The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has identified a man whose body was recovered from the Russian River below the Perkins Street Bridge. They say Robert Schoenal was last seen alive on the bridge, when a passing driver saw him try a rope around the bridge railing last Wednesday and called 9 1 1. By the time police got there, they say Schoenal had already jumped, leaving personal belongings behind. His body was found the next morning.
A member of the Ukiah School District Board has resigned. The district says they’re now looking for a replacement for former Area 6 Board member Rebecca Orozco, who was elected in December 2023. Her term expires in December 2026. The board says it is taking applications to fill out that term. position. Applicants must be registered voters who reside within the boundaries of Trustee Area 6 to qualify. Applications are available at uusd.net or in person at the Ukiah Unified District Service Center.They’ll have to be in by May 23rd. The board will interview candidates on May 28th and announce the appointment in open session.
The early April snowpack in the mountains is at 96 percent normal, according to the California Board of Water Supply Not only is that good news for the upcoming summer, it’s also good for the region’s famous Redwoods. The Save the Redwoods League says the average is extraordinary for the giant trees. The League says it’s also the first time in 25 years there has been a three-year streak of winters with near-average snowfall–good news considering 2016 to 2021 saw the state’s worst drought in 500 years. The normal winters have been a blessing for the stressed-out trees, which require lots of groundwater to recharge after the dry years. The League says it’s particularly good for young redwoods because it keeps them from drying out as quickly during the hot summer, reducing the risk of major fires for years to come. Like the bears who live in their shade, the average is just right for the majestic redwoods to redwoods to continue to thrive
A warning about a scary –and dangerous–outdoor threat. The Redwood Valley-Calpella volunteer fire department is reminding that rattlesnakes are getting more active as the weather gets warmer. They say you should be on the lookout, especially if you’re gardening or hiking near areas where rattlers tend to hang out—wood piles, planters, around rocks, and tall vegetation. You should also look and listen when moving outdoor items. If you do encounter a snake, give it plenty of space to move along. There are a few do’s and don’ts if you are snake-bit. DO call for help right away and take off any jewelry or restrictive items in case there is swelling. DON’T apply ice, use a tourniquet or try to suck the venom out of the wound. The outlook after a bite is usually good, as long as you get treated quickly.
