A person was hit by a car Tuesday afternoon on Sherwood Road near Birch Terrace in Willits. CHP says the crash happened just before 3 pm, and while medics were called, the pedestrian chose to head to the hospital in a personal car instead. Traffic slowed briefly as crews cleared the scene, and investigators are still sorting out what led to the collision.
A Lucerne man accused of assaulting two Lakeport police officers was back in court this week as the judge reviewed plans for a possible mental health diversion. Defense attorneys have submitted a treatment proposal, with prosecutors set to respond by the end of the week. If approved, the plan could shift 45-year-old Cletus Rouillard from jail to treatment for the 2024 case that left two officers injured. He’s still being held in Lake County Jail on more than a million dollars bail while the court prepares to revisit the case in November.
The Native Arts Expo is back on the Mendocino Coast this weekend, shining a spotlight on Indigenous art and culture. The free two-day event runs Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4 at the Mendocino Art Center, featuring jewelry, food, music, and storytelling from Native artists across the Americas. Organizers say it’s not just about beautiful art, it’s about sharing history and keeping culture alive. It’s the ninth year for the celebration, which began back in 2015 and keeps growing every year.
An alleged kidnapping in Fort Bragg late Monday night led to two arrests after a tense search. Witnesses reported a young woman being forced into a white sedan on North Main Street just before midnight Monday, triggering an all-out police hunt. By early morning Tuesday, officers had arrested Douglas Hance and Jose Plascencia on kidnapping and assault-related charges. Both men are still in custody, and police haven’t said yet how the victim is doing or what may have led up to the incident.
Lake County’s Office of Emergency Services is taking applications for a paid internship that gives college students real-world experience in public safety and disaster planning. The position pays $23.52 an hour and offers flexible hours between 10 and 24 per week. Interns will work on emergency preparedness and community outreach projects while gaining professional mentorship. Anyone interested can find the full details and apply through LakeCountyCA.gov/Careers.
Sonoma County’s sheriff says he won’t loosen limits on how much his office shares with immigration agents, despite pressure from federal officials. Sheriff Eddie Engram met face-to-face with ICE representatives earlier this month, who pushed for more access to jail information. He said no, sticking with state law that restricts such cooperation. Immigrant advocates welcomed the stand, though many worry tougher federal enforcement could still bring fear and disruption to local families.
A chaotic immigration arrest in South Los Angeles left both a U.S. marshal and the suspect shot Tuesday. Federal officials say ICE agents opened fire after Carlitos Ricardo Parias allegedly tried to run them down with his car. Parias, who reportedly streams immigration operations on TikTok, was hit by gunfire, as was a marshal helping with the arrest. Both are recovering, and Parias now faces charges for assaulting a federal officer.
Roughly 10 percent of ballots for next month’s special election have already been returned as Proposition 50 continues to draw national attention. Political Data Incorporated reports about 2.4 million ballots have been received so far, with Democrats and Republicans each turning in around 12 percent. Early returns show older and white voters are casting ballots at higher rates. The special election is scheduled for November 4th.
