LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Firefighters were able to contain a small wildland fire that broke out within the Mendocino National Forest on Wednesday evening.

The Bartlett Fire was located east of Bartlett Springs toward the Indian Valley area.

Mendocino National Forest spokesperson Tamara Schmidt said the fire was first reported at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday.

Schmidt said Cal Fire initially took the lead as it was believed that the fire was in the State Responsibility Area in Indian Valley.

However, at about 9 p.m. Wednesday it was transitioned to the Mendocino National Forest’s responsibility after it became clear the fire was located within the forest, she said.

Altogether, the fire was fully contained at approximately 4.3 acres, Schmidt said.

“It’s currently in patrol status and likely will be for the next few days,” Schmidt said Thursday evening.

Forest officials are urging visitors to be careful with fire in light of the season’s dry conditions.

Last month the Mill Fire burned nearly 30,000 acres on the Colusa County side of the forest, as Lake County News has reported.

Schmidt said the forest remains under fire restrictions, which it entered on Friday, July 13.

Under those restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal fires or stoves are prohibited on the Mendocino National Forest unless in the designated recreation sites in the Grindstone, Upper Lake and Covelo ranger districts.

Also prohibited is smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or in the designated recreation sites, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, using explosives, or possessing, discharging or using any kind of fireworks, officials reported.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Need a new pal?

This friendly gray male tabby is waiting to meet you.

When visiting with him, he presents himself as a friendly, calm cat, who enjoys chin rubs and attention.

Estimates on his age have ranged between 1 and 3 years.

He’s got a medium-length gray and black striped coat, weighs just over 7 pounds and has been neutered. Plus, he has extra toes.

He’s in cat room kennel No. 11, ID No. 33504. Shelter staff also have given him special billing by placing him up front in the lobby area where he’s available to visit with new friends.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A grant-funded enforcement program will assist the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office this month in stepping up its efforts to reduce the number of drunk drivers on Lake County’s roads.

Local CHP officials said that, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, and continuing through Friday, Aug. 31, its officers will be out in force thanks to the state-wide, grant-funded enforcement program known as “Impaired Driving Enforcement and Apprehension (IDEA) DUI Grant,” which focuses on impaired drivers.  

“People who drive while impaired dramatically increase their chances of being involved in a crash injuring – even killing – our families and friends. That's why the Clear Lake Area CHP is out in force conducting the ‘IDEA’ DUI enforcement program,” said Clear Lake Area Commander Lt. Greg Baarts.

“By increasing the number of officers on patrol and targeting locations where collisions are frequently occurring, we are working hard to make Lake County a safer place,” he added.

Lt. Baarts said motorists are encouraged to assist in this effort by reporting drunk drivers.

“If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely,” Baarts said.   

CHP Officer Kory Reynolds told Lake County News that local efforts to combat drunk driving are showing results.

From January through the end of this July, there have been 117 DUI arrests, compared with 146 DUI arrests for the same time period in 2011, Reynolds said. That’s a nearly 20-percent decrease.

Reynolds said the IDEA DUI grant covers overtime hours for the agency’s 16 local officers, allowing them more time to have a presence in local communities.

The grants can help them build up during maximum enforcement periods – such as Memorial Day, July 4, Thanksgiving and New Year’s – or other times as the hours are needed, he said.

Reynolds said DUI arrests also have been down during those maximum enforcement periods.

CHP officers also assist other agencies with events, such as backing up Lakeport Police during the city’s July 4 celebration. He said CHP officers on foot patrol helped remind those who had been drinking not to drive.

He thinks that presence is “a big part” of helping keep drunk drivers off the roads in the first place.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through  the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A small wildland fire was quickly contained in Clearlake Thursday.

The fire was reported shortly before 4 p.m. behind the Meadowood Nursing Center, located on Dexter Lane.

Lake County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire responded, according to radio reports.

The fire was limited to a quarter acre, according to Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta.

He said at one point the fire started spotting in trees, but they were able to knock the fire out before it took off.

“We got pretty lucky there,” he said.

He said the fire appeared suspicious; the cause is under investigation.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

When a child is abducted, every second counts.

Since July 2002, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has been responsible for the swift coordination of the state’s AMBER Alert Program, which has has led to the safe recovery of 235 children.

“This remarkable accomplishment is a reflection of the hard work and partnerships established between the public, the state’s broadcasters, Caltrans, the National Weather Service, the California Lottery and law enforcement agencies throughout the state,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Everyone involved plays an important role in the successful location of a child.”

Equally impressive as the state’s AMBER Alert success rate is the growth of the program since it originated.  

In addition to getting the word out through broadcasters and Changeable Message Signs on the highway, notifications of an AMBER Alert are now made via social media, wireless communication and the California Lottery. This represents an important expansion of the secondary distribution system and dramatically increases the reach and impact of these lifesaving bulletins.

The AMBER Alert network originated in Texas more than 16 years ago after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted and murdered.  

The AMBER Alert system, which is designed to help recover missing or abducted children, was later developed and named in her honor.

AMBER stands for “America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response.”

California introduced the AMBER Alert concept in 1999 as a regional program.  

The system was adopted statewide after former state Sen. George Runner, who now serves as an elected member of the State Board of Equalization, wrote the original bill in 2002 that created California’s AMBER Alert System.

“The state of California needed a system to assist in recovering our children safe and sound,” said former Sen. Runner. “I’m pleased to have been instrumental in the success of California’s AMBER Alert network.”

Today, all 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have AMBER Alert plans.  

This lifesaving program has resulted in the recovery of nearly 600 children overall; more than one-third of those cases are from California.

“Anytime an AMBER Alert is issued, my heart sinks because I know a child’s life is in danger,” added Commissioner Farrow. “I am also confident in the AMBER Alert program and know that everyone involved in the recovery process, including the public, are doing everything possible to bring that child home safely to their loved ones.”

Visit the CHP’s AMBER Alert page at http://www.chp.ca.gov/amber/Missing.php .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Flower is looking for some new digs.

The 7-year-old female gray tabby had a home, but her owner moved from the area and couldn’t take Flower along. That’s how she arrived at the county’s animal shelter.

Flower is friendly and mellow, has had all of her shots and is spayed, so she’s ready to go to her forever home.

She is in cat room kennel No. 57, ID No. 33708.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – This friendly female gray and white tabby is at the county’s animal shelter, waiting for a new home.

Her estimated age is 2 years.

She has gold eyes, a short coat and has not yet been spayed.

Find her in cat room kennel No. 46, ID No. 33740.

To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .

Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .

For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – State, local and federal firefighters responded on Wednesday evening to a wildland fire in the Indian Valley area of Lake County.

Firefighters were dispatched to a smoke check east of Bartlett Springs and near the north shore of Indian Valley Reservoir at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

A column of black smoke could be seen in the area, according to radio reports.

Cal Fire sent a full wildland fire response and a helicopter, with Northshore Fire and U.S. Forest Service units responding as well, radio reports indicated.

Early reports from firefighters arriving on scene after 6 p.m. indicated the fire was about three and a half acres, burning uphill in brush, with access off a nearby U.S. Forest Service road.

A few hours later it had reached about five acres in timber, with a spot fire about a half-mile away down a canyon, according to reports from the scene.

Air tankers and a helicopter did repeated drops on the fire to suppress it, according to radio traffic. The aircraft were released from the incident shortly after 8:30 p.m.

The fire was eventually determined to have been burning on the Mendocino National Forest. Forest officials couldn’t be reached late Wednesday night for an update on the fire’s size or containment.

Officials at the scene put in orders for additional resources to return to the scene on Thursday morning.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The sixth annual Blue Wing Blues Festival will be held over three days this weekend, opening on Friday evening in the garden between the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Restaurant in Upper Lake.

With doors opening at 5 p.m. each day, this popular event will continue on Saturday and Sunday with two bands and a barbecue dinner each evening.  

The well known local band Twice as Good will kick off the proceedings on Friday followed by one of the best Zydeco groups in California, Lloyd Meadows and the Zydeco Flames.  

Twice As Good is headed by Paul Steward and includes his father Rich on rhythm guitar and, for this performance, the great Frankie J on keyboards.

Zydeco Flames star Lloyd Meadows is a consummate entertainer and rousing crowd pleaser, and the rest of the band is equally accomplished, consisting of Frank Bohan on guitar, Bruce Gordon on accordion, Timm Walker on bass and William Allums on drums.

Saturday evening will be blues guitar night at the festival. The “Queen of Boogie Woogie” Wendy DeWitt will open with an upbeat set on keyboards followed by the powerful blues guitar sound of Daniel Castro and his Band.

Sunday is blues harp night, featuring the unique blues quartet Tip of the Top followed by Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors. Hummel is the master who leads the annual Blues Harmonica Blowout national tour.  

As an added attraction, Charlie Baty, previously leader of the popular Little Charlie and the Nightcats, will join Mark and the band on guitar for the Blue Wing performance on Sunday.

Tickets cost $50 plus tax and are still available by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department said Thursday that it’s investigating the theft of an American Indian ceremonial basket from the Lake County Museum.

Linda Lake, the curator for the museum – located at 255 N. Main St. – reported the basket was discovered missing from its display case at around 10 a.m. Thursday, July 26. It was reported to Lakeport Police later that afternoon, according to Lakeport Police Sgt. Kevin Odom.

Odom said the exact time frame of the theft is being investigated.

The missing basket is approximately 6 to 8 centimeters in size and made of mallard feathers, meadowlark feathers, quail plumes and shell beads, police reported. Its estimated value is more than $1,000.

The Lakeport Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with locating the stolen basket.

Anyone with information regarding its whereabouts should contact the Lakeport Police at 707-263-5491.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – California’s third case of equine West Nile Virus has been found in Glenn County, at the same time as the disease’s presence in the state appears to be making a resurgence.

Glenn County Mosquito and Vector Control District, Glenn County Animal Control Services and the Glenn County Health Services Agency reported that an infected horse was found just northwest of the city of Orland.

It’s the county’s first case of the equine infection in nearly eight years, according to local officials.

They reported that the horse – which had not been vaccinated against West Nile Virus – is not expected to survive.

“This is an unfortunate reminder that citizens must take action to protect their animals,” said Glenn County Sheriff Larry Jones, who oversees Glenn County Animal Control Services.

The state’s West Nile Virus Web site, www.westnile.ca.gov , reported that San Joaquin and Stanislaus are the other counties where the equine version of the disease has been reported this year.

Glenn County also reported an increase in dead, West Nile-infected birds found around the cities of Willows and Orland.

Lake County, Glenn’s neighbor to the southwest, has had no reported cases of West Nile Virus of any kind – human, mosquito, horse, squirrel, bird or sentinel chicken – so far this year, according to the state.

However, West Nile has been making a stronger showing this year after several years of declines.

“West Nile Virus is more prevalent this season than last year and it is important that residents take action now to protect themselves and their family members,” said Glenn County Health Director Scott Gruendl.

State numbers bear out Gruendl’s warning.

The state reported that in 2012 the disease has been found in 26 counties, as opposed to 18 last year. There were no equine cases last year, but so far in 2012 there are three.

The cases of dead birds have gone up significantly this year, rising to 493 compared to 88 in 2011. Mosquito samples have jumped from 271 in 2011 to 746 this year, according to the state.  

Officials reminded horse owners of the importance of vaccinating their animals against the virus, which has a tendency to kill one-third to one-half of the horses that become infected.

Equine owners must remember that one vaccination does not protect a horse from West Nile Virus. Maximum protection can only be obtained with two separate vaccinations, three to four weeks apart. Owners of equine animals, which include horses, donkeys and mules, are urged to contact their local veterinarians for more information.

Basic precautions that can reduce the likelihood of infection include draining standing water, avoiding being outside at dawn or dusk, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, as well as using repellent.

Glenn County also is taking additional steps, including fogging operations to control mosquitoes.

To report a dead bird, residents are encouraged to call 1-877-WNV-BIRD or log onto www.westnile.ca.gov and follow the link to report.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – As the temperature continues to rise, so does the risk of vehicular hyperthermia (heat stroke), especially for a child left inside a hot vehicle.  

Regardless of how or why a child is left behind, the end result can be devastating.  

To prevent the tragedy of a young child’s death, “Kaitlyn’s Law” was enacted in California in 2002 following the heat-related death of 6-month-old Kaitlyn Marie Russell.  

Sadly, Kaitlyn was left unattended in a parked vehicle on a hot summer day.

“On a typical sunny day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach a potentially deadly level within minutes,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow. “There is no excuse for leaving a child alone in a vehicle, not even for a few minutes.”

California law prohibits anyone from leaving a child six years of age or younger unattended in a motor vehicle without the supervision of someone who is 12 years or older when: there are conditions that present a significant risk to the child’s health or safety, or when the vehicle’s engine is running and/or the vehicle’s key is in the ignition (California Vehicle Code 15620).

While the law prohibits it, sadly, even the best of parents or caregivers can overlook a sleeping baby in a vehicle; and the end result can be injury or even death.  

For this reason, the CHP encourages parents or caregivers to develop a plan, or a habit, which serves as a reminder of where a child is at all times.

“A few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping a child safe,” added Commissioner Farrow. “No matter what the weather is like, or length of time you need to be away from the vehicle, leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is very risky and can result in tragedy.”

Finally, the public is also encouraged to take an active role in safeguarding children who may be left unattended in a vehicle by dialing 9-1-1 immediately and following the instructions that emergency personnel provide.