Sonoma County emergency officials are getting a better idea of the damage done by the Point Fire. An official damage assessment map, released Thursday, shows ten structures were destroyed. Three homes were destroyed, while a fourth home suffered major damage and a fifth home suffered minor damage. The fire that started Sunday afternoon near Lake Sonoma has burned 1,207 acres of land. It is now 75% contained with no new forward progress.
New rules are coming to protect California workers from the heat. This affects warehouses, restaurant kitchens and manufacturing plants that aren’t fully air-conditioned. The state’s workplace safety board is requiring businesses to have cooling areas and water when indoor temperatures reach 82-degrees. Any hotter and they must offer cooling devices and more breaks. Cal OSHA is trying to get this fast tracked to begin in August.
Voters are no longer getting a possible say on tax increases approved by lawmakers. The California Supreme Court agreed with Governor Newsom yesterday in removing the measure from November’s ballot. He argues it would be harder to raise taxes and lead to revising the state Constitution, instead of just an amendment. Newsom says he’s grateful for the ruling and the California Labor Federation calls it “a victory for working people.”
California is answering the call to keep landline service. State regulators voted for AT&T to continue as the Carrier of Last Resort. The company asked to end its obligation in certain areas. The new regulations ensure everyone here has access to an affordable telephone service. The move would have affected millions of homes and also ended free access to 911. Despite the decision, AT&T could still retire traditional copper-based phone service.
Thursday marked the first day of summer. With hotter days ahead this weekend, organizations, including the Red Cross, are offering advice about how to stay safe. With triple digits expected on both weekend days, avoid outdoor activities or exercise in the afternoon. Also, never leave kids or pets alone in a hot car. It’s important to stay hydrated and avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol. Spending time inside is recommended. Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. The most common are heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
The Sites Fire is now the largest wildfire burning in California. Cal Fire’s Shane Lauderdale says firefighters will continue to bolster containment lines. The blaze scorching Colusa County has grown to more than 19-thousand acres with 20% containment. Crews will focus on the northern edge of the fire near the Devil’s Elbow area. More than 1,500 personnel are responding to the flames, including 14 helicopters.
If you ever wanted to serve on the Mendocino County Board of Education, now may be your chance. The board will have two seats up for re-election in the fall. There’s a candidate information meeting scheduled for next week. The meeting is Tuesday at 5:30pm at the MCOE River Campus, Alder Building on Old River Road in Ukiah. Current Board members and other officials will be there to answer questions about roles on the County Board and explain the process of becoming a candidate. Please RSVP by June 24th here. Get more info here
One person was injured, and another was killed in a crash near Middletown. California Highway Patrol Clearlake Office responded to the single-vehicle crash around 4:30pm yesterday on Highway 20 just north of Western Mine Road. Investigators said the driver was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. The Driver and one passenger were airlifted to the hospital with major injuries. A second passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP continues to investigate the cause of the crash.
