The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf advisory for the Mendocino and Humboldt Coasts until 11:00 tonight. Expect some rough waves between 20 and 23 feet, beach erosion in some spots, and dangerous surf conditions. So, maybe skip the beachcombing today. These waves are all thanks to another offshore storm, one of several that could form over the next few days. Boaters may want to stay in port and check with the Coast Guard for any restrictions. If you do head out the Coast Guard suggests you have a marine radio on board, just in case you run into trouble and need to call for help on emergency channel 16
Winter is here, and the National Weather Service has compiled a list of the state’s snowiest spots. Turns out, you only have to go about 125 miles northeast to Lassen Peak for the big snow. They get about 40 feet of snow a year – that’s like a 5-story building.
A state commission that checks out new laws to see which ones help California’s government-run better has released its yearly report. It found that over the past two years, 15 laws passed by the assembly and signed by the governor have had a big impact on Californians. The Little Hoover Commission says laws about getting organic materials out of landfills, cracking down on retail theft, changing the state insurance market, and protecting seniors from abuse were among the most important.
Those retail theft law changes came in handy just before Christmas. CHP says it busted 117 people across the state in a coordinated operation targeting pre-holiday thieves. They found thousands of dollars of stolen goods from at least 56 different retailers. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryea says it shows the state won’t put up with stealing – something he says costs retailers, and ultimately customers, millions of dollars a year.
A digital makeover for the Mendocino Fire Safe Council. The Council says local graphic designer Torry Douglas of Lemon Fresh Design in Boonville looked over the council’s old web page and then made it less cluttered and more user-friendly. The council says the site is now a better place for the latest information, including links to local fire resources, and streamlined tips about how to prepare for wildfires. You can check out the new look at mendocinofiresafe.org
There’s a new tourist attraction down the coast in Santa Cruz. Last week’s storms washed away the pier there and along with it, the public restroom at the end, dumping it in a nearby estuary. Now, people are checking out the strange sight and taking selfies. The wharf was destroyed, but luckily no one was injured, although some construction workers had to be rescued from the surf
