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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Dig out those blue suede shoes and poodle skirts, hang those dice in your car window and get ready for the Hot August Nites Car Show & Concert this weekend.
The Lakeport Senior Center is hosting its third annual fundraiser event from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at Lakeport’s Library Park on Park Street.
There is something for everyone at the event, said center Director Jonathan Crooks.
“Meet your friends, bring your family, enjoy the beauty of Library Park, listen to great music, dance, sing, eat great food, maybe win a raffle prize – what a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon and evening,” Crooks said.
Starting at 4 p.m. in the park there will be food and drink vendors offering choices ranging from hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches to ice cream, with other vendors selling jewelry, crafts, clothing and 1950s memorabilia.
Come early to see beautiful cars, trucks and motorcycles “cruise the main” before they set up in front of Library Park for the Car Show on Park Street at 5 p.m.
Vehicles anticipated to be on display include a 1912 Ford C-Cab, 1931 Chevy Roadster, 1973 Chevy Wagon, 1966 Ford Mustang, 1936 Ford Phaeton, 1969 Camaro, plus many more.
A free concert by the LC Diamonds will start at 6 p.m.
There also will be many raffle prizes – courtesy passes to Cinema 5, Snoopy’s Ice Rink in Santa Rosa, Lakeport Speedway, Schwinn three-wheel bike donated by John Puccetti of Affordable Travel, a Coleman portable gas barbecue donated by Judie and Al Reynolds, an anti-gravity lounge chair, a complete ladies 1950s costume and a 1950s painted tool box donated by a “mystery shopper.”
A 1950s costume contest for both children and adults will be held, with gifts cards donated for the winners from McDonalds-Lakeport and Cheese’s Main Street Pizza.
Proceeds will benefit the center in serving the community's many seniors as well as upgrading much-needed equipment.
For more information contact the center at 707-263-4218, and follow it on Facebook.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Fire officials said the Jerusalem fire is continuing its spread through wildland although containment has risen, while to the north the effort to fully contain the Rocky fire took another step forward on Wednesday.
Cal Fire said early Wednesday night that the Jerusalem fire's size was up to 20,500 acres, a growth of 4,000 acres during the course of the day, while containment nearly tripled to 16 percent.
The Jerusalem fire, which began Sunday afternoon in the Jerusalem Valley area northeast of Middletown is still expected to be contained fully by Aug. 17, Cal Fire said.
Meanwhile, on the 69,636-acre Rocky fire to the north, which began burning July 29 to the east of Lower Lake and later ran north of Highway 20 east of Clearlake Oaks, containment rose to 95 percent by Wednesday evening, according to Cal Fire.
Cal Fire had expected to fully contain the Rocky incident by Thursday, but has now pushed the estimated date for full containment to Saturday.
Fire maps Cal Fire issued on Wednesday morning showed that several areas of the Jerusalem fire have burned up against – or into – the Rocky fire's southern perimeter.
Cal Fire spokesman Scott McLean also confirmed on Wednesday evening to Lake County News that the fire, which had crossed into Napa County earlier this week, has now moved just inside the borders of Yolo County.
Officials said the fire continues to burn into remote, difficult-to-access areas with dense vegetation and a lack of improved roads, with the added complications of winds that continue to be erratic.
Cal Fire officials said the winds continue to push the Jerusalem fire to the east and away from heavily populated areas.
However, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said in a Wednesday report that winds during the day had died down on the Jerusalem fire and allowed firefighters to make progress, adding that the Rocky fire has acted as a containment line on the Jerusalem fire.
Cal Fire said 50 structures remain threatened by the Jerusalem fire, with radio reports indicating that firefighters on the ground and in the air continued their efforts to protect residences and outbuildings throughout the day.
Scanner traffic earlier in the afternoon and evening reported that a large fire ball had gone up from an area near a metal building that was surrounded by vehicles in the Jerusalem fire burn area, causing air attack to avoid the location.
McLean told Lake County News that the explosion – which was in an area north of Oat Hill and west of Berryessa Knoxville Road – could have come from a propane bottle or one of the older, broken down vehicles near the building, which he said wasn't damaged.
All mandatory and advisory evacuation orders remain in place on the Jerusalem fire, officials said. The full list of impacted areas is found at http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1193 .
An evacuation shelter is open at Kelseyville High School, telephone 415-307-4503, officials said.
An animal evacuation center is staged at Spruce Grove Storage, 11360 Spruce Grove Road, in Lower Lake, according to Lake County Animal Care and Control Director Bill Davidson. That center can be reached by phone at 707-263-0278.
Authorities said continuing road closures are in effect at Jerusalem Valley Road at Spruce Grove Road, Morgan Valley Road from Reiff Road southeast to Napa County line, Reiff Road from Morgan Valley east to Yolo County line and Berryessa Knoxville Road from Lake Berryessa north.
Resources on the Jerusalem fire increased again on Wednesday, with assigned personnel totaling 2,053, plus 140 engines, 57 hand crews, 28 dozers, 21 water tenders, 15 helicopters and four air tankers, Cal Fire said.
Spot fires were reported in the Jerusalem Grade Road area, inside an area that has already burned, on Wednesday evening, based on radio traffic.
Radio reports from the scene indicated air operations ceased for the day just after 8 p.m. At about the same time, firefighters were reported to be wrapping up a phase of firing operations.
Drift smoke from the Jerusalem fire was continuing to result in smoke checks for firefighters in the area of the Double Eagle Ranch east of Clearlake Oaks, which is within the Rocky fire area, according to reports from the scene.
Cal Fire said there are still 361 firefighters assigned to the Rocky fire, along with 24 engines, 14 dozers, eight water tenders, six hand crews and two helicopters.
Firefighters in the Rocky fire boundaries are continuing to actively patrol and work on mop up, dealing with what Cal Fire reported are isolated pockets of smoldering fuel deep within the interior of the burn with minimal fire activity near the perimeter.
Overnight radio traffic had reported the discovery of a burning tree along Highway 20 in the Rocky fire area.
As the Rocky fire nears final containment, mop up of hot spots and patrolling of fire lines is set to continue for several days, Cal Fire said, while fire crews also continue with making repairs to fire suppression areas.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is still activated and available to assist victims of the Rocky / Jerusalem fires, officials said Wednesday.
Lake County Emergency Operation Center coordinates with county, municipal, state and federal agencies to provide protection to lives and property from natural and manmade disasters.
The Lake County EOC was activated on July 29, 2015 shortly after the Rocky fire began.
Lake County Office of Emergency Services Manager Marisa Chilafoe thanked all county staff, and partnering and mutual aid agencies for their help in staffing the Lake Emergency Operations Center.
“Though we are pleased with the progress the EOC made on the Rocky fire, our work is not done, Chilafoe said. “Lake County Office of Emergency Services will remain vigilant on the Jerusalem fire and will be prepared to handle other Lake County emergencies as needed.”
Chilafoe also says, “The Lake County Office of Education has been instrumental in our partnership to serve the community and those affected by the fires.”
On the Rocky fire, the Lake County Emergency Operation Center is moving into the recovery phase. The EOC provides assistance to the community while recovering from an emergency and helping residents and businesses return to a normal life as soon as possible.
Lake County opened a Local Assistance Center (LakeLAC) at 14092 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake on Monday morning, Aug. 10. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. The LakeLAC will close Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.
The LakeLAC is intended to assist residents and business owners with access to recovery information and to connect with available resources, including numerous state and local agencies and many non-profits.
With regard to the Jerusalem fire, the Lake County Emergency Operation Center is continuing to provide care and shelter for those displaced by the Jerusalem fire.
The American Red Cross transitioned out of the Middletown shelter and opened shelter at Kelseyville High School on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at noon.
Chilafoe also acknowledges the work of Lake County law enforcement. “Thank you to Sheriff Brian Martin for his leadership and phenomenal job with the evacuation efforts during this unpredictable situation. He and his deputies rose to the challenge.”
For help in dealing with the Rocky Fire and Jerusalem Fire, please call the Rocky Fire Help Line at 1 (800) 325-9604 or go to www.LakeCountyLAC.com .
Updated information is also frequently shared on the Lake County OES Facebook and Twitter pages.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Wednesday morning Cal Fire reports that containment of the Jerusalem fire has edged up slightly while the fire continues to grow.
An additional 2,500 acres were consumed by the fire overnight bringing the total to 16,500 acres. Containment for the Jerusalem fire has risen to six percent, according to Cal Fire.
No structures are confirmed burned at this point though Cal Fire reports that 50 structures are threatened.
On Tuesday evening, because of the fire's movement and continued growth, the Lake County Sheriff's Office issued new mandatory evacuations for all residents along Morgan Valley Road from the Rocky Fire burn area, which is near the Reiff Road intersection, east to the Napa County line, and for Reiff Road from the Morgan Valley Road intersection east to the Yolo County line, as Lake County News has reported.
Previously placed under mandatory evacuation was the Jerusalem Valley area east of Spruce Grove, including Tinilyn Road, Nicholas Way, Jaclyn Road, June Bug Drive, Jerusalem Grade, Jerusalem Valley Road, Jerusalem Road, W Jerusalem Road, Canyon Road, Coon Flat Road and Daly Place.
Officials said advisory evacuations remain in effect for Grange Road from Luchetti Ranch Road east to Bucksnort Creek, and Butts Canyon Road from Bucksnort Creek east to the Napa County line.
Altogether, Cal Fire said 50 structures remain threatened, but none have been burned or damaged thus far, with reports from the fire lines indicating firefighters have been working on structure protection.
Evacuees are being directed to Middletown High School, 20932 Big Canyon Road, where a Red Cross evacuation shelter remains open, telephone 415-971-0797.
The Lake County Office of Emergency Services reported that the Red Cross will close the Middletown shelter at noon on Wednesday and reopen the shelter at Kelseyville High School, 5480 Main St. That shelter can be reached at 415-307-4503.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Kiwanis Club of Lakeport took top honors at this year’s Grillin’ on the Green barbecue cook-off while the Lakeport Fire Department Volunteers earned “Best Decorated Booth” honors at the event, which benefits Westside Community Park.
The grilling team representing the city of Lakeport was runner-up in the cook-off; and in his second outing as a Grillin’ competitor, Adam Bruch led his team, The Bru Cru, to third place.
The winners were selected by people’s choice vote Saturday, Aug. 1, at the sixth annual fundraiser at Westside Community Park.
For the first time, the event also included awards from celebrity judges. Michelle Malm, food services director for the Kelseyville Unified School District, Dave Faries, managing editor of the Lake County Record-Bee, and Michael Lunas, a Lake County Superior Court judge, selected Kiwanis Club of Lakeport’s pork ribs as their favorite and awarded Rookie of the Year to Fresh & Bangin’ Eatery.
Organizers deemed this year’s event a success with over $17,000 in revenue from ticket and drink sales, sponsorships and donations.
More than 340 people attended the fundraiser and enjoyed tastes from 10 grilling teams, music by the LC Diamonds, kids’ activities, horse-drawn wagon rides and a show of classic and vintage cars.
Attendees also voted for their favorites among the 44 vintage vehicles on display, selecting a 1940 Studebaker owned by Gary Williamson as the top car and a 1957 Chevy sedan owned by Joe Colabella as “best make-out vehicle.”
"The Westside Community Park Committee appreciates the support of the community for this year's Grillin',” said Dennis Rollins, chair of the Westside Community Park Committee. “The grillers and other food providers, our sponsors, volunteers, the car clubs, the Horse Council, and the people who came out to enjoy the evening in the park all made for a highly successful event."
Cook-off teams this year included NorCal BBQ Team (formerly Smokin’ and Q’n), the Early Lake Lions, the Lakeport Lions, Main Street Softball Team and Beef Cake.
“Every year I am more impressed with the support of the community and the top-notch cook-off competition,” said Cindy Ustrud, chair of the event committee. “The food keeps getting better and better – the best barbecue anywhere. I can't thank the grillers enough for their enthusiasm and generosity.”
Competing teams and their sponsors supply the food and volunteer their time and services to the fundraiser.
Attendees were treated to additional dishes to complement the barbecue tastes.
Salads, beans, desserts and beverages were provided by Lakeview Market, the Lakeport English Inn, the Kelseyville Unified School District, and Lake Event Design.
Snow cones were available from Marta and Domingo Avillea.
Several attendees took advantage of free horse-drawn wagon rides sponsored by the Lake County Horse Council and provided by Andre and Ellen Boersma of Scotts Valley.
"The wagon rides were well received,” said Rollins. “Dozens of people took the guided tour of the future equestrian area. The committee thanks the Boesmas and the Lake County Horse Council for providing this new addition to Grillin'."
Rollins recognized this year’s major sponsors: the Keeling-Barnes Family Foundation, which pledged matching funds up to $5,000, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Ruzicka Associates, the Ustrud-Rollins Family and Lake Event Design.
Additional sponsors this year were Clearlake Redi-Mix; Dr. Brian Grey, DDS, MDS; Dr. Alexander McGeoch, DDS; Savings Bank of Mendocino County; Guy Strohmeier’s Auto Center; Kathy Fowler Auto Center; Susie LaPointe; Margaret Silveira; Mendo Lake Credit Union; Peggy Campbell, CPA; William C. Kranz, attorney at law; Polestar Computers; Lake Parts/Napa Auto Parts; Debi Freeland, certified massage practitioner; and Jim and Alice Holmes.
In-kind contributions were made by Lake County News, KNTI radio, Lake Publishing and the Lake County Record-Bee, S2 Tutoring & PR, Lakeport Cinema 5, Wildhurst Vineyards, Kelseyville Unified School District and Kelseyville High School, Disney’s Awards & Trophies, RAHamilton, UCC Rental Center and Nancy Ruzicka.
Rollins also thanked the Grillin’ on the Green committee of volunteers: Ustrud, Wilda Shock, Beth Havrilla, Alice Holmes, Sue Stout, Tami Cramer, Val Schweifler and Jessica Kelley, Cathy Brennan and Mary Ann Larrea.
Westside Community Park is a city of Lakeport recreational facility that has been in development since 1998.
The nonprofit park committee is developing the park in conjunction with the city of Lakeport, volunteers, and numerous contributions by individuals and businesses dedicated to constructing a recreational facility for the youth and adults of Lake County.
More information can be found on the park’s Web site, www.westsidecommunitypark.org .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday evening issued a new mandatory evacuation order due to the movement and growth of the Jerusalem fire.
Cal Fire said the fire had reached 14,000 acres and 5-percent containment early Tuesday evening.
Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office said the fire is currently moving in a northern direction.
As a result of the fire's growth and movement, Brooks said a mandatory evacuation order has been implemented for all residents in the following areas:
– Morgan Valley Road from the Rocky Fire burn area, which is near the Reiff Road intersection, east to the Napa County line;
– Reiff Road from the Morgan Valley Road intersection east to the Yolo County line.
In addition, Brooks said Morgan Valley Road will remain closed east of the intersection of Reiff Road to the Napa County line, and Reiff Road will be closed east of the intersection of Morgan Valley Road to the Napa County line.
Residents should gather their medications, pets, and important papers and are advised to leave the area immediately. Brooks said.
If needed, Brooks said residents may seek shelter at the Middletown High School, 20932 Big Canyon Road.
Mandatory evacuations already are in place for the Jerusalem Valley area east of Spruce Grove.
That area includes Tinilyn Road, Nicholas Way, Jaclyn Road, June Bug Drive, Jerusalem Grade, Jerusalem Valley Road, Jerusalem Road, W Jerusalem Road, Canyon Road, Coon Flat Road and Daly Place.