Digging out from the crazy storms we had the last several days. Mendocino County has announced the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) and Mobile Registration Intake Centers (MRIC) are staying open much longer. Residents impacted by the severe storms and flooding from last month and the month before, have until Sunday, March 5th to register, update FEMA applications, and get more information on state and community programs and other available assistance. FEMA’s deadline is until Thursday, March 16th. The Mendo centers are at the Point Arena City Hall and the Willits Community Center. Specialists will be on hand to help those who apply. You can also apply online or call.
DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
The City of Clearlake is working with Lake County for an extension of their warming center at the Clearlake Senior Center. The storms were supposed end yesterday, but the National Weather Service forecasted more potential precipitation which could impact the area. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department, the Lake County Department of Social Services and Lake County Behavioral Health were all providing cots, blankets, light food and snacks. They are open today and tomorrow from 5:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M.
The Public Health Officer in Lake County has issued a county-wide health alert due to winter storm activity. The Emergency Operations Center has been activated. The county’s health office is also reminding to take additional precautions in the cold weather, especially children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with special medical needs. Schools are all closed today. Folks without a warm space to stay are encouraged to visit the Lower Lake Town Hall or Sunrise Special Services Foundation’s Warming Center in Lakeport.
Intro: Criminal justice reform groups are rallying behind a new bill to make it easier for people hurt during incidents with police to get support from the California Victim Compensation Board. Most claims, besides domestic violence or sexual assault require the victim be identified in a police report. Michelle Monterrosa’s brother Sean died at the hands of Vallejo Police in 2020. The officer was fired but never charged. Monterrosa says the bill would help families like hers cope.
:14 “And unfortunately, because our loved ones were killed the way they were, you know, we’re not considered victims, they are not considered as victims. So, therefore, we’re continuing the cycles of trauma and harm. The whole household is also a victim, you know – we’re the ones who deal with the loss every day.”
Tag: The bill excludes cases of “great bodily injury” in a law enforcement encounter before being killed. Families or survivors would be able to use evidence other than a police report to access the new assistance, which pays for burial costs, medical bills and counseling. The victim would be eligible regardless of whether the officer is arrested or convicted.
Second Cut: Cristine Soto DeBerry with the nonprofit Prosecutors Alliance oversaw a similar program in San Francisco and says the system needs to be more flexible and compassionate.
:12 "We see families having to turn to GoFundMe pages and car washes to try and cover the cost of burying their loved one after an incident like this. And that, to us, seems inhumane and unnecessary."
Third Cut: The California District Attorneys Association opposed a similar bill in last year’s legislative session, arguing the law would allow compensation to perpetrators of crimes. Soto DeBerry argues that the outreach is a win-win.
:09 "Supporting families through this process is a smart public safety strategy, and one that strengthens legitimacy rather than undermining it."
Tag: Senate Bill 838 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.
A child on a bicycle has been hit by a car in the Westside Neighborhood of Ukiah. Mendo Fever reports cops got their yesterday afternoon around 3:05 p.m. Reports say the child was thankfully, minimally injured.
After a former cop in Fort Bragg is fired for misconduct after a relationship with a DUI suspect, a different woman is speaking out. Mendo Fever reports the police agency fired Sergeant Christopher Awad in 2020. The news site reports this other woman they spoke to says she was offered rides from Awad after her DUI in 2014. She said she felt pressured to give her phone number to Awad. The woman reportedly saw the report on Mendo Fever about Awad. She says he texted her a lot after her arrest and she felt the need to block him. Another report on the news site Red Headed Blackbelt says the same cop dated a sister to a Norteños gang member while he worked on the Gang Task Force.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Cannabis Restoration Grant Program (CRGP) has more than $20 million in grant money for remediation, habitat enhancement and conservation projects. There are two opportunities to win the grants which are also set up to help small cannabis cultivators become fully licensed. The Cannabis Program Director says the money can be spent on a broad selection of projects including culvert work, cleanup and remediation of illegal grows and other projects that benefit the environment. Last year there was almost $5 million in grants and the state could quadruple awards this year.
A barn is gutted in Albion after a fire broke out. Reports of explosion sounds in the area of Salmon Creek Farms. Cal Fire went with Albion Fire to the scene Saturday, and later Mendocino Fire joined. It was less than 20 minutes, and the fire was out, but not before the barn was destroyed. There were also two five-gallon propane tanks in flames, which may account for the explosions. About 4 hours later all firefighters were released from the scene.
After snow came down Highway 128 and Mountain View Road had to be closed. Reports say it could be until Wednesday before either opens, as more weather was potentially coming our way last night. Because of years of drought and some diseased trees, now weighted down by snow, some fell onto the highway and on Mountain View. Emergency crews were challenged to get into the area. There were also stranded cars, and some larger trucks. They will have to be removed along with debris in Yorkville and Yorkville Hills. Caltrans Facebook page had many angry comments from drivers who got stuck.
As the rain continues, the National Weather Service predicts it could be an all-week thing. With that, a warning that dangerous mountain travel is anticipated until Wednesday because of heavy snow, and a continued potential for low elevation snow locally. If you’re planning to travel, there’s a reminder, of course, drive slow, and be aware on the roads during inclement weather, and give yourself more time to get where you’re going for potential delays and possible highway impacts. And to have chains when traveling into higher elevations. Also be careful using non-highway alternate routes in the event of highway closures.
For those who needed it in the Cobb area, the Cobb Mountain Lions outfitted the Little Red School House as a community warming center Saturday. They also stayed open longer hours on Sunday as there was a forecast last night for up to two feet of snow. So, folks who were stuck, could use the warming center. The Office of Emergency Services and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said yesterday nearly 34,000 residents had no power ahead of the weekend and colder temperatures. There were also frigid temperatures reported around Clear Lake with possible snow in the forecast. Lions Club members helped with Go Bags, hot beverages, heat and internet access and they were sending Go Bags to people who couldn’t get to them. The center is open until 6 pm today.
In Lake County, the BOS is considering a local emergency declaration due to the continuing storms. The Board is also discussing some recruitment for department heads tomorrow. But first, an extra item, ratifying the Sheriff’s declaration of a local emergency because of snow and extremely cold temperatures. Lake County News adds that the Sheriff made the declaration last Friday, as the county was still experiencing widespread power outages from the snowstorm. And the board is scheduling special meetings next month regarding county counsel candidates. Those will be closed door sessions. The County Counsel is retiring March 24th. Additionally, the Behavioral Health Director is also resigning and will need to be replaced.
