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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County and other parts of Northern California are expected to see strong winds on Thursday, with forecasters issuing a wind advisory and hazardous weather outlook less than a month after a damaging windstorm hit the county.
The National Weather Service issued the wind advisory, which is in effect from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.
Such advisories indicate that sustained winds of 25 miles per hour or gusts of 40 miles per hour or more are expected, the agency said.
A strong surface high pressure area is moving into Oregon and the Western Great Basin on Thursday and into Friday, the National Weather Service said.
That pressure area is expected to be the catalyst for significant northerly winds across interior Northern California, according to forecasters.
Near surface wind speeds are expected to be enhanced by a north to south jet stream, the National Weather Service reported.
Eastern Lake County in particular is expected to see north winds from 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts 40 to 50 miles per hour beginning Wednesday evening and significantly increasing early Thursday morning prior to sunrise, based on the forecast.
Also in effect over the next several days for Lake County and other parts of interior Northern California is a hazardous weather outlook that anticipates snow in higher elevations over the Sierra and strong northerly to northeasterly winds.
Thursday's wind forecast comes less than a month since a powerful windstorm – caused by the meeting of a high and a low pressure system – tore through parts of Lake County, as Lake County News has reported.
The storm, which occurred Nov. 21-22, did particularly serious damage to homes, utility lines and trees in the Nice and Clearlake areas, with other areas on the Northshore – Upper Lake, Lucerne and Clearlake Oaks – also seeing damage.
The highest gust – recorded on Cow Mountain – was 78 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.
The downed power lines caused by the winds also were responsible for several wildland fires, according to fire officials.
In light of the potential danger from the winds in the forecast, local emergency responders are planning ahead.
Northshore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos said the local fire chiefs met on Wednesday to discuss a response in the event the winds result in damage.
Pacific Gas and Electric spokesperson Brandi Ehlers said crews will be available to respond to any storm damage.
“We'll probably be activating local resources between midnight and 7 a.m. (Thursday),” she told Lake County News.
Cal Fire said that due to the heightened fire danger and increased potential for new fires as a result of the winds that are forecast over the region, it is placing additional firefighters on duty to staff extra equipment in the affected areas.
“The forecasted high winds coupled with the extremely dry weather and vegetation highlight the fact that conditions exist for large fire potential year round in California,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire, in a Wednesday afternoon statement.
“We've staffed additional equipment and are holding personnel on duty to address this increased threat,” Pimlott said. “Don’t let the calendar fool you; with the dry weather, the public needs to understand that the fire threat still exists in many areas of the state and that everyone must take extra precautions to prevent sparking a wildfire.”
Cal Fire, along with other fire agencies has, increased its preparedness by staffing additional wildland fire engines, dozers, fire crews and aircraft, the agency said.
The increased state resources will be positioned throughout the Northern and Central part of the state to allow for rapid response into communities and watershed areas that may be affected by a fast moving wind-driven wildfire, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire said its southern units remain fully staffed and are prepared to move into the North State if necessary.
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The California Department of Water Resources has mobilized a new drought management effort to prepare for and reduce potential impacts of what is expected to be a third straight dry year in 2014.
DWR Director Mark Cowin said the department is focusing its personnel and programs “to offset potentially devastating impacts to citizen health, well-being and our economy.”
Cowin has appointed Bill Croyle to lead the effort as department drought manager. Croyle has 30 years of experience in water operations, including seven years as DWR’s flood operations chief and 23 years with the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Jeanine Jones, DWR’s interstate resources manager, was appointed deputy drought manager. A 30-year DWR veteran, Jones has directed the department’s statewide planning program and worked on climate change adaptation programs.
Among DWR’s principal concerns is the plight of farmers who must operate with markedly less water than needed for crops.
Especially vulnerable to dry conditions will be farmers – and the farm communities that depend on agricultural jobs – on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. DWR also will be watching for drinking water impacts in small rural communities whose fractured rock groundwater sources will be stressed by a third dry year.
At a Jan. 7 meeting of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and DWR will discuss additional actions by the state to address drought conditions and impacts.
Director Cowin noted that DWR is working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the SWRCB to expedite transfers of water from areas with relative abundance to locations with critical water needs.
“Voluntary water transfers will be key to DWR’s drought response, as they hold the potential to alleviate critical shortages,” Cowin said. “We are making arrangements to bring additional resources with expertise in water transfers to advise the Drought Management Team to assure that the 2014 water transfers approval process is administered efficiently.”
DWR has released a schedule and process for streamlining water transfers in 2014, as directed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s May 20 executive order.
“We will continue to work with voluntary buyers, sellers, the State Water Resources Control Board and the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure an efficient process,” Cowin said.
California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross complimented DWR on its efforts to respond quickly.
“While 2014 water allocations are not finalized until spring, farmers and ranchers make key decisions in January and February,” said Secretary Ross. “By acting now to streamline water transfers and provide clarity, the administration is helping our agricultural communities prepare for the coming water year.”
Cowin last month announced an initial water allocation of only 5 percent of requested deliveries to SWP contractors in 2014.
The initial allocation is a conservative estimate of what DWR expects it can deliver as a percentage of the total amount requested by the public water agencies that contract for SWP deliveries.
“We hope things improve with this winter’s storms,” Cowin said in making the initial allocation, “but there is no guarantee that 2014 won’t be our third consecutive dry year.”
Supplementing the water transfer program, DWR is working with the Bureau of Reclamation and the federal and state wildlife agencies to improve Delta operations next summer to enhance water delivery capability while meeting endangered species protections.
Cowin said DWR recognizes there will be regional impacts due to dry conditions next year. “It’s still early in the water year,” he said. “The January and February snow surveys will allow us to evaluate water conditions on a statewide basis. As we monitor water conditions, we will consider actions to be included in a potential governor’s drought proclamation.”
Covered California and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) announced Tuesday that from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, as a benefit of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, an estimated 8,726 individuals in mostly rural Northern California counties started applications for Covered California health insurance plans.
Cumulatively, 4,393 individuals in the Northern California counties of Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity and Yuba have enrolled in subsidized or nonsubsidized Covered California health insurance plans, which reflects about 4 percent of the statewide enrollment (the counties make up 4 percent of those eligible for subsidies statewide).
These counties encompass Covered California pricing region 1.
“Northern California counties are important to our success,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. “While it is good news that so many who live in these counties have signed up, Californians all have one more week – until Dec. 23 – to enroll for coverage taking effect Jan. 1.”
Last week Covered California and DHCS released statewide figures showing that applications were started for an estimated 777,000 individuals between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30.
For the two-month period statewide, 109,296 individuals enrolled in Covered California health insurance plans. For the same period, 179,000 were determined to be likely eligible for Medi-Cal.
Other facts about Northern California counties’ enrollment figures:
- All of the consumers chose one of three health insurance carriers that have traditionally been the largest in the individual market: Blue Shield of California, Anthem Blue Cross of California and Kaiser Permanente.
- For the individuals who were eligible for subsidies, the great majority (68 percent) selected the “Silver” level of benefits, which is the level at which the federal premium assistance is targeted. Those who are not eligible for subsidies were more likely to buy across the spectrum of levels of coverage.
Dec. 23 is the deadline for consumers to enroll for health insurance coverage taking effect Jan. 1, 2014, but Lee pointed out that consumers can continue enrolling in Covered California plans through March 31, 2014. Medi-Cal enrollment is continuous throughout the year.
Lee also reminded consumers of the many paths they can take to enroll in Covered California health insurance plans and in Medi-Cal, including meeting in person with thousands of trained certified insurance agents, certified enrollment counselors and county eligibility workers, who can provide assistance with completing applications.
Consumers can find the nearest in-person help on www.coveredca.com .
Additionally, self-enrollment is available online, and enrollment can be completed over the phone by calling Covered California’s Service Center at 800-300-1506.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Cal Fire law enforcement officers have arrested a Happy Valley man on suspicion of intentionally setting numerous fires throughout Shasta County, including the September Clover Fire that killed one person and destroyed nearly 200 structures.
Zane Wallace Peterson, 29, was arrested Tuesday morning and booked into the Shasta County Jail, Cal Fire reported.
The agency said Peterson was arrested on felony charges including 140 counts of arson of a structure or vegetation, one count of arson that causes great bodily injury, 60 counts of arson to occupied structures, two counts of arson with aggravating factors and five counts of arson using an incendiary device.
The Clover Fire was reported just after 12:30 p.m. Sept. 9 in the community of Igo, 10 miles southwest of Redding. Cal Fire said the fire burned 8,073 acres and threatened more than 500 residences during its course.
It took seven days to contain the fire, with 60 occupied residences and 130 additional structures destroyed by the fire, according to Cal Fire.
In addition, there was one civilian fatality, Cal Fire said.
More than 1,500 firefighters from across the state responded at the height of the incident. Cal Fire said the cost to contain and control the Clover Fire is more than $7.3 million.
“Arson is a serious crime that threatens the public, our communities and the environment,” said Cal Fire Northern Region Chief Doug Wenham. “This is a significant arson arrest for Cal Fire, Shasta County, and the residents who endured the Clover Fire and suffered losses. The tragic loss of life and so many homes at the hands of an intentional fire is a heinous act.”
The Shasta County District Attorney’s Office and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Department aided Cal Fire in the investigation and arrest.
“I’m proud of our fire investigators and their arrest of this arson suspect,” said Chief Mike Hebrard, Cal Fire unit chief and Shasta County fire warden. “A lot of time and energy has been invested into this investigation and we look forward to continuing to work with the District Attorney’s Office on this ongoing criminal case.”
As part of Cal Fire’s fire prevention efforts, investigators work diligently to investigate the origin and cause of all types of fires.
When a fire cause is determined to be intentionally set, Cal Fire is committed to holding those responsible who willfully and maliciously threaten the safety of the public.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Adventist Health has named a new leader for its Northern California Network.
Jeff Eller has been named network's new president, according to Bill Wing, senior vice president of Adventist Health.
The network includes St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake.
Eller will succeed Terry Newmyer who announced his resignation in October.
Eller will leave his current position as chief executive officer of Sonora Regional Medical Center to assume this new role, effective Feb. 3, 2014.
“I am looking forward to working with the excellent caregivers in the Northern California Network to expand Adventist Health’s mission and reputation in Northern California,” said Eller.
“Jeff’s emphasis on growth and quality along with his administrative experience and strong record in clinical operations makes him an excellent fit for the position of president of Northern California Network,” said Wing. “Also, his strength in team building, physician relations and community relations will be great assets to the organization.”
The Northern California Network includes Howard Memorial Hospital, St. Helena Hospital Center for Behavioral Health, St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake, St. Helena Hospital Napa Valley and Ukiah Valley Medical Center.
Eller served as the chief executive officer of Sonora Regional Medical Center, a 72-bed acute-care facility, for five years.
During his tenure, Eller expanded services in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties by opening 10 additional network clinics with 22 new physicians and three mid-level providers, a second retail pharmacy and a pediatric clinic to serve Medi-Cal patients.
He added hospice services, acquired an ambulatory surgery center, opened the Live Well Be Well Center, established the Center for Joint Replacement and opened the Women’s Breast Health Center.
In addition, Eller successfully turned around the financial position of the hospital and led in acquiring the property adjacent to the medical center with plans to construct a 65,000 square foot medical pavilion to meet the community’s growing health care needs.
Under his leadership, Sonora Regional Medical Center significantly improved patient, physician and employee satisfaction scores as well as quality core measure results. This earned Sonora Regional Medical Center a spot among the top 18 percent of hospitals nationwide as one of the Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission.
Prior to assuming his current duties, Eller served as vice president at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. In addition, he served as executive director of diagnostic and support services at San Joaquin Community Hospital and held a variety of administrative positions at Shawnee Mission Medical Center and Kettering Medical Center.
Eller is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. A graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, he received his MBA with an emphasis in human resources. He also holds a bachelor's degree from Loma Linda University.
He is currently on the board of directors for the Tuolumne County Business Council, and a member of the Hospital Council of Northern California. Eller and his wife, DeeAnna, have two adult sons.
Eller will initiate a search to fill the position of president and chief executive officer at the three St. Helena campuses.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Yuba Community College District has posted its annual report on construction projects completed with Measure J bond funds.
This newest report covers the reporting period from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012.
Measure J, a $190 million general obligation bond initiative, was approved by district voters in November 2006. It authorizes funding for major repairs, renovations and construction projects on the district's campuses.
The district board of trustees issued the first three bond sales – Series A, B and C – in the amounts of $29 million, $65 million and $34 million, respectively, and the report gives a summary of the construction those bond sales funded.
Series A and Series B dollars funded Yuba College and Woodland Community College renovations and the new construction of the Yuba College Health and Public Safety building.
Series C dollars funded the construction of the Yuba College Sutter County Center, which opened in August 2012.
In addition, the funds paid for three new buildings at the Clear Lake Campus that were completed in August 2012. These three buildings are the first permanent facilities at the campus and replace original modular structures which were originally placed on the campus in 1975.
The last project that will be funded by Series C dollars is the renovation of the Learning Resource Center, Building 1100 at Yuba College, set to be completed this December.
When this renovation project is complete, Yuba College will have a new Learning Resource Center, fully equipped with a library, computer labs, study rooms, café, tutoring labs and success center. This project is jointly funded with state resources and Measure J local dollars.
Under Proposition 39, it is a requirement to report yearly a summary of committee proceedings and activities for the preceding year.
Pursuant to the Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) Bylaws, an annual report shall be presented to the governing board at an open board meeting.
The CBOC Annual Report was presented to the YCCD Governing Board at its regular meeting on Nov. 14.
The report consists of the CBOC chair letter to the community, audit report, committee membership and the local vendor commitment and economic impact. The annual audit report was approved by the CBOC and adopted by the YCCD Governing Board at its March 14 meeting.
Included in the report is a summary of the committee’s proceedings and activities for the preceding year and a statement indicating the district is in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution.
The CBOC Annual Report also highlights that the 2011-2012 Measure J Bond Program Audit found the District to be in compliance with the provisions of the Bond Measure.
The committee has verified that Measure J Bond proceeds have been expensed in compliance with the requirements of Article XIIIA, Section 1(b)(3) of the California Constitution.