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PG&E Sending Two Day-Ahead Notifications to Appro OAKLAND, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is monitoring an offshore wind event beginning Wednesday, October 14 through Saturday, October 17. In response, PG&E has activated its Emergency Operations Center and has sent advanced notifications in targeted areas where PG&E may need to proactively turn power off for safety to reduce the risk of wildfire from energized powerlines. County Estimated Customers Impacted Estimated Medical Baseline Impacted ALPINE 660 9 AMADOR 48 5 BUTTE 8,306 850 CALAVERAS 2,243 69 EL DORADO 683 16 KERN 764 31 Public LAKE 57 4 MENDOCINO 27 1 NAPA 419 22 NEVADA 211 4 PLACER 364 11 PLUMAS 702 30 SAN LUIS OBISPO 7,729 263 SANTA BARBARA 189 7 SHASTA 1,964 204 SIERRA 1,142 46 SOLANO 30 1 SONOMA 1,216 52 TEHAMA 830 60 TUOLUMNE 1,650 46 YOLO 8 0 YUBA 357 42 Tribe County Estimated Customers Impacted Estimated Medical Baseline Impacted MOORETOWN RANCHERIA BUTTE 4 1 PIT RIVER TRIBES SHASTA 6 0 Customer notifications via text, email, and automated phone calls began late Monday, October 12, approximately two days before the potential shutoff. When possible, PG&E employees will conduct individual in-person visits to customers enrolled in the company’s Medical Baseline Program who do not verify they have received these important safety communications, with a primary focus on customers who rely on electricity for critical life-sustaining equipment. Customers can look up their address online to find out if their location is being monitored for the potential safety shutoff at pge.com/pspsupdates. PG&E’s commitment is that catastrophic wildfires shall stop. PG&E is determined to protect our hometowns from wildfires, and a PSPS is a last resort. Once severe weather has passed, and it is safe to do so, PG&E will work quickly and nimbly to patrol and inspect lines to restore power for customers as soon as possible. Community Resource Centers PG&E is planning to open Community Resource Centers (CRCs) in affected counties. CRCs offer ADA-accessible restrooms, device charging, Wi-Fi, blankets, air conditioning, bottled water, and snacks. Check pge.com/pspsupdates for the latest CRC hours and locations. California Network of 211 Public Customers can call 211 for help preparing for a potential power outage or any other kind of emergency, such as a PSPS, to minimize hardships caused by wildfire safety outages. Support is available before, during, and after a power outage. PG&E’s 211 partnership also provides proactive emergency preparedness outreach for those who rely on power for medical needs, have a disability, are in the aging population, or have other needs. Call 211, text ‘PSPS’ to 211, or visit 211.org to find their local 211. Why PG&E Calls a PSPS Event We initiate PSPS when the weather forecast is for such severe weather that people’s safety, lives, homes and businesses may be in danger of wildfires. As each weather situation is unique, we carefully review various factors when deciding if power must be turned off. These factors include:
Using advanced technologies and rebuilding the electric system from the underground up, we are preventing wildfires, improving reliability, and reducing costs over the long term. We are building the future energy grid that our customers deserve while taking immediate steps to keep customers safe. Our wildfire prevention work relies on layers of protection to make our system safer and more resilient while positioning us better to serve our customers in the short and long term. These tools help us respond to our state’s evolving climate challenges:
About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news. |||| Public  On behalf of the Eastern Plumas Health Care Foundation, I’m asking all my family, friends, and colleagues to support the Dr. Christopher Stanton Scholarship Fund. This year, we’ve got a couple ways you can help donate. On Saturday, November 14th, the Foundation will be hosting an afternoon reception of hors d’oeuvres, wine, and music at the Nakoma Resort. In addition, we have established the Dr. Christopher Stanton Scholarship Fund. You’ve got options: attend the event, buy a ticket for someone who would like to attend, or donate to the general scholarship fund. Many of you are familiar with Dr. Stanton and his wonderful family. They have been an integral part of our community for over four and a half decades. Like me, Dr. Stanton may have been your medical provider or one of your family members’ providers. He has been a beacon of hope in our community, embodying the principles of high-quality healthcare delivery and the significance of education. Inspired by his dedication to his patients and lifelong learning, the EPHC Foundation established the Dr. Christopher Stanton Scholarship to help EPHC employees pursue advanced degrees and professional certifications. Last week, I represented the Foundation at the EPHC Health & Wellness Fair. Many of the past scholarship recipients came up to our booth and thanked us for our efforts, mentioning how that scholarship made a difference in the advancement of their careers. To understand, this scholarship does more than help someone continue their education. It helps skilled professionals grow their careers, strengthens services local families depend on, and keeps quality healthcare close to home. I cannot emphasize enough the significance of healthcare in our rural community. Throughout my years of volunteering, I have come across no more noble cause than investing in the lives of those who have chosen to make this place their home. The impact they have on every patient and family they will care for throughout their careers is immeasurable. You can buy tickets for the Nakoma event here, and/or donate directly to the Dr. Christopher Stanton Scholarship Fund. Thank you for supporting the Dr. Christopher Stanton Scholarship Fund. Kindest regards, Patty Clawson EPHC Foundation, Chair Big Fish Creations, Brand Manager View this email in your browser REDDING – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans District 2) and American Pavement Systems, Inc. will begin work on the Tobin Preservation Project on State Route 70 in Plumas County. The $2.9 million project will provide an asphalt rubber chip seal with isolated areas of concrete dig outs on SR 70 near Tobin, from the Butte/Plumas County line to 2 miles east of Chambers Creek Bridge. The project will also include shoulder work and the removal/replacement of thermoplastic markings. Construction activities are currently planned to start on Monday, October 12. Motorists will encounter one-way traffic control with up to 15-minute delays, Monday through Friday during daytime hours. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive carefully in and around construction areas, follow speed limit reductions in place, and allot extra time for delays. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-November. Construction projects are subject to changes without prior notice. Caltrans and its contractors do our best to keep the public informed. To stay up to date on highway projects, please follow us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Project information can also be found on the District 2 webpage. The public can also call (530) 225-3426 during working hours or send an email to [email protected]. Updated highway conditions for California can be found on QuickMap and on One-Stop-Shop for the Western U.S. For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit Build.gov.ca. Nonprofit & Nonpartisan News
IN SUMMARY
In 2014, residents and environmental groups argued in a lawsuit that a California Department of Transportation road project planned to run through Richardson Grove State Park failed to properly evaluate how it could harm the redwood trees. It still took courts a total of 15 years to resolve all of the related legal complaints before Caltrans could move forward with building. Environmental advocates say the litigation led to changes that better protect redwood trees. But pro-building advocates point to the case as evidence that the California Environmental Quality Act and the review process it requires need an overhaul. Proposition 45 , a November ballot initiative that aims to streamline the process, would change how fights like this one play out. At the heart of the debate over the measure is who holds power over environmental reviews. Some legal experts say Prop. 45 would shift power away from courts and the public, giving project applicants, who include developers and public agencies building their own projects, more control at key points. For public agencies, including cities, counties and state entities, it’s complicated: an agency could lose discretion when it reviews someone else’s project and gain speed and certainty when it builds its own. The California Chamber of Commerce, the measure’s sponsor, says the measure would cut costs by speeding up building. Critics say it goes much further than streamlining. “This is not surgical at all,” said Ethan Elkind, a climate law expert at the Berkeley School of Law. “This would be a sea change.” How does CEQA work? California’s landmark environmental review law, signed in 1970, requires agencies to take into account the environmental impacts of a development and help avoid them. Over decades, developers have raised concerns about the process, arguing litigation and bureaucracy slow down needed housing. Environmental groups say it gives communities a say in how projects get built. In response to a housing shortage and high prices, state leaders have moved to ease CEQA’s reach over housing. Most recently, in 2025, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed laws that exempt many housing projects from having to go through a lengthy environmental review process. Prop. 45 would reach housing that doesn’t qualify for those exemptions, along with roads, water and other infrastructure projects. Agencies judge project impacts using environmental standards they choose, covering everything from noise to air pollution, and they can revise those standards as new information emerges. The public can then submit comments and suggest project alternatives, which the lead agency must consider. Members of the public, environmental groups and other stakeholders can sue to challenge reviews they think are illegal or incomplete. Prop. 45 would give agencies 365 business days to decide on an environmental impact report for projects the measure defines as essential, including housing, roads, water, broadband and wildfire mitigation, , and require courts to resolve cases within 270 calendar days. Eligible applicants could choose the new procedures or stay with the existing ones. What supporters and opponents say Supporters of Prop. 45 say that the current process causes unnecessary delays and expenses, including the costs of reviewing late public comments and defending against litigation. Jennifer Barrera, chief executive of the California Chamber of Commerce, said the delays are costly. “Time is money, and the delays that we see with regards to all of the red tape and bureaucracy … it could be anywhere from six to 10 years added on to the determination of moving a project forward,” Barrera said. “All those costs are ultimately borne by the consumers.” Dan Dunmoyer, chief executive of the California Building Industry Association, said the proposition would decrease the cost of the average home by $75,000. “If we want to have a society where people can live and thrive, we’ve got to find the sweet spot, and we think Prop. 45 is the sweet spot,” Dunmoyer said. Opponents — a coalition that includes environmental groups, some labor unions and the California Democratic Party — say the measure goes far beyond basic streamlining, and gives project applicants too much power, undercutting the point of CEQA. They say Prop. 45 would strip agencies of the tools they have to protect communities, increase costly litigation and practically eliminate agencies’ ability to enforce the law. “When you’re undoing or undermining environmental review, or saying you don’t need to do as much environmental review, you can have less community input for a project,” said Aruna Prabhala, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity who works on the opposition campaign. A power shift? Prop. 45 doesn’t just make the process go faster. It also changes the rules for project applicants and the government agencies overseeing the review process, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Legislature’s nonpartisan adviser. Applicants could choose just one project alternative for the agency to consider rather than the multiple alternatives agencies assess today. Agencies would have to judge a project’s impacts under the standards in place when the applicant applies, rather than revising them as new information emerges, and list everything an application requires up front. If an agency misses the 365-business-day deadline, the applicant could request a hearing and potentially sue. The public and courts would have less say. Public comments would be subject to a strict 45-day deadline, and any late comments can’t be entered into the record that a judge could review if there’s litigation. Courts could still order agencies to fix flawed reviews, but could stop only the part of a project that failed to comply, not the whole project. Sean Marciniak, an attorney for Hanson Bridgett, which helped the California Chamber of Commerce write the measure, said agencies would keep the power to reject projects and the measure would not override other planning or zoning laws. “This will protect agencies in their decisions,” he said. Why a county group is sitting this outOrganizations that represent local governments in California, including the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties, have mostly stayed out of the debate. California’s rural counties say they have a problem with building housing, and they’ve historically advocated for CEQA reform. These counties often have small populations. They’re strapped for cash and the staff needed to handle the complicated process, said John Kennedy, a policy advocate for the Rural County Representatives of California. So when the California Chamber of Commerce proposed a ballot initiative to speed up environmental reviews, Prop. 45 at first looked like a natural fit. “CEQA has long been misused and manipulated by a number of interest groups seeking to extract their own interests,” Kennedy said. But the group, which represents parts of 40 counties, is sitting this one out. Its leaders voted to stay neutral; Kennedy said he suggested the group oppose it because he thinks it goes too far. “Prop. 45 really puts the power in the hands of the project proponents, project developers, and limits local authority to require consideration of alternatives,” he said. He worries local agencies would lose control over the standards that decide when noise, dust or runoff is significant enough to require action. What Prop. 45 would have changed In Richardson Grove, had the Caltrans case come up after Prop. 45, Caltrans could have benefited from a 270-calendar-day time limit on courts to resolve the case. If a court found a flaw, it could stop only the part of the project that fell short. The case, Marciniak said, also shows how Caltrans could have used existing standards to make the review go more smoothly and quickly. In 2014, an appeals court found Caltrans’ environmental report applied no standard for judging harm to the redwoods’ roots, and noted a state parks handbook with guidelines for protecting trees from construction damage. “There are easy tweaks any agency can make to crystallize meaningful thresholds of significance,” he said. Opponents say the case is not typical. It’s rare for a case to take so long, said Doug Carstens, an attorney who often represents environmental groups in CEQA cases. The fixes courts required made the review better, he added. “In this instance you’re talking about trees, but Prop. 45 could also apply to an instance where there’s people,” Carstens said. “It’s a question of going too far.” What would it cost, and what would it save Amelia Matier, a spokesperson for the Prop. 45 campaign, said faster, more predictable reviews would let California build housing and infrastructure at lower cost. A study by Blue Sky Consulting Group, commissioned by the California Chamber of Commerce, estimates state and local governments and other public agencies would see $1.5 billion in combined savings and additional revenues. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates that state and local governments and courts would face initial costs in the high tens of millions of dollars annually, potentially more than $100 million, over the first several years, partly covered by fees. Some costs would likely decline over time, the office said, but long-term impacts are unclear. For instance, faster building would likely lower project costs, but any harmful environmental impacts resulting from quicker reviews would cost state and local agencies more. Carstens said the savings aren’t even guaranteed, and that the Chamber of Commerce is using the affordability debate to deregulate in favor of business. “They say it’s about affordable housing, but that’s not anywhere visible in this measure,” Carstens said. “There’s no affordability provision or requirement for addressing the needs of people who are impoverished and underprivileged.” If Prop. 45 passes, much would be left to the courts. The measure says it should be interpreted to give “the fullest possible weight” to approving and building essential projects. Opponents say that would tilt unclear language in favor of applicants. Marciniak said the provision is meant for situations the authors couldn’t predict. “There is going to be confusion, but I think importantly, a judge in California is going to look at this and understand immediately what it means,” he said. (Nevada City, October 9, 2026) — Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect on the Tahoe National Forest from Oct. 9 through Nov. 30. Under these restrictions, campfires are permitted in provided fire rings or charcoal grills within Tahoe National Forest’s developed campgrounds and day-use sites, but not outside of those areas. Smoking and operating internal combustion engines off roads or trails is also restricted except in limited circumstances.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited through Nov. 30, 2026:
Help protect our forests, firefighters and communities by following these principles when out on forested lands:
   WHAT BETTER WAY to learn another language than by music and song?
Loyalton Elementary School TK-2nd grade students were joyfully engaged in learning Spanish on Monday, September 28th when Denise and Bob from Watsonville, “where strawberries come from,” encouraged students to learn another language because “to be bilingual is the best thing for your community.” Bob and Denise sang songs in English and Spanish, encouraging them to respond to colors sung in Spanish. Through their songs, the kids learned about how bread and food comes from sun, air, water and land. Robert (Bob) and Denise Gómez are married singers and storytelling educators who volunteer at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park in Watsonville and served as chaperones for seventh- and eighth-graders to Watsonville’s Sister City Kawakami-mura in Nagano, Japan. Bob’s career started as a teacher in the Pajaro Valley Schools in 1984, working as a migrant and bilingual resource teacher until his retirement in 2010. Since 2015, Bob and Denise have directed the music and performance programs for the Kokoro no Gakko Cultural Summer Program at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple, blending poetry, guitar, and singing across multiple generations Bob serves as Watsonville Poet Laureate in January 2022 until 2027. The singing duo entertained in The Old School House (“TOSH”) sponsored by Musica Sierra. The Gómez’s daughter, Esteli, was a singer in the Carmel Bach Festival with Owen McIntosh, founder of Musica Sierra with wife, Lindsay. Six Highway Workers Killed in Active Work Zones Since August 10
What you need to know: Caltrans is asking California drivers to Slow for the Cone Zone, Move Over and drive without distraction or impairment in work zones throughout the state. Since August 10, six contractor employees working on Caltrans highway projects have been struck and killed across California. Sacramento — Caltrans and its partners held a press conference today to urge drivers to slow down and drive safely through work zones, highlighting that it is a matter of life and death. Since August 10, six highway workers in work zones have been killed, including three in one incident on September 25 in Riverside County. Caltrans is urging drivers to slow down and “Be Work Zone Alert.” California’s Move Over law requires drivers approaching stopped vehicles displaying flashing warning lights or other warning devices to move over a lane when safe to do so, or slow down to a safe speed if they cannot safely change lanes. Drivers should avoid distractions and never drive impaired. “Behind every cone, every flashing light, every worker in a vest is a person doing a critical job in dangerous conditions," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "We are asking every driver in California to slow down, move over, remove any distractions and give crews the space and attention they deserve. It costs a driver seconds but means everything to the people in our work zones." Driving is a privilege, and every driver has a responsibility to help keep the people working on our highways safe. Distracted, impaired, and inattentive driving is a major contributing factor to worker fatalities on California roadways, emphasizing the need for motorists to exhibit hypervigilance when navigating active work zones. Obeying all traffic laws, slowing down in work zones and driving with maximum attentiveness improves safety for everyone and shows respect for roadside workers that put their lives at risk every day to improve the transportation infrastructure. "Whether they are Caltrans workers, contractors or anyone who works on the state’s transportation system, they deserve attention from all travelers driving through work zones,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. "Safer driving habits can mean the difference between a family greeting their loved one at the end of a workday or never seeing them again.” The safety of its workers and the traveling public is always Caltrans’ top priority. Following the tragic incident in Riverside County that claimed the lives of three contractors in late September, the department called for an immediate “safety stand-down” and directed all Caltrans construction teams and contracted partners to review roadside safety protocols. The department is also establishing an executive level safety committee with industry partners to emphasize the shared safety responsibilities on a construction site, propose and investigate opportunities to employ new technology and safety devices in work zones, and review current standards to see where Caltrans contracts can be modified to require additional safety efforts. Caltrans implores drivers to use specific safety precautions near work zones. · Be “Work Zone Alert.” Awareness of any area of highway or roadway with construction, maintenance or utility work activities, typically marked by cones, barrels, channeling devices, barriers, pavement marking or signs is vitally important. Please use caution and maintain safe driving practices to help keep you and the workers safe. · Obey the new, more stringent “Move Over” law. This requires drivers to move over a lane, if safe to do so, or slow down when passing vehicles with flashing amber lights. Since Jan. 1, all drivers must use these rules near any stationary vehicle, such as marked Caltrans vehicles with flashing amber lights, emergency vehicles and tow trucks. · Avoid driving with impairment or inattention. Avoid changing radio stations or using mobile phones while driving in a work zone. And please do not drive with alcohol or drugs in your system. · Slow down. Reducing vehicle speed is important because it allows drivers more time to react to unexpected changes or hazards. Reduced speeds also protect workers who are often performing tasks in close proximity to moving traffic. For more information on safe driving in and near work zones, please visit BeWorkZoneAlert and GoSafelyCA. To view the news conference in its entirely, visit https://youtu.be/c0pEkWv4l9Q. For media members who could not attend today’s press conference, click here for b-roll, sound bytes, and images: https://bit.ly/3TNLtwb ### CleanCA.com | AAA Weekly Fuel Report WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (October 8, 2026) - The average for a gallon of regular gasoline in California fell 6 cents in the past week to $6.34. Even though the national average dropped 5 cents this past week to $4.36, pump prices remain at record highs for autumn. After dipping into the $80 per barrel range for several days, crude oil is back above $90 per barrel. On top of the volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, Hurricane Isaias is another factor that could affect gas prices if oil production and refineries in the region are impacted. “Gas prices remain the highest they’ve ever been for this time of year,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. “This is the first year the national average has been above $4 per gallon in October.” Fuel Prices Around the State: San Francisco: $6.52 Oakland: $6.41 San Jose: $6.33 Sacramento: $6.32 Fresno: $6.38 Stockton: $6.23 Modesto: $6.20 AAA Shares Tips to Help Drivers Save on Gas
Oil Market Dynamics According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.84 million barrels per day to 8.68 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 206 million barrels to 204.4 million. Gasoline production also decreased from 9.59 million barrels to 9.46 million per day. At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $1.04 to settle at $90.42 per barrel. The EIA reports that U.S. crude oil inventories increased 0.9 million barrels to 427.3 million barrels, 2% above the five-year average. EV Charging The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 41 cents. In California, the average per kilowatt hour of electricity is 47 cents. State Stats Gas The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($6.40), Hawaii ($5.62), Washington ($5.49), Nevada ($5.49), Oregon ($5.05), Alaska ($5.03), Utah ($4.97), Idaho ($4.97), Arizona ($4.77), and Illinois ($4.71). The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Indiana ($3.81), Texas ($3.94), Georgia ($3.96), Mississippi ($3.96), Louisiana ($3.97), Tennessee ($3.97), South Carolina ($3.99), Arkansas ($3.99), Alabama ($4.02), and Kentucky ($4.04). Electric The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hourare Hawaii (54 cents), West Virginia (52 cents), Louisiana (49 cents), Alaska (48 cents), California (48 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), North Dakota (44 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and Arizona (44 cents). The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hourare Kansas (31 cents), Missouri (32 cents), Iowa (33 cents), Nebraska (34 cents), Maryland (35 cents), South Dakota (35 cents), Utah (35 cents), Vermont (35 cents), Minnesota (37 cents), and New Mexico (38 cents). Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay. Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release. ### About AAA Mountain West Group For over a century, AAA Mountain West Group (MWG) has served as a mission-driven, member-centric organization. Guided by its mission of People Helping Peopleand powered by 5,400 dedicated team members, MWG delivers exceptional roadside assistance, auto repair, travel planning, financial and insurance services, home security, and exclusive member discounts. With a vision focused on creating Members for Life, MWG guides Members through every stage of their journey, serving more than 6.9 million people throughout Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Most Trusted Companies in America, AAA has grown into one of the largest and most trusted membership organizations in North America. To learn more about AAA MWG, visit mwg.aaa.com. Republican Leader Macedo Calls for Firing SACRAMENTO— After an investigation finding more than half a million dollars in illegal travel expenses, coupled with a demonstrated pattern of misusing taxpayer dollars and abusing public trust, Assembly Republican Leader Alexandra M. Macedo, R-Tulare, calls for the immediate termination of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s CEO Ian Choudri. “At a time when California families face unbearable financial pressures to cover essential household needs, including rent, utilities, and transportation, the routine approval of illegal consultant expenses represents a severe breach of fiduciary responsibility,” said Leader Macedo. “Mr. Choudri’s brazen disregard for the law undermines the fundamental integrity of our state government.” Choudri, who makes $541,688 a year—more than double the Governor’s salary—has fostered a culture of disregard for state law, persistent financial mismanagement, lack of oversight and administrative abuses. The Office of the Inspector General’s September 15 report documented first-class flights reimbursed without justification and a premium-fare reimbursement for a consultant who flew his private plane. The Authority also paid for luxury rides to a cigar lounge, a nightclub, gyms and an escape room. The investigation also found that Authority staff’s efforts to enforce travel rules were “apparently resisted or overridden.” One consultant said he did not need to justify travel requested by the CEO, even though investigators said the CEO had no authority to waive those requirements. “Taxpayers deserve fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability when it comes to their hard-earned money,” Macedo stated in her letter to the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Read Leader Macedo’s letter to the High-Speed Rail Authority Board HERE AAA Breaks Down New Study on Seat Belt Use Behavior WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (October 7, 2026) - While the vast majority (91%) of adults buckle up, new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) reveals that unbelted occupants account for nearly half of traffic deaths. AAA is urging every driver and passenger to make buckling up a non-negotiable habit on every trip to protect themselves and the people riding with them. The analysis of Fatal Crash Data Analysis (FARS) from 2017 through 2022 found that more than a quarter of U.S. drivers and passengers (28%) involved in a fatal crash in the last 30 days were unbuckled, pointing to a critical gap in seat belt use. “Seat belts are a lifesaving tool that significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injury in a motor vehicle crash,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. “To protect you and your passengers on the road, AAA encourages all vehicle occupants to prioritize buckling up every time.” Key Findings According to the research, seat belt use appears to differ across motorists of varying ages. The general trend is that older motorists and children tend to use seat belts more often than young adult motorists.
AAA Shares Recommendations for Improving Seat Belt Safety To help traffic safety practitioners implement targeted interventions, the study outlines actionable strategies across four key areas:
To read the entire AAAFTS report on seat belt behavior, click here. ### About AAA Mountain West Group For over a century, AAA Mountain West Group (MWG) has served as a mission-driven, member-centric organization. Guided by its mission of People Helping Peopleand powered by 5,400 dedicated team members, MWG delivers exceptional roadside assistance, auto repair, travel planning, financial and insurance services, home security, and exclusive member discounts. With a vision focused on creating Members for Life, MWG guides Members through every stage of their journey, serving more than 6.9 million people throughout Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Most Trusted Companies in America, AAA has grown into one of the largest and most trusted membership organizations in North America. To learn more about AAA MWG, visit mwg.aaa.com. LOYALTON’S CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET held a meeting at Lombardi Mercantile on September 25th to plan the third annual event to be held December 5ht as an “all day event.”
Executive Director Jessica Folchi and Deputy Director Dana McAdams work in harmony as the day begins at the Assembly of God Church Hall with its 2-story crafts fair. They hope to see 750 people this year and an additional $67,000 spent on Main Street. Loyalton Rotary is again sponsoring its Light Up the Town Contest for Best Decorated Business and Best Decorated Home. Winners will be announced at the tree lighting. Sip & Stroll with businesses offering a free beverage. New This Year: Nikki Robles is creating a fresh design for a new line of festive merchandise. All proceeds benefit the event. Order through the website after October 16th for local delivery. Roberti Ranch has generously donated hay bales to line Main Street. Families, groups or teams will be able to adopt a bale for $20 and compete for the best-decorated hay bale with prizes awarded. Sign-ups will be on the website. Wolf Meadows Ranch will be joining the festivities this year with their horse-drawn carriage offering rides all afternoon. There will be a Merry Maker Crew throughout the event handing out maps, treats and a warm welcome! Again, the Evergreen Stage will be hosted by Musica Sierra with live music and performances. The Winter Wonderland Duck Hunt will include 3 Lucky Ducks with a sticker to win a grand prize! Watch Out! That Grinch will be out and about again with 166 foam snowballs! Santa will be greeting visitors at Sierra Valley Home Center, hosting a Story Time at the Library and hearing requests during the Tree Lighting. At 5 p.m. will be the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, hosted by Loyalton Fire Department Volunteers and Loyalton Rotary Club serving refreshments with Santa arriving on the fire truck with rides around town continuing until about 6:30 p.m. A Light Parade will follow the tree lighting. Sponsorships: Red Sponsor - $ 50 Green Sponsor $100 Silver Sponsor - $250 Gold Sponsor $500 Important Dates: October 16th: Deadline to submit Business/Vendor applications November 29th: Voting begins on the Lighting contests December 4th: Decorate the Evergreen Stage at 3 p.m. December 5th: Crafts Fair at Assembly of God Hall at 9 a.m. Christmas on Main Street at 10 a.m.  October 7, 2026 Alan Changala, left, who grows pumpkins in Tulare County, kneels next to a white specialty pumpkin called Porcelain Doll Improved, which he says he expects will be popular with customers of his pumpkin patch in Porterville. His farm grew 20 pumpkin varieties this year, including standard jack-o’-lantern types, right, with most of the crop going to wholesale markets. Photos/Cecilia Parsons By Cecilia Parsons Colorful roadside pumpkin patches are a sure sign of fall’s arrival. Less visible from the road but significant in scale are the thousands of acres of commercial pumpkin fields that help make California one of the nation’s leading suppliers of fresh pumpkins. More than 5,000 acres of pumpkins are grown annually in California, with San Joaquin County remaining the center of the state’s commercial pumpkin production. The region sends an estimated 70% to 80% of the state’s pumpkin crop to market, where the pumpkins are sold for Halloween jack-o’-lanterns, fall décor and consumption. Favorable planting conditions and mild temperatures during bloom helped California pumpkin growers produce a quality crop with normal yields this year. As the pumpkins move to market, growers report few significant pest or disease issues. Art Perry of Manteca-based Perry and Sons, which began harvest Aug. 15, described his crop as “really nice,” with “gorgeous colors and strong, intact stems.” Intact stems are important, he said, not only because they serve as handles but also because they preserve the integrity of the pumpkin. “We only want them about four fingers tall,” he said. “Much more than that and they break off.” A woody, dried stem on a pumpkin is one sign of maturity. The multigenerational farm—one of the state’s largest growers and shippers of pumpkins—planted about 500 acres of the winter squash this year. Planting began in June and is staggered so that the crop can ripen at different times. From emergence to maturity, pumpkins typically require 90 to 120 days before they’re ready for harvest. As a result, farmers must carefully time their planting to ensure the crop is ready to meet demand during the fall holiday season. Growers targeting the autumn decorating and Halloween markets generally schedule plantings to maintain a steady supply through November. Perry said harvest continues through the end of October, with pumpkins going to retailers and wholesalers throughout the West. The farm also operates a farm stand near its headquarters. Danielle Ratto of Van Groningen and Sons in San Joaquin County said demand for California pumpkins may be up due to heat affecting other major pumpkin-producing states such as Illinois and Indiana. Anticipating strong demand, Van Groningen and Sons and its contract growers planted 1,650 acres of pumpkins this year, with yields expected to be about the same as last year, Ratto said. Harvest started just before Labor Day, a target date for when retailers like to have a good selection of pumpkins in their stores. Ratto said there has been increased demand during the past 10 years for “aesthetically pleasing” pumpkin varieties for decorating front porches. The farm plants new pumpkin varieties every year, she noted, and for the 2026 season, it has zebra stripe pumpkins, yellow mini pumpkins and a pumpkin variety that is almost black. Perry said ornamental pumpkin varieties, particularly those with autumn colors, are in demand by retailers. Most of his pumpkins are the jack-o’-lantern carving type, with Magic Wand and Sunrise being popular choices. He said the farm also aims for different sizes with its Cannonball or Soccer Ball pumpkins. Virtually all California pumpkins are destined for the fresh and ornamental market, which includes pumpkins sold for decorative purposes and for direct consumption, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In contrast, Illinois—the nation’s top pumpkin producer—devotes most of its pumpkin acreage to processing with pumpkin varieties that are intended for canning and pureeing. At Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, which has been in operation for 54 years, acres of U-pick pumpkins remain a cornerstone of its business, with almonds and forage crops rounding out its production. During Halloween season, the working farm transforms into an amusement park-like destination with myriad attractions, including field trips and an educational component that teaches visitors how pumpkins are grown. In addition to jack-o’-lantern carving pumpkins, other decorative pumpkin varieties have seen increasing popularity during the fall season, including warty pumpkins, left, and those with different colors, far left. Photos/Cecilia Parsons“That was one of the reasons we started this agritourism offering,” Wayne Bishop said. “My mom wanted to see kids come to the farm and learn about agriculture, and we believed the pumpkins would be a good draw.” One economic trend Bishop said he has noticed in his pumpkin patch business in recent years is that people are taking fewer pumpkins home with them. “We continue to see higher numbers of visitors but with fewer sales,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons we switched to a flat price for three sizes of pumpkins and have a lot of $5 pumpkins.” Nearly all his pumpkins are sold directly to visitors who come to his fields to pick their own. That business runs through the second weekend of November. Since the start of harvest in August, Alan and Liz Changala, who operate Changala’s Pumpkin Patch in Porterville with their daughter, Jamie, have been keeping work crews busy on their 60 acres of pumpkins. About 75% of the farm’s pumpkins are for wholesale markets, with the rest going to retail. In addition to wholesalers and retail stores, the farm sells to church groups and other pumpkin patches. The Changalas have been growing pumpkins since 1988 to complement their hay and grain farming. They planted 20 pumpkin varieties this year. Alan Changala said he consults with seed salespeople to gauge demand for specialty and standard jack-o’-lantern types. He said he expects Porcelain Doll Improved, a pearl-white specialty pumpkin that’s new to his farm, to be popular with customers and that he will sell most of the colorful varieties. When the patch closes for the year and demand slows, all the leftover pumpkins are sold as feed for cattle, sheep, goats and chickens. Although favorable weather helped with crop quality and size, he said cucumber beetles that feed on pumpkin plant leaves and spread a virus that affects plant vigor remain a challenge. Gophers also invaded some of his pumpkin blocks, requiring additional pest control measures. Cecilia Parsons is a reporter in Tulare County. She can be reached at [email protected]. October 7, 2026Photo/Licensed image By Manola Secaira California diesel prices skyrocketed in September, adding another layer of stress for farmers and truck fleet owners who depend on the fuel for daily work. According to AAA, California’s average diesel price on Oct. 1 was more than $8 a gallon, up sharply from $5.16 a year ago. California’s average price represents the highest in the nation, about $2 more than the current national average of about $6. Experts attribute the price spike in part to continued disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Ships transiting through the Middle Eastern waterway normally carry about one-fifth of the world’s petroleum, making disruptions there a significant risk to global energy supplies. Diesel and gas prices have dramatically increased since the war began in February. Other global stressors, including Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries, also play a part. Ryan Cummings, an economist with the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, said California’s taxes and fees are among the factors driving the state’s higher price. He also pointed to broader global market pressures that are pushing up diesel costs nationwide. California has historically supplied most of its own gas and diesel, but refinery closures in recent years have led the state to import more from other countries. Even so, Cummings said gas and diesel prices are largely set by the global market, making the impact of in-state refinery closures on current diesel prices negligible. “There’s some transportation costs, but those are pretty small,” he said. “Whether a refinery opens here or a refinery closes here, as long as you have free trade, it’s the global market that’s going to dictate the price rather than the local production.” Cummings said this dynamic is why the Trump administration is considering a diesel export ban, even as some warn the policy could eventually push up prices at the pump. “That cuts off the competition for those barrels from the rest of the world,” he said. For farmers, the use of diesel is often unavoidable. Yolo County farmer Bill Cruickshank, who serves as chairman of the California Wheat Commission, said he and other wheat growers already felt the sting of rising diesel prices when they harvested their crop earlier this year. With the recent price surge, he said wheat farmers are seeing their fuel costs increase by about 6% overall. Jeromy Geiger, a Glenn County farmer and co-owner of an agricultural trucking business, said diesel powers all his farm equipment—from tractors to pump engines. His trucking business is entirely dependent on diesel to keep its fleet running. He said he raised the seasonal rate this year on his trucking customers to account for higher diesel costs but is trying to avoid changing them again in the middle of the season. “We’d like to hope that we don’t adjust immediately and that we’ve factored enough to where we can weather the storm and not hammer our customers, who are all farmers,” he said. “Our trucking business is built entirely on agriculture, so we feel the pain of the farmer as well.” Geiger said he considered adding electric vehicles to his fleet to reduce his reliance on diesel. He contacted Pacific Gas & Electric Co. three or four years ago about installing a charging station in his truck yard. But he said the company told him it wasn’t feasible because the necessary energy infrastructure wasn’t available in the rural area where he works and lives. As a result, he has continued to rely on diesel. “For some people, it makes total sense, and it’s totally doable,” Geiger said. “But it can’t work for everybody.” Colusa County farmer Chris Torres, who also owns an agricultural trucking business, said he faces similar challenges as diesel prices soar. He said fuel is a major expense across his 400 acres of rice, from powering harvesters and tractors to managing rice straw after harvest. Overall, he estimated his fuel costs have gone up by at least 50%. “It’s all expensive,” Torres said. With his trucking business, he said he has already had to increase the fuel surcharge for customers. In the past, he adjusted the surcharge seasonally, but rising prices may force him to update it weekly. He said he hopes to avoid daily adjustments but acknowledged the cost of fuel has increased considerably. Cummings, the Stanford economist, said an end to the war in Iran and a resumption of regular oil shipments would likely bring prices down. But without knowing when those conditions will return, he said it’s hard to predict when diesel prices will fall. He said global inventories of crude oil and refined products were well-stocked before the war but have steadily declined since it began. The longer the conflict continues, the greater the risk that fuel prices could reach levels that make the current increase seem mild in comparison, he added. Even if the war ended tomorrow, Cummings said, it would take time for fuel prices to ease, as refineries would need time to process crude oil and replenish depleted inventories. If all of the inventories are gone, then there’s an acute physical scarcity, which is going to take weeks to get sorted out,” he said. For growers, Cruickshank said the price of wheat has climbed due to reduced exports from Russia and Ukraine amid their ongoing conflict. But he said farmers have few options for cutting costs in response to the higher diesel prices because many already operate on tight margins. He said he hopes disruptions to oil shipments end soon, particularly because he doesn’t expect assistance from state officials. Torres said he hopes profits from last year’s crop will be enough to cover the loans needed to plant this year’s crop. Beyond that, he said it’s hard to plan for what comes next. “Volatility is extremely challenging,” he said. “There’s not much we can do.” Manola Secaira is a staff writer for Ag Alert. She can be reached at [email protected]. Reprint with credit to California Farm Bureau. For image use, email [email protected]. The League of Women Voters of Plumas County will hold a candidate forum for Congressional District 1 - U.S. Representative. Candidates invited and participating are James Gallagher (R) and Mike McGuire (D). The general election is November 3.
The forum will be held on Wednesday October 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Plumas-Sierra Fairgrounds (204 Fairgrounds road) at the Tulsa Scott Pavilion in Quincy, CA. The public is invited to attend. For more information contact Lori Simpson - President at 530-368-6110 or at [email protected] Media please respond to Lori Simpson - President at 530-368-6110 if you plan to cover the event. By Victor Gomez, executive director, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse As business owners check their mailboxes this Halloween season, they shouldn’t have to fear being targeted by a frightening demand letter threatening costly litigation. Yet for too many California businesses, that fear has become a reality. One of the scariest examples has been the explosion of lawsuits under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), a statute written in 1967 to stop illegal wiretapping of landline telephones. This law was never intended to regulate online activity decades before the internet even existed. This haunting dynamic allowed unscrupulous attorneys and plaintiffs to exploit CIPA to bring over 4,000 abusive lawsuits over common website tools such as analytics, pixels, and other digital services, without any allegation of actual harm or injury. The good news worth celebrating this Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, October 5 through 9, is that Governor Gavin Newsom has put an end to this modern shakedown tool by signing Senator Ana Caballero's SB 690 into law. The new law delivers much-needed relief to thousands of California businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies that have been targeted by abusive CIPA lawsuits. While this victory is worth celebrating, there is still much more work to do to stop frivolous lawsuits from hurting hardworking Californians. For example, the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) continues to place enormous burdens on California employers. The law allows employees to sue employers over technical labor code violations and seek substantial penalties that can quickly escalate into six- and seven-figure settlements. Despite reforms being enacted several years ago, PAGA litigation continues to surge. According to the California Business and Industrial Alliance, settlements exceeded $1.6 billion in 2024 and climbed to more than $2.2 billion in 2025. Those numbers make it clear that PAGA still needs reform. As long as financial incentives encourage unwarranted litigation, businesses will remain vulnerable to costly lawsuits over technical violations that cause little or no actual harm. The same bewitching pattern appears in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) litigation. Everyone supports the spirit of the ADA and its goal of ensuring access to public places for people with disabilities. But the ADA has become a tool for trial lawyers to target small businesses or minor fixable issues, such as an incorrect or missing parking lot sign. With legal battles so expensive, business owners are forced to settle. Senator Roger Niello offered a common-sense solution through SB 84. His bill would have given small businesses up to 120 days to correct certain ADA violations before facing litigation. While the bill passed the Senate with overwhelming support, it never received a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee and failed to advance before the legislative session concluded. When faced with lawsuits, business owners must divert money that could otherwise be used to increase employee wages, expand operations, improve facilities, keep prices affordable for consumers, or simply keep their doors open. The consequences of abusive lawsuits extend beyond individual businesses. California residents pay an estimated $2,567 per person annually in what is commonly referred to as a "tort tax,” the hidden cost of litigation passed on through higher prices, reduced investment, and fewer economic opportunities. This Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, and every week, California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, our supporters, and small business owners across the state have a simple message for lawmakers: Stop making it easier to file ghoulish shakedown lawsuits. Instead, reform laws to reduce financial incentives for litigation when no real harm has occurred. The passage of SB 690 demonstrates that lawmakers can take meaningful action to curb abuse of the legal system while preserving access to justice for those who have been wrongfully harmed. This Halloween, let's take away the tricks from those who abuse the legal system for personal gain and protect the businesses, jobs, and consumers that keep our communities strong.  Quincy, CA, October 6, 2026 — Thunderstorms yesterday over the Plumas National Forest brought lightning over dry fuels with light precipitation and resulted in four confirmed lightning fires. Three of the fires are in the Bucks Lake area and one is located near Oro-Quincy Highway and French Creek Road. None of the fires grew to a quarter acre. All of the fires are contained. Fire danger on the Forest remains high, especially following a return to summerlike hot temperatures last week. There has not been a fire season ending weather event, despite some cooler temperatures and storms in early September. As a result, forest fuels remain extremely dry and conditions are more like August than October. There is currently a Heat Advisory in effect through 10 p.m. Friday over parts of the Plumas National Forest, including the Feather River Canyon and Middle Fork Feather River. Per the Advisory, high temperatures are expected to be between 94 to 102 degrees with overnight low temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s. A dry cold front is predicted in the area this weekend, which will bring cooler temperatures and possible winds. Next week’s forecast indicates a return to unseasonably warm, dry weather, with no rain in the extended forecast. This is also the time of year when north wind events can bring strong, gusty winds. Some of the largest and most destructive fires on the Plumas National Forest have happened in the fall. “When we receive lightning in the late spring and early summer, there is usually rain and fuels conditions aren’t as receptive to carry fire quickly,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Chief Martin Senter. “In late summer and fall, lightning on dry fuels can quickly become a large wildfire, threatening communities and infrastructure.” Firefighters are continuing to monitor conditions, reconning and will respond to lightning fires as they are discovered in coming days. Holdover lightning fires can smolder for days and even weeks following a thunderstorm. After a wet thunderstorm, it can take several days of dry and warm weather for fires to become visible. “Public and firefighter safety is our highest priority,” Senter said. “With the current conditions, we are responding and suppressing fires as they are discovered and applying strategies to control fires as safely and efficiently as possible.” With the current fire danger and fuels conditions, the Plumas National Forest remains under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Campfires are only allowed in designated recreation sites identified in Exhibit A of the restrictions. If you choose to have a campfire at one of these locations, never leave it unattended and make sure it is completely out and cold to the touch. Make sure that the area is cleared of flammable materials and have a shovel and plenty of water ready. Wind can carry a spark or ember and start a larger fire. To reduce the risk of wildfire, area residents and visitors are advised to do the following:
“We are still in active fire season on the Plumas National Forest,” Senter said. “We appreciate the continued vigilance and help from the public to prevent wildfires.” For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in worldclass science and technology and rooted in communities, the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. The theme for Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPWTM), October 4-10, 2026, is "Charge into Fire SafetyTM: Safe Charging is a Superpower."
Sacramento – CAL FIRE is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to support Fire Prevention Week. This year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” focuses on the simple steps people can take to recharge safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in. Many devices used in our daily lives - phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes, and scooters—run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store a lot of energy in a small space. If they are damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. “The way you charge your lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in helping prevent home fires,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal. “By making safe charging a daily habit, we can all help prevent fires and protect our homes, families, and communities.”
CAL FIRE – OSFM’s newly established Battery Energy Storage Systems Workgroup brings together specialists from across the state to study emerging hazards, recommend best practices, and strengthen firefighter training and public safety messaging. Their work helps make sure California stays ahead of evolving battery technology, and the risks that come with it. By making safe charging a daily habit, we can all help prevent fires and protect our homes, families, and communities. To learn more about lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org. California Receives $31,388,121 in Federal Funding to Deliver Home Visiting Services to Families10/5/2026 Washington, D.C. — October 5th, 2026 — California has just received $31,388,121 in federal funding through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program to continue providing voluntary home visiting programs that support parents and improve outcomes for families and young children. Nationwide, this represents the largest-ever amount of dedicated federal funding for home visiting services to children and families. In California, this year’s federal grant represents a $2,400,838 increase over last year. The additional federal funds were unlocked by the state's investment of non-federal matching funds at a rate of $1 in state funding for every $3 in federal funding received. California Department of Public Health oversees MIECHV-funded home visiting in California. “MIECHV reflects a simple idea: supporting parents early gives children a stronger start. Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher, and by giving them the tools and support they need, we help create a strong foundation for children to thrive,” said Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Tom Engels. “These awards will help states and jurisdictions provide pregnant women and families the support they need during the critical early years of a child's life. Home visiting is a key pillar of the Trump Administration’s work to Make America Healthy Again. When children receive the support they need early in life, we’re promoting their development and laying the foundation for better health throughout their lives.” Home visiting offers parents voluntary, evidence-based assistance from trained family support professionals for guidance during pregnancy and early childhood. Home visitors serve as trusted partners for families, helping bridge the gap between parents’ goals and the resources to which they have access. Research shows a family’s relationship with a home visitor improves birth outcomes, strengthens early development, increases school readiness, and reduces the risk of child abuse and neglect. Some parents begin working with a home visitor before birth, while others enroll later in early childhood, but all are supported in their role as their children’s first and best teachers, with more confident parenting and kids who arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. MIECHV is the only federal funding source dedicated to home visiting, supporting grants to 50 states, the District of Columbia, five territories, and 53 Tribes. MIECHV’s evidence-based models have a research-backed track record of improving health, behavioral, and economic outcomes for children, mothers, and families. Through a collaborative, personal approach, trained home visitors work alongside new parents to identify parenting goals and establish healthy, development-focused strategies. MIECHV also empowers parents to pursue further education, job training, and financial and housing stability, all of which are key to individual, family, and community well-being. For more information about how home visiting is working for families in California, visit the MIECHV data dashboard or learn more about home visiting in California here: https://asthvi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ASTHVI-CA-Fact-Sheet.pdf About ASTHVI The Association of State and Tribal Home Visiting Initiatives (ASTHVI) is the professional organization of state, Tribal, and territorial officials who oversee home visiting programs across the country, including those funded by federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grants. Together, ASTHVI members advance the effective implementation and continuous improvement of voluntary home visiting programs that support parents and improve outcomes for families and young children. Learn more at: www.asthvi.org For additional information or media inquiries please contact the California Department of Public Health media relations team.   Burning one mile north of Riverdale Circle in Verdi. It has burned 1,273.9 acres with 0% containment. Resources prioritize keeping the fire north of Verdi and south of Cold Springs. Firefighters are working in extremely difficult terrain with a lot of difficulties accessing some areas, working with aircraft, hand crews and dozers. Three night flying helicopters will be working through the overnight hours. Users of Watch Duty in Sierra County will receive alerts for this incident due to the fire's proximity to the County line. Bull Fire shown along Interestate 395 at 12:30 Friday, October 2nd. - Photo courtesy Barbara Beverly
Bull Fire as seen from downtown Loyalton Friday, October 2nd. Many Hands, One Community: Volunteers Gather for Portola’s Annual Fall Pride of Portola Cleanup Day10/2/2026  Volunteers assemble at City Park for POP’s Clean Up Day in Portola. Photo: Ryan Bonk (City Manager, Portola)
PORTOLA, CA — On Saturday, September 19, twenty-seven local volunteers, including members of the grassroots community group Pride of Portola (POP), gathered at Portola City Park to turn community care into visible action for the second annual fall Pride of Portola Community Cleanup Day. Working in close coordination with the City of Portola, residents mobilized across town to collect and haul away an estimated 15 cubic yards of roadside and neighborhood debris. The morning kicked off at 8:00 AM under crisp autumn skies, where City Manager Ryan Bonk and Public Engagement Officer Brian Attama welcomed participants with morning donuts and an orientation. Volunteers were outfitted with reflective safety vests, grabbers, work gloves, and heavy-duty collection bags before dividing into teams and heading to cleanup areas throughout the city. Each crew took charge of a designated sector, targeting major corridors from the railroad tracks downtown to residential hillside routes on both the north and south ends of the city. Among the areas addressed was "the gully," an area known for persistent wildlife scatter. "It was very satisfying to participate in cleaning up our community," said volunteer Rachael Brubaker. "Our targeted area is known to be a haven for bears to drag neighborhood garbage and leave quite a mess. Hopefully our visibility will have an impact on the neighborhood, and people will be more conscientious of taking care of their garbage." Brubaker also highlighted the wider regional participation: "One of the workers on my team was from South Lake Tahoe. He works for Liberty Energy, who encouraged their employees to participate in the cleanup and offered an incentive of a day off for their participation. What a great idea!" Local businesses and civic organizations rallied to make the day a resounding success. Intermountain Disposal (IMD) donated a 10-yard commercial dumpster to handle collection and proper disposal. To add an element of friendly exploration, organizers hid "Clean Green Tickets" throughout the cleanup routes, redeemable for prizes generously donated by eleven local merchants: 7-Eleven, Ace Hardware, Blue Door Café, Intermountain Disposal Inc., Lena's Restaurant, Leonard's Market, Mountain Pizza, Nails by Joni, NAPA Auto Parts, Pet Eden, and Portola Village Pharmacy. Following the cleanup efforts, participants reconvened at City Park for a barbecue lunch provided by the Rotary Club of Portola, celebrating a hard morning's work with hamburgers, hot dogs, and community fellowship. Pride of Portola (POP) is a grassroots community group operating under the motto "Many Hands, One Community" or more affectionately as "The Litter Committee That Could!" POP was formed following the inaugural Fall Cleanup event in 2025, bringing motivated community members together around a shared commitment to keeping Portola clean and welcoming. Meeting monthly, the group collaborates directly with municipal leaders to organize cleanups, address persistent waste and illegal dumping issues, explore sustainable civic beautification initiatives, and participate in general civic improvement. Residents interested in joining upcoming cleanups, getting involved in beautification projects, or reporting persistent litter concerns are encouraged to contact the group directly at[email protected]. *** END ***  Doug McCoy, CEO is shown with Cody Canon, COO of Eastern Plumas Health Care
Eastern Plumas Health Care announces that Doug McCoy, Chief Executive Officer, is retiring following a distinguished career spanning six years as the CEO for the organization. Doug will continue to serve as CEO until May 2027, while transitioning with newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Cody Canon. “Our plan is clear, achieve a seamless transition from one leader to another,” said Doug McCoy. “Eastern Plumas Health Care is well positioned for continued growth, and I am extremely confident in Cody’s strategic and operational leadership to take this organization into the next chapter. It was important to have our future leader come from within the organization and share our mission and values to serve our community.” To help facilitate this seamless transition, McCoy will continue to serve as CEO, supporting Canon, the EPHC Board, and the executive team through the transition. In the board-led recruitment process, Canon was a top choice. Linda Satchwell, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors stated, “Cody impressed me with how much he genuinely cares about people, both patients and employees. For the past five years, he’s led the implementation of EPHC’s new electronic health record, which required him to work closely with departments across the organization. He is extremely well liked throughout the hospital, which speaks volumes. He already has an impressive understanding of department functions and an insatiable interest in learning new things. I’m very much looking forward to having Cody lead EPHC as we continue to grow and serve our community.” During the last EPHC Board of Directors meeting, the board expressed its deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation to Doug McCoy for his exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and outstanding contributions to EPHC during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer since May 2020. Under his stewardship, EPHC has achieved significant milestones and celebrated the first anniversary of the H.R.1 legislation with the best operating year in the organization’s history. Cody Canon, formally of Intelligent Technical Solutions, is an accomplished director of healthcare technology with a proven track record leading and developing teams to support two critical access hospitals. At Eastern Plumas Health Care, his team was instrumental in growing year-over-year gross patient revenue by 45% since 2023. Throughout his professional career, Canon has exceeded his skill set with advanced technology implementation, performance monitoring and improvement, patient relations, training and development, project management, budget management, innovation, and the ability to create a community-centric culture. He holds a master’s degree from West Coast University in Health/HealthCare Administration with a management focus on Public Health. Having spent the past five years embedded in EPHC, Canon has a strong understanding and knowledge of operations. This experience has provided him with the insight to operating critical access hospitals in rural America. “American healthcare is the most complicated business in the world. For over twenty-five years, I have worked in many different areas and learned many aspects of the business. From acute care trauma hospitals to long-term care, I have worked with multiple facilities across the country, even Canada,” said Canon. When Canon becomes CEO, he will be committed to refining EPHC’s processes and operational excellence. He plans to foster professional development through maintaining and building a thriving culture and advocating hands-on mentorship. Applying a data driven approach, Canon will refine patient satisfaction through revitalized strategies and optimized services. His management style is conducive to lead when necessary and follow to celebrate the hard work and accolades from those who made the effort. While fostering the existing culture, he will motivate personal growth within the departments of EPHC. While McCoy will leave behind a meaningful legacy, Canon will step up and pave the path forward. During the past several weeks, the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating numerous reports of theft, vehicle theft, and residential burglary in the Lake Almanor area, primarily along the East Shore. On September 16, 2026, Plumas County deputies and detectives arrested Robert Huck of Greenville for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a code-grabbing device. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit continued its investigation. Huck was released on bail the following week on the above-mentioned charges. After further investigation, several cases were presented to the Plumas County District Attorney’s Office, and felony arrest warrants were issued for Huck on multiple charges of vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a felon. On September 30, 2026, the Investigations Unit located Huck in Greenville and arrested him without incident. He was booked into the Plumas County Jail on the outstanding warrants. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office thanks the victims in these cases for their cooperation and assistance throughout the investigation. AAA Weekly Fuel Report WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (October 1, 2026) - The average for a gallon of regular gasoline in California jumped 17 cents in the past week to $6.40, bringing the state average just 3 cents shy of the all-time record of $6.43 set in June of 2022. Drivers are now paying 70 cents more than last month, and $1.76 higher than last year. Nationwide the average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped nearly 7 cents from last week to $4.41. This follows a record-setting September at the pump. The monthly average was $4.33, 50 cents higher than the previous September record of $3.83 set in 2023. “While crude oil prices have dipped back into the $90 per barrel range pulling the national average down, overall gas prices remain the highest they’ve ever been for this time of the year,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group. Fuel Prices Around the State: San Francisco: $6.59 Oakland: $6.46 San Jose: $6.41 Sacramento: $6.35 Fresno: $6.42 Stockton: $6.29 Modesto: $6.21 AAA Shares Tips to Help Drivers Save on Gas
Oil Market Dynamics According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.84 million barrels per day to 8.68 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 206 million barrels to 204.4 million. Gasoline production also decreased from 9.59 million barrels to 9.46 million per day. At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $1.04 to settle at $90.42 per barrel. The EIA reports that U.S. crude oil inventories increased 0.9 million barrels to 427.3 million barrels, 2% above the five-year average. EV Charging The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 42 cents. In California, the average per kilowatt hour of electricity is 48 cents. State Stats Gas The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($6.40), Hawaii ($5.62), Washington ($5.49), Nevada ($5.49), Oregon ($5.05), Alaska ($5.03), Utah ($4.97), Idaho ($4.97), Arizona ($4.77), and Illinois ($4.71). The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Indiana ($3.81), Texas ($3.94), Georgia ($3.96), Mississippi ($3.96), Louisiana ($3.97), Tennessee ($3.97), South Carolina ($3.99), Arkansas ($3.99), Alabama ($4.02), and Kentucky ($4.04). Electric The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hourare Hawaii (54 cents), West Virginia (52 cents), Louisiana (49 cents), Alaska (48 cents), California (48 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), North Dakota (44 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and Arizona (44 cents). The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hourare Kansas (31 cents), Missouri (32 cents), Iowa (33 cents), Nebraska (34 cents), Maryland (35 cents), South Dakota (35 cents), Utah (35 cents), Vermont (35 cents), Minnesota (37 cents), and New Mexico (38 cents). Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay. Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release. |
