KUKI News

Mendocino County public schools just announced the extension of distance learning through the end of the school year. In a press release from the Mendocino County Office of Education, County Superintendent of Schools Michelle Hutchins said the decision was based on recommendations from Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond for the safety of students and staff due to COVID-19, and to allow families to plan for long-term homeschooling. For details about modified learning schedules, meal delivery, access to educational material, and more, parents are asked to contact their local school district.

An out of area property owner has been cited for repeatedly violating the Lake County Health Officers COVID-19 lodging restrictions through an AIrbnb rental. According to the Clearlake Police Department, the owner was contacted less than a week ago by Code Enforcement for renting in violation of the order. Although the owner denied that a new rental was occurring, the officer made contact with the new renters, who traveled from out of the area, as they arrived and confirmed they rented through Airbnb. They were advised of the orders and vacated. The property owner faces a fine of $600.

The state is offering tax relief for small businesses struggling amid the coronavirus emergency. Businesses with $5 million in sales or less will get up to a year to pay the state on up to $50,000 in sales taxes. The Governor calls it a bridge loan with no fines or penalties. 

You could have stimulus money in your bank account soon. Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin announced yesterday that economic impact payments would be hitting direct deposit accounts within two weeks. He also reminded Social Security recipients they don’t need to file tax returns receive the money. The payments of $1,200 or more were part of the economic stimulus package signed into law last month.

Lakeport PD is issued their 1st citation for violation of the public health order to shelter-in-place. A 61-year- old Lakeport female was issued a criminal citation after being found in public conducting non-essential activities and refusing to comply after admitting knowledge and being advised of it. The woman was also cited for Delaying a Peace Officer and Trespassing, then released on the citation to appear in court at a later date. The Lakeport Police Department urges citizens to continue complying with the order and cooperating with law enforcement officers if contacted.

The Ukiah Unified School District will be handing out six daily meals tomorrow. In an effort to increase social distancing, the district is no longer doing daily delivery and pickup. Instead, you can pick up the bags of food containing six days worth of “breakfast, lunch, and supper” at one of 64 bus stops. Visit the district website for meal distribution locations and times: uusd.net. You can also call (707) 472-5003, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with questions.

During the Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday, Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace available testing for COVID-19 has been inadequate and will continue to be a challenge. Pace also expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices so many people have made in recent weeks to support public health orders. When asked whether the Shelter-in-Place Order would be extended through April 30, Pace noted it depends on how things unfold, adding what happens over the next couple of weeks is very important.

California schools will not reopen this year, but class is still in session. Following remarks from state Superintendent Tony Thurmond, Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed yesterday that students across the state will continue distance learning from home.  All districts have a plan in place and are working with more teachers on how to do this.  Seniors will still graduate and ceremonies may be held in the fall.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and in compliance with the Mendocino County Public Health Officer’s “Shelter in Place” order, Mendocino Transit Authority is further reducing bus service starting today. MTA will no longer take passengers south to Santa Rosa on Routes #65 and #95. Passengers may take bus #75 between Gualala, Point Arena, Navarro and Ukiah, operating Monday through Friday. MTA’s south coast Route #75 bus will bring passengers daily Monday through Friday from Gualala to Navarro and through Anderson Valley to Ukiah in the morning and return in the afternoon. On Saturday, Route #75 will bring passengers from the Navarro Store to Ukiah and back.

See more details at: mendocinotransit.org

Local small businesses are getting more relief.  Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order giving a 90-day extension for tax returns and payments.  That means small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first-quarter returns.