This story has been updated.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are continuing to gain ground on a wildland fire that began burning near Upper Lake on Wednesday afternoon.

The Elk fire was first reported just before 3 p.m. Wednesday on Elk Mountain Road.

In an early Thursday afternoon update, Cal Fire Division Chief Mike Wilson told Lake County News that the fire has grown to 670 acres, with 25-percent containment.

That increase in the size, said Wilson, is mostly a matter of more accurate mapping.

“The fire growth since last night has been minimal,” Wilson said.

Wilson said Cal Fire and the United States Forest Service continue to share unified command of the incident.

More resources have been assigned to the fire, with 270 personnel, 21 engines, nine fire crews, seven bulldozers, four helicopters and three water tenders working the incident on Thursday, Wilson said.

“This afternoon, barring any real issue with the winds, it's looking pretty good,” said Wilson, adding that there is still some open line on the northeast of the fire.

Residents on White Rock Canyon Road had been placed under a mandatory evacuation order on Wednesday, which was lifted later that night. Wilson said all of those residents have been allowed to return to their homes.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., Wilson said road closures in the area had been lifted.

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. – The Elk fire near Upper Lake grew by hundreds more acres on Wednesday night, officials reported.

The fire was first reported just before 3 p.m. on Elk Mountain Road near Upper Lake.

By Wednesday night, the fire had grown to 450 acres, with containment at 20 percent, according to Cal Fire, which shares unified command on the incident with the United States Forest Service.

Cal Fire said firefighters are continuing to aggressively battle the blaze.

Resources assigned on Wednesday night include 202 firefighters, two overhead/command personnel, 16 fire engines, six fire crews, six bulldozers and three water tenders, Cal Fire said.

On Wednesday afternoon the Lake County Sheriff's Office and Cal Fire ordered mandatory evacuations for all residents on White Rock Canyon Road, with that order remaining in effect on Wednesday night, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office said people who live near White Rock Canyon Road also remain under an advisory evacuation order and should be prepared to evacuate. 

Residents are reminded to gather their medications, important papers and pets due to the possibility of evacuating the area for an unknown length of time. 

The fire is burning in an easterly direction away from residences, the sheriff's office reported.

County officials set up an evacuation staging area at Upper Lake County Park at 575 E. Highway 20, but due to lack of usage by the evacuees and on the advice of the sheriff's office, the Lake County Department of Social Services closed the staging area.

If anyone who has been evacuated needs shelter during the night, they are advised to call the Red Cross at 1-866-272-2237 and advise that they are under mandatory evacuation from the Elk Fire.‪

Elk Mountain Road at Rancheria Road remains closed on Wednesday night to everyone except residents, the sheriff's office said.

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.

LUCERNE, Calif. – Northshore Fire Protection District has received a federal grant to purchase a much-needed new water tender.

Chief Jay Beristianos said the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grants program will provide $194,072 to the district for the new equipment.

The total vehicle acquisition cost was required to be $203,775 with a $9,703 match, Beristianos said.

He estimated that the district likely will spend closer to $230,000 on the vehicle it wants to buy.

Water tenders are tank trucks that bring water to locations outside of areas where there are hydrants or other water sources – which is a description that fits a lot of Northshore Fire's large coverage area, Beristianos said.

Northshore Fire has two water tenders in service at present, Beristianos said.

Beristianos said they include water tender 7511, based in Clearlake Oaks, which is a 2010 model with between 10,000 and 12,000 miles, and water tender 9011, a 1989 model with about 600,000 miles that's based in Upper Lake.

“This will replace the one in Upper Lake,” he said.

The grant came through the efforts of the district's now-retired deputy chief, Pat Brown, who said it took eight years of trying to secure the grant.

Brown said he wrote the successful grant last year.

Brown and Beristianos both reported that the US Department of Agriculture previously has awarded the agency grants for equipment upgrades, with the Clearlake Oaks water tender having been purchased with those funds.

The current water tender 9011 is a manual transmission, which has resulted in Northshore Fire having a limited number of drivers that can operate the vehicle, Beristianos said.

Driving the water tender requires adherence to a strict program meant to ensure driver safety. It includes special licensing and testing, and experience in handling the vehicle, which he said is very top heavy, a concern because many vehicle accidents involving firefighters involve rollovers.

The new water tender will be an automatic, which Beristianos said will increase driver availability and take the guesswork out of driving the vehicle.

Beristianos said they are in the process of gathering bids for the new vehicle.

He said district staffers are doing a lot of research to ensure that they get just the right truck – and the highest quality equipment – for their needs, and one will stand up to the years of service ahead.

“If we're going to spend this kind of money it's going to last for many, many years,” he said.

Beristianos estimated that a new vehicle could be in place within the next six months.

Added Brown, “I'm sure NFPD will have it flying to calls in no time.”

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.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The annual Lake County Fair gets under way on Thursday evening with the annual fair parade and the debut of donkey baseball.

The event runs from Thursday, Sept. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 6.

On Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m., the parade starts at Natural High in Lakeport, and travels south on Main Street, and ends at the main gate to the fairgrounds, where Grand Marshal Grant Lindeblad will cut the ribbon and declare the Lake County Fair open for another year at 6 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m., teams of first responders will square off in the inaugural donkey baseball game at the main grandstands.

Lake County Fair is one of Lake County's favorite summertime events, and is enjoyed by nearly 40,000 people each year.

The fair features a variety of entertainment, food, exhibits, a carnival and livestock shows.

Regular admission prices for the 2015 Lake County Fair are $10 for a regular ticket, $6 for a senior over age 60 and $6 for children ages 6 through 11.

Children under 6 years old are admitted free every day. Children through age 11 are admitted for $3 only on Thursday for “Kid's Day.”

More detailed information can be found at www.lakecountyfair.com .

The full schedule follows.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3

Special attractions

– Kid's Day, Children 11 and under – $3 admission
– MindWorks! Interactive STEM-based display in the Alexander Building.
– Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, zip line and mechanical bull all at the Donley Barn.
– The Clothing and Textile display is open in the Theatre Building.
– Family Fun Area in Fiesta Park. A great place for Mom and Dad to relax with youngsters.
– Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-up, Traveling Game Show and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds, plus much, much more.

Schedule

8 a.m.: Junior Rabbit and Cavy Show, Junior Swine Show, Baldwin Pavilion
1 p.m.: Junior Sheep Show, Baldwin Pavilion
3 p.m.: Junior Meat Goat Show, Baldwin Pavilion
5:30 p.m.: Parade begins on Main Street     
6 p.m.: Opening ceremonies, main gate
6:30 p.m.: Michael Barrish Country, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
6:30 p.m.: Blue Ribbon Dinner, Academy Park
7:30 p.m.: Donkey baseball, police versus fire, main grandstands, sponsored By St. Helena Hospital, Clear Lake     
7 p.m.: LC Diamonds, Vintage Rock, Rockabilly, Blues and surf, Lake County News Stage
7-9 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Beading with Amy Patton,     Lewis Hall
8 p.m.: Clear Lake Clikkers, Lake County News Stage
9 p.m.: LC Diamonds, Vintage Rock, Rockabilly, Blues and surf, Lake County News Stage
10 p.m.: Buildings close
11 p.m.: Fair closes


FRIDAY, SEPT. 4

Special attractions

– MindWorks! Interactive STEM-based display in the Alexander Building.
– Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, zip line and mechanical bull all at the Donley Barn.
– The Clothing and Textile display is open in the Theatre Building.
– Family Fun Area in Fiesta Park. A great place for Mom and Dad to relax with youngsters.
– Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-up, Traveling Game Show and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds, plus much, much more.

Schedule

8 a.m.: Junior Poultry and Turkey Show, Baldwin Pavilion
8 a.m.: Open Dairy Goat Show, Alexander Barn Arena
9 a.m.    Junior Beef and Dairy Cattle Show, Baldwin Pavilion
9-11 a.m.: School tours fairgrounds
Noon: Junior Goat Show, Baldwin Pavilion
4 p.m.: Gates open
4:30 p.m.: Invoice Harmony, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
5 p.m.: Beatz Werkin' Rock, Lake County News Stage
5 p.m.: Chance the Magician, Family Fun Area
6 p.m.: Walk-on contest: Marigold celebration judging. Walk your entry in before 5 p.m. and join the competition at Academy Park.
6:30 p.m.: DeezGuise, folk and folk rock, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
7:30 p.m.: MendoLake Mudd Bogg Nationals, sponsored by Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino, main grandstands
7:30 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Free motion quilting with Kerry Hershey, Clothing and Textile Building
8 p.m.: Beatz Werkin', rock, Lake County News Stage
8:30 p.m.: DeezGuise, folk and folk rock, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
10 p.m.: Buildings close
11 p.m.: Fair closes


SATURDAY, SEPT. 5

Special attractions

– MindWorks! Interactive STEM-based display in the Alexander Building.
– Draft horse wagon rides, climbing wall, zip line and mechanical bull all at the Donley Barn.
– The Clothing and Textile display is open in the Theatre Building.
– Family Fun Area in Fiesta Park. A great place for Mom and Dad to relax with youngsters.
– Mickey the Clown, strolling balloon sculptor Fill-up, Traveling Game Show and magician Ken Garr can be found performing throughout the grounds, plus much, much more.

Schedule

10:30 a.m.: Junior Livestock buyers registration and luncheon, Baldwin Pavilion
11 a.m.: Gates open
11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Pete the Cat story and appearance,     read by Lake County Library, Family Fun Area
7:30 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Free motion quilting with Kerry Hershey, Clothing and Textile Building
11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Walk-on contest: Pear pie. Walk in your entry and join the competition.
11:30 a.m.: Travis Rinker, acoustic guitar, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
Noon: The Fargo Brothers, blues, rocks and Americana, Lake County News Stage
1 p.m.: Junior Livestock Auction, Baldwin Pavilion
1-3 p.m.: Free art activity, Children's Museum of Art & Science, Family Fun Area
1:30 p.m.: Groovy Judy, funk-rock, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
2 p.m.: The Fargo Brothers, blues, rocks and Americana, Lake County News Stage
2-4 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Weaving with Sheila O'Hara, Clothing and Textile Building
3 p.m.: Groovy Judy, funk-rock, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
3 -5 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Zentangle, creative doodling with Jan Cook, Fritch Hall
4 p.m.: The Fargo Brothers, blues, rocks and Americana, Lake County News Stage
4 p.m.: Walk-on contest, knucklebones, Flower Hall
4:30 p.m.: Chance the Magician, Family Fun Area
5 p.m.: Groovy Judy, funk-rock, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
5 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Custom leather by Don McCown, Lewis Hall
6-7:30 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Cupcake decorating, Two Chick's Tasty Treats, Lewis Hall
6:30 p.m.: Amateur talent contest, Lake County News Stage
7 p.m.: Groovy Judy, funk-rock, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
7:30 p.m.: Flat track motorcycle and TT races, sponsored by Twin Pine Casino & Hotel, main grandstands
8 p.m.: Twice as Good, blues, Lake County News Stage
9 p.m.: DeezGuise band, folk and folk rock, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
10 p.m.: Buildings close
11 p.m.: Fair closes
           

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6

Special attractions

– Fiesta Latina Day! Sponsored by Lake County Tribal Health Consortium

Schedule

11 a.m.: Gates open
11:30 a.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
11:30 a.m.: Maker demonstration: Free motion quilting with Kerry Hershey, Clothing and Textile Building
Noon: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B, Lake County News Stage
1-3 p.m.: Free art activity, Children's Museum of Art & Science, Family Fun Area
1:30 p.m.: Michael Barrish, singer-songwriter, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
2 p.m.: Hip Replacements, blues, rock, R&B, Lake County News Stage
2-3 p.m.: Pete the Cat story and appearance,     read by Lake County Library, Family Fun Area
2-3:30 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Cupcake decorating, Two Chick's Tasty Treats, Lewis Hall
2:30 p.m.: Walk-on contest, celebrate the cookie, Lewis Hall
3 p.m.: Fiesta Latina and Lake County's Irma Lopez, Lake County News Stage
3 p.m.: Konocti Klogging Kids, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
4 p.m.: 4-H and FFA award ceremony, Baldwin Pavilion
4 p.m.: Walk-on contest: Old-fashioned clothes pin drop, Flower Hall
5 p.m.: Travis Rinker, acoustic guitar, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
5 p.m.: Maker demonstration: Custom leather by Don McCown, Lewis Hall
5 p.m.: Nuevos Abentureros, Lake County News Stage
7:30 p.m.: Bomber Challenge Series Finale, Lakeport/Ukiah & Boat Races, sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital and Lakeport Disposal, main grandstands
7 p.m.: Sami Jo, country, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
8 p.m.: Banda Sangre Azteca, Lake County News Stage
9 p.m.: Sami Jo, country, Mediacom Gazebo Stage
10 p.m.: Buildings close
11 p.m.: Fair closes
 
See you in 2016. “Party with the Animals” at the Lake County Fair.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are continuing their effort to contain a wildland fire burning near Upper Lake.

As of 5 p.m., the Elk fire had burned 100 acres in grass, oak woodland and brush, with no containment, according to Cal Fire.

The fire was first reported just before 3 p.m. Wednesday at 12536 Elk Mountain Road, officials reported.

Initial reports from the scene said a structure had been involved in the fire, but Cal Fire's report said no structures have been destroyed or damaged so far.

Cal Fire and the United States Forest Service are in unified command of the incident. Other cooperating agencies include Northshore Fire, the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the California Highway Patrol.

The Wednesday evening report said firefighters and aerial resources are aggressively fighting the fire, with additional firefighting resources requested and responding.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office and Cal Fire ordered mandatory evacuations for all residents on White Rock Canyon Road, and issued advisory evacuations for residents near the area.

A county road crew also has implemented a hard closure of Elk Mountain Road at Rancheria Road, with the road only open to residents, officials said.

Resources assigned to the fire as of early Wednesday evening included 202 firefighters and two overhead/command personnel, 16 engines, six fire crews, six bulldozers, four air tankers, three water tenders and two helicopters, Cal Fire said.

The fire was originally reported as being caused by a lawn mower, however Cal Fire said the cause remains under investigation.

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.

Most Californians oppose higher gas taxes or vehicle registration fees, even when they are told that the state faces a $59 billion backlog of road repair projects, according to a new poll released this week by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies.

A proposal pending in the Legislature would raise both the gas tax and vehicle registration fees to pay for road improvements, but the IGS poll found that overwhelming majorities of Republicans and independents oppose such increases, while Democrats narrowly favor the gas tax increase but oppose higher registration fees.

Overall, the survey found that respondents opposed a gas tax increase 63 to 37 percent, and higher vehicle registration fees 74 to 26 percent.

The online poll, which surveyed 1,062 respondents from Aug. 11-26, also asked about three other tax and economic issues, with the following results: respondents from Aug. 11-26, also asked about three other tax and economic issues, with the following results:

– Most respondents supported increasing the minimum wage.
– There were mixed results on continuing the higher sales and income taxes that voters approved by passing Proposition 30 three years ago.
– A majority opposed a frequently discussed reform to lower the sales tax rate but broaden it to cover services as well as goods.

Gas tax, vehicle registration fees

The findings on the gas tax and vehicle registration fees come as the Legislature struggles with those issues.

In his inaugural address in January, Gov. Jerry Brown cited $59 billion in needed road repair projects, and challenged lawmakers to act.

In response, legislative Democrats are advancing a plan to raise the gas tax 12 cents a gallon and raise vehicle registration fees.

In an unusual alliance, business groups are lending their support to the plan for higher taxes to generate revenue for road repair, which they see as critical to economic growth.

But the IGS poll found that Californians disagree, even when told about the state’s need for road maintenance.

Half of the respondents were told about the cost of needed road repairs, and half were not. When people were told about the $59 billion cost, support for higher gas taxes rose slightly – from 35 to 38 percent – but remained a minority viewpoint.

“Voters usually don’t like to pay more in taxes, especially a levy that is paid by nearly everyone, such as the gas tax,” said IGS director Jack Citrin. “These results show that even when told about a pressing need, Californians do not want to pay more for registering their cars or driving them.”

Democrats were more in favor of higher taxes than Republicans, but not overwhelmingly so. Asked about a higher gas tax, 73 percent of Republicans and 70 percent of independents were opposed.

Among Democrats, 54 percent favored the increase, and 46 percent opposed it.

The poll asked about a 10-cent per gallon increase, rather than 12 cents, because the question was finalized before the pending proposal was amended to include the higher amount.

Higher vehicle registration fees were opposed across party lines, with 61 percent of Democrats joining even larger majorities of Republicans and independents in opposition.

Resistance to a gas tax increase was heaviest among those surveyed who earn less than $100,000 a year. Among those earning more than $100,000 a year, opinion was about evenly split. Strong opposition to higher vehicle registration fees crossed all income levels.

Proposition 30 tax rates

Respondents were also asked about continuing the Proposition 30 tax increases. With the state facing huge budget shortfalls in 2012, Proposition 30 temporarily increased the sales tax and income taxes on high-income earners. Those higher tax rates are scheduled to end.

In the new survey, half the respondents were simply asked if they would support extending the higher taxes. Among that group, support for continuing the Proposition 30 tax rates was strong, 65 percent in favor compared to 35 percent opposed.

However, the other half of the respondents were also told that state forecasters predict that because of strong economic growth, state revenue will probably increase even if the higher Proposition 30 rates are allowed to expire.

Among the second group, support for continuing the Proposition 30 tax rates dropped so sharply that a narrow majority opposed an extension, 51-49 percent.

“These findings suggest that in the abstract, Californians are willing to support the extension of the Proposition 30 tax rates, but that support falls away sharply when voters are told about the state’s improved economic fortunes,” Citrin said.

Sharp partisan differences were evident on the Proposition 30 question. Democrats strongly supported extending the higher rates, and Republicans strongly opposed doing so. Independents favored the extension by a fairly close margin, 54 to 46 percent.

Except for those earning more than $150,000 per year, majorities among all income groups supported the extension.

Among people over that threshold, most respondents opposed the extension; members of that income group are the ones who would pay the higher tax rates.

Minimum wage, sales tax

Supporters are now gathering signatures for a ballot measure that would raise the statewide minimum from its current rate of $9 an hour to $15 an hour by 2021, after which it would be adjusted for inflation.

A strong majority (68 percent) favored the initiative, although partisan differences were strong.

Democrats overwhelmingly favored the idea (82 percent), 68 percent of independents favored it, and 60 percent of Republicans opposed it.

Support for the minimum wage increase was strongest among those making less than $25,000 a year (78 percent) and 18 to 29 year olds (72 percent), but the initiative was supported by majorities in all income and age groups.

Tax reformers have frequently suggested that California broaden its statewide sales tax base by reducing the rate of taxation, but expanding the tax to cover services as well as goods. Some 59 percent of respondents opposed that idea.

Democrats were less opposed than Republicans or independents, but even among Democrats, 53 percent of respondents opposed the sales tax reform.

“On balance, the public is unwilling to raise or expand the scope of taxes, but is generally accepting of the status quo produced by Proposition 30, perhaps because the higher income taxes are paid by the wealthy,” said Citrin. “On the other hand, raising the minimum wage continues to be popular, although there are clear partisan differences on that issue.”

Kathleen Maclay writes for the UC Berkeley News Center.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County Chapter of the California Dressage Society will present “Dancing Horses: A Dressage Festival” on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The free event will be held beginning at 11 a.m. at Highland Springs Equestrian Center, 8900 Wight Way in Kelseyville.

Enjoy the presentation of horses and riders performing dressage to music.

There will be eight horses of different breeds showing off their Dressage skills in all levels in either a single performance or in a "Pas de Deux," two horses and riders doing a routine together. 

Horses range from rescue projects to high level Warmbloods and everything in between including Max, a handsome Friesian.

There will wine tasting from local Lake County wines to taste and the Lake County 4-H Leadership Group will provide the barbecue with chicken, tri-tip and all the fixings.
 
The Lake County Chapter of the California Dressage Society will be holding a silent auction at the event with many items to bid on, including a wine tour for four with Frontier Wine Tours, an oil change or other service from Performance European in Lakeport, metal sculpture from Tom Macomber, specialty baskets, riding lessons and much more.

Bring your family and friends for a fun afternoon of music, wine, food and dancing horses.

For more information call 415-350-1540.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A wildfire currently burning out of control in the White Rock Canyon Road area in Upper Lake has prompted local officials to call for mandatory evacuations nearby.

The Elk fire was first dispatched shortly before 3 p.m. in the area of Elk Mountain Road and Hunter Point Road, as Lake County News has reported.

It has since moved into the White Rock Canyon Road area, officials reported.

As a result, the Lake County Sheriff's Office and Cal Fire are ordering mandatory evacuations for all residents on White Rock Canyon Road.

There also is a road closure on Elk Mountain Road at Rancheria Road. The road is only open to residents, officials said.

Residents who live near White Rock Canyon Road are under an advisory evacuation and should be prepared to evacuate, the sheriff's office said.

An evacuation staging area will be set up at the Upper Lake County Park. The sheriff's office said evacuees can respond to the Upper Lake County Park to receive more information regarding evacuation resources.

Officials said residents should gather their medications, important papers and pets due to the need to evacuate the area for an unknown length of time.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – People in the Golden State often enjoy summer weather long after the Labor Day weekend, which in many other states marks the traditional end of summer vacation.

To assure that everyone on California’s roadways remain as safe as possible, the California Highway Patrol will be out in force over Labor Day weekend, looking for drunk or impaired drivers, and assisting motorists in need.

During the Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period – from 6:01 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7 – all available CHP officers will be on duty.

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that high-visibility enforcement, such as a maximum enforcement period, can reduce drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.

“Drunk driving is one of the most serious traffic-related issues we face today,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “Make sure your plans for your end-of-summer celebrations always include a safe way to get home for yourself and your passengers. If you are caught driving drunk, you will be arrested.”

Forty-nine people died in California over both Labor Day weekends in 2014 and 2013. Thirteen of the people killed in CHP jurisdiction in 2014 were not wearing seat belts.

Nationwide data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for Labor Day weekend 2014 show 38 percent of all crash fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. One in five child passenger deaths were in drunk driving crashes.

Last year, CHP officers made more than 1,100 arrests for driving under the influence. If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 9-1-1 if it is safe to do so.

Be prepared to assist the dispatcher by giving a description of the vehicle, the license plate number, location, and direction of travel.

Before you call, be aware of your surroundings, especially streets, highways, directions, city or nearest town where you are calling. That phone call may help save someone’s life.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Lake County Sheriff's Office said late Wednesday night that a mandatory evacuation order issued due to the Elk fire near Upper Lake has been lifted.

Lt. Steve Brooks said the mandatory order had pertained to residents on White Rock Canyon Road.

Those who live near White Rock Canyon Road are still under an advisory evacuation and should be prepared to evacuate, Brooks said.

Residents are reminded to gather their medications, important papers and pets, due to the possibility of evacuating the area for an unknown length of time.

The evacuation staging area that was set up at the Upper Lake County Park has been closed, Brooks said.

If anyone who has been evacuated needs shelter during the night, they are advised to call the Red Cross at 1-866-272-2237.

Elk Mountain Road at Rancheria Road remained closed on Wednesday night to everyone except residents, Brooks said. The road closure will be reevaluated Thursday morning.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Firefighters are at the scene of a fast-moving wildland fire near Upper Lake.

The fire, first dispatched shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday, is located in the area of Elk Mountain Road at Hunter Point Road, according to radio reports.

Initial calls indicated that the fire started in the 12500 block of Elk Mountain Road due to a lawn mower.

Northshore Fire, Cal Fire and the US Forest Service responded, arriving on scene to find that the fire had jumped Middle Creek and Elk Mountain Road, and was burning a structure, according to reports from the scene.

The first firefighters to arrive found the fire had burned about one acre. A short time later, radio reports indicated the fire was up to about 15 acres, had moved from grass into rush, and was working its way up the nearby ridgeline.

Cal Fire air resources were dispatched to join the firefight, including air attack and multiple air tankers, according to radio reports.

At least two wildland dispatches – usually composed of five engines each – along with six crews, six dozers and three water tenders also were requested, scanner reports indicated.

Just after 3:30 p.m. the fire was estimated by firefighters on scene to be between 50 and 70 acres, growing to more than 100 acres at around 4 p.m., with the potential to burn several hundred acres.

A hard closure of Elk Mountain Road is being implemented at Rancheria Road. Residents will be allowed to pass.

The fire is sending up a large column of smoke that can be seen from miles around. Central Dispatch also was receiving reports from Nice, where the flames on Elk Mountain Road could be seen.

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.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – Music fans are in for a treat on Labor Day evening on Monday, Sept. 7, as the “Queen of Boogie Woogie” herself, Wendy DeWitt, opens for the sax legend Nancy Wright and her Rhythm and Roots Band at the annual Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Fest.

“With the Lake County Fair over and guests gone home, a little quality music in a relaxing outdoor setting is a great way to end the Labor Day weekend,” said Blue Wing owner Bernie Butcher.

The venue is the tree shaded garden between the Tallman Hotel and Blue Wing Restaurant in Upper Lake.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts in the cool of the evening at 6:30 p.m.

The price of admission ($50 plus tax) includes the two bands plus a gourmet barbecue dinner.

“Wendy DeWitt is a master of the boogie woogie keyboard and a great entertainer,” said Butcher. “She’s toured with all the greats including Otis Rush and Hank Ballard. And now I understand that she is moving up to Ukiah from the Bay Area, so hopefully we’ll see more of her here in the future.”

The remarkable empathy DeWitt and Harwood have developed is evident throughout Industrial Strength, DeWitt’s seventh CD and first with the drummer.

For the past dozen years, DeWitt has presented an annual show called Queens of Boogie Woogie at Yoshi’s in Oakland and, for the past two years, she’s brought the show up to the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport to great reviews.

Nancy Wright is perhaps the most sought after session sax player in the Bay Area.

“We fell in love with Nancy several years ago as she would come up to the Blue Wing with many of our favorite Bay Area blues bands on Monday nights,” said Butcher. “Now she’s taken a giant step with her own formidable band and a lot of great original material.”

Well-established nationally as a top sax sideman, Wright released early this year a new blues/roots CD, adding vocal and songwriting dimensions to her artistry. “Putting Down Roots” consists of twelve originals (six instrumentals and six vocals) spanning blues, R&B, New Orleans, funk and gospel styles.

“Saxophonist Nancy Wright has been blowing ‘em away on Bay Area stages for decades, but who knew she could sing like this? 'Putting Down Roots' is a major breakthrough for this accomplished, beautiful lady,” wrote Joel Selvin, music critic at the San Francisco Chronicle, about Wright's new CD.

Backing Wright at the Labor Day show will be an all-star band consisting of guitarist Anthony Paule and keyboardist Tony Lufrano with Paul Olguin on bass and Paul Revelli on drums.

In addition, Wright has invited as a special guest the unique Japanese blues guitarist Takezo Takeda. A love for the blues brought Takeda to the U. S. in 1985. Since then, he has integrated into the blues scene here, developed his own unique style, and played with renowned artists such as Elvin Bishop, Angela Strehli, Joe Louis Walker and Norton Buffalo.

Tickets for the Blue Wing Labor Day Blues Fest may be purchased by calling the Tallman Hotel at 707-275-2244, Extension 0.

Tickets also may be purchased online (with a service charge) at www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-wing-blues-festival-labor-day-tickets-18185432117 . 

For more information, call the hotel or check the Web site at www.BlueWingSaloon.com/concerts .