Sandra A. Groven
District Attorney
Sandy Marshall
Administrative Assistant
Victim Witness

 
                                                                              
CRIMINAL CASE UPDATE APRIL 2021
 
People v Jesse Christopher Franke (20CR0093)
 
On April 6, 2021, Jesse Christopher Franke, age 40, of Kentucky, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 12500, an infraction.  He was ordered to pay a fine.   
 
People v. Pamela Jean Pokorny (21CR0018)
 
On April 6, 2021, Pamela Jean Pokorny, age 54, of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(b), driving under the influence, a misdemeanor.  She was ordered to spend 2 days in jail, placed on 3 years probation, ordered to complete a DUI class and pay a fine. 
 
People v. Shane Allen Leffingwell (20CR0029)
 
On April 9, 2021, Shane Allen Leffingwell, age 45, of Reno, NV was convicted of violating Penal Code section 25850( c)(6), possession of a gun not registered to him, a felony.  He was sentenced to 2 years Mandatory Supervision, ordered to pay a fine.
 
People v. Ruthie Maureen Nicholas (20CR0066)
 
On April 23, 2021, Ruthie Maureen Nicholas, age 50, of Plumas County, was convicted of violating Vehicle Code section 23152(a), driving under the influence.  She was ordered to serve 2 days in jail, placed on 3 years probation, ordered to attend a DUI class and pay a fine.     
 
People v. David Michael Ashby (21CR0013)
 
On April 20, 2021, David Michael Ashby, age 52, of Downieville, was convicted violating Vehicle Code section 14601.1, driving on a suspended license.  He was ordered to pay a fine and complete 13 hours of community service. 
 
People v. Brian Timothy Davis (CR03784X)
 
On April 20, 2021, Brian Timothy Davis, age 39, of Florida, was convicted of violating Penal Code section 484(a), theft, a misdemeanor.  He was sentenced to 47 days in jail, placed on 2 years probation, and ordered to pay restitution of $14,700 to his victim.
 
People v. Douglas Charles Martinez (20CR0032, 20CR0064, 20CR0099 and 20CR0116)
 
On April 23, 2021, Douglas Charles Martinez, age 34 of Truckee, was  convicted of violating Penal Code section 243( e)(1), battery on a former domestic partner.  He was ordered to complete a 52 week batterer’s program, and was given credit for time served (304 days jail).  He was placed on 4 years probation.  Mr. Martinez had his probation terminated as unsuccessful in connection with his conviction of violating Penal Code section 273.5 domestic battery.   He was convicted of violating Penal Code section 594, misdemeanor vandalism and ordered to pay restitution.  Mr. Martinez was convicted of violating Penal Code section  4532(b)(2), escape, a felony, and Penal Code section 69, obstructing a peace officer, a misdemeanor.  He was ordered to complete 300 days in jail, complete a 6 month residential treatment program, and placed on 2 years formal probation.

Staggering Surplus of $75.7 Billion Should Be Used to Fix Long-Term Structural Problems, Not Short-Term Political Promises
SACRAMENTO: In response to the release of Gov. Gavin Newsom's revised budget release, which showed a surplus of a staggering $75.7 billion, Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron issued the following statement: 

"The Governor's budget shows what Republicans have said for years: Taxes are too high. This budget will certainly do some temporary good, but it fails to seriously address any of the long-term structural problems facing the state and it does nothing to lower the cost of living for hard-working Californians. I urge the governor to focus on fixing long-standing problems instead of short-term political promises."

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For more information, please email Matt Fleming at matt.fleming@asm.ca.gov

THE FORMER LOYALTON MOBILE ESTATES PROPERTY was mentioned during the department manager reports of the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday.
Planning Director Tim Beals stated he was concerned with respect to the clean up of the property and plans to request a formal enforcement action.

THE RENAMING OF SIERRA COUNTY ROAD S-520, Jim Crow Road to Crow City Road was again discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held May 4th through WebEx.
Board Chair Lee Adams explained this item was put on the agenda to see if they should hold a state required hearing in the future to consider a name change. He said this item is about four property owners who date back 20 years to over 50 years and are tired of the street name, including one business who paid $10,232 in TOT taxes to the County in 2019. Adams stated this item was not about the gallows, his personal license plate, his email address, the County retirement system, Sierra County Historical Society members, or geographical names, adding it was simply about changing one word in a street name.
Jim Steinbarth, a property owner over 20 years on the road, stated this issue has come up over the last 40 years. He felt a goal of the supervisors should at least be sensitive to these types of issues. The name Jim Crow is offensive and should be considered. He was in favor of the name change because the sign is on Highway 49 and people have taken offense to it. He’s heard it many, many times and had to explain it. He was aware many individuals in our county and country are concerned about keeping our historical heritage alive. He felt a pretty simple solution was to change it to Crow Canyon Road, or Crow City Road. Supervisor Sharon Dryden made the motion to hold the public hearing on June 1st at 10 a.m. Approved unanimously.

SIERRAVILLE DISTRICT RANGER Quentin Youngblood reported to the Board of Supervisors at its meeting on Tuesday, May 4th they shut prescribed burns down due to dry conditions. He stated they wouldn’t do any until they receive a lot of precipitation. Youngblood said they had a good meeting the day before with Sierra Valley Enterprises regarding future mill operations in Loyalton and what they are planning with a small log mill. He stated they are looking at different ways they can support the facility and was excited about the potential opportunity there.
Youngblood was happy to report opening of the front desk at the Sierraville Ranger District on Thursdays and Fridays with a sliding window to help customers.

RESOLUTION authorizing acquisition of Sierraville School from Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District was approved unanimously during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday. Planning Director Tim Beals stated it was a long time in coming and finally got to an agreement. He said they agreed to pay $41,400 for the acquisition with said funds to provide the acquisition to come from the reserve funds set up from Verizon rental payments since Verizon occupied the site to present day ($41,400. This will not require any general fund contribution. In turn, the school district will convey the property to the County, including the modular office building and its interest in the Verizon Wireless lease which includes all future revenues generated from those two leases, and the School District will obtain a lot book guarantee or title report showing proper vesting; will deliver title insurance; and; will prepare and deliver a grant deed for the property conveying it to the County of Sierra. A new State Park Bond Act provides additional funding and Sierra County Board of Supervisors has allocated $200,000 from that Bond Act to the Sierraville Recreation Center (Sierraville School) for which there is a 30 year land tenure requirement.
Board Chair Lee Adams felt the school was a real jewel for the County. Supervisor Sharon Dryden sat on the school board when this school was closed. She said school districts do not run community centers, they run schools and was glad the County was able to obtain it, adding it is a wonderful facility.

CHANGES TO CHAPTER 8.50 of the Sierra County Code - Sierra Brooks Water System Regulations, to allow for delinquent water use charges to be added to the users annual tax bill was discussed during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held May 4th. Assistant County Counsel Sean Cameron had discussions with staff about certain properties not paying their water bill to be put on their tax bill. He added if they don’t pay their tax bill there would be more “teeth” to it than putting a lien on the property. Planning Director Tim Beals stated this system is currently in place with the Downieville District. The Board gave consensus to bring the item back.

A PUBLIC HEARING to determine the existence of a nuisance for property owned by Timothy Diltz located at 523 South Lincoln Street in Sierraville was held Tuesday, May 4th during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting through WebEx. Assistant County Counsel, Scott McClaren stated Counsel learned the written mailed notice was returned and not delivered to Mr. Diltz, adding he was required to be given a ten-day written notice. Counsel stated Diltz was prepared to proceed even though he didn’t receive the notice, and recommended Diltz state he was waiving any notice defect before proceeding. Diltz understood and agreed to waive the 10-day notice. Sierra County Planning Director Tim Beals explained the issue that was of paramount concern was the long history of seeking remedies to the worsening conditions of the property that has been ignored. He said the property is in such a condition it could be defined as a blight. Beals stated it was an eye sore to the community and public and compromises public health and safety. He toured the property a couple days ago and noticed there was a difference, but not so much that it wasn’t still causing a nuisance. Beals stated the adjacent property was at their wits end with the conditions of the Diltz property and if they wished to sell or just enjoy their property they are constantly reminded of these conditions, which caused them to submit the formal complaint.
Beals stated the Board’s obligation is to determine if there is a clear set of findings of a public nuisance and there were abatement options once the hearing closed. He hoped for a satisfactory resolution.
Diltz stated he agreed fully with Beals that it is an eyesore. He talked to the neighbor and she told him what she wanted cleaned up. Diltz was ashamed of it, stating it is a dirty piece of property. He’s taken 40 loads out to the dump, adding there was probably another 40 loads to go. His family has backed off and hasn’t helped him because they are ashamed of it. Diltz stated it has been hard with COVID and lost his dad the day before. He said he’s working on the property and felt there was a big improvement from what it was, adding he still needed a little bit more time. Diltz donated some cars, but they only took two because of the cost to get a tow truck out here.  
Shirley Holstrom stated she and her husband who is almost 90 years old would like to sell their house so they can get into assisted living, but no one wants to buy it with their next-door neighbor.
Adams gave his condolences to Diltz and added neighbors have been pretty tolerant for over five years, since complaints go back to 2015 on this property.
Counsel explained the Board could determine a nuisance exists, or does not exist. If a nuisance was determined the Board could order an abatement and a proposed resolution with findings was prepared for the Board’s consideration. Counsel stated there was discussion over the progress already made and to extend the abatement if determined by Beals. Supervisor Sharon Dryden understood a lot of challenges Diltz has faced and wanted him to know they were giving him 30 days with a 30 day extension.
Adams added it had to be really good work to get the additional 30 days. He stated if the board adopted the resolution, Adams encouraged Diltz to hit it hard and heavy. Beals said the task was much greater than a pick up load a week, adding the amount of material that needed to be moved is stunning. Beals told Diltz the first 30 days was critical to get this resolved. Diltz stated he agreed and understood.
Roen made the motion to pass the Resolution, which passed unanimously.
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With May 17 Tax Filing Deadline Just Days Away


May 13, 2021 - With the tax filing deadline coming up on Monday, May 17, there are still one million working families in California who are eligible for tax credits from the State of California but may not be aware or haven’t applied.

United Ways of California and local partners are helping to make sure families who qualify know about the programs and how they need to simply file their taxes to receive as much as $4,200 from the two programs. Californians who had an income of less than $66,000 last year are eligible for free filing through myfreetaxes.org.  

“Families worked hard for this money, and we encourage people to file immediately so they can put that money in their pocket sooner and support their families,” said Nalleli Sandoval, Senior Director of Programs at United Ways of California. “It’s just a matter of filing your taxes and, fortunately, working families can do that for free.”


The Golden State Stimulus (GSS) is a one-time payment of $600 or $1,200 per tax return that is available to families who have an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) filer earning up to $75,000, while the the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) ranges from $243 to just over $3,000 and is available to families with incomes up to $30,000. 


While the California Franchise Tax Board estimates more than 4 million taxpayers are eligible to receive CalEITC for the 2020 tax year, only 3 million had applied through May 2. Meanwhile, there are about 5.7 million people in California who earn less than $30,000 per year and are eligible for the Golden State Stimulus this year. 

Individuals and families who are applying with a federally issued Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) can find support through the ITIN guide, should their ITINs have expired and they need assistance renewing or getting one.  

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United Ways of California improves the health, education and financial results for low-income children and families by enhancing and coordinating the advocacy and community impact work of California’s 29 local United Ways. United Ways of California was formed in 2008 by California's local United Ways seeking to work together to educate state and national leaders about policy issues affecting community impact goals in health, education, and financial stability.

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RENO, NV – Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada (GSSN) will be doing summer camp a little different this year. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions in California, where Camp Wasiu II is located, and a temporary halt on improvements, such as bridge repair, that are unable to be made during the pandemic, Camp Wasiu II will remain closed for Summer 2021. Instead, GSSN will be offering Wasiu on the Road, a five-week day camp program that will travel the council area this summer, with camp taking place in a different location every week.
“We know how important the Girl Scout camp experience is to our members and how difficult last summer was on their morale,” said Brittany Taylor, Outdoor Experience Manager at Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. “We so wish we could reopen Camp Wasiu II this summer, but we hope Wasiu on the Road will help fill that void and offer new opportunities for girls throughout our council to experience some of that camp magic. Each week of camp will feature all our favorite Camp Wasiu traditions and be specially tailored to the locations we’ll be visiting.”
Wasiu on the Road kicks off June 16-18 in Portola, before stopping in Tahoe June 21-25, Reno June 28-July 2, Elko July 19-23, and wrapping up in Bishop July 29-31. In addition, GSSN will be offering a week of all virtual camp with Wasiu on the Web June 14-18. There will also be a week of special one day events in Reno June 7-11, as well as Wasiu One Days July 12-16, a week of one day programs sprinkled throughout the council area.
To learn more about the camp offerings at Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, or to register, visitwww.gssn.org/camp.
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We’re the Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada. Our council welcomes girls and adult volunteers from northern Nevada and northeastern California, and we believe every girl can change the world. We are building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place by helping them discover their inner strength, passions, and talents. With incredible programs and great friends, there’s a chance for every girl to do something amazing. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit www.gssn.org.

Sierraville cemetery received a Spring clean up from a stellar group of volunteers on May 10th. Steven and Susan Roberts organized the crew. Pat Mattingly and Ed Lively traveled from Susanville. Nathan Bishop traveled from Long Valley. The Roberts, Fran Schirmers, Robert and Ruth Anne Savarino and Kim McKinney from Sierraville were in attendance. A delicious meal, provided by the Roberts was enjoyed afterwards. A big thank you to these wonderful people for donating their time and hard work to their community.
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Loyalton FFA has just held our annual local project competition. This competition allows for FFA members to exhibit their Supervised Agricultural Experience or SAE projects. The members are asked to answer questions regarding their projects, as well as their participation in FFA as a whole. This competition is held locally, and all members of Loyalton FFA are encouraged to participate, along with select members of the community who help judge. This competition helps our members to practice their public speaking, general knowledge, and show off all of their hard work. Thank you to our judges that took their time to help out with our youth, Sheri Roen, Jane Roberti, Buffy Goss, & Wes Teichert.

​INCREASE IN GENERAL FUND RESERVES to 17% was debated during the Sierra County Office of Education meeting and Sierra-Plumas Joint Unified School District meeting held Tuesday, May 11th in Loyalton. During Public Comment, 6th grade teacher Laurie Petterson stated she was speaking as a parent of four students and was concerned about the Board’s decision to put 17% in reserves. She questioned the District being in dire straits two months ago and now having money to put into reserves. Petterson added that school districts are not a for profit business and hoped that money could be put into programs for students. 
Board member Nicole Stannard stated they were required by law to have 4%, and have had 10% since 2010. She wanted it clarified where the 17% was coming from. Business Manager Nona Greisert said it was a component of the ending fund balance. Superintendent James Berardi stated these reserves have been offsetting our deficit spending and need to have them for unforeseen problems like roof replacement or boilers. He understood that the jump from 10 to 17% might be a big pill to swallow and added they’ve done these cuts without layoffs. Berardi felt they were moving in the right direction. Stannard suggested increasing it by 2.5% this year and the next couple years to get to the 17% in three years. She didn’t think they should jump to 17% all at once. Board President Mike Moore said there were valid reasons for a large reserves and made the motion to increase the County reserves to 13.5% and District reserves to 12.5% both passed unanimously with Board member Patty Hall absent. Berardi thought of it as a win, win where they could increase the reserves and also have money to use on other things. It was stressed this Resolution does not use COVID funds. Over $600,000 in COVID funds will be used for learning loss.  


DURING STAFF REPORTS at the Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School Board meeting held Tuesday in Loyalton, Loyalton Elementary Principal Andrea Ceresola stated they celebrated teacher appreciation week and had a great week of activities. She said they had a modified book fair on site and completed a successful Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten enrollment with 14 T-K and 28 Kindergarten registered for next fall.  
Berardi reported for Downieville school and said Musica Sierra will be coming to Downieville School on June 2ndand basketball is about to begin for high school students. He stated the end of the year is just speeding up but all good stuff, adding,
they’ve done good considering the year they’ve had and was grateful for what the teachers and everybody have accomplished. 



SIERRA COUNTY SCHOOL GRADUATIONS were discussed during the Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District meeting held Tuesday, May 11th in Loyalton. Board member Christina Potter asked about graduation having heard from parents where they don’t feel the senior’s wishes are being heard. Superintendent James Berardi stated graduation mandates are different from county mandates and no difference from having it inside to outside. From the audience Jane Roberti, parent to one of the Loyalton High School seniors, stated she wanted to have as much normalcy as possible for a graduation, adding they don’t get dances or school proms and it’s affecting our kids. She said they have not been informed as parents and want to work together for the common goal, adding some of these kids will not be going to post secondary education. Roberti pleaded for the Board to have a common goal of rewarding their hardworking kids, adding she was tired of excuses. Berardi offered rather than hearing from the High School to go talk to the health department, stating the power lies with our Health Officer in the County. A committee will be formed with board members Potter and Nicole Stannard, and parents to talk to Health Officer Dr. Celia Sutton-Pado. Roberti wanted to make sure the seniors were heard and graduation has quality. Berardi stated it would be better than last year. 
Berardi said Downieville is having its graduation in Sierra City outside at Herringtons on Saturday, June 19th.

No lightning, no power - Human-caused. Loyalton Fire is working with the U.S.Forest Service and Cal Fire on the investigation.

 
SACRAMENTO – Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) appealed to the California State Senate Committee on Appropriations to pass legislation Monday that would require the Department of Fish and Wildlife to use their time and resources to study the effects of wildfire damage to local wildlife and their habitats.
 
Wildfires are an unfortunate and devastating reality for California residents. Last year alone we saw over 4 million acres burned and destroyed. One thing that many of us forget is that the devastation and cost is not exclusive to humans. Many animals and vegetation are also subject to the devastating losses of their natural habitats.
 
Senate Bill 592 proposes that the Department of Fish and Wildlife, in coordination with Cal Fire and the appropriate local representatives, put a portion of their resources towards studying the impact that these catastrophic fires have had on California wildlife and their habitats.
 
“The genuine goal of this bill is to establish a baseline of information to understand the true impacts of wildfire to our habitat and wildlife,” said Senator Brian Dahle. “Only then can we know the real cost of wildfires, and begin to address a solution that encompasses all affected.”
 
The hope is that we can use the findings of these studies to better protect and conserve our wildlife and forests going forward.
 
It is important to understand how these events impact ecosystems, biodiversity, and protected species in the state. Knowing where we went wrong and how we can correct our mistakes in the future may save the lives of many helpless creatures.
 
The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to send SB 592 to suspense for a hearing at a later date.
 
SB 550 (Dahle), which would subject the Legislature to the same laws and regulations imposed on California businesses, was also heard and placed on suspense. For the policy hearing release and video, go here.
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Video of the policy hearing on SB 592 can be found here.
 
Senator Brian Dahle represents California's 1st Senate District, which contains all or portions of 11 counties, including Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou.

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Land that produces food and farm products also provides crucial conservation and climate benefits—and federal conservation programs must focus on keeping working lands working, according to California Farm Bureau testimony before a congressional subcommittee today.

California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson testified virtually before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.

Johansson said the California Farm Bureau supports participation by farmers, ranchers and foresters in voluntary, climate-smart practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience.

“Our farmers and ranchers have a proven track record of doing more with less,” he said, noting farmer investments in water recharge, irrigation efficiency, energy conservation, cleaner-running farm equipment and numerous other on-farm conservation practices.

“With so much already happening at the field level, it is important to consider how new federal policies and programs will overlay with existing state climate programs and grower-led initiatives,” Johansson said.

To achieve the best results, he said, federal conservation programs must retain and enhance their flexibility to incorporate all crop types and farm sizes. Practices encouraged by the programs must be “broad and outcome-based,” Johansson said, “emphasizing a list of options as opposed to a prescriptive checklist.”

Noting that he and his family have been forced to evacuate due to wildfires on three separate occasions, Johansson urged the subcommittee to include forestry and grazing practices as strategies to restore forest and rangeland health, and to ensure sufficient disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers.

In encouraging long-term adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers must be “consistent, sustainable and long term,” he said.

“To further the adoption of on-farm climate-smart practices, we must not only compensate early adopters but also consider the economics of the farm and assist those being expected to do more,” Johansson concluded. “Only in working together can we achieve solutions that make agriculture more climate resilient while remaining viable.”

The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 32,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 5.6 million Farm Bureau members.

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​A new study offers California residents the best ways to avoid home crimes with top tactics ranging from alarm systems and guns to hanging “Beware of Dog” signs.
FBI crime statistics show $15.8 billion was lost in home and property crimes in 2019.  In addition to possessions, victims can lose their lives and live-in fear which is why it is important to take advice from their first-hand experiences.
SafeHome.org today released a study on Top Ways to Avoid Home Crimes  after analyzing the most recent data from the FBI and surveying 448 victims.
Several Key Findings:

• Top 5 Home Modifications to Add:

1.Outside lights (47% of respondents added following their experience)
2.Alarm (45%)
3.Change or add locks (43%)
4.Beware of dog sign (30%)
5.Curtains (25%).
 

• Top 5 Changes in Behavior to Make:

1.Lock windows at night (47% of respondents started doing this after their experience)
2.Lock garage door (28%)
3.Hide outdoor valuables (25%)
4.Purchased a gun (23%)
5.Stop leaving keys in unexpected places (21%)
View the complete study for comprehensive insight into avoiding home crimes.

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced the appointment of three North State students nominated by the Congressman to United States Service Academies. Receiving an appointment is a two-year process that includes interviews, multiple applications and a physical test. To attend one of the service academies, a student must receive a nomination from a U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator, Vice President or President.
LaMalfa said, “I applaud our three appointments for their willingness to serve our country. Kaitlyn, Lawrence, and Sophie and their families should be proud of this high honor. I am confident they will represent our district and our nation well, and I wish them all the best as they pursue their careers.”
Congressman LaMalfa based his nominations on the recommendation of his Screening Committee, comprised of North State community leaders and veterans of all service branches, which is responsible for reviewing their files, interviewing the applicants and recommending a slate of nominees. The following students received appointments from the Congressman’s nominations:
Kaitlyn Johnston - Cottonwood
U.S. Naval Academy
Lawrence Mini - Palo Cedro
U.S. Military Academy
Sophie Smith - Colfax
U.S. Military Academy
Any student with a strong desire to serve our nation as an officer in the United States Armed Forces is invited to contact Congressman LaMalfa in the spring of their junior year. Nomination applications and instructions may be found at his website atwww.lamalfa.house.gov. You may also call his Chico district office and speak with his U.S. Service Academy Advisor at (530) 343-1000.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.
 
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SACRAMENTO – Where water flows, food grows - or it should – but in California hundreds of thousands of acre feet of water go straight to the ocean in a wet year because Democrats have refused to prioritize the needed infrastructure for dry years. Initially, Governor Newsom only catered to his chardonnay and brie buddies this year by declaring a regional water emergency for only two wine counties in Northern California, leaving the state’s $30 billion agriculture industry high and dry.
 
Due to increased pressure from Senate Republicans to prioritize and include more drought-stricken counties, today the governor finally relented and added 39 more counties to that list. Fresno Republican Senator Andreas Borgeas has been leading the effort to include more counties within the drought declaration to relax regulatory restraints and allow for the transfer of water to food producers.
 
For decades, Democrat legislative leadership has failed to build the infrastructure needed to capture water in a wet year, so California has little water to spare. The situation is so dire, Senate Republicans want to ensure that any drought measures passed by the legislature either save water or increase the water supply. 
 
“Californians should not be in a drought, but due to Democrats’ lack of investment in water storage and critical water infrastructure, we are. Senate Republicans appreciate the governor heeding our call for emergency drought relief, but this declaration does nothing to remove regulatory roadblocks that hold up shovel-ready water projects," said Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita). “Our farmers and residential users deserve a clean, reliable source of water.”
 
In a letter to Democratic leadership, Senate Republicans outlined several key solutions that will help California in the next 12 to 24 months, including investment in water infrastructure and lifting red tape that are holding up shovel-ready water projects.
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Senator Wilk represents the 21st Senate District, which includes the Antelope, Santa Clarita and Victor valleys. Learn more about Scott by visiting his website and be sure to connect with him on social media.

SB 470 is coauthored by bipartisan group of Senators and supported by a diverse coalition of outdoor groups
SACRAMENTO – A measure by Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) to create a combination hunting/fishing license option for recreationalists passed its first committee test with a strong bipartisan vote.

Jones’s Senate Bill 470 would specifically do the following, beginning in 2024:

• Allow Californians and non-residents to purchase a combined hunting/fishing license rather than having to purchase both licenses separately – many outdoor recreationalists in California engage in both sports and a combined license would be more convenient and lower administrative costs of the state; and 
• Make the newly created combination license valid for 365 days from the date of purchase – currently California hunting and fishing licenses expire on December 31 of the year purchased, regardless of the date purchased; and
• Require the state to establish an optional automatic renewal and payment process for the combined license since California currently only allows auto renewal for fishing licenses.

“Other nearby states including Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon already offer combination hunting/fishing licenses which have proved popular and have helped introduce new people to both sports,” said Senator Brian W. Jones. “Offering a convenient way to legally hunt and fish, get a full year’s worth out of the license, and automatically renew the license in California makes sense all around. This will allow even more people to enjoy our state’s great outdoors more often.”

SB 470 is a bipartisan measure coauthored by Senators Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), Bill Dodd (D-Napa), and Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita). It is sponsored by the California Waterfowl Association and supported by a diverse coalition of outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing organizations. SB 470 goes next to the Senate Appropriations Committee for hearing.
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Senator Brian W. Jones was elected to the California State Senate in 2018 representing the 38th Senate District which includes Alpine, Escondido, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Poway, San Marcos, Lakeside, Valley Center, Rancho Santa Fe, Julian, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Borrego Springs, and parts of the City of San Diego.

Public can Download Free MyShake App for Earthquake Warnings
SACRAMENTO – Last night at 9:30 p.m. a 4.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Truckee, Calif. rattled local residents and was felt as far away as Sacramento. Earthquake warnings were issued by the MyShake App and Google Android Earthquake Alerts for mobile devices in the Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Currently, there are no reports of damages from the earthquake. However, these latest tremblers offer an important and timely reminder to Sacramento-valley residents and others in areas at high risk for seismic activity the importance of preparedness for future earthquakes.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) urges residents to learn more about the Earthquake Warning California Campaign and download the statewide earthquake early warning app, MyShake. California is the first state in the nation to offer a statewide earthquake early warning system.
Earthquake Warning California Campaign
Earthquake Warning California is California’s earthquake warning system. This intricate system uses the latest technology, including smartphone applications, operating system features and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), to provide individuals with an earthquake warning as soon as shaking is detected by ground motion monitoring in California.
MyShake
As part of Earthquake Warning California, the MyShake app is a free earthquake warning tool available in the Apple App store and Google Play to provide individuals precious seconds to take life-saving actions such as to drop, cover, and hold on before shaking is felt. The MyShake App sends a warning to smartphone users in the nearby area that have installed the app as soon as seismic waves are detected and the data is processed.
Last summer, Cal OES announced a partnership with Google that includes Earthquake Warning California technology as a feature included in millions of new Android phones and via software updates in existing Android phones used in California.
Earthquake.ca.gov
To learn more about Earthquake Warning California, including industry-specific informational toolkits, background about earthquake warning technology in California, and links to resources that can help Californians employ the latest technology ahead of the next earthquake, visit earthquake.ca.gov.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today successfully captured a young, female mountain lion within the city limits of Alturas, Modoc County, and safely returned the animal to suitable wild habitat.
 
The healthy yearling female, estimated between 50 to 60 pounds, was darted with a tranquilizer gun after being treed on the edge of the city Thursday morning. The lion was first spotted in Alturas around a chicken coop in a residential backyard Tuesday before being scared off. The lion returned to the chicken coop on Wednesday and was spotted elsewhere around the rural community.
 
CDFW worked cooperatively with the Alturas Police Department, the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services in this effort. CDFW does not typically capture and relocate wildlife. CDFW initially pursued the lion to encourage it to leave town on its own. Once treed in a populated area, however, CDFW darted it and physically removed it.
 
“This is what we consider a ‘no-harm, no-foul’ lion. This particular lion hadn’t caused any harm or any damage. It hadn’t behaved unusually. It tried its best to avoid people,” explained Tina Bartlett, regional manager for CDFW’s Northern Region, which encompasses nine counties in the northernmost part of the state. “This lion likely separated from its mother only recently and is out on its own for the first time trying to make its way in the world and ended up somewhere it shouldn’t be. We see this quite often with young mountain lions in California that end up in populated areas. We’re happy to return this lion to the wild where it belongs.”

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​On May 5, 2021, at about 8:00 AM, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle fire approximately one mile up Galloway Road south of Downieville. This area of Galloway Road is a steep narrow dirt road surrounded by heavy forest. The fire was slowly spreading up the hill in the vegetation and was being driven by a light wind. The Downieville Fire Department responded and asked for mutual aid from Alleghany and Pike City Fire Departments as well as the US Forest Service (Tahoe National Forest). The California Highway Patrol was notified and responded to assist in the vehicle fire investigation.
 
As of 11:00 AM, the fire spread has slowed, and crews are getting it under control. Several hand crews including a Forest Service Hot Shot crew are on scene. Incident command of the fire has been assumed by the forest service and Downieville Fire was released from the incident.
 
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the firefighters for their quick response and hard work getting the fire under control.
 

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 (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) –  Effective Thursday, June 3, 2021, Outpatient Lab Services will return to Tahoe Forest Hospital at 10121 Pine Ave, Truckee, and will no longer be located at the Medical Office Building at 10956 Donner Pass Rd., Suite 260.
 
The hours for Outpatient Lab Services are Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, and Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.