MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – The closure order for the North Pass Fire area was adjusted on Thursday, reopening the southern part of the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness, while maintaining the closure within most of the fire perimeter on the Mendocino National Forest.

The North Pass Fire, caused by lightning, started Saturday, Aug. 18, and has consumed approximately 41,983 acres north of Forest Highway 7 between Anthony Peak and the community of Covelo.

It remained at 97-percent containment early Friday, with full containment estimated to occur this on Sunday.

Closure Order Number 08-12-15 went into effect at midnight Thursday, replacing Order Number 08-12-14. The full closure order, including the map, is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino under “Alerts and Notices” or on Inciweb at www.inciweb.org/incident/3201/ .

While it opens up a large portion of the wilderness, access is still restricted in and around the fire perimeter.

Under the order:

• Forest Highway 7 is open.

• Hams Pass/Blands Cove Road (24N21) is closed north of Hams Pass.

• Indian Dick Road (Forest Road M1) is open from the intersection with Road 23N39 (Espee Ridge) north towards the Asa Bean Trailhead. Road M1 is closed from Road 23N39 south to the Eel River Work Station.

• Forest Road M2 is open from Paskenta west to its intersection with Forest Road M21. It remains closed from the M21 intersection south to the intersection with Forest Road M4.

• Forest Road M4 is open from Paskenta west to its intersection with Forest Highway 7 (Mendocino Pass).

While some major roads are once again open to the public, drivers should still watch for increased traffic in the area.

Residents and landowners or lessees of land within the closure area are exempt from the order to the extent necessary to access their property.

“We are happy to be able to restore public access to more of the northwest portion of the Mendocino National Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Sherry Tune.

“We are asking the public to respect the closure order for the remainder of the North Pass Fire area, including portions of M1, M2 and the Wilderness and the many roads and trails within the area,” said Tune. “This will help us maintain public and firefighter safety as we continue suppression and repair efforts to achieve control of the North Pass Fire. We will open the North Pass Fire area when we are confident that the conditions in the area are no longer a threat and the resources have sufficiently stabilized.”

Violation of the closure order is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months imprisonment or both.

For more information, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino or contact the forest at 530-934-3316.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This year Lake County is once again taking part in the California Coastal Cleanup Day, and volunteers are encouraged to come out and clean up local beaches, creeks and streams.

The 28th annual Coastal Cleanup Day, which focuses not just on beaches but on inland waterways, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.

“It goes beyond the coast, to the waterways, back into the watershed to the headwaters,” said Carolyn Ruttan of Lake County Water Resources, the local coordinator of this year’s cleanup. “Over the years, the Cleanup Day has expanded to include all lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and creeks that eventually flow to the ocean.”

Ruttan is working with support from each of the local watershed groups, the cities, service groups, and organizations such as the Lakeport Yacht Club, the Homeowners of Kono Tayee Estates, and others.

Several businesses and agencies also are providing supplies, dumpsters and other materials, including Lakeport Disposal, South Lake Refuse, C&S Waste Solutions and Caltrans.

Cleanup locations confirmed to date include the Big Oak Shopping Center, 13300 E. Highway 20, in Clearlake Oaks; the Lake County Fire Protection District station at 14815 Olympic Drive, Clearlake; and the Fifth Street boat ramp in Lakeport.

Come to the cleanup prepared for the weather – wear closed-toed shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and bring an extra layer, in case it is chilly. Fill a reusable water bottle and pack a “trash-free” lunch.

Bring a bucket or reusable bag for collecting trash and a lightweight pair of gardening gloves – most sites are equipped with dumpsters so volunteers can dump what they collect and take their bucket or reusable bag back home.

Trash bags will be available on site. Pick up every bit of human trash you can find in your favorite waterway. If items cannot be moved, please record their location so that we can remove them using equipment and tools.

Everyone who participates in Coastal Cleanup day must sign a waiver form – they will be available at the cleanup locations. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian signature before participating.

In 1985, the California Coastal Commission launched the first statewide Coastal Cleanup Day and the following year joined Ocean Conservancy in its International Coastal Cleanup, creating the world’s largest volunteer event related to the marine environment.

Today, California Coastal Cleanup Day is the state’s largest annual volunteer event, drawing tens of thousands of people to more than 800 sites spread throughout 53 of California’s 58 counties.

Since 1985, more than 1.1 million volunteers have helped remove 18 million pounds of debris from the state’s shorelines.

For information on locations and volunteering, contact Carolyn Ruttan in the Lake County Department of Water Resources at 707-263-2256 or 707-295-0333.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The wildland fire burning northwest of Lakeport remains on track to be fully contained by this coming weekend, officials said Wednesday.

The Scotts Fire remained at 4,618 acres, with containment up to 80 percent on Wednesday night, Cal Fire reported.

The cause of the fire, burning since last Friday on North Cow Mountain between Scotts Creek and Scotts Valley Road, remains under investigation.

Cal Fire is still anticipating having the fire fully contained on Saturday.

Three injuries have occurred on the incident so far, Cal Fire said.

More firefighters were being released on Wednesday, with 1,231 personnel, 86 engines, 48 fire crews, three helicopters, 13 bulldozers and 21 water tenders assigned.

The Bureau of Land Management said Wednesday that the Cow Mountain Recreation Area is expected to remain closed until next week due to the firefighting effort.

The incident management team remains based at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport, where the Lakeport Speedway's weekend races were canceled due to the base camp's presence, as Lake County News has reported.

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

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – A Clearlake man who allegedly led police on a foot chase on Wednesday and subsequently was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft may have been involved in a string of car and boat thefts in August.

Louis Charles Carlson, 37, was arrested on a number of charges following the Wednesday chase, which began a Clearlake Police Department investigation that allegedly is linking him to a number of other cases, according to Sgt. Rodd Joseph.

At 3:15 p.m. Wednesday Clearlake Police Officer Arron Winslow conducted a traffic stop on a 1970 Ford Mach 1 Mustang for minor traffic violations on SR53 near the intersection with 18th Avenue, Joseph said.

The driver, later identified as Carlson, allegedly provided investigating officers with a false name and claimed to have no identification with him, Joseph said. The name Carlson allegedly provided to officers showed to have a suspended driver’s license.

Joseph said officers elected to arrest Carlson for the suspended driver’s license and for not having identification. Carlson fled on foot when he learned he was going to be arrested.

Officers gave chase and Officer Adams ended up arresting Carlson at the dead end of 20th Avenue, near Highway 53, after a brief foot chase, Joseph said. At that time officers identified the suspect as Carlson, who also had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest.

Officers decided to tow Carlson’s vehicle and requested a tow truck, Joseph said. Prior to the Ford Mustang being towed it was determined to be a stolen vehicle out of Clearlake.

Joseph said police learned that Carlson had begun the process of putting the vehicle into his name through the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Mustang was returned to the lawful owner.

Carlson was arrested on felony warrants and allegations including obstructing a peace officer, resisting a peace officer, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, false identification to officer, false information to officer and committing a felony crime while out on bail for a felony crime.

On Monday Clearlake officers had located several abandoned stolen vessels and vehicles in the 16800 block of 19th Avenue, Joseph said.

Most of the stolen vehicles and vessels had been reported to the California Highway Patrol as stolen in the unincorporated areas of Lake County during the month of August, he said.

Joseph said police obtained evidence at the scene allegedly linking Carlson to the vehicle thefts. Police believe that Carlson is involved in these vehicle and vessel thefts and are continuing with the investigation.

Anyone with information on these vehicle and vessel thefts is asked to contact Clearlake Police Officer Thompson at 707-994-8251. Callers may remain anonymous.

Executive Vice Chancellor for Programs Erik Skinner was named acting chancellor of the California Community Colleges by the system’s Board of Governors during its meeting at San Diego City College.

Skinner will temporarily replace Chancellor Jack Scott who will retire Sept. 14 after 58 years in public service, and the last three years as the leader of the nation’s largest system of higher education.

“I think Erik is an excellent choice and the board showed great wisdom in appointing him to cover the position until my permanent replacement is selected,” Chancellor Scott said. “As executive vice chancellor, Erik has a great understanding of the day-to-day workings of the office, but also shares in the vision of the agency, which is to provide a skilled workforce for the state. I have every confidence in Erik’s ability to lead the Chancellor’s Office and system during this transition period.”

Skinner, 44, was appointed in 2010 to serve as executive vice chancellor for programs and oversees the Academic Affairs, Student Services and Special Programs, Economic Development and Workforce Preparation, College Finance and Facilities Planning, Technology, Research and Information Services and Government Relations divisions.

Skinner assists in the implementation of system-wide initiatives, including the Board of Governor’s student success agenda, which received a boost with the recent legislative passage of the Student Success Act of 2012.

The bill, SB 1456, awaits Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature.

Skinner also is co-chair of the SB 1440 Associate Degree for Transfer Implementation and Oversight Committee that is strengthening and streamlining transfer pathways between the California Community Colleges and the California State University systems.

“Erik has the knowledge and experience needed to lead the Chancellor’s Office and system until we can find Jack Scott’s replacement,” said Board of Governors President Scott Himelstein. “He’s played an integral role in the system’s two biggest policy initiatives of the last two years – student success and Associate Degree for Transfer – and will continue to do so. He will do a fine job as acting chancellor.”

Himelstein and the board said they hope to name a permanent chancellor by the end of September.

Skinner joined the Chancellor’s Office in 2007, when he was appointed Vice Chancellor for College Finance and Facilities Planning. He represented the community college system in the state budget process, advocating for additional resources to support the state’s 72 community college districts and 112 colleges.

In addition, Skinner oversaw the system’s budget and accounting processes; apportionment of state and federal resources to local community college districts; and assistance to community college districts for fiscal and business operations.

Prior to joining the Chancellor’s Office, Skinner served as Assistant Secretary for Fiscal Policy in the Office of the Secretary for Education. In that role, he advised the secretary of education and the governor on matters related to K-12 and higher education policy, the state budget and school finance.

Skinner began his work in state service in the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, where he specialized in school finance, Proposition 98, and higher education policy. Before working in education finance and state government, Skinner worked as a job developer and employment counselor in welfare-to-work programs in Los Angeles County.

Executive Vice Chancellor Skinner received a bachelor’s degree in history from Grinnell College and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation. It is composed of 72 districts and 112 colleges serving 2.4 million students per year.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County officials have reopened Lampson Field to general aviation traffic after closing it last weekend due to the Scotts Fire.

The County Administrative Office announced that the airport had reopened as of 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Lampson Field airport had been closed to general aviation for three days in order to support aerial fire suppression efforts for the Scotts Fire, which on Wednesday morning remained at 4,618 acres, with containment at 75 percent.

The Scotts Fire began early Friday afternoon at the north end of Cow Mountain, west of Scotts Valley Road and east of Ukiah.

Cal Fire has used the airport as its helibase, according to Incident Commander Eric Hoffman.

Officials had implemented the closure at 7 a.m. last Sunday. It had been set to continue for five days unless modified.

The closure did not affect REACH Air Ambulance, which continued operations from Lampson Field.

Pilots using Lampson Field should be aware of an advisory caution through Thursday afternoon due to continued presence of fire equipment, with most of the activity concentrated near the taxiway, county officials reported.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The service of a search warrant by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force Tuesday evening has resulted in one arrest and the seizure of 56.7 grams of methamphetamine.

Detectives arrested 31-year-old Christin Jean Kukar of Clearlake for alleged possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale and transportation of a controlled substance, according to Sgt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

On Monday narcotics detectives secured a search warrant for Kukar's person, home and vehicle, Brooks said.

Then on Tuesday at 9 p.m. narcotics detectives conducted an enforcement stop of Kukar’s vehicle on Highway 20 near Clearlake Oaks, Brooks said. Kukar, 26-year-old Brandie Lea Meyer of Clearlake Oaks and a 14-year-old minor were occupants of the vehicle.

Narcotics detectives served the search warrant on Kukar and her vehicle, Brooks said. Kukar allegedly admitted to possessing methamphetamine and removed approximately 56.7 grams of methamphetamine from inside her pants.

He said Meyer and the minor, who were detained at the time of the stop, were later released.

Shortly after the enforcement stop, narcotics detectives served the search warrant on Kukar’s home, which is located on 35th Avenue in Clearlake. Brooks said detectives were unable to locate any additional contraband.

Brooks said the estimated street value of the 56.7 grams of methamphetamine found during the search is approximately $6,000.

Kukar was arrested and transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility where Brooks said she was booked. Bail was set at $35,000, and jail records indicated she posted the required percentage of bail and was released.

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

NICE, Calif. – Caltrans’ new roundabout project in Nice is expected to be functional within the next several days.

Construction on the $4.6 million project – located at the intersection of Highway 20 and the Nice-Lucerne Cutoff, just west of Nice – began in May. Granite Construction of Ukiah is the contractor.

Caltrans spokesman Phil Frisbie said the project is on track to be completed this winter.

Drivers have been detoured around the construction onto Stokes Road since July 23.

However, this Friday or next Monday, the detour is set to be removed, according to Frisbie.

“The roundabout will be functional at that point,” he said in an email to Lake County News. “There will still be some restrictions for people entering the highway from Pyle Road, but that 'leg' will be fully tied in over the next few weeks.”

When it’s complete, Caltrans said the project also will include sidewalks, enhanced drainage and median islands to create pedestrians access across the highway.

Caltrans undertook the project to address the intersection’s collision rate – five times higher than the statewide average for similar intersections – as well as to slow traffic and reduce vehicle emissions.

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

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – Mendocino County Sheriff’s officials said this week that an agency K9 died while in training.

The Tuesday report from Liz Evangelatos of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said sheriff’s K9 “Morgan” died during training on Aug. 20.

Evangelatos said Morgan died at a facility operated by the department's contract K-9 trainer.  

Morgan was engaged in narcotics detection training with his handler at the time he began to show signs of distress, she said. In the time it took for his handler to describe the animal's symptoms to a veterinarian, Morgan had died.

Officials suspect that Morgan died from an accidental ingestion of methamphetamine, Evangelatos said.

Morgan, a 15-month-old German Shepherd that had been imported from the Czech Republic, went into service with the department on Feb. 12 and was assigned to Deputy Sheriff Joey DeMarco, according to Evangelatos.

Evangelatos said Morgan was being trained for patrol work and detection of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, cocaine and MDMA.

Deputy DeMarco is one of the most experienced K-9 handlers in the department and has been a leader in the MCSO K-9 Unit since its inception over 20 years ago, Evangelatos said .

Morgan was not only a part of the MCSO family, but a treasured member of the DeMarco family as well. Deputy DeMarco is coping with the loss given how fast he bonded with his K-9 partner, she said.

Morgan is the first MCSO K-9 Deputy to die in either a training accident or field deployment since the origination of the Mendocino MCSO K-9 Program in the 1980s, according to Evangelatos. The training methods used had been in place for more than 25 years without incident.  

Sheriff Allman has ordered a review of MCSO K-9 training protocols and is committed to ensuring the safety of the agency’s service dogs, she said.

Evangelatos said Morgan will be remembered as courageous, loving and loyal.

THE CONTAINMENT PERCENTAGE HAS BEEN CORRECTED.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Another day on the fire lines brought a week old wildland fire closer to being fully contained.

The Scotts Fire reached 90 percent containment on Thursday night, with size remaining at 4,618 acres, Cal Fire reported.

The fire broke out last Friday, Sept. 7, on North Cow Mountain between Scotts Creek and Scotts Valley Road. The cause remains under investigation.

Full containment is anticipated this Saturday.

Cal Fire spokesman Mike Carr told Lake County News this week that 100-percent containment is when an incident is at the point where firefighters and equipment can completely leave the scene with no concerns that the incident may reignite.

Two more injuries were reported on Thursday, for a total of five, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire was continuing to reduce its resources and firefighters on scene. Personnel assigned on Thursday totaled 1,029, with 86 engines, 48 fire crews, one helicopter, five dozers and 13 water tenders.

Firefighters continued strengthening control lines, mopping up and making repairs within the fire perimeter on Thursday, where smoke may still be visible as mop up efforts continue, Cal Fire said.

The agency said fire suppression repair operations are ongoing with the goal of preventing any future environmental damage.

With hot and dry weather conditions expected to continue, Cal Fire urges the public to be cautious when using equipment that may spark a fire. Do any yard maintenance that requires a gas or electrical motor before 10 a.m. and don’t pull a vehicle off the road into dry grass.

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

SACRAMENTO, Calif. –The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will observe National Child Passenger Safety Week during the week of Sept. 16-22 by conducting child safety seat events throughout the state.

During these events, CHP personnel will assist the public by demonstrating the proper way to install an infant or child’s safety seat and will perform safety inspections for all children in the vehicle who are required to be in a safety seat or a seat belt.

“Children depend on adults to keep them safe.  For this reason, we are committed to providing parents in communities throughout the state with this free service to help ensure their child’s safety on the road,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.

Hundreds of children are killed or injured every year in California as a result of safety seats that are improperly fastened by parents or caretakers.  

The most recent annual statistics show that 18 of 25 children under the age of eight who were killed in a collision were not properly restrained, and 467 children under the age of eight were injured.

California’s new child passenger safety seat law, which went into effect January 1, 2012, requires children to ride in the back seat of a vehicle, in either a car seat or booster seat, until the age of 8, or until they are 4 feet 9 inches in height.

“Our goal as a traffic safety agency is to ensure every person, regardless of age, is safe on the road,” added Commissioner Farrow. “The first step in making that a reality is for every person in the vehicle to buckle up, every time.”

Parents are invited to call their local CHP Area office to make an appointment with a child safety seat technician for a free car seat inspection.

Call the CHP’s Clear Lake Area office in Kelseyville at 707-279-0103.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – Firefighters continued to make advances on a wildland fire burning northwest of Lakeport on Tuesday.

Cal Fire said the Scotts Fire remained at 4,618 acres, with containment rising to 70 percent by Tuesday night.

The fire has been burning since last Friday on North Cow Mountain, between Scotts Creek and Scotts Valley Road. The cause remains under investigation.

The Tuesday night report said containment lines had been constructed around the fire’s perimeter, with firefighters working on active fires within the perimeter area.

Fire suppression repair operations have begun and will continue in the fire area for several weeks, Cal Fire said.

The number of personnel on scene was reduced by about 140 on Tuesday, with a total of 1,480 on scene by nightfall. Resources included 151 engines, 44 fire crews, four helicopters, 13 bulldozers and two water tenders, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire expects the fire to be fully contained by Saturday.

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