Firefighters quickly stopped a fast-moving wildfire near Lower Lake on Sunday that forced brief evacuations. The Sky Fire broke out around 3 p.m. on Sky High Ridge Road and spread rapidly through grass and brush before air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews gained control. Some resources were diverted from the nearby Pickett Fire in Napa County to help suppress the flames. By evening the blaze had burned just under 19 acres and was 80% contained, with crews working hotspots and strengthening lines.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday to weigh two major land use issues, including a community appeal over a biochar facility in Upper Lake and a massive resort project in south county. At 9:30 a.m., the board will hear an appeal challenging approval of the Scotts Valley Energy biochar plant on county property, a project residents have raised health and planning concerns about. Later in the day, supervisors will consider a development agreement for the Guenoc Valley mixed-use resort that could eventually add 400 hotel rooms, 450 resort units, and more than 1,400 estates. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Lakeport and will be streamed live on the county’s website and social media.
Paving is finished on Main Street in Ukiah and landscaping on Gobbi Street will begin soon, but major work is shifting to Perkins Street. Crews are adding a new eastbound lane, upgraded signals, and sidewalk and storm drain repairs, which will mean delays. The city says the project, once complete, will add bike lanes, ADA ramps, and utility upgrades to improve transportation in the downtown core.
Mendocino National Forest has issued new fire restrictions as hot, dry conditions raise the threat of wildfires. The rules prohibit campfires outside designated sites, smoking in open areas, fireworks, and equipment with open flames or engines off established roads. Forest officials note more than 90% of fires are human-caused and stress that careful planning can prevent disaster.
Mosquitoes in Lake County have tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting fresh safety warnings from local health officials. The Vector Control District says the infected samples were collected near Clearlake Oaks, where warmer conditions are fueling faster mosquito activity. Residents are encouraged to use repellents, drain standing water, and cover up outdoors to reduce exposure. Free mosquito-eating fish are also available through the district to help control breeding in ponds, tanks, and neglected pools.
The T.R. Eriksen Foundation has launched a $25,000 matching donation challenge to support Plowshares in Ukiah through the end of August. Every dollar given this month will be matched dollar-for-dollar, helping fund the nonprofit’s Community Dining Room and Senior Meals-on-Wheels programs. Plowshares leaders say the challenge could bring in $50,000 at a time when food insecurity and funding cuts are hitting the community hard. Donations can be made online at plowsharesfeeds.org, by mail, or by calling the nonprofit directly.
Governor Gavin Newsom is raking in millions as he pushes a redistricting plan aimed at countering Republican gains in Texas. Newsom says his campaign has raised over $6 million in just a week from about 200,000 donors. The effort comes ahead of a November special election and is part of a broader Democratic strategy to hold the line in Congress. His proposal would temporarily add five Democratic seats in California to offset Texas’ new map, which could boost Republicans by the same number.
Caltrans crews will be busy across Mendocino County this week with multiple projects expected to cause minor to moderate delays. On Highway 1, drivers should watch for one-way traffic control near Albion, Mendocino, and Westport, where paving, bridge, and emergency work could cause waits of up to 30 minutes. Highway 20 east of Fort Bragg will see mowing and culvert work beginning Monday, with possible 10 to15-minute delays, while several U.S. 101 bridge and utility projects near Ukiah and north of Laytonville will also impact drivers.
