Weather conditions should settle down today, after places throughout Northern California experienced extreme winds. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts up to 88 miles per hour at Cape Mendocino. Widespread gusts over 45 miles an hour were reported along the coast. ABC news reports roads may be slick this morning along the coast. Dangerous surf is still an issue this morning with waves up to 30 feet high. There is a high surf warning still in effect along the coastline. With some more rain predicted tomorrow and Saturday, forecasts are for dry New Year’s Eve conditions.
The Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care is holding its annual homeless count set for the morning of January the 24th. The Point In Time Count is mandated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and is used to set allocations of funds for homeless services. The information will help the local community identify needs and plan to engage and support people experiencing homelessness throughout the county. The Continuum of Care is made up of local service providers, non-profits, county staff, Tribal governments and more to address the homeless or those who are at risk of becoming homeless. The county is asking for volunteers to help with the count along the coast as well as throughout all parts of Mendocino County. Check with the Mendocino County Continuum of Care for details.
On the first day of the New Year, employers in the state will be prohibited from asking workers about their use of marijuana outside of work. The new legislation also bars employers from discriminating against employees who partake in cannabis on their own time. CalMatters reports Governor Newsom signed a bill last year that prohibits employers from using some cannabis testing in their decision to hire, fire or penalize workers. This year, Newsom signed Senate Bill 700 that makes clear the state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act to bar employers from asking applicants about their use of cannabis. There are exceptions to the legislation, including workers in the building and construction industry or in positions that require a federal background investigation or clearance.
Starting Monday, California becomes the first state to cover health care for all income-eligible people regardless of their age or immigration status. In 2016 California opened up Medi-Cal to undocumented children, then to young adults in 2020, and then to adults 50 and older in 2022. Prior to this, undocumented adults ages 26 to 49 had to rely on restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which only covers people experiencing a life-threatening emergency or giving birth. The state will automatically upgrade those people to full-scope Medi-Cal. Opponents cite concerns about cost. The state has budgeted 1-point-4 billion from the general fund this fiscal year, and 3-point-4 billion a year going forward.
The City of Clearlake is seeking more funds and ways to reduce the costs of the Burns Valley Sports Complex. Lake County News reports the project on 25 acres is slated to include baseball and soccer fields, a rec center with courts, retail space, walking areas, improved ADA accessible areas and more. It began in 2020 but was stalled with the Koi Nation’s litigation. Lake County Superior Court records indicate a conference is set for February with the Tribe. The city council approved doubling money set aside for the Koi Nation litigation, to half a million dollars. The City Manager says now the city is facing delays. The city found about 9 million in grants from the state and feds, city funds and contributions from the Konocti Unified School District and more. The firm that designed Lakeport’s Xabatin Park has delivered over half the plans, but an updated cost of construction is now at nearly $19 million that doesn’t cover every aspect. They’ve established an advisory committee to work on funding issues. They are also looking for more grant funds.
CalTrans is asking for public feedback on improvements to Talmage Road. The department held a meeting earlier this month at the Mendocino County Office of Education to talk to residents. In an article submitted to the Ukiah Daily Journal, representatives from the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas were there, as were Talmage residents and businesses from along the road that serves thousands of drivers daily. A Caltrans District 1 representative says they’re considering many options to improve safety as part of their State Route 222 Corridor Management Plan. Roundabouts, intersections, lighting, pedestrian and bicycle lanes are some of possible improvements. CalTrans hopes to have improvements in place by 2030.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are announcing new studies on the health of the forest. New research published by UC Berkley show the role fire plays in forested landscapes. A proposed Pyro-Silvicultural Timber Harvest Plan at the Jackson State Demonstration State Forest will help forest officials with prescribed fires and test it the methods can be used as a tool in future management. In a JAG summary of the PyroSilva harvest plan, CalFire says they’ll work on Forest Road 552 in a process of upgrading to enhance the forest health and resilience. A Forest Thinning and Prescribed fire concept will be tested on an experimental sub-unit to assess fire vulnerable trees. The goal of the project is to enhance wildfire resilience and reduce post harvest fuels.
In the final days of 2023 we’re looking back at California’s budget issues. CalMatters reports the state needs to reduce spending with a nearly $32 billion deficit through 2024. The general fund is still the second largest on record at over $300 billion total. The state reserves this year grew to almost $38 billion, and will be used if state tax revenues fall below projections. The IRS extension due to natural disasters is collecting money due, later than usual, as is the State Franchise Tax Board. Earlier this month, a report indicates that the state will have a budget deficit of $68 billion for 2024-2025. The state budget set to be finalized in June will have cuts to one time spending, use reserves and delay programs.
CHP wants residents to know some of the traffic law changes set to take place in 2024. The Vehicle Registration on registered vehicles license plates will not be an enforcement action before the second month after they’ve expired. But, if someone is stopped of other reasons, it could be a violation with late registration fees still in place. Lake County News reports there will be more speed cameras in place in a Speed Safety System Pilot Program including in Northern California. An automobile Dismantler law will include people in possession of nine or more catalytic and creates penalties for illegal dismantling. Another law makes it illegal to remove a VIN marking from a catalyctic converter. There are many other new laws that residents can learn about on CHP’s website.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife along with Trout Unlimited and Cal Fire are holding a public salmon spawning survey. It’s happening at the Jackson State Demonstration State Forest on the 6th of January at Camp 1 at 10am. Salmon will be headed up stream after circling in the estuary. The first several fish were seen at the monitoring station on December the 3rd. This storm is motivating the salmon to move, and officials say January the 6th will be an active day for the monitoring team in action.
Fifty years ago today, the Endangered Species Act was signed into law, establishing protections that saved species such as the bald eagle and gray wolf from extinction. A new report from the Endangered Species Coalition highlights work that continues today to help many species recover, including the chinook salmon in Northern California. The California News Service reports the Yurok tribe’s Fisheries Department says the act’s protections paved the way. The Klamath River Renewal Corporation will open up 400 miles of salmon habitat upriver by removing four dams near the California/Oregon border. Crews have already taken the first dam down. In two weeks, workers will start breaching three more dams and draining the reservoirs, with complete removal expected by next winter.
California is taking mental health issues and the fentanyl crisis to the ballot in March. Governor Newsom and lawmakers will consider a measure to allow funding for housing for people with behavioral health issues. Fentanyl overdoses soared, and lawmakers are reacting to grim statistics of nearly 7,000 deaths from opioid overdoses. There were multiple fentanyl related bills introduced. Both political parties are pushing for harsher penalties for possession and dealing. A new law will require community colleges and California State University campuses to have fentanyl test strips available. There are other laws requiring the overdose antidote naloxone on hand in public spaces.
