THE COUNTY

Marin, utility renew fire helicopter deal

Marin County has extended its arrangement with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to provide a helicopter to battle wildfires.

The water-dropping Sikorsky helicopter will be available to Marin from June 15 to Nov. 15. The helicopter has a 900-gallon water tank.

Part of the cost will be covered by PG&E, and the rest will be covered through state and federal agreements, according to a report by Marin County Fire Department officials.

“PG&E is providing the helicopter under an exclusive use agreement for the 2025 fire season,” the report said, “ensuring Marin and the region have augmented air resources to improve initial attack firefighting capabilities.”

The Board of Supervisors authorized the contract Tuesday. The county also had helicopter agreements with PG&E during the 2023 and 2024 fire seasons.

SAUSALITO

City fills seats on economic panel

The City Council has appointed two new members to the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Alexander Bleyeben, a four-year resident of the city, is a vice president at a health care technology company, according to his application. Bleyeben said he has a bachelor’s degree in management science and engineering from Stanford University and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University.

Alexander Woie, a resident since 2019, is a business strategist. His application listed a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree from Georgetown University, both involving international relations.

The council made the appointments at its meeting Tuesday, City Clerk Walfred Solorzano said. The terms are for three years. The council also reappointed two other committee members, Kass Green and Teresa Ancona, for one-year terms.

SAN RAFAEL

Worker accused of stealing from store

San Rafael police arrested a former Home Depot cashier Wednesday on allegations he embezzled $1,700 while working there.

The suspect is accused of taking the money from registers over a six-month period. The store is on Shoreline Parkway.

Christopher Paul Cook, 21, of Larkspur was booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of theft. His bail amount was set at $25,000.

Cook has been released from jail pending a review by the Marin County District Attorney’s Office. He could not be reached for comment.