Lake County issued a release today for heat associated risks today and tomorrow. Triple digit temperatures are expected for parts of Lake County. They’ll be the highest this afternoon. Lake County Library Staff and County operated Peer Support Centers want the public to know their doors will be open portions of today and tomorrow. Most libraries are open today and tomorrow through 5pm. The Big Oak Peer Support Center in Clearlake Oaks will be open until 5pm today, and through 4:30pm tomorrow. Authorities want residents to stay hydrated and inside or in shaded areas when possible. Check on those without air conditioning and consider your pets and livestock. Have plenty of fresh water available and shade too. Be cautious of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency situation. If your body temp exceeds 103 degrees, call 911. Other symptoms include hot, dry skin, rapid pulse or dizziness to unconsciousness.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is urging caution, calling today a fire weather Friday. In a release, the office says hot temperatures with low humidity and gusty winds have increased the risk of fire starts, and rapid spread. Officials ask that residents not drive in tall vegetation. Do not start any sparks by using equipment like welders, grinders, mowers and more. Make sure you don’t have chains dragging behind your vehicle. Be careful bbqing near dry brush, and have a fire extinguisher nearby if you do cook outside. Follow the sheriff’s office, Lake County OES and fire district alerts on social media.
The SEIU Local 1021 that organizes Mendocino County employees may go on strike. MendoVoice reports union leaders have said the county board has bargained in bad faith on issues of pay and more. In a press release yesterday, the union said the county discussed having employees pay more for benefits and retirement, adding to an already stressed labor force. A poll shows about 85 percent of union members would strike. Local 1021 has more than 700 members, most of the county’s employees. The union says they are voting to go on strike to save services for the community’s families, children and elders. The Voice reports Fifth District Supervisor Ted Williams responded to a possible strike by saying the union is sidestepping the issue of a plethora of empty positions. SEIU members have about a week to cast a vote. Mendocino County has thru today to respond to the unions charge of bad faith bargaining.
Lake County Board of Supervisors approved a project after a landslide destroyed homes in Lakeside Heights 10 years ago. Lake County News reports in their meeting this week, the Public Works Director got the go ahead to compensate properties to be bought for the Hill Road Slide Repair and Restoration Project. The land across from the Sutter Lakeside Hospital campus had homes destroyed and the road washed out. A lawsuit delayed the project when homeowners sued and settled with the county for 4.5 million in 2017. The county has nine properties to purchase, most for just over $9,200 each. Leaders hope the project can get underway without any further delays.
City of Ukiah officials are dealing with discrepancies in the zoning code as Redwood Credit Union offers a new proposal to better fit within requirements. The Ukiah Planning Commission denied the last proposal for the branch last month, as it didn’t fit into their codes. At the city council meeting Wednesday night, MendoFever reports RCU presented their sixth proposal. The proposed bank branch location on Perkins and Main Streets currently has two buildings that would be demolished. The city considered the banks latest plan that proposes a one story project with a faux second story. city is reportedly working on a long term plan to align and clarify all the municipal codes. Mayor Rodin proposed making a list of suggestions for the next design iteration to find a balance between the current code requirements and what the developers can do.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors approved the annual report on the Sheriff’s military equipment. The board heard updates from the North Bay Workforce Alliance about how the local workforce compares to other counties and what can be done to grow labor. Top jobs in demand in the county include healthcare and nursing positions as well as municipal positions. They discussed funding opportunities for broadband and an updated communications master plan. The Record Bee reports other economic development items like EV charging stations could give the county tax credits and attract tourism development. Millions are available to the county as part of the Redwood Region Rise with Community Economic Resilience Funds.
A Civil Grand Jury released a report on the election last November in Lake County. The Record Bee reports the report shows the professionalism and security with which the election was conducted. The Registrar of Voters was interviewed as well as previous poll workers. The Jury saw each of the 22 polling locations on November 8, 2022 and watched how they worked. The jury reported that public observers and Grand Jury Observers be trained on procedures. With 80 precincts in Lake County, staffed by 34 boards, hours of training are required. They recommend a training video that covers all aspects of policies. Also, the Registrar of Voters should assess connectivity of county issued cell phones and support materials.
As officials warn of fire risk weather today, it may be good to know about how hot your medications can get before they degrade. The Tribune News Service reports on what the Mayo Clinic Network says are medication tips. Some medications can degrade, while some may cause heat intolerance in people. Insulin is a medicine best kept cool, and dry. Blood pressure meds can cause heat intolerance in people, as well as antihistamines, and psychiatric medications. Medical personnel say call your pharmacy if you nave any questions about heat and your personal prescriptions.
California’s three largest electric providers, including PG&E are considering a plan to charge customers based on their household income. California’s utility bills are some of the highest in the US, and prices are forecast to rise. Opposition to income driven bills warns of rising costs to solar energy users and less electricity conservation. CalMatters reports the utilities say income driven bills would save residents about $300 per year. For those making more than $180,000 annually they could see an increase of about $500. The Public Utilities Commission has set a deadline to decide on the charges about a year from now. Legislators and the governor signed a comprehensive energy bill last year that mandates new pricing. The power companies say part of everyone’s bill will include usage, with a portion to lower costs for lower and middle income customers.
Mendocino County comes in as one of California’s counties with the worst commutes, in data put together by Stacker. The Press Democrat reports that the average time a Mendocino County resident spends getting to work is about 21 minutes. The county comes in at number 50. Nearly 8 percent of commuters travel over an hour. About 7 percent of county residents work outside of Mendocino County. And about 73 percent drive alone to work not markedly using public transportation. The list finds that almost 10 percent of residents work from home. Sonoma County is on the list ranking 34th. Sonoma County commuters average about 26 miles to work, with about 10 percent traveling over an hour. About 14 percent of commuters travel to another county and most drive alone. Lake County is near the top of the list, ranking at number 15.
The Ukiah Library Kids Farmers Markets are popular and overflowing. The Ukiah Daily Journal writes the markets that happen each Wednesday morning are in the 34th year. From sourdough bread to produce and flowers have filled the spaces round the library with more than enough vendors. The kids like to trade baked goods, and have learned to measure, cook, price and market their wares. Other youngsters plant, tend, pick and price vegetables, plants and other produce. Some bring art inspired by nature.
The Fort Bragg City Council set their agenda for their meeting next Monday. In it, they plan to classify two positions into one with the Assistant City Manager and Police Chief roles to be held by Neil Cervenka. They plan to readopt the master traffic resolution and approve work proposals for the Bainbridge Park Enhancement Project. They’ll discuss work on the fire station rehab project with block grant funds. During the public hearing session, they’ll go over the development plans and loan agreement for The Plateau in the amount of about $2.2 million. The council plans to consider approving the 2022 Streets Rehab Project for just under $200,000. Their meeting is set for Monday at 6pm.
A woman from Mendocino had a stroke on Highway 101 north of Leggett on Wednesday. KymKemp reports multiple drivers called into CHP worried about the woman’s erratic driving. A driver successfully slowed down the woman in her car near mile marker 95 as she suffered from a stroke. Emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter to help stabilize and fly her to a Redding Hospital.
