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CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The acreage of a fire burning east of Clearlake Oaks since Sunday evening has been held to minimal growth.
On Monday evening, Cal Fire said the Cache fire was up slightly to 120 acres.
Containment at that point also was up to 70 percent, Cal Fire said.
The fire was first reported shortly after 5 p.m. in an area south of Highway 20 and east of New Long Valley Road near the Cache Creek Recreation Area, according to radio reports.
Officials have so far not given a cause for the fire.
Email Elizabeth Larson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
On Monday evening, Cal Fire said the Cache fire was up slightly to 120 acres.
Containment at that point also was up to 70 percent, Cal Fire said.
The fire was first reported shortly after 5 p.m. in an area south of Highway 20 and east of New Long Valley Road near the Cache Creek Recreation Area, according to radio reports.
Officials have so far not given a cause for the fire.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
UPPER LAKE, Calif. – After a hot and smoky summer, the 12th annual Blue Wing Blues Festival is back and offering a weekend of great music and food, and room to dance and relax.
The Kenny Neal Family Band from Louisiana was to have been the featured attraction at the festival’s August dates, cancelled when the town of Upper Lake had to be evacuated due to the Ranch fire.
When Kenny learned about the disruption to life caused by the fires in Lake County, he volunteered to bring the band back out from Baton Rouge to do two make-up dates over the Labor Day weekend, Saturday Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 2.
“We already had the great Rick Estrin and the Nightcats scheduled for the Labor Day Monday September 3,” said Blue Wing owner Bernie Butcher, “so when Kenny offered to come back that weekend, it was a no-brainer for us!”
Starting at 6:15 p.m. each day (gates open at 5:30), these top blues musicians plus opening bands will perform on the veranda of the Hotel with the audience gathered in the intimate garden between the Hotel and Restaurant. The ticket price of $50 plus tax includes a barbeque dinner.
Acclaimed entertainer brings Louisiana blues to Lake County
Kenny Neal is one of the legends of the Louisiana blues scene, an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist widely renowned as a swamp-blues master.
He learned music at an early age from his father, the singer and blues harmonica player Raful Neal.
Kenny Neal tours the country with members of his famous family, two of whom (Darnell and Frederick) will be with him at the Blue Wing.
“We got to know Kenny when he lived in the Bay Area before moving back to Baton Rouge,” said Butcher. “He brought down the house at our Festival in 2012 and subsequently did a great show at the Soper-Reese. When in the area I try to get him back, and very much appreciate the special effort he’s making this time.”
Opening for Neal will be two exceptional local bands. On Saturday, Sept. 1, it will be the master blues guitarist Howard Reggie Dockens and his band, consisting of Lynn Bryant on keyboards, Robert Watson on bass and Billy Johnson on drums.
The opener on Sunday, Sept. 2, will be one of the most accomplished Lake County bands, “Clean Sweep,” led by blues harp virtuoso Pat Gleeson.
Other band members are Mike Gymnaites (guitar), Keith Crossan (sax), Joanie Lane (vocals), Dave Falco (bass) and John Sheridan (drums). Sitting in for David Neft on keyboards will be the one-and-only Queen of Boogie Woogie, Wendy DeWitt.
Harmonica and fiery guitar
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats top the bill on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 3. Estrin ranks among the very best harmonica players, singers and songwriters in the blues world today.
His quick wit and signature look – coiffed hair, pencil-thin mustache and sharp attire – add even more color to his performances.
The fiery guitarist Kid Anderson leads the other Nightcats consisting of Lorenzo Farrell on bass and keys and J. Hansen on percussion.
Opening for the Nightcats on Labor Day will be Red’s Blues Band from Sacramento, an accomplished trio consisting of Dave Earl on guitar and harmonica, R. W. Grigsby on bass and vocalist Beth Reid-Grigsby.
“I’d like to thank the many excellent local businesses that have continued to sponsor the Festival through this difficult time,” said Butcher. “I think they all see the expanded Labor Day weekend event and another example of ‘Lake County Strong’.”
Full sponsors of the festival this year include local wineries Brassfield, Chacewater, Dancing Crow, Fults Family, Six Sigma and Steele plus Bicoastal Media (KNTI and KXBX), Kelseyville Lumber and Joy Swetnam.
Also sponsoring are Bill and Patti Brunetti, Blues Express Records, Gregory Graham Wines, Jonas Heating and Cooling, Judy Conard, Lake County Record-Bee, Lincoln-Leavitt Insurance, Mark Prichard, Mary Heare Amodio, Obsidian Ridge Wines, O’Meara Brothers Brewery, Perkowski Custom Apparel, R Vineyards, RB Pest Control, Shannon Ridge Wines, Sysco Foods, TFI Plaza Lakeport and UCC Rentals.
Tickets at $50 plus tax include a BBQ dinner and are limited to 100 each evening.
They may be purchased directly at the Tallman Hotel, located on Main St. in Upper Lake, or by calling the hotel reception desk at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – County officials said that recent tests have confirmed new findings of West Nile virus in Lake County.
This week’s sentinel chicken testing showed that one of the birds from the Upper Lake flock tested positive for WNV.
Earlier this month, four mosquito samples from Lake County tested positive for West Nile, as Lake County News has reported. The positive samples were collected in Lower Lake (1), Middletown (2), and Upper Lake (2), and all four were the same species, Culex tarsalis, also known as the western encephalitis mosquito.
“This is typically the peak of the West Nile virus season, and activity continues through September,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “Mosquitoes are still biting, and it’s important for residents to dump out any water where the mosquitoes can develop. To control mosquitoes in ponds, water features, livestock water tanks, or pools and spas that are not being maintained, residents can pick up mosquito-eating fish for free from our office.”
“If you plan to be outside when mosquitoes are active, use insect repellent applied according the directions on the label and reapply as directed,” said Dr. Erin Gustafson, Lake County deputy health officer.
Dr. Gustafson added, “When we see chickens becoming positive for West Nile virus, the conditions are right for transmission to humans. It is important for medical providers to have an increased awareness and test for West Nile virus when they have a suspicion.”
The district encourages residents to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases by:
· Dumping or draining standing water to prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle.
· Defending yourself. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow the label directions.
· Avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
So far this year, West Nile virus activity has been detected in four mosquito samples and one sentinel chicken in Lake County.
Statewide, 35 California counties have detected WNV this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds.
Thirty-one human cases of West Nile virus illness have been reported in California residents this year. The most recent confirmed case of WNV infection in Lake County was in 2016.
Most people – 80 percent – with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint, pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Serious symptoms in a few people. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
· Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
· Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
· Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects to the central nervous system might be permanent.
· About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die.
If you develop the symptoms described above, see your health care provider, who can order tests to look for West Nile virus infection.
To learn more about testing, visit the CDC’s Healthcare Providers page.
There are no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection available for humans.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care, officials said.
If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus disease, talk with your health care provider.
Mosquitoes that transmit WNV develop in the standing water found in out-of-service swimming pools and spas, animal watering troughs, ornamental ponds, rain barrels, and similar sources.
Swimming pools and spas that aren’t maintained can produce thousands of biting mosquitoes every day.
Residents can help reduce mosquitoes in their neighborhoods by reporting unmaintained (“green”) pools to the Vector Control District or pick up free mosquito-eating fish for these sources Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., from the district at 410 Esplanade, Lakeport.
Residents with questions or who would like help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or visit www.lcvcd.org.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov/. Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.
This week’s sentinel chicken testing showed that one of the birds from the Upper Lake flock tested positive for WNV.
Earlier this month, four mosquito samples from Lake County tested positive for West Nile, as Lake County News has reported. The positive samples were collected in Lower Lake (1), Middletown (2), and Upper Lake (2), and all four were the same species, Culex tarsalis, also known as the western encephalitis mosquito.
“This is typically the peak of the West Nile virus season, and activity continues through September,” said Jamesina Scott, Ph.D., district manager and research director of the Lake County Vector Control District. “Mosquitoes are still biting, and it’s important for residents to dump out any water where the mosquitoes can develop. To control mosquitoes in ponds, water features, livestock water tanks, or pools and spas that are not being maintained, residents can pick up mosquito-eating fish for free from our office.”
“If you plan to be outside when mosquitoes are active, use insect repellent applied according the directions on the label and reapply as directed,” said Dr. Erin Gustafson, Lake County deputy health officer.
Dr. Gustafson added, “When we see chickens becoming positive for West Nile virus, the conditions are right for transmission to humans. It is important for medical providers to have an increased awareness and test for West Nile virus when they have a suspicion.”
The district encourages residents to reduce their risk of contracting West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases by:
· Dumping or draining standing water to prevent mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need water to complete their life cycle.
· Defending yourself. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow the label directions.
· Avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk.
So far this year, West Nile virus activity has been detected in four mosquito samples and one sentinel chicken in Lake County.
Statewide, 35 California counties have detected WNV this year, mainly in mosquitoes and dead birds.
Thirty-one human cases of West Nile virus illness have been reported in California residents this year. The most recent confirmed case of WNV infection in Lake County was in 2016.
Most people – 80 percent – with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint, pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Serious symptoms in a few people. About 1 in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
· Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
· Severe illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk.
· Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects to the central nervous system might be permanent.
· About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system die.
If you develop the symptoms described above, see your health care provider, who can order tests to look for West Nile virus infection.
To learn more about testing, visit the CDC’s Healthcare Providers page.
There are no vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection available for humans.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care, officials said.
If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus disease, talk with your health care provider.
Mosquitoes that transmit WNV develop in the standing water found in out-of-service swimming pools and spas, animal watering troughs, ornamental ponds, rain barrels, and similar sources.
Swimming pools and spas that aren’t maintained can produce thousands of biting mosquitoes every day.
Residents can help reduce mosquitoes in their neighborhoods by reporting unmaintained (“green”) pools to the Vector Control District or pick up free mosquito-eating fish for these sources Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., from the district at 410 Esplanade, Lakeport.
Residents with questions or who would like help with a mosquito problem, including reporting a neglected pool or spa, should contact the Lake County Vector Control District at 707-263-4770 or visit www.lcvcd.org.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov/. Information about mosquito repellents can be found on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/faq/repellent.html.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Sen. Mike McGuire’s critical environmental legislation that cracks down on illegal forest conversions to cannabis or other agricultural operations has passed both houses of the legislature with bipartisan support and is being sent to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.
McGuire said SB 1453 is critically important to protect pristine California forestland from illegal clearing to cannabis conversions, which decimates watersheds and pollutes drinking water supplies and kills wildlife. The bear-like mammal, the fisher, is close to extinction due to the practices of rogue cannabis growers.
Illegal timberland conversion to cannabis violations have jumped more than 200 percent since the passage of the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act, or MMRSA, in 2015, rising from 30 in 2015 to 99 in 2017 and over the last 20 years, thousands of acres of California forestland have been illegally converted, McGuire’s office reported.
This sharp increase in Forest Practice Act violations from illegal conversions of timberland for cannabis cultivation operations has restricted the ability of Cal Fire investigators to pursue rogue cannabis grows.
The current statute of limitations makes it extremely difficult for Cal Fire investigators to become aware of a potential violation, investigate it, prepare a report, and then refer the matter to a District Attorney or the Attorney General’s Office so that a civil action can be filed in time.
Sen. McGuire’s SB 1453 extends the statute of limitations for illegal conversions of timberland to agricultural uses from one year to three years, upon the discovery of the illegal clearing which is a critical change that will assist in prosecuting these offenses.
“Many in the industry are doing the right thing and becoming licensed. Illegal conversions are still a massive problem and they pollute our watersheds, threaten drinking water supplies, kill wildlife and usher in near irreversible harm to California’s beloved forests,” McGuire said. “SB 1453 will give Cal Fire investigators and prosecutors the time they need to successfully throw the book at these rogue growers who are destroying our forests and it provides authorities time to address these terrible acts.”
SB 1453 is modeled after previous action by the legislature, which has already created a three-year statute of limitations for other similar violations, such as violations of a Fish and Wildlife streambed alteration permit, which often occur in conjunction with violations of the Forest Practice Act & Rules.
The bill is supported by a broad coalition including California District Attorneys Association, Sierra Club, Save the Redwoods, The Nature Conservancy, and many others. SB 1453 passed in the legislature and is being sent to Gov. Brown, who has until Sept. 30 to sign this year’s legislation.
McGuire said SB 1453 is critically important to protect pristine California forestland from illegal clearing to cannabis conversions, which decimates watersheds and pollutes drinking water supplies and kills wildlife. The bear-like mammal, the fisher, is close to extinction due to the practices of rogue cannabis growers.
Illegal timberland conversion to cannabis violations have jumped more than 200 percent since the passage of the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act, or MMRSA, in 2015, rising from 30 in 2015 to 99 in 2017 and over the last 20 years, thousands of acres of California forestland have been illegally converted, McGuire’s office reported.
This sharp increase in Forest Practice Act violations from illegal conversions of timberland for cannabis cultivation operations has restricted the ability of Cal Fire investigators to pursue rogue cannabis grows.
The current statute of limitations makes it extremely difficult for Cal Fire investigators to become aware of a potential violation, investigate it, prepare a report, and then refer the matter to a District Attorney or the Attorney General’s Office so that a civil action can be filed in time.
Sen. McGuire’s SB 1453 extends the statute of limitations for illegal conversions of timberland to agricultural uses from one year to three years, upon the discovery of the illegal clearing which is a critical change that will assist in prosecuting these offenses.
“Many in the industry are doing the right thing and becoming licensed. Illegal conversions are still a massive problem and they pollute our watersheds, threaten drinking water supplies, kill wildlife and usher in near irreversible harm to California’s beloved forests,” McGuire said. “SB 1453 will give Cal Fire investigators and prosecutors the time they need to successfully throw the book at these rogue growers who are destroying our forests and it provides authorities time to address these terrible acts.”
SB 1453 is modeled after previous action by the legislature, which has already created a three-year statute of limitations for other similar violations, such as violations of a Fish and Wildlife streambed alteration permit, which often occur in conjunction with violations of the Forest Practice Act & Rules.
The bill is supported by a broad coalition including California District Attorneys Association, Sierra Club, Save the Redwoods, The Nature Conservancy, and many others. SB 1453 passed in the legislature and is being sent to Gov. Brown, who has until Sept. 30 to sign this year’s legislation.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Firefighters pushed the Mendocino Complex closer to full containment on Monday, continuing burning operations in the rugged backcountry that have helped slow the complex’s progress.
Cal Fire said the Mendocino Complex rose to 459,102 acres and 90-percent containment by Monday evening after growing nearly 8,000 more acres during the previous 24 hours.
The Ranch fire reached 410,182 acres and 90-percent containment on Monday night, according to the report. It’s the only portion of the complex still actively burning after the River fire was fully contained at 48,920 acres earlier this month.
Full containment is expected to be reached on Sept. 1, Cal Fire said.
As containment reached the 90-percent mark, personnel and equipment were rolled back on the complex. Cal Fire said 2,440 personnel were assigned on Monday night – a reduction of about 600 from the previous day. Also remaining assigned are 120 engines, 62 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 71 hand crews and 28 dozer.
The improved conditions also led to Glenn County lifting the mandatory evacuation orders for all areas east of the Mendocino National Forest boundary on Monday. The advisory evacuation also was lifted for the community of Elk Creek.
Officials said full closures remain in effect for the Mendocino National Forest, except for forest residents with permits and proof of residency, as well as for the Bureau of Land Management’s Cow Mountain Recreation Area.
The continued growth on the complex has been attributed to firing operations on the northeastern sections of the fire, according to Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service, which hold unified command on the incident.
Officials said the firing operations are expected to continue on interior portions of the burned area, focusing on reinforcing containment in the northeastern areas of the fire as weather conditions permit.
Fire crews continue to build and reinforce containment lines and mop up throughout the north and northeastern portions of the fire area, while fire suppression repair efforts remain under way in the northwestern portions of the fire, officials said.
The burning operations have helped the overall firefighting effort but have contributed to the smoky air that has continued to hang over Lake and its surrounding counties.
An air quality forecast for the region can be found here: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/MendocinoNationalForest-SacramentoValleyArea.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Firefighters are gaining containment on a wildland fire that began Sunday evening east of Clearlake Oaks.
The Cache fire is located in an area south of Highway 20 and east of New Long Valley Road near the Cache Creek Recreation Area, according to radio reports.
By Sunday night, it was reported to be 105 acres and 20-percent contained, according to Cal Fire.
The fire was first dispatched just before 5:15 p.m. Sunday, as Lake County News has reported.
Cal Fire, Northshore Fire and Lake County Fire were among the agencies sending resources to the incident on Sunday evening, based on reports from the scene. Engines also were sent from the nearby Mendocino Complex.
Both air and ground resources worked the fire, with tankers and copters clearing ahead of nightfall.
There had been concerns that the fire would jump Highway 20, but as of late Sunday that hadn’t occurred, based on radio reports.
Incident command put in a resource order on Sunday night for four strike teams of engines, six strike teams of crews, four dozers and three helicopters in order to be ready to continue the work to contain the blaze on Monday morning.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
