Teen Arrested After Bringing Loaded Gun To School

A 15-year-old boy was arrested Tuesday in Covelo after allegedly bringing a stolen, loaded, semi-automatic handgun to Round Valley High School. He was detained, and the stolen handgun, taken from Santa Rosa, was found in his waistband. He was booked into juvenile hall for being a minor in possession of a handgun and carrying a … Read more

Quake In N. Sonoma County Felt In Lake County

A 4.2-magnitude earthquake hit northern Sonoma County just after midnight Thursday, felt in several Lake County areas. The USGS located the epicenter 7 miles east-northeast of Cloverdale at a depth of under 1.5 miles. State Sen. Mike McGuire reported feeling the quake on social media, with no immediate damage or injuries. By 1 a.m., U.S.G.S. … Read more

West Coast Health Alliance Says CDC’s Recent Vaccine Memorandum Threatens Children’s Health

On Tuesday, the CDC’s acting director signed a decision memorandum to significantly reduce the routinely recommended U.S. child and adolescent vaccinations.  Officials noted the change was not based on new vaccine safety/effectiveness data and bypassed established policy procedures.  The West Coast Health Alliance continues to endorse the evidence-based American Academy of Pediatrics’ schedule, warning that … Read more

High Surf Advisory For Mendo Coast Through Thursday Afternoon

A high surf advisory is in effect for coastal Mendocino County through late this afternoon.  Large breaking waves of 22 to 25 feet are possible, causing dangerous surf conditions and localized beach erosion.  Beach combing is highly discouraged, as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water.  … Read more

Rollover Crash On SB 101 Sends One To Hospital

Monday night around 8:25 p.m., a Honda Pilot carrying five occupants, including children, overturned and ended up on its roof on southbound Highway 101, a half mile south of the Highway 162 junction. Multiple agencies responded, including CHP and Caltrans. All occupants sustained only minor, non-life-threatening injuries, with only one patient transported to the hospital. 

District 1 Congressman LaMalfa Dies

Congressman Doug LaMalfa, 65, a conservative Republican and rice farmer from California’s 1st District, died suddenly Monday night at his Richvale home. Elected in 2013, LaMalfa was known for staunch conservative views. Despite his partisanship, he worked with Democrats on opposing the removal of the Potter Valley Project, while also championing the Sites Reservoir and … Read more

Clear Lake In Great Shape For Bass Season Opener

Recent rains have raised Clear Lake’s level to 6.37 feet on the Rumsey Gage, nearing the official 7.56-foot “full lake” mark, creating ideal conditions for the three-day season opener, the WON Bass Winter Open, starting tomorrow and running through the weekend. Experts predict a strong chance for a “Century Belt” performance (catching over 100 pounds … Read more

Lake County Has A New Animal Care & Control Director

Rachel Smith was unanimously appointed the new Animal Care and Control director, effective Feb. 9, by the Lake County Board of Supervisors, with a just over $97,000 salary. Smith’s qualifications include nearly a decade of animal welfare experience, a background in criminal justice and psychology, POST, and national animal control officer certifications. Her appointment follows … Read more

Journalist & Teacher Appears In Court

Former MendoFever publisher and Ukiah High teacher Matt LaFever, 37, appeared in court Monday following his November arrest for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a 17-year-old. Judge Keith Faulder appointed attorney Traci Carrillo as a special master to review LaFever’s seized devices for privileged information since he is a journalist.  Mendocino County DA David Eyster … Read more

Flooding Causes Road Closures

Flooding from recent storms has closed State Highway 175 in Hopland (US 101 to west of the railroad crossing) due to the Russian River overflowing, according to Caltrans. State Highway 128 near Navarro is also closed. Drivers should use alternate routes.  Residents in flood-prone areas must monitor forecasts, sign up for alerts at mendoready.org, know … Read more