PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs have begun this morning, though the impact has been reduced in overall numbers. But still, 150,000 customers in 18 counties will lose power today, some this morning, and others later today. Here in Sonoma County there will be power shut offs affecting more than 19,000 customers, and expect the power to stay off until PG&E crews inspect the lines and sources before reenergizing, most likely tomorrow, but some damage may take longer to repair. (photo courtesy PG&E)

Today, the Small Business Administration loan outreach center opens to help those affected by the Kincade Fire. Low Interest federal disaster loans are now available. The SBA center is located at the Sonoma County Office of Education on Skylane Blvd off Airport Blvd in Santa Rosa, and opens right now through 5pm, and will be open weekdays 8-5, except next Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. (photo courtesy Riverside Economic Development)

The Whales win. Bodega Bay's crab fleet will stay in port, instead of heading out to work their crab pots Friday, the commercial season opener. 86 humpback whales hvae been spotted by aerial surveys, for by unanimous decision, the boats will avoid the waters to eliminate the risk to the whales who haven't left for wintering off Mexico. Any whale entanglements with fishing gear could shut down the crab harvest. (photo courtesy aquarium.org)

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory expected to start this afternoon, and last until Thursday night. High Fire Risk condidtions are expected tomorrow morning, and PG&E officials will make decisions on Public Safety Power Shutoff's for as many as 303-thousand people 25 counties, including about 40-thousand here in Sonoma County. (photo courtesy Patch)

Yesterday in Sacramento, PG&E CEO Bill Johnson told a California legislative committee that the utility became complacent about power shutdowns after successfully completing a few smaller ones, but lawmakers are holding PG&E accountable. State Senator Mike McGuire and others sharply critized PG&E after Johnson made the comments in testimony that also detailed a series of major shutdowns in recent weeks that left millions of people without power. (photo courtesy Times-Standard)

Santa Rosa City Council Member Julie Combs is leaving office. Combs has announced that she will give up her seat, ending questions by other councilmembers that her absences from the area have made her unfit to hold office. Interviews will begin soon for replacement candidates. (photo courtesy Press Democrat)

We may be in for power outages again this week. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory that will start tomorrow and last until Thursday night, and PG&E is saying Wednesday's strongest predicted winds could prompt a Public Safety Power Shutoff for some customers in the North Bay, Sierra foothills and North Valley. 180,000 customers could be effected starting Wednesday. Winds are expected to reach speeds of 60 mph in higher elevations this week. (photo courtesy PG&E)