The Lake County Planning Commission will take up a controversial bioenergy project this week. Residents near the proposed AG Forest Wood Processing Bioenergy g Plant on Highway 20 in Upper Lake say they’re worried about what the plant might do to the environment and how the county has been involved. Lake County news reports the company behind it wants a major use permit to take large woodchips to the plant and turn them into what’s called biochar, which is used in soil and water treatment. The project traces its roots to a 2022 lease between the county and the Scotts Valley Energy Corp., which is owned by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. The tribe has received a five million dollar economic development grant for the plant, which backers say will help the tribal economy and mitigate wildfire risk. Opponents think there are too many unanswered questions about the proposal. The facility is one item on the agenda of the Planning Commission at its meeting on Thursday at 9 AM at the County Courthouse.
Look out for porch pirates. With the holidays here police are warning about Grinches who steal holiday packages dropped off at the front door. A new survey shows 35 percent of Californians are worried about package theft –and 6 percent have had it happen to them. What to do? Experts say you should consider secure delivery. options–like companies that offer package pickup lockers. Another idea–have senders insist on a signature for valuable items, and having a burglar alarm or even just a SIGN that says you have one may be enough to deter a thief. Surprisingly, Doorbell cameras may not be a help. Police say the thieves are usually long gone to another neighborhood where they won’t be recognized by the time you’ve seen the pictures
