UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A Jackson woman was arrested Wednesday for driving under the influence after she crashed her vehicle on Highway 20, an incident which sparked a wildland fire.

Shellie D. Boulais, 52, was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake Area office.

The CHP said that Boulais was driving a 2008 Acura MDX east on Highway 20, east of Scotts Valley Road, at an unknown speed when the crash occurred at approximately 3:55 p.m.

Due to Boulais' level of intoxication, she allowed the Acura to travel off the highway's north side and down an embankment, the CHP said.

The crash sparked the Saratoga Fire, which spread to both sides of Highway 20.

The highway was closed while state, local and federal firefighters worked at the scene.

The CHP said the highway reopened Wednesday night.

Due to the fire, the collision scene wasn't immediately available to CHP investigators. The crash is still being actively investigated, the agency said.

Boulais, who was wearing her seatbelt, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Sutter Lakeside Hospital for treatment, the CHP said.

The CHP said Boulais later was booked into the Lake County Jail on the misdemeanor DUI charge.

As of Wednesday night, the Saratoga Fire had burned 100 acres and was 30-percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are battling a large wildland fire sparked late Wednesday afternoon by a vehicle crash along Highway 20.

The incident, which has been dubbed the Saratoga Fire, was estimated by Cal Fire to be 90 acres and 20-percent contained just after 6 p.m.

The California Highway Patrol reported that a vehicle went into a ditch and caught fire shortly before 4 p.m. in the area of Highway 20 near Scotts Valley Road.

The crash – which the CHP said resulted in minor injuries – caused vegetation on both sides of the roadway to catch fire.

Firefighters from Northshore Fire, Lakeport Fire, Mendocino National Forest and Cal Fire responded, with engines and air resources also at the scene, radio reports indicated.

CHP subsequently reported that Highway 20 was closed to through traffic at Blue Lakes Lodge and at Scotts Valley Road.

Just after 6 p.m., officials reported that Scotts Valley Road was open in both directions in order to divert traffic around the closure, but Highway 20 remained closed.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A massive wildland fire complex burning in Siskiyou County is believed to be the source of a layer of thick smoke that has made its way into Lake County's air basin.

Northshore Fire Deputy Chief Pat Brown said his agency received numerous phone calls about the smoke, which he attributed to the Happy Camp Complex. 

A Monday satellite image from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration appeared to confirm Brown's conclusion about the source of the smoke.

The Happy Camp Complex has burned 64,182 acres since it began Aug. 11. It is 15-percent contained, according to the US Forest Service.

The US Forest Service's Monday evening report estimated the fire, which has cost $36 million to fight to date, will be fully contained on Sept. 8.

The fire has led to mandatory evacuations in some areas and closures in portions of the Klamath National Forest, including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, the US Forest Service reported.

Fire officials said there has been a 30-percent increase in personnel on the complex, including an increase to 77 hand crews to help contain the fire with a total of 2,737 personnel, 11 helicopters, 133 engines, 22 dozers, 28 water tenders, 29 mules and eight horses also assigned.

On Monday, a thick smoky haze was seen over Lake County, and was particularly noticeable over Mt. Konocti.

The California Smoke Information Web site, http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ , reported that winds were pushing the smoke to the south in the early morning hours on Monday.

On Tuesday, a mostly northwesterly flow will push the smoke to the southward and eastward, with stable atmospheric conditions expected to hinder the smoke's dispersion, meaning it could appear thicker in some areas, the site reported.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Yes on Measure R Committee is developing a walking campaign to provide voters with information regarding the sales tax initiative for the city of Clearlake, and to seeks proponents who would like to volunteer their assistance.

The committee meets at 5 p.m. every Thursday at Main Street Bar & Grill on Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

Measure R proposes a half-cent specific sales and use tax to be used for clean up and improvements across Clearlake.

A successful initiative is estimated to generate $760,000 annually to fund a Problem Oriented Solving Team (POST) to specifically address code enforcement, animal control and crime reduction.

The proposed expenditure plan for the POST in 2015-16 allocates anticipated revenues as follows: team personnel, $240,000; animal control, $142,000; training, $15,000; materials/supplies/vehicle(s), $60,000; contract services (towing), $40,000; abatement, $100,000; and contingency for cost allocation and other potential costs (I.e. legal expenses, noticing, community clean up day), $163,000.

According to Clearlake City Manager Joan Phillipe, the allocation for abatement would act as “seed money” and abatement expenses would be placed on the property tax rolls.

The measure includes a 10-year sunset clause that is to be reviewed at five years to determine if should be lowered to a quarter-cent.

Measure R also requires the formation of an oversight committee for annual review of expenditures.

The committee spearheading the “Yes on Measure R – For a Cleaner Clearlake” campaign seeks assistance in educating voters on the facts of the November ballot measure.

About a dozen people attended the initial meeting held on Aug. 28, contributing funds to initiate its signage efforts.

Additionally, the committee has established a Facebook page for the purpose of providing information to the public and answering its questions in regard to the measure.

Committee member Gina Fortino Dickson, who clarified her involvement as a private citizen, not as Clearlake's vice mayor, said the page is not to be used as a forum for debate.

For information regarding how to assist with the Yes on Measure R campaign, contact Vicki Leonard, committee secretary, at 707-994-5922.

Campaign contributions may be made directly at Westamerica Bank; or sent, payable/attention to “Yes on Measure R,” PO Box 2163, Clearlake, CA 95422.

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

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – The California Office of Emergency Services will be holding its annual Search and Rescue Exercise – or SAREX – at Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa from Friday, Sept. 5, through Sunday, Sept. 7.

There will be an estimated 350 volunteer Search and Rescue professionals in attendance.  

This year's event is co-hosted by the Napa, Solano and Lake County Sheriff's Offices Search and Rescue teams and will play host to more than a dozen different volunteer Search and Rescue organizations.  

The group recognized the Skyline Wilderness Park Board of Directors for graciously donating the use of parts their facilities for this large scale rescue training in recognition of the assistance these volunteers provide throughout the years to citizens who use the park's many trails.  

Search dogs, rescue helicopters, and ATVs will be a common sight at the park this weekend.  

SAR volunteers from Solano, Napa, and Lake Counties have worked hard in advance to minimize any impacts this event may have to the surrounding neighborhood.  

Any questions or concerns regarding the SAREX event may be made via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For more information about the various Search and Rescue teams hosting the event, visit the following Web sites: Lake County Search and Rescue, http://www.lakesheriff.com/ServicesPrograms/sar.htm ; Napa County Search and Rescue, http://www.napasar.org/ ; and Solano County Search and Rescue,  http://www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/oes/volunteer/search_n_rescue_%28sar%29.asp .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Bluegrass music fans will be excited to hear that a two-day Old Time Bluegrass Jamboree is coming to the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13.

The event is a benefit for the Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association, or AMIA, the nonprofit organization that works to keep Lake County’s Anderson Marsh State Historic Park open and available to the public.

The fun begins with a Friday Night Concert and Dance on Sept. 12 featuring the Johnsen Family Band, the Contreras Brothers, Edison Serena and Clayton Rudiger and the California State Old Time Fiddle Group. 

Music starts at 6:45 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. an Old Fashioned Country Dance with a caller will add to the enjoyment of the evening.

Doors open again on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. 

Starting out Saturday’s show will be the Konocti Fiddle Club, followed by Dennis Purcell, Mike Heinz, Cobb Stompers, Polecat Rodeo, Uncorked, Pat Ickes and Phil Cornish and the Ruby Mt. String Band. 

Later in the evening, Ken Oster will open for the headliner of the show, Blue and Lonesome, who will be playing at 8:30 p.m.

Included in the two-day event will be jamming sessions and workshops, planned for areas right outside of the theater. 

Workshops will focus on techniques for mandolin, fiddle, banjo and guitar and be hosted by the musicians playing at the event. 

Wine, beer, and snacks will be available for sale in the lobby of the theater and a dinner break will be held on Saturday for those wishing to have a quick bite at one of Lakeport’s excellent eateries.

AMIA is a local all-volunteer nonprofit organization that supports the State Park which is located near Lower Lake. 

The park was in danger of closing in 2011. Through fundraising and events, plus the support of the local community, including individuals and organizations, AMIA has been successful in making sure the park has remained open and accessible to the public.

Working in conjunction with the local State Park superintendent, the group has facilitated trail maintenance, including the re-opening of the popular McVicar Trail that leads visitors to the far lakeshore of the park as well as repair of the favorite boardwalk trail which leads to Cache Creek. 

AMIA funds have also been responsible for a maintenance employee to be assigned to the Park for the first time in many years. 

Other projects spearheaded by AMIA include painting the fence at the Ranch House complex, assisting in the State Park’s native plant restoration project, constructing mobile tables for storage of interpretive displays, hosting school field trips and leading guided nature walks and ranch house tours every second Saturday throughout the year.

AMIA presented a 150th State Park anniversary event in May and each year puts on the popular Christmas at the Ranch that features local musicians singing and playing Christmas carols as visitors munch on delicious homemade cookies and treats; all taking place in the historical ranch house on the property. 

During the spring school field trips are welcomed and AMIA has also helped to host Road Scholar events and other special field trips for seniors.

Anderson Marsh State Historic Park is a unique state park that features both Native American and European cultural histories as well as several vital natural habitats. The park includes freshwater marsh, oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian woodland. It has 540 acres of wetlands and tule marsh within the total 1,065 acres of the park. 

The park is both an archaeological preserve and a natural preserve with management of the area aimed at both of those values. The park is listed as a National Audubon Important Bird Area and a large range of wildlife from mammals and birds to reptiles and fish make the park their home.

Bluegrass Jamboree tickets will cost $30 for the entire two-day event; Friday only tickets are available for $15 and Saturday only tickets are $20. 

Tickets are available at the Soper Reese box office from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, at the Travel Center in the Shoreline Shopping Center in Lakeport, on line at www.soperreesetheatre.com or at the door the day of the event. 

For information about the event and tickets, call 707-995-2658.

For information about AMIA and park activities, go to www.andersonmarsh.org or call 707-995-2658. 

AMIA also is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AMIA.org .

State health officials are reminding Californians to remain vigilant against the threat of West Nile virus, with a spike seen in human cases.

“The proportion of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus is at the highest level ever detected in California,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the CDPH and state health officer.

“Last week, 52 new human cases were reported to CDPH,” Chapman said. “We expect to see more people become infected as this is the time of year when the risk of infection is the highest.”

So far in 2014, West Nile virus has been detected in 37 California counties, the state reported.

There have been 181 human cases reported to CDPH, a significant increase compared to the 101 cases reported by this time last year.

Eight confirmed deaths have been reported to CDPH.

In Lake County, there have been no human cases this year so far, the state said.

However, there have been 15 dead birds, 63 positive mosquito samples and two sentinel chickens in Lake County in 2014, according to the state.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito.

For most people, the risk of serious illness is low. However, some individuals – less than 1 percent – can develop a serious neurologic illness, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

People 50 years of age or older and people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure have the greatest risk of developing serious complications.

CDPH recommends that individuals prevent exposure to mosquito bites and West Nile virus by practicing the “Three Ds:”

– DEET: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. DEET can be used safely on infants and children 2 months of age and older.
– DAWN AND DUSK: Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear protective clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens with tears or holes.
– DRAIN: Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including flower pots, old car tires, and buckets. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus Web site, http://www.westnile.ca.gov/ , includes the latest information on West Nile virus activity in the state.

Californians are encouraged to report all dead birds on the Web site or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Moving to help communities recover from the South Napa Earthquake, Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the state and issued an executive order to help cut red tape and provide additional financial assistance.

“I request that you declare a major disaster for the State of California as a result of the South Napa Earthquake that affected Napa, Solano, and Sonoma Counties,” Governor Brown wrote in a letter sent to the White House Tuesday. “Economic impacts of this event will be extensive. The earthquake caused significant damage throughout the region.”

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help communities recover and the executive order provides additional financial assistance to local agencies and nonprofit organizations and ensures residents can replace important documents and access key services without shouldering additional costs or other burdens.

Brown declared a state of emergency shortly after the 6.0 magnitude South Napa Earthquake on Aug. 24.

Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) also called on President Obama to issue a major disaster declaration for the areas impacted by the Aug. 24 earthquake. 

The letter to the president, led by Thompson was also signed by Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), and Congressmen Jared Huffman (CA-1) and John Garamendi (CA-3). 

“The earthquake hit our communities hard and federal assistance is needed for our area to fully recover from the damage that was caused,” said Thompson. “I stand ready to help expedite any support and resources because the sooner we get aid from the federal government, the sooner we can begin rebuilding and repairing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure.”

If federal assistance is approved by the president, funds from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be available for individuals to help rebuild and repair housing, and for local communities to repair public infrastructure.

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans may be available to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property, inventory, and supplies. 

Homeowners and renters may also be eligible for SBA loans to repair or replace disaster-related damages to homes or personal property.

The state and local governments have conducted damage assessments and have determined that the extent of the damages are beyond their capacity to repair without federal assistance. 

FEMA does not provide for assistance if there is another option in place, like insurance. All individuals should contact their insurance companies first to see what benefits, if any, their plan provides.

A full copy of the letter the members of Congress sent to President Obama is below.

August 29, 2014

The President

The White House

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you in strong support of the State of California’s request for a major disaster declaration to provide much-needed assistance to our State for damages resulting from the August 24, 2014, earthquake.

On August 24th, at 3:20 a.m., an earthquake measuring 6.1 struck 3.7 miles northwest of American Canyon near the West Napa Fault.  As you know, this was the strongest quake to strike the region since 1989.  As a result, there has been significant damage to homes, businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure throughout our communities.  Governor Edmund G. Brown promptly declared a State of Emergency, noting the impact in Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties. It is clear to us and local authorities that a major disaster declaration is critical to helping our State recover and rebuild.

Therefore, we strongly support the State of California’s request for a major disaster declaration.  We appreciate your consideration of this request and we are ready to assist you in expediting support and resources to the impacted communities.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Two Clearlake men were arrested Saturday night after they allegedly fought with – and injured – two members of Sonoma County's gang task force.

Ivan Rodriguez and Richard Contreras, both age 21, were taken into custody for resisting arrest, felony battery against a peace officer, violation of probation and participation in a street gang, according to a report from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, a Sonoma County Sheriff’s sergeant and a probation officer – both part of the Multi Agency Gang Task Force, also known as MAGNET – were patrolling the area of Santa Rosa Avenue and Todd Road when they observed a known gang member who was on probation at the Rotten Robbie gas station on Todd Road, the report said.

Sheriff's officials said the officers also noticed several other subjects in a vehicle that were associated with the known gang member.

After they made contact with the subjects in the vehicle it was determined one of the subjects in the vehicle – identified as Rodriguez – was on parole and in violation of his parole by being with other gang members, the report said.

The task force members had Rodriguez exit the vehicle, at which point he immediately resisted their efforts to take him into custody, officials said.

A fight ensued and the report said Rodriguez began yelling for the other subjects to flee in the vehicle while he fought with the task force members, who put out a request for assistance over the police radio.

While the fight was taking place Contreras – who was associated with Rodriguez – got involved in the fight and began assaulting the MAGNET members, according to the report.

Other deputies arrived on scene and they were able to take both Rodriguez and Contreras into custody. Officials said the deputies searched the parking lot area of the gas station and located a loaded 9 millimeter semiautomatic pistol in the garbage can.

Rodriguez and Contreras were booked into the Sonoma County Jail, with bail set at $75,000 each, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office reported.

After the arrests both officers drove to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. Officials said both were treated and released.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A wildland fire sparked by a vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon continued to grow into the evening, as firefighters worked to increase containment.

The Saratoga Fire, located off Highway 20 and Saratoga Springs Road west of Upper Lake, had reached 100 acres by 9 p.m., according to Cal Fire.

The fire is 30-percent contained, Cal Fire said.

Along with Cal Fire, fire agencies that responded to the incident included Lakeport Fire, Northshore Fire and the Mendocino National Forest.

Lake County Office of Emergency Services Manager Marisa Chilafoe told Lake County News that no evacuations have been ordered in the area so far.

Highway 20 – which had the fire burning on both sides of it – had at one point been closed, with one-way traffic control in place from Scotts Valley Road to Blue Lakes for several hours.

Just after 9:30 p.m., the California Highway Patrol said the highway was open, with the fire away from the roadway.

The fire began at around 4 p.m., following a single-vehicle wreck, according to the CHP.

The vehicle went into a ditch, the CHP said, with the fire beginning shortly thereafter.

The CHP said the wreck resulted in minor injuries.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff's Office has released the name of a Clearlake woman who died following a single-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning.

Patricia Ann Moore, 46, was the victim of the crash, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.

Just after 3:30 a.m. Saturday Moore was traveling westbound on Highway 20 east of Bartlett Springs Road near Nice when her vehicle went off the road and into a ditch, hitting an embankment, the California Highway Patrol said.

The CHP said Moore, who was not wearing her seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A woman with developmental disabilities who walked away from her home early Sunday morning was found safe later in the day.

Nicole Whittington, 30, was found in good health about six hours after she disappeared, according to Clearlake Police Sgt. Tim Hobbs.

At 1:40 a.m. Sunday Whittington – wearing pajama pants and a t-shirt – walked away from her residence on 23rd Avenue, with her direction of travel unknown, Hobbs said.

Whittington has the mental capacity of a 10-year-old child, and also has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and intermittent explosive disorder, thus the concern for her safety, according to Hobbs.

At approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday she was located approximately 12 blocks from her residence and returned home, Hobbs said.

The Clearlake Police Department thanked members of the public who assisted in the search, the Comprehensive Support Services workers who found Whittington and the Lake County Fire Protection District, Lake County Sheriff's Office and Lake County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue and K-Corp.