Caltrans says more than $101 million will be invested in Mendocino County highways over the next two years. It’ll be funded by Senate Bill 1 and the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Projects include but are not limited to roadway, guardrail, and lighting improvements on U.S. Highway 101 in Ukiah, a new culvert for fish passage and roadway repairs on Highway 1 near Gualala, a retaining wall and roadway repairs on Highway 162 near Dos Rios and rock slope protection and roadway repairs on Highway 101 near Riverdale, north of Leggett.
The Mendocino Voice says several projects target damage from the heavy rains this past February.
The National Weather Service has issued a second Red Flag Warning for northeastern Mendocino County, including Covelo, Round Valley, and much of Mendocino National Forest. It’s in effect today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today. Dry conditions, warm temperatures, and a 20%-30% chance of thunderstorms, along with winds up to 50 mph and possible dry lightning can create a critical fire danger. The Mendocino Voice says you should seek shelter if you hear thunder.
A new app could be key in detecting wildfire hotspots and high smoke exposure. Researchers at Harvard developed the SMRT Flames app to detect those areas. Using data from Northern California’s 2020 wildfire season, they found that prescribed burns often missed the highest-risk areas. Better targeting could have reduced smoke exposure by 17%. The app aims to help policymakers improve wildfire management strategies.
The East Region Town Hall (ERTH) will meet tomorrow. Guest speakers include Lake County Water Resources Director Pawan Upadhyay, who will provide updates on water projects, and Sarah Ryan, environmental director for the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, who will give an update on cyanobacteria and water quality in the Clearlake Oaks. The agenda also includes updates on ERTH projects, the District 3 MAC (including a letter of support for Middle Creek Trails), commercial cannabis regulations, safety issues on High Valley Road, Spring Valley updates, and a report on CalRecycle/County Free Dump Days in Clearlake Oaks. Lake County News says tomorrow’s meeting is at 4 p.m. in person at the Moose Lodge or via Zoom.
California State Parks and Parks California have opened the 2026 Route to Parks grant application period for community and tribal organizations. The grant aims to remove transportation and access barriers to California’s 280 state parks. It’s funded through the Waterway Connections Initiative and includes supporters like the PG&E Corporation Foundation and BMO. The program is part of a public-private partnership to help all Californians enjoy the benefits of the outdoors. The Redheaded Blackbelt says applications for the 2026 Route to Parks grants are due by Friday, August 8.
So you know, fireworks are illegal in most of the North Bay region, except in Cloverdale and Lakeport, which allow “Safe and Sane” fireworks. Those devices are marked with a State Fire Marshal logo and are non explosive and stay on the ground. Cal Fire spokesperson Jason Clay emphasized that fireworks are only allowed within designated cities. The Press Democrat reports they’re prohibited in state responsibility areas, including most of the Northern California coast from Petaluma to the Oregon border.
