It’s all-hands-on-deck as we brace for another dangerous storm. Governor Newsom says state officials are working around the clock deploying life-saving equipment to at risk communities. He promises to use every available resource to protect millions. Officials have activated the State Operations Center, Flood Operations Center and Office of Emergency Services. Our area is waking up to rain, which will only get stronger as the hours go by, increasing the chance of flash flooding and power outages. We are under a wind advisory through the morning and a flood watch all day.
State officials are launching a new strategy to save salmon. The popular fish isn’t doing well after ten years of drought and more extreme weather. But Governor Newsom says he’s doubling down to make sure the species adapts to a hotter and drier future. It’s an effort to keep the salmon population high for generations to come. He visited Humboldt County this week to lay out six priorities including removing barriers, restoring habitat and protecting water flows.
One of the biggest hospitals in the state is helping more families in need. Kaiser Permanente is taking applications for its new health care program, and the deadline is today. The program is for people with low-income who aren’t eligible for coverage through work, or from Medi-Cal and Medicare. If you qualify, most services won’t require a monthly premium, co-pay or out-of-pocket costs. See Kaiser Permenante’s website for more.
CalTrans has announced a major investment for urban and rural projects across the state. They’ve pledged nearly 1.2 billion dollars, with about 4 million of that landing in Mendocino County. According to a press release, about 245 million will be spent on mesh screens that will collect and filter trash from California rivers. The state plans to use 1.5 million to make improvements along US 101 near Willits. Another 1.4 million will help with upgrades to route 1 near Mendocino. Another million dollars will make it’s way to Fort Bragg to help with the Elk Creek Bridge Replacement. Just under 400 thousand dollars will be spent putting in a left turn lane on route 1 at Ocean Drive near Gualala. CalTrans said the funds are part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
A stolen vehicle led Ukiah Police to a major drug bust. UPD responded to an alert from the FLOCK license plate reading system last Thursday morning. The alert led them to the Royal Motel on State Street where they found a stolen vehicle. Before they could locate the suspect, he came out of a room and surrendered to waiting officers. Andrew Cedillo was identified as the man who stole the car, but he wasn’t alone in the hotel room. Police found a woman and 3 other men inside the room, along with a large amount of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and multiple weapons. UPD arrested Cedillo, along with Victoria Vasquez, Jonathan Cisneros, and Jesse Connolly. The suspects face multiple charges including possession of Meth and cocaine. They were also wanted on several outstanding warrants from different counties. The UPD Detective Bureau has taken over the investigation.
The Good4Youth program will be offered again through Goodwill Redwood Empire. It’s a free job skills program for those age 15 to 20. The program is virtual and covers a variety of topics like how to build your resume, interview skills, and social media etiquette. Completing the course can lead to a paid internship at Goodwill Redwood Empire. Anyone who may be interested in the Good4Youth program can apply at https://gire.org/programs/
The annual Kelseyville Father-Daughter Dance is coming up. Girl dads can get tickets for Saturday, February 17th. The event is open to all ages, and this year the dance has a Valentine theme. Attendees have a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets can be purchased now at Studebakers Coffee and Deli in Kelseyville, and online through event brite. The Kelseyville Father Daughter Dance is a fundraiser for Lake County student scholarship programs. Search Kelseyville Father Daughter Dance on Facebook for more info.
