CALIFORNIA
California statewide fire update
Today, over 15,000 firefighters remain on the frontlines of 16 major wildfires and four extended attack wildfires burning across California. As crews continued their progress towards containment, yesterday 24 new initial attack wildfires were sparked and extinguished quickly.
The Caldor Fire is now the 15th largest fire in California history and the Monument fire remains the 20th largest fire in California history.
As of January 1, wildfires have burned more than 1.88 million acres in California. While firefighters continue their battle on the current major wildfires, CAL FIRE and fire departments across the State remain prepared for potential more significant wildfires due to critical fire weather. Effective today through September 17, 2021, the US Forest Service will temporarily close all National Forests in California to better provide for public and firefighter safety due to the ongoing wildfires.
A Red Flag Warning remained in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday for critical fire weather including gusty winds, and low humidity for the eastern and northern Sierra. These winds combined with extremely dry fuels and low humidity will continue in areas of critical fire weather conditions. Lighter wind is expected today.
Cooler but unusually dry conditions will continue through today followed by a warming trend through the weekend in the northern region. Winds will be gusty across the Sierra crest eastward and humidity will be in the single digits to low teens. Southern California temperatures will remain cool and below seasonal norms for many areas across the region through today. A warming and drying trend will occur today through Sunday, with minimum humidity levels dropping back into the teens and single digits away from the coastal areas.
Californians need to take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. To learn more ways to prevent sparking a wildfire visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org
—Submitted
UKIAH
Exchange agreement proposed for Redwood Valley Elementary School property
Ukiah Unified School District announced that at the September 9 Board Meeting, the Ukiah Unified Trustees will consider entering into an exchange agreement for the former Redwood Valley Elementary School property with GMB Realty, a limited liability corporation based in Oakland, CA. Benefits of exchanging the property include the district would no longer need to pay to maintain the property, the property can be redeveloped, potentially adding new housing and other opportunities for this area, and the district can acquire another property that will help them better meet the educational goals of the Board.
The exchange agreement would open an exclusive 270-day window for the potential buyer to continue their analysis, which could include rezoning and other matters on the property, and for the District to locate a property for exchange.
The Redwood Valley Elementary School property consists of approximately 35,231 square feet of buildings situated on approximately 12.44 acres of land. The exchange agreement is conditioned on GMB Realty’s acknowledgment and express consent to restrict and prohibit any and all commercial cannabis-related activities on the property.
Property exchanges can help resolve facility, financial, and development-related issues for school districts and other public entities. The Redwood Valley Elementary property has been declared as surplus by Ukiah Unified Trustees. And now, by working toward an exchange agreement, the District can potentially save resources and money.
“The District has been maintaining the property since it closed in 2010 but has not had the resources to do more than the minimum. It will be beneficial to shift resources to our other campuses,” said Steve Barekman, Chief Business Official at Ukiah Unified.
The District is responsible for identifying the exchange property and determining whether the fair market value of the proposed exchange property is of equal value to the Redwood Valley property. Ukiah Unified Trustees must make final approval and acceptance of any exchange agreement or property.
Ukiah Unified Trustee Bea Arkin commented, “It’s been a long process, but we are excited to have finally found someone who will come in and revitalize this property for our community.”
Previously, Ukiah Unified formed a “7-11” Committees to determine the best use of the Redwood Valley property. The purpose of a 7-11 Committee is to advise a governing board, based on community input, regarding the use or disposition of school buildings, space, or property that is not needed for school purposes. The individuals on the committees included teachers, neighbors, and City officials. The Committee held multiple meetings and received community input.
The 7-11 Committee made recommendations to the Board about how to handle the properties based on community input, declining student enrollment, and financial needs. In 2018, the Board voted to declare the site as surplus. Declaring a school site as surplus means the District does not anticipate needing this property for school-related uses.
The Ukiah Unified Trustees meet in person. However, in-person attendance by the public is not allowed at this time. Members of the public can view meetings live or at any time after a meeting on the District’s YouTube Channel by following this link. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrRjxT-CILBVvDMZQ2aw9Q
Public comments at Ukiah Unified Board Meetings are made by phone and are limited to three minutes per speaker. Follow this link to sign up for public comment before the start of the meeting: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfn7qbES3DBggptnnog20zuVdSgR0tATos3rT-Gn3Ipdy1aMA/viewform
Visit www.uusd.net for more Ukiah Unified information and news or contact UUSD Communications and Community Engagement Officer Doug Shald at dshald@uusd.net or 707.472.5005 with questions.
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LAKE COUNTY
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Since the pandemic started, folks seem to have become increasingly comfortable talking about their mental health. Yet, the topic of suicide – when it comes up – is still scary to think about. We can all help prevent suicide.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Lake County Behavioral Health Services invites you to help spread awareness of what is a leading cause of death in the United States, and ensure we all know how to discuss suicide and help our loved ones in need.
“Suicidal ideation, although common, should not be considered normal, and can point to more serious mental health issues,” says Todd Metcalf, Director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
There are many simple activities one can do to encourage wellness and reduce stress during difficult times. Do what works, and do not be afraid to try something new. Here are some self-care activities one can practice to help focus on well-being:
- Set goals each day and create a daily routine
- Develop a gratitude list
- Express feelings
- Get plenty of sleep and rest
- Ask for help
- Watch a favorite show or movie
- Create a safe and comfortable living space
For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090. If in crisis, please call 800-900-2075 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
—Submitted
—Compiled by Ariel Carmona Jr.
