OAKLAND
Utility partnership with 211 enhances support, access to customer resources during PSPS outages
With the height of fire season around the corner throughout California, Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, in partnership with the 211 California Network, have ramped up their emergency preparedness support for customers in preparation for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
California’s two largest utility companies are partnering with 211 Care Coordination, which assists individuals with Access and Functional Needs (AFN) who live in high fire risk areas by creating a plan to connect them to local community-based organizations before PSPS outages. Organizations may assist with transportation and shelter, portable backup power, home meal delivery, bill assistance programs and other support.
Care Coordination is available for individuals with Access and Functional Needs who live in high fire risk areas. This includes those with various disabilities or chronic conditions, older adults and others who use medical equipment that requires electricity. Customers who are interested in services can call 211 or text “PSPS” to 211-211 before, during and after PSPS events to discuss assistance available to them.
California continues to experience drought, increased wildfire risk and a longer wildfire season. The combination of dry conditions with high winds will increase the risk of wildfires. Energy companies like SCE and PG&E have various programs in place to mitigate the possibility of wildfires caused by electrical equipment, like grid hardening, situational awareness and PSPS. While PSPS are a measure of last resort, they will still be a tool energy companies may need to use.
To get connected and get help through the free, confidential referral hotline, dial 2-1-1. Customers can also log onto 211.org for more information. 211 is available 24/7 in more than 300 languages.
About 211
With 24-7 availability from trained specialists and a dedicated resource management team, 211 is a powerful resource for households. The 211 California Network is comprised of 13 contact centers throughout the state working together to connect the community to all available health and social service resources.
—Submitted
LAKE COUNTY
August 20 Taste of Lake County pairs Lake County wine with local restaurants and Lake County artisans
The 24th annual food and wine event, Taste of Lake County, will once again pair premium Lake County wines with gourmet food from local purveyors. Taking place in Library Park on the shores of Clear Lake in Lakeport on Saturday, August 20, the food, wine, and artisan event runs from 5 to 8 pm, with dancing under the stars following until 10 pm. Event tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door, and includes tasting tickets, food tickets and a souvenir wine glass. A $25 ticket is available for food tasting only.
An expected 14 wineries will offer tastes from fine wines either produced in Lake County or made from grapes grown in the county. Approximately 10 local restaurateurs and caterers will provide tasty bites. To keep the fun going, music will play throughout the tasting. A great selection of Lake County Artisans will be displaying their crafts as
well. After 8 pm, the party turns into a dance under the stars with music by The Funky Dozen.
Tickets are now on sale at these outlets:
● Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 875 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport, (707) 263-5092
Proceeds from The Taste of Lakeport benefit the Lakeport Main Street Association and its work toward the continuing support of Lakeport businesses and community..
Major event sponsors include Lake County Tribal Health, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Guerrero Brothers Auto Body Repair, Management Connections.
For more information contact Lakeport Main Street Association at 707-263-8843, info@lakeportmainstreet.com
—Submitted
SACRAMENTO
Legislation tightens California’s strictest-in-the-nation gun regulations
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed into law a package of legislation tightening California’s strictest-in-the-nation gun regulations — though he has yet to approve the pièce de résistance, a bill modeled on Texas’ abortion law that would allow private Californians to sue anyone who manufactures, distributes or sells certain illegal firearms. Today, Newsom is set to hold an event in Los Angeles highlighting the state’s efforts to “limit the spread of illegal guns.”
Among the eight proposals Newsom greenlighted, which add to a pile he signed last week:
- A bill banning people convicted of child and elder abuse from owning a firearm for 10 years.
- A bill banning firearm sales on state property, including gun shows at county fairgrounds.
- A bill requiring anyone who produces more than four firearms per year — either by milling together unfinished components or using 3D printers — to first get a gun manufacturing license from the state.
- A bill mandating school districts to provide annual information to parents about California’s safe gun storage laws and report any “perceived threat” of a mass shooting event to law enforcement. It would also require law enforcement or school police to conduct an investigation and threat assessment, including a search of school and student property under certain conditions.
“None of us can afford to be complacent in tackling the gun violence crisis ravaging our country. … California will continue to lead on lifesaving policies that provide a model for action by other states and the nation,” Newsom said in a press release announcing the bill signings.
—Emily Hoeven, CALMatters
