37-year-old Stephen Williams, of Pacifica, was arrested for DUI following a 4-vehicle crash, Saturday afternoon that caused multiple injuries. Williams was westbound on Highway 20, approaching Sulphur Bank Drive at a high rate of speed. He collided with the rear of the vehicle in front of him. Williams then struck two vehicles in the eastbound lane. He suffered major injuries. One of the eastbound drivers had major injuries and was flown to a hospital for treatment, along with two young girls, ages 1 and 2, who were passengers. They had minor injuries.
Grand Jury Reports on Lake County’s COVID Response
In their 2020-21 report, the Lake County Civil Grand Jury stated that the county wasn’t prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. The jurors said lessons learned will guide the county in future challenges. This includes putting a process in place to guide response to unexpected urgent and serious county-wide challenges and determining how to better enforce ordinance compliance.
DUI Arrest in 4-Vehicle Crash on Highway 20
37-year-old Stephen Williams, of Pacifica, was arrested for DUI following a 4-vehicle crash, Saturday afternoon that caused multiple injuries. Williams was westbound on Highway 20, approaching Sulphur Bank Drive at a high rate of speed. He collided with the rear of the vehicle in front of him. Williams then struck two vehicles in the eastbound lane. He suffered major injuries. One of the eastbound drivers had major injuries and was flown to a hospital for treatment, along with two young girls, ages 1 and 2, who were passengers. They had minor injuries.
$400,000 May be Awarded to Anderson Valley Affordable Housing Initiative
An affordable housing initiative in Anderson Valley could be getting federal funding. Congressman Jared Huffman said $400,000 for the Anderson Valley Affordable Housing Initiative is included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Committee bills, that will be considered on the House Floor in the months ahead.
Missing Coast Runner Found in Critical Condition
A Mendocino Coast woman was reported missing while on a run at Russian Gulch State Park. Friday afternoon, Mendocino County Search and Rescue volunteers successfully located her in remote terrain, in critical condition. SAR Commander Jared Chaney said if it was not for the three searchers who found her, she very well could have not survived. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office was contacted Friday morning regarding 55-year-old Joyce Diane Smith. The caller said she frequented the Seaside Beach and Russian Gulch area. MCSO deputies located Smith’s vehicle, which initiated Search and Rescue. Smith was located at approximately 4:15 p.m. and flown out of the area for medical treatment.
Mendocino County Seeing Surge in COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations
Public Health officials in Mendocino County are urging people to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and strongly recommend wearing masks indoors. Public Health says the current surge is due to the Delta variant. In recent weeks, the rate of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Mendocino County has tripled. There are currently 9 people hospitalized in the county, with 5 patients in intensive care.
LPD Welcomes New Officer
The Lakeport Police Department is welcoming its newest officer, Kaitlin Morfin. This marks the first time in LPD’s 133-year history that they’ve had three female officers working for the community at the same time.
Fire Destroys Ukiah Dry Cleaning Business
A business in Ukiah was destroyed by a fire early Friday morning. UVFA crews responding to the fire arrived to find the roof of the dry-cleaning business on South State Street on fire. With assistance from nearby fire departments, they were able to prevent the fire from spreading to other businesses in the complex, including the county Social Services building and the Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op. The cause of the fire is still not determined.
PG&E Extends Moratorium on Utility Service Disconnections
Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced yesterday that it will extend the moratorium on utility service disconnections through September 30th. The moratorium was put in place in March 2020 by the California Public Utilities Commission. PG&E also announced that programs that had been halted due to the pandemic will also resume, including the Family Electric Rate Assistance and Medical Baseline Program.
Hit & Run with Injury Suspect Vehicle
Lakeport Police are looking for the driver and vehicle in a hit and run that left a person injured. It happend about 3:20 yesterday afternoon. The vehicle is a 2008 white Pontiac G6 with possible front end damage. Contact LPD with information.