There was a fire near Clearlake Oaks late yesterday afternoon. The Lake County News is reporting Cal Fire responded to Henderson and Terrace Drives around 4:40pm Wednesday. Cal Fire reported that the Henderson Fire threatened nearby buildings and power lines and said spotting was a concern. 60 firefighters, a helicopter, 15 engines and more responded to the scene. At 9pm the fire’s forward rate of spread was stopped, but still remained a threat. By 10pm, firefighters had contained 20 percent of the fire after 25 acres were burnt. Some overnight crews were released and others scheduled to return this morning.
After a mass migration away from the Bay Area during COVID, artificial intelligence is now bringing tech workers back. The tech industry is over a year into the worst slump in 10 years with layoffs and vast swaths of empty office space. The New York Times is reporting there is a growing group of what they call boomerang entrepreneurs who see opportunity again in the city by the bay. The latest wave of generative AI technology offers opportunities tech workers don’t want to miss out on. Over $10 billion in funding AI startups was announced in the first quarter this year, 13 times more than last year, according to startup tracker Pitchbook. The AI boom is bringing back more than tech industry professionals with finance workers wanting in on the surge.
The South Cow Mountain Off-highway Vehicle Management Area is open again. The Bureau of Land Management announced in a release in MendoFever that their Ukiah staff finished the job to reopen to the public and continue protecting habitat for the Clear Lake hitch. They are asking visitors to respect the barriers. As pools become more defined and disconnected the hitch will be protected until the baby fish have matured. Larger fish will be easier to rescue. The BLM will continue to work with local tribes, organizations and agencies to promote the protection of the species. Work at Scott’s Creek will help ensure the survival of the species.
Lake County announced a $650,000 grant to prioritize future climate resiliency actions. In a release yesterday afternoon, the County confirmed the money in Round 1 funding from the state to develop a Climate Adaptation Plan. Actions include enhancing public awareness, disaster prep, a countywide evacuation plan and working on the county’s Community Risk Reduction Authority. Lake County will collaborate with advisory councils, town halls and community groups in cementing plans and policies in place to plan for the future. The Chair of the County Board of Supervisors says the Risk Reduction Authority has become a vital point of connection for co management of climate related threats like wildfire and floods.
Cal Fire will be doing a prescribed burn at Sonoma Land Trusts Laufenburg Ranch Preserve in the northeast part of Sonoma County today. In the Press Democrat, officials hope the burn helps to restore natural habitat and reduces the risk of wildfires on the nearly 180 acre preserve at the base of Mount St. Helena. Fire officials say the fire season may get a later start this year following a wet winter. But they do worry about the extra vegetation the water helped grow. The burn will be from 9am to 5pm Thursday in two different areas of the ranch preserve off of Spencer Lane in Knights Valley.
The Habemotolel Pomo of Upper Lake have been included in funds through the Department of Water Resources for a Small Community Drought Relief Program. The board announced its 10th round of funds for projects like pipeline replacement, well rehab and infrastructure upgrades. In Lake County News, the tribe on Upper Lake Rancheria will get $100,000 to build a new well after the existing well was compromised in the drought. Launched 2 years ago, the Small Community Drought Relief Program has divvied out over a quarter million dollars for 138 projects statewide. The projects focus on water infrastructure repairs, water conservation and fish and wildlife protection.
Last week fire departments were sent to a home on fire in Redwood Valley, with one fatality. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the home was on Colony Drive where a fire was called in at around 3:40pm, June 6th. The Ukiah Valley Fire Authority says they are still investigating the fire and could not comment on the cause. As the summer fire season begins, people at the Air Attack Base in Ukiah have confirmed Cal Fire tankers have arrived to be on-hand.
A former Willits Police officer filed a civil lawsuit against the Willits Police Department, the City of Willits and former Lieutenant Derek Hendry in the wake of sexual harassment and hostility. In KymKemp, the suit claims former officer Natalie Higley reported Hendry to her superior officer the Willits Police Chief and was asked to turn over her badge and gun. It is the third public accusation that Derek Hendry was inappropriate and sexually abusive. Higley’s experience began in July of 2020, when Hendry recruited her to enroll in the Police Academy. In the year after she began working she experienced sexual harassment and insults along with threats. Higley says she faced retaliation from Hendry as well as from the department. The suit is scheduled to begin in Mendocino County Superior Court December 1st.
In an unemployment report, Mendocino County’s rates 31st in the state, with 5.3 percent in March , up about a point from last year, with just under 2,000 unemployed. Lake County was #24 on the list, with a rate of 6.3 percent in March, up a point from last year. Nationally, the unemployment rate is at 3.4 percent. In a list of counties in the Press Democrat, data shows rates in California range from the highest rate in Colusa County at over 19 percent, to the lowest in Placer County at 3.7 percent. Sonoma County was not listed.
California has approved a ra ise in homeowner insurance premiums of 4 percent for the company AllState. Allstate has filed plans for another rate hike of about 40 percent, that will cost homeowners nearly $200 million. Even with the hikes, the company has no plans to write new policies. In the Ukiah Daily Journal, Allstate’s existing customers will see higher bills. AllState applied for their increase in April of 2021 before inflation hit. In a statement, AllState said the cost to insure new homeowners is far higher than the price they would pay for policies due to wildfires, high home repair costs and higher reinsurance premiums. Insurance industry leaders say the state’s market could improve by allowing insurers to bill customers for reinsurance and base premiums on loss projections. The insurance commissioner’s office says that can’t happen because the state can’t regulate it.
The annual Farmers Convergence is happening next Tuesday at Ridgewood Ranch. In the Willits News, the program will include panels on farming and sustainability issues. The aim of the meeting it so build community networks of small farms in Mendocino and Lake Counties. The program on June 20th begins at 8:30am and runs through 4pm. The North Coast Opportunities’, MendoLake Food Hub, Farm to School and Good Farm fund are some of the sponsors of the event. Tickets are $10 and include food, though everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to pay or not.
A bill has been proposed and was introduced by Representatives Mike Thompson and Doug LaMalfa that would exempt homeowners from taxes for hardening their homes against natural disasters. In Lake County News, California, North Carolina and Louisiana are the only states to provide rebates for homeowners to take steps to protect their homes. Improvements include tree removal, strengthening foundations and installing fortified roofs. The bill would put disaster mitigation in the same category as energy conservation. Thompson said exemption from federal taxes ensure communities can make the investments in disaster resilience.
There is an update on the Henderson Fire in Lake County. Cal Fire reports that as of 8am this morning they have contained about 35 percent of the roughly 30 acre blaze. Officials say the threat to buildings and power lines has decreased. The fire that began on Henderson Drive in Clearlake Oaks traveled uphill. No evacuations have been ordered for the 2,100 residents on Clear Lake’s east shore, according to the Press Democrat. Fire activity significantly decreased just before sunset last night. Crews remain on scene as they bring the fire under control with 60 firefighters, one chopper and 15 engines. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Supreme Court preserved a law that give preference to Native American families in foster care and adoptions. The 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act was left in place by the court in today’s ruling. The act addresses concerns that Native kids were being separated from their families and tribes. Tribal leaders say the law is necessary to preserve families, traditions and cultures, according to the Press Democrat. A majority of the America’s 574 federally recognized tribes and over 20 state attorneys general voiced support to uphold the 45-year-old law. Before 1978, between 25 to 35 percent of Native American children were taken and placed outside of their tribe, most settled with white families or in boarding schools.
The Fort Bragg City Council approved funding for the Mendocino Coast Humane Society this week. The council granted a one-time cash infusion of $18,000, according to the Mendocino Beacon. The Human Society has the only vet clinic on the coast that provides low-cost spay and neutering. The clinic has assistance for those who need it through their Second Chance fund and more. Most of the Humane Society funds come from the Ark Thrift Store, donations, fees and a small amount from the city. The vet clinic at the Humane Society has limited space so they are working towards getting a bigger space.
Lake County administrators are asking for the public to participate in a short survey from the state. California has put out a brief Digital Equity Survey hoping residents involvement will maximize funds from the feds. In a release today, Lake County Legislative Coordinator Matthew Rothstein says at least 250 Lake County residents must complete the survey by the end of this month to meet statewide goals. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act has earmarked $62 billion to improve nationwide broadband availability. Increased involvement in the survey will help the state’s counties get the maximum available funds to help increase internet access. The survey is available in both English and in Spanish and has been distributed to media outlets.
Kelseyville High School students Joey Gentle and fishing partner Tyler Bryant will be going to the Student Angler Tournament Trail National Championships next Wednesday in Wisconsin. The two are part of the Lake County Fishing Club and just won Angler of the Year for the California Student Angler Tournament. Jason Gentle, Joey’s brother will be their boat captain for the team next week.
