On Thursday at 9 a.m., the Lake County Planning Commission will consider a major use permit for Mara Mehlman’s “Harmony” farm-to-table project on Big Valley Road in Kelseyville. Also on the agenda are public hearings for MIT Farms’ cannabis cultivation permit on Jerusalem Grade in Middletown, and Scott Renkes’ appeal of a temporary dwelling permit … Read more
Two state assembly bills that could advance geothermal energy projects in the state are headed for the state appropriations committee. AB 527 and 531 could bring new jobs in Mendocino County as power companies are waiting to take advantage of the region’s geothermal energy. The bills are not without opposition, as environmental groups express concern … Read more
Valley Fever, a fungal infection from soil, is on the rise, especially in the San Joaquin Valley. Symptoms often mimic flu or COVID-19 and can cause severe lung issues. Cases hit nearly 12,500 in 2024, with continued high risk in 2025 due to climate and construction. Diagnosis is via blood tests. Those over 60, with … Read more
California’s Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) grant program has opened its second 2025 registration period and is now including non-primary residences. Grants up to $3,000 are available for pre-1980, wood-framed homes with raised foundations, covering bolting and crawl space bracing. Over $20 million is allocated across 1,100+ eligible ZIP Codes. Apply at EarthquakeBraceBolt.com by October … Read more
Former Lake County Code Enforcement officer Antonio Chavez Anguiano has received a one-year jail sentence and two years of probation for bribery. Arrested in July 2024, Chavez Anguiano, 37, pleaded no contest to two counts of accepting a bribe with the transaction caught on video. Judge J. David Markham issued a lighter sentence of 364 … Read more
The Lake County Board of Supervisors will discuss and hold a public hearing on Tuesday at 9 a.m. regarding the Guenoc Valley mixed-use planned development project and Larry Kahn’s appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of Scotts Valley Energy’s biochar facility. The appeal addresses community concerns including health impacts, location, planning, and grant funding.
Work on Ukiah’s Main Street paving is done; striping and signage are set for Sept. 8-19. Gobbi Street landscaping, signaling the project’s end, starts soon. Perkins Street will get a new eastbound lane, updated signals, paving, and sidewalk/storm drain repairs. The project includes 84 ADA ramps, 2.9 miles of bike lanes, 4.8 lane miles of … Read more
For over two decades, the T.R. Eriksen Foundation has supported Plowshares in Ukiah with a $25,000 matching-donation challenge every August. This initiative doubles donor impact, matching every dollar contributed up to $25,000. Community members are once again asked to donate. Donate by check to Plowshares, PO Box 475, Ukiah, or securely online at www.plowsharesfeeds.org.
A quick-moving wildland fire near Lower Lake, the Sky fire, started Sunday afternoon at Sky High Ridge Road and Morgan Valley Road. It rapidly spread through grass and brush, prompting brief evacuations. Lake County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire managed the incident, using air and ground resources, including some redirected from the Pickett fire. … Read more
The Ukiah Senior Center faces a $15,000 monthly deficit, forcing the center to close on Fridays. Executive Director Liz Dorsey is streamlining services like outreach, transportation, medical equipment, and daily lunches. The center serves 4,000 needs monthly with 700 members, relying on Mendocino Transit Authority and County funding which ends next year plus donors. To … Read more