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CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Fire officials said Thursday morning that acreage didn’t grow overnight on either the Pawnee fire in Lake County or the County fire to the southeast, with slight gains in containment on both.
On Thursday the Pawnee fire northeast of Clearlake Oaks remained at 15,000 acres, with containment up to 92 percent, Cal Fire said.
At the same time, Cal FIre said the region’s biggest incident, the County fire in Yolo and Napa counties, remained at 86,000 acres, with containment up to 30 percent and 990 structures threatened, a decrease of several hundred since Wednesday night.
According to the latest map, 63 percent of the fire is in Yolo County, with the other 37 percent in Napa County.
Advances by firefighters led the Napa and Solano County Sheriff’s Offices to lift more evacuation advisories and road closures for the fire area.
In Napa County, advisories were lifted east of Capell Valley Road and North of State Highway 128, including the Berryessa Highlands, Pleasure Cove Resort, Markley Cove Resort and residences accessed by Steele Canyon Road.
In Solano County, the advisories were lifted for the areas north of Quail Canyon Road, south of State Highway 128, east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and west of Pleasants Valley Road.
Officials said the closure of State Highway 128 between Markley Cove Resort and Pleasants Valley Road is rescinded. Residents are urged to continue driving with caution as emergency personnel and equipment are still working in the area.
However, both Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol reported that Highway 16 – from the junction of Highway 20 in Colusa County to 0.8 miles east of Rumsey at Manzanita Avenue in Yolo County – remained closed due to the fire.
Burning conditions on the Pawnee fire, which began June 23, have continued to trend downwards, however, Cal Fire said there is a warming and drying trend forecast for Friday.
In the meantime, Cal Fire said resources on the incident – which include more than 1,200 personnel, 51 engines, 17 water tenders, four helicopters, 23 hand crews and 27 dozers – will continue with patrol, mop-up, and repair work throughout the day and night.
On the County fire, challenges with steep and inaccessible terrain continue, with the incident burning throughout the night with little recovery from the relative humidity. The weather
will become hotter and drier into the weekend and fire growth potential remains high, Cal Fire said.
Resources assigned to the County fire include 3,475 firefighters, 309 engines, 41 water tenders, 21 helicopters, 73 hand crews and 73 dozers, Cal Fire said.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Spectacular fireworks displays were featured around Lake County during the last several days as part of local Independence Day celebrations.
The following are some highlights from a sampling of the shows.
The photos were taken by Elizabeth Larson, editor of Lake County News.
City of Clearlake celebration – Saturday, June 30
Konocti Vista Casino and Twin Pine Casino fireworks display, Lakeport – Monday, July 2
City of Lakeport celebration – Wednesday, July 4
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Millions of women, men, young girls and boys around the world are currently victims of human sex trafficking, and with the crime now occurring in Lake County, Lake Family Resource Center is working to raise awareness and protect the community.
The organization explained that, as codified in the California Penal Code, anyone who deprives or violates the personal liberty of another with the intent to obtain forced labor or services, procure or sell the individual for commercial sex, or exploit the individual in obscene matter, is guilty of human trafficking.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, human sex trafficking is the largest and fastest-growing business of organized crime and the third largest criminal enterprise in the world. It is the most common form of modern-day slavery.
There are an estimated 27 million adults and 13 million children around the world who are victims of human sex trafficking.
The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children In the U. S., Canada and Mexico estimates that every year, thousands of victims fall into the hands of traffickers and that 293,000 American youths currently are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
According to the Office on Trafficking in Persons, the majority of these victims are runaway or throw-away youths who live on the streets and become victims of prostitution.
These victims can come from homes where they have been abused or from families that have abandoned them, or have been recruited into prostitution through forced abduction, pressure from parents, or through deceptive romantic relationships.
Once victims are coerced into human sex trafficking, they are often forced to travel far from their homes and, as result, are isolated from their friends and families. The lifestyle of these victims often revolves around violence, forced drug use and constant threats.
When the term human sex trafficking is used, first images are of young girls that are abducted against their will, chained up, beaten and transported to other countries. This can happen, but the reality is that human sex trafficking is happening right in our own backyards, here in Lake County.
The business of human sex trafficking is an organized and violent circuit of crime that is a serious violation of human rights.
Per the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, the average age at which people first become victims of prostitution is 12 to 14; however anyone at any age can be victimized. Women and young girls are susceptible to be sold to traffickers, locked up in rooms or brothels for long periods of time, possibly drugged or terrorized, and raped repeatedly.
Abusing the victims repeatedly makes it easier for traffickers to control their victims which make speaking out more difficult due to intimidation or fear against their traffickers, which decreases escape opportunities.
Lake County has faced multiple cases of human sex trafficking throughout the past year. Victims in Lake County have faced abuse that constitutes control, physical and mental abusive and rape.
Recognizing possible indicators of human trafficking is a key step in identifying more victims and savings lives.
Lake Family Resource Center said that, as a community, we have to accept that human sex trafficking is taking place in Lake County and we need to come together to help end this disturbing epidemic.
By being aware of possible indicators that someone is being trafficked, you may be able to help save a life.
Rape Crisis Center Family Advocates at Lake Family Resource Center shared with the public a few signs that could be indicators of human sex trafficking:
– Disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse;
– Signs of disconnection from family, friends and community organizations;
– Signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care;
– Works excessively long and/or unusual hours;
– Owes large debt and is unable to pay it off, is not in control of his/her own money;
– Not in control of his/her own identification documents;
– Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in;
– Loss of sense of time;
– Not allowed or able to speak for themselves ( a third party may insist on being present and/or translation);
– Coached on what to say; relies on another for answers;
– Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story;
– Has large amounts of cash upon them;
– Has brandings, markings or symbolic tattoos.
Not all of the indicators above are presented in every human sex trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any indicators is not necessarily proof of human sex trafficking but that the combination of indicators is something to be aware of.
If you do suspect that someone is being trafficked, confronting suspected traffickers or suspected victims can be dangerous, instead, notify local law enforcement immediately.
If you have questions about possible human sex trafficking you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 as well as utilizing local support with Lake Family Resource Center’s Rape Crisis Center which offers free and confidential services including a 24/7 Community Crisis Line, 1-888-485-7733, that connects callers to trained sexual assault advocates.
The Rape Crisis Center also provides individual counseling, safety plants, education, hospital accompaniment and law enforcement advocacy for all victim of sexual assault and human sex trafficking.
For more information on human trafficking or the Rape Crisis Center, please contact Sheri Young or any sexual assault advocate at 707-279-0563.
The organization explained that, as codified in the California Penal Code, anyone who deprives or violates the personal liberty of another with the intent to obtain forced labor or services, procure or sell the individual for commercial sex, or exploit the individual in obscene matter, is guilty of human trafficking.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, human sex trafficking is the largest and fastest-growing business of organized crime and the third largest criminal enterprise in the world. It is the most common form of modern-day slavery.
There are an estimated 27 million adults and 13 million children around the world who are victims of human sex trafficking.
The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children In the U. S., Canada and Mexico estimates that every year, thousands of victims fall into the hands of traffickers and that 293,000 American youths currently are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
According to the Office on Trafficking in Persons, the majority of these victims are runaway or throw-away youths who live on the streets and become victims of prostitution.
These victims can come from homes where they have been abused or from families that have abandoned them, or have been recruited into prostitution through forced abduction, pressure from parents, or through deceptive romantic relationships.
Once victims are coerced into human sex trafficking, they are often forced to travel far from their homes and, as result, are isolated from their friends and families. The lifestyle of these victims often revolves around violence, forced drug use and constant threats.
When the term human sex trafficking is used, first images are of young girls that are abducted against their will, chained up, beaten and transported to other countries. This can happen, but the reality is that human sex trafficking is happening right in our own backyards, here in Lake County.
The business of human sex trafficking is an organized and violent circuit of crime that is a serious violation of human rights.
Per the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, the average age at which people first become victims of prostitution is 12 to 14; however anyone at any age can be victimized. Women and young girls are susceptible to be sold to traffickers, locked up in rooms or brothels for long periods of time, possibly drugged or terrorized, and raped repeatedly.
Abusing the victims repeatedly makes it easier for traffickers to control their victims which make speaking out more difficult due to intimidation or fear against their traffickers, which decreases escape opportunities.
Lake County has faced multiple cases of human sex trafficking throughout the past year. Victims in Lake County have faced abuse that constitutes control, physical and mental abusive and rape.
Recognizing possible indicators of human trafficking is a key step in identifying more victims and savings lives.
Lake Family Resource Center said that, as a community, we have to accept that human sex trafficking is taking place in Lake County and we need to come together to help end this disturbing epidemic.
By being aware of possible indicators that someone is being trafficked, you may be able to help save a life.
Rape Crisis Center Family Advocates at Lake Family Resource Center shared with the public a few signs that could be indicators of human sex trafficking:
– Disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse;
– Signs of disconnection from family, friends and community organizations;
– Signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care;
– Works excessively long and/or unusual hours;
– Owes large debt and is unable to pay it off, is not in control of his/her own money;
– Not in control of his/her own identification documents;
– Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in;
– Loss of sense of time;
– Not allowed or able to speak for themselves ( a third party may insist on being present and/or translation);
– Coached on what to say; relies on another for answers;
– Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story;
– Has large amounts of cash upon them;
– Has brandings, markings or symbolic tattoos.
Not all of the indicators above are presented in every human sex trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any indicators is not necessarily proof of human sex trafficking but that the combination of indicators is something to be aware of.
If you do suspect that someone is being trafficked, confronting suspected traffickers or suspected victims can be dangerous, instead, notify local law enforcement immediately.
If you have questions about possible human sex trafficking you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 as well as utilizing local support with Lake Family Resource Center’s Rape Crisis Center which offers free and confidential services including a 24/7 Community Crisis Line, 1-888-485-7733, that connects callers to trained sexual assault advocates.
The Rape Crisis Center also provides individual counseling, safety plants, education, hospital accompaniment and law enforcement advocacy for all victim of sexual assault and human sex trafficking.
For more information on human trafficking or the Rape Crisis Center, please contact Sheri Young or any sexual assault advocate at 707-279-0563.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – In 2003 Bernie and Lynne Butcher bought an neglected 19th century hotel in Upper Lake and transformed it into one of Lake County’s premier resorts that brings new life to Upper Lake’s economy.
The Butchers’ renovation retained the historic ambience of the hotel while introducing green technology that includes a geo-exchange cooling system.
Bernie Butcher will speak about the Tallman restoration at the Lake County Library’s July installment of the Know Lake County lecture series on Saturday, July 21, at 2 p.m. at the Lakeport Library, located at 1425 N. High St.
The free program is open to the public.
Butcher holds a BA in history, an MBA in international business, and an MA in U. S. history.
Before becoming an innkeeper, he worked as a high school history teacher, basketball coach and as an international banker.
Butcher will narrate a slideshow on the history of the Tallman Hotel, placing the hotel and the town into historical context, and talking about the natural history of Clear Lake.
Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Lake County Library. The library is located at 1425 N. High St. For more information call 707-263-8817.
The monthly Know Lake County lectures feature speakers from a wide array of organizations and disciplines, each representing some aspect of Lake County.
Lake County PEG TV records each Know Lake County program, broadcasts it on cable channel 8, posts it on YouTube and creates DVDs that become part of the Lake County Library’s circulation collection. More information about PEG TV can be found at www.lakecountypegtv.org .
The Lake County Library is on the internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary.
Jan Cook is a technician with the Lake County Library.
LAKE COUNTY – Mark your calendar, the Lake County Weed Management Area is hosting its 15th annual “Invasive Weeds Tour” on Thursday, July 19.
The tour is free and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The third week of July is California’s annual “Invasive Weed Awareness Week.”
This statewide program is designed to educate citizens about the undesirable effects and impacts of non-native invasive weeds.
Participants will gather in front of the Ranch House at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park at 8400 State Highway 53 between Clearlake and Lower Lake at 9 a.m.
They will take a leisurely guided walk of about 2 miles to see the amazingly diverse array of invasive plants that flourish in the park and the effects of control mechanisms such as control burns, and return to the house for lunch and discussion of aquatic invasive weeds under the trees.
Although the event is completely free and all members of the public are invited, reservations are required.
Please RSVP with the Lake County Agriculture Department at 707-263-0217 by July 16.
The tour is sponsored by the Lake County Department of Agriculture and the Lake County Resource Conservation District.
The end-of-tour lunch is free but donations to help offset the cost of refreshments will be greatly appreciated and cheerfully accepted.
The tour is free and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
The third week of July is California’s annual “Invasive Weed Awareness Week.”
This statewide program is designed to educate citizens about the undesirable effects and impacts of non-native invasive weeds.
Participants will gather in front of the Ranch House at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park at 8400 State Highway 53 between Clearlake and Lower Lake at 9 a.m.
They will take a leisurely guided walk of about 2 miles to see the amazingly diverse array of invasive plants that flourish in the park and the effects of control mechanisms such as control burns, and return to the house for lunch and discussion of aquatic invasive weeds under the trees.
Although the event is completely free and all members of the public are invited, reservations are required.
Please RSVP with the Lake County Agriculture Department at 707-263-0217 by July 16.
The tour is sponsored by the Lake County Department of Agriculture and the Lake County Resource Conservation District.
The end-of-tour lunch is free but donations to help offset the cost of refreshments will be greatly appreciated and cheerfully accepted.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Firefighters on Wednesday continued to raise containment on the wildland fires around the region, which combined have burned more than 100,000 acres.
The region’s largest wildland fire, the County fire, reached 86,000 acres and 27 percent containment by Wednesday evening, according to Cal Fire.
The fire began on Saturday near Guinda in Yolo County before spreading to Napa County.
Cal Fire said firefighters continued aggressive work on Wednesday to build containment lines in challenging conditions.
While Wednesday offered cooler conditions, Cal Fire said the favorable weather did little to diminish fire intensity and it remained active throughout the day.
The number of structures under threat due to the fire has continued to grow and prompted numerous mandatory and advisory evacuations for the fire area.
By Wednesday evening, the number of threatened structures had risen to 1,500, an increase of more 250 since the morning report.
However, shortly after Cal Fire’s evening update on the fire, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office said that, thanks to the work of firefighters, and in consultation with County fire incident commanders, it was lifting some mandatory evacuations and evacuation advisories east of the Yolo/Napa County Line to State Highway 16 and south of County Road 53 to State Highway 128.
Resource numbers went up for the incident again on Wednesday, with the firefighting force growing to 3,475 firefighters, 309 engines, 41 water tenders, 21 helicopters, 73 hand crews and 73 dozers, Cal Fire said.
Also continuing to burn is the Pawnee fire, located northeast of Clearlake Oaks, which began June 23.
It remained at 15,000 acres and 90-percent containment through the course of Wednesday, Cal Fire said.
The agency said that 1,238 firefighters, 51 engines, 17 water tenders, four helicopters, 23 hand crews and 16 dozers are assigned to the Pawnee incident.
Resources will remain on fire throughout the night to patrol the area looking for, and taking action on, any hot spots or hazards, according to Cal Fire.
In Colusa County, the Stony incident – renamed slightly from “Stoney” earlier in the day – was at 75 acres and 25 percent containment by day’s end, Cal Fire reported.
That fire began in the 2600 block of Lodoga Stonyford Road in Stonyford shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday. Cal Fire said no structures were damaged.
Forward progress on the Stony fire, burning in grass, was stopped on Wednesday afternoon. Cal Fire said crews were continuing to build control lines and conduct heavy mop-up throughout the day.
Resources on that incident by day’s end included 10 engines, two water tenders, two fire crews, one bulldozer and four overhead personnel, Cal Fire reported.
Cal Fire said the causes of all of the fires remain under investigation.
Email Elizabeth Larson at