The storm battering California is now being called a bomb cyclone. It was upgraded by the National Weather Service due to its intensity. Experts say the drop in atmospheric pressure yesterday may have been historic. Governor Newsom isn’t taking any chances; he has deployed a record number of National Guard troops and other emergency workers for response across the state. Crews all over will be busier than ever cleaning the trail of damage. One death has been reported, caused by a fallen tree. Authorities are keeping close watch on the Russian River in Hopland.
While much of the state is drenched in rain, a heavy winter storm hit Lake County over the weekend. Cobb and Kelseyville reported heavy snow on Sunday, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services issued a high wind warning for the area. Wind gusts were reportedly over 70 miles an hour in some areas. Several area roads were impassable due to downed trees and power lines. Visit QuickMap.ca.gov for the latest road conditions.
One man died over the weekend in a motorcycle crash. It happened in Clearlake, just after 11am Saturday near the intersection of Mullen and Pearl Avenues. The man has not yet been identified, but authorities say he was pronounced dead at the scene and the road stayed closed for several hours during the investigation.
A structure fire in Lucerne took the life of one person. Firefighters responded to the scene just before 6am Sunday at an RV that was on fire in the Lucerne Country Club Mobile Home Park. Mendo Fever reported that fire crews were able to put the fire out just after 7am. Officials reported one victim was found inside the RV and pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not yet been released. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Over 20 thousand people in Mendocino County are waking up in the dark. P G & E reports just over 4 thousand have no power in Fort Bragg, over 16 thousand without power in unincorporated Mendocino, about 300 people with no power in the Point Area, and around 500 still out in Ukiah. According to their website, PG & E has no estimated time for the power to be back on, but crews are working around the clock. For the latest updates check out PG&E on social media.
Ukiah’s historic Palace Hotel continues to take a beating. Over three inches of rain soaked the already damaged landmark over the last several days. The building itself is in ruins, after years of neglect and ownership changes. The current owner is trying to complete a deal that would see the 133 year old hotel demolished. City officials said they’re worried the walls could collapse due to the heavy rains, and that a collapse could damage neighboring buildings or the streets around the hotel. The city of Ukiah has not adopted any ordinances to protect buildings with historic significance, leaving the fate of the Palace Hotel up to the current owner.
Registered voters will be getting their vote by mail ballots soon for the March 5th Presidential Primary Election. All registered voters will receive a vote by mail ballot. Those ballots are being mailed out starting today. Be sure to get your ballot back in the mail before Election Day on March 5th. You can also bring your ballot to one of 20 polling places. Make sure your voter registration is up to date by visiting RegistertoVoteCA.gov.
The Circle of Horses non-profit in Fort Bragg is looking for volunteers. They have a program for adaptive riding. The program is for anyone who might benefit from riding horses or doing groundwork. Riding can be therapeutic, and helps with things like confidence, self-esteem, focus, and communication. If you’re interested in volunteering for a few hours a week you can send an email to TheCircleofHorses@mcn.org. No experience is needed, the staff and the horses will train you.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a missing man. Wesley Pole-Zavinsky was reported missing on Friday. According to a post on Facebook, he may have walked away from his home in Lower Lake sometime between January 31st and February 1st. Wesley is a white male, 6 foot 2, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Lake County Sheriff’s office. A picture of Wesley can be seen on their Facebook page.
Wishing a happy 116th Birthday to Edie Ceccarelli of Willits today! Edie is officially the oldest person in the US, and second oldest in the world. She’s the only person in the history of California to reach 116 years old. Edie graduated from Willits high school in 1927 and currently lives at the Holy Spirit Residential Care Home. Edie was celebrated over the weekend with a drive by parade on Sunday afternoon. We wish Edie continued good health and another wonderful year.
Ukiah Police are investigating a burglary at Myers Medical Pharmacy. Officers responded to the break in on Thursday night at the pharmacy on Hospital Drive. The owner of the store confirmed to Mendo Fever there was a burglary that forced the pharmacy to stay closed on Friday. No one was injured in the incident, and the pharmacy was re-opened for normal business on Saturday. Ukiah Police said they’re still investigating and will release more information as it becomes available.
Hopland residents remain under a flood warning until early this afternoon for anyone near the Russian River. Flooding is expected, especially on highway 175 near the Russian River Bridge. Some minor flooding can also be expected along Highway 222 near Ukiah. According to Weather dot GOV, the river is now expected to crest late tonight at 18.1 feet, then fall below flood state tomorrow. Flood stage on the Russian River is 15 feet, the last time it was this high, the river crested at 18.2 feet in March of 1995. Caltrans District 1 says Route 175 is fully closed from the US 101 Junction to McDowell Street in Hopland due to flooding. They have no estimated time for it to reopen. For the latest road conditions, check QuickMap.ca.gov
