The avalanche in Lake Tahoe at the Palisades happened minutes after the resort opened up. The avalanche came down through a section of high level trails injuring three people and killing one, as California’s first major snow storm of the region hit with gusty winds and snow. Forecasters expect up to 2 feet of snow to the highest elevations by today. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office said a man was killed and 3 others were treated for injuries. It happened around 9:30am in the GS Gully area that serves a black diamond run for skiers and snowboarders. The KT-22 lift opened for the first time yesterday morning, before the avalanche hit minutes later. Skiers on the lift watched the catastrophe from above with descriptions of screaming, skis and poles sticking out of the snow. The cause of the avalanche is under investigation.
A water main leak is affecting people in Clearlake Oaks. The Clearlake Oaks County Water District issued a boil water notice after the leak happened Monday. The State Water Resources Control Board with the district and the county health department told residents on Morine Way, Morine Ranch Road, Tomalee Lane and Lee Court to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking as a precaution to avoid stomach illness. Lake County News reports the district anticipated fixing the situation within five days and would inform residents when their water is safe and no longer needs to be boiled. For information about safely boiling your water, call the Clearlake Oaks County Water District.
CHP is investigating a crash on Highway 20 in Lake County yesterday. The highway was blocked after a traffic crash with a big rig around 12:30pm. A semi towing a crane and a SUV reportedly collided on the highway near Cora Drive in Lucerne. There are reports that the SUV rear-ended another vehicle. CHP reports one of the drivers had to be extricated. KymKemp reports the SUV had major front-end damage. The semi is being called “undriveable” as tow trucks were requested.
A man who allegedly was involved in a stabbing homicide and attempted murder was not present in Lake County Superior Court, and a petition for conservatorship was not granted. The Record Bee reports Steven Fredericks is accused of fatally stabbing his father and trying to kill his mother. Fredericks is currently at Crestwood, as confirmed by Lake County Behavioral Health. The court and counsel say the involuntary psychiatric treatment, or an LPS has been filed. The case will be heard in probate court next May. The conservatorship is set to expire and Deputy County Counsel requested an extension. Fredericks was charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and more.
January is Positive Parenting Awareness Month, and First 5 Mendocino is focusing on educating parents and organizations that support them with practices, programs and services that contribute to the well-being of families and children. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation to enhance and advocate for early childhood services focused on prevention. The policy takes into account whole child and family based approaches like the Positive Parenting Program. The organization has worked with local family resource centers, the North Coast Opportunities’ Early Head Start and the county’s Family and Children’s Services for classes in English and Spanish. One on one sessions, seminars and ongoing classes are available.
There is an Ukiah Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency Update. The agency is announcing there will be a meeting about groundwater sustainability activities in the Ukiah Basin. The agency is holding a workshop to discuss its role in the Ukiah Valley Basin and the current fee study underway to secure the funds needed for independent sustainable groundwater management activities. The workshop will be on Thursday, the 11th from 6 to 730pm at the Behavioral Health Regional Training Center in Redwood Valley. Participation is welcomed to the Introduction to the GSA and Fee study. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate.
The California Public Utilities Commission is waiting on a decision to approve a settlement with PG&E over its role in the Dixie Fire of 2021, the second biggest wildfire in the state’s history. The Press Democrat Reports the commission was set to vote on the settlement today after a delayed decision from November. Regulators decided to hold off on the vote on Monday, moving it to January 25th. The delay is reportedly for additional time to answer commissioners’ questions. The Administrative Consent Order between PG&E and the Enforcement Division of the commission would fine the utility $45 million, with $2 million headed to the state’s general fund and $2.5 million going to tribes affected by the fire. Most of the funds would be spent on digitizing PG&E’s records. Advocates say the penalty does not hold PG&E accountable or match the magnitude of the catastrophe.
The East Region Town Hall began the new year with considerations for change. The meeting last week included a discussion on cannabis data in the district. District 3 Supervisor Ed Crandell noted there is a need to update ordinances. Crandell talked about the idea of having two Municipal Area Council meetings monthly. The Record Bee reports the supervisor discussed the budget for multiple town halls as well as a PG&E settlement that could help fund the meetings. A project that was started with the Blue Ribbon Committee to reduce algae in Clear Lake was discussed with LG Sonic fixing buoys to help control weed overgrowth. They discussed using hypoinetic oxygenation that injects the gas into the water, to combat algae growth and low-oxygen.
New legislation is focusing on youth safety in a bill that bans tackle football for kids under 12. It passed through a committee Tuesday in the state assembly. Advocates say it will protect kids from brain damage, while opponents say it would halt kids from physical activity and infringes on parental rights. The bill now heads to the Assembly by the end of this month. If approved it goes to the Senate, then on to the Governor’s desk to become law this year. No state has yet banned tackle football for kids but there are attempts.
The Mendocino County Writers Conference is accepting applications for scholarships this year. Scholarships are available for high school students in the county with writers of all levels of experience encouraged to apply. The Advocate News reports the deadline to apply for the scholarship or for the juried Master Class is February 15th. Applicants will be notified in early March. General registration is open to the public on March 15th. The scholarship categories are organized by submission genre, including novel, short fiction, poetry, nonfiction and more. Awards are based on merit as decided by a panel of judges.
The Ukiah Unified Schools Superintendent Deb Kubin is announcing enrollment for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year is now open through March 3rd. For Grace Hudson, the dual language elementary school, enrollment ends on February 15th, to allow for an enrollment lottery. Kids turning 5 between next September and June of 2025 are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten. Kids turning 5 by this September are also eligible for Kindergarten. In a submission in the Ukiah Daily Journal, the superintendent says registering early is essential in planning the next year’s scheduling and staff. Their prime recruitment window is in March. And registering early lets the district communicate with parents with open houses to meet teachers. You can register on the school districts website or directly at their school’s office.
Printmaking is returning to Mendocino College Ukiah Campus after a 3 year hiatus. The fall semester began with printmaking students working on the debut of a brand-new printing press. The heavy duty Takack press allows for large prints and decreases wait time. The Mendocino College studio also has two small presses for beginning students. Registration is open for Beginning and Intermediate Etching for the spring semester. Students of all levels are encouraged to apply and learn about a 500 year old process that changed the world. The course meets one day a week on Saturdays from January 27th to May 18th.
