California has recently ended the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The California Department of Public Health will stop weekly news releases of COVID data, however, all information will continue to be available and updated on the state’s dashboard each Thursday. As of this week, nearly 73 percent of the population has been vaccinated with the primary series. The most recent data suggests that $11.2 million residents have been diagnosed with COVID. Yesterday’s average case count was 1,343 over the last week. During February, unvaccinated residents were more than 2 and a half times more likely to get COVID than people who have been vaccinated. Sadly, there have been over 100,000 COVID related deaths in California since 2020.
Governor Newsom is announcing a request for a Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration to support the salmon fishing industry facing closure for this salmon season. Projections show California’s Chinook salmon population at historic lows. If approved, the Federal Fishery Disaster Declaration would begin providing relief to fishing communities financially impacted by the closure. Severe wildfires, prolonged drought and other environmental and weather related events have harmed algal blooms and oceanic shifts, resulting in some of the lowest stock on record. Last month, CDFW announced $22.5 million for projects to support and restore the habitat for salmon.
More news from Governor Newsom, he is announcing that 11 more communities have earned the distinction of being named Prohousing for their commitment to build more housing, faster, including Ukiah. This designation will help allow additional funds for communities to scale up their efforts to meet critical housing needs. California’s goal is to build 2.5 million new homes within the next eight years, with at least one million new homes focused on lower-income families. The Prohousing Designation unleashes funding programs by the California Housing and Community Development Agency. To earn the Prohousing Designation, cities and counties must demonstrate they are promoting climate-smart housing development by utilizing Prohousing policies, including streamlining multifamily housing developments, up-zoning in places near jobs and transportation, and creating more affordable homes in places that in some ways not don’t reach households of color and of Californians who earn lower incomes.
One of the largest employers in Humboldt County, the Blue Lake Rancheria is announcing an agreement with the Unite Here International Union, representing over one hundred hospitality workers at the Blue Lake Casino, Blue Lake Hotel and other entities among the Tribe’s largest government-owned enterprises. Under the new agreement, employees will be represented by the union to negotiate benefits and salaries. The Tribe and Union have a cooperative labor management process to bring workplace issues to resolution, as well as increase employee recruitment and retention.
Humboldt County is issuing an update on earthquake recovery efforts. In a press release yesterday, the county announced that low-income homeowners who sustained earthquake damage may qualify for rehabilitation loans. The low interest, deferred payment loans are funded by about $2 million from California Department of Housing, CalHome and Community Development Block Grant programs. Homes that have been red tagged due to earthquake damage are encouraged to submit a pre-application to begin the loan process. The maximum loan amount eligible residents can receive typically ranges from $25,000 to $75,000. For more information contact the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department at 707-267-9402. More resource information on the earthquake recovery can be found at humboldtgov.org/earthquake.
Caltrans and a contractor have diverted traffic at the slide on Hwy 101 near the Humboldt/Mendocino County border to a side road that was recently paved. One-way traffic is in effect temporarily. The slide affected travelers early this year as the roadway narrowed to one lane, and dropped several feet. California Senator, Mike McGuire announced state funding of $20 million to fix the north south highway. Traffic continues to be slow through the area. Leave extra time for driving through the construction area.
In other road work, bridge work in Fort Bragg from Manzanita Street to Pudding Creek Road will continue with one-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can expect up to 5-minute delays.
On Route 1, emergency work north of Rockport at Cottaneva Creek to south of Leggett will continue. One-way traffic is in effect from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with up to 20-minute delays.
And on Route 20, emergency work from James Creek to Three Chop Road will begin today. One-way traffic will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Travelers should anticipate up to 20-minute delays.
Redwood Forest Foundation Inc is announcing the hire of Alicia Bales as the new Program Director. She will lead RFFI’s efforts to encourage community involvement in the future of the region’s forests. Bales is a well-known resident in Mendocino County, with decades as a community radio journalist and community organizer. RFFI’s attention has demanded focus on raising money, since they acquired the property. Innovative funding models and grants for several large-scale restoration and fire mitigation projects have been successful and the nonprofit will grow its staff and aim to deepen community engagement in forest activities.
The monthly Art Walk will take place today. Artists are hosting an evening of art, music and refreshments. Historic Downtown Ukiah will continue to host the event on the first Friday of each month, beginning at 5 p.m. In April they will have about 15 local artists showcasing their unique talent. DJ Seshwann will be providing free live entertainment from 5 to 7 p.m. Wood carving artist Jarrod Flowers will be carving all day Friday and Saturday. W Real Estate is featuring local artists participating with the Veterans Art Project. Among many features and exhibits, the Ukiah Library is inviting the community to join their free exhibit, sponsored by the Ukiah Valley Friends of the Library and Mendocino County Library. Art Center Ukiah is exhibiting “Re-Use It,” featuring art which uses materials that might otherwise be discarded. Grace Hudson Museum is exhibiting “The Curious World of Seaweed.” The exhibit explores the history behind seaweed, its connections with indigenous peoples, and the threatening human impact. For more information, contact Mo Mulheren at ukiahvalleynetworking.
There will be an Easter Egg Hunt at the Redwood Valley Rancheria Learning Center in Redwood Valley today, from 3 to 5pm with prizes and refreshments.
In Ukiah, the Ukiah Elks Lodge #1728 will have their Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday at 9am at the lodge on Hastings Road, with the Easter Bunny on hand for photos. Children ages under 5 are free, kids ages 6 to 12 are $7.50 and ages 7-13 are $15.
