By Scott Rodd, Capitol Public Radio 
 
On Gavin Newsom’s first full day in office, Jan. 8, 2019, the newly elected governor stood before the cameras, …and declared war on wildfires.

“Everybody has had enough,” the governor said, announcing he’d signed a sweeping executive order overhauling the state’s approach to wildfire prevention. Climate change was sparking fires more frequent, ferocious, and far-reaching than ever before, Newsom said, and confronting them would have to become a year-round effort. …
 
But two-and-a-half years later, as California approaches what could be the worst wildfire season on record, it does so with little evidence of the year-round attention Newsom promised.
 
An investigation from CapRadio and NPR’s California Newsroom found the governor has misrepresented his accomplishments and even disinvested in wildfire prevention. The investigation found Newsom overstated, by an astounding 690%, the number of acres treated with fuel breaks and prescribed burns in the very forestry projects he said needed to be prioritized to protect the state’s most vulnerable communities. Newsom has claimed that 35 “priority projects” carried out as a result of his executive order resulted in fire prevention work on 90,000 acres. But the state’s own data show the actual number is 11,399.
 
Overall, California’s response has faltered under Newsom. …

​APPROVAL of assignment of Megan Meschery, as Principal/Site Administrator for Loyalton High School was pulled from the agenda during the Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District’s regular meeting, held Tuesday, June 22. Board Vice President Alan Wright stated he wanted the full board present before approval, as both President Mike Moore and Board member Christina Potter were absent. SPTA President and teacher Laurie Petterson questioned why the Board could approve the budget but not the Principal for Loyalton High School. Board member Nicole Stannard said during closed session the board decided the appointing was such a big deal that they wanted to have all five members present. She stated they were going to schedule a special meeting so all members could be present and make this serious decision. Petterson felt the budget was equally as big a deal and they were able to pass it without all members. Stannard said the Board was able to look at the budget ahead of time, where some members didn’t know about the appointment. Sierra Schools Foundation President, Jenna Holland questioned securing the vote, stating it seemed highly worrisome and unprofessional. 


THE 2021-2022 Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District Budget was approved unanimously on Tuesday, June 22nd. Business Manager, Nona Greisert stated they have a positive cash flow for fiscal year 2021-2022 with a projected ending cash balance of $3,659,167 with a one time net increase of $634,787 due to COVID funding. The reserve requirement is met for all three years and have a positive certification.  


REINSTATING the District-Wide Intervention Teacher position on an ongoing basis was discussed during the Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School District meeting held Tuesday, June 22nd in Downieville. This position oversees district wide intervention program that uses effective, scientifically based research curriculum and instructional strategies to fit the needs of struggling students at Downieville, Loyalton Elementary and Loyalton High School. After many teachers spoke in favor and several letters were received from parents the Board approved the position unanimously with Board President Mike Moore and Board member Christina Potter absent.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country, announced the release of a recent survey of nursing home and assisted living providers across the U.S. The results from the survey showcase the urgent need to invest in the long term care workforce, specifically to help recruit and retain staff.


Key findings include:

• Ninety-four percent of nursing home providers said they have had a shortage of staff members in the last month. In assisted living communities, 81 percent said they had similar staffing shortages.
• More than half of nursing home and assisted living providers lost key members of their staff last year during the pandemic due to workers quitting, including among certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or direct caregivers and dietary staff.
• Close to 75 percent of nursing homes and nearly 60 percent of assisted living communities said their overall workforce situation has gotten worse since 2020.
• Eighty-one percent of nursing home providers and 75 percent of assisted living communities stated that higher reimbursement to offer better staff pay and benefits would help improve the facility’s ability to recruit and retain staff members.

“The survey results clearly indicate that the long term care workforce is facing serious challenges, and our country must make significant investments to help address these shortfalls,” stated Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Lawmakers across the country must prioritize long term care to ensure the profession has the necessary resources to maintain a strong workforce. This begins with addressing chronic underfunding of Medicaid for nursing homes, which currently only covers 70 to 80 percent of the cost of care. We have laid out proposals in our Care For Our Seniors Act that would enable our providers to address staffing shortages, but without help from Congress and state legislators, this will not be possible.”

“We look forward to working with federal and state governments to ensure every facility has the ability to recruit and retain the necessary staff to ensure our residents receive the level of care they need and deserve. Caregivers are the backbone of nursing homes and assisted living communities, and we need to make sure they are being adequately supported so they can provide the highest quality care to our elderly population,” concluded Parkinson.

A one-page executive summary of the results can be found HERE.

​

 
 
SACRAMENTO — Caltrans awarded $34 million in state and federal funds to cities, counties, tribes and transit agencies throughout California today to improve the state’s transportation network. The grant money—including $25 million funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017—will be used to plan sustainable transportation projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the state highway system, enhance access to safe walkways and bikeways, and increase natural disaster preparedness.
                                                                                                                        
“Investing in transportation planning is essential to our goal of providing a safe, sustainable system that advances equity and livability throughout the state,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “These grants will help our communities create more connected routes for all residents, regardless of whether they travel by car, bike, foot or mass transit.” 
 
In total, Caltrans allocated:
 

• $17.4 million – including $12.38 million from SB 1 – in Sustainable Communities Competitive and Technical Grants to 50 local, regional, tribal and transit agencies for climate change adaptation, complete streets, transportation and land use planning, and natural disaster preparedness. This includes more than $4 million to fund planning for 13 projects that improve safety and access for people who walk and bike.

 

• $12.5 million in Sustainable Communities Formula Grants, completely funded by SB 1, to metropolitan planning organizations to further regional transportation plans and sustainable communities strategies.

 

• $4 million in federally funded Strategic Partnership Grants to nine projects that will plan for next-generation freeways, improve transit options between communities, research alternative funding for road repairs, and advance the timely and efficient movement of goods throughout the state.

 
Caltrans awards transportation planning grants each year through a competitive process to encourage local and regional projects. Applications are evaluated on how they further state transportation goals by identifying and addressing statewide, interregional or regional transportation deficiencies on the highway system.
 
View the FY 2021-22 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program Award List for all of the planning grant project awardees.
 
 
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All 10 properties in Nevada County participating in state's full debris removal program cleared of wildfire debris
SACRAMENTO – The remains of 2020 wildfire survivors’ homes and property -- burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil -- have now been cleared of burned metal, concrete ash and contaminated soil from all 10 properties in Nevada County enrolled in California’s statewide Consolidated Debris Removal Program.
In Solano County, state crews have cleared debris from 114, or 98.3 percent, of the 116 properties participating in the full debris removal program.  In Stanislaus County, six, or 85.7 percent, of the seven properties participating in the full debris removal program have been cleared.  Earlier, crews completed the removal of eligible debris from all six Yuba County properties in participating in the full program; all four properties in Plumas County participating in the full program; and the onlyparticipating property in Yolo County.
In 2020, over 8,000 climate-induced wildfires burned 4.2 million acres of California, destroying more than 5,700 homes. Property owners incur no direct costs for participation in the state-managed clean up and recovery program, administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) in collaboration with 25 participating counties.
Major Clearing Work: 95.9 Percent Complete
 
Wildfire survivors had the option to either use their own contractor or enroll in the state-managed program. Of the 5,991 properties statewide with damage from the 2020 fires, 3,774 signed up to have the remains of their homes, other structures and hazardous trees cleared by the state.
 
As of June 23, 2021, state-managed crews have cleared burned metal, concrete, ash and contaminated soil from 3,620, or 95.9 percent, of the properties throughout the state participating in the full debris removal program.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

By Harold Pease, Ph,D.


The Declaration of Independence ends with one of the most passionate appeals ever put to words and memorized by yesterday’s grade school child.  “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”  
This document would bring on war against the then greatest power on earth, and no European strategist gave the Patriots a ghost of a chance of winning—yet they stood.  Signers would be seen as traitors to the mother country and could expect the harshest treatment when caught.  They could count on no one but God and themselves.  And they recognized thereafter having received His aid.
Still, a goodly number did suffer loss of life and property as a result.  Most paid a remarkably high price for taking their stand.  In a wrathful spirit of revenge, the enemy singled them out for harsh vengeance.  Five were captured and imprisoned and two others barely escaped captivity.  Richard Stockton, one of those captured after his whereabouts was betrayed by a loyalist informer, was “dragged from bed in the middle of the night, severely beaten and thrown into prison” where he underwent continual abuse and also suffered malnourishment.  By the time the Congress arranged for his exchange, he was broken physically and never recovered.  He had also lost almost all his property.
Unable to capture Abraham Clark, another signatory, the British took their wrath out on his two sons, who were imprisoned on the notorious prison ship Jersey.  “Word was sent to Clark that his boys would be freed if he would disown the revolutionary cause and praise the British Crown.  At his refusal, his sons were singled out for cruel treatment.  One was placed in a tiny cell and given no food.  Fellow prisoners kept him alive by laboriously pushing tiny bits of food through a keyhole.  Both sons somehow survived their ordeal.”  
The British had a particular zeal for destroying the homes and property of the signers.  Those suffering this fate included Benjamin Harrison, George Clymer, Dr. John Witherspoon, Philip Livingston, William Hooper, and William Floyd.  The sacrifices of John Hart and Francis Lewis are particularly noteworthy.  “While his wife lay gravely ill, Redcoats destroyed Hart’s growing crops and ripped his many grist mills to pieces.  Bent on taking him, they chased him for several days.  They almost nabbed him in a wooded area, but he hid in a cave.  When he returned home with his health broken, he found his wife dead and their 13 children scattered.”  
The story of Francis Lewis was equally tragic.  “When the British plundered and burned his home at Whitestone on Long Island, they took his wife prisoner.  She was thrown into a foul barracks and treated cruelly.  For several months she had to sleep on the floor and was given no change of clothing.  George Washington was eventually able to arrange for her exchange for two wives of British officers the Continental Arm was holding prisoner.  Her health was so undermined that she died two years later.”  
Thomas Nelson Jr., another signatory, made one of the most unusual sacrifices of the war.  At Yorktown the British had selected his residence as headquarters.  Washington, reluctant to destroy his compatriots beautiful home, was directed to do so by Nelson himself.
John Quincy Adams, a son of one of the 55 patriots signing the Declaration of Independence and later a president of the United States, said it best.  “Posterity—You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom.  I hope you will make good use of it.”  Let us never forget that liberty is not free.  It was purchased and maintained by the blood of those before us.  What price have you paid for yours?
Today many believe that the biggest enemy to our liberty is from within.  Certainly we have let the Constitution dwindle in its ability to protect us from federal overreach or violent destructive mobs.  If the cause of the American Revolution was excessive government, as historians say, what can we say today when the rules are multiplied many times?  
For most of us it is hard to argue that we are more free than they under British tyranny when our government tells us that women athletes must compete with biological men or with whom we must share a bathroom or shower; that only essential businesses can be open; that our schools must be closed, some for most of a year; that people must remain locked down (house arrest) in their own homes for months; that churches, theaters, and sports spectators cannot assemble without government permission; that our children must be taught racism, now termed critical race theory,—more especially if they are white; that masks, and perhaps vaccines too, are required for public gatherings; that our borders must be open to everyone in the world, and that you must share the expenses of everyone, once here, who illegally forced their way across our borders.  “Wokeism” and a politicized pandemic have revived tyranny.
Let this be a warning to those who would take even more freedom from us.  We too, as did early patriots, are standing “with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,” mutually pledging “to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” 

 
Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Consitution and a syndicated columnist. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He taught history and political science from this perspective for over 30 years. Newspapers have permission to publish this column. To read more of his weekly articles, please visit www.LibertyUnderFire.org.
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San Diego -- Leading California gubernatorial candidate Kevin Faulconer's campaign issued the following statement regarding the Department of Finance's initial report indicating the election to recall Governor Gavin Newsom will cost California's counties a total of $215 million.

"This recall will cost a fraction of the $30 billion in EDD fraud Gavin Newsom has presided over. He sent tens of billions of dollars to criminals, including violent felons. Given Newsom’s track record, recalling him will save California billions," said Gus Portela, Press Secretary for Kevin Faulconer for Governor.

​Today CAL FIRE Engine 2365 from our Truckee Station headed up to Loyalton to participate in the Sierra Brooks Community FireWise Outreach event. 

Sierra County Supervisor Sharon Dryden along with local volunteers distributed FireWise packages with information about emergency preparedness, defensible space, and Sierra County's Everbrite emergency notification system to over 200 residences.

California officially reopened this week to much media and gubernatorial fanfare.
 But something major was missing: the many job creators and residents who were forced to flee the state over the past 15 months that were marked by lockdowns, school closures, and onerous restrictions that frequently left businesses reeling and shelling out tens of thousands of dollars to comply.
 Among them were innovators like Elon Musk, who relocated to Texas; David Blumberg, founder of Blumberg Capital, who moved to Florida; conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who took his family to Florida and his media business, The Daily Wire, to Nashville; Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which is now in Texas; and software company Palantir, which now calls Colorado home. Watch our video on Facebook. Click here.  

While many state economies are back, or close, to normal, California’s economy still lags far behind. Its unemployment rate of 8.3% is better than only that of Hawaii, and a far cry from the states with the lowest unemployment rate of 2.8%.
 Recently, The Center Square reported just how much the state is losing from the out migration, something documented in detail in CPC’s California Book of Exoduses. Between 2017 and 2018, California lost 165,355 net tax filers and dependents, more than any other state. Combined, the income of those former residents totals $8.8 billion that will now be earned elsewhere. 

SACRAMENTO, June 16, 2021 -- Mosquito experts say that as the state reopens and Californians make summer travel plans, it's important to pack - and use - insect repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites and the diseases they can spread. The reminder about wearing insect repellent is part of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, which is celebrated June 20-26 throughout the country.
 
Wearing insect repellent is an important way to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, the most widespread and serious mosquito-borne disease in California. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), West Nile virus, which is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, was first detected in the eastern U.S. in 1999 and has since expanded across the country. There is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, which can cause debilitating cases of meningitis, encephalitis, and even death.
 
“Mosquito-transmitted diseases pose a real public health threat,” said Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward). “That’s why I’ve been advocating for increased state funding to ensure mosquito and public health experts have the tools and resources they need to protect Californians from debilitating and deadly diseases. I also encourage all Californians to take personal precautions to make sure they are protected.”
 
It is also important for Californians to protect against invasive Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are not native to California, but they are now found in over 300 cities throughout the state. They are capable of transmitting the viruses that cause Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Fortunately, these viruses are not currently present in California, but travelers to other countries who become infected could introduce the virus locally upon their return. Mosquito experts warn that as global travel increases, there is an increased risk for local transmission of these diseases.
 
“For many Californians, summertime means family vacations and time spent outside,” said Truc Dever, president of theMosquito and Vector Control Association of California. “It’s also the height of mosquito season, so it’s important to apply insect repellent after putting on sunscreen when you are headed outside, as well as make sure there is no standing water around your home and property where mosquitoes can lay eggs.”
 
Invasive Aedes mosquitoes often live in people’s front yards, backyards, and patios—areas where mosquito and vector control agencies can’t easily inspect. Aedes mosquitoes are particularly difficult to control because they prefer to lay their eggs in small water-filled containers like jars, saucers, old tires, and yard drains. Unlike most mosquitoes, the eggs can survive for over a year even if completely dry, and hatch when the container refills with water. Due to the difficult nature of controlling invasive Aedes, mosquito experts are evaluating innovative methods, such as Sterile Insect Techniques, to protect the public from their bites and possible disease transmission. 
 
To help prevent mosquito bites:

• Apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered active ingredients, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, to clothes and exposed skin according to label instructions. Repellents keep mosquitoes from biting. It is important to follow EPA and CDC guidelines for the safe use of repellents on children.
  
  
• Install screens on windows and doors and keep them in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
  
  
• Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, including in flowerpots, old tires, buckets, pet dishes, and trash cans. Mosquitoes can develop from egg to adult in about a week using very small amounts of standing water.
  
  
• Repair leaking faucets and broken sprinklers that can contribute to stagnant water around your home.
  
  
• Maintain swimming pools and jacuzzies with proper chemicals to prevent growth of algae and mosquitoes from breeding.
  
  
• Report neglected swimming pools to your local mosquito and vector control agency (agency information can be found at www.mvcac.org)

For more information, check out these videos: Tip, Toss & Take Action and Everyone Can Help Fight the Bite! For more information, please visit the CDPH Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne Diseases webpage.
About MVCAC
The Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC) is the statewide voice for mosquito and vector control professionals. The association provides public health information, expertise, mosquito and vector-borne disease surveillance, innovative research, professional training, effective legislative and regulatory advocacy on behalf of California public agencies.
 

Pinkston News Service

June 15, 2021

(Washington, D.C.)-June marks Migraine & Headache Awareness Month, and for the millions of people who suffer from migraine or other types of serious headaches, a new drug-free, noninvasive tool is in store that can help alleviate pain. Thanks to researchers at Harvard, narrow band green light technology offers a ray of hope.    

Approximately 40 million Americans experience migraines, which can inflict debilitating pain. Employers annually lose in excess of $13 billion due to missed workdays caused by migraine headaches. Pandemic-induced stress and anxiety seem to have exacerbated the problem.  

Of the variety of treatment options available for migraine patients, most are ineffective, expensive, invasive or all of the above. However, thanks to Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Rami Burstein, a world leader in the science of migraine and headache pain, his research found that a narrow band of green light can actually reduce headache symptoms in migraine patients. This unique light produces smaller electrical signals in the brain than ordinary light, generating a calmer response and more positive emotions.

Research from the University of Arizona Health Sciences has further validated Dr. Burstein’s work.

A 2020 University of Arizona study found that daily exposure to narrow band green light reduced the frequency, intensity and severity of headaches in migraine patients by more than 60%, and also improved the ability of patients to work, exercise and complete household tasks. Participants in the study spent 1-2 hours a day for ten weeks in a room lit only by a white light, then spent ten weeks doing the same using a narrow wavelength green light. During the weeks of green light exposure, patients reported significantly reduced pain levels and headache duration and great improvements in their ability to sleep, work and exercise.

Fortunately for headache patients, devices using this green light technology are already available on the commercial market, including a relatively inexpensive green light lamp developed and sold by a company called Allay.

Migraine patients are always eager to try anything that can help them deal with this inherited neurological disorder, which the World Health Organization has named as one of the 10 most disabling illnesses. For those patients, green light technology could be a game changer in the battle against this condition. 

 
SACRAMENTO – Senator Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) commented on the passage of the largest state budget in California’s history.
 
 “This is a massive budget that grows the size of government, without much accountability on how it is spent or the results,” said Senator Brian Dahle. “Californians passed a $7 billion water bond in 2014, and in a year when we need it most, we still haven’t seen one gallon of water. Every dollar spent needs to go to real projects that help Californians, not to consultants or government bureaucrats.”
 
The budget now goes to the Governor for his signature or veto. The Legislature is expected to debate and pass many trailer bills over the next few weeks that will implement the policies of the budget-in-chief.
Video message here.
 
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Videos on other comments 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.

​

 
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), wrote Governor Newsom asking him to reconsider the closing of California Correctional Center (CCC) in Susanville, CA.  The letter outlines the many reasons why closing the CCC is detrimental.  This rural facility currently houses 2,000 inmates and provides 1,000 local jobs along with training and staffing for 14 inmate firefighting camps in Northern California.
 
LaMalfa said, “This abrupt decision to close the prison in Susanville, should absolutely be reconsidered.  The CCC houses inmates in a cost effective way, and helps increase our overall defenses during wildfire season by providing inmate firefighting crews.  Closing this facility will have far reaching ramifications economically in the Susanville area.  Now is not the time to be closing prisons and releasing more inmates who have not fully served their time.  This is a lose-lose situation, less firefighting capabilities for the state, fewer beds to house convicted criminals and major economic harm for Lassen County.  I urge Governor Newsom and the California Department of Corrections to reconsider this decision.”
 
Since opening in 1963 the CCC has served as a minimum-security facility for the State of California.
 
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.
 

​Sierra County Arts Council is pleased to offer Art and Music Sponsorships(AMS) 2021.  B. J. Jordan, Executive Director of the Sierra County Arts Council, has been busy working with art advocacy groups throughout the state over the past few years to promote funding for the arts, particularly in the rural frontier counties like Sierra County.  The Arts Council has also received funding from Covid Relief grants. As a result of these efforts, we have seen an increase in funding and this has helped to bolster our program.  
 
The Sierra County Arts Council is always seeking opportunities to bring more cultural events and programs to our geographically isolated communities. We do not enjoy the same volunteer base and funding resources as our urban neighbors.  The AMS program is designed to make the greatest use of our resources to collaborate with local organizations to bring more art and music to all parts of Sierra County.
 
In 2016 we introduced the AMS program which has contributed to events for local organizations including the Loyalton Rotary, the Forest City Historical Society, the Sierra County Historical Society, Sierra City Fire Auxiliary, the Alleghany Community Water Department, and Lions Club.
 
Local organizations, civic groups, non-governmental organizations, and non-profits are eligible to apply for funding to hire artists and musicians to enhance events and programing through the AMS program.  Funding of up to $500 per year per organization and per artist(s) or musician(s) is available through the AMS program. 
 
All events and programming must take place in Sierra County.  All funds will be paid directly to the musician(s) or artist(s) providing the service.  Events and programs funded through the AMS program will be featured on the Sierra County Arts Councils website calendar of events.  The easy one-page application may be downloaded on our website at www.sierracountyartscouncil.org  There are no application deadlines.  Funds are limited and awarded on a first come first served basis.  Organizations that have not received funding in the past will have priority this year.  The Sierra County Arts Council is State-Local Partner with the California Arts Council.

​On June 8, 2021 at approximately 8:39 AM, Christopher Carlisle,40, and Lacey Duval, 34, both of Chico, CA were travelling on SR-70 just east of C Road.
Duval allowed Carlisle to drive her 2009 Honda Pilot with a suspended license and while under the influence while she rode in the front right seat.
Due to a high rate of speed and Carlisle’s level of intoxication, he was unable to negotiate the sweeping left hand curve and entered the dirt shoulder. Carlisle made an aggressive turn in an attempt to re-enter the westbound lane. The vehicle skidded out of control as it crossed into oncoming traffic and left the south side of the roadway. The vehicle went airborne and collided with a large tree at the bottom of the steep embankment.
Carlisle sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Renown via CareFlight.
Duval sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.
Carlisle was arrested on scene. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Quincy CHP at 530-283-1100.

 
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and Representative Michelle Steel (R-CA) introduced an amendment today during the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup of surface transportation legislation to divert all $3.5 billion of federal funding for California’s failed High Speed Rail (CAHSR) project towards the successful Railway-Highway Crossings Program that has helped rural and urban communities improve highway and rail grade crossings, which helps eliminate hazards and save lives. Also known as the Section 130 Program, the Railway-Highway Crossings Program has reduced fatalities at crossings by 57%, despite a significant increase in both highway and railway traffic.
 
LaMalfa said, “We have wasted over 13 years and billions of dollars on the California high speed rail boondoggle without transporting a single passenger. That is a remarkable record of failure, and it is past time to stop the bleeding. Let’s put an end to pouring limited taxpayer dollars down a hole and instead invest in programs like the Railway-Highway Crossing Program that are proven to be good investments and make highways and railroads safer.”
 
Steel said, “California's High Speed Rail Project is a failure, and not one more taxpayer dime should go towards this money pit project. We should be focusing on boosting passenger safety and improving our existing highways and railroads – not wasting taxpayer money on a train to nowhere.”
 
According to the Los Angeles Times, CAHSR cost estimates have gone from roughly $33 billion when the project first started to over $100 billion and are still rising. The total remaining project cost could be as high as $99.8 billion. Since its 2008 announcement, the project has been consistently plagued with cost overruns and delays that continue with no end in sight, and its expected completion has been pushed to over a decade from now.
 
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.

​

REDDING, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Northern Division, having jurisdiction over the major transportation corridor of United States 395 (US-395) in northern California, will be conducting a Major Corridor Enhanced Primary Collision Factor (PCF) Enforcement Campaign on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.  The campaign will focus on US-395 in Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas counties.
 
This effort aims to reduce the number of injury and fatal traffic crashes on US-395.  In 2018 and 2019, a total 255 crashes occurred on US-395, in Modoc, Lassen, and Plumas counties, causing 143 injuries and killing a total of eight people.  The primary causes for most of the injury and fatal crashes were determined to be speeding, reckless driving, unsafe lane change, unsafe turning movement, following too close, distracted driving, and driving under the influence, with increased injuries and deaths from occupant restraint violations.
 
The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.  This includes the prevention of loss of life, injuries, and property damage resulting from traffic crashes through enforcement, education, engineering, and partnerships.
 
The CHP is promoting awareness and safe driving along this major corridor route.  During the enhanced enforcement campaign, the CHP will target US-395 with increased traffic safety operations to educate and, if necessary, take appropriate enforcement action on drivers who violate traffic laws along this major corridor route. 
 
“The US-395 corridor within Northern Division is primarily an undivided, two-laned highway which has seen numerous collisions in the last few years due to unsafe speeds,” said Northern Division Chief Greg Baarts.  “Increased visibility, aggressive enforcement, and public education within the Areas along this corridor will contribute to increased safety for motorists traveling on US-395.”
 
The CHP reminds motorists to follow these basic traffic safety rules: always wear a seat belt, drive at a speed safe for conditions, eliminate distractions while driving, and always designate a sober driver.
 
# # #   

 
Contact: John Steffanic   530-283-6272
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
It was March 14. Things were getting a bit scary because of a virus we were just beginning to understand. Since then, we have grappled with uncertainty and fear, but after 15 months, we are finally coming out of the dark.
 
But, in those last hours before our word changed forever, a group of Plumas County residents came together in Serpilio Hall on the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy and were lost in the beauty of a performance by the String Serenade, led by Conductor Jane Brown. Who knew the acoustics in Serpilio Hall were so stunning? Who could believe that a couple dozen highly talented musicians would brave the wet weather and travel to Quincy to perform? When you add the doubt organizers struggled with as to whether or not there should even be a performance because of COVID-19, well, the fact it even happened was amazing. This joy, excitement and thirst for more unfortunately lasted for only a few days, as it became apparent that there would be no more concerts like this for quite a while.
 
But now we're back! The PSCF Foundation and the Reno Pops Orchestra are ready to unleash a new, and greatly expanded schedule of incredible performances by musicians from the Reno Pops Orchestra, the Northern Nevada String Serenade, and other performing groups from Northern Nevada. Coordinated, programmed and directed by Plumas County’s own Jane Brown, area residents will be offered a line-up of performances on par with communities many times larger than ours.
 
The PSCF Foundation is the non-profit corporation that exist to fully benefit the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds. As with many small town non-profit organizations, the motivation to serve usually goes beyond the boundaries of the fairgrounds. The Foundation wants to build a series of events to raise both money and awareness for the Fairgrounds, but also wants to tell everyone that the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds are here to serve them. This series of exceptional concerts the Foundation has organized is one more way to show that dedication.
A critical part of putting this series together is Jane Brown. Jane graduated from Chester High School and earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Brigham Young University. She has taught music for the Plumas Unified School District and began conducting symphonic music in 2001. She was appointed to conduct the Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra where she inspired hundreds of young musicians in Northern Nevada for four years. In 2004, she was then selected to conduct and serve as musical director for the Reno Pops Orchestra and the Ruby Mountain Symphony. Most recently, she has served as a guest conductor in many provincial capitals in Russia. Through her many concerts over the years, a following has developed in Plumas County and a Reno Pops performance is always worth the trip to Reno! Her career goal, as well as the Reno Pops’ goal, is to “seek to help children and adults in our community explore a wide range of orchestral music”. Jane, and the organizations she conducts, do this through innovative educational programs and offering as many accessible performances as possible. We are fortunate to have them willing to make their concerts in Plumas County part of that goal.
 
With the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, the first order of business for organizers was to make sure that last year’s season ticket holders would get their promised concerts. The second order of business was to offer even more performances. All that was accomplished with a schedule of eight performances; the first three are the make-up concerts for those holding 2020 season tickets, and then an additional five concerts after that. The make-up concerts begin July 24:
 
The Collective (UNR Faculty Jazz Ensemble)          July 24, 2021    7pm   The West Lawn
 
Batamba Collective (Percussion Ensemble)    September 18, 2021   7pm  West Lawn or Serpilio Hall
Sierra Brass Quintet                                        October 9, 2021          7pm                 Serpilio Hall
 
Just bring your tickets from last year to each concert and you will be admitted. If you don’t have a season ticket from last year, these three concerts can be purchased as a package for $50. Individual concert tickets can be purchased for $20 each at the Fair Office or at the door of the concert.
 
The 2021-2022 Season begins on October 30 with five exciting performances:
Northstar Chamber Players (Woodwind Quintet) October 30, 2021   7pm              Serpilio Hall
 
Northern Nevada String Serenade                   November 20, 2021    7pm                 Serpilio Hall
            "Danzon!"
 
Tintabulations Hand Bell Ensemble               December 17, 2021     7pm                 Serpilio Hall
            "Holiday Favorites"
 
Northern Nevada String Serenade                    January 22, 2022       7pm                 Serpilio Hall
            "Carnival of the Animals"
 
Harp and Piano Extravaganza                         Februay 5, 2022          7pm                 Serpilio Hall
 
These last five concerts can be purchased as a 2021-2022 Season Ticket for only $80. And finally, you can have it all by purchasing the “Grand Bundle” – all eight concerts for only $130. As mentioned, individual concert tickets are available for $20 each, and as a special effort to expose younger people to this kind of culture, Student tickets are only $10 per concert. These are available to those 18 and under and for FRC Students of any age with a current student ID.
The first concert will be a perfect summer performance on the West Lawn of the Fairgrounds, next to the Family Gardens. “The Collective” was described as “one of the most creative and distinctive jazz ensembles in the northwestern United States” by For The Love Of Jazz. The group features saxophonist Peter Epstein, trumpeter Josh Reed, pianist Adam Benjamin, bassist Hans Halt and drummer Andrew Heglund. Each of these dedicated musicians maintains busy individual performance schedules while forming the core of the Program for Jazz and Improvisational Music at the University of Nevada, Reno. All of the members are passionate about sharing the knowledge of their instrument, improvisation, composition, history, and the other aspects of jazz. The Collective has released four albums and members have recorded many albums on their own and with numerous groups.
 
As a special gift to Plumas County, the entire Reno Pops Orchestra will be giving a performance at this year’s Plumas Sierra County Fair. On the evening of Saturday, August 21 on the West Lawn, Jane Brown will lead the orchestra through a program of uplifting and exciting selections; Rhapsody in Blue with piano soloist Dr. Ron Williams, Oklahoma, Orange Blossom Special with champion fiddler Johny McDonald, sound scores from “Magnificent Seven” and “Bonanza”, Carmon Dragon/Hollywood Bowl version of “America The Beautiful”, Con te Partiro featuring Jennifer Probst-Hilderbrand and Aldo Perelli, vocal soloists, and selections from Duke Ellington and John Philip Sousa. The concert is free with admission to the Fair. This concert is not to be missed!
 
Backgrounds of each of the other groups will be available on the Plumas Sierra County Fairgrounds website; www.plumas-sierracountyfair.net, along with the most current program for each concert.
 
“It’s as simple as this,” says Foundation President Nancy Gambell, “if you want to see this sort of music series each year, please support this year by purchasing a ticket.” Tickets are available at the Fair Office and on the Plumas Goes Pops page of the Fair website.
 
 

FINISHED!  100 truck loads of debris were hauled off the former Loyalton Mobile Home Park property, left by the Receiver of the property over cost of hauling. The acreage has sweeping views of Sierra Valley. Manager Doug Lawler stated they are now looking forward to moving on with the project.

 The project was finished on Friday, June 4th.  Below is the latest photo showing sweeping views of Sierra Valley and the clean-up!