Some amazing numbers for January are coming from Cal Fire. It was the busiest January EVER for Cal Fire, with 331 wildfires that burned more than 57,000 acres. The human toll–29 deaths and more than 16,000 structures destroyed. The two biggest Southern California fires–Palisades and Eaton are among the three most destructive in state history. The numbers also show 872,000 gallons of water and 390, gallons of retardant dropped on the fires, by fixed-wing and rotary aircraft that logged almost 700 hours of flight time.
It’s something folks around here know but now, Wine Enthusiast Magazine knows it too–and is telling its readers. The publication has named Mendocino County the American Wine Region of the Year. Wine Enthusiast points to the region’s reputation and its focus on sustainability. 25 percent of all vineyards in the county are certified Organic. That’s more than a third of all vineyards in the state. Wines with the Mendocino County designation as an American Viticultural Area come from a crop of more than 275,000 acres with 12 distinct sub-regions.
It’s Super Bowl Sunday and police say their teams are ready. Law enforcement agencies say they’ll quickly throw a flag at anyone they think is impaired with no chance for an instant replay review. Every year, Superbowl weekend brings more DUI-related crashes than a normal weekend, and police say while they don’t want to spoil the fun, they are serious about keeping those who shouldn’t be driving off the road.
