As wildfire risks continue to grow, homeowners can take proactive steps to safeguard their properties. The Ukiah Daily journal says this evening’s Fire Resistive Landscaping Workshop will offer expert insights on creating fire-smart landscapes, along with maintaining a beautiful yard. This free workshop features Jim Xerogeanes, the retired director of the Mendocino College Agriculture Department. He’ll share his insights on smart landscaping, plant spacing, and pruning techniques to enhance both fire-resilience and aesthetics. Chief Doug Hutchinson of the Ukiah Valley Fire Department will introduce Defensible Space and Zone 0, and explain in simple terms essential fire protection strategies for homeowners.The workshop begins at 6 tonight at the Ukiah City Hall Chambers.
Ukiah police say two people were arrested in Ukiah for alleged possession of a stolen vehicle last week. The Mendocino Voice reports that Flock Safety license plate reader cameras picked up a Honda HR-V driving around the city last Thursday . The Honda’s license plate matched a vehicle reported stolen by the Eureka Police Department. By the way, there are 14 license plate reader cameras operating in the city.
Firefighters on the Grindstone Ranger District successfully burned 50 acres of piles in the Letts Lake area and are planning to burn another 50 acres today, pending favorable conditions. They’re taking advantage of the cool, damp weather conditions. You’re advised to avoid areas where burning operations are happening, fyi, some smoke may be visible and not to worry. These fires are carefully monitored. Local fire and government authorities are notified prior to burn days and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations. If you’re interested, maps of pile burn operations can be found on Inciweb under the maps tab.
Last week, a blazing fire broke out at a multi-building apartment complex in Ukiah, forcing many residents to evacuate and say goodbye to the place that they call home. The Mendocino Voice says the apartment complex is on Ukiah’s north side and is home to many working-class families and immigrant communities.Two apartment buildings on Lovers Lane were ruined and a third was endangered by the fire that sparked Friday. The fire destroyed the second story of the first building and burned three apartments and an attic in the second building, according to Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Battalion Chief Eric Singleton.The fire displaced 37 residents and destroyed nine apartment units. The American Red Cross has been helping the fire victims with housing and other needs along with the United Disaster Relief of Northern California (UDRNC), a non-profit disaster relief organization based in Ukiah and other local organizations.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s office has identified the 29-year-old Ukiah man who died in police custody last week. HIs name is Emil Redzic. To refresh your memory, police traced a call February 26 to an apartment complex, where they encountered Redzice, who they recognized from previous brushes with the law. He fled the scene in a pick up that had been reported stolen in Contra Costa County. Hours later, after 10, police responded to reports of a man yelling near the Orr Creek Bridge. Ukiah police, along with the CHP, took him into custody right out of the creek. Moments later, he lost consciousness and was given Narcan. He was transported to Adventist Health Ukiah Valley where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been conducted, but an official cause of death will not be made until all tests and reports are completed.
The Arcata federal office is set to close as part of large-scale cuts being made by the Feds. The Willits News reporting the General Services Administration plans to shut down millions of square feet of office space used by the Department of the Interior across the country. The 25,000-square-foot facility houses the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries employees.
Come May, Californians will soon need a Real ID to board domestic flights and after the May 7 deadline, a Real ID will also be needed to enter federal facilities like military bases and federal courthouses. The TSA says a California driver’s license or identification card that is Real ID-compliant will have a bear and a star in the upper right corner.
