Joanna Garneau, Program Manager

PORTOLA, California— on April 30th, Eastern Plumas Health Care’s CalAIM Team was selected by Partnership HealthPlan of California for an inaugural CalAIM Make a Difference Award.
 
This award honors organizations who exemplify leadership and commitment in advancing CalAIM activities in designated communities. Awardees were selected based on numerous factors such as success in building capacity over the past year, demonstration of commitment to quality, and timeliness in reporting submissions to Partnership.
 
For Eastern Plumas Health Care’s CalAIM Team, it’s a personal honor. “The reason we are receiving this award is because of the passion Venissa, Laura, and Carol, show for each of our members, 110 currently. They truly shine providing care management services and uplift many individuals in our two counties. What an incredible gift they give to our community and to EPHC,” says Joanna Garneau, Program Manager and Director of CalAIM for Eastern Plumas Health Care.
 
In addition to being selected for the CalAIM Make a Difference Award, the EPHC CalAIM Team will receive a $10,000 award as a winner of the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Adult category.
 
“This award is a testament to our dedicated CalAIM team. It highlights their enthusiasm and commitment to do more for our two counties," said Garneau.
 
Garneau and her team will be attendees to receive their award and be celebrated among colleagues, peers, and leadership at the award ceremony held in June at the Redding, Ca Partnership office.
 
If you want to learn more about EPHC's CalAIM services visit: https://www.ephc.org/calaim.php or email the Team at [email protected] for more information.
 
 
 

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 17 attorneys general, filed a brief in support of Illinois in Barnett v. Raoul, which is pending before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Illinois’ law bans the possession, sale, or transfer of certain assault weapons and large-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition for long guns and 15 rounds for handguns. California law also imposes similar restrictions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
 
“We do not need these dangerous weapons and firearm accessories on our streets, and their use and possession are not protected by the Second Amendment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines have been used in many horrific mass shootings around the country, including right here in California. I urge the Seventh Circuit to reject this effort to invalidate these life-saving prohibitions.”
 
In California, it has been illegal to manufacture, import, keep, or offer for sale, give, or lend large-capacity magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition since 2000. It has been illegal to purchase and receive large-capacity magazines since 2013. Proposition 63, which was passed by Californians in 2016, added a ban on the possession of large-capacity magazines. Since 1989, California law has restricted certain makes and models of assault weapons and, since 2000, has banned assault weapons with certain specific, combat-oriented characteristics, such as a pistol grip, folding or telescoping stock, or a flash suppressor.  
 
Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New Jersey, Massachusetts, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington in filing the brief.
A copy of the brief can be found here. 

www.tfhd.com


(Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) – Tahoe Forest Health System is proud to announce a new partnership with MED-Project to offer two vital, free disposal programs designed to protect public health, promote environmental safety, and make responsible medication and sharps disposal easier than ever. Now available at the Tahoe Forest Pharmacy, these free services include a Medication Take-Back Kiosk and a Sharps Mail-Back Program.
Medication Take-Back Kiosk
Community members can safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications, including Schedule II–V controlled substances, by simply dropping them into a secure in-store kiosk. No paperwork or questions asked. Proper medication disposal helps prevent accidental misuse, keeps drugs out of the wrong hands, and protects our waterways from contamination.
Please note: herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, sharps, and illegal drugs are not accepted in the kiosk.
Sharps Mail-Back Program
For those who use injectable medications, our free sharps mail-back program provides a safe, convenient way to dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets, and injectable device products. Participants can come to the pharmacy counter and receive a secure collection container plus a pre-paid shipping label to return the container once it is full.
This service helps prevent needle-stick injuries, protects sanitation workers, and ensures sharps don’t end up in household trash.
“We’re committed to supporting the health and safety of our community,” said Biljana Milicevic, Community Pharmacy Director at Tahoe Forest. “These new programs make it simple for everyone to do their part in keeping our environment clean and our neighbors safe.”
 

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) visited Sierra Brooks on May 12th to address rising community concerns about gray wolves. Speaking to a crowd of residents and ranchers at the Sierra Brooks Lodge, Ryan Lahey of CDFW’s Wolf Program offered a detailed overview of the state’s current approach to wolf monitoring and management. 
Lahey stated wolves were not reintroduced to California, but migrated naturally from Oregon, drawn by suitable habitat. As of 2024, the state is home to approximately 50 wolves across seven confirmed packs, including the Beyem Seyo pack, which is most familiar to local residents.
Wolves are monitored using a range of tools including camera traps, GPS collars, genetic sampling, and public reports. A new tracking website, Earth Ranger, is expected to launch soon, offering residents more frequent location updates.
There are three phases of wolf recovery:
Phase 1 – 4 Breeding Pairs for 2 consecutive years with monitoring, no delisting, no injurious hazing, and no take.
Phase 2 - 8 Breeding Pairs for 2 consecutive years – status review, injurious hazing and take allowed by CDFW if legal in state and federally. 
Phase 3 - ? Breeding Pairs for 2 consecutive years – same as above, potential to petition delisting, no longer an endangered species. 
California is currently in Phase 2 of its wolf recovery plan. This phase allows for injurious hazing and potential lethal action under strict legal conditions — but only with proper authorization. Lethal action without it remains illegal, though self-defense is permitted in cases of imminent and direct threat. Still, any such action is subject to legal investigation and must meet a high threshold of justification.
Ranchers expressed frustration that little has changed between Phases 1 and 2, particularly in their ability to protect livestock. It was asked if rubber bullets could be used in Phase 2. Regional Manager Morgan Kilgour stated you can’t use rubber bullets without authorization, adding you can kill wolves with them. 
It was asked, how many times and at what point does CDFW say we have a problem wolf. Kilgour stated in every depredation policy, they ask what did you do to prevent that? She added we haven’t given you tools and now are giving non-deterrent options, like fladry, lights, scare boxes and when they become unsuccessful then you reach another level of habituation. 
Rancher Rick Roberti stated if the main wolf killing cattle had been gone a couple weeks ago, it would have saved a lot of heartache in Sierra Valley. Kilgour stated until wolves are not on the endangered species list they can’t do that. Questions arose on how many wolves were needed in California to remove from the endangered species list. A number was not known.
DS Cattle Ranch in Vinton, have reported repeat attacks despite the use of non-lethal deterrents. CDFW Law Enforcement posted two officers on 24-hour shifts for five days at this location using noise deterrents and non-lethal rounds but were unable to prevent losses entirely. Roberti stated ranchers are staying out all night long and the wolves just move to another ranch, adding they aren’t going anywhere because they are eating cattle. Ranchers cite not only cattle loss, but also loss of conception. Kilgore said bone piles will anchor wolves to the area, adding it has been documented in other states. There is legislation AB 411 for rendering of animal carcasses. 
Residents and ranchers voiced concerns that wolves are becoming habituated to human presence, acting boldly around homes and ranches. Many fear that escalating wolf activity which was already witnessed late last month with a deer attacked inside a fenced Sierra Brooks yard, will soon threaten pets and 4-H animals within subdivisions. 
Several attendees questioned whether the local deer population is sufficient to support expanding wolf packs with deer numbers declining. CDFW acknowledged these concerns, noting that droughts, wildfires, and other factors have also contributed to the declining numbers. A new deer management plan is in development. 
As the wolf population expands, CDFW acknowledged the growing challenges and emphasized the need for continued public input, better communication tools, and ongoing collaboration to navigate this evolving dynamic between predators and rural communities.
The only point the audience was pleased to hear at this meeting was CDFW does not support grizzly bear reintroduction. 

General Rate Case Proposes Smallest Percentage Increase in a Decade
 
Residential Combined Bills Forecast to Be Lower in 2026, Flat in 2027 Compared to Today
Oakland, Calif. — Today, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) proposed energy system improvements to drive California’s economic growth and increase climate change resilience. The company submitted this proposal, its 2027-2030 General Rate Case (GRC), to California regulators.
 
PG&E and the state’s other investor-owned utilities are required to make multi-year cost proposals every four years. PG&E’s application outlines a strategy to deliver customer bill stability while improving safety.
 
PG&E is requesting its smallest GRC percentage increase in a decade, made possible in part by reducing costs and passing on savings to customers. Over the past three years, the company has implemented new processes and technologies, reducing operating and capital costs by about $2.5 billion.
 
Based on current information, if the proposal is approved in full, PG&E expects total residential combined gas and electric bills in 2027 to be flat compared to 2025 bills. Additionally, if electric demand increases—as the California Energy Commission forecasts—bills could go down because the costs of operating the system would be shared by more customers.
 
PG&E also forecasts no further electric rate increases in 2025, and projects that residential electric rates and average combined bills will be lower in 2026. That’s because cost recovery currently in rates will expire and be removed from rates, helping to offset proposed increases including the 2027 GRC.
 
“At PG&E, we want what you want—safe, reliable, clean and affordable energy for all. We are on a journey to transform PG&E and improve how we serve our customers at a lower cost,” said PG&E Corporation CEO Patti Poppe.
 
Stabilizing Bills Through 2030
 
If fully approved, total residential combined-use bills are expected to be flat in 2027 compared to current bills.
 
Although PG&E’s GRC proposal, in isolation, would increase bills by a maximum of 3.6% in 2027, total bills are expected to be flat. This is because other costs will come out of bills in 2026, including those related to the 2023 GRC, wildfire mitigation and storm recovery.
 

 
PG&E’s goal is to stabilize bills through 2030. Factors that could deliver additional customer savings, beyond the GRC proposal, include PG&E’s $15 billion Department of Energy loan guarantee that could save customers $1 billion over the life of the loan, achieving a better credit rating which would lower future borrowing costs, and energy demand growth from electric vehicles and data centers.
 
Bills for individual customers may vary based on where they live, energy used, rate plan, discount programs and other factors.
 
Improving Service for Customers
 
Among the ways PG&E’s proposal would increase safety and reliability for customers:

• Deliver a more modern grid to meet expected historic growth in electricity demand from new homes, businesses, electric vehicles and AI-focused data centers. This includes preparing the grid to serve 3 million EVs by 2030 and ramping up to 20,000 new customer connections per year by 2030.

 

• Improve wildfire safety through proven layers of wildfire protection. This includes replacing 760 miles of powerlines with stronger poles and covered powerlines; placing 307 miles of powerlines underground in the highest fire-risk areas in 2027, reducing risk on those lines by 98%; installing an additional 114 weather stations for better forecasting and situational awareness; and improving tree trimming by bundling work to reduce costs and minimize impacts for customers.

 

• Increase clean energy delivery and system resilience to extreme weather impacts. This includes investing in lower-cost solar and battery energy storage to diversify and complement the grid’s existing power plant fleet and protect customers from fuel cost volatility; installing more microgrids in remote areas to reduce wildfire risk and lower costs by removing powerlines and decreasing the need for maintenance; accelerating EV adoption to increase vehicle-to-grid capabilities so EVs can serve as mobile batteries during peak summer energy demand periods; and modernizing existing clean hydroelectric plants to improve safety and reliability, including spillway improvements.

 

• Strengthen the gas system to keep customers and communities safe and improve air quality. This includes replacing 164 miles of distribution pipeline and upgrading internal pipeline inspections processes to continue safe operations and extend the lifespan of pipelines; responding to more than 600,000 calls to locate and mark lines to reduce the likelihood of third-party pipeline dig-ins; and using advanced mobile leak detection technology to quickly find and fix gas leaks for safety and to reduce methane emissions.

 
About the GRC Process
 
The regulatory process allows for input from a variety of stakeholders and the public before the California Public Utilities Commission issues a final decision. Customer rates are not expected to change related to this proposal until January 2027 at the earliest.
 
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-looking Statements 
 
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about PG&E’s beliefs, expectations, estimates, future plans, and strategies, including regarding customer bills, wildfire mitigation, and grid modernization. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which management believes are reasonable, and on information currently available to management, but are necessarily subject to various risks and uncertainties. In addition to the risk that these assumptions prove to be inaccurate, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements include factors disclosed in PG&E Corporation’s and PG&E’s joint Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, their most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on PG&E Corporation’s website at www.pgecorp.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. PG&E Corporation and PG&E undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.
 
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news  
 
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You can read about PG&E’s data privacy practices at PGE.com/privacy.

SACRAMENTO— The California Department of Fish and Wildlife today publicly launched a new mapping system to provide recent, generalized locations of collared wolves in the state. The map aims to help livestock owners know when to proactively use nonlethal conflict prevention methods to help prevent conflicts between livestock and wolves.

“Coexistence sometimes requires trying new things so I’m excited that Californians can use this map to learn more about how our wolves move through the state,” said Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I’m hopeful that livestock operators will responsibly use the map to head off conflict and I appreciate that the state stands ready to pull the plug immediately if anyone abuses this new system to harm wolves.”
Not all of California’s wolves are radio-collared, but collared wolves’ GPS units send location data to satellites several times each day. The data downloads daily to department computers. The map reflects this daily location data in the form of a nearly four-and-a-half square mile hexagon for each wolf. The size of the hexagons aims to protect the wolves from people who might try to find and harm them.
Livestock conflicts with wolves are rare in any state with wolves. In California, confirmed and probable wolf-caused losses in 2024 amounted to just 0.009% of California’s livestock.
Researchers around the globe have consistently shown that proactive nonlethal conflict prevention measures are far more effective at preventing conflict than killing wolves. Shooting wolves can ultimately increase conflict as diminished packs seek out easier meals like unguarded cattle and sheep.
The map released today can inform responsible ranchers about when to increase prevention measures like deploying range riders and guard animals, removing livestock carcasses from the field and using fence flags.
“Livestock-wolf conflicts are rare but both ranchers and wolves will benefit if we make them rarer still by giving a heads up when wolves are in the area so ranchers can act responsibly,” said Weiss. “Most Californians want wolves back on the landscape and they’ll support ranchers who show they’re willing to coexist with wolves by proactively preventing conflicts.”
Background
The first wolf in nearly a century to make California part of his range was OR-7, a radio-collared wolf from Oregon that entered California in late 2011. OR-7 traveled across seven northeastern counties in California before returning to southwestern Oregon, where he found a mate and settled down, forming the Rogue pack.
Several of OR-7’s offspring have since come to California and established packs. Those include the original breeding male of the Lassen pack and the breeding female of the Yowlumni pack residing in Tulare County. The Shasta pack, California’s first confirmed wolf pack in nearly 100 years, was discovered in 2015 but disappeared a few months later.
The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is native to California but was driven to extinction in the state by the mid-1920s. After OR-7 left Oregon for California, the Center and allies successfully petitioned the state to fully protect wolves under California’s endangered species act. Wolves are also federally protected in California under the federal Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to intentionally kill any wolves in the state except in defense of human life.
 
 

Sacramento, CA - Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) today issued a statement blasting the Governor’s May Revision for intentionally withholding funding for Proposition 36, despite it passing by a landslide. The measure was intended to crack down on retail theft and drug related crimes, but without resources, it is now unable to be properly be implemented across the state.
 
“The Governor says he cares about crime, addiction, and homelessness, then defunds the very program meant to address them,” said Assemblyman Tom Lackey, a retired California Highway Patrol Sergeant and a member of the Public Safety Committee.
 
“This is not negligence – it is a calculated move. The Governor is setting Prop 36 up to fail so he can later claim he was right all along. It is political manipulation at the expense of public safety.”
 
Prop 36 passed with nearly 70% of voter support, but with zero funding in the Governor’s budget, local governments are left scrambling for implementation resources they do not have. The Governor offered only a vague response that future funds could come from Proposition 47, the very measure Prop 36 was intended to reform.
 
The result, a voter-approved mandate set up to fail.
 
“A budget reflects priorities - and this one tells Californians their voices do not matter,” Lackey concluded. “Voters demanded stronger action to protect their communities. Instead, they got a Governor who is more focused on protecting his political narrative than protecting the public.”
 
Contact:
[email protected]
916-622-6292
 
 
 

REDDING – Caltrans continues to explore innovative ways to enhance efficiency and safety for its crews and the traveling public. One recent improvement involves the use of remote-control mowers for roadside vegetation management—particularly on steep slopes where traditional equipment and methods fall short.


Trimming grasses and vegetation on highway embankments has historically required manual labor using handheld gasoline-powered weed eaters, especially in areas where conventional mowers can't be used due to rollover risks. These manual operations pose safety hazards for workers, who must navigate uneven terrain close to active roadways.


With the addition of a remote-control mower, District 2 crews can now safely and efficiently clear vegetation on steeper slopes that were previously inaccessible to standard equipment. Operated from a safe distance, the mower reduces the risk of injury associated with rollovers or working near moving traffic.


This technology not only helps protect Caltrans employees but also allows more ground to be covered in less time, improving overall roadside maintenance and visibility for motorists. The remote-control mower is just one of the many tools Caltrans is using to modernize operations and reinforce its commitment to safety and innovation.


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​Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA) issued the following statement following Gov. Newsom’s announcement proposing a freeze in his policy of free Medi-Cal for all income-eligible undocumented immigrants. 
“Gov. Newsom is ending his reckless policy of giving free Medi-Cal to undocumented immigrants. The Governor is finally acknowledging what has long been obvious: this policy is misguided, unsustainable, and should never have been enacted," Rep. Kiley said. "However, Gov. Newsom has only partially repealed his disastrous policy. It needs to be reversed entirely, or Californians will continue to spend billions on coverage for illegal immigrants and our state will lose an even larger amount in federal Medicaid funding." 

 
Facing a $12 billion deficit, Governor Gavin Newsom today released his $322 billion revised spending plan. Assemblywoman Alexandra M. Macedo (R-Tulare) issued the following statement:
“The Governor likes to blame President Trump for the state’s budget woes. But, under Governor Newsom’s leadership, the state’s fiscal problems began long before President Trump took office.
“Make no mistake, the Governor doubled-down on a failed project and made high-speed rail a top priority for future cap-and-trade funding. The Governor has the authority to redirect the $1 billion of cap-and-trade funding that goes to the High-Speed Rail Authority to pay for vital services, especially wildfire prevention and water infrastructure.
“The Governor’s allocation of a billion dollars today is not even enough for the High-Speed Rail’s ever-ending black budget hole. There is a $7 billion shortfall to finish the first phase – from Merced to Bakersfield.
“Audit after audit, the High-Speed Rail has found to be mismanaged and plagued with delays. After 17 years and $13.7 billion already spent, the High Speed Rail Authority has not laid a single foot of track.”
 
NOTE: Under the Governor’s revised budget proposal, the High-Speed Rail Authority will get a guaranteed floor of $1 billion off the top of the cap-and-trade revenue, up to a maximum of 25%. That means that, if auction revenues dip and only bring in $2 billion, HSR’s guaranteed $1 billion would be 50% of cap-and-trade expenditures.
Also, the Governor mentioned that the State was ‘humming’ along until President Trump imposed tariffs. On January 10, the Governor took out $7.1 billion of the state’s Rainy Day fund and claimed a surplus of $363 million in his budget proposal. President Trump was not sworn into office until January 20. 
 

The first training video of the new series is “Contemporary and future approaches to plant breeding,”To train new people to work with California specialty crops and update the skills of current workers, educators from University of California, Davis and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chico State and five California community colleges are producing educational videos. The training video series is available to the public for free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@jeffreymitchell759/playlists.
“As California’s farmers age, shortages of suitably trained agricultural workers increase, and workers increasingly come from non-farming backgrounds, the role of agricultural colleges in teaching both the theory and practice of agriculture is key today,” said Jeff Mitchell, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis.
“The average age of agricultural producers in California is currently about 59.2 years,” said Mitchell, who is based at the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier in Fresno County. “Therefore, there is an urgent need to encourage and recruit young people into agriculture to sustain current and future production.”
It is also vitally important that those entering the workforce receive adequate training in current production practices of the state’s particularly dynamic specialty crop industries.
“In response to the growing demand for online education following COVID-19, I have strategically incorporated YouTube video clips – particularly those produced by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources – into my course material to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes,” said Sophia Marin, Bakersfield College adjunct professor. “One of the greatest challenges in teaching agriculture in a virtual setting is the inherently hands-on nature of the industry.”
Image
Marin has been using videos produced a few years ago. The video curriculum series currently being developed includes integrated weed management, postharvest technology, crop breeding, microgreen production, soil management, labor and specialized farm machinery. 
Many key concepts, especially those related to plant pathology and crop management, are difficult to fully convey through traditional textbooks or static images alone, Marin noted.
“To address this gap, I began supplementing my lectures with real-time video recordings captured during farm visits, with the consent of local growers,” she said. “These video clips provide students with invaluable exposure to real-world agricultural practices and allow them to observe phenomena such as plant diseases – including Southern Blight – in a way that is far more dynamic and informative than text-based descriptions.” 
“Through visual media, students can see subtle distinctions in plant symptoms, understand how and why spores develop, and gain deeper insight into diagnostic and treatment processes,” Marin noted.

Vegetable farmers – who tend to have greater labor needs than many in other agricultural sectors – face mounting worker shortages and need to modernize their farm workforce. 
“Vegetable production systems need to be dynamic to keep pace with unpredictable economic, social, environmental and regulatory changes,” Mitchell said. “These systems must continually adapt to innovations and must have a workforce that understands and can implement ever-changing technologies.”
Visiting farms and viewing videos give Bakersfield College students a clearer idea of the kinds of jobs they would like to pursue, according to Marin.
 “These professionally produced clips complement textbook topics such as urban agriculture, propagation, transplanting and field packing, offering students a visual context that supports their understanding of the material,” Marin said. “What I have noticed is these resources promote active learning: students tend to engage more deeply in discussion boards via Canvas, conduct independent research to supplement course content, and demonstrate increased confidence in both their academic progress and career aspirations.”
Development of the teaching modules to train workers for California’s vegetable crops industry is funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The videos will be used and rigorously evaluated by the four universities and five community colleges that serve as key conduits for agricultural workers to the state’s vegetable production regions.
The first training video of the new series, “Contemporary and future approaches to plant breeding,” is available. New videos will be added at https://www.youtube.com/@jeffreymitchell759/playlists weekly until the 25-part series is complete. 
Other project partners include Madera College, Merced College, Santa Rosa Community College, Hartnell College and Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association in Salinas.

​Defensible space is necessary to protect homes from oncoming wildfires and provide firefighters with a safe working area. However, did you know that fire can also be a useful tool for disposing of dead or dying vegetation? Visit the link below to learn more about burning and permit requirements.

REDDING – Caltrans will begin paving operations for the Chester Causeway Rehabilitation Project along State Route (SR) 36, in Lassen and Plumas Counties on May 19th. The project is located at multiple locations from Melissa Avenue in Chester to just east of Red River Canal in Westwood.


The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate the pavement along SR 36 in Plumas and in Lassen County. This will be accomplished by reconstructing the full depth of the existing roadway along some portions while widening the shoulders to eight feet. In other locations the project will mill and overlay the roadway and widen shoulders to four feet. Other parts of the project will include guardrail replacement, culvert work, rumble strips and signage.


TRAFFIC IMPACT: Traffic control is in effect Monday through Friday from dawn to dusk. Motorists should expect delays near the aforementioned vicinity on SR 36 of up to 15 minutes. 24-hour traffic control will be needed on unpaved surfaces.


NOTE: The Lake Almanor Safety Roadside Rest Area near Chester will remain closed until at least July 1st.


This $49.8 million project includes 170 working days, with most nights requiring traffic control. The bulk of construction is expected to be completed in the spring and summer as weather permits.


Contractor Hat Creek Construction & Materials Inc., North Region Construction and Caltrans District 2 thank the public and local communities for their patience during the construction of the project.






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Lassen County, California – May 12, 2025 – The U.S. 395 Wildlife Overcrossing Project, a collaborative effort between the Lassen County Transportation Commission, Wildlands Network, Mark Thomas Engineering, and Dudek, reached a significant milestone with the selection of six priority locations under consideration for the construction of a new wildlife overcrossing on U.S. 395 in Lassen County. This achievement marks a crucial step in the project’s mission to reconnect essential mule deer migration corridors and enhance road safety along this critical stretch of highway.


Community members are invited to share their input on the proposed sites at a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 at 7 PM at the Doyle Community Center.
​
In 2023, the Lassen County Transportation Commission received a $5.4 million grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board to support planning and design efforts for one wildlife overcrossing on U.S. 395. The project has two primary goals: to improve landscape connectivity—particularly for migratory mule deer—across U.S. 395 and to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, which pose a serious risk to both animals and motorists. The project area, which includes the section of U.S. 395 from the California-Nevada border to Susanville, bisects critical habitat for mule deer, pronghorn, badgers, mountain lions, and other species. This region also has one of the highest rates of deer-vehicle collisions in California. By improving habitat connectivity through a dedicated wildlife crossing, the project aims to reduce these dangerous collisions, restore migratory pathways, and enhance biodiversity in the region.
“Highway 395 is one of the most dangerous corridors for motorists and wildlife in California,” said John Clerici, Executive Secretary at the Lassen County Transportation Commission. “By identifying these six priority locations, we are advancing solutions to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions while restoring critical migration routes for species like mule deer. We are excited to engage with the public, hear their feedback on these proposed sites, and work together to create safer roadways for people and wildlife.”
After an extensive scientific modeling process, the project team identified six priority locations—one of which will ultimately be selected for eventual construction. The model considered multiple factors, including wildlife habitat suitability, roadkill records, GPS tracking of key species, and land use analysis, to identify the most effective sites for a wildlife crossing. Final site selection will depend on community feedback and engineering feasibility. This modeling builds on years of California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s deer collaring, Caltrans’ roadkill data collection, and Wildlands Network’s camera and roadkill studies conducted by Pathways for Wildlife, which provided valuable data on wildlife movement patterns and collision hotspots.
The six priority locations identified for potential wildlife crossing infrastructure include:
1)Bass Hill Wildlife Area
2)Milford
3)South of Honey Lake
4)Doyle Wildlife Refuge
5)Red Rock
6)Hallelujah Junction
 

 
“The U.S. 395 Wildlife Overcrossing Project is a critical investment in protecting both public safety and wildlife,” said Mari Galloway, California Program Director of Wildlands Network. “By reconnecting fragmented habitats across U.S. 395, we can support healthy animal populations and reduce the number of dangerous wildlife-vehicle collisions.”
The U.S. 395 Wildlife Overcrossing Project is collaborating with local landowners, wildlife experts, community members, and others to gather feedback on the six priority locations. These discussions, along with detailed engineering feasibility assessments, will determine the most suitable site for construction. Members of the public interested in providing feedback on the proposed locations are invited to attend the Doyle Community Center meeting at 7 PM on Wednesday, May 14.
Research shows that wildlife crossings, when combined with wildlife fencing, can reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by over 90%. Given the high level of wildlife-vehicle collisions in the area, the project team is also working with Caltrans to advance additional wildlife undercrossings along the U.S. 395 corridor and partnering with local organizations to support habitat restoration for migratory mule deer in Lassen County.
For more information about the U.S. 395 Wildlife Overcrossing Project and future updates, visit  https://www.lassenctc.com/wildlife-overcrossing

More than 45 million people are expected to travel, with road trips expected to set new record.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (May 12, 2025) - The traditional kick off to summer travel season starts with a record breaking number of people expected to travel for Memorial Day this year, according to newly released AAA data.
AAA projects about 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home beginning Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26. This represents an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2005 with 44 million people. More than 5.8 million of those travelers will be from California, marking a 4 percent increase over 2024 and setting a new record for the state.
Travelers are choosing to vacation in the Bay Area this year with AAA booking data listing San Francisco in the top 10 for Memorial Day destinations.
Many Americans say they’re taking advantage of the long weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if they are staying closer to home amid concerns over travel costs.
 “Take advantage of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, without breaking the budget,” said Cyndi Zesk, Senior Vice President of Travel for AAA Mountain West Group. “Lots of our members are booking regional getaways and old fashioned road trips. So, whether it's a quiet retreat for two, or a family mini-break, be sure to maximize your vacation value and get your AAA Member travel benefits on hotels, cruises, tours, cars and insurance." 


Memorial Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation
By Car: Driving is the preferred mode of transportation during holiday travel periods with 87% of Memorial Day travelers choosing to take road trips. AAA projects 39.4 million people will travel by car nationwide over Memorial Day weekend with more than 4.8 million being from California. This year, drivers have the benefit of cheaper gas prices thanks to lower crude oil prices.
By Air:  AAA projects 3.61 million air passengers, a nearly 2% increase over last year when 3.55 million travelers took to the skies. Of those, about 622,000 will be Californians. AAA booking data shows the cost for domestic flights are up 2% compared to last year. 
By Other Modes: AAA projects 2.08 million people will travel by train, bus, or cruise nationwide over Memorial Day weekend, an 8.5% increase over last year. About 424,000 travelers will be Californians. Travelers are turning to cruises in record numbers. AAA projects a record 19 million people plan to take cruises in 2025.  
AAA Shares Best Travel Tips

• Save on gas. Use the AAA Mobile App to find the cheapest gas stations along your route, plan your trip, request roadside assistance, and more. 
  
• Avoid speeding. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
  
• Hit the road early. Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23 are projected to be the busiest travel days with 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. being the most congested hours. 
  
• Be road trip ready. AAA is anticipating about 350,000 roadside service calls nationwide for the holiday weekend. Last year, AAA helped more than 89,000 people in California. A pre-trip inspection at a AAA Auto Repair Center can prevent common breakdowns like dead batteries and blown tires.
  
• Flexibility is key to scoring cheaper airfare. Consider flying on weekdays since weekend flights tend to be more expensive, opting for basic economy fares (while noting restrictions), booking airport parking in advance, and bringing your own meals can help save you money.
  

About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.

​A RESOLUTION separating the Sierra County Department of Health and Social Services into two distinct departments: the Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Health was approved unanimously during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on May 6th in Downieville. Board Chair Lee Adams stated this was recommended in April and the resolution formalizes it. The board appointed Interim Social Services Director Lori McGee to Director of Social Services and Interim Public Health Director Rhonda Grandi to Director of Public Health. Grandi thanked the board and stated this change will give both departments continuity and stability. 
The separation will result in cost savings to both the Public Health and Social Services budgets.

A SPECIAL MEETING for the Plumas County Office of Education and Plumas Unified School District Governing Board was held Monday, April 28th to approve a request for an emergency advance apportionment from the State.
A recent community survey was circulated to gather input on this financial request. County Superintendent Andrea White presented the survey results at this meeting which showed 87.8% attended or reviewed the materials from the April 9th school board meeting. 87.2% agreed that based on what was shared during that meeting it was necessary for the school board to request financial assistance from the state.
Public input was taken from a Greenville Elementary teacher who is also a parent and community member. She and many others have deep concerns over State receivership and Greenville Elementary School. They’ve heard rumors and questioned if it will be closed or will there be an alternative.  She also was concerned with logistics if it was closed and students riding the bus an hour one-way to get to school. She felt it was an unreasonable burden and parents need clear answers. She stated the school is the heart of the community and asked what steps will the District take to prioritize the students’ well-being. Funding for extracurricular activities was questioned and why had they not been scaled back instead of the district continuing to foot the bill. In many other districts, funds are raised through fundraising or funded by the parents of students who are in those programs.
Assemblymember Heather Hadwick’s representative from Amador County was present at this meeting to listen and report back to Sacramento. He said they recognize the schools are building blocks of communities and would help where they could and advocate for them. He said in Amador County they are having similar concerns. He stated the two most difficult things in California are water policy and educational finance.
Resolution No. 1678 requesting an emergency advance apportionment was approved unanimously. 
The Resolution reads in part: Pursuant to Education Code Section 1240, the PUSD filed a negative certification for both the 2024-25 first and second interim financial reports indicating that it will not be able to meet its financial obligations in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team published its multiyear financial projection and cash flow projection review on April 6, 2025, projecting a deficit of $8,026,718 in the current 2024-25 fiscal year, a deficit of $8,248,902 in the first subsequent 2025-26 fiscal year, and a deficit of $7,869,128 in the second subsequent 2026-27 fiscal year.
The deficit amounts above result in a projected negative $4,727,146 general fund ending fund balance as of June 30, 2025, a negative $12,976,048 general fund ending fund balance as of June 30, 2026, and a negative $20,845,176 general fund ending fund balance as of June 30, 2027. 
The negative fund balances above do not include the three percent standard reserve amount of approximately $1,300,000 for each fiscal year.
The District has exhausted all of its sources of alternative liquidity and any external sources of short-term cash sources.
With this resolution the PCOE and PUSD voluntarily requests the State of California provide emergency advance apportionment, in an amount to be determined but not to exceed twenty million dollars ($20,000,000). 
This resolution took effect immediately upon adoption.

NEVADA SIERRA CONNECTING POINT, a public agency that connects people to supportive programs, information and services, gave a presentation during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on May 6th with regards to 211 Connecting Point. 
Program Manager Lindsay Gordon, explained 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people to essential community resources and services and available 24/7. Services range from housing and food assistance, to health care and disaster relief. 211 is operated by trained specialists who provide personalized assistance and act as a critical lifeline for those in crisis. 
To access, dial 211 from any phone within the caller’s county of residence and can be reached by text by sending your zip code to 898-211.
On average they handle 45,000 calls annually with an average wait time of 1.37 minutes.
Tim Giuliani, Executive Director stated they are the community call center and can adapt to what is needed. 
Board Chair Lee Adams asked what the cost would be to have 211 in Sierra County. Giuliani said $8,000 was the baseline cost. Supervisor Sharon Dryden thought there might be some funding available through OES or they could partner with other agencies to help with the costs. She felt this was a benefit for the senior community. The board will make a decision in a couple weeks and discuss how it may be tailored to Sierra County.

SPEED ZONES were again discussed during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on May 6th. Public Works Director Bryan Davey reported a speed zone map for Loyalton has just been released. Caltrans is going to be reducing the distance of 25mph in town to start at Taylor Street instead of Hill Street and changing zones at both ends of town from enforceable to a transitional speed zone. This will be talked about more next meeting in Loyalton on May 20th.
Davey stated they received the final speed zone recommendation for Sierra City and Caltrans is moving forward with the changes they had originally presented. He had a recent meeting with Caltrans and they walked through Sierra City. Davey stated Caltrans will do some counter measures to help reduce speed to combat raising the speed limit. They will put wide speed bumps at both ends of town, wide painting to narrow the lanes, paint “keep clear” in eight-foot letters in front of the fire department and will put in some cross walks. Davey said they are also continuing discussions on pedestrian issues in town. 


Nichole Johnson, Editor
Sierra Booster Newsp

May 08, 2025   Advocacy   |   Forest and Public Lands Stewardship
On May 6, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $23 million in grants through the Forest Service’s Hazardous Fuels Transportation Program to support the transport of low-value wood and dead trees from national forests to processing facilities. The program targets fuels that pose wildfire risks to nearby communities and will prioritize projects in high-risk firesheds under Emergency Situation Determinations. 
According to the Notice of Funding Opportunity projects must: 

1. remove hazardous materials from and/or demonstrate direct benefit to National Forest System Lands, 
2. explain how and why it reduces hazardous fuels, and
3. escribe and provide documentation showing why transportation of the hazardous fuels to facility locations where they can be utilized or processed (e.g. mills etc.) is the limiting factor to removal.    

Applications will be accepted through June 20th.   The notice of funding opportunity, and additional guidance, is available on the Forest Service’s program website. 
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, Mary-Ann Warmerdam. 

Washington, D.C.--Yesterday, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) introduced H.R. 3300, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025, to ensure aerial fire retardant remains available for wildfire suppression efforts without being tied up in Clean Water Act permitting delays. The bipartisan bill clarifies that federal, state, local, and tribal firefighting agencies do not need a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to use fire retardant from aircraft when responding to wildfires. The bill, introduced alongside Reps. Panetta (D-CA) and Hurd (R-CO), has already earned strong support from local leaders, here’s what they’re saying:

Travis Joseph, President/CEO, American Forest Resource Council: “The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act gives wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect lives, communities, and forests from catastrophic wildfire. It will prevent unnecessary litigation that could block the aerial use of fire retardants—one of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of fast-moving fires. This commonsense bill, paired with proactive, science-based forest management, is essential to confronting our nation’s growing wildfire and smoke crisis. With another dangerous fire season approaching, Congress must act swiftly to pass the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act. We cannot afford to let our forests burn while proven suppression and management tools are tied up in red tape.”
Matt Dias, President and CEO, Calforests: “Maintaining healthy forests supports the economy in Northern California and beyond and safeguards communities at risk from catastrophic wildfire, but prevention is not enough. Fire retardants have played an integral role in stopping some of the most devastating wildfires in recent history, and the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act will ensure our wildland firefighters continue to have access to this critical firefighting tool. I urge Congress to pass the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act to safeguard aerial fire retardants, which is ultimately a decision to prioritize lives, land, businesses, and forested environments.”
Tod Kimmelshue, Chair Butte County Board of Supervisors: “Butte County knows first-hand the destruction that wildfire can bring to our communities. It’s essential that fire fighters have the ability to use fire retardant to protect lives and communities.”
Chris Edwards, President, Oregon Forest Industries Council: “Oregon is home to some of the most productive forests in the world, but the severe wildfire seasons in recent years have made it clear that many of these landscapes are increasingly vulnerable and at risk. In order to maintain this treasured resource for recreation, for key species habitat, and for the production of renewable building materials, the agencies that are responsible for keeping our communities and forests safe during wildfire season must have every tool in the toolbelt available for use. The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act is a perfect example of commonsense legislation that will facilitate the timely and effective use of one of the most essential suppression tools available to us. We urge Congress to take quick and decisive action in passing this Act.”
Doug Teeter, Butte County Supervisor: “The health, welfare, and economic prosperity of the residents of Butte County, along with many other rural communities, are uniquely reliant on—and impacted by—the Forest Service’s wildfire suppression efforts, which is why I am urging Congress to pass the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act to allow the Forest Service to continue deploying aerial fire retardants.”
Paul Petersen, Executive Director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA): "UAFA is deeply troubled by efforts to restrict the use of aerially applied fire retardant through legal challenges. At a time when wildfires are expanding rapidly into the Wildland-Urban Interface where communities are at greater risk, fire retardant is a proven, essential tool in assisting wildland firefighters in their fight to contain, control and defeat wildfire. The tools that slow or stop the spread of wildfire are critical to protecting lives and property. As this lawsuit threatens to continue into its third year, UAFA strongly supports Congressman LaMalfa and Senator Lummis' legislation, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025, which allows the federal, states, and tribal governments to continue the use of aerially applied fire retardants."
Bill Connelly, Rural County Representatives of California, Butte County Representative: “Aerial fire retardant is one of the most effective wildfire suppression tools in our firefighting arsenal. Its swift application can stop a wildfire from becoming catastrophic — saving lives, property, and landscapes. The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act will safeguard this critical tool for firefighting agencies, ultimately protecting our families, businesses, and communities.”
Greg Bolin, Town of Paradise, California: "No one knows the damage that wildfires can cause more so than communities like mine. We lost our town to one of the biggest fires in California history, so securing access to aerial fire retardants for wildfire suppression is a very personal issue for us. Our brave firefighters need every tool in the toolbox to protect human lives and property against wildfires, and the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act would significantly move the needle in that effort.”
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and 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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REDDING – The following Safety Roadside Rest Areas in District 2 have reopened following seasonal closures:

• Hillcrest Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 299, 4 miles east of Montgomery Creek, Shasta County)
• Massack Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 70, 6.5 miles east of Quincy, Plumas County)
• Lester T. Davis Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 70, 3 miles east of Portola, Plumas County)
• Shingletown Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 44, 3 miles east of Shingletown, Shasta County)

Please note:


The Lake Almanor Safety Roadside Rest Area (State Route 36, 4.3 miles east of Chester, Plumas County) remains closed at this time due to operations on the Chester Causeway Project. The facility is currently anticipated to reopen by the end of July, pending operations on the project.


Please note that Safety Roadside Rest Areas are subject to closure at any time. For a list of Safety Roadside Rest Areas availability throughout the state, please visit QuickMap.


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WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (May 8, 2025) - California gas prices have risen in the last few days, a trend that contrasts with sliding prices in most of the country.

The average price of gasoline in California is currently $4.82, an increase of five cents from last week. Despite this, gas prices remain lower than the $5.32 average Californians paid a year ago. Meanwhile, the national average is nearly 49 cents less than it was this time last year. 
“The biggest difference for gas prices this year has been the cost of crude oil,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson, AAA Mountain West Group. “OPEC+ (the group of oil-producing countries) announced Saturday that it will increase output again in June, widening the supply surplus, which could cause crude prices to continue to fall.”
Fuel Prices Around the State: 

• San Francisco: $5.13
• Oakland: $5.00
• San Jose: $5.01
• Sacramento: $4.93
• Fresno: $4.84
• Stockton: $4.84

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.09 million b/d last week to 8.71. Total domestic gasoline supply slightly increased from 225.5 million barrels to 225.7. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day. 
Oil Market Dynamics 
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.02 to settle at $58.07 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2 million barrels from the previous week. At 438.4 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year. 
EV Charging 
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station increased two cents over last week to 36 cents. 
State Stats 
Gas 
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.82), Hawaii ($4.49), Washington ($4.26), Oregon ($3.90), Nevada ($3.89), Alaska ($3.60), Illinois ($3.43), Pennsylvania ($3.30), Idaho ($3.30), and Utah ($3.30).  
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.64), Louisiana ($2.70), Oklahoma ($2.73), Arkansas ($2.74), Alabama ($2.75), Tennessee ($2.75), Texas ($2.76), South Carolina ($2.77), Missouri ($2.82), and Kansas ($2.83). 
Electric 
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Hawaii (54 cents), Alaska (47 cents), West Virginia (47 cents), Montana (44 cents), Louisiana (43 cents), Kentucky (42 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), Idaho (42 cents), South Carolina (41 cents), and New Hampshire (40 cents).   
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Delaware (26 cents), Iowa (27 cents),  Nebraska (29 cents), Utah (29 cents), Texas (30 cents), Maryland (30 cents), Vermont (30 cents), and North Carolina (31 cents). 
Find current fuel prices at gasprices.aaa.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release. 
About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.

 
By Bryan Golden
               Life is what happens while you are making other plans.  I have devoted a lot of space in this column to planning and goal setting.  Reality offers an endless barrage of diversions, detours, challenges, and obstacles.  This fact doesn't negate the benefit of preparation.  It simply requires an understanding of the type of forces at work.
     A sailor would be remiss if he didn't understand how to handle storms, currents, tides, sandbars, fog, and darkness.  Although the sailor has a clear destination in mind, the sea has it's own characteristics that can't be avoided or overcome.  Should a mariner deny its existence his time afloat is certainly limited. 
     Just as the seasoned mariner recognizes and comprehends the behavior of the ocean, you need to accept the existence of life’s surprises.  Once you do this, you will enhance your ability to successfully navigate the sea of life.
     What should you do when your day becomes messy?  How do you weather storms and avoid being derailed by obstacles.  How do you respond when your plans fall apart?  What strategy is appropriate when you feel things are going from bad to worse?
     A messy day is no more unusual than waves on the water.  Just go with the flow.  Don’t panic or despair.  Problems will be resolved and pass.  With time they will seem insignificant if they are remembered at all.  Accept messy days as normal and a fact of nature.  You can’t stop or prevent them but you can ride them out.
     Imagine walking down a bowling lane while people were bowling.  You had no choice; you needed to get from one end to the other.  What would you do?  If you were to panic and stand still you would surely get hit by a bowling ball.  To avoid injury, you would need to keep moving while constantly changing direction to avoid oncoming balls.  Yet you would always have the other end of the lane in sight. 
     Employing this strategy, you would make it to the end of the lane unscathed.  You begin each day at one end of the lane.  The far end represents the end of the day.  Some days there are no balls being thrown at you.  Other days they are non-stop.  Your life is no more than many days lined up in a row.  If you get through each one, you get through life.
     There are those days when everything feels like it’s going down hill fast.  One problem is followed by another.  You barely have time to catch your breath.  So be it.  It happens.  The challenge is to maintain your attitude in the face of this barrage.  This isn’t easy.  But if you don’t do it you risk becoming overwhelmed.
     Separate the issues.  Deal with each one independently.  Choose a course of action for each, take it, and then move onto the next one.  Don’t analyze things to death.  Make a decision.  If you don’t, someone or something will make it for you and it may not be one you are happy with.
     All the problems together are like a big box filled with bricks.  Trying to move the box while it’s full is extremely difficult, if not impossible.  Take one brick at a time and you can move any size box regardless of what it weighs when it’s loaded to capacity.
     These are just a few suggestions.  Find the one that works for you and stick with it.  You have to get through each day anyway, so you may as well be an active participant.  If you through your hands up in frustration, you throw away your rudder and make yourself vulnerable to drifting out of control.
     Life is messy.  Develop techniques to make the best of things and do what it takes to get the most from each day.
  Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits."  Contact Bryan at [email protected] or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2025 Bryan Golden

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Gold Lake Road is OPEN as of May 7, 2025.
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