Skunk Train Owners Win Appeal On Eminent Domain Case

The Mendocino Railway has secured an appellate court reversal, permitting it to pursue eminent domain for a parcel in Willits owned by John Meyer. The railway requires the land to expand its Fort Bragg-Willits service. The January 7 ruling affirms the railway’s public utility and federal common carrier status. If the ruling stands, the railway … Read more

Lake County Officials Update On Sewage Spill

A ruptured 16-inch Lake County Sanitation District force main in Clearlake on Sunday caused a sewer system failure, contaminating wells and affecting 58 properties. The spill was stopped Monday night after four days of round-the-clock work.  County officials held a town hall on Wednesday evening to update residents. Health officials advised temporary relocation, especially for … Read more

Lake County Works To Clean Up Spill Area

To mitigate the wastewater incident near Robin Lane, Clearlake, Lake County will treat affected soil with natural agricultural lime (aglime) to raise pH and reduce contamination. Residents will see a white, chalky substance and should allow it to absorb naturally. Hard surfaces will be disinfected with Benefect Botanical Decon 30, a plant-based cleaner. Environmental assessments … Read more

Lake County Board Of Supers Issues Emergency Proclamations After Sewage Spill

Following Clearlake’s emergency declaration, the Board of Supervisors has issued two county emergency proclamations regarding the 2026 Robin Lane Sewer Spill. The spill affected an estimated 58 properties south of Pond Road and north of Rumsey Road, entering Burns Valley Creek and Clear Lake.  The main was repaired Tuesday night, with cleanup ongoing. The board … Read more

Possible Shark Attack Under Investigation

A suspected shark attack was reported Tuesday morning, around 8:45 a.m., near the mouth of the Gualala River.  Surfer Tommy Civik, 26, of Point Arena, said he was violently struck while in the water, which threw him from his board, breaking it in two.  First responders treated Civik for three distinct puncture wounds on his upper … Read more

Mendocino County Feels Quake On Tuesday

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit eastern Mendocino County early Tuesday afternoon,  6 miles east-southeast of Willits at a depth of under 5 miles, causing light-to-moderate shaking. The USGS reports the main quake was followed by two smaller tremors and a 3.8 aftershock 90 minutes later. No injuries or damage were reported.

Lakeport Planning Commission Meets

The Lakeport Planning Commission will consider an ordinance to change city code to allow for temporary cannabis events at the Lake County Fairgrounds when it meets this evening at 5:30 at Lakeport City Hall.  The Lake County Fairgrounds’ CEO recently proposed hosting a temporary cannabis event this spring, which would include retail sales, prompting the … Read more

Middletown Area Town Hall Holds Elections

At the first 2026 MATH council meeting, which drew 30 attendees and PEG TV viewers, seven candidates sought three open seats. Justin Bean withdrew, and incumbent Charles Morris didn’t seek reelection. Chair Monica Rosenthal confirmed the following qualifications: registered Lake County voter, three 2025 MATH meeting attendances, and residency in the South Lake County Fire … Read more