Ukiah police arrested a Willits man on Monday evening after multiple standoffs. Responding to reports of Robert Bell, 43, shirtless, yelling, and carrying a large knife on North State Street, officers spent over an hour attempting to disarm Bell. Officers deployed “less-lethal” devices and Tasers after Bell advanced on a sergeant and then fled to … Read more
A beach hazards statement is in effect from this evening through Friday night. An increased threat of sneaker waves is expected for coastal Mendocino County. Avoid rocks, jetties, and steep beaches. Beachcombing in not advised.
The Mendocino Land Trust now permanently protects 219 acres of Windswept Ranch, including 0.75 miles of Eel River frontage east of Willits, through a conservation easement completed this year. The agreement prevents development, connects protected areas, and preserves vital habitat for a number of species along the wild and scenic river.
The Center for Biological Diversity plans to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for delaying final Endangered Species Act protection for the Clear Lake hitch, a rare fish crucial to the Pomo people. Attorney Meg Townsend called the delay “appalling,” emphasizing the hitch is nearing extinction due to chronic water withdrawal, drought, habitat loss, … Read more
A Kelseyville man is facing a first-degree murder charge for the fatal hammer attack on his 44-year-old wife while she was likely asleep. Travis Ryan Bonson, 46, was arrested on Jan. 16 after calling authorities from his home to admit to the assault on Ayano Bonson, who died four days later. Bonson pleaded not guilty. … Read more
Here’s an update on the Clearlake Sewage Spill…Water tank installation is slow, with only 31 tanks installed for residents with private wells affected by the Robin Lane sewer spill, including twoon Tuesday and four on Monday. This serves a small portion of homes in the 550-acre impact zone under a public health advisory to avoid using … Read more
Mendocino Animal Care Services is partnering with Animal Balance to host a spay and neuter clinic for dogs and cats in the Ukiah area, March 6-8. Animal Balance is a nonprofit providing large-scale, low-cost services to reduce pet overpopulation. Appointments are $122 per animal, nonrefundable, and paid upon booking. Dogs over 90 pounds and flat-faced … Read more
The family of a man who died while being arrested filed a wrongful death lawsuit Monday against the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, Willits Police Department, and involved officials following Nicholas Bakewell’s death in June near Willits. The suit alleges excessive force, “unconstitutional policing,” and failure to provide medical care. An autopsy cited asphyxiation from restraint … Read more
Water tank installation for Robin Lane sewer spill residents continued Monday, with 29 tanks now installed. Testing continues, withabout 75% of impacted properties tested. Officials reported 65 wells sanitized. Wells are declared safe after two negative E. coli and coliform tests, 24 hours apart. City Manager Alan Flora has hired a hydrologist to study the … Read more
Governor Gavin Newsom has named John Langan as Lake County’s new Superior Court judge. A Lake County legal veteran, Langan has been a Superior Court commissioner since 2019, following his service as a deputy public defender in Sonoma County, and then as a deputy and senior deputy district attorney in Lake County. Langan replaces the … Read more