Events are planned for Friday and Saturday night remembering the man shot and killed one week ago at Lakeport’s Library Park. This evening from 6: 30 P.M. to 9 P.M., the Middletown Arts Center’s open mic night will be dedicated to Vicente Colacion. Folks there say the 32-year-old wrote and enjoyed poetry and would often read to the group over the phone. The candlelight vigil planned for tomorrow night begins at 7:30 at the Library Park Gazebo. The suspect accused of killing Colacion made his first court appearance earlier this week and has pleaded not guilty. 33-year-old Lakeport resident Joshua Tovar remains behind bars as the investigation into the case continues.
We’ve got an update on the final plans, both to remove the Scott and Cape Horn dams created for the Potter Valley Project and build a new water diversion facility. Yesterday’s online meeting was hosted by Tony Gigliotti, PG&E’s Senior Licensing Project manager. He explained the complicated process involved in the utility’s application to decommission and surrender its hydroelectric plant in Mendocino County. He added that removing the Scott Dam would be a 3 year process. As for the Cape Horn Dam, it will be removed at the same time. When it comes to the new water diversion facility, David Manning from the Sonoma County Water Project says the design phase is 60% complete and that they want to rebuild it at the same time the Cape Horn Dam is removed.
Another weather-related death this week…the third according to the California Highway Patrol. A Cloverdale man was killed in a solo car wreck Tuesday in Mendocino County. Officer Olegario Marin, a CHP Ukiah spokesperson, says heavy rain appeared to be a factor in the crash. The 58-year-old driver was headed south on the 101 near Hopland when it happened. An investigation is underway.
Local Assemblymember Chris Rogers introduced AB 472. This measure would require that Governor Newsom include an assessment of funding opportunities for offshore wind seaport infrastructure in his Five-Year Infrastructure Plan. Rogers says that offshore wind has the potential to transform the economy of the North Coast and create access to a new renewable energy source. He also says that AB 472 will ensure offshore wind ports are included in California’s infrastructure planning so we can meet the state’s cleaner energy goals and create more jobs locally. Rogers, a Democrat, represents the Second assembly district which includes Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties.
The office of emergency services for Lake County wants you to be prepared given the current weather and conditions. They have listed a plethora of resources online at https:/Ready.LakeCountyCA.gov. You can register to receive alerts, a plan for emergencies and connect with neighbors. You can also get the latest information on the roads and highways, flooding, power outages and more. It’s a valuable resource and you are encouraged to check it out!
The Board of Supervisors are still wrangling over the process of renaming Kelseyville, two months after they voted to recommend changing the name to Konocti back in December. This despite criticism from residents who voted against the name change on a November advisory ballot. During Tuesday’s meeting this week, supervisors considered sending letters to federal and state naming authorities, requesting them to update their name-changing process. However, the motion died since it was not seconded.
President Trump’s recent executive orders to pause all federal funding until recipient programs are reviewed are affecting local agencies and nonprofits right here. Representatives with the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council say pausing monies coming in for their first direct federal grant, could reduce wildfire risks throughout the county. The already signed off grant would fund support staff focused on establishing and supporting Firewise Communities throughout the County, including neighborhood risk assessments, developing three-year action plans, and tracking local investments made to improve wildfire safety. Other grants on pause locally include the Mendocino Coast Clinics.
The Mendocino Film Festival will hold its second annual “Raise the Tent” Fundraiser on Thursday, March 6 from 5-8pm at Noyo River Grill in Fort Bragg. Tickets include a three-course meal, provided by Noyo River Grill and a live auction. Raise the Tent aims to help the Mendocino Film Festival continue to produce a world-class festival for local residents, visitors and filmmakers from around the globe. Tickets can be purchased at www.mendofilm.org or by calling 707-937-0171.
Following two of the most destructive wildfires in California history, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and a bipartisan coalition of State Senators today announced critical legislation to bolster CalFire’s firefighting and fire prevention efforts. The Fight for Firefighters Act proposes phasing out seasonal CalFire firefighters who work nine months out the year and transition these 3,000 firefighters to full-time status. It would also mandate all 356 CalFire fire engines to be fully operational 365 days per year and guarantee all CalFire helicopter bases are fully staffed year round. McGuire, who represents the North Coast, has been a longtime supporter of California’s firefighters.
