CEO Darcie Antle said “crisis” is a strong word to describe the county’s financial situation, but there are areas of concern, including close to $70 million in long-term debt service and rising interest rates as the county contemplates refinancing bonds to fund the new jail.
"...as California moves toward phasing out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, it’s the right time to increase the accessibility and convenience of driving an electric vehicle in Mendocino County."
District Attorney David Eyster filed a peremptory challenge to Judge Carly Dolan asserting that she is “prejudiced against Plaintiffs or their attorney or the interests of Plaintiffs or their attorneys so that Plaintiffs cannot or believe they cannot have a fair and impartial trial before such judge.”
At approximately 1:30 p.m. the #PharoFire began burning in the Lake County community of Kelseyville engulfing cars, boats, and RVs in flames that would then spark nearby vegetation.
"At this time, all public land in the Mendocino National Forest is open to hunting, with the exception of the Sheet Iron Mountain State Game Refuge, located north of the Snow Mountain Wilderness."
“There was never any doubt where things were, and what we faced,’ said Angelo. Recent board criticism of herself, and other county officials is wrong and unfair."
District Attorney David Eyster filed a peremptory challenge to Judge Carly Dolan asserting that she is “prejudiced against Plaintiffs or their attorney or the interests of Plaintiffs or their attorneys so that Plaintiffs cannot or believe they cannot have a fair and impartial trial before such judge.”
Edward “Two Feathers” Steele has been formally charged with felony murder in the second degree, a charge common in crimes that demonstrate an extreme indifference to human life.
This suspicious fire comes just three weeks after another fire identified as suspicious in nature destroyed two vehicles on the same block of Talmage Road.
Despite initial reports from the scene, Galindo did not leave the scene of the accident. Upon making contact with Galindo, officers believed him to be under the influence and subsequently booked him in the Mendocino County jail.
Mendocino County has been left reeling in the wake of a heinous display of cruelty. How could someone charged with caring for something so vulnerable discard them and leave them to die? How could the layers of institutions and bureaucracy dedicated to protecting children have let these children fall through the cracks?
At approximately 1:30 p.m. the #PharoFire began burning in the Lake County community of Kelseyville engulfing cars, boats, and RVs in flames that would then spark nearby vegetation.
This suspicious fire comes just three weeks after another fire identified as suspicious in nature destroyed two vehicles on the same block of Talmage Road.
An eyewitness also came forward and told deputies he had been driving along Highway 53 and watched Smith walking away from the fire moments after it had ignited.
The accident was reportedly witnessed by firefighters and the Incident Commander reported four total passengers with one requiring medical evaluation for minor injuries.
Both the north and southbound lane of State Street has been shut down as first responders assess the situation. Law enforcement currently has the driver detained.
“There was never any doubt where things were, and what we faced,’ said Angelo. Recent board criticism of herself, and other county officials is wrong and unfair."
"It almost feels like they have some inadequacies at the Board, and it’s almost like they’re publicly airing irresponsible and inaccurate information because they’re trying to deflect from those inadequacies.”
The nomination period for the three open four-year City Council seats and the one open two-year City Council seat is extended to Wednesday, August 17, 2022.
“Culture change isn’t easy or quick, but it’s possible. We must become aware, curious, practice, and accountable. I am proud of the dedication and hard work of the Committee and City Staff; we already see success."
A Mendocino County Board of Supervisors discussion about cost overruns for the new jail construction project veered into a cry for help from the state, as county leadership admitted that it does not have a clear idea of what its financial situation is.
Data from the California COVID-19 county dashboard does point towards an uptick in Mendocino County's total COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations during May and June. Though, all three of those metrics seem to be trending downward in the first weeks of July.
"We are now at the beginning of a new wave of COVID. While it is difficult to predict if our hospitals will be overwhelmed, severe infections are still possible, especially for the elderly, those with immune compromise or chronic disease, and those who are not vaccinated."
"Many parents are concerned that the rolling back of mask mandates and social distancing requirements, especially in schools, is putting their unvaccinated youngsters at higher risk."
Mendocino County received $16.8 million in one-time federal funding to soften the blows of the pandemic, especially for those who were hit the hardest. But some of that money has gone towards remodeling the Board of Supervisors chambers and purchasing metal detectors.
High winds, higher than average temperatures, and low relative humidity converge to create an environment in which fires start quickly and spread rapidly.
"...as California moves toward phasing out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, it’s the right time to increase the accessibility and convenience of driving an electric vehicle in Mendocino County."
In pursuing his long-term commitment to lower his carbon footprint, over the past 40 years Mike Cannon has converted his Ukiah home from all-electric to all-natural gas and now back again to all-electric energy.
More than $2 million generated from two programs of the California Energy Commission (CEC) have been awarded to fund the purchase and installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Mendocino County over the next few years.
"The City was fortunate to receive late rains this past spring extending our need to require water conservation restrictions, however, as current water supply conditions are beginning to show the effects of a third year of drought."
"Hosted by Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, the town hall will feature a panel of experts reporting on current drought conditions, the latest long-range weather forecast, and the impact of the drought on Russian River water quality, recreation and the county’s regional park system."
Issues discussed included potential curtailments to Russian River water users, the possibility of a stand-alone task force dedicated to water issues, and an ordinance designed to monitor commercial wells.
"New model approved by State Water Board for voluntary partnership between water rights holders to adaptively manage water use in the Upper Russian River Watershed."
"They'll discuss a Drought Update, an Eel River Update, a Stand Alone Water Agency Steering Committee Update, the Next Round of Funding, the Commercial Well Ordinance, and more!"
"The return of the Redwood Empire Fair is going to be a celebration for everyone, including families who are looking for entertainment on a budget. The Fair runs from Thursday, August 4th to Sunday, August 7th."
A Fort Bragg resident captured this image of the Furniture Mart's storefront packed with an assembly of Santas, glowing red and white provoking a nostalgia of simpler times.
A cozy home. A blustery storm. The overnight transformation of a familiar forest into a winter wonderland. The comfort of knowing a warm, dry home and hot cocoa and blankets await when toes and fingers just cannot take it anymore.
Vultures are a prime example of the wonderful world of collective nouns within the animal kingdom. As per ConservationAfrica.net, a group of vultures while perched in a tree can be called a "committee," a "venue," or sometimes a "volt." When vultures are feeding on a carcass, they are referred to as a "wake."
Looking at the photograph now, photographer Jamie Rea is reminded of the "feeling of being incredibly small." Point Arena and the edge of the continent appear "shrunken underneath the behemoth that lurks beyond our reach."
"There was a Bald Eagle bathing on the north end of the gravel bar of the Gualala River. When it took off I got some photos and noticed the odd markings."
"There was a Bald Eagle bathing on the north end of the gravel bar of the Gualala River. When it took off I got some photos and noticed the odd markings."
This sort of generosity is incredible, but for the overwhelming majority of my readers impossible. If you think you can provide a sustainable monthly donation of $1, $2, hell, even $5, click the PayPal link and make sure to click “Make this a Monthly Donation.”
"Our Fire District has been trying to get funding for an Early Warning Siren System since 2017. We have requested funding from the county and applied for grants to help fund this project. The County has not assisted us at all. Some of our Fire Trucks are over 15 years old and we cannot afford to replace them."
"It was a stomach-churning end to the career of a Police Chief who less than a year ago was touted as a personable young guy who could lead the 18-officer department out of a troubled stretch."
"It is imperative that existing operators have this pathway as an option, and we ask the community at-large to stand together in support of these existing, tax-paying, small businesses and to say ‘No’ to any referendum that could put many of our licensed community members out of business."
"There is much work to be done in our schools and I look forward to working side by side with educators, staff, administrators, parents, and the public to ensure that the students in Mendocino County receive the very best education we can provide them."
"The Mendocino-Lake Community College District has opportunities for qualified community members to run for November 2022 board elections for trustee area #2 and #5 (Mendocino County), and area #6 (Lake County). Trustees are appointed for a four-year term."
"Morgensen was a well-respected educator who students, parents, and staff loved. He devoted his life to teaching thousands in Ukiah to read and hundreds of teachers how to teach reading..."
“After sixteen months of non-stop direct action we have achieved a moratorium and the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the State are in ongoing government-to-government negotiations.”.
"Significant changes to California’s groundfish sport fishing regulations are expected starting next year, in response to recent scientific information suggesting some nearshore groundfish species are in decline."
Mike Bradley told us seeing a bear near his home does not phase him. Like many Mendocino County residents have come to find, this is a land where the lives of wildlife and humankind are intimately intertwined.
"This charming preserve along the Ten Mile River north of Fort Bragg is a perfect location for when you are looking for a peaceful stroll or a place to sit and bird watch OR nature journal."
"Join UC Cooperative Extension at Jackson Demonstration State Forest and Hopland Research and Extension Center for two twilight walking tours of our redwood and oak forests to learn about our California bats."
“Many in the outdoor sporting community are the most conservation-minded because they want to leave future generations the same opportunities they’ve had."
Clara Williams was born in 1883 and grew to master Pomo basketry. When the Ukiah Daily Journal interviewed her in 1955, she spoke of being one of the last Pomo basket weavers left.
"Oh gosh, skateboarding and Mendocino County... For the most part, especially back in the '80s, there was a definite love-hate relationship between kids, adults, police and city council folk in the three major towns: Willits, Ukiah and Fort Bragg."
“The important thing about the original air tanker operation was its enthusiasm. The conviction that “this idea will work” spread from the dozen or so pilots to the Forest Service and state people, who call the pilots back, again and again, to help put out fires all over the state."
The 1920s would see hundreds of Mendocino County residents don white robes, attend initiation ceremonies, and gaze upon burning crosses glowing in the hills above Willits, Ukiah, Fort Bragg, and other areas.
Coast Guard Seaman Brad Roddy based at the Coast Guard Lighthouse Station in Point Arena claimed to see an object that "had a red-body light with a whitish light or glow on one end" and watched a "weird cloud formation" form around it.
As the Bell Fire grew this afternoon, we had over 500 readers on our website at once. If each of those readers donated just $5/month, we'd have the funds to pay for more, deeper coverage of this place we call home.
"This is a great opportunity to join the conversation and participate in downtown revitalization efforts, such as walking tours, murals, and learn about City Council’s recent water/sewer capacity fee waiver, and more!"
"Your contributions to the nonprofit Westport Village Society will support preserving this pristine 26-acre oceanfront parcel at the west end of Branscomb Road in its natural condition, accessible for all to enjoy."
MendoFever, Mendocino County's very own newsroom, is growing. Help us cultivate a robust newsroom. Make a monthly donation. Advertise with us. Review us on Facebook. Share our stories. Recommend us to your family and friends. When you support MendoFever, you support Mendocino County.
"2022 has been an incredible year for field trips at Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, a welcome comeback since COVID shut down group outings in March of 2020."
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