Interim Public Defender Appointed After Buenaventura’s Departure

Lake County’s Senior Deputy County Counsel, Carlos Torrez, has been appointed interim public defendery, effective immediately, replacing Raymond Buenaventura, who left for Monterey County. Torrez, a California State Bar member since 2009, was crucial in establishing the statutory Public Defender’s Office in 2023. Despite the office’s criticized performance, the county lauded Torrez’s decade of public … Read more

Crash on 101 In Mendocino County Injures 1

A white Ford Mustang convertible crashed on Highway 101 near Frog Woman Rock in Mendocino County Monday morning. The solo-vehicle incident, reported around 7:33 a.m., sawthe Mustang going off the northbound side of the highway, up an embankment, and finally resting against a hillside. The driver, was trapped inside the vehicle when first responders arrived, … Read more

Prop 50 Appears to Pass in California

Californians approved Proposition 50 to redraw congressional boundaries, giving Democrats a chance to win up to five additional House seats.While the statewide vote was nearly 2-to-1 in favor, Lake County’s approval was narrow, with 51.14% in favor.  In Mendocino County voters appear poised to approve the statewide measure, with roughly 65% of voters saying yes … Read more

Ukiah Teacher Arrested

A Ukiah Union High teacher was arrested on Monday for allegedly making sexually inappropriate comments and requesting photos from a 17-year-old student online. The investigation began mid October after a parent reported the teacher. Detectives found evidence that Matt LaFever, who taught English and journalism, and owns the online news website MendoFever contacted multiple minors … Read more

Small Quake Detected Near Covelo on Monday

A minor 2.8 magnitude earthquake occurred Monday afternoon  at 2:18 p.m. local time, at a depth of 34 kilometers and 24 kilometers south-southeast of Covelo.  No structural damage and no disruptions to utilities or roadways have been reported.

Lakeport Holding Public Meetings on Block Grant Funding

Lakeport will hold two public meetings on the 19th and 20th at 5 p.m. to discuss potential applications for State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The city plans to submit an application during the upcoming program year and expects to receive around $400,000 in CDBG program income. These meetings will cover eligible activities, estimated … Read more

East Region Town Hall Meets on Wednesday

The East Region Town Hall, or ERTH, will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, in Clearlake Oaks. Alex Haig of the Lake Area Planning Council, who will give a presentation on the Lake County Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan and take public comments. The group … Read more

Street Work in Ukiah Continues

Ukiah’s Urban Core Rehabilitation and Transportation Project is on schedule. Work on Perkins Street, including storm drains, ADA ramps, and an eastbound lane, is mostly being done at night. Paving starts in early December, weather permitting. The project has already installed 84 ADA ramps, updated 2.9 miles of bike lanes, reconstructed 4.8 miles of roadway, … Read more