There may be some Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) this fall. That from Pacific Gas and Electric warning us that high winds may cause trees and debris to topple into energy lines which could ignite fires. So the giant utility says they might have to turn power off when it’s this dry, when it’s too windy. The company claims they’ve been enhancing their PSPS program with an 88% reduction in customers impacted by PSPS last year compared to 2020, and a 43% reduction in how long the intentional power downs lasted in 2021 compared to 2019. They are offering hotel discounts and other places to go to stay safe during a possible power outage too.
Due to the extreme drought a World War II-era boat has popped up in Shasta Lake. The lake is so dry, items have been emerging as the lake level continues to go down. The boat found had a marking of “31-17” stamped on the side which those who found it say shows it had been assigned to the attack transport USS Monrovia. That vessel was launched back in the early 1940’s by Gen. George S. Patton. The ship was decommissioned in 1968 and sold for scrap. No word how it was submerged in Shasta Lake.
After reported promises we’d find out how many people died in the record heat wave last month, still nothing. The state has apparently not been able to count how many Californians became ill or may have died in the epic heat wave the first and second week of September. Public Health experts have been complaining that the subject isn’t getting enough attention and the state has not released any data. The LA times reported last year the state had previously underestimated how many heat fatalities there had been as heat waves became more common, and more fatal for some.
The Lake County campus of Woodland Community College had its 50th Anniversary, and a party is being planned. The campus for students who either can’t or don’t want to travel further, is located near Clear Lake. It used to be part of the Yuba Community College District but then was connected to Woodland Community College in 2016. They plan to have a celebration Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. on campus. The school offers classes in culinary arts, welding, business, computer studies, science, early childhood education, and health care.
The Board of Supervisors had some time sensitive and urgent recommendations to tend to at their last meeting regarding cannabis. As we reported last week there were recommendations from the Cannabis Ad Hoc Committee, but many of the dozen or so requests were shuffled over to the General Government Committee which meets next week. The Mendocino Voice reports Supervisor Hashak told them the board missed an opportunity and there was too much time spent micro-managing grant qualifications. The same day the Mendocino Cannabis Alliance (MCA) were there waving signs to spur the board to approve the ad hoc recommendations. Some growers told the news site the delays in getting the grants distributed could mean some of them go out of business. Apparently, many growers have applied and have been waiting to have their applications reviewed.
The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on a California law regarding pork. Producers are challenging Proposition 12, which passed in 2018, which requires pork sold in the state come from facilities where sows have pens that are at least large enough for the animals to turn around and stand up. The goal is to ensure pigs are humanely raised. The state represents about 15-percent of the nation’s pork market.
Early voting has begun across the state. Yesterday was the deadline for counties to mail out ballots for the November 8th election. Republicans are focusing on crime and homelessness and Democrats, on abortion and climate change. GOP Chairwoman Jessica Patterson says she thinks the issues will flip seats red because voters are more concerned about the high cost of living. But Governor Newsom says that’s his focus too, and the reason the state is sending inflation relief checks to individuals and families.
The State Atty General Rob Bonta has announced ways to avoid homes being destroyed in wildfires. At a news conference in San Diego, Bonta said there were new guidelines for local governments as they consider approving new subdivisions in the “wildland urban interface”. That means the developments could be at risk of wildfires. The new guidelines say developers would be banned from building on steep hills in those fire-prone areas; that they need to build adequate water supplies; cluster buildings near roads;, and must use fire-resistant building materials above what the state building codes require in these risky areas.
It was gone for two years because of the coronavirus pandemic, but now the Purple Power Walk in Lake County is making a comeback. The walk in Kelseyville will be October 22nd to bring awareness and recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Lake Family Resource Center is hosting the sixth Purple Power Walk which starts on Main Street at 9am. They encourage you to wear purple. The event is happening no matter, rain or shine. The walk is to honor survivors and mourn those lost.
Anyone in need of help due to domestic violence can call or text the community crisis line around the clock, seven days a week, by calling or texting 888-485-7733.
For more information about the Purple Power Walk, call 707-279-0563 or email info@lakefrc.org.
Two changes on the General Election ballot in Fort Bragg. There are two open seats on the City Council, but one candidate’s name will not be there, and the other who has not announced yet, but they are reportedly withdrawing, remains. The incumbent member, Tess Albin-Smith, who filed paperwork for re-election for her four-year seat, is going to be a write-in candidate, while Alberto Aldaco had filed as a first-time candidate resigned. Albin-Smith’s name removed after some citizens said there were ethics violations with another incumbent council member not wanting to compete against her and instead running for a different seat. They threatened a lawsuit so Albin-Smith removed herself from the ballot, but is running as a write-in.
