The Northern Rural Energy Network (NREN), in partnership with the Lake Area Planning Council and others, aims to make electricity more affordable across 17 Northern California counties, including Lake County. At a recent Western Region Town Hall meeting, keynote speaker Jennifer Brennan outlined NREN’s initiatives, which are funded by ratepayer dollars and approved by the state Public Utilities Commission to reduce energy use in underserved areas. NREN launched its Residential Education and Outreach program in April, offering free energy efficiency kits to PG&E customers and conducting phone-based home energy assessments. Lake County News says the program also includes a planned residential rebate specifically for Lake County residents to further support energy cost savings.
Thousands of illegal marijuana farms exist nationwide, but a recent major federal raid targeted California’s largest legal cannabis grower, Glass House Farms in Ventura County. It sparked confusion and speculation as to the Administration’s motive, if it was targeting the industry or merely illegal immigration.. Nearly two weeks later, the reason for the raid is still unclear. The government claims the business was being investigated for potential child labor, human trafficking and other abuses and agents found 14 kids, several unaccompanied minors. The Mendocino Voice says more than 360 people were arrested, however, no cannabis was seized.
A 45-year-old Middletown man was killed Sunday night after he was ejected from a pickup truck that rolled multiple times on a remote dirt road near Middletown. The crash happened just before 7 on Big Canyon Road. Samrat Kakkari was the passenger in the truck, while the 44 year old driver, Steven Wilhite of Calistoga, survived after losing control of the truck. He was later found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Mendofever says neither man was wearing a seatbelt. Kakkari died at the scene despite life-saving efforts. Wilhite was treated for injuries and then arrested for felony DUI causing death and vehicular manslaughter.
North Coast Opportunities’ Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Lake County has established a mutual aid agreement with the Lake County Public Health Department, effective July 1. The partnership allows CERT to train Public Health staff in disaster preparedness and emergency response, while Public Health will train CERT volunteers to assist with vaccine clinics and public health emergencies. Lake County News reporting that the collaboration is already underway, with CERT instructors recently training staff on fire suppression. Upcoming Public Health-led training for CERT volunteers will cover handling toxic and hazardous materials.
