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2023 Fair Theme Contest

3/28/2023

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Choosing a fair theme is fun and difficult at the same time. Fair Boards have considered thousands of ideas over the past few decades, and it is never easy. The theme sets the tone for the annual event held the last weekend in July. Every entry in the Fair Parade is guided by the theme, as well as many 4H and FFA projects.
 
A good fair theme sets an image or feeling in a visitor’s mind. It is easy to convert into decorations throughout the fairgrounds, or can be carried through with entertainment. Ideally, it can be part of a colorful piece of artwork for advertising and posters. It should be short and to the point. It should mean something, and in a perfect world, should be unique to the Plumas Sierra County Fair.
 
The first theme for the Plumas Sierra County Fair appeared in 1951 and was “Lumbering Progress”. There was no apparent theme before that, and after 1951, it was hit and miss whether there was a theme or not. Early themes promoted Plumas County and all it had to offer. This is not surprising since early fair board members included the Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce like Link Peckinpah and Bob Moon. “Plumas Glory”, “Better Living in the Feather River Country” and “Progress’n Plumas Style” dominated themes in the 50’s and 60’s. After that, things became more generic; “Mountain Magic”, “The Old West at it’s Best” and “I Can’t Bear to Miss the Fair”. Nostalgia has always been popular and rhyming themes are used heavily throughout the fair industry.
 
For the 2023 Fair in Quincy, the Plumas Sierra County Fair Board has decided to let the public decide the theme. The only guidelines are that it has something to do with Plumas and Sierra Counties, and keep it is short. What do you win? International recognition for sure plus, a week-long family pass to the fair and one Golden Ticket for the carnival. Ideas can be submitted by mail, in person at the fair office, or by e-mail. For mail or in person, the address is 204 Fairground Road in Quincy. The e-mail address is johnsteffanic@countyofplumas.com. Deadline for entries is April 14.
 
The 2023 fair will be held July 27 through July 30, and the fair theme will be…..?
 
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Attorney General Bonta Calls for EPA Restrictions on Pesticide Found to be Extremely Toxic to Bees

3/28/2023

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The unrestricted use of sulfoxaflor could have devastating effects on pollinators, which are critical to California’s economy and natural ecosystem
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today led a multistate coalition in calling for nationwide restrictions on the use of sulfoxaflor, a chemical pesticide that is extremely toxic to bees and other pollinators. The coalition, comprising some of the nation’s leading agricultural producers, depend on pollinators to sustain their crops and natural ecosystems. For example — California, the nation’s top agricultural state, relies heavily on bees for its almond industry, which contributes over $20 billion in annual economic output, sustains over 100,000 jobs, and supplies about 80% of the world’s almonds. In a letter to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today, the coalition of 13 states warned that the unrestricted use of sulfoxaflor could have devastating effects on pollinators, and ultimately harm their states’ economies and endanger the nation’s food security. The coalition urged the EPA to adopt reasonable restrictions on sulfoxaflor’s use and support further research into the pesticide’s potential impacts on human health and the environment.
 
“California takes great pride in its role as the nation’s leading agricultural producer,” said Attorney General Bonta. “From almonds to tomatoes, citrus to strawberries, our farms produce the crops that help Americans put nutritious, diverse food on the table. None of that would be possible without bees and other pollinators. These tiny creatures may seem insignificant, but they play a critical role in our survival as a species. That’s why I join my fellow attorneys general today in urging the EPA to impose restrictions backed by research on the use of the toxic pesticide sulfoxaflor. As the states that help feed the nation, we need pollinators to flourish and thrive — our economies depend on them, our ecosystems depend on them, and the entire nation’s food security depends on them.”
 
Insect pollinators play a crucial role in California’s economy — by helping fertilize its farms, which grow over a third of the country’s vegetables and three-quarters of the country’s fruits and nuts, and by sustaining its natural ecosystems, which generate significant tourism revenue. The California Department of Justice has previously filed multiple amicus briefs in lawsuits challenging the Trump Administration EPA’s previous attempts to lift needed restrictions on sulfoxaflor and allow its use in controversial ways — without consulting the public or considering the pesticide’s effects on endangered species. In December 2022, the lawsuits were successful, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ordered the EPA to immediately correct various legal violations. As a result, in February this year, the EPA published a notice seeking public comment on the use of sulfoxaflor.
 
Today’s letter, issued by 13 attorneys general, provides important state input in response to that notice. In their letter, the attorneys general assert that the states they represent together produce 37% of the nation’s crops and play a key role in American food security and resilience. These 13 states are the leading national producers of a wide variety of crops, such as apples, almonds, lettuce, hops, beets, tomatoes, coffee, and oranges. They also have extraordinary natural resources and ecosystems and are home to a variety of threatened and endangered species and critical habitats. All of this relies on pollination by insects such as bees.
 
To prevent harm to these necessary pollinators, the attorneys general urged the EPA to:
  • Restrict the use of sulfoxaflor when crops are blooming and pollinators are most likely to be present;
  • Reimpose a required buffer zone between where sulfoxaflor is being sprayed and where vegetation is blooming;
  • Encourage collaboration between owners of nearby fields to ensure sulfoxaflor is not applied before or during a period when managed pollinators are nearby; and
  • Support further research into sulfoxaflor’s impacts on the environment and on humans, and remain vigilant about its potential harms.
In issuing the letter to the EPA, Attorney General Bonta was joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
 
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Attorney General Bonta Files Appeal in Defense of California’s Unsafe Handgun Act

3/27/2023

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Urges Ninth Circuit to immediately halt portions of district court order blocking enforcement of certain provisions of the Act
SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed notice to appeal a district court order that would allow, for the first time in nearly two decades, firearm dealers to sell additional models of semiautomatic pistols that fail to meet the requirements of the Unsafe Handgun Act (UHA). The provisions of the UHA that are at issue are designed to prevent accidental deaths and injuries. California is also seeking from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals a stay of the preliminary injunction against these UHA requirements, which have been proven to prevent deaths and injuries from accidental discharge. If granted, the emergency motion to partially stay the preliminary injunction would halt the portions of the Central District of California’s order striking down the UHA’s requirements that semiautomatic pistols have a chamber load indicator and a magazine disconnect mechanism before they may be sold at retail.
“California’s commonsense gun safety laws save lives, and the Unsafe Handgun Act is no exception,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Accidental shootings are preventable. The fact that children under five are the most likely victims makes these accidental gun deaths even more tragic and inexcusable. As weapons become faster, more powerful, and more deadly, this risk only increases. Flooding the marketplace with unsafe semiautomatic pistols that do not meet necessary safety requirements poses a serious threat to public health and safety, especially for children and young adults.” 
The UHA was originally enacted over two decades ago in response to the proliferation of low-cost, cheaply made handguns that posed consumer safety risks. Under the UHA, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) compiles and maintains a Roster of Certified Handguns that meet certain public safety requirements. Generally, a handgun must appear on the roster to be sold by a California firearm dealer. 
When the UHA was first enacted, revolvers and pistols were required to have safety devices and pass drop safety and firing tests at independent laboratories in order to be added to the roster. Those requirements are not at issue in this litigation. 
The UHA has since been amended, adding additional safety requirements for semiautomatic pistols including that a new semiautomatic pistol must have:
  • A chamber load indicator that indicates if the pistol is loaded;
  • A magazine disconnect mechanism that prevents the pistol from firing when the magazine is not inserted; and
  • Microstamping capabilities that allow law enforcement to trace a shell casing to the pistol that fired it.
 DOJ is filing an appeal to overturn the district court’s preliminary injunction, and filing an emergency motion to stay, or halt, the portions of the order that would ban enforcement of the UHA’s requirements that semiautomatic pistols for retail sale have a chamber load indicator and magazine disconnect mechanism. The motion does not seek to immediately stop the part of the court’s decision enjoining the microstamping requirement.
Attorney General Bonta's findings cite a number of serious concerns if the district court order were not halted as the state appeals to the appellate court. Semiautomatic pistol manufacturers can be expected to flood DOJ’s Bureau of Firearms with up to a thousand requests to add semiautomatic pistols that lack the three challenged UHA requirements. There are currently 800 models of handguns available for purchase in California, including 32 semiautomatic pistols with chamber load indicators and magazine disconnect mechanisms. Without a stay, manufacturers will undoubtedly seek to expand the proportion of firearms available on the primary market that lack these commonsense safety features. There is no reason or urgency to add to the market many more models of semiautomatic pistols without the UHA’s safety mechanisms, especially given the risk to public safety and research showing that in states where there are more guns, unintentional firearms death are shown to increase.
Since the UHA went into effect in 2001, accidental shootings have decreased. If the entirety of the law were ultimately overturned, it can be expected that the opposite outcome would occur. The rate of accidental shooting deaths in California decreased by two-thirds between 2014 and 2018, after chamber load indicators and magazine disconnect mechanisms were required for new models added to the Roster— compared to 1996 to 2000 — before they were required, with a 13.4 percent decrease in self-inflicted injuries and a 12.7 percent decrease in unintentional injuries during this time period, as cited by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the law.
The notice of appeal can be found here. A copy of the brief will be made available here.
Although the United States is an outlier when compared to gun violence in other wealthy nations, California has one of the lowest rates of firearm mortality in the country — 44th in the nation. Only Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut have lower firearm mortality rates.  Notably, all of these states received a “B” or better on Gifford’s Law Center’s 2021 Annual Gun Law Scorecard, an assessment of the strength of each state’s gun safety laws. California received an “A” for having “the strongest gun laws in the United States.”
This is no accident. In 2005, California’s firearm mortality was much more in line with other large states like Texas and Florida.  Since then, California has tightened its gun laws, including through its Unsafe Handgun Act.  Florida and Texas have gone in the opposite direction.  During that time period, California’s firearm mortality rate dropped, while the rate has increased dramatically in Florida and Texas. The average firearm mortality rate in the United States is 13.7 per 100,000 people. California’s stands at 8.5 per 100,000. Texas is higher than the national average, at 14.2 per 100,000. 
Find more facts and information about California’s strategy to reduce gun violence through DOJ’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

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LOYALTON HIGH BOOSTER CLUB'S CRAB FEED HUGE SUCCESS

3/27/2023

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​THE 15TH ANNUAL CRAB FEED held at Sierra Valley Grange Hall in Vinton March 25th was sponsored by Loyalton High School’s Booster Club with Auctioneer Dave Roberti in the absence of his brother, Rick.
The crab, pasta and salad are delicious but it’s the live auction that delights.
It’s where they auction the VIP table for the following year to include top-notch service all night, limitless crab and two bottles of wine. Rick Joy and crew will be seated there next year for the cost of $1,000. Rick also donated 10 tons of base rock to be delivered locally and that brought in $900.
Al Pombo, Inc. donated $1,000 for materials and/or trucking which went for $1,900.
Grandi Ranch ($450), Green Gulch Ranch ($300) ,Wallace Ranch($525) and Roberti Ranch ($1,000) all donated a ton of alfalfa, grain hay or grass hay.
Hunt & Sons, Inc. donated 100 gallons of propane delivered locally.
Tyler Martin offered  five hours of local snow removal.
Sierra Valley Enterprises offered 1.5 cords of mixed lodge/oak wood delivered locally. Don Harnach bid $500 and donated it all back and it then went for $475.
Loyalton High School Woodshop wowed the crowd with its river table which went for a bargain at $700. The Loyalton High School Varsity Girls’ Softball created a Date Night Basket that went for $400. Sierra Schools Foundation sold two golfers  for the Golf Tournament to be held October 7th and took in $275. Plumas Pines Golf Resort donated a round of golf for 4 with a golf cart included and that went for $550. Loyalton FFA  offered horseshoe decorations handcrafted by Roy White and  they brought in $75.
The good stuff, including two pans of nine homemade cinnamon rolls by Tim Driscoll are always coveted and each pan went for $200. And then there were Katie Campbell’s Famous stack of chocolate, coconut and oatmeal Cowboy Cookies which took in $350.
It will be the last year for Reno Air Racing Association, Inc. and they offered two general admission, two pit passes and one reserved parking pass for the entire event’s duration September 13-17. That took in  $650.
Reno Aces offered four infield reserve tickets which went for $250. The Reno Rodeo Association offered four Reno Rodeo tickets for June 19th at 7 p.m. along with four Reno Rodeo hats.
In all, there were 42 hotly contested auction items besides 21 raffle items and four door prizes.
The support of sponsors makes the Crab Feed a big success and helps the Booster Club purchase sports equipment, new uniforms, do improvement project and helps provide transportation for all athletic teams.
 
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Sierra Valley Grange Presents 35th Annual Cowboy Poetry & Music Show

3/26/2023

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(VINTON) – This year on April 28th and 29th, after three years of delay, Sierra Valley Grange #466 will finally present their 35th annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Show at the historic Grange Hall in Vinton, California.  This event has been delayed not once, not twice, but thrice by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the excitement among the organization is almost palpable as we look forward to opening our doors for this delightful celebration of the arts and Western heritage once more.
 
First up on our all-star music and poetry lineup is singer and harmonica player Gary Allegretto, the 2019 winner of the International Western Music Association’s Male Performer of the Year award.  Allegretto comes from a colorful and storied background, having previously been a ranch hand, bouncer and wildland firefighter in various parts of the West before pursuing his childhood dream of music and becoming perhaps the finest blues and western harmonica player alive today.  His talents have earned him a variety of music and poetry accolades and landed his music in a few spots on the silver screen; it’s more likely than not that even the least musically inclined among us will enjoy his performance.
 
Richard Elloyan is a singer and songwriter hailing from the historic Silver Rush town of Virginia City, Nevada and - much like Allegretto - has been recognized by the IWMA, having won their award for Songwriter of the Year in 2018.   A longstanding regular of the cowboy poet circuit in the Western United States, Elloyan joined up with his lifelong friend, fellow Nevadan and brother-in-poetry Steve Wade in 2015 to release their first album together, Forty Miles of Famous, and have since collaborated two more times in the studio for Up For Adoption (2019) and Once Upon a Desert Night (2021).  You won’t have to scour the vistas and byways to epitomize the vaquero way, because two of the best Western musicians you can find anywhere will be playing right here in Sierra Valley this April.
 
Last, but certainly not least, Larry Maurice is another highly decorated cowpoke and cowboy poet; when not out on the open range, this man moonlights as a poet so heartfelt and so authentically Western than in 2000 the Academy of Western Artists honored him with the prestigious Will Rogers Cowboy Poet of the Year award.  Maurice’s poetry has taken him all across the west, from Lubbock to Los Angeles, and now this Reno native will be darkening the doors of the Sierra Valley Grange to perform at our own smalltown show.
 
This year’s Cowboy Poetry and Music Show will run twice on the evenings of April 28th and 29th, and once in a Saturday afternoon matinee on the 29th.  Show tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under while meal tickets will run $20 and $12, respectively; these will be available soon at select locations and on our website, www.sierravalleygrange.org.  The Grange will serve house-made lasagna on Friday night and country-style pork ribs on Saturday – and yes, there will be a full bar too.  To learn more, email us at SierraValleyGrange466@gmail.com, visit our website or contact Crystal Munoz at (510) 219-1082.
 
The Sierra Valley Grange, located in historic Vinton, is a fraternal agrarian non-profit organization dedicated to rural living and self-improvement that has been serving eastern Plumas and Sierra counties since 1931.  Proceeds from the Cowboy Poetry Event will be used to meet the yearly operation costs and further maintenance needs of our building; if you are interested in joining, please visit our website, or better yet, come visit us for some music and cowboy poetry this April.
 
We hope you enjoy the show!
 
 
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Tahoe National Forest Prescribed Fire Support to Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas

3/26/2023

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TNF Fire/Fuels crew arrive on the Ouachita National Forest, AR
Photo Courtesy of TNF Engine 331 Senior Firefighter Danny Sadlo
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TNF Patrol 72 Whitney Martinetti receives dozer orientation from local USFS Dozer Operator. Photo courtesy of TNF Engine 371 Captain Greg Lowdermilk
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​TNF Wildland Firefighter engaged in planned prescribed burn firing operations using a drip torch to black-line edge of Prescribed Fire Unit boundary. Photo courtesy of TNF Engine 371 Captain Greg Lowdermilk
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TNF Wildland Firefighters gain experience in local fuel types as they engage in firing operations using a drip torch and igniting fuels in a specified pattern, during planned prescribed burn. 
Photo courtesy of USFS TNF Engine 362 Captain Zac Stockdale
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​TNF Wildland Firefighter Danny Sadlo hand ignites edge of Prescribed Fire Burn Unit to create a black-line, in conjunction with a helicopter performing aerial ignitions in the interior of the burn unit. 
Photo courtesy of USFS TNF Engine 362 Captain Zac Stockdale

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​Planned Prescribed Fire Fuels Treatment on the Ouachita National Forest, AR. Photo Courtesy of TNF Engine 331 Senior Firefighter Danny Sadlo
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TNF Firefighter hand-lighting fuels along edge of control line during planned Prescribed Fire on the Ouachita National Forest, AR. 
Photo Courtesy of USFS TNF Engine 362 Captain Zac Stockdale

Tahoe National Forest Wildland Firefighters’ Prescribed Fire Support to Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas reduced fuel accumulation on 16,000 acres of National Forest System Lands, contributing to Forest Health and Wildfire Resilience.


TNF Wildland Firefighters from Truckee Engines 371 and 373, Sierraville Engine 361, Big Bend Engine 334, White Cloud Engine 333, Truckee Hotshots, and Tahoe Dispatch, with TNF Truckee Fire Prevention Patrol 72 began in their off-Forest assignment in February, mobilized on a multi-day cross-country drive to Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas where they spent two-weeks providing Prescribed Fire support.

Over the course of their assignment, TNF Firefighters assisted with Prescribed Fire Burn Unit prep and the completion of 4,000 acres treated with prescribed fire to reduce fuels accumulation, reported TNF Truckee Engine Captain 371 Greg Lowdermilk.

After the completion of the 1st TNF Fire/Fuels Module’s assignment to Arkansas mid-Feb., a crew swap occurred led by TNF Sierraville Engine Captain 362 Zac Stockdale made up of TNF firefighters from Sierraville Engine 362, Truckee Engine 373, Big Bend Engine 334, and Camptonville Engine 331. TNF Engine Captain 362 Zac Stockdale relayed that the second Fire/Fuels Module continued assisting the local USFS Fire resources with prepping prescribed fire burn units and implementing planned prescribed fire operations as conditions allowed, treating an additional 12,000 acres during their two-week assignment. 


The successful Prescribed Fire operations were carried out by TNF firefighters alongside local USFS Fire resources using drip torches to hand ignite and black-line, removing fuels adjacent to the control lines of the prescribed fire burn units, in conjunction with a helicopter performing aerial ignition using a plastic sphere dispenser (PSD) that dispenses plastic spheres containing potassium permanganate, injected with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) as they are ejected from a helicopter into the interior of the prescribed fire burn units in a strategic firing pattern. During these Prescribed Fire operations, TNF Firefighters also received training opportunities as Crew Boss trainee, Firing Boss trainee and gained further experience with firing and dozer operations.

Upon the return of the second TNF Fire/Fuels crew after driving cross-country from Arkansas, TNF Engine 331 Senior Firefighter Danny Sadlo who also provided Prescribed Fire support on recent assignments in South Carolina shared,

“While supporting National Forests in South Carolina and Arkansas with prescribed burning, your Tahoe National Forest Firefighters have gained additional knowledge, experience, and training opportunities, working in different fuel types, terrain and complexity levels. Prescribed Fire is one of the important tools used here on the Tahoe National Forest that helps restore forest health and resiliency. These planned fuels reduction projects also make it safer for our communities in and around the Tahoe National Forest and safer for the public recreating and enjoying our National Forest.”

Tahoe National Forest Wildland Firefighters not only protect our communities and natural resources responding to Fire and All-hazard incidents, but also by supporting and engaging in critical Fuels reduction work locally and nationally. If you’re interested in becoming a Wildland Firefighter on the Tahoe National Forest this season, Job applications are currently being accepted on USAJOBS.Gov March 20-29th. Go to this link for TNF Specific FireHire open Permanent Position job announcement numbers with Supervisor Contact Info.  https://tinyurl.com/2aup883u and apply on USAJobs.gov by March 29th.

USFS Job Vacancy announcement link for Permanent Fire Positions across California provided with Position Title/Grade Level/USAJobs Announcement Number can be found here- https://tinyurl.com/bdfn6y3u
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Republicans must move forward on their commitment to small business

3/26/2023

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By Karen Kerrigan

The U.S. economy has shown tepid signs of improvement in recent months. Inflation has moderated, though we are not yet out of the woods, and recently the unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in decades.   But small businesses are still very much in the doldrums, according to two new surveys.

In January, the National Federation of Independent Business released its most recent Small Business Optimism Index, which showed that small-business confidence has sunk steadily since June 2022.

Meanwhile, a Goldman Sachs survey published on February 6 also revealed a gloomy outlook. Of 1,838 small business owners from across the country, 70% gave the federal government a "C" grade or below for its effectiveness in delivering small-business support. Inflation remained among entrepreneurs' top concerns.

Sound pro-growth, pro-entrepreneur policies matter to the success and survival of small businesses. That's why it's encouraging to see Republicans using their new House majority to lend these firms a helping hand.

From lessening costly government interference in small business operations to encouraging fair competition, policy action thus far has been focused on alleviating uncertainties and encouraging innovation and investment. For example, the House majority has advanced legislation to protect small businesses from IRS overreach and intrusive audits.

The Republican's policy agenda, called the "Commitment to America," includes an array of reforms and accountability measures that aim to further restore economic stability and growth. The plan works to address the current pain points of small business owners -- including overregulation, regulatory threats, and uncertainty with regard to important tax relief and incentives -- while curbing the rampant government spending that's been fueling inflation.

The Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act noted above would, among other things, cut tens of billions of dollars from the IRS budget over the next decade. Lawmakers are rightfully concerned that overfunding the agency would result in expanded targeting of the self-employed and small businesses, where burdensome audits impose greater hardships and stress on  business owners -- rather than the handful of billionaires the new funding is supposed to target.

The Commitment to America also pledges greater investments in protecting American companies' data security. Cybersecurity is a major priority -- in a survey conducted by my organization, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, roughly two-thirds of respondents said they want Congress to focus on this issue. And for good reason. The typical worker at a small business receives 350% more phishing and other social engineering attacks than a worker at a larger corporation.

House Republicans are also working to support the U.S. life-science industry, where small-to-medium-sized entities employ over 70% of the more than 1.8 million workers. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats pushed through drug price controls for Medicare. If allowed to stand, these market distortions will undermine critical research and development at biotech firms, and put some of them out of business.

While it will be difficult for House Republicans to completely reverse these price controls given Democrats control the Senate and the presidency, they can lay the groundwork to repeal this misguided law.

House Republicans are off to a good start in 2023, and entrepreneurs are counting on their success to see these commitments through to pave the way for a more stable economic environment in the months and years ahead.

Karen Kerrigan is president and CEO of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council.
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Governor Newsom Eases Drought Restrictions

3/26/2023

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WHAT TO KNOW: Climate change has made California’s dry and wet spells more extreme and unpredictable – after the three driest years on record, recent rain and snowfall have dramatically changed conditions in many parts of the state. The state has also advanced actions to boost storage and supply. Today’s action eases drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed while maintaining others to support impacted communities statewide.
 
Harnessing water captured and stored from recent storms, the state also announced a major increase in expected State Water Project deliveries to local agencies – now an anticipated 75% allocation.
 
YOLO COUNTY – Governor Gavin Newsom today rolled back some drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed due to current water conditions, while maintaining other measures that support regions and communities still facing water supply challenges, and that continue building up long-term water resilience. Amid climate-driven weather whiplash, the state has taken action to boost water supplies through groundwater recharge, stormwater capture, reservoir storage, and more. 
 
Today’s action comes as the state announced increased water deliveries to 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians, now expecting to deliver 75% of requested water supplies – up from 35% announced in February, and the highest since 2017. 
 
While recent storms have helped ease drought impacts, regions and communities across the state continue to experience water supply shortages, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies that have been severely depleted in recent years. Today’s order is responsive to current conditions while preserving smart water measures: 

  • Ends the voluntary 15% water conservation target, while continuing to encourage that Californians make conservation a way of life;
  • Ends the requirement that local water agencies implement level 2 of their drought contingency plans;
  • Maintains the ban on wasteful water uses, such as watering ornamental grass on commercial properties;
  • Preserves all current emergency orders focused on groundwater supply, where the effects of the multi-year drought continue to be devastating;
  • Maintains orders focused on specific watersheds that have not benefited as much from recent rains, including the Klamath River and Colorado River basins, which both remain in drought;
  • Retains a state of emergency for all 58 counties to allow for drought response and recovery efforts to continue.
 A copy of today’s executive order can be found here.
 
WHAT GOV. NEWSOM SAID: “We’re all in this together, and this state has taken extraordinary actions to get us to this point. The weather whiplash we’ve experienced in the past few months makes it crystal clear that Californians and our water system have to adapt to increasingly extreme swings between drought and flood. As we welcome this relief from the drought, we must remain focused on continuing our all-of-the-above approach to future-proofing California’s water supply.”

FACT SHEET:
Since Governor Newsom announced the 15% voluntary conservation goal, Californians conserved 600,000 acre-feet of water – representing 1.2 million households’ yearly usage. 
 
The Governor visited the Dunnigan Groundwater Recharge Project in Yolo County, where he highlighted the state’s work to accelerate and increase groundwater recharge to make the most of winter storms. California is working to expand groundwater recharge by at least 500,000 acre-feet in potential capacity as part of our water supply strategy.
 
Leveraging the state’s long-term water supply strategy and more than $8.6 billion committed by Governor Newsom and the Legislature in the last two budget cycles to build water resilience, California is taking aggressive action to prepare for hotter and drier conditions driven by climate change that could reduce the state’s water supply by up to 10% by 2040. In the 2023-24 state budget, Governor Newsom is proposing an additional $202 million for flood protection and $125 million for drought-related actions.
 
Here are other actions that Governor Newsom and the Legislature have taken to boost water supply, expand storage, and improve infrastructure: 

  • EXPANDING SUPPLY & STORAGE BY 1.1 MILLION ACRE-FEET: California has bolstered supply and storage through groundwater recharge and other projects, including a combined 1.1 million acre-feet of water – enough for 2.2 million households’ yearly usage. 
  • EXECUTIVE ORDERS TO CAPTURE & STORE MORE WATER: During recent storms, Governor Newsom signed executive orders to accelerate stormwater capture to boost groundwater recharge and other conservation measures.
  • FAST-TRACKING GROUNDWATER RECHARGE: The state is expanding groundwater recharge by at least 500,000 acre-feet in potential capacity – streamlining permits and $1 billion for groundwater recharge projects for 88,000 more acre-feet per year.
  • MAXIMIZING STORMWATER CAPTURE: $176 million for 67 stormwater projects and streamlining permitting to take advantage of major storm events.
  • EXPANDING STORAGE ABOVE & BELOW GROUND: California is supporting seven locally-driven water storage projects that would expand the state’s capacity by 2.77 million acre-feet – about three times as much water as Folsom Lake can hold. And, California is working to expand San Luis Reservoir by 135,000 acre-feet to store more storm runoff.
  • ADVANCING CLEAR, AMBITIOUS TARGETS: 142 actions to improve water resilience and bolster water supplies, and a roadmap for expanding urban stormwater capture capacity by 250,000 acre-feet and adding 4 million acre-feet of water storage capacity.
  • MODERNIZING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: California is working to modernize aging water conveyance systems across the state to safeguard long-term water reliability and help carry winter storm runoff into storage.
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Senator Shannon Grove Educates Senate Democrats on the Real Reasons for California’s Sky-High Gas Prices

3/25/2023

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SACRAMENTO—Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) responds to the passage of SBx1-2(Skinner) on the Senate floor today:

 
"With the most hostile regulatory requirements, the most aggressive environmental policies, the extraordinary expense of cap and trade, the highest tax per gallon of gasoline, impossible standards that are not found in any other state, and limited supply, there is really no need for additional explanation of why California has the highest and most volatile gas prices in the nation. My Republican colleagues and I have authored several pieces of legislation that would immediately reduce the price at the pump, yet Democrats refused to adopt any of these policies. If the Governor really wanted to create solutions, he could reverse the devastating policies he has put in place, ramp up domestic production and make California affordable again. Instead, he blames everyone but himself."


Watch Senator Grove’s remarks on the Senate floor: Click Here

###Senator Shannon Grove represents California’s 12th Senate District which encompasses large portions of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare Counties. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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TAHOE FOREST HEALTH SYSTEM CELEBRATES NATIONAL DOCTORS’ DAY

3/25/2023

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(www.tfhd.com)
(Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) –  March 30th is National Doctors’ Day, and Tahoe Forest Health System proudly celebrates the local physician community for their commitment, sacrifice and hard work.
On this day, we recognize the diverse and valuable work doctors perform – from primary and specialty care to urgent and emergency care. National Doctors’ Day is a special opportunity to personally thank and recognize the dedicated men and women who keep our community healthy and save lives.
National Doctors’ Day was first observed in 1933 and was officially made a national day of celebration by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. March 30th was specifically chosen because it marks the anniversary of the first use of ether anesthesia by Dr. Crawford W. Long.
Join Tahoe Forest Health System in recognizing and honoring their physicians on March 30th, National Doctors’ Day.

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California Invests Another $1.1 Billion to Continue Rebuilding Its Transportation Infrastructure

3/24/2023

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SACRAMENTO — The California Transportation Commission (CTC) this week allocated more than $1.1 billion for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state. The allocation includes more than $533 million in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and more than $190 million in funding from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
 
“California and our federal partners are taking action now to create a safer, more resilient, and more equitable transportation future for all Californians,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “These visionary infrastructure investments are giving Caltrans the tools it needs to rebuild California.”
 
Projects the CTC approved in the Sacramento Valley and Sierra regions include:

  • City of Chico: $6.2 million in federal IIJA funding for the Esplanade Corridor Safety and Accessibility Improvement Project. The project calls for installing a multi-use pathway, 12,400 feet of Class III bike lanes, 3,200 feet of new sidewalk, new bike boxes, lighting at intersections, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp improvements, countdown pedestrian crossing signals, refuge islands, a new traffic signal and lighting.
  • State Route 32 west of Chico: $3.4 million in federal IIJA funding to install a traffic signal at Meridian Road. The Butte County Association of Governments is contributing $500,000 in IIJA funding.
  • State Route 32 west of Chico: $19.9 million, which includes $17.9 million in federal IIJA funding, to install lighting, widen shoulders, upgrade approaches to bridges and rehabilitate culverts from Gianella Road to Muir Avenue.
  • State Route 99: $2.8 million to plan and develop a safety improvement project at the intersection SR-99 and Oswald Road south of Yuba City in Sutter County.
  • State Route 162 in Oroville: $3.4 million in federal IIJA funding to implement a comprehensive set of active transportation infrastructure connectivity and safety improvements that will close all sidewalk, bike lane, street lighting and multi-use trail gaps along the route in the city.
  • Interstate 5 in Sacramento County: $33.6 million, which includes $30.8 million in federal IIJA funding, to construct acceleration and deceleration merge lanes and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure from the Arena Blvd interchange to 0.4 mile south of Yolo County line.
  • City of Roseville: $4.3 million in federal IIJA funding for the Dry Creek Multi-Use Trail Project, which calls for constructing a Class I multi-use trail, 490 feet of sidewalk and a parking lot and restroom at the trailhead, widening 150 feet of sidewalk, installing bike racks, benches and trash cans and improving ADA  ramps.
  • Sierra County: $200,000 in federal IIJA funding for roadway and bike lane improvements on Smithneck Road near Loyalton.
  • City of Placerville: $1.2 million in federal IIJA funding for bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements on Placerville Drive. The project will install 2,080 feet of Class II bike lanes, 10,200 feet of Class IV bike lanes, construct 9,850 feet of new sidewalk, enhance existing sidewalks, upgrade curb ramps, and install seven crosswalks and two rectangular rapid flashing beacons.
  • Sacramento County: $3.2 million in state funding for roadway and safety improvements between Marconi Avenue and Howe Avenue.
The IIJA, also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. California has already received nearly $18.5 billion since the IIJA’s passage in November 2021.
SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.
For more information about California transportation projects funded by the IIJA and
SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.
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Harnessing Series of Winter Storms, California Increases State Water Project Allocation

3/24/2023

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today announced a significant boost in the forecasted State Water Project (SWP) deliveries this year due to continued winter storms in March and a massive Sierra snowpack. DWR now expects to deliver 75 percent of requested water supplies, up from 35 percent announced in February. The increase translates to an additional 1.7 million acre-feet of water for the 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians.
Consistent storms in late February and March have built up the Sierra snowpack to more than double the amount that California typically sees this time of year. Rainfall has also allowed for robust flows through the system, providing adequate water supply for the environment and endangered fish species while allowing the SWP to pump the maximum amount of water allowed under state and federal permits into reservoir storage south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
“California continues to experience weather whiplash, going from extreme drought to at least 19 atmospheric rivers since late December. It really demonstrates that in times of plenty, we need to move as much water into storage as is feasible,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We’ve been able to manage the system to the benefit of communities, agriculture and the environment. It’s certainly been a welcome improvement following the three driest years on record for California.”
Taking advantage of the extreme high flows in the system, the SWP is making additional water available to any contractor that has the ability to store the water in its own system, including through groundwater recharge. Formally known as Article 21 water, this water does not count toward formal SWP allocation amounts.
The SWP typically evaluates the allocation forecasts monthly using the latest snow survey data, reservoir storage and spring runoff forecasts. The 75 percent forecasted allocation announced today takes into account that data from March. Further adjustments to the forecasted allocation are likely following the milestone April snow survey measurements. April 1 is traditionally when California’s snowpack peaks and starts to melt. DWR is planning to host its April snow survey on Monday, April 3, at Phillips Station, weather conditions permitting.
DWR now expects San Luis Reservoir in Merced County to end the wet season at capacity. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, is at 120 percent of average for this time of year and currently releasing water through the Oroville Spillway to reduce flood risk for downstream communities in anticipation of the spring snowmelt. The SWP will continue to optimize water storage in Lake Oroville to support environmental needs in the summer and allow for carryover storage for next year if dry conditions return.
Preparing California for extreme weather swings will require the rehabilitation and modernization of SWP infrastructure. As the backbone of water supply delivery, California must address subsidence along the California Aqueduct in the Central Valley and advance the Delta Conveyance Project so that the state can move as much water as possible during high flow events.
While California’s surface water conditions have greatly improved this year following three years of historic drought, several water supply challenges remain in parts of the state.
The Colorado River Basin, which is a critical water supply source for Southern California, is still in the midst of a 23-year drought. Millions of Californians also rely on groundwater supplies as a sole source of water, and the state’s groundwater basins will be slow to recover following the extreme drought. Californians should continue to use water wisely to help the state adapt to a hotter, drier future.
DWR will host a media briefing via Zoom at 1 p.m. today to discuss the latest on storm conditions, flood response, and State Water Project operations and the increased allocation forecast. Register here.
Resources
  • Latest on California’s Drought Response
  • Current Statewide Reservoir Conditions
  • Save Our Water: Tips to Conserve Water During a Drought
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SBA Disaster News Release – SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to California Small Businesses

3/23/2023

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Small nonfarm businesses in 58 California counties and neighboring counties in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon are now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Oct. 1, 2022. 

Primary California counties:  Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo and Yuba;
Neighboring California counties:  Del Norte, Imperial, Orange and San Diego;
Neighboring Arizona counties:  La Paz and Mohave;
Neighboring Nevada counties:  Carson City, Clark, Douglas, Esmeralda, Lyon, Mineral, Nye and Washoe;
Neighboring Oregon counties: Jackson, Josephine, Klamath and Lake.
“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,�� Garfield said.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 3.040 percent for businesses and 1.875 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Garfield said.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on March 17, 2023.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.
The deadline to apply for economic injury is Nov. 17, 2023.


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Recently, U.S. SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced a policy change granting 12 months of no payments and 0% interest. This pertains to all disaster loans approved in response to disasters declared on or after September 21, 2022, through September 30, 2023. This covers SBA disaster loans currently available for Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian. This policy change will benefit disaster survivors and help them to decrease the overall cost of recovery by reducing the amount of accrued interest they must repay. Details are available through the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Individuals with verbal or hearing impairments may dial 7 1 1 to access telecommunications relay services from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday, or email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.
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Senator Shannon Grove Educates Senate Democrats on the Real Reasons for California’s Sky-High Gas Prices

3/23/2023

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SACRAMENTO—Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) responds to the passage of SBx1-2(Skinner) on the Senate floor today:

 
"With the most hostile regulatory requirements, the most aggressive environmental policies, the extraordinary expense of cap and trade, the highest tax per gallon of gasoline, impossible standards that are not found in any other state, and limited supply, there is really no need for additional explanation of why California has the highest and most volatile gas prices in the nation. My Republican colleagues and I have authored several pieces of legislation that would immediately reduce the price at the pump, yet Democrats refused to adopt any of these policies. If the Governor really wanted to create solutions, he could reverse the devastating policies he has put in place, ramp up domestic production and make California affordable again. Instead, he blames everyone but himself."


Watch Senator Grove’s remarks on the Senate floor: Click Here
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Governor’s Job Killer Bill Does Nothing to Lower Gas Prices

3/22/2023

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The Senate Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications passed the Governor’s proposal, SBX1 2, which creates a new layer of government to increase regulations on California energy producers. Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Central Valley), Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, issued the following statement:
 
“California families are demanding affordable gas prices, not more government and red tape.
 
“The Governor is rushing a disastrous job killer bill that does nothing to lower gas prices for everyday Californians. The result of this shortsighted legislation will lead to energy market disruptions, higher costs, and energy shortages.  Increasing energy supplies is the solution to lower gas prices.
 
“Decisions and policies must be grounded in economic reality, not just for political headlines.
 
“This bill will increase the costs on energy production, which will result in gas prices increasing further. Californians cannot afford this ill-conceived policy.”
 
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Single Vehicle Collision, SR-70 W/O Squirrel Creek Road

3/21/2023

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On 03/21/2023, at approximately 0650 hours, Molly M. Baker (35 yrs. old, out of Quincy), was driving a white, 1998 Ford Ranger eastbound on SR-70, west of Squirrel Creek Road, at a speed of approximately 45 to 55 mph through an icy left curve in the road.  Due to the speed that Baker drove the Ranger through the icy left curve, the Rangers tires lost traction with the roadway surface.  As a result, the Ranger slid north out of the eastbound lane, across the westbound lane, and collided with a icy snow berm bordering the north asphalt shoulder.  The Ranger continued north through the icy berm and up an ascending dirt/rock embankment, where it began to overturn onto its right side.  The Ranger rolled back down the embankment towards SR-70, where Baker, who was not wearing her seatbelt, was fully ejected out of the shattered driver's door window onto the north asphalt shoulder, resulting in major injuries to her head.  The Ranger came to rest on its right side completely blocking the westbound lane.
 
 
 
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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Private Nonprofits, Including Houses of Worship, Eligible for Disaster Assistance

3/20/2023

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Private nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, may be eligible to apply for federal assistance to help recover from damage in the California counties affected by the severe January winter storms and flooding.

Funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program can be used to pay for emergency protective measures, debris removal and restoring disaster-damaged facilities.
Private nonprofits that provide critical services, such as hospitals and other medical treatment facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools that provide elementary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.
Private nonprofits that provide non-critical, essential social services, such as senior citizen and community centers must apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration first. Other examples of non-critical, essential services include educational enrichment activities, custodial and day care services, disability residential services, assisted living and low-income housing, homeless shelters and rehabilitation services and performing and community arts centers.
By offering public amenities such as community, cultural, senior and social services, Houses of Worship owned and operated by a nonprofits are considered non-critical essential services and can also apply for FEMA PA grants.
Private nonprofits that provide non-critical services, which includes most Houses of Worship, should be aware that they must first apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. If they are eligible for a loan and decline, they will not be entitled to FEMA grants. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits from other agencies or organizations. If they are denied a loan or it does not cover the cost of all repairs, FEMA may provide funding to cover what SBA does not.
SBA’s can provide as much as $2 million in loans for damaged real estate and the replacement of property. The interest rate is 2.375 percent with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is March 27, 2023. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 26, 2023.
All applicants – even if they must wait for an SBA loan approval -- are encouraged to make a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) as soon as possible by contacting their local emergency management office. The deadline to file an RPA is March 24, 2023.
More information on assistance for Houses of Worship is also available at What Houses of Worship Need to Know About the FEMA Disaster Aid Process Flyer | FEMA.gov. in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, French, German, Haitian Creole, Korean and Portuguese.
For the latest information on California’s recovery from the severe winter storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, visit FEMA.gov/disaster/4683. You may also follow twitter.com/Cal_OES,  facebook.com/CaliforniaOES, @FEMARegion9/Twitter and Facebook.com/FEMA.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.

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FIREFIGHTING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

3/20/2023

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Picture
YOUR ADVENTURE Protecting Life, Property, Public Lands and Natural Resources with the Tahoe National Forest Fire and Aviation team STARTS HERE… Spring FireHire for the 2023 Field Season!!! The Tahoe National Forest, FIRE AND AVIATION MANAGEMENT is looking to hire enthusiastic, hardworking, highly motivated individuals for Permanent positions as Wildland Firefighters on Engines, Interagency Hotshot Crews, Helicopter Helitack Crew, Fuels Management, and Dispatch, which respond to local and national fire and all-hazard incidents. Fire and Fuels Positions are available from GS-0462-03/4/5 thru GS-9 permanent year-round or permanent seasonal. Submit applications on USAjobs.gov from March 20th-March 29th, 2023. To View the TNF Spring FireHire Outreach with specific information on the Tahoe National Forest positions, job announcement numbers, duty locations, Supervisor contact info go directly to https://tinyurl.com/25cztnyz or you can also find the document on Tahoe National Forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe, clicking on “Hiring Now”-Fire.

Pro Tips -Contact Module Supervisors NOW using contact information found at the link above, for the positions you are interested in.

 -Search Fire Position Job Announcement Numbers on USAJobs.gov for position descriptions and to apply. 
-Don’t wait to submit application. A detailed resume (written like your Number 1 fan wrote it for you including all experience) with required documentation are necessary to complete the USAJOB.gov application and must be submitted by closing date to be considered for positions.
-More Tips for Applicants can be found at this website  https://tinyurl.com/mrxbacxy 

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Congressman LaMalfa Announces 2023 Congressional Art Competition Is Open

3/20/2023

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(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced that the Spring 2023 Congressional Art Competition is now open to all high school students in the 1st District. This year’s theme is “Food Grows Where Water Flows”. Competition guidelines and additional information can be found on the Congressman’s website. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 28th.
The overall winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol along with other contest winners from all the other Congressional districts nation-wide. The winner not only receives the honor of having their art hang in the Capitol exhibition, but will also receive two tickets (for the student and one guardian) from Southwest Airlines to fly to Washington, D.C. and take part in viewing their art in the exhibition. There will also be a reception in the U.S. Capitol held in honor of the Congressional Art Competition Winners. There are two different scholarship opportunities for the winners of this art competition, one scholarship is for Savannah College of Art and Design, and the other for Tennessee Wesleyan College. The winners of the competition that enroll in one of these schools will receive a scholarship of $3,000.
“I am pleased to announce that this year’s Congressional Art Competition is open and this year’s theme is ‘Food Grows Where Water Flows’. This year’s theme allows our young artists to highlight the unparalleled beauty of the North State, and I look forward to seeing all of the students’ art pieces. The Congressional Art Competition is a nice opportunity for talented young adults to compete to showcase their abilities to the entire country. I am always happy to see California’s First District’s winning piece in the halls of the Capitol,” said Congressman LaMalfa.
 
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.
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SIERRA COUNTY MEETINGS

3/18/2023

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A SPECIAL MEETING for the Sierra
County Board of Education and the Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District Governing Board was held Thursday, March 9th in Loyalton to adopt a resolution to reduce and eliminate three full-time K-6 classroom teachers.
Public comment brought out many passionate parents and teachers. Downieville teacher Katrina Bosworth stated classes in Downieville are already combined and adding more would be extremely difficult and not a good idea for the students or their education. Loyalton Elementary 6th grade teacher and parent Laurie Petterson stated desired cuts would increase class sizes and make teaching difficult. She added that cuts don’t benefit students or this district and elementary schools are the foundation of higher education. Parent Reed Mason stated small class size is a big thing for his family and teachers at the school are everything and why they are here.
Loyalton Elementary Principal Andrea Ceresola understood the need to look at things and it seemed  every March is an emergency. She felt there were ways to be creative and reminded the Board they are a school district and their business is education. She urged the Board to take time to look at the budget and where money is allocated and do this the right way, not a rushed way. Loyalton High School Principal Megan Meschery expressed that she hoped in this budgetary year instead of cutting teachers they would look at other areas where they might have over-budgeted. She hoped the process of looking at the budget could start earlier and maybe incentivize teachers to retire early. Meschery stressed they needed to be proactive instead of reactive.
Board President Kelly Champion said they had talked a lot with Superintendent James Berardi and want to be responsible fiscally. Board member Dorie Gayner said the reason she got on the Board was to be behind teachers. She stated they needed to look at everything and haven’t had a chance yet and would like more time. She added the last thing she wanted to do was to cut teachers. Board member Annie Tipton stated they were looking at all the numbers, adding her kids are here because of small class size. She wanted a committee in place to look and find other ways than cutting. Board member Christina Potter echoed comments adding she was there to support teachers. Champion stated they value small schools and that’s why they are here. She told the audience they would do everything in their power to support this. She explained this was a recommendation by the Superintendent after going through the numbers. Champion said they understood the consequences and were willing to take a risk to put this off and see what else they can come up with. Berardi stated this was the hardest thing the board will ever do and supported their decision to delay these actions. He commended the Board stating they have had more meetings than any other board he’s worked with. Gayner made the motion to delay until they could understand the budget which passed unanimously.

AN AUDIT PRESENTATION for Sierra County Office of Education and Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District was given March 14th at the School Board meeting by Ben Leavitt of CDWL. He reported both were unmodified opinions, which is the highest quality opinion and called both entirely clean audits. He stated the financials can be relied upon by the District.

LOYALTON WATER INFRASTRUCTURE’S Ad Hoc Committee met March 2nd with Mayor Sarah Jackson reviewing its structure. She stated how it was appointed by the City of Loyalton, with participation as volunteers with specific knowledge and skill set for water improvements with no additional funding.
She called out Julie Herod who she stated at no time was delegated to represent the City of Loyalton in her conversation; was not authorized or granted that authority. Julie stated a need for transparency, facts on the well. Ad hoc member Joyce Cameron called Julie’s action “counter-productive by not clarifying yourself.” She called it “not offering us a positive step and helping to generate a level of panic.” It was stated the water is safe to drink and there is enough water to meet the current demand.  If they can’t fix the 10” main there will be lawn issues. Purpose of the committee is to move forward with water infrastructure funding to get the most funding and to break ground as soon as possible.
Julie was told by Sarah, “You were causing division. I asked you to step off the committee; we didn’t assign you a task.” She further noted that the funding stream Julie was going over "we were not interested in with privatizing water.” Julie argued they couldn’t remove a person. Sarah stated City Council has to vote on a recommendation  and asked Julie if she’d like her to make a recommendation but agreed she could technically sit there with the committee. Julie told of a connection with Governor Newsom and a scheduled meeting and questioned the committee on its knowledge of FEMA. Joyce was “glad you’ve reached out” but without anybody’s knowledge. Sarah encouraged Julie to share FEMA information with Council member Dorie Gayner so she can reach out.Council member Joy Markum called it “disruptive and consuming,” before moving on with the agenda. In the absence of Jonathan Reeves, Water System Operator, Sarah stated Ken Bennett is interim and has “taken over seamlessly.”Sarah told of all USDA submissions and not having to do individual grants. She stated how USDA is “very familiar with the situation and timeframe.” She told of “inviting former Water System Operator John Cussins back for spring and summer.” Next meeting is April 6th at 5:30 p.m.

During the Town Hall, Mayor Sarah Jackson stated the water system is still stable and there is safe drinking water. They have submitted the USDA planning grant, for initial construction repair
and equipment  for $150,000 and the $1 million initial construction grant. She told of the $80,000 State Drinking Water Resources grant extended to June 30th to repair the leak outside Van Daam’s property and Belli has confirmed they would have their property cleared by April 1st to access the pipe. Sarah stated she’d contacted Mr. Cussins to come back and assist them in replacing the 400’ of 10” main across 4th Street alley between Belli and Van Daam properties to the original leak abandoned due to the marsh pond, back to where it crosses the creek, hopefully by June 30. They are self-funding that portion of repair. They need the 10” line replaced prior to summer to accommodate summer watering outside so there is enough water pressure to sustain fire suppression within City limits and to maintain household water usage.  She warned, you can drink water, flush toilets, do laundry and shower. But you can’t water the grass until the line is replaced.”She continued that “anytime there is a fire issue,” and they need to draw on the fire hydrant the water operator is on standby to monitor pump pressure and tank levels to ensure there is enough water in the tank to fight fire and to meet the City’s need and not collapse pipes or run out of water during fire suppression.
From the audience, Marina Foreman asked  if there was enough money to pay Cussins and was told he offered as a volunteer and they “can make it work.”
Mike Welbourn questioned if they don’t get the line in, who’s responsible for the dead lawns and asked if they have an alternative plan. The mayor stated there was “no way we could be a landscaping business.”
If they had the money they’d fix the pipe first, but Mike pressed it as an environmental issue.
Under questions by Julie Herod, Sarah stated they have $80,000 toward the Belli fix and have 70% of connections and valves to make the run work, needing labor and excavators with a goal by June 30. “May and June may be dry lawns,” she stated and told that the City will be borrowing from itself with sewer funds.
She told of the City’s two wells not working to capacity, dialed back at the park from 700 gallons/minute now at 490. She stated the #3 well at the hospital has an iron bacteria that needs to be cleaned and uses more chlorine and gives the other well a break. She called the park well in great condition. There are two holding tanks that test clean daily, “every day.”
John Eberhart questioned composition of water pipes, pre World War II, hammer, chistle, rock and testing which is made by random faucets with four samples taken every day. Council member Jerry Gerow called testing the most important thing. The Boil Water Notice in October was called “the first failed test in decades” by Sarah.
Concerning water tank levels, it was stated during the Chandler fire, tanks were not below 14-15 feet and Ken Bennett monitors it. As for testing hydrants, it was stated the fire department “needs to chat.”
Under further question of why no water meters, it was stated they were never all installed, meters broke and needed the system completed and that some properties share pipes. Joyce Cameron had served on that prior Council, stated the current Council had nothing to do with it and gave Mayor Sarah Jackson kudos with crowd applause.
Raelene Whitley told how her street “is a mess,” and was told they won’t have to dig the street again.
Eberhart called the water system “shot;” and asked why they weren’t hiring to dig pipes up to handle everything. “We foot the bill,” he said. He further asked why not go back to the County to which Supervisor Terry LeBlanc answered, “The County’s not rich either.” Sarah explained how the City operates on 17% from the County plus water and sewer
fees. Jerry stated they’re “Working our way out of it.” He told of five breaks the first year he was here and “we’re moving forward.”

​A PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY due to severe storms commencing February 21, 2023 was unanimously approved by a resolution of the Sierra County Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting held March 7th in Downieville. Transportation Director Tim Beals explained a proclamation of local emergency can be called when there’s an imminent threat or when the Director of OES feels the County resources are being stretched to the point of significance. Damage has to exceed a certain amount to continue the proclamation and Beals stated they’ve exceeded that just in equipment cost alone. The proclamation will have to be ratified every 60 days for a continued presence of the local state of emergency. He said they were having a continued discussion with FEMA and OES. OES considers these storms as a series of winter storms and FEMA looks at each storm as an event. CAL OES is advocating on all behalf of all the counties to allow these series of storms to become one event. He talked withAssemblywoman Megan Dahle’s chief of staff and Congressman Kiley’s representative. Beals felt these storms rivaled those bigger storms they had in the 70’s and have taxed County resources. He wanted to recognize the fine work of the County Road Crew, County staff, Caltrans, and PG&E during these storms. He added that PG&E committed a lot of resources to the County and communication has been great.

Beals stated they are in the process of continuing to update the cost estimates for what the County has incurred. State OES has been great, providing a generator at the Downieville school. He said the generator will stay at the school for as long as they need it. They opened a warming center and coordinated with PG&E. The County staffed the warming center and PG&E shipped pallets of water, down throws, a couple hundred go-bags which included a portable power supply, blanket, water and some snacks. Beals reported over the last few days they saw 150-200 people and most of the material provided by PG&E was nearly exhausted. He stated the power problem provided challenges to Goodyears Bar and other communities for generator fuel so they opened up the Goodyears Bar Road Department Yard for emergency generator fuel two hours a day. The service was only available to Sierra County residents without power and fuel was limited to 10 gallons per residence without power. Residents would be billed for fuel at county cost.
There was a meeting that afternoon to go from snowplows to sandbags to get prepared and get available resources and plans in place. Beals said sandbags would be available at the normal places. They hired a contractor for snow removal to some of the outlining roads and retained a tree contractor for roads. Supervisor Lee Adams reported the Governor signed an emergency order for 13 counties and Sierra County was one of them. Supervisor Paul Roen stated they have no idea what the effects are yet and through this resolution, school cancellation days will be forgiven. Beals added the proclamation would also cover schools and special districts.
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SNOW REMOVAL IN TRUCKEE 3/7/23

3/17/2023

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Volunteers take action toclean their communities

3/17/2023

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Keep an extra eye out for volunteers and Caltrans cleaning up their communities over the next 10 days for Clean California Community Days - Spring into Action! 
District 2: Clean California Community Days – Spring Into Action! has begun! As part of the $1.1 billion Clean California initiative, 45 groups made of 458 volunteers will be cleaning up their communities in District 2. Part of Clean California Community Days — Spring Into Action, the effort will have participants safely remove trash and other debris from trashed locations in Northern California. March 25 is the main event day; marked by Clean California Community Days Festival in Redding and several dump days all over the district.
 
Community day activities include clean-ups, tree and native seed planting events, a family educational fair in Redding, school and library presentations, and various dump day events in Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity County. See Caltrans District 2 on Facebook for details about these events. Please view our Facebook event page closely in March, as we will add these events to our calendar as details are confirmed.
 
We encourage individuals and community groups to participate in the next big phase of the program by joining in on the Clean California Community Days - Spring into Action campaign!
 
  • Lead a community clean-up in your neighborhood, plant native plants, and/or beautify something unsightly in your community! Get the neighborhood kids involved or make it a family day of community service.
  • Get involved in a small or big way - do what works for you and your community!
  • Clean-ups can be scheduled anytime from March 17 to March 27.
  • Registration and information available at https://cleancalifornia.dot.ca.gov/community-days.
  • Volunteers are eligible to receive free gloves and trash bags, we also have litter pickers available to borrow and return all over the district - supplies are limited. Email Samantha.OReilly@dot.ca.gov for supplies and questions.
 
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Congressman LaMalfa Announces $1.3 Million In Federal Funding for Dixie Fire Rebuilding

3/17/2023

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(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced that he obtained a $1,353,176.61 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant for Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative to cover costs incurred by the 2021 Dixie Fire. This funding covers 90% of the total project’s cost in backpay from restoring the Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative’s facility and operations back to its pre-disaster design.
 
“Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative, like many throughout the North State, is still trying to rebuild following the destruction of the 2021 Dixie Fire. Since the fire first broke out, I have worked to ensure affected residents and local businesses had the federal assistance they needed to rebuild. Although I no longer represent Plumas or Sierra county in Congress, I am pleased that after a year and a half, this funding has finally come through,” said Congressman LaMalfa.
 

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.
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EVACUATION WARNING LIFTED

3/16/2023

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EVACUATION WARNING INFORMATION
Release Date March 16, 2023, 5:00 pm

At this point the threat to our waterways flooding has decreased, allowing us to lift the Evacuation Warning. The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s cooperation during these difficult times as we take steps to keep our community safe. Plumas County Sheriff’s Office has lifted evacuation warnings for all areas along the middle fork of the Feather River, the following zones:

PLU-101, POR-004, POR-005, POR-001, POR-006, POR-007, PLU-094, PLU-095, PLU-111, PLU-110, GRA-006, GRA-002, GRA-003, GRA-001, PLU-089, PLU-072.

Residents may see the current active warning zones at tinyurl.com/mte3tjt9
Residents may look up their evacuation zones at community.zonehaven.com
Plumas County Emergency Resource page plumascounty.us/3014/Emergency-Alerts-and-Resources
#plumascounty #plumascountysheriff
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ILLEGAL FIREWORKS STOPPED

3/16/2023

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