State Transportation officials are announcing new evacuation routes for areas near Ukiah and Willits. The cities are on a list of “Climate Adaptation Projects” recommended for approval. Officials say the first round of funds is over $300 million for 15 projects across the state. The Ukiah Daily Journal reports the projects are aimed at protecting transportation infrastructure against the impact of climate change, especially in underserved communities. In Mendocino County, the Mendocino Redmeyer Road Extension and Brooktrails Second Access are included in the recommendations. The California Transportation Commission is set to consider approval in December.
A murder suspect in a 2 year old case has been booked into Mendocino County Jail after being caught by border patrol in San Diego. In December of 2021 a man had been shot through his bedroom window in Albion, experiencing a gunshot wound to his head. Despite the major injury, he survived. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies discovered two suspects nearby the home where it happened, and were able to arrest Roberto Chavez Souza and Jose Morfin Aguilar for attempted murder. They also found a gun, facemask and latex gloves nearby. The two were released pending additional investigation. In May of 2022 felony arrest warrants were issued for three suspects. In July of this year, Roberto Chavez Souza was arrested. Jose Morfin Aguilar is not in custody, but has an outstanding warrant in the case. In a release from the Sheriff’s Office, the third suspect, Jose Panduro Rodriguez of Clearlake Oaks was recently found and taken in custody late last month.
The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors met yesterday and discussed their October 31st decision to fund the new jail via Measure B funds. The board decided to use Measure B funds for construction of the new jail that includes a mental health wing. Two of the board members say they’re frustrated the board bypassed an oversight committee and worry about the ability to pay the money back, which may compromise future projects. A Grand Jury report last year, noted that the oversight committee’s strategic plan recommended funds dedicated for addiction treatment, like the Ford Street Project. The executive director of the non profit now says she’s working with the Probation Department and Public Defender to end contracts of offering sober living accommodations early, after the board turned down her proposal saying there wasn’t enough money for the psychiatric health facility.
A water tank in Hidden Valley Lake is being replaced. In a ceremony late lat month, federal officials with local and state leaders broke ground on the infrastructure projects in the area starting with building a replacement for the old redwood container. Congressman Mike Thompson told Lake County News that funding for the project that includes a series of infrastructure improvements came from the Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. Other leaders were on hand as the district begins to replace another redwood tank and set up backup generators at water pumping stations to ensure clean water is accessible to the community. The current tank replacement project is set to be finished within months.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an electrocution that killed someone last night in Lake County. MendoFever reports just before 5:30pm someone experience an electric shock in Lucrene near the Sande Beach Mobile Home Park. There are reports that power lines were down in the area where the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The town of Paradise is still recovering from the state’s deadliest wildfire, five years later. Multiple media outlets are reporting that the deadly Camp Fire destroyed over 18,000 buildings and killed 85 people. The slow, extensive and expensive recovery continues in Paradise as only about a third of the population has returned to help rebuild. Survivors are still living in temporary homes; some were able to start rebuilding. It took nine months to get rid of all the hazardous toxins and fire debris piles before rebuilding could even begin. Still, those that returned say the extraordinary changes since the fire are helping make Paradise an affordable and safe place to live again. Tougher codes and new ordinances are aimed at resiliency, and community leaders are now sending advice and encouragement to the residents of Lahaina.
The Willits City Council plans to recognize November as Native American Heritage month during their city council meeting on Wednesday the 8th. They’ll go over an introduction of an ordinance on model water efficient landscaping, installation and maintenance in zoning requirements. Mandatory organic waste disposal reduction will be considered adding to the municipal code. The agenda include department recommendations to authorize a grant application for a senate bill for local assistance. The council will resolve authorization of a sidewalk ordinance amendment.
Today and tomorrow, the California Conservation Corps Ukiah Center is exercising their annual flood fighter training with the Department of Water Resources. Members will practice flood fighting measures, structure protection, wave wash protection and more. In a media advisory, the team announced it will be practicing at the Lake Mendocino Dam to prepare state resources to respond to flooding in the area. The training will be visible to the public with crews practicing at the base of the dam.
A leader with the Russian River Watershed says Low Impact Development and sustainable agricultural practices will help ensure the watershed is protected. Willits News published information out of the latest Russian River Watershed Forum this week. The publication outlines runoff pollution, agricultural contributions, and green infrastructure as an effective plan as the Potter Valley Project goes through decommissioning and agencies plan for what happens next. Author Michael Harrigan of the City of Healdsburg says residents of the Russian River Watershed face reduced water quality and property damages, especially with significant rainfall.
California State Parks are offering free admission this Saturday for all veterans, active duty and reserve military. In a news release from the parks department this week, the Parks Director says the move aims to recognize the sacrifices that our nations military and their families have made and continue to make in service of their country. The Press Democrat reports parks in Mendocino County that are offering free entrance include the Russian Gulch, Standish-Hickey and Van Damme State Parks. Lake County parks including the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park and the Clear Lake State Park are participating as well.
The Mendocino National Forest is looking for public feedback in a series of sessions that include visions for restoration. This week, the group is in Chico and Red Bluff for the public meetings that begin at 5pm. The forest plans to hold sessions in Nice and in Covelo later this month. The input sessions are part of collaboration with the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research stations and the USDA California Climate Hub. The Mendocino National Forest hopes to hear from residents about what is important to them within the forests and include public input in restoration projects. A community input sessions is planned in Nice at the Robinson Rancheria on the 27th and at the Library Commons in Covelo on the 28th.
There is a new monument at the state Capitol honoring California Native Americans. The new piece was unveiled yesterday in Sacramento. KCRA reports the statue depicts William Franklin, a Miwok leader remembered for keeping tribal culture alive. The new monument is replacing a statue of Father Junipero Serra that was torn down in 2020 during Black Lives Matter protests. Many California Native people say the statue was a reminder of atrocities inflicted on their ancestors. Assemblymember James Ramos spoke during the ceremony, about AB 338 that led to the creation of the monument.
