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CalFire is watching conditions closely, with a Red Flag warning in effect until Saturday evening. No fires are currently active in Lake and Mendocino counties but the dry and windy conditions mean one could spark and quickly grow. PG@E isn’t reporting any public safety shutoffs yet, but they could come at any time, today through the weekend. You can check the most up-to-date information at www.pge.com/pspsupdates
A north coast contractor has bought the Palace Hotel in downtown Ukiah, giving preservationists hope the building can now avoid the wrecking ball. The Ukiah Journal reports Tom Carter purchased the Palace from Jitu Ishawar and his privately held company, Twin Investments LLC. Carter’s agreement also reportedly covers the demolition issued last year when the city declared the historic building a public safety hazard. Carter says he has already spoken to city officials and told them he’ll quickly address public safety worries, shore up the structure, and fix the leaky roof to prevent further water damage inside this winter. Preservation groups are pleased that Carter bought the decrepit building. They say he is an experienced contractor with a track record of restoring old buildings in Lake County and beyond. The Palace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has gradually fallen into disrepair over the last 40 years with twists and turns about its eventual fate.
CHP says it’s starting a new program to keep motorcycle riders safe .$700,000 federal grant will fund the Get Educated and Ride Safe –GEARS – campaign. CHP leaders say it will significantly boost education about safe practices for both motorcycle riders and drivers who share the road. Among the goals, promoting the use of approved helmets and beefing up enforcement of laws against improper turns, speeding, and riding while impaired. CHP says statistics bear out the need for more safety outreach. Numbers from 2023 show more than 7,000 crashes involving motorcycles. They resulted in 366 deaths and more than 6,300 injuries
Look for a busy weekend Ukiah. The Pumpkin Fest parade takes place along State Street to West Mill to Oak and Clay Streets. Plan on street closures around that route. The parade steps off Saturday at 10 AM sharp. Look for pumpkin-related activity until 6 PM–and again from 10 to 4 on Sunday.
A community meeting next week will help residents in Hopland learn about fire safety and ways to protect themselves. The Hopland Fire Department and Firewise USA are teaming up for that meeting on the 27th at the Hopland Fire Department. There will be information about improving fire safety at home and in the community and also about potential ways to save on insurance rates. The session is from 10-11:30.
