The Red Flag warning issued last week is over, but CalFire says the threat of wildfires remains. There were no reported wildfires in Lake or Mendocino during the warning period and PG&E says it has lifted advisories about possible public safety shutoffs. Several hundred customers were affected by those shutoffs lasting into the weekend. CalFire says while the critical threat of fires has passed with the change of weather, they’re not ready to declare this fire season over because the ground remains very dry. There is no rain in the forecast, but the temperatures will be much more seasonable, with normal humidity and winds.
Reported progress in talks about the future of the Mendocino Coast Hospital. Adventist Health and the Mendocino Coast Health Care District have been meeting after Adventist threatened to end its lease with the county next year without changes in the agreement. The County and Adventist have put out a joint statement, saying talks to come up with an updated agreement are going well, and that they hope to find a way forward that would keep the hospital open. Adventist says rising costs are squeezing its bottom line, while the county says the hospital is critical to regional health care. Both sides want to wrap up a deal this month.
Lake County is planning a housing project for former inmates. The Lake County Probation Department and Rural Communities Housing Development Corp say the county needs a place for those people to live once they’re done their time, especially given the current homeless population and an already tough housing market. Lake County News reports the project would cost about 24 million dollars and be a new building, not a renovation of an existing one. The Board of Supervisors has agreed to the plan, now the probation department is working out the details. They will hold a public meeting this week to discuss possible locations and what the new housing would offer those returning to society after serving time. The meeting is Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors chambers at the Lake County Courthouse.
Fort Bragg police are tackling the problem of fentanyl in their community. The department has organized a task force made up of residents who want to do something about the problem. Members held their second meeting last week and set several goals. According to a news release from the department, the group’s goals include more education and expanded access to substance abuse treatment. They’d also like to explore an inpatient youth treatment facility. They call the lack of such a facility in the region an obstacle to solving the opioid crisis. The task force plans to meet again in January to give an update on its work.
A court has ruled in favor of the City of Clearlake in a dispute about the proposed Burns Valley Youth Sports Complex. According to the city, the court found that officials followed the advice of an archaeologist and considered input from the Koi Nation of Nothern California when it approved the plans. Mayor David Claffey says the ruling validates the city’s intention to respect cultural sensibility while advancing plans for the complex. He says the project will be a catalyst for other economic development. Vice Mayor Joyce Overton agrees, saying the city is committed to working with the tribe to create recreational opportunities for the entire community to enjoy.
Another hearing is set for next month in the case of a man from Cobb accused of trying to kill his father. Peter Guererro remains in a state hospital, where he has been since he was arrested and charged with attacking his father with a hammer outside the Clearlake Walmart in March 2023. At the time, he reportedly told police he intended to kill his father in public. According to the Record-Bee, the court wants to know the status of Guererro’s mental health after the state hospital where he is being held reported he was not competent to stand trial and should remain locked up. The next hearing in the case is set for November 5th.
Families with children with educational challenges and with at-risk children have a new place to get help in Lake County. The county says its new Family Empowerment Center in Lower Lake gives parents a hand as they navigate the school system. It opened last week. Lake County News reports the center will provide services like advocacy, training, play groups, and even homework help. It’s aimed at families with children under 18 and young adults between 19 and 21 who had special needs when they were younger. Center employees are required to have experience dealing with the challenges those children face. The center is on Main Street in Lower Lake.
