Mendocino TV News January 9th 2014

The Ft. Bragg police are asking you to be on the look-out for suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

There have been a series of stolen vehicles recently and the suspects are still on the loose. The latest came on January 7th when a 1993 Toyota pick-up was stolen in the early morning hours from the 300 block of South Whipple Street. Since January 1st, three separate incidents have occurred involving stolen vehicles within the city. None of the vehicles were locked and it appears that a set of keys was left inside at least two of the vehicles. One car was taken from a location on Sherwood road and another was taken in the 500 block of North Franklin Street. Police are asking all residents to make sure your car is locked at all times…even if you are just going in to the grocery store for a quick shop or stopping by to visit a friend for just a few minutes. Remove all keys from inside your vehicles and keep an eye out where you live or work. Remember to report any suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighborhood by contacting the local police immediately at (707)964-0200 or 911.

Drought emergency declared 

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors met for the first time in 2014 and unanimously voted to declare a drought  emergency within the county.  Though we may have received some rain as of late, we are still drastically behind the normal rainfall amounts for this time of year.  The emergency declaration will create an ad-hoc committee to be made up of Supervisors Carrie Brown and Dan Hamburg who will work with state and local officials to see what measures must be taken to help preserve our precious water supply.

Soldier Point purchased by the the City of Ft. Bragg

What’s the latest development concerning the old Georgia-Pacific mill site?  The City of Ft. Bragg announced this week that they have purchased the spectacular 4 acre parcel out there known as Soldier Point.  The city  spent $352,000 for the property, with the California Coastal Conservancy kicking-in $277,000 of those funds.  The property was sold by heirs of C.R. Johnson at what is being called a very fair price.  The city plans to make  it part of the so called Coastal Trail that will provide public access along the property and they are planning  to make a special trail out to this area which provides a magnificent view of the ocean.  It is the western most point of the city between the Noyo River and Pudding creek.  According to Ft. Bragg Mayor Dave Turner: “The Soldier Point property is the crown jewel of Ft. Bragg’s proposed Waterfront Park.  The 360 degree views from the property are simply spectacular.  We are thrilled to be able to add this parcel to the 92 acres of coastal parkland that the City acquired from Georgia-Pacific.”  The city expects to open the Noyo Headlands park and the Ft. Bragg Coastal Trail to the public some time in 2015.

Minimum wage: annual adjustment.

Existing law requires that, on and after January 1, 2008, the minimum wage for all industries be not less than $8.00 per hour. This bill will increase the minimum wage, on and after July 1, 2014, to not less than $9 per hour. The bill will further increase the minimum wage, on and after January 1, 2016, to not less than $10 per hour.

Redwood Coast Senior Center is moving in a positive direction under the guidance of its revitalized board of directors.

Highlights include:

• Meeting minutes will now be available on the website soon after the meeting. Board members will review and pass the minutes electronically.

• Redwood Coast Senior Center has a $25,000 net surplus in its budget for the 2013/14 fiscal year.

• Steve Jordan has been hired as the Program Director/Administrative Assistant and will relieve Executive Director Charles Bush of some overwhelming responsibilities.

• Granny’s Attic sales are up by 50% this fiscal year.

• Many plans are underway to improve and streamline operations including:

• o Dining room staff training
• o Increasing meals on wheels donations
• o Adding new meal options
• o Streamlining records and reports
• o Improving website information
• o Developing a newsletter
• o Purchasing a new bus with grant monies
• o Improving the facility appearance with a $50,000 donation.

• An ad hoc committee is reviewing facility usage fees.

• The Governance Committee will begin to research the options and do a benefit analysis on the issue of whether or not Redwood Coast Senior Center should be a member organization.

It’s Whale Watching time on our coast. Watch a pod of whales frolic off the Mendocino Coast as Lindy takes a whale watching trip on The Trek 2