Measure B passes in McKinleyville

This was submitted by the MCSD. We’ll have more details in the coming edition.

From the MCSD:

The results are in for Measure B, McKinleyville’s local measure for parks and recreation maintenance. With a total of 2,297 valid ballots cast, 1,411 in favor and 886 against, Measure B passed by significant margins. Ballots are weighted according to individual property assessments, and Measure B, received 55% of the weighted vote, well over the 50% needed.

“We want to thank our property owners for participating in this important election,” said McKinleyville Community Services District General Manager Norman Shopay. “Funds from our current Measure B, which is set to expire next year, account for over 25% of our overall yearly maintenance budget,” Shopay continued. “It would have been impossible to continue maintenance of our parks, recreation facilities and trails at current levels without renewing Measure B funds.”

The District Board called the election for the Measure B renewal only after extensive review, including comprehensive discussions with community members, students, and the completion of an Engineer’s Report that details the maintenance needs for the District.

“It is clear to us from these results that our community continues to place a high priority on the need for local parks and recreation facilities,” said Helen Edwards, McKinleyville Community Services District Board President, “We look forward to continuing to provide these quality services for years to come.”

Jeff Driver, former Chairperson of the Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) stated, “After being on RAC for 15 years and almost from the beginning of the original Measure B, the track record the Parks and Recreation Department has had from the beginning of Measure B is a good indication of where we’re going in the future, and the McKinleyville citizens spoke loudly in favor of the passage.”

The passage of Measure B means that the District will be able to continue to maintain local parks, recreation facilities, trails and open space areas at current levels into the future.

“We are pleased that there will be no interruption in services, and people can remain confident that park restrooms will remain open and the grass mowed,” said Jason Sehon, Director of Parks and Recreation. “In addition, based on community feedback, we have already opened planning discussions for the new teen/family center.”

An all school assembly, to facilitate student feedback, is currently in the works. “As a teen/family center, we think it is critical to include our local students in this process from the beginning,” Sehon said. These discussions will be ongoing and there will be opportunities for the entire community to weigh in.

“The parks and recreation facilities that we oversee are entirely for the community’s use and enjoyment,” General Manager Shopay added. “As such, it is critical to us that we work hand-in-hand with our community moving forward. We want to hear from you!”

Detailed ballot results will be available for public review at the MCSD office (1656 Sutter Road) shortly.

Crescent City Tsunami Update

Location: Crescent City Inner Basin Harbor, Crescent City, CA

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

Cause: Tsunami following 8.9 earthquake in Japan

Operational Update:

The sunken 30-foot commercial fishing vessel, Tamara, was raised to the water surface and secured to the shoreline Tuesday, March 15, 2011.
Sunken vessel recovery will continue as weather permits.
A survey vessel from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and a contract vessel with Global Diving and Salvage are on-scene to perform assessment of the harbor sea floor using sonar technology. The assessment will determine the exact locations of navigational hazards, debris and shoal water so responders can act accordingly to restore the harbor and make it safe for mariners to transit.
Approximately 1,500-feet of hard and absorbent boom has been deployed to contain sources of sheen in the inner harbor and to mitigate harmful effects on the environment.
Conducting underwater assessments to confirm locations of sunken vessels. Two contracted dive teams have assisted in the response efforts. Divers assist in raising sunken vessels.
Significant amounts of debris have been secured along the west side of the harbor for removal and disposal.
Heavy equipment and excavators have been moved into the harbor area and have begun debris removal operations. Approximately 35 cubic yards of debris has been removed from the harbor.

MEDIA ALERT: To gain access to the operations area, please be equipped with hardhat, reflective vest, steel-toed shoes and eye protection. Media tours of operations will be available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Damage:

47 vessels afloat but with some level of damage
15 sunken vessels
1 vessel removed
1 vessel grounded at mouth of Elk River
Large debris including rocks, logs, and vessel debris scattered about inner harbor and shore
Navigable waters status unknown; boaters should use extreme caution transiting the area
Significant damage to moorings and docks

Closures or restrictions:

Harbor access restricted for public safety
Harbor closed to the public at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until further notice.
To prevent crabs and other seafoods from being contaminated and unmarketable, commercial fisherman are advised of the following protocol:
Do not run circulation pumps on approach to Crescent City Harbor or within Crescent City Boat Harbor
Do not pull crab pots or other traps up through water if a visible sheen is present
Safety zone in place for Crescent Harbor; no movement without consent of USCG
Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., C, D, E, and F docks are open to owners of vessels within the boomed off area. Vessel owners should contact Coast Guard Auxiliary members located at the Harbor Office to schedule a visit. For emergencies only, owners wishing to access their vessels outside of that time frame may contact the Coast Guard. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Access restrictions to A-dock have been eased and personnel floatation devices are strongly advised.

Harbor operations: Crescent City Harbor asks affected boat owners to contact the harbor at 707-464-6174 ext. 22 to provide the following information:

Boat name
Official number/vin
Fuel capacity
Actual fuel onboard
All contact information

Wildlife: No observed wildlife impacts at this time. Assessment will continue

Crews deployed: US Coast Guard, California Fish and Game, Harbor District Personnel, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, oil spill response organizations

Information numbers:

Crescent City Harbor boat owners contact 707-464-6174 ext. 22
Report oil 1-800-852-7550
Report Injured Wildlife 1-877-823-6926

McKinleyville Totem Pole Postcards Available Online

You can purchase 10″ by 4″ full-color postcards featuring the World’s Largest Totem Pole by clicking here.

Buy them for yourself, buy them for friends. Buy them just to put on your wall!