California’s latest public payroll report shows how much local districts are paying out, and Lake County’s numbers are now on the record. The State Controller’s Office says the county’s 30 special districts reported about $14 million in wages for 437 employees in 2024, led by fire protection agencies. Northshore Fire topped the list at roughly $2.3 million in pay, followed by Lake County and Kelseyville Fire. Controller Malia Cohen says posting the data online helps keep government spending open and accountable to the public.
CalFire is joining with the California Conservation Corps for a meeting to share information about wildfire preparations–and the state of property insurance in California. The session is this evening from 5:30 to 8:30 at the Corps Mendocino Center across from Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits will feature experts who will discuss those topics and answer questions.
Grab the rain gear, showers arrive in Lake County today and stick around through the weekend. Forecasters say to expect breezy spells and up to a quarter inch of rain by this weekend, with a brief break during the day Sunday before another round hits next week. A colder system early next week could even drop some mountain snow. Temperatures slide into the upper 50s and low 60s by day and the upper 40s at night.
Ukiah is taking its first steps toward protecting the city’s history, and locals are being invited to help write the plan. A community workshop on historic preservation will be held Thursday, October 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center. Hosted by the city and the Historical Society of Mendocino County, the session will highlight local landmarks and gather ideas for Ukiah’s first-ever preservation ordinance. City leaders say it’s a chance for residents to help shape how Ukiah’s past is preserved for the future.
Mendocino County is shaking things up for safety next week. Public Health officials will take part in the Great ShakeOut on October 16, joining millions of Californians practicing how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during an earthquake. The annual drill is a reminder to plan ahead and stay ready when the ground starts to move. You can learn more or sign up at ShakeOut.org.
Clearlake residents have a new, easier way to sign up for city classes and events. The city just launched an online registration system at clearlakeca.portal.opengov.com, where users can pick a class, fill out a quick form, and get started. City leaders say it’s all about making local programs more accessible to the community. Anyone needing help can reach out by email or call (707) 994-8201, extension 131.
California schools will soon have new help tackling hate after Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law targeting antisemitism and other bias on campus. The bill creates an Office of Civil Rights and a coordinator to train teachers and staff on spotting and stopping discrimination. Similar specialists will handle issues tied to religion, race, gender, and LGBTQ+ identity. Newsom says the move keeps schools focused on learning, though some educators say it could make teaching tough topics more complicated.
Governor Gavin Newsom used Latina Equal Pay Day yesterday to take another swing at the state’s gender wage gap. He signed a new law Wednesday, SB 642, the “Pay Equity Enforcement Act”, to tighten enforcement and boost transparency so women can better advocate for fair pay. The governor and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said Latinas still make less than half of what white men earn in California, calling it both unfair and unsustainable.
