CALIFORNIA
California statewide fire summary
At press time Monday, more than 13,500 firefighters were still on the frontlines of 12 large wildfires across the state, aggressively working to strengthen containment lines. Over the weekend firefighters responded to 21 new wildfires, all of which were contained. Since January 1, there have been 6,685 wildfires that have burned over 1.57 million acres, which is a 42 percent increase in acres burned compared to the same time period last year.
As of Sunday, August 22, due to fire and to better provide public and firefighter safety, nine National Forests have temporarily closed. This closure will be in place through Sept. 6, 2021, unless conditions warrant an extension.
In Northern California, fire danger will remain elevated, if not near critical, across the east through tomorrow. Incremental increases in northwest-west-southwest winds will occur, with gusts generally 20 – 30 mph, but locally 30 – 40 mph along the High Sierra. Temperatures will remain near normal through midweek. In Southern California, the potential for large fire will continue to be low across the region through, as temperatures stay below normal and humidity remains above critical levels.
Do you know that if the power in your home goes out before you can evacuate from a wildfire, your escape can become much more challenging, especially in the dark outdoors? No lights, being unable to open your garage door and finding your go-bag are just a few of the obstacles for which you should be prepared. To learn more about dealing with power outages, visit www.ReadyforWildfire.org.
—Submitted by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
KELSEYVILLE
New public charter school to open in Kelseyville in Fall 2022
On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, local nonprofit Shade Canyon School gained authorization to become a tuition-free, Waldorf-inspired public charter in Kelseyville, Calif.
Shade Canyon School will open in September of 2022 with grades transitional kindergarten through third grade, then expand by one grade each year until it offers a full TK-8 program. The school’s curriculum is designed to educate students’ head, heart, and hands through hands-on learning, integrated subjects, outdoor exploration, movement, storytelling, practical skills, and the arts.
Shade Canyon School will offer all Lake County families an additional, unique choice for tuition-free, public education. A time-tested model, Waldorf is the basis for over 1,000 schools worldwide. Waldorf students become critical thinkers who are curious about the world, connected to their communities, and confident shaping them. Although California contains 49 Waldorf-style schools (including two options in Ukiah, one in Napa, and a handful in Sonoma County), none are within easy driving distance for Lake County families.
Shade Canyon School’s authorization reflects the wishes of 86 Lake County families who signed the Shade Canyon School charter petition in May 2021.
Enrollment information and school location details will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, interested parents may fill out Shade Canyon’s Community Interest Survey at ShadeCanyon.org.
Shade Canyon School is a tuition-free, Waldorf-inspired public charter school opening in September 2022 in Lake County, Calif. The school gleans its name from the saddle canyon on Mount Konocti that, long ago, shaded canyon oak seedlings so they could grow into a lush, towering forest. The school is guided by this vision: “by honoring simplicity, we nurture the spark of the individual and nourish a thriving community.” Their mission is to cultivate inspired learners.
—Submitted
—Compiled by Ariel Carmona Jr.
