Local News

• 40th Anniversary Of A Timeless Classic
  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 […]
• Teachers And School District Contract Talks Stall
  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.
• Mendocino Man Spots Big Cat
  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.
• “Snowy” 4th Annual Event Coming
  The Kiwanis Club of Lakeport will host its free, fourth annual Lakeport Blizzard at Library Park next Monday, the 22nd, at 6 p.m. This beloved tradition brings holiday magic, lights, music, and “real snow” to downtown Lakeport, transforming the Library Park Gazebo into a winter scene. Attendees should bring warm clothing, cameras, and holiday spirit.
• Wetter Weather On The Way
  The early December dry spell is expected to end as a series of weather systems move over the region. The National Weather Service says wetter weather will return starting today, bringing light to moderate rain and wind along the North Coast early next week. A break in the weather is expected on Wednesday, followed by […]
• Red Abalone Diving Ban Extended
  Northern California’s red abalone diving ban, implemented in 2018 following an 80% population decline, is extended until at least 2036. The collapse was caused by red tide, a marine heat wave, and sea urchins destroying kelp. Due to the lack of population recovery, poaching issues, and over $550,000 in lost survey revenue, the CDFW continues […]
• Lake and Mendo County Road Projects Receive State Funding
  The California Transportation Commission approved $1.1 billion for zero-emission buses, charging stations, infrastructure, bridge restoration, highway safety, and local street mobility in the state. The funds support Gov. Newsom’s infrastructure agenda, enhancing safety and climate resilience for a modern, sustainable transportation system. The investment includes $340,000 for slide removal on Route 175 in Lake County. […]
• Coho Salmon Return To Some Area Waterways
  Coho salmon have naturally reproduced in the upper Russian River basin, traveling over 90 miles upstream for the first time in more than 30 years. The sighting of juvenile salmon in Ackerman Creek near Ukiah is promising, attributed to habitat improvements, favorable ocean conditions, and recent wet years. Despite declines since the 1940s, current effortssuggest […]
• New Fire Equipment Funded for Northshore Fire Protection District
  The Northshore Fire Protection District has received a $160,000 grant, part of nearly $3 million allocated statewide, from the California Office of Traffic Safety for new “jaws of life” rescue equipment and training. Fire Chief Shannon Banks emphasized that modern, hydraulic tools are vital for improved crash response and victim care. The grant addresses the […]
• Wreaths Across America Will Lay Wreaths This Weekend
  Wreaths Across America returns to Lake County this week. The annual wreath-laying event honoring veterans will be held at five county cemeteries at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.