Anyone who thinks last month felt like a sauna here in California, is right. New data shows July set a record for the hottest month, averaging 81-degrees. That’s two-degrees higher than in 2021. The month started with a grueling heatwave that stretched almost two weeks, playing a big role in wildfires growing so fast.
California’s summer surge of COVID is on track to last longer this year. Not only are new variants spreading quickly, but doctors also blame the heat. They say more people have stayed inside where it’s cool, increasing exposure. For comparison, the summer started with a nearly 2% rate of tests coming back positive and it’s now at 13%. The state is one of 19 where virus levels in wastewater remain very high.
California voters are being warned of political scams this election season. One includes thieves sending text messages to people claiming they’re not registered to vote or need to update their information. The messages might even include a website link that looks real but isn’t. Experts say be aware before clicking on anything and don’t give out your personal info. County registrar’s offices will never text voters to ask about registration.
Parts of the North Bay will see heightened fire danger today. The National Weather Service is calling for highs in the 90s and 100s in the interior valleys. Tomorrow, temperatures are expected to be back to more normal levels for this time of year, thanks to the returning marine layer.
Sonoma State University is getting its first ever grant from the National Institutes of Health. The four-year grant, worth more than $591,000 was awarded to biology professor Lisa Hua. She and her students will use the money for research that aims to advance the science community’s understanding of human diseases. That includes cancer, aging-related conditions and more. Hua’s research will analyze how chromosomes organize and divide, and how aging can affect the process.
The Park Fire has now burned nearly 407,000 acres of land and is 34 percent contained. On Monday, firefighters dealt with temperatures as hot as 102 degrees and humidity as low as eight percent. Some evacuation orders in Butte and Tehama Counties were lifted on Monday. But, one zone in Tehama County, west of the intersection of Highways 32 and 36, was upgraded from an evacuation warning to an order. Daytime highs in the fire zone are expected to remain between 90 and 100 degrees all week.
Governor Gavin Newsom says California will be testing generative AI tools this summer. In a video released on X Monday, Newsom says one day AI could be used to improve and supercharge how the state delivers services. As of right now, it’s unclear exactly how the state will be utilizing generative artificial intelligence. California is home to 35 of the top 50 AI companies in the United States.
Reports of an explosion west of Ukiah turned out to be a vehicle fire. It happened on Saturday afternoon on Orr Springs Road. Firefighters said a small SUV was on fire, and thankfully they were able to keep it from spreading to nearby vegetation. The California Highway Patrol said the driver of the SUV was able to escape the vehicle before it went up in flames.
A new fire sparked yesterday in nearby Humboldt County. The Kimtu Fire started just after 3pm along Kimtu Road near Garberville. CalFire says it’s burned about 14 acres so far and is 0% contained. The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Mendocino Winegrowers Incorporated announced this week that the 2024 Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition is going public. A People’s Choice Blind Tasting event will determine the winners for the 45th annual competition. The event is scheduled for Saturday the 17th in Hopland. The chosen gold medal winners will go on to compete at the Mendocino County Apple Fair in Boonville September 13th through 15th. Tickets to the tasting event are $65 and include a glass, a ballot, tacos, and wine tastings across 16 categories. Get yours now at MendoWine.com
