NORTH COAST, Calif. – The growth of the Lodge Fire slowed on Wednesday, with officials reporting that another injury occurred.

The fire, burning for more than two weeks in steep terrain in Mendocino County's Wilderness Lodge/Eel River Canyon area, had burned a total of 11,300 acres by Wednesday night, with containment at 50 percent, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire said suppression costs on the lightning-caused complex of fires has cost an estimated $27 million to date.

Another injury was reported on Wednesday, bringing the total injuries to 12, according to Cal Fire.

Firefighters on Wednesday continued to enhance line in the area of Tenmile drainage and along Highway 101, Cal Fire reported.

The agency said aircraft were able to work the complex once the inversion layer cleared Wednesday afternoon.

Approximately 2,249 personnel were assigned to the complex on Wednesday. Other resources included 170 fire engines, 57 fire crews, 29 bulldozers, 13 helicopters and 29 water tenders, according to Cal Fire.

While the evacuation order still remains in effect for areas south of Highway 101, west of Cummings Road to Leggett, on Wednesday the American Red Cross closed its evacuation shelter in Leggett but said it was remaining on standby in case its services were needed again, with Red Cross personnel to continue to attend daily briefings.

An evacuation order remains in effect for Camp Seabow, Bowman Ranch, Hunt Ranch, Tan Oak Park, Elk Creek and Mad Creek, Cal Fire said.

A total of 16 structures remain threatened, Cal Fire said.

Drift smoke from the fire continues to be an issue around the North Coast, including Lake County, officials 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.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Lodge complex of lightning fires scorched another 1,000 acres of timberland on Tuesday, officials said.

The total acreage of the fire – burning since July 30 in the Wilderness Lodge and Eel River Canyon area of Mendocino County – has now reached 11,000 acres, with containment at 45 percent, according to Cal Fire's Tuesday evening report.

The fire's southeast portion continues to challenge firefighters, according to Cal Fire, with crews working to take advantage of the change in local weather to support the efforts to contain the complex.

Cal Fire said firefighters are continuing to improve contingency lines in the area of Cahto Peak and Ten Mile Creek.

An evacuation order remains in effect for areas south of Highway 101, west of Cummings Road to Leggett, including The Hermitage, Big Bend and Camp St. Michael, with the American Red Cross maintaining an evacuation shelter at the Leggett School, Cal Fire said.

An evacuation warning is still in effect for the Camp Seabow, Bowman Ranch, Hunt Ranch, Tan Oak Park, Elk Creek and Mad Creek areas, officials reported. A total of 16 structures are threatened.

No new injuries have been reported since earlier this week. Eleven have occurred so far, Cal Fire said.

Resources Cal Fire said were assigned to the complex on Tuesday included 2,324 personnel, 189 fire engines, 62 fire crews, 28 bulldozers, 13 helicopters and 25 water tenders.

Cal Fire's estimate of the complex' total suppression cost is $24 million.

The Lake County Air Quality Management District has reported that the fire is the main source of smoke and haze in Lake County's air basin.

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.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Lodge Fire grew in size again on Monday, with officials reporting that it had reached 10,000 acres by nightfall.

The lightning-caused complex of fires, burning in rugged terrain in Mendocino County in the Wilderness Lodge/Eel River Canyon area, is 40-percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

There were new concerns Monday night about the possibility of still more lightning in the area.

The National Weather Service has issued a “hazardous weather outlook” over the area for possible thunderstorms overnight.

Crews continued to construct and improve fire lines throughout the north and east portions of the fire, Cal Fire said.

Officials downgraded the evacuation order for the area including Camp Seabow, Bowman Ranch, Hunt Ranch, Tan Oak Park, Elk Ridge and Mad Creek to an evacuation warning.

However, an evacuation order is still in effect for the areas south of Highway 101, west of Cummings Road to Leggett, including The Hermitage, Big Bend and Camp St. Michael. Cal Fire said officials are continuing to evaluate the need for the evacuation order as the incident progresses.

An American Red Cross evacuation shelter remains in place at the Leggett School, 1 School Way.

Approximately 2,397 fire personnel are assigned to the complex, along with 186 fire engines, 64 fire crews, 28 bulldozers, 14 helicopters and 22 water tenders, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire said the estimated suppression cost is now at $20.8 million.

No new injuries were reported on Monday. Eleven firefighters have been hurt during the incident to date, Cal Fire 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.

Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday night signed legislation to put a comprehensive water bond before voters this November.

“Water is the lifeblood of any civilization and for California it’s the precondition of healthy rivers, valleys, farms and a strong economy,” said Brown. “With this water bond, legislators from both parties have affirmed their faith in California’s future.”

The legislation signed by Brown, AB 1471 by Assemblymember Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), replaces the current $11.1 billion water bond on the November ballot.

The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate 37-0 and the Assembly 77-2.

The new bond includes $7.12 billion in new debt, plus the repurposing of existing unspent bond funds of $425 million for a total of $7.545 billion. None of the repurposed bond funds will be taken from existing projects.

The measure will be Proposition 1 on the November ballot.

The bond provides for water use efficiency and recycling, groundwater cleanup and management and $2.7 billion for additional water storage.

It invests in safe drinking water, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and provides for watershed restoration and increased flows in some of California's most important rivers and streams.

Gov. Brown also announced that he vetoed identical legislation, SB 866 by Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis).  

For full text of the bills, visit http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov .

Among the groups supporting the bond is the California Farm Bureau.

In a Wednesday night statement, California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said the passage of the rewritten water bond – which followed five years of often difficult negotiations – brings California a step closer to improving its water future.

“The severe water shortages we’re currently experiencing result from 30 years of neglecting our water-storage system. That neglect is magnified by the drought, and it’s time to reverse that pattern of neglect. Placing this water bond on the November ballot gives Californians a chance to provide more water for our cities, for food production and for the environment,” Wenger said.

The bond represents the state’s largest investment in water storage in more than 30 years, “and it couldn’t come at a more critical time,” according to Wenger.

“As the drought has shown us all too well, we have lived too long with an outdated water-storage system,” he said. “We need to update that system to match changing weather patterns, in which more precipitation will fall as rain rather than as snow. Additional surface storage can capture those strong storm surges when they come, prevent flooding and bank that water for later dry times.”

Wenger noted that putting this rewritten bond measure on the ballot is only part of the solution.

“That’s why it’s important that the governor and the Legislature were able to agree on this package,” he said. “We needed to have a bond with the best possible chance of passage. We look forward to the governor’s participation in the campaign for new water storage.”

Fourth District Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada (D-Davis), whose district includes Lake County, also supported the bond measure.

“While imperfect, this bond is vastly improved from the 2009 version that I could not support,” she said in a Wednesday night statement. “Now, California voters will have the opportunity to determine whether or not this bond will advance our mutual water futures.”

The water bond is supported by a broad array of agricultural, business, labor, environmental, water and wildlife organizations.

The groups include Agricultural Council of California, Western Agricultural Processors, Clean Water Action, Association of California Water Agencies, American Rivers, Audubon Society, Bay Area Council, California Alliance for Jobs, California Chamber of Commerce, California Conference of Carpenters, California Farm Bureau Federation, California Labor Federation, California League of Conservation Voters, California-Nevada Conference of Operating Engineers, California State Pipe Trades Council, California Trout, California Waterfowl Association, California Coalition of Utility Workers, Community Water Center, Defenders of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Natural Resources Defense Council, San Diego County Water Authority, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, State Association of Electrical Workers, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, California State Council of Laborers, Sonoma County Water Agency, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Western Growers Association, WateReuse California, Defenders of Wildlife, Northern California Water Association, California Building Industry Association, Westlands Water District, Yuba County Water Agency, California Fresh Fruit Association, Sacramento County, Contra Costa County, Yolo County and Solano County.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Last Friday morning, a truckload of shining stainless steel brewing equipment arrived at 901 Bevins St., soon to be the home of O'Meara Bros. Brewing Co.

Alex and Tim O'Meara's new brewpub will offer a fusion of microbrewery and restaurant located just off Lakeport Boulevard.

Construction began in June. The O'Mearas intend to soon announce the date of the grand opening.

The brothers said they've been waiting for this moment a long time, and can't wait to share their beer, made on-site, with Lake County.

O'Meara Bros. Brewing Co. also will feature a high-quality “pub grub” menu, specially designed to complement their freshly brewed beer.

Plans include live music several nights a week, craft beer events and, in the near future, an outside beer garden.

More information on the brewpub can be found online at www.omearabros.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/omearabros .  

“Like” them on Facebook for an opportunity to win free entry into their exclusive Mug Club and a limited-edition grand opening t-shirt.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The cat room at Lake County Animal Care and Control is filled with felines in need of new and loving homes.

The cats range in age from 11 weeks to 3 years, with many of the cats already spayed or neutered in preparation of going to new homes.

In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.

If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.

In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen here: http://bit.ly/Z6xHMb .

The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).

Male domestic short hair mix kitten

This male domestic short hair mix is 4 months old.

He has gold eyes, a white and gray coat, weighs 4.2 pounds and has been neutered.

He's in cat room kennel No. 6, ID No. 40066.

Male tabby

This male tabby is 2 years old.

He has a short buff-colored coat, weighs 9 pounds and has gold eyes. Shelter staff did not report if he has been altered.

He's in cat room kennel No. 10, ID No. 40277.

Domestic short hair mix

This domestic short hair mix cat is 7 months old.

Shelter staff did not report the gender of the cat, which has a gray and white coat, and had its ear tipped as part of the feral cat program.

The cat can be found in kennel No. 38b, ID No. 40508.

Domestic short hair mix

This male domestic short hair mix is 3 years old.

He has a black and white coat, has been neutered, and had an ear tipped as part of the feral cat program.

Find him in cat room kennel No. 40, ID No. 40507.

'Sophie'

“Sophie” is a 1-year-old Siamese mix.

She has a short coat and blue eyes, and has been spayed.

She's in cat room kennel No. 44, ID No. 40487.

Female domestic long hair mix

This female domestic long hair mix cat is 2 years old.

She has dilute tortie markings, weighs 10 pounds and has been spayed.

She's in cat room kennel No. 56, ID No. 39764.

'Lucy'

“Lucy” is an 11-week-old female domestic short hair mix kitten.

She has torbie and white markings, and gold eyes, and has been spayed.

Find her in cat room kennel No. 57, ID No. 40341.

Male orange tabby

This male orange tabby is 4 months old.

He has a short coat and has not been neutered.

He's in cat room kennel No. 78a, ID No. 40501.

Male gray tabby

This male gray tabby is 4 months old.

He has a short coat and has not been neutered.

Find him in cat room kennel No. 78b, ID No. 40502.

Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .

Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.

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. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. – A 3.2-magnitude earthquake was reported in the Upper Lake area on Wednesday afternoon.

The US Geological Survey's preliminary report on the quake said it occurred at 3:32 p.m.

Its epicenter was located 11 miles north of Upper Lake and 21 miles northeast of Ukiah, at a depth of 7.3 miles, the survey reported.

The survey received shake reports from Potter Valley and Redwood Valley.

Shake reports can be submitted at http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc72273480#dyfi_form .

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 Registrar of Voters Office reported that the nomination period to fill seats on two local school boards, a fire district board and the board of a conservation district have been extended due to some incumbents not filing to seek reelection.

The filing period for seats on the Konocti Unified School District and Middletown Unified School District governing boards has been extended for all qualified persons other than the incumbents until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, according to the report.

The Registrar of Voters Office said the nomination period of the Konocti Unified School District has been extended due to nonfiling of incumbent governing board member Anita Gordon and the nomination of the Middletown Unified School District has been extended due to the nonfiling of incumbent governing board member Yvette Sloan.

There also is an extension of the nomination period for the Northshore Fire Protection District-Upper Lake Zone due to the nonfiling of incumbent director Ron Talbott, as well as West Lake Resource Conservation District due to the nonfiling of incumbent director Judith Cox and incumbent director Robert Wooldridge, officials reported.

Voters desiring information regarding filing for the elective offices may contact the Lake County Registrar of Voters office at 707-263-2372, or come by the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Room 209, in Lakeport before 5 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

The registrar's office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Lodge Fire, burning in rugged terrain near Laytonville, continues to grow in size, fire officials said Sunday.

The lightning complex of fires, burning since July 30 in Mendocino County's Wilderness Lodge and Eel River Canyon area, reached 8,700 acres and 35-percent containment by Sunday night, according to a Cal Fire report.

So far, 11 injuries have been reported, Cal Fire said.

An evacuation order remains in place for the area around the fire's eastern boundary, with a Red Cross evacuation center open at the Leggett School. Cal Fire said 58 structures are threatened.

There are unsettled weather conditions in the fire area, with Cal Fire reporting that the fire's southern and eastern boundaries of the fire continue to be most threatened by extreme fire behavior.

Cal Fire said 2,178 firefighters are assigned to the incident, along with 176 fire engines, 51 fire crews, 35 bulldozers, 13 helicopters and 22 water tenders.

Suppression costs have risen to $17.8 million, Cal Fire said.

The fire is the source of a large amount of drift smoke and haze that has settled into Lake County's air basin, according to local air quality officials.

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. – Lake County Registrar of Voters Diane Fridley reported that the deadline to file arguments for and against county measures appearing on the Nov. 4 ballot is later this month.

Fridley said the arguments are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, for Measure O, the Medical Marijuana Control Act; Measure P, The Freedom to Garden Human Rights Restoration Act of 2014; Measure S, Healthy Lake Sales Tax; and the Lakeport Unified School District's school bond Measure T.

Arguments must be typed and submitted to the Lake County Registrar of Voters, Room 209 of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N Forbes St. in Lakeport.

No argument shall exceed 300 words in length. No more than five signatures shall appear with any argument.

All arguments must be accompanied by the “Statement That Argument Is True And Correct” as required by Section 9600 of the CA Elections Code provided by the Registrar of Voters office by request, stating the printed name and signature or printed names and signatures of the person or persons submitting it or, if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers.

County Measure “O,” Medical Marijuana Control Act: “Shall ‘The Medical Marijuana Control Act Initiative Measure’ which seeks to repeal any then-existing County regulations contained in Article 72 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance and to establish new regulations regarding the size, location, and manner in which medical marijuana may be cultivated in unincorporated areas of Lake County be adopted?”

County Measure “P,” The Freedom To Garden Human Rights Restoration Act Of 2014: “Shall ‘The Freedom to Garden Human Rights Restoration Act of 2014 Initiative Measure’ which seeks to restore the natural human right to grow and use plants for the basic necessities of life and to exempt residents residing within the unincorporated areas of Lake County from any County permitting or other County ordinances that would limit an individual’s outside and/or greenhouse home gardening efforts be adopted?”

County Measure “S,” Healthy Lake Sales Tax: “Shall Article VI be added to Chapter 18 of the Lake County Code imposing a one-half of one percent (0.50%) transaction and use tax (sales tax) to implement a Healthy Lake Tax for the County of Lake for a maximum period of ten (10) years with all revenues exclusively under Lake County Watershed Protection District control to combat aquatic weeds, algae, invasive mussels and fund wetland restoration and water quality projects with an expenditure plan with citizen oversight for revenues generated?”

School bond Measure “T,” Lakeport Unified School District’s bond measure: “To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State; increase student access to computers and modern technology; replace outdated heating and air-conditioning systems; modernize classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; and improve/renovate the Westshore pool for school and community use; shall the Lakeport Unified School District issue $17,000,000 of bonds at legal interest rates, have an independent citizens’ oversight committee and have NO money used for administrative salaries?”

Only one argument for and one argument against each measure shall be selected for printing and distribution with the sample ballots.

Author(s) of a selected argument may prepare and submit a rebuttal argument not exceeding 250 words to the Lake County Registrar of Voters no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The Registrar of Voters Office will notify the author(s) of selected arguments in writing of the procedure to submit a rebuttal argument.

Interested persons are advised to contact the Registrar of Voters Office at 707-263-2372 prior to the deadline – Aug. 19 – for filing arguments.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A vehicle stop Saturday resulted in the arrest of a Lakeport man and the seizure of methamphetamine and metal knuckles.

Theodore Anthony Jones, 46, of Lakeport was arrested for reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance and metal knuckles, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

At 6:30 p.m. Saturday a patrol deputy was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 near the intersection of Stokes Avenue in Nice, Brooks said. Several cars in front of the deputy were traveling eastbound at the posted speed limit.

Brooks said the deputy observed a motorcycle traveling on Stokes Avenue towards the Highway 20 intersection. The motorcycle failed to stop at the posted stop sign and pulled out into the eastbound traffic of Highway 20.

When the rider of the motorcycle did this, he forced the driver in front of the patrol vehicle to apply his brakes with significant force to avoid a collision. Brooks said the motorcycle rider then pulled into a designated turn lane where he rapidly accelerated, passing four vehicles which also were in the turn lane.

The deputy activated his emergency lights and conducted an enforcement stop in the area of Highway 20 and Collier Avenue in Nice, Brooks said.

The deputy explained the reason for the stop to the motorcyclist, who was identified as Jones, and asked Jones why he was driving recklessly. Jones told the deputy that he had a lot on his mind, according to Brooks.

Due to the numerous violations and the fact that Jones appeared to have no regard for his safety or the safety of others, Brooks said Jones was arrested for reckless driving.

The deputy contacted Central Dispatch and requested a tow truck to remove the motorcycle. Brooks said the deputy asked Jones how to unlock his saddlebags, so he could conduct an inventory search of the motorcycle. Jones said he would not unlock the saddlebags and placed the keys on the motorcycle seat.

As the deputy searched the left side saddlebag, he located a purple Crown Royal bag which contained a small amount of marijuana. Also in the Crown Royal bag was a plastic bag containing a crystalline substance which the deputy immediately recognized to be methamphetamine, Brooks said.

Brooks said the deputy continued his search and located a set of metal knuckles inside the same saddlebag. All of the items were seized as evidence.

The methamphetamine was later weighed and determined to have a gross weight of 8.76 grams, Brooks said.

Jones was arrested and transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Clearlake man was arrested Sunday night after he led police on a high speed chase, ultimately crashing into another vehicle.

Police arrested 29-year-old Eddie Duran for felony vehicle evasion, felony assault on a police officer and an outstanding felony warrant, according to a report from Clearlake Police Sgt. Dominic Ramirez.

The pursuit involving Duran began at around 7:40 p.m. after Officer Travis Lenz attempted to pull him over for traffic violations, Ramirez said.

Duran failed to yield to the patrol vehicle's emergency lights and siren and led Clearlake Police officers on a high speed pursuit that Ramirez said lasted approximately 11 miles.

The pursuit left the city of Clearlake and traveled southbound on Highway 29 into Lower Lake, reaching speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, Ramirez said.

During the pursuit Duran swerved at an oncoming California Highway Patrol officer who was assisting in the pursuit. Ramirez said the CHP officer swerved to avoid the attempted assault.

After traveling southbound on Highway 29 for several miles, Duran turned his vehicle around and began driving northbound on Highway 29 at a high rate of speed, Ramirez said.

Ramirez said Duran drove back into Clearlake, where he struck a motorist at the intersection of Highway 53 and Dam Road.

The collision caused Duran's vehicle to be disabled, at which time he was taken into custody, Ramirez said.

Duran and the other motorists walked away from the crash with no visible injuries, however Ramirez said Duran had minor complaint of pain.

Clearlake Police officers investigated the vehicle crash with the assistance of the CHP and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, according to Ramirez.

Ramirez said Duran was booked into the Lake County Jail on several felony charges.                 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Officer Travis Lenz at the Clearlake Police Department, 707-994-8251.