Local homeless service agencies and county officials met last week to update Mendocino County’s strategic plan to try and address homelessness. The meeting in Redwood Valley included about 30 people who talked about ways to coordinate resources and communicate better. One of the main topics was the spread of misinformation about homelessness, which has frustrated service providers. They said community input is necessary in order to find real solutions. Officials also said it’s important to bring more voices to the table, like public officials, law enforcement, and residents. Another meeting is scheduled for July 21st in Ukiah, and the public is encouraged to attend.
Do you have a kid gearing up for sports this fall? Chances are, they’ll need a physical to join school teams. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley is offering free sports physicals at their Back to School Fair this Saturday. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers at the clinic will be on hand to give sports physicals, with suggested arrival times based on your child’s grade. Plus, kids can grab free backpacks and school supplies while they’re there. Physicals can include screening for things like asthma, heart conditions, or injuries that could cause problems for children playing school sports. Dr. Brian Gould, a sports medicine physician, says these exams sometimes catch health issues that may have gone unnoticed, helping keep young athletes safe. Parents will need to be there and sign a consent form, which will be available at the event. Click for more information.
A house fire in Lower Lake spread to nearby grassland on Sunday afternoon, sparking what officials called the Marcy Fire. CAL FIRE and the Lake County Fire Protection District responded to the blaze near Marcy Circle, where a single-story home was burning. The fire moved into surrounding vegetation and scorched about five acres. With the help of four firefighting aircraft, crews quickly stopped the fire’s forward progress. No one was injured, and officials have not reported any damage to other structures.
We’re learning more about the fireworks warehouse explosion earlier this month in Yolo County that killed seven people. The Coroner’s Office has now confirmed the victims’ identities through DNA testing. All of them had ties to two companies, Blackstar Fireworks and Devastating Pyrotechnics. New details reveal that Devastating Pyrotechnics was reportedly able to store explosives at the site thanks to a loophole in California law. Records show the company had imported large amounts of raw chemicals often used to make explosives. The explosion and fire happened on July 1st. Investigators are still working to figure out the exact cause, they’re also waiting on toxicology reports. The State Fire Marshal is also looking into whether the warehouse was fully up to code.
California is hitting some big milestones when it comes to clean energy. According to the California Energy Commission, the state has powered its grid with clean energy for at least part of the day almost every day this year, a 750% jump since 2022. So far, California has run entirely on clean electricity for around 52 full days, or about one-third of the year. On average, the state is hitting 100% clean power for about seven hours a day. Governor Gavin Newsom says California has added more than 25,000 megawatts of new energy capacity in the last five years. He says that’s almost half of the power needed during last year’s highest demand. It’s all part of the state’s push to lead the way in clean, renewable energy.
California is considering a ban on glitter in products like makeup and lotions as part of a new push to cut down on microplastics. A proposed bill would expand on the state’s 2015 ban on plastic beads in rinse-off products, this time targeting items like eyeshadow, nail polish, and even household cleaners. Supporters say plastic glitter and tiny beads may look like fun, but they end up in our environment, and our bodies. Microplastics have been linked to serious health risks like heart disease and cancer. If the bill passes, officials say it would be another step toward reducing harmful pollution.
Officials are monitoring a new wildfire burning in Mendocino National Forest. It’s called the Ivory Fire, and it started Sunday afternoon near Forest Route M3 in Glenn County. As of the latest report it’s burned about 20 acres and is 0% contained. Fire crews are on scene and no injuries have been reported. Officials are asking people to stay clear of the area so firefighters can do their job safely. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
As wildfire season grows longer and more dangerous in California, the state is making a historic investment in Cal Fire. Lake Co News reports it’s transitioning 3,000 seasonal firefighters to full-time, year-round status. The current state budget includes the funding to start the shift, with hundreds of firefighters moving into full-time roles early next year. The effort is part of a larger plan led by lawmakers to boost wildfire readiness. Cal Fire’s ranks have already nearly doubled over the past decade, and officials say they’ll hire another 2,100 firefighters over the next four years. Another $4 billion has been allocated for wildfire prevention and new technology. Lawmakers say the changes will protect communities and support exhausted fire crews who continue to deal with with extreme conditions and historic wildfire activity across the state.
We are facing dangerous heat and smoky conditions again this week. Heat advisories are in effect statewide, with extreme heat warnings in the region and continued triple-digit temperatures . Smoke from wildfires is also bringing down air quality, especially in the north. Officials urge residents to stay cool, use local cooling centers, and watch for signs of heat illness. The CalHeatScore tool can help check local risk levels by zip code. You are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts and check on your vulnerable neighbors.
Authorities have identified the victim in a homicide in Humboldt County. According to a press release, the victim is Joshua McCollister from Fort Bragg. Two suspects are now in custody. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports that deputies arrested suspects Danielle Durand during a traffic stop on Highway 101, and Deunn Willis at a home in Arcata. Both are facing charges including murder, robbery, and conspiracy. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is still ongoing and they’re asking anyone with information to come forward.
The San Francisco Mime Troupe is back in Ukiah this summer with their latest political comedy, “Disruption, A Musical Farce.” The free show is on July 26th at the Ukiah High School Cafetorium starting at 1:30 p.m. Actor Alica M.P. Nelson says being part of the Mime Troupe is about using art to spark change and bring people together. The event is free, but a $20 donation is suggested. Click for more information.
