In Your Town for June 28, 2024

NOVATO

Police: Suspect stole
school district checks

Investigators arrested a suspect for allegedly stealing more than $150,000 in checks issued by the Novato Unified School District.

The crime was reported in April after the district’s checks were stolen from the mail and deposited by the thieves, Marin County sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Schermerhorn said. The checks were issued to vendors used by the school district.

Detectives identified a suspect on June 19 and conducted a warrant search of his Sacramento home, where they found more evidence of stolen district funds, Schermerhorn said.

Kevonte Ameal Keosodsay, 22, was arrested on suspicion of identity theft and making or passing fictitious checks. He was released from Marin County Jail after posting a $50,000 bail bond, according to court records.

Keosodsay is scheduled to be arraigned on July 8. He could not be reached for comment.

SAN RAFAEL

Crews snuff out
small grass fire

Firefighters extinguished a grass fire in north San Rafael on Thursday.

The fire was reported around 12:30 p.m. near Dockside Circle and Smith Ranch Road. Six engines from San Rafael and Marinwood responded.

San Rafael fire Deputy Chief Robert Sinnott said firefighters kept the blaze to less than an acre. It was under control within 20 minutes. He credited the lack of strong winds for assisting crews.

No injuries or structure damage was reported.

Investigators found the remains of “burned pyrotechnic devices” at the scene and said they likely sparked the fire, Sinnott said. Fireworks are illegal in Marin County.

TIBURON

Permit extended
for home project

The Town Council has granted a six-month extension on a home construction permit at 2215 Vistazo East St.

The project had received four six-month extensions plus an 18-month extension under a state law related to pandemic relief, according to a staff report by the Community Development Department. The department attributed the delays in part to the pandemic and in part to “numerous permit violations resulting in multiple stop work orders.”

The council approved the extension after a public hearing on June 19, a town planner said.

WEATHER

Warmup in forecast
for holiday week

A prolonged heat wave is forecast in the Bay Area and across the state during the Fourth of July holiday week, the National Weather Service said.

Comfortable temperatures at or slightly below average are expected through the weekend. A dome of high pressure building over the West Coast will trigger rapid warming beginning Monday.

Temperatures in Marin are expected in the 80s and 90s during the day, dropping to the mid-to-upper 50s in the evening. Winds will be light.