The National Weather Service is warning coastal residents and mariners that a gale warning is in place through tomorrow. ClimaGuard reports those on the water should seek safe harbor, alter course and secure vessels for severe conditions. The Small Craft Advisory and Gale Warning span from Point St. George to Cape Mendocino. Strong north winds are expected with gusts up to 45 knots. The ocean is forecasted to have 9 to 12 foot waves. There is reduced visibility expected with small crafts urged to take caution.
Officials are searching for remains of a man who may have been attacked by a shark off of Point Reyes. The National Park Service along with local police and fire departments are looking for a 52 year old man whose friends say he disappeared in what appeared to be a shark attack. The Press Democrat reports many agencies are working the coast, including the US Coast Guard by land, sea and air. Sunday morning, authorities were called by a group of people around 10:40am saying they saw shark activity in the Pacific from the beach. Monday morning, water resources were called off due to fog, but crews were back out yesterday searching for any remains.
The Governor has vetoed the bill that would have provided unemployment benefits to striking workers. Saturday, Newsom said he vetoed the bill because the state is running out of money, telling news outlets that “Now is not the time to increase costs or incur this sizable debt.” The Economic and Development Department already has over $18 million in debt and had to borrow from the feds during the pandemic. Fraud has been rampant as well, increasing state’s costs. The bill would’ve allowed workers who have been on strike for over two weeks to receive up to $450 weekly.
Federal support is available for people to help pay their PG&E bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can offer up to $1,000 for people who enroll. In an announcement issued in MendoVoice, PG&E says the program has already given more than $75 million to people this year. Eligibility for the program services vary depending on income, household size and location of your home. Other federal assistance programs are out there to help with home internet, wastewater and electricity fees or discounts.
Laphonza Butler says she’s ready to serve. Governor Newsom chose Butler to fill the US Senate seat vacated by the late Senator Feinstein. The governor said Sunday that he is fulfilling his pledge to appoint a Black woman. Some were hoping it would be Barbara Lee, the congresswoman who is running for the seat next year. Newsom earlier said he did not want to tip the hand of anyone officially running for the seat, but he did not ask Butler to stay out of the race. Should she choose to run, she has until December 8th to file paperwork.
An autopsy is being performed after a death at the Elijah House Shelter. The Lake County Coroner will investigate after shelter staff called authorities at around 2am this morning when they found someone had died in a bed. There were no signs of foul play and more details are yet to be released.
There will be a Water Forum Planning Group Meeting this week with the Russian River Water Forum. Thursday from 10am to 1pm at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center the group plans to give an update on the New Eel-Russian Facility Proposal and discuss future coordination. There will be presentations on Lake County and Lake Pillsbury Alliance interests related to the Potter Valley Project and New Facility Proposal. The meeting will also be available via zoom.
Ukiah residents are prepping for the 17th Annual Empty Bowls Event at Plowshares this Saturday. The event will be a drive-thru dinner with proceeds supporting Plowshares’ programs to feed the community. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports tickets usually sell out, but can be purchased online at plowshares feeds.org or at the office on South State Street. They’ve been feeding the community of Ukiah for 4 decades and are almost entirely community supported. In the last year, the program has given over 77,000 meals to those in need. 100 percent of this weekend’s event will go towards Meals-On-Wheels and more locally. Ceramic bowls are provided by Mendocino College Ceramics Club potters and local artists.
Kaiser Permanente and eight labor unions representing workers are at an impass in labor negotiations. Over 75,000 health care workers could go on a three-day strike starting tomorrow. The strike could impact Kaiser facilities in Santa Rosa and more as SEIU United Healthcare Workers West prepare to walk the picket line. The Press Democrat reports there are two additional unions preparing to strike in the Bay Area. A union official says Kaiser executives are bargaining in bad faith and are committing unfair labor practices. Kaiser officials say they remain optimistic that they’ll reach a deal and avoid a strike. Their contract expired September 30th. If the strike happens, it could be the largest health worker walkout in US history.
The East Region Town Hall is meeting tomorrow at 4pm at the Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks. The Community Development Department Director will be the guest speaker who will discuss the Clearlake Oaks Roadmap Taskforce Update as well as the Cannabis Ordinance Task Force update and commercial cannabis projects. Lake County News reports the group will also hear about Spring Valley Lake recovery, illegal cannabis cultivation and Firewise Community Safety. They’ll also go over the latest on the new Klaus Park. The ERTH will discuss an update from the Northshore Fire Protection District and more.
Cal Fire’s Forest Health Research Program is awarding $5.5 million to 15 scientific research studies. Officials are hoping the studies will help forest landowners, resource agencies, fire management organizations and lawmakers on forest health and management. They are looking for scientific publications, outreach and education and decision support tools. The program was created as part of the California Climate Investment to discover solutions for forest resilience, fuel treatment effectiveness, carbon storage and more.
Applications for tax deferment are now being processed. State Controller Malia Cohen announced the California’s Property Tax Postponement, or PTP Program, lets seniors, the disabled, or low income homeowners have extra time to pay their property taxes. Last year in the state, homeowners were able to postpone over $5.6 million in residential property taxes. Lake County News reports eligibility has been expanded several times and have added manufactured homes. The new income limit has been raised to nearly $52,000, that adds eligibility to more people. Processing began yesterday, and the final deadline for the current tax year is next February. Residents affected by natural disasters may be eligible for another tax relief program that lets properties be reappraised.
The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is back in action as a navigational beacon. MendoFever reports the motor from the 1930s was recently rebuilt. The lens was lifted off the bearings to clean, inspect and re-lubricate the bearings. Halogen bulbs have been installed and the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association staff and volunteers have gone through new training. The lighthouse also got a new paint job and new back doors over the summer, after being destroyed in January’s winter storms. The nonprofit, Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association, is inviting the Mendocino Community to join them on October 14th for the last lighthouse lens tour of the year.
