Christopher Chen, the UC Cooperative Extension’s integrated vineyard systems advisor for Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma counties, can often be found at local vineyards measuring the impact of drought-resistant rootstocks and collecting data on temperature fluctuations. One of his main concerns though is smoke taint. The Ukiah Daily Journal says it’s a phenomenon caused when volatile organic and phenolic compounds are released by wildfires and prescribed burns. It threatens the quality of wine, and can adversely affect wine grape production. Chen’s ongoing research at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center is tackling this problem. In his preliminary study, he found that vineyards located more than a quarter of a mile away from prescribed burns showed a 31% reduction in smoke exposure. Chen’s innovative viticulture practices are also helping local grape growers maintain production and improve efficiency without over-relying on dwindling water resources.
A prescribed burn is set for 15 acres of forest understudy this weekend. The planned burn area is located on lower Tenmile Creek, near Highway 101 in northern Mendocino County, about seven miles north of Laytonville. The Ukiah Daily Journal says during the burn, you may see smoke in the area, but not to worry as its staffed by fire professionals, with permission from Cal Fire in collaboration with the Eel River Recovery Project and local landowners. It’s set for this Saturday and Sunday.
Emergency crews responded to a serious crash yesterday morning after a vehicle plunged into a creek, 40 feet down an embankment off Highway 175 near Pratt Ranch Road, trapping the driver inside. According to the incident commander who was at the scene, the driver has sustained major injuries. Mendofever says the CHP report indicates the car’s brakes may have failed prior to the crash.
A commentator is joining the race for California governor. Former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton announced his candidacy for governor yesterday in Orange County. Hilton is running as a Republican, hoping to be the first GOP governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hilton was raised in the UK and became a U.S. citizen in 2021.
California’s Capitol Annex project is estimated to cost just over one-billion dollars. That’s a significant increase from the initial 2018 estimate of just over 543-million. The building will provide offices for lawmakers and the governor, meeting rooms, a parking garage, and a visitor’s center. As reported by KCRA, it will also feature enhanced security like private hallways for lawmakers to avoid journalists, lobbyists, and the public. Funded by taxpayers, the cost is similar to Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, which was just over one-billion dollars to build, while Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center cost just over $558-million in 2016.
California will stop commercial dungeness crab fishing in the Bay Area beginning May 1st to protect humpback whales. This comes after a whale was spotted tangled in fishing gear in Monterey Bay. There has been an increase in whale sightings from San Mateo to Mendocino County, prompting the shortened season. A conservation group is advocating for a permanent shorter crabbing season to enhance whale protection.
A teenager has been arrested after allegedly leading Fort Bragg police on a high-speed chase through the city in a stolen car. The Fort Bragg Police say it happened Saturday night around 9:30 p.m. Police say the chase lasted less than a minute at speeds of 70 miles per hour. Mendofever says during the pursuit, the suspect crashed into a street sign, but kept driving. However, moments later he lost control of the car, jumping a curb and nearly hitting a house. The juvenile suspect was booked into Mendocino County Juvenile Hall on multiple charges, including felony vehicle theft, resisting arrest, and hit-and-run.
