There’s some improvement to report after the heavy rain of the last couple of days caused flooding in some prone areas. CHP is still listing Highway 128 west of Navarro at Flynn Creek Rd, and Talmadge Rd near the River in Ukian, all affected by high water. Flood warnings and National Weather Service advisories have been or will soon be lifted. Still, police urge caution on the roads tonight.
If you live in Willits, you may notice your water is discolored. The city says that’s because of a fire earlier today at Madden and Tuttle Lanes. Crews had to use a hydrant there so the water was stirred up. If you have any questions you can contact the city.
The Mendocino City Community Services District is getting a $15 million boost to upgrade its recycled water system. The district says the grant from the state water resources control board will go to improvements to allow recycled water use for irrigation and reduce the amount of treated wastewater discharged into the ocean. Another important benefit–is more water for fire suppression. The upgrade will include a 250,000-gallon recycled water tank, 15 fire hydrants supplied by recycled water, and recycled water service at Mendocino High, the K-8 school, and Friendship Park. In a release, district officials say it will be a while before the work is done, but when it is, the community will be in a better position to conserve groundwater water and have enough water in case of an emergency.
A man accused of murder has made his first court appearance. Joshua Tovar–arraigned on four felony charges in Lake County Superior Court. He is facing those accusations after last Friday’s death of Vicente Colacion, who was found unconscious near the seawall in Library Park. Prosecutors say Tove has a long criminal record–including felony convictions in 2012 in San Joaquin County and Lake County in 2016 and 2018. He’s being held without bail.
Cal Fire is adding staff under emergency orders from the governor. That means the Mendocino Unit has hired 86 new firefighters as of this week. 36 will form two crews, while the other 50 will staff all 10 Unit Stations with one engine. Cal Fire says they’re gearing up to change from ONE fire season to a year-round threat.
You can do business in person with the Lake County Air Quality Management District again. The Office has been closed to walk-ins since last September because of a staff shortage. Now, it is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon for paperwork drop-off and other limited services. The District says it is still better to make an appointment or go online for routine business like getting a burn permit or other necessary documents.
