The following is a letter to the editor submitted by Mendocino County District 3 Supervisor John Haschak, published here as a column, in which he updates his constituents. We encourage the other supervisors to submit letters — we will happily publish them. You can see Haschak’s previous letters to his constituents here. The opinions expressed in this letter are the author’s, not those of The Mendocino Voice.
The whiplashing that the weather has given us severe drought and flooding and has caused death and destruction. While the groundwater basins and reservoirs are filling up, trees are falling and roads are slippery. Much appreciation to our fire departments and other first responders along with the crews keeping the power on.
The Creekside Cabins north of Willits had a sinkhole where an old culvert collapsed. Residents have not been able to get in or out safely. The owner of the park has not performed the needed repairs. I have spent many hours with State and local officials working on a solution. Social Services regularly visits the site to check on the residents. The County is working with State partners to ensure the health and well-being of the residents. The responsibility of maintaining the park in livable conditions is on the owner and the County will do everything possible to recoup any costs.
The Board will adopt a proclamation honoring Willits resident Edie Ceccarelli and her 115th birthday! We are celebrating Edie’s status as the oldest person in the United States, 4th oldest in the world, and 63rd to have ever reached this milestone age. I hope that the skies are clear for her birthday party.
The County’s financial books for the past fiscal year ending on June 30 have not been “closed”. This normally happens by September. Without the final numbers, financial decisions are not well developed because nothing is for sure.
The Board will make decisions on the emergency access routes in and out of Brooktrails, protections for riparian and wetland areas, and the wildlife exclusionary program. These will be before the Board on Jan. 24. I have been working on these issues. The desired outcomes are that we proceed with pursuing funding for the maintenance of the emergency access routes, seek grant funding to create a riparian/wetland ordinance (which is what every other County has), and accept the recommendations on how to handle wildlife conflict.
The Brickhouse Coffee in Willits has offered to hold “Talk with your Supervisor” forums. We are going to have these open discussions on the second Thursday of each month from 10-11. Feb. 9 is the first one. Bring your ideas and solutions to making Mendocino County a better place for all.
Please reach out to me at [email protected] or 707-972-4214.
John
