report major safety incidents. Newsom says the goal is to keep innovation thriving while making sure communities are protected. Lawmakers across the country are watching California’s move closely as they weigh their own rules on AI.
