The probable record breaking heat that’s headed our way will peak tomorrow and Sunday afternoons with highs up to 112 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. In Ukiah, KymKemp reports temps could rise higher than the record of 109 and 110, consecutively. Authorities are advising everyone to avoid heat related injuries by staying hydrated and out of the direct sun this weekend. As the heat dome sits on a big part of the American west people are reminded to keep outdoor animals freshly watered and shaded.
Lake County issued a release on the General District Election that is scheduled for November 7th. On the ballot are offices of Director for the Scotts Valley Water Conservation District that will be vacated this December. There are two divisions up for bids. Declaration of Candidacy forms are available at the Lake County Registrar of Voters Office on Forbes Street in Lakeport. The filing period for this election begins next Monday through August 11th.
The Ukiah Senior Center on Leslie Street will be open as a Cooling Center Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. They made the announcement earlier today in response to the excessive heat advisory now through Sunday. Temps are expected to rise to about 110 degrees during the hottest part of weather conditions prompted by the heat dome over the west. The Ukiah Valley Conference Center downtown will be open and have ice water, wifi and other amenities today. The library in Ukiah will also be open through Saturday till 6pm. Lake County announced cooling centers will be available Friday and Saturday with most locations open through 5pm. In Clearlake Oaks the Big Oak Peer Support Center will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4:30pm. There is a list of cooling centers open on the Lake County Emergency warnings social media.
Cal Fire officials continue to remind residents not to use motorized equipment as the heat warms up the interior valleys saying there will be significant deep layer warming and drying. Saturday and Sunday will be the warmest days. Lows overnight aren’t expected to drop below about 80 degrees. Authorities remind people to stay shaded and hydrated during hot weather conditions and make sure your outdoor animals have plenty of fresh water and shade as well. Check on those without AC and limit outdoor activities.
Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendal posted about the reversal of some legislators on the Child Trafficking Bill. In a Facebook post last night, he wrote that communities need to get involved in legislation as it impacts the region, urging residents to question state representatives and other elected officials. He writes it’s important to educate ourselves and stay involved. He commended the reversal of the Public Safety Committee in the legislature saying the bill will help keep repeat offenders behind bars.
Lake County’s recent report on COVID in the area shows a 14 percent increase in test positivity of around 200,000 tests taken. It’s a significant increase from the last report a week ago.
The Clearlake Police Department posted an update on illegal grows they searched last week. Around 3,600 plants and over 1,000 pounds of marijuana were taken from five locations. In a social media post, the department says most of the seizures were outdoor grows, with just a few inside. None of the grows were licensed. Four people were arrested for charges of illegal grows, firearms possessions and more
The second Spare the Air Alert of the year is issued for today (Friday) by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District due to smog. The Press Democrat reports along with excessive heat on the way inland so too are concentrations of ozone. People are urged to stay home as much as possible, to limit driving and being outside for too long. The predicted air quality index numbers are expected to be in the unhealthy levels. You can check the air quality at sparetheair.org.
The Mendocino County Sheriff posted a warning of a fire in the Leggett Red Mountain Area near Highway 271 this morning near Red Mountain Access Road. As of about 6am, the blaze has been contained. Fire crews are in the area mopping up. Authorities are asking people to avoid the area.
The Fort Bragg City Council approved Police Chief Neil Cervenka as the assistant city manager in their meeting on Monday. Cervenka will serve in both positions with a slight pay and benefits increase. While some worry one person in two roles may be tricky, the mayor said Cervenka is trustworthy and will step in if necessary. The council also approved a solar project with Syserco Energy Solutions to power city facilities. The company is working with PG&E so any excess power would carryover to work during times when more electricity is needed. The Advocate News reports the project is slated to be done by 2026. The council also accepted a bid for street rehab with two miles of new pavement, crosswalks and other infrastructure work, to be funded by the Special Street Sales Tax.
California Senator Mike McGuire will go over the newly adopted state budget and more in an open virtual session with the GrassRoots Institute on Monday the 17th. The Fort Bragg Advocate News reports as the Majority Leader in the State Senate, Senator McGuire is familiar with the ins and outs of the budget and legislation in the works.
Lake County’s only tribal police department celebrated their first federally commissioned police officer. The Robinson Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians welcomed Kyle Wheeler as he graduated from police academy. Last night, Officer Wheeler joins Chief Derrell Hochstein as the two represent the Robinson Rancheria Police Department. Lake County News reports Tribal and community leaders were on hand to welcome the new officer as he was presented a certificate from Congressman Mike Thompson as well. It’s an historic momentum of tribal sovereignty as the Rancheria is one of 22 tribes in the state with federal cross-deputization that took Wheeler half a year to finish.
State Attorney General Bonta is warning veterans and their families about scams and fraud targeted at them. Lake County News reports the FTC has logged about 40,000 imposter scams to military members costing them over $164 million. The AG warns military members to protect their identity. Charity scams are on the rise, so people should take their time in verifying a charity before they donate. All charities are required to file with the DOJ’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. Be aware of predatory schools that target the GI Bill and other education programs for veterans. There are opportunities at California Community Colleges, Cal State University and UC. And for everyone, home loan scams are on the rise, as well as job and pension scams. Veterans are urged to keep watch on their credit report and report fraud.
There was a garbage truck fire yesterday morning in Ukiah. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority responded to the blaze. It happened at Redwood Coast Fuels on North State Street with a dump truck full of cardboard fully engulfed in flames. The driver reportedly tried to dump the load when he smelled smoke, but hydraulics malfunctioned. The truck was damaged but the blaze didn’t reach the cab, so thankfully the driver and others weren’t injured. Officials are investigating the cause of the fire.
After stalling on a child trafficking bill sponsored by state Republicans, Democrats in the California legislature say they will pass the bill after intervention from the Governor this week. In a special meeting of the Public Safety Committee yesterday, the group decided to advance the bill, according to the Press Democrat. It makes child trafficking a felony, and part of the 3 strikes policy in the state. The Assembly Appropriations Committee will now go over the bill with some asking for amendments to assure victims aren’t penalized and that the law won’t disproportionately affect minorities.
This week the Mendocino Board of Supervisors met and responded to a Grand Jury report about human resources issues. They board is tasked with dealing recommendations on correcting workplace issues that the Grand Jury noted have lacked long time strategic planning and institutional knowledge, according to MendoFever. Supervisor Haschak discussed the challenges of finding a new HR director with Deputy CEO Cherie Johnson overseeing the role currently. And the Great Redwood Trail made a presentation telling the board they are working on putting together a master plan. The group says an economic impact report foresees $100 million in benefits to Mendocino, Humboldt and Trinity counties, with community savings in transportation and health. With some opposition, the Great Redwood Trail group responded to issues brought up including negative consequences and costs. The group will meet again on the 27th.
Those who enjoy classical music can stay cool this weekend at the Sudhana Center Recital Hall in Ukiah with the Virtuoso Concert Series. Tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 there will be a Saxophone Solo Concert with Wenbo Yin. Yin recently appeared as a soloist at Carnegie hall and will perform violin transcribed sets and duets with guitar faculty Alex de Grassi. Sunday there will be a Piano Solo Concert at 7pm with Yaoyue Huang. His performance will showcase works by French composers and Austrian contemporary compositions. The performances are part of the newest Mendocino International Summer Music Academy’s program at the Dharma Realm Buddhist University.
The City of Ukiah plans to hold a public workshop on improving the Perkins and Gobbi Street corridors with the City Council. Next Wednesday, July 19th the workshop will begin at 3pm at the Ukiah Civic Center. A draft concept has been created along with the Blue Zones Project Mendocino County and it will be presented at the meeting. Wider sidewalks, landscapes, bike lanes and more are part of the vision, according to a release from the city today. The council would like as much community participation as they study, plan and fund their “Complete the Streets” projects. Help with the infrastructure has been funded through a grant by CalTrans and the California Transportation Commission.
