Dozens of aftershocks, some as large as 5.0, have continued in the wake of Thursday’s 7.0 earthquake that struck off the Humboldt County coast off Cape Mendocino. Most of the power has been restored, down from 10,000 that were without power after the quake hit at 10:44am. Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency declaration for Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties and officials are still assessing for damage but nothing major has been reported. Lots of homes and businesses have reported broken glass and broken items falling off shelves, but no injuries. Seismologists say with a quake that size, the aftershocks could continue for weeks. Meanwhile the ensuing tsunami warning led to some coastal evacuations but no significant waves or flooding were reported by the National Weather Service.
Ukiah residents have until Noon today to sign up for the 5th Annual Ukiah Valley Let it Glow Holiday Light Competition. There is no cost to participate. You can find the sign-up on the City of Ukiah website. Spectators can then look online for the participating addresses to drive around and check them out and then vote until December 22. To encourage participation and the use of LED lights, the City of Ukiah Electric Utility is offering a rebate program for new purchases on lights for residents who live within city limits. But the competition is also open to homes outside the City in the Ukiah Valley including the Talmage, Hopland, and Redwood Valley areas. The top 3 homes within the city limits and top 3 homes outside of city limits will each be awarded $350.
Habematolel Pomo Ambassador Sherry Treppa has been tapped by the Federal Communications Commission to serve on the Native Nations Communications Task Force working to expand broadband access and communications infrastructure for tribal communities across the US. Treppa served as chairperson of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake for 16 years and is currently ambassador for the tribe and president of Habemco which is the backbone of the tribe’s economic development strategy. Treppa says in a statement that her appointment ensures that Tribal voices will be heard at the decision-making level as Tribal Nations work to bridge the digital divide.
Fort Bragg Police are thanking their Care Response Unit for their work in protecting those with nowhere to live during last month’s Atmospheric River storm. Police say during the time from November 18 to 22 when nearly 9 inches of rain fell in Northern Mendocino County, their Care Response Unit reached out to anyone they thought might need shelter. They also thank the Fort Bragg Food Bank, Grace Community Church, and Bethel Baptist for bringing meals for those staying in overflow shelters and the Mendocino Coast Hospitality Center and Motel 6 for providing beds.
Wildfire victims and others who lose their homes or suffer disaster damage could be getting tax relief thanks to this week’s passage of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. In a joint announcement Rep. Mike Thompson and Senator Alex Padilla announced the Senate’s unanimous vote to pass the bipartisan House bill that includes Thompson’s legislation that will exempt thousands of qualified wildfire victims in California from having to pay federal income tax on their settlement money. And Thomspon says this will also apply retroactively to qualified victims. Padilla says disaster settlement funds are not income, they’re compensation for what wildfire survivors have lost and the bill will help tens of thousands of Californians impacted by the Butte, North Bay, and Camp wildfires. The bill has gone to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
