Thursday, 09 May 2024

Community

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Mendocino National Forest officials are seeking public input on a proposed forest-wide Invasive Plant Treatment Project.

The purpose of the proposed project is to reduce the extent and spread of invasive plant infestations in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Non-native invasive plant species are among the most significant environmental and economic threats facing land managers.

Invasive plants compromise the ability to manage public lands for a healthy native ecosystem.

There are approximately 1,900 known infestations of non-native invasive plant species across more than 10,000 acres within the Mendocino National Forest.

Of these known infestations, over 1,100 were documented during post-fire surveys after the 2018 Ranch Fire and 2020 August Complex.

Some of these sites were likely spread by disturbances associated with fire and suppression, while others may have existed prior to the fires. Much of the forest remains unsurveyed, and new invasive infestations can appear at any time.

The Invasive Plant Treatment Project would improve the forest’s ability to rapidly detect and treat current and future infestations of non-native invasive species using an integrated pest management approach.

This approach could include manual, mechanical, herbicide, grazing, prescribed fire and biological control methods.

One objective of the project is to improve treatment effectiveness by providing a broader suite of methods land managers can use to remove targeted species while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. Another objective is to eradicate invasive species infestations when they are small, thereby reducing costs, difficulty and impact to forest resources.

Forest Supervisor Wade McMaster encourages all interested parties, organizations, agencies, tribes and state and local governments to share their thoughts or concerns regarding the project. Public questions and comments are an integral part of the environmental analysis process and are used to identify issues and develop alternatives to proposed actions.

A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Mendocino National Forest headquarters at 825 N. Humboldt Ave. in Willows.

The meeting and presentations will begin at 4 p.m.

Forest personnel will be available for discussion and questions until 6pm.

For those who are not able to attend in person, the meeting can be attended virtually through Microsoft Teams using this link: Public Meeting (https://bit.ly/InvasiveWeedsMeeting), or by calling 323-886-7051, phone conference ID 35789948#.

Comments should be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in one of the following formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format or Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf) and include “Invasive Treatment” in the subject line.

Comments can also be mailed in to Mendocino National Forest, ATTN: Invasive Plant Treatment Project, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988.

The public will be able to review and comment on the project through Oct. 25, 2023. Project documents will be available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/mendocino/?project=64906.

Questions about the project can be directed to the project lead Japhia Huhndorf, Upper Lake Ranger District botanist, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 530-473-9015.

Ariana Rickard will present her Antarctica adventures at Redbud Audubon's first program in September. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Redbud Audubon Society will host Ariana Rickard who will present a fascinating program on Antarctica on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

“After this hot summer, Redbud Audubon will take you to frozen Antarctica for our first meeting of the new program year,” said Redbud President Donna Mackiewicz. “Have you dreamed of visiting the astonishing terrain of Antarctica and seeing penguins, seals, whales, and glaciers? Do you wish you could experience a place teeming with life that few people get to see?”

Speaker Ariana Rickard will take you there through photos, videos and stories from her trip earlier this year.

Learn about the adorable penguins, majestic whales, seals, sea lions and bird life that thrive in this harsh environment.

You won’t even have to cross the dreaded Drake Passage to experience the wonders of Antarctica.

Rickard also will discuss the impacts of climate change on the Frozen Continent, which is losing sea ice at an alarming rate.

Chinstrap penguins in Antarctica. Courtesy photo.

The loss of sea ice in Antarctica can have global implications, contributing to sea level rise worldwide.

Rickard earned her Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in environmental science and public policy and her Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a focus on ecology.

She is the public policy and funding program manager at Sonoma Land Trust.

Rickard has worked for several federal government agencies, including the Peace Corps in Ecuador, and numerous environmental nonprofits, such as Audubon California.

She is vice president and program chair for Mt. Diablo Audubon in the Bay Area. She also serves on the chapter’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee.

Rickard and her husband live in Pacheco with their two young sons and their indoor cat Mando, and they are hoping a bluebird family will take up residence next spring in their nest box in the backyard.

Preregistration for the Zoom program is required and can be accomplished by going to the website, www.redbudaudubon.org, and clicking on the link on the homepage.

A Weddell seal. Courtesy photo.

SACRAMENTO — On Tuesday, the California Legislature approved a bill to ban the manufacturing and sale in the state of artificial turf containing the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.

Assembly Bill 1423 was introduced by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Santa Clarita), and advances to Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Environmental Working Group is sponsoring the legislation.

If the bill is signed, the ban would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

“There is no reason that California’s athletes or anyone else should be exposed to PFAS while playing on the field, especially when there are safer alternatives to these nonessential chemicals,” said Schiavo.

Artificial turf has recently become a source of concern for scientists, athletes and parents because of the many chemicals used in its production. Tests have shown some turf contains PFAS and, if inhaled or absorbed, PFAS-laden dust presents an exposure risk.

“As these fields age, they give off dust containing these chemicals, which are inhaled, ingested and released into our environment and surface and groundwater,” said Schiavo.

“California must protect the health of our young athletes, our water supply, and our community by making sure the fields of the future don’t contain these dangerous chemicals,” she added.

Even at low levels, exposure to these toxic chemicals can cause serious and lasting harm to the body. PFAS chemicals added to products also remain in our air, water and soil indefinitely.

Experts are especially concerned about PFAS in turf after its disposal, when the chemicals can run off and enter groundwater or surface water, polluting drinking water.

“Assemblymember Schiavo’s bill is a wake-up call both for consumers who use turf in their own yards and for those creating play spaces,” said Bill Allayaud, EWG’s California vice president of government affairs. “We should not expose ourselves and our children to the hidden dangers of PFAS, with their toxic impacts and persistence.”

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and they build up in our blood and organs. They are among the most persistent toxic compounds in existence, and exposure to these chemicals is linked to many health harms.

In July 2021, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment proposed bold limits to regulate toxic PFAS in drinking water. And in June, the federal Environmental Protection Agency unveiled unprecedented new limits for six notorious PFAS in drinking water – PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, PFNA and PFHxS.

These new guidelines serve as a stark reminder of just how toxic to human health these forever chemicals can be, even at infinitesimal levels.

Putting health at risk

Absorption of PFAS through skin is likely not a major route of exposure, but more research is needed. Experts are concerned about the PFAS from the turf after its disposal. The PFAS from turf may enter wastewater, posing a pollution challenge for sanitation agencies.

Some PFAS have been linked to a higher risk of harm to the immune system, such as reduced vaccine efficacy; harm to development and the reproductive system, such as reduced birth weight and impacts on fertility; increased risk of certain cancers, like breast cancer; and effects on metabolism, such as changes in cholesterol and weight gain.

“PFAS are among the most persistent toxic compounds in existence,” said Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D., a senior scientist at EWG. “They pose a significant threat to public health by contaminating everything from drinking water and food to personal care products and cleaners.”

“We need to stop all nonessential uses of PFAS. By banning forever chemicals from artificial turf, California is taking an important step to protect public health and the environment,” said Stoiber.

Lawmakers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont have also introduced bills to regulate PFAS in turf. California is poised to be the first state to approve and enact a ban.

NORTH‌‌ ‌‌COAST, ‌‌ ‌‌Calif. — Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌reports‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌following‌‌ ‌‌road‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌will‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌taking‌‌ ‌‌place‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ around‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌North‌‌ ‌‌Coast‌‌ ‌‌during‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌coming‌‌ ‌‌week. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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Included‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌Mendocino‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌projects‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌may‌‌ ‌‌impact‌‌ ‌‌Lake‌‌ ‌‌County‌‌ ‌‌commuters, as well as work in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.
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Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌advises‌‌ ‌‌motorists‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌drive‌‌ ‌‌with‌‌ ‌‌caution‌‌ ‌‌when‌‌ ‌‌approaching‌‌ ‌‌work‌‌ ‌‌areas‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌‌prepared‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌stop‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌traffic‌‌ ‌‌control‌‌ ‌‌stations. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌
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The‌‌ ‌‌Caltrans‌‌ ‌‌Traffic‌‌ ‌‌Operations‌‌ ‌‌Office‌‌ ‌‌has‌‌ ‌‌reviewed‌‌ ‌‌each‌‌ ‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌and‌‌ ‌‌determined‌‌ ‌‌that‌‌ ‌‌individual‌‌ ‌‌‌project‌‌ ‌‌delays‌‌ ‌‌are‌‌ ‌‌expected‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌be‌‌ ‌‌less‌‌ ‌‌than‌‌ ‌‌the‌‌ ‌‌statewide‌‌ ‌‌policy‌‌ ‌‌maximum‌‌ ‌‌of‌‌ ‌‌30‌‌ ‌‌minutes‌‌ ‌‌unless‌‌ ‌‌‌noted‌‌ ‌‌otherwise. ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

For‌‌ ‌‌updates‌‌ ‌‌to‌‌ ‌‌this‌‌ ‌‌list‌‌ ‌‌check‌‌ ‌‌QuickMap‌‌ ‌‌at‌‌ ‌‌‌www.dot.ca.gov‌‌‌ or‌‌ ‌‌1-800-GAS-ROAD‌‌ ‌‌‌(1-800-427-7623). ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 29

Route 29 (10.4/12.6) – Utility work in Upper Lake from Upper Lake Lucerne Road to Hammond Avenue will occur on Monday, September 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P29BA

Highway 175

Route 175 (19.5) – Bridge work in Cobb at Bottle Rock Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C175RA

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

Route 1 (59.6/62) – Road work in Fort Bragg from Hare Creek to Manzanita Avenue will begin on Sunday, September 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1PA

Route 1 (62/62.2) – Bridge work in Fort Bragg from Manzanita Street to Pudding Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists can expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1OB

Route 1 (63/63.8) – Utility work in Fort Bragg south of Happy Lane continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1AA

Route 1 (65/65.9) – Road work in Fort Bragg at Mill Creek Drive will conclude on Saturday, September 23. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C10A

Highway 20

Route 20 (2.2/5.4) – Paving work east of Fort Bragg from Gravel Pit Road to Private Road will occur on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20IA

Route 20 (5.4/14.1) – Paving work east of Fort Bragg from Private Road to Road 310 will occur on Monday and Tuesday, September 25-26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20IA

Route 20 (7/13) – Culvert work from west of Camp One Access Road to east of Parlin Fork Camp Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20JA

Route 20 (13/17.2) – Tree work west of Road 310 to Road 200A continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20BA

Route 20 (14.1/17.2) – Road work from Road 310 to Road 200A will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20IA

Route 20 (20/24) – Tree work at James Creek continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20BA

Route 20 (32.8) – Bridge work in Willits at the Broaddus Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C20HA

Route 20 (34.1/38.5) – Road work from east of Road 144 to Road 260 will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C20NA

Route 20 (37.9) – Bridge work at the Cold Creek Bridge continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. A full on ramp closure will also be in effect. LC#C20HA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (.6/2.4) – Road work from Comminsky Station Viaduct to Geysers Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101NB

U.S. 101 (.6/3) – Emergency culvert work from Geysers Road to Comminsky Station Road continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101GB

U.S. 101 (3/5.9) – Road work from Comminsky Station Road to the Pieta Creek Bridge continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101KC

U.S. 101 (5.9) – Bridge work at the Pieta Creek Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (10.6) – Bridge work in Hopland at Feliz Creek continues. One-way traffic control closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (22.1) – Bridge work at the South Ukiah Overhead continues. One-way traffic control closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (31.8) – Bridge work at the Forsythe Creek Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101WD

U.S. 101 (33.7/43.2) – Road work south of Willits from Route 20 to Uva Drive in Redwood Valley will continue. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#M101Q

U.S. 101 (86/87.6) – Culvert work at the Hermitage Vista Point continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101RD

U.S. 101 (100.1/103.8) – Paving work in Piercy from the Elizabeth Jane Rosewarne Memorial Bridge to the Standley Creek Undercrossing will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 26-27. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#P101BE

U.S. 101 (102.3/104.5) – Sign work in Piercy from south of Route 271 to south of the Standley Creek Undercrossing. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101YD

U.S. 101 (103.8/106.2) – Culvert work from Route 271 to south of the Lowell Allen Memorial Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101ED

U.S. 101 (106.2/.8) – Bridge work from the Lowell Allen Memorial Bridge to Route 271 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists can expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#C101JD

Highway 162

Route 162 (11/12.6) – Road work south of Dos Rios near the Rodeo Creek Bridge continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 3 p.m. to 7 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162IA

Route 162 (16.6) – Emergency work west of Laytonville Dos Rios Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. weeknights. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#T162BA

Route 162 (28.3/29.2) – Caltrans has granted an encroachment permit in Covelo from the Grist Creek Bridge to East Lane Road on Saturday, September 23. A full lane closure will be in effect from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C162BA

Route 162 (29.1/30.7) – Road work in Covelo from Howard Street to Mina Street continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162AA

Route 162 (30.7/32.9) – Culvert work in Covelo at Short Creek Road will occur on Tuesday, September 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162BA

Highway 175

Route 175 (3.9/9.8) – Culvert work east of Hopland from Buckman Drive to the Lake County Line continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C175LA

Highway 271

Route 271 (19.5/20) – Road work in Piercy continues. A full lane closure is in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C271IA

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (8.3/8.6) – Bridge work between Peine Road and Old Hunter Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101KB

U.S. 101 (14.9/15.5) – Construction in the Last Chance Grade area will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate a total of up to 15-minute delays. LC#C101OC

U.S. 101 (22.7/23.9) – Emergency work south of Crescent City from Hamilton Road to Humboldt Road will continue. Southbound lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101EB

Highway 199

Route 199 (19.1/33.5) – Due to fire activity, there is one-way controlled traffic east of Gasquet from Grassy Flat Campground to the Collier Tunnel. There are two full closures weekdays; the first from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the second from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to one-hour delays during all open hours. LC#T199CA

Route 199 (33.5) – Due to fire activity, the Collier Tunnel Rest Area is closed. LC#T199CA

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Highway 36

Route 36 (0.1/1.7) – Construction work from U.S. 101 to River Bar Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#C36AA

Route 36 (11/11.5) – Bridge work from Pamplin Grove to Redwood House Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (25.3/25.4) – Bridge work at Little Larabee Creek will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C36UA

Route 36 (37.2/37.4) – Slipout repair near Burr Valley Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C36DA

Highway 96

Route 96 (0.2) – Bridge work at Willow Creek Bridge will conclude on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic delays. LC#C96NA

Route 96 (27/27.6) – Construction work near Bluff Creek Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96LA

Route 96 (28.1/28.3) – Bridge work at Aiken Creek Bridge and Bluff Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C96KA

Highway 101

U.S. 101 (0/0.9) – Slipout repair from Route 271 to Hartsook Inn will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101IA

U.S. 101 (27.8) – Bridge work at South Fork Eel River Bridge will continue. Lane closures will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101CF

U.S. 101 (51.8) – Bridge work at North Scotia Undercrossing will conclude on Friday, September 22. Lane closures will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101MD

U.S. 101 (77.3/78.1) – Various improvements between Wabash Avenue and Commercial Street will continue. Southbound lane closures will be in effect overnight from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should expect minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C101HD

U.S. 101 (88.3) – Ramp work in Arcata at Route 299 will continue. A full northbound on ramp closure will be in effect and motorists should use an alternative route. LC#C101KD

U.S. 101 (90.1/100.7) – Striping work from Route 200 to Trinidad Undercrossing will continue. Moving lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C101CA

Highway 169

Route 169 (27.6) - Bridge work at Rube Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C169AA

Highway 254

Route 254 (3.2/4.3) – Bridge work between State Park Road and Fish Creek Road will continue. A full closure of this portion of the highway will be in effect. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#C254CA

Route 254 (4.3/4.8) – Road work north of Fish Creek Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C254DA

Route 254 (40.7/41.1) - Tree work near Holms Flat Road will occur on Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C254CA

Highway 255

Route 255 (0.1/4.9) - Pavement work from 5th Street to the Lumber Mill Entrance will begin on Monday, September 25. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C255EA

Highway 299

Route 299 (4.7/7.8) – Electrical work from ‘G’ Street to ‘V’ Street will begin on Monday, September 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C255EA

Route 299 (1.6/5.5) - Drainage work from Mad River Bridge to Blue Lake Undercrossing will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns. LC#C299QA

Route 299 (1.8) – Full westbound and eastbound on ramp closures at Route 200 will continue. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#P299QA

Route 299 (2.3) – A full eastbound off ramp closure at Exit 3A to Glendale Drive from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. will conclude on Friday, September 22. Motorists should choose an alternate route. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (7.4/11) - Drainage work east of Blue Lake will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299QA

Route 299 (17.2/19.1) - Utility work between Old Highway and Bair Road will conclude on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (19.1/19.8) – Emergency storm damage repair work between Bair Road and Acorn Lane will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (19.1/20.7) – Utility work between Bair Road and Chezem Road will begin on Monday, September 25. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (24.6/26.6) - Emergency work near Chezem Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect 5-minute delays. LC#C299GA

Route 299 (27.4/28.4) - Utility work from Three Creek Road to Vista Point will conclude on Friday, September 22. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299LA

Route 299 (27.7/29.1) - Utility work from Three Creek Road to Titlow Hill Road will begin on Sunday, September 24. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays. LC#C299BA

Route 299 (32.1/32.5) - Construction work near East Fork Campground will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays. LC#C299LA

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly on Wednesday approved legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would grant wheelchair users the right to have their own equipment repaired, eliminating manufacturer delays that could leave them immobilized while reducing costs to one of California’s most vulnerable populations.

“Today we take a step toward enhancing quality of life for people with mobility issues,” Sen. Dodd said. “My bill allows power wheelchair users to get their wheelchairs fixed in an efficient and timely manner when things go wrong. It prevents manufacturers from imposing onerous repair restrictions, ensuring those who rely on wheelchairs can be operating as soon as possible.”

The power wheelchair industry has historically profited by limiting what it spends on technicians and repairs, frustrating wheelchair users as they try to maintain their equipment.

Last year, Colorado became the first state in the nation to address the issue, adopting a right-to-repair law that granted wheelchair owners and independent shops access to parts, manufacturer software, specialized tools and other items needed to ensure timely and affordable wheelchair repair. Manufacturers could be cited for failing to comply.

Sen. Dodd’s Senate Bill 271 would ensure the same right to repair for California wheelchair users and streamline the process for getting complex rehabilitation technology repaired.

SB 271, which is supported by advocates including Sacramento disability rights activist and wheelchair user Russell Rawlings, was approved by the Assembly by a unanimous vote.

It heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature following a Senate concurrence vote.

“If you have a power chair and are using it daily, it needs regular maintenance,” Rawlings said. “But the industry as it stands has very little interest in making repairs. There can be months if not longer of wait time. This bill seeks to change that by making it easier for owners and smaller shops to fill the repair need. Also, power chairs are increasingly controlled by software that is currently restricted to a small number of vendors. Owners having access to these tools would enable more freedom and ability to control their driving experiences.”

Dodd represents the Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.

The 2023 AgVenture class, left to right, are Ben Rickelman, Mitchell Breedlove, Mary Jo Velasquez, Clebson Goncalves, Bonnie Sears, Mark Lipps, Katie Evans, Rick Reynolds, Laura Beltran, Nocole Flora, Sam Upton and Brad Rasmussen. Not pictured: Erny Padilla and Daniella Santana. Photo courtesy of Lake County California Women for Agriculture.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Lake County California Women for Agriculture’s 2023 AgVenture class met for its first session on August 25 at Lake Event Design’s showroom.

Day One focused on pears, and included expert presenters as well as orchard and packinghouse visits.

Lake County Agricultural Commissioner Katherine VanDerWall highlighted the importance of agriculture to Lake County’s economy.

Myron Holdenried, descendent of a pioneering pear growing family, spoke on Lake County agriculture’s historical evolution.

Broc Zoller, PhD, locally known as “The Pear Doctor,” educated the class about agricultural research programs, both public and private, supported by growers themselves through marketing orders.

He explained the development of integrated pest management, or IPM, and showed a display of pears and walnuts manifesting the various pests and diseases that are controlled using cultural practices and products developed by this research.

Gregory Panella, a fourth generation steward of the Henderson Ranch legacy and owner and manager of the Henderson/Panella Ranches, gave a farmer’s perspective on carrying on the storied family farm heritages of both the pioneer Henderson and Stokes pear farms. He fell heir to both legacies thanks to his aunt and uncle, Syd Stokes and Diane Henderson.

He spoke in detail about integrated pest management, modern cultural and water management practices, sustainability, and various grower challenges including the burden of regulatory compliance, keeping a labor force, and the weather.

A highlight of the day was the visit to Panella’s beautiful Henderson orchard at harvest time, where Greg continued to illustrate details of his classroom talk, and showed the class how to properly pick some pears to take home.

Toni Scully shared the background of her family’s entrance into the Lake County pear packing and shipping scene in 1974.

She reviewed the economic forces that have affected California as well as Lake County pear growers over the years, a roller coaster ride that farmers of all crops endure.

Toni also gave an orientation and overview of the pear packing process, which was followed by a tour of Scully Packing Company’s Finley shed.

The class was amazed to witness how 25 truck and trailer loads of pears come into each of Scully’s two sheds daily during the peak harvest time and get from field bins to a variety of market ready packages every day. Forty percent of all fresh market pears from California are shipped from Lake County.

Pat Scully wrapped up the presentations on the subject of marketing the crop, constantly adapting to meet the changing demands of the retail trade in terms of packaging, promotions, and timing.

He passed around examples of promotional programs entered into with chain stores all over the US, Canada, and Mexico, saying that, “If you don’t have a strong marketing program, at the end of the day everything else you do is in vain.”

Launched in 2010, AgVenture is designed for non-farming community members who wish to understand the vital contributions of agriculture to Lake County’s quality of life.

It is guided by a steering committee, all California Women for Agriculture members, including Colleen Rentsch, Rebecca Harper, Bonnie Sears, Toni Scully, Katherine VanDerWall and Sharron Zoller.

This was the first of four sessions. September will feature wine grapes, October will highlight walnuts, and November will focus on olives and ag labor. Expert speakers will address the class on pertinent topics each day.

California Women for Agriculture, founded in 1975, is the most active all-volunteer agricultural organization in the state, with 20 chapters and more than 1300 members. Sharron Zoller of Kelseyville is the current state president.

For more information, visit www.lakecountycwa.org.

Upcoming Calendar

9May
05.09.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Middletown Area Town Hall
11May
05.11.2024 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Guided nature walk
11May
05.11.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ouroboros project
11May
05.11.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day
12May
05.12.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ouroboros project
14May
05.14.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at Library Park
15May
05.15.2024 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Free veterans dinner
18May
05.18.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at the Mercantile
21May
05.21.2024 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farmers' Market at Library Park

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