(1)They are tiny but they are a big problem! A tiny mollusk that is native to Europe called Quagga and Zebra mussels can wreak havoc on boats, pipes and other infrastructure here in California. The good news is that there are no current reports of these mussels in North Coast waterways including Mill Creek Ponds, Lake Mendocino, or Lake Sonoma. But Amber Fisette, Deputy Director of Transportation for the Mendocino County Department of Transportation says that the County knows that the mussels ARE present in the south Bay Area, where they cause enormous damage to watercraft, water infrastructure, and wildlife habitat. To discover ways to keep our area free of these mussels the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District will be hosting a free event at Low Gap Park this Saturday from 8:30-12, during the Russian River Clean-up Day.
(2)If you’re someone who would like to make an immediate improvement to the environment and have fun while doing it, you can come join the annual Ukiah Valley Russian River Cleanup, held on Coastal Cleanup Day, Saturday, this Saturday from 8:30am to Noon. Volunteers will gather for a safety talk and to divide into teams. Come early at 8:30 to sign in and get a cup of coffee donated by Black Oak Coffee Roasters. Bring a water bottle, sturdy shoes, and work gloves. No flip-flops! The event is co-sponsored by the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District, Mendocino County Water Agency, and Redwood Waste Solutions, along with numerous local partners including the City of Ukiah and Black Oak Coffee Roasters.
The Mendocino Cannabis Department accepted Local Equity Entrepreneur Program (LEEP) direct grant applications earlier this year. Now, after the release of approximately $4 million in LEEP direct grant and waiver funds to equity applicants, MCD announced that the program would be paused. But this month, MCD was able to restart the processing of LEEP direct grant applications already in waiting. The County’s deadline for distribution of LEEP funds is October 31, 2023. The MCD requested an extension of this deadline which was not approved. Right now, approximately $1 million in funding remains available for distribution through the direct grant program. MCD has already begun processing applications to maximize the amount of funding the County is able to release prior to the grant deadline at the end of next month.
The Lakeport City Council is meeting tomorrow tonight at 6pm. The Assistant City Manager will ask the council for a grant administration for the Adams Asby Group to help the city with state and federal grants including the Community Development Block Grant. During the meeting, Lake County News reports there will be a resolution requested by the Public Works Director to revise parking zones. The council will also consider accepting and approving the Clear Lake Open Bass Tournament and the CLHS Homecoming Parade.
The Mendocino County Cannabis Department is announcing approvals can be made via DocuSign. The department says all applicants and agents are encouraged to use the software for permit approval and more. The department also noted phase 3 applicants may have some tax issues to deal with. The department noted tax appeals can be filed as they verify license status. As the department works to streamline policy and procedure, they’ve announced a workshop today from 9am to noon. The streamline workshop will be held at the UC Coop Extension Conference Room in Ukiah. The meeting will also be available virtually.
The Lake County Department of Public Works will have a public meeting on the development of a Soda Bay Corridor Evacuation Plan next Monday, the 25th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Rivera Heights Homeowners Association clubhouse. The department will have staff available with resources and information, and also partner with the Konocti Fire Safe Council. The event is part of the California Fire Safe Council grant-funded plan. The Soda Bay Corridor has three main roads serving a primary evacuation routes. Residents are encouraged to get all the details with feedback encouraged.
Be sure to mark your calendar for tomorrow and Thursday for the annual Veterans Stand Down, hosted by the Lake County Vet Connect members. It’s an outreach event for local veterans and active military personnel who might benefit from Veterans’ resources. Both days, resources will include a significant amount of Veterans services like VetWorks, disability services, DMV, housing and homeless assistance, behavioral health, substance abuse counseling, employment assistance, advance care planning, child support assistance and much more. The Stand Down runs from 9am to 4pm each day. Everything will take place at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Martin Street in Lakeport. Lunch will be served by Vet Connect volunteers.
This past weekend the Mercantile in Lakeport was the scene for the Lake County Wine Alliance as they held their 22nd annual Wine Auction. It has become an extremely popular and effective event, with the live auction alone this weekend raising over $100,000 which will go to an extensive list of beneficiaries. The event was hosted by Clay and Angie Shannon the Shannon Family of Wines. Jennifer Strong of Strong Financial was the emcee for the evening. She was accompanied by volunteer auctioneer Brian Rose and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce Director Laura McAndrews Sammel. Funds raised by this event over the years so far have approached $3 million dollars.
