The Lake County Public Library is closing for the entire month of December. The reason is–installation of a new fire suppression system. The library says closing for the whole month will allow crews to finish the job safely and on schedule. County Librarian Christopher Veach says the library will do as much as possible to stay accessible with limited services. That includes curbside pickups or arranged pickups at another branch–plus the bookmobile will be available in the parking lot on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 AM and 4 PM. Online services will still be available, while adult and family literacy programs will continue by phone and at other branches. Due Dates have been extended through the end of December. Not available–public computers, just browsing the stacks, and most events. Veach says the fire suppression project will protect the library collection for years to come. A state grant is paying for it.
The latest numbers show that Lake County voters are rejecting November 4th’s Prop 50–after the initial count showed they FAVORED it. The Lake County registrar’s office says after counting more than 5,500 ballots that were postmarked by election day and arrived by November 12th, the tally has flipped to 50.1 % no to 49.9% yes. As of last count, there are still around 600 ballots left to be counted–including vote by mail, and provisional ballots–plus a couple hundred under review. Some voters in Lake County may have received a signature validation statement or a missing signature request. Those forms have to be back by November 30th. After that, the county has to certify the count and turn the numbers in to the state. The statewide count has changed only slightly, with the redistricting question still winning by a large margin.
With Thanksgiving a week away now, it’s time to start thinking of what’s next–Christmas–and a Christmas Tree. The Mendocino National Forest is ready–with Christmas tree permits now available. You can go to recreation.gov /tree permits to find out about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut. After you set up an account, you can reserve your online permit. You can also buy a permit in person at Forest offices in Willows, Stonyford, Upper Lake, and Covelo will have permits for sale. Hours and availability may vary. As a bonus, Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit –details on the website. The forest service says the annual program helps forest health by thinning densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Presents for UNDER the tree aren’t included.
Speaking of the holidays, Mendocino County has announced upcoming holiday closures. All offices will be closed at noon on the day before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Day, and again on the Day after. County departments have differing closing times around Christmas and New Year’s, so you can check the county website for specifics if you’re planning ahead.
People in the Lake Pillsbury area are saddened by the closure of a local store. The Soda Creek store on Simmons Road is closed, and while it’s hit the locals hard, it will also affect visitors. The store was the only gas stop for miles around, so if you’re planning a trip to Lake Pillsbury or beyond, you should gas up and stock up in Ukiah or Upper Lake first.
If you are missing an E-scooter, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office may have it. Deputies have found an abandoned scooter thought to have been stolen. If you can prove it is yours, you can contact the sheriff’s office to get it back.
Another name in the already crowded field for Governor next year. Billionaire philanthropist and Democratic Party activist Tom Steyer is jumping into the race. He joins a long list of candidates already looking to be governor when Gavin Newsom’s term ends in 2027. Steyer made a long-shot run for president in 2020. He spent 191 million but dropped out after just four states, with NO delegates.
