California is developing new wildfire protection regulations that would ban nearly all plants and combustible materials within 5 feet of homes, an area now labeled “Zone 0.” While past guidelines have advised minimizing flammable materials near homes, the new “ember-resistant zone” rules go further by prohibiting grass, shrubs, and many trees in this zone. Lake County News says it’s being expedited under an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom, and part of a broader effort to reduce fire risk in areas with high wildfire danger.
The Lake County Sheriff’s office says a 42-year-old Clearlake woman is dead following a possible drowning at Highland Springs Reservoir. The official cause of death for Kimberly Kay Hill will be released once an autopsy is performed. Mendofever says Highland Springs Reservoir is part of a 3,200-acre recreation area popular with hikers and horseback riders and approximately 4.5 miles south of Kelseyville.
You are invited to tour five gorgeous gardens this Saturday in Mendocino County. The Garden Conservancy describes them as private oases in Mendocino County. He says the private gardens sending out the public invite include Fish Rock Ranch Gardens in Yorkville, Woodshop Grounds in Boonville, Wildwood in Philo, Christiansen-Arner Stone and Water Sculptures in Mendocino and Pepperwood Pottery in Navarro. The Ukiah Daily Journal says the gardens will be open from 10 a.m through 4 p.m. Tickets and registration available online at gardenconservancy.org/opendays.
The Round Valley Prescribed Burn Association held its first burn on May 30, burning 55 acres of grass at the airport just outside Covelo. The Covelo Volunteer Fire Department and Cal Fire said it was the ideal place for a burn since vehicle fires break out there frequently due to the thick, tall grass in the area. This kickoff burn turned into a huge gathering of folks from several different agencies. The Mendocino Voice says by purposely burning the grasses before it gets really hot and dry, officials hope any fires that accidentally spark will be easy to put out before they spread.
The gray wolf population in California is growing, raising new concerns for ranchers about livestock attacks. Since it’s a protected species, wolves can only be killed in immediate danger situations. California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is now launching a new program to monitor wolf movements with collars, enabling quick responses to any threats. Ranchers can opt into the program, which will run through the summer. So you know, there are ten groups of about 70 wolves, mostly located in the northern part of the state.
The Library Literacy Program needs you. Well, they need tutors for their Adult and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in the Clearlake and Middletown areas. Those programs are available to learners ages 16 and older and will help them improve their reading, writing, and conversation skills. If you’re fluent in Spanish, you are especially needed or if you’re willing to work with folks with learning or developmental disabilities. No experience is necessary. Training is free and virtual tutoring is also available. You should know that a recent Adult Skills Survey data found that Lake County had a 26% literacy proficiency level of at or below level 1, which is the lowest level. For more information call 707-263-7633 or email literacy.
Save the date. The Mendocino County Behavioral Health Advisory Board Meeting monthly meeting is set for next Wednesday afternoon, from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. The meeting will be held at Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Conference Room 1, in Ukiah. Everyone is welcome to attend.
