Drought 'Crackdown' + Dry Lightning Watch + Cranky River Otter

Good to see you, neighbors! Simone here, your host of the Healdsburg Daily. I'm reporting to you today from COVID-19 isolation — and yes, I'm vaccinated, so take this as your sign to stay vigilant. Here's everything you need to know today about what's happening in town.

First, today's weather:

Chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then hot and sunny with an afternoon wind. High: 92 Low: 49.

Heads up — because said storms could mean dry lightning at high elevations, there's a Red Flag Warning in place for the mountains west of Healdsburg. Dry lightning was the cause of the LNU Lightning Complex fires last summer, including the Walbridge fire. So have your "go bags" ready, says Cal Fire. And "know your zone," says the sheriff. Here's how to report dry lightning to local firefighters if you spot it.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Healdsburg:

1. The latest COVID guidance from the Sonoma County government is that we should all wear masks indoors again. A bunch of neighboring counties are encouraging the same. "The Delta variant is spreading quickly, and everyone should take action to protect themselves and others against this potentially deadly virus," Sonoma County's health officer says. (Patch Press Release Desk)
2. Looks like local drought regulations are about to get even more extreme. Lake Mendocino's water line is reportedly within days of dropping to a "key threshold" that will force water officials to launch an "aggressive crackdown" on the 1,500-plus rights holders who divert water from the Russian River. Including the City of Healdsburg. Officials say they tried asking nicely last month, but that diversions are still rampant along some stretches of the river — "particularly between Geyserville and Jimtown, a lightly settled but heavily cultivated grape growing area north of Healdsburg." (Press Democrat; paywall)
3. The residents of Healdsburg proper, on the other hand, seem to be getting the hang of this conservation thing. Last week alone, city workers delivered "nearly 185,000 gallons of recycled water to 546 households." And week after week, we're consistently hitting our year-over-year goal of 40 percent less water used. "Your work is helping to ensure Healdsburg’s water supply will last well into the fall," the city manager says. (City of Healdsburg)
4. There were a couple different stories in the PD over the weekend about the ongoing aftermath of last year's Walbridge Fire. Mill Creek residents, still "traumatized by the loss of their homes and community," are now watching as an "occupying force of heavy equipment operators and crews" reportedly churns through the forest and tags redwoods for removal. Residents held a "bittersweet" reunion at the hilltop home of Daryl and Lisa Groom over the weekend. (Press Democrat & Press Democrat; paywall)
5. Healdsburg native Manuel “Mike” Lownes turned 103 years old last week. This guy has been around so long that, as he tells it, "his father worked on putting in the concrete sidewalks on Plaza Street, which used to be simple wooden sidewalks." Throughout his lifetime, Lownes has worked at Healdsburg’s water department, a Fitch Mountain dairy farm, a Dry Creek Valley ranch and, of course, Garret’s Hardware. Happy freakin' birthday! (SoCoNews Healdsburg)

Today in Healdsburg

• "All Sorts of Sports" Summer Camp at Healdsburg Community Center (July 19-23, 9AM-3PM)
• Parkland Farms Neighborhood Meeting on Montage Development Park (6-7PM)
• Sonoma County Library Summer Reading Program: ¿Donde Esta Mi Gente? (6-7:30PM)

Healdsburg Patch Notebook

• Healdsburg municipal firefighters are helping battle the raging Tamarack Fire near Lake Tahoe. (Facebook)
• You can thank Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue for this soul-crushingly cute video of a "cranky" baby river otter being roused from its nap in the hay. "Currently growing in our small aquatic rehabilitation enclosure, she will likely be ready to return to the wild later this Fall," the otter's caretakers say. (Facebook)
• Having trouble getting the water out of your recycled water tank effectively? You're not alone. Here's a how-to video from the city. (Facebook)
• Sonoma County is considering a proposal this week that would consolidate 29 separate fire departments (for just nine cities!) into a sleek "six municipal departments and a dozen fire protection districts." As usual, the tricky part is taxes. (Press Democrat; paywall)
• Some Healdsburg residents are pressuring the city to put a moratorium on all water hookups for new developments until there's a "viable plan to provide basic water for our city." It's complicated, city officials say. (SoCoNews Healdsburg)
• Meanwhile, construction is about to begin on a waterline extension project from Highland Circle to Scenic Lane. "During construction driving on portions of Highland Circle and the most northern portion of Scenic Lane may be impacted," the city says. (City of Healdsburg)
• Healdsburg's amateur collegiate baseball team, the Prune Packers, are now selling Wicked slushies at their games at Rec Park. (Facebook)
• The Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District is looking for on-call wildland firefighters, paid hourly. (Facebook)
• There are also a bunch of open positions within the Sonoma County Office of Education, from janitor to financial advisor. (Facebook)
• The "mystery buyer using bitcoin in Sonoma County" has been revealed as Healdsburg resident and winery PR boss David Bowman. (Press Democrat; paywall)
• The Healdsburg Library is handing out "DIY energy and water savings" toolkits. Get yours! (Facebook)
• County officials have some good tips for creating "defensible space" around your home to help firefighters protect it during a fire. Also: Did you know you're eligible for two hours of free wood chipping per fire season? Sign up here. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Simone Wilson

About me: I was born and raised in Healdsburg, CA, where I was the editor of the Healdsburg High School Hound's Bark. I have since worked as a local journalist for publications in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York City and the Middle East. I'm currently a senior product manager for Patch.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Healdsburg Daily? Contact me at simone.wilson@patch.com.