News Staff Correction Officer Jason Tharp has completed his training in the Corrections Division and is now working solo in the Lake County Sheriff’s Office jail facility. Sheriff Frank Leonbruno announced Tharp’s readiness via social media, commending his achievement and expressing optimism for his future with the department. Tharp’s new solo role is vital for maintaining safety … Read more
The recent vandalism of a Point Arena mural honoring Nicole Smith, a murdered Pomo woman, has brought increased visibility to her unsolved 2017 case and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement. The defacement, which seemed aimed at white muralist Nicole Ponsler, backfired by drawing that attention, according to Smith’s sister. Nicole Smith was fatally … Read more
The Lakeport City Council holds its final meeting of the year today, with leadership selection for 2026 on the agenda. Also, convening as the City of Lakeport Municipal Sewer District Board of Directors, the Board will consider approving a license agreement with Westside Community Park for the trail park’s construction, operation, and maintenance on CLMSD … Read more
A dump trailer carrying eight tons of large boulders overturned, blocking the westbound lane of State Route 20 near Jackson Demonstration State Forest for a time late Monday morning. The solo-vehicle crash, reported around 10:23 a.m. near milepost marker 10, caused CHP to close one lane while crews cleared the area.
In its last meeting of the year, the Lake County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing today to consider an appeal of the Lake County Planning Commission’s approval last year of Scotts Valley Energy Corp.’s proposed forest wood processing bioenergy project in Upper Lake, and will discuss another contract change order for a … Read more
In early December, Ukiah Police Department Detectives launched a narcotics and illegal firearm investigation targeting convicted felon and gang affiliate Armando Garcia-Barrera. A search warrant executed last resulted in the seizure of narcotics, found evidence of drug trafficking, and eight firearms, including three illegal short-barreled AR-15 style assault rifles, two stolen .45 caliber pistols, and … Read more
Cal Fire is allocating $62.7 million for 84 local wildfire prevention projects statewide, including two in southern Lake County. The South Lake County Fire Protection District is one recipient, receiving $847,654.40 for phase two of the Middletown and Cobb community evacuation routes project. This funding will improve evacuation routes and control lines by removing hazardous … Read more
The Mendocino Ballet celebrates the 40th anniversary of “The Nutcracker,” opening this Friday, at Mendocino College Center Theater. Director/choreographer Esther Hansen will be directing the show for her first time. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Find more information on the Mendocino Ballet Facebook … Read more
The Upper Lake Unified School District and the Upper Lake Employees Association (ULEA) have declared a stalemate in contract negotiations, with ULEA members authorizing a potential strike. Talks stalled over teacher pay, safety, and special education class sizes. ULEA says it is “prepared to take lawful action.” Both sides await mediation.
Early Thursday morning, Art director Scott Bartholomew, spotted a large mountain lion crossing his driveway on his Google Nest Cam a mile up Little Lake Road from Mendocino, a mile up Little Lake Road from Mendocino. Though shy and mainly hunting deer across huge ranges, mountain lions sometimes approach developed areas.