Fort Bragg police say the case of a woman kidnapped and assaulted at gunpoint has taken an even darker turn. Investigators searching the home of 45-year-old Douglas Hance found guns, drugs, and a short-barreled rifle, along with a 10-year-old who reportedly had access to them. Hance, already accused of kidnapping and sexual assault, now faces new charges including child abuse and weapons violations. Police say the child has been placed in protective custody while the investigation continues.
Clearlake isn’t giving up on its big redevelopment plans, even after a court ruled the city must redo environmental reviews and Adventist Health dropped its $50 million clinic project. The plan centers on the old Pearce Field airport—about 40 acres off Highway 53, and includes a hotel and new road extension. City Manager Alan Flora says the updated environmental report is almost ready and gives the city flexibility to adapt the project as needed. He adds the hotel developer is still on board, and the city could still land a clinic, or fill the space with retail instead.
Ukiah schools want the community’s input before locking in their long-term Facilities Master Plan, which helps the district qualify for new state money to upgrade and modernize schools. Superintendent Deb Kubin says that’s a big win since the grants wouldn’t mean new taxes or bonds. The plan will cover everything from fixing aging buildings to improving classrooms. Two meetings are set for November 3, and another, entirely in Spanish, will be held November 4.
Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is taking his push for safer technology to the ballot box with a new proposal called “The California Kids AI Safety Act.” The plan targets harmful AI chatbots and would make tech companies more accountable for what kids see and use online. It also calls for banning phones in classrooms, stopping the sale of children’s data, and adding safety checks for AI tools geared toward kids. Murthy wants schools to start teaching AI safety, too. The measure first needs a green light from the California Attorney General before it can head to voters.
Lakeport’s clean energy plan hit a wall this week after the county and Clearlake backed out of a joint deal with Sonoma Clean Power. The proposal would’ve brought a new electricity provider to the area, but it required all three governments to sign on. City Manager Kevin Ingram said the county’s no-vote killed the deal, though talks with Sonoma Clean Power will continue. Mayor Kim Costa said it’s disappointing since the plan could’ve finally offered residents another choice besides PG&E.
Lakeport’s street sweeper is back on the move this fall, rolling through town to clear leaves, litter, and debris before the rains hit. The weekly route runs Monday through Thursday, with each day covering a different part of the city and Friday left for touch-ups. Public Works crews are asking residents to move their cars on sweep days so they can clean curb to curb. It’s all part of Lakeport’s push to keep streets tidy and storm drains flowing—one sweep at a time.
Chipotle’s agreed to settle a lawsuit over how it handled small gift card balances in California. Prosecutors said the chain broke state law by refusing to give customers cash for cards with less than ten dollars left. L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the law’s clear, those balances belong to the customer. Chipotle will now pay out those balances and cover fines, legal fees, and other costs as part of the settlement.
Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is taking his push for safer technology to the ballot box with a new proposal called “The California Kids AI Safety Act.” The plan targets harmful AI chatbots and would make tech companies more accountable for what kids see and use online. It also calls for banning phones in classrooms, stopping the sale of children’s data, and adding safety checks for AI tools geared toward kids. Murthy wants schools to start teaching AI safety, too. The measure first needs a green light from the California Attorney General before it can head to voters.
