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A single gray wolf has been reported wandering in southern Oregon. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, this animal is a 2 ½ year old male formerly from a pack in northeast Oregon. Since the animal has been collared with a GPS device that periodically transmits its location, biologists have been able to document its travels since early September.
Based on the GPS data, he is now more than 300 miles from where his journey began. As of yet, there are no direct observations confirming his presence, or that of any other wolves, in California.
“It’s too early to say with any certainty whether wolves will again become a resident species in California,” Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Director Charlton H. Bonham said. “But it is definitely an historic predator surrounded by legend and lore.”
Any wild gray wolf that returns to California is protected as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. DFG has been following the recovery and migration of gray wolves in western states with the expectation that at some point they will likely reach California. The last confirmed wild gray wolf in California was killed in Lassen County in 1924.
Sonoma County homeowners are now eligible for rebates of up to 100% for Energy Analysis services. In addition, rebates up to $6,000 are now available for some home energy efficiency upgrades.
These new incentives were announced Oct. 27 by the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP), and the Regional Climate Protection Authority, in partnership with Energy Upgrade California™
A Home Energy Analysis uses cutting-edge technology to determine where a home may be leaking energy and wasting money, and addresses potential indoor air quality and health concerns. The analyst assesses all the major energy efficiency features of the home, looking at the house as a whole system. Air leaks, heating and cooling systems, water heating systems, insulation, windows, attached lighting fixtures, major appliances, solar systems, and other energy uses are all inspected. The analysis includes a customized evaluation of the home’s energy use and identifies specific opportunities to minimize energy waste, and improve comfort, many of which are eligible for further rebates and financing. Any Sonoma County homeowner may choose to have an analysis performed on their home. Immediate plans for energy efficiency improvements are not required.
Final AIA Report to be Presented at a Community Meeting December 3 in Santa Rosa
The Southeast Greenway Campaign Committee has received the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) report: Imagine…A Greenway to Spring Lake and Beyond. It offers a provocative, conceptual vision for the old Highway 12 right-of-way, rooted in ideas collected from more than 300 residents, State, City and County officials who participated in town hall meetings and roundtable discussions in June.
With striking visuals, the report paints a picture of a linear Greenway stretching from Spring Lake Park to Farmers Lane that is very much tied into the fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods and the community at large. This new jewel of open space would provide amenities including:
1. Bike and walking paths
2. Open space with restored native habitat and restored creeks
3. Historic orchards & community gardens
4. Spaces for meeting, relaxing and recreating
There have been a series of new cases of equine herpes virus in California over the last several weeks, in Tuolumne, San Joaquin and Sonoma counties.
Locally, there was a single confirmed case in Sonoma County, which was quickly identified and quarantined until the risk of contagion had passed.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection in horses can cause respiratory disease, neurological disease, abortion in mares and neonatal foal death. The neurological form of the disease, is known as Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), has the potential to cause high morbidity and mortality. EHV-1 is easily spread and typically has an incubation period between 2-10 days. Respiratory shedding of the virus generally occurs for 7-10 days, but may persist longer in infected horses. For this reason, the isolation period recommendation for confirmed positive EHM cases is twenty-one (21) days.
