CalFire is taking applications for a program to reward businesses that support healthy and resilient forests. There is a total of 20 million dollars available. CalFire says the Business and Workforce Development program has already helped with a biomass utilization facility and promotes other innovative uses of wood products from California forests. Those projects will support more forest-related jobs. The deadline to apply is March 8th. Apply online at Fire.CA.gov
Reggae on the River will be returning for its 35th year. The dates are set for August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in Humboldt County. Tickets will go on sale at noon today, but you’ve got a chance to win a VIP package for 2 if you come up with your dream lineup. Check out the online contest at Reggae on the River dot Com. The festival brings together artists and fans from around the world. Reggae on the River will benefit the Mateel Community Center and the Humboldt County community.
A bicyclist died after she took a curve too fast and went off the road. It happened Monday afternoon in west Sonoma County. First responders said the woman’s riding partner reported the crash. Police said the woman was riding too fast and didn’t see the curve ahead. Her bicycle went off the road and she hit a fallen tree. The woman died at the scene. No one else was injured.
Providence says they’ll be closing outpatient labs at several hospitals in California, including some in the North Bay. Outpatient services are scheduled to be scaled back on March 18th. The Napa Valley Register reports Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa is one of them. Providence also owns Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Petaluma Valley Hospital and Healdsburg Hospital. Providence officials said in a statement that no jobs will be affected by the closures.
A student has been arrested after an assault at Montgomery High School. A letter to parents said a student was injured in a fight that happened in a girl’s bathroom on Tuesday afternoon. The Santa Rosa Police Department released a statement Tuesday night that said a 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assault and robbery. Last March, a student was stabbed to death at the same high school after a fight during an art class.
It’s only been in operation for a year, but the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force has already seized over 312 million dollars in unlicensed cannabis. The task force was formed to protect the public, and the integrity of licensed cannabis growers. It was created by Governor Newsome in 2022. In 2023, one bust alone recovered 190 thousand pounds of illegal cannabis. In that same bust, the task force also destroyed over 300 thousand plants and took 119 illegal firearms. UCETF does their work with help from several local, state, and federal partners.
Mendocino / Lake Regional SWAT team helped with an investigation into illegal firearms last week. On Friday, they served a search warrant on Christopher Ford at a home in Clearlake. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s office, several illegal firearms were found at the home. Mendo Fever reports Ford faces several charges including felony possession of any assault weapon and felony possession of a silencer.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has proclaimed a Local Emergency. The flooding throughout the county is to blame. Mad River flooding started on Friday, and many local creeks and streams have overflowed. Emergency crews have had to rescue several residents from floodwater. The flooding has damaged local infrastructure as well as homes and businesses. Crews are still working to clean up the mess in several areas. Calling for a Local Emergency will allow for the approval of state and federal assistance with cleanup efforts.
The Lake County Office of Emergency Services is holding classes next month for the Ag Pass Program. They’re one of several agencies helping people learn how to get the agricultural pass. The Ag Pass helps certain property owners during a wildfire evacuation. The Ag Pass Program is for any commercial agricultural lands or livestock producer, including cannabis, who need to tend to their property during an evacuation. The course includes an overview of how to get and use the pass and instructions for wildfire incidents. The first meeting is scheduled for February 10th at the Scotts Valley Women’s Club. Check with the Lake County Sheriff for registration info.
A reminder, the Jackson Demonstration State Forest is holding a meeting tomorrow with the Recreation Task Force. It will be held at the Woodlands Fire Station in Mendocino starting at 9:30am. The meeting will include a general recreation update after setting things up for the new year. They will also discuss public trails and a draft of unsanctioned trail rating criteria.
