KUKI News

Mendocino County officials announced yesterday there will be a reduction in the amount of vaccine allocations from the state in upcoming weeks. According to a press release, the State is receiving a reduced supply of COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal Government for allocation to local health jurisdictions and providers. The CDC indicates there are approximately one million first doses available for allocation by the State this week – a 33% decrease from last week. Mendocino County health officials say the reduction in vaccine allotment will not affect second doses, and the county will focus on administering second doses, which continue to be timed 3 to 4 weeks out.

The Lakeport Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed a new member last night. Jennifer Williams-Richardson was selected to fill a board vacancy created last month when Trustee Jeannie Markham moved out of state.

The Hartman Complex at Hidden Valley Lake will move forward as the Lake County Planning Commission granted a major use permit for the project yesterday. The over 12,400 square foot complex, at 19210 Hartmann Road, will house the restaurant and pro shop that are curently in a smaller nearby building. That older building will then be demolished.

Mendocino National Forest staff recently held a meeting to discuss the forest’s land management strategy following the 2020 August Complex. The lightning-ignited fire burned 1,032,648 acres from Aug. 16 through Nov. 12 across California’s northern Coast Range. Within the Mendocino National Forest, the fire burned more than 612,000 of the forest’s 913,300 acres. A three phased approach is being used: first, addressing immediate needs; second, to come up with any restoration opportunities from phase one; and third, the long-term, 3-5 year, big-picture plan.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a change in tier structure, as a result of increased vaccine distribution which allows Mendocino County to shift to the next less restrictive Orange Tier in the states Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The change to the Orange Tier took effect yesterday and is reflected in a revised Mendocino County Health Officer Order. The orange tier means businesses like restaurants, gyms and movie theatres along with places of worship can allow more people inside. Bars that don’t sell food can open to customers outside. Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries that do not sell meals can now open indoors at 25% capacity. Public health officer Dr. Andy Coren encourages residents to continue to be careful and avoid high-risk activities.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. will begin routine vegetation maintenance work along a stretch of Highway 175 in Kelseyville today. Crews will remove vegetation that is overhanging power lines, and the work that may impact traffic.

The Lakeport City Council approved amendments to the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year budget during their meeting this week. According to Lakeport’s Finance Director, revenues collected in the second quarter 2020-21 resulted in a positive outcome, and the Sales tax and Transient Occupancy Tax are exceeding their estimates. The City council approved the use of excess revenues to offset the contract extension with Retail Coach – the business recruitment firm and approved a budget adjustment for a police vehicle.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office announced this week that three inmates of the women’s section of the Mendocino County Jail suffered opioid overdoses and had to be treated with naloxone. An additional inmate was reported to have ingested the same substance as the others, which contained fentanyl. The four inmates were transported to Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Hospital where they were treated and later returned to the custody of the jail.

The Ukiah City Council conducted a Special Meeting last night to discuss the police use-of-force incident that occurred on April 1st and the City’s response. The City Council announced they’ve directed the City Attorney’s office to hire an outside, independent investigator to examine this incident and evaluate the actions taken by Ukiah police officers. The City Council statement added that it’s important to fully understand what happened in order to determine what next steps should be taken by the City.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that the state may fully reopen by June 15th if two criteria are met: sufficient vaccine supply for those 16 and up, and low hospitalization rates. With more than 20 million vaccines administered across the state, Newsom said it is time to turn the page on the tier system and begin looking to fully reopen the economy.