Mendocino County’s in for a rough stretch of weather starting today, with rain and strong winds rolling in through Friday. Forecasters say some spots could see up to three inches of rain, and those familiar flood-prone areas may fill fast. Gusts could hit 65 miles per hour inland, enough to take down trees and knock out power in a few spots. The weather service is warning drivers to take it slow and keep an eye out for flooding as the storm hits its stride tonight.
The Middletown Area Town Hall gets together Thursday night to cover local projects, board nominations, and what to name the town’s library park. A Lake County planner will walk residents through the new Zero-Emission Vehicle Plan, and Supervisor Helen Owen’s set to give an update on what’s happening around the district. It all kicks off at 7 at the community library on Washington Street, and as usual, the public’s welcome to weigh in.
Veterans Day wrapped up with something straight out of Alaska lighting up the Lake County sky, the northern lights. Locals grabbed their cameras to catch the red and green glow that rippled overhead, the result of a strong solar storm hitting Earth’s atmosphere. NOAA says the storm reached a G4, or “severe,” level and might still cause brief GPS or power hiccups as more waves roll in. For most Californians, it was a once-in-a-lifetime view, and it came with perfect timing.
A Republican lawmaker wants to redraw the map and split California in two. Assemblyman James Gallagher brought his plan to the Shasta County Board of Supervisors this week, pitching a new state made up of 35 inland counties, basically everything from the far north to the Central Valley and Inland Empire. He says it’s about giving rural areas a stronger voice after many voted against Proposition 50. If it ever happened, it’d be the first time a state was divided since the Civil War.
Crews are kicking off work today on “Ukiah on Ice,” the city’s popular outdoor skating rink downtown. It’ll take shape on South School Street next to Alex Thomas Plaza, a stretch that’ll stay closed to cars until late January. The rink opens December 1st and runs through January 11th, giving locals a new holiday hangout. The city teamed up with local businesses to make it happen, and the Saturday farmers’ market will keep running right next door.
College of the Redwoods just hit a big milestone, its Fire Academy is now officially an accredited regional training program under the State Fire Marshal’s Office. That means CR can now offer state-approved certification for Fire Fighter I and other professional credentials, opening more doors for local graduates. Director Sean Robertson called it the result of years of hard work to build a top-notch program serving the North Coast. CAL FIRE says the accreditation strengthens firefighter training and partnerships across Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino counties.
Lakeport business owners have one last week to make their voices heard in the city’s Business Walk Survey. The survey asks for honest feedback about what’s working, and what’s not, for local shops and employers. City leaders say the results will guide future programs and be reviewed by the City Council and economic partners. The goal is to make it easier for businesses to thrive and stay connected. Owners are urged
The Trump Administration is taking aim at California’s coastline with a new plan to bring back offshore oil drilling for the first time in decades. A draft five-year plan calls for six lease sales between 2027 and 2030, opening areas that have been off-limits since the ’80s. It’s part of a broader push to expand drilling in Alaska and the Gulf of America. California leaders say they’ll fight it, arguing the plan puts the state’s coast, and its clean energy goals, at risk.
Lakeport schools are in the middle of their annual food drive, collecting nonperishable donations through November 19 to help local families this holiday season. Anyone can drop off items at any school site this week. The food will be handed out November 20 at Owens Stadium, with house deliveries set for November 21. District leaders say community support makes a big difference for families struggling to put food on the table.
