The Ukiah homeless shelter has improved staffing levels over the last half year. The Ukiah Planning Commission heard from the facility manager during their meeting on Wednesday. The Building Bridges Homeless Resource Center had been having a hard time hiring personnel, especially after COVID related funding was significantly decreased, according to the Ukiah Daily Journal. Redwood Community Services who operates the shelter, was able to permanently house 56 people and are seeing growing opportunities to continue. The commission awarded a contract to operate a emergency homeless shelter in Lake County.
The Mendocino County Cannabis Department is announcing approvals can be made via DocuSign. The department says immediately all applicants and agents are encouraged to use the software for permit approval and more. The department also noted phase 3 applicants may have some tax issues to deal with. They may be taxed without having the chance to grow yet. The department noted tax appeals can be filed as they verify license status. As the department works to streamline policy and procedure, they’ve announced a workshop on September 19th from 9am to noon. The streamline workshop will be held at the UC Coop Extension Conference Room in Ukiah. The meeting will also be available virtually.
In Clearlake, the Lake Transit Authority is hearing about issues with Google Maps not synching with public transportation. During their meeting Wednesday, the group heard updates from Lake Links and Paratransit Services on ride programs. Riders spoke during public comment that public transportation doesn’t work with Google Maps, leading people to wait for buses that don’t arrive. The Record Bee reports the program manager says Google’s system takes days to update. They say the Transit app is most accurate. Paratransit Services says there’s been an influx in riders and they are working to repair buses by next month. The Lake Links program is recruiting volunteers with six new drivers this week to help take seniors where they need to go.
Firecres are mopping up a fire in Redwood Valley. MendoFever reports at around 7pm last night a refrigerator in a home on Road D went up in flames. Last night, six engines and three water tenders were at the fire working to put the flames out. By 8:30 firefighting crews were pivoting to wildland surrounding the home. Dubbed the Kitchen Fire, the blaze could be seen from the Redwood Valley AlertCalifornia cameras with heavy smoke and flames visible after 9:30pm. Just before 10pm, reports indicate the Incident Commander said crews were mopping up and could be there through this morning.
Legislation to modernize California’s behavioral health care system has passed. Yesterday, the bills to fund billions for new behavioral health housing, accountability and transparency will now be apart of the March 2024 vote. Governor Newsom says the work represents a key part of solutions to the homelessness crisis and increases mental health for kids and families. Lake County News reports SB 326 modernizes the Mental Health Services Act. Priorities are aimed at those dealing with addiction, the most serious mental illness and invests in veterans. AB531 ads over $6 billion to develop thousands of new treatment beds and housing units to help more than 100,000 people. The Governor has until October 14th to sign the legislation with a bond will be presented to voters next spring.
The California Public Utilities Commission says power bills for PG&E customers will be going up. The utility says it needs more money to reduce fire risk. Two proposals by the commission were released which would average about $25 bucks more a month for an average residential customer. That would bump PG&E’s revenue by 13%. PG&E asked for the money to bury 2100 miles of power lines.
The Fort Bragg City Council Meeting is creating a California Sea Grant Fellowship position in city hall. The position would help the city with the Blue Economy, focusing on Noyo Harbor. The fellow with an advanced degree will also support engagement and help writing the Blue Economy Plan draft. The Advocate News reports during their meeting on Tuesday, the council also approved a design for Bainbridge Park. They’d like to see a multi-use pavilion, fenced soccer fields, a camera system and surfacing the playground area among other projects. They expect the design to be finished by June of next year, with construction beginning in August of 2024.
There is more news coming from the Mendocino Board of Supervisors meeting this week, held in the Village of Mendocino. MendoVoice reports on Tuesday, the board voted to grant a one-year extension to allow tents and outdoor seating. During that time, the board will design a policy for code enforcement including water use. Residents and board members expressed their support for the continued expanded spaces. The only issue may be with the Mendocino Historical Review Board. While they work on the code, the board says restaurants should apply for permits so that they can know ahead of time how the code will be written and work with the county. The board is concerned about water use saying applicants must demonstrate there is adequate water for operations.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors is applying for a state grant to retrofit community centers to help in relief efforts during emergencies. The Record Bee reports the county is looking for a half a million dollar grant to help build up Resiliency Centers. The California Strategic Growth Council and California Department of Conservation are overseeing the funding. Senate Bill 155 and Assembly Bill 211 were passed and ensure the Community Rehab Center programs work in collaboration with community organizations and residents. The county would like to see funds to build up the Fairgrounds as a possible center for the community that would have helped in last winter’s extreme frigid temperatures.
The Pudding Creek Bridge project is halfway done. During last week’s overnight closures a Caltrans spokesperson says they installed 16 concrete beams on pier caps on the east and west sides of the bridge. The Advocate News reports there are no further overnight closures planned. Railings depicting salmon are in place on the west side. Now, the city’s waterline will be attached to the bridge. There may be some one-way traffic as they work on that part of the project.
A lakefront Lake County wine estate is up for sale. The 163 acres property is being sold for $21 million by Jim Fetzer. Realtors say the property is like an estate in Lake Como in Italy. Sotheby’s listed the property last Tuesday and immediately began seeing significant interest. The Press Democrat reports the property on Clearlake has mountain views, an expansive vineyard, private beach and a ranch home. 10 acres are dedicated to the wine grapes including cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, syrah, chardonnay and more. The winery has been known to use biodynamic farming, making about 2 million cases of wine annually.
Sea Lions along the north coast are suffering from leptospirosis. The bacterial infection is attacking the mammals along the coast in an unusually late time of year. KymKemp reports the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center is rescuing sea lions and is urging people to stay away from any sea lions they encounter on the beach. The virus is contagious to people and pets. Dogs have been known to get leptospirosis which can be devastating. The virus attacks the kidneys, leaving mammals in need of antibiotics and extensive hydration. People should stay at least 50 yards away from marine mammals, as directed by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. A spokesperson with the center says people should call the center with the exact location of an animal on the beach looks lethargic, and should keep a long distance.
On the heels of announcing the Middletown Unified School District is moving sixth graders to their middle schools, the district is also announcing a change for the superintendent. Thad Owens is being reassigned to another position. Lake County News reports during the board meeting on Wednesday, they decided to end Owen’s contract and move him into an administrative position immediately. The board voted unanimously on the action and also to appoint David Miller as interim superintendent with plans to draw up a contract in their next meeting. It will be Miller’s third appointment to the interim position of superintendent. The army veteran has filled several positions within the schools and also acted as the director of alternative education for Konocti Unified School District and more.
California has the highest level of poverty in the United States. The Census Bureau released the new information this week. CalMatters reports the nationwide poverty rate is 11.5 percent, with the Golden State having 11.4 percent of the population below the poverty line. A more complex but accurate supplemental rate includes living costs and other factors that places California over a third higher than the national rate at over 13 percent. The state’s cost of living and utilities add fuel to the fire as officials estimate the state is on track to continue to have the highest poverty rates.
The California legislature voted to allow the state to buy huge amounts of power in hopes of preventing future blackouts. The state’s power supply purchase will also help to jumpstart the offshore wind industry. The Press Democrat reports taxpayers will foot the bill in a surcharge in utility bills, when the offshore wind supply gets up and running in several years. To meet the state’s own mandate to require electricity to come from renewable or non-carbon sources by 2045, the investment now is needed. Advocates for the bill say the move is the most efficient way to control costs. The Department of Water Resources will be given the power to purchase energy through 2035. Opponents of the bill say residents’ utility rates will negatively impact the economy.
