QUINCY, Calif., December 16, 2025 — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District plan to resume pile burning operations this morning on Grizzly Ridge above the communities of Cromberg and Greenhorn Ranch, conditions permitting.
Firefighters plan to treat approximately 40 acres of machine piles.  Ignitions are expected to be completed today and firefighters are considering other pile burning units on the Ranger District for treatment this week through Friday as weather and conditions allow.
Smoke is expected to be visible in the area but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Cromberg, Sloat and Greenhorn Ranch.  Drivers on California State Highways 70 and 89 and neighboring roads will likely see smoke.
There are numerous organizations and members of the public who are also conducting burning operations throughout the area due to optimal fuel and weather conditions.  This is creating other areas with visible smoke and possible smoke impacts that are not associated with Plumas National Forest prescribed burning operations.  
Area residents and visitors should be prepared for possible smoke impacts and take precautionary measures if they are smoke sensitive.
There will be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area and traveling on Highways 70 and 89, particularly in the morning and evening hours.  Drivers in the area should use caution, watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways, and possible slow traffic.
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve.  Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout operations.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation.  Grounded in worldclass science and technology and rooted in communities, the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other.  The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological and social vitality.  The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world.  The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
 
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Top Tips for Fire Safety
​Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.
Develop More Fire-Safe Habits
Make & Practice a Home Fire Escape PlanYou know your entire family should practice your escape plan twice a year. But what is your escape plan? These guides will help you decide:

• If you live in a single family home »
• If you live in a multi-family home »
• If you live in a high-rise apartment complex »

Then, use our template to draw your home's unique escape routes:

• This printable worksheet will help you plan and practice home fire drills »

Remember These DOs and DON'Ts

• DO keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as space heaters.
• Smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the United States. So if you smoke:
  • DO take precautions: Smoke outside; choose fire-safe cigarettes; use deep, sturdy ashtrays and douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before disposal.
  • DON'T ever smoke in bed, when drowsy or medicated, or if anyone in the home is using oxygen.
• DO talk to children regularly about the dangers of fire, matches and lighters and keep them out of reach.
• DO turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• DO use flashlights when the power is out, not candles.
• DON'T leave a burning candle unattended, even for a minute.

Safeguard Your Home

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. 
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each separate sleeping area. Download the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet.
• Make sure your house number is easily readable from the street, even at night.
• Make sure your home heating sources are clean and in working order. Many home fires are started by poorly maintained furnaces or stoves, cracked or rusted furnace parts, or chimneys with creosote buildup. Download the Home Heating Fires Fact Sheet.
• Use kerosene heaters only if permitted by law. Refuel kerosene heaters only outdoors and after they have cooled.
• Check electrical wiring in your home:
  • Fix or replace frayed extension cords, exposed wires, or loose plugs.
  • Make sure wiring is not under rugs, attached by nails, or in high traffic areas.
  • Make sure electrical outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
  • Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
• Purchase only appliances and electrical devices (including space heaters) that bear the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Store combustible materials in open areas away from heat sources. Place rags used to apply flammable household chemicals in metal containers with tight-fitting lids.

Guard Against Kitchen Fires

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. Stay in the home while simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food.
• Keep pets off cooking surfaces and countertops.
• Keep the stove area clean and clear of things that can catch fire, such as pot holders, towels, curtains, bags, and other appliances.
• If you are cooking and a fire starts in a pan, slide a lid over the burning pan and turn off the burner. Leave the lid in place until the pan is completely cool. Moving the pan can cause serious injury or spread the fire. Never pour water on grease fires. Download the Cooking Fires Fact Sheet.

Prevent Your Pets from Starting FiresThe National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets. The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have joined forces to provide the following tips:

• Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

• Remove Stove Knobs - Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

• Invest in Flameless Candles - These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

• Secure Young Pets - keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Serving the People of Assembly District 1
Published on December 12, 2025



Here’s a quick recap of what we covered this week—key takeaways, important announcements, and memorable moments. Let’s dive on in!

Secure Rural Schools Passes Congress, Heads to President’s Desk

Secure Rural Schools (SRS) cleared a major milestone this week as Congress voted to reauthorize the program, sending it to the President’s desk for final approval. This is a significant win for California’s forested, rural counties — especially in Assembly District 1, which receives nearly 60% of the state’s total SRS funding.
Assemblymember Heather Hadwick has been a strong advocate for renewing SRS and traveled to Washington, D.C. in October alongside rural education leaders and local students to push for its passage. Their firsthand stories about how SRS supports classrooms, transportation, and essential county services helped underscore the urgency of reauthorization.
Hadwick called the congressional vote “a critical step toward keeping our rural schools, roads, and public safety services whole” and thanked the bipartisan coalition that helped move the bill forward.
With sincere thanks to our partners and advocates who helped move Secure Rural Schools forward:

• Congressman Doug LaMalfa and his staff, especially Sam Dorsey, for their leadership and hard work.
• Jaime Green, Trinity County Superintendent of Schools
• Sheree Beans, Associate Superintendent
• Morgan Nugent, Superintendent, Fall River Joint Unified School District
• Yuri Calderon, Executive Director, Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA)
• The Forested Counties and Schools Coalition

We are also grateful to the organizations and supporters who helped make it possible for students to return to Washington, D.C., and share their stories:

• Association of California Loggers
• Loggers of Northern California
• PG&E
• Senator Shannon Grove
• Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez
• Redding Rancheria
• Modoc County Farm Bureau
• California Professional Firefighters

Once signed by the President, the renewed SRS program will deliver stable, much-needed support for communities throughout the Sierra-Cascade and North State!

Assemblywoman Hadwick Attends California Cattlemen’s Conference

Assemblymember Heather Hadwick attended the California Cattlemen’s Conference in Reno last week, where she had the honor of presenting a resolution recognizing CCA President Rick Roberti for his leadership on the ongoing wolf crisis impacting producers throughout Assembly District 1.
District 1 was well represented among this year’s honorees. Mike Byrne received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Carolyn Roberti earned 3rd place for the CCA Top Hand Award, and the late Dr. Ken Tate was honored with the Gordon Van Vleck Memorial Award.
Hadwick praised the California Cattlemen’s Association for its strong advocacy, noting the value of the conference’s presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. She also reflected on her own family’s small Highland cattle operation, underscoring her firsthand understanding of the challenges facing ranching families.
Hadwick reaffirmed her commitment to serving as a voice for producers and protecting the rural way of life across the district.

State Invests in New Wood Product Innovation Projects
The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation has awarded nearly $450,000 in new grants to support wood product innovation and forest health across the state.
Four projects were selected to help turn forest biomass and woody debris into useful products that support restoration, reduce wildfire risk, and store carbon. The grants will fund work to test new uses for beetle-infested tanoak, expand a marketplace platform so small Northern California mills can sell their products, prototype a California-sourced mass timber housing system to help address homelessness, and evaluate biochar production from forest restoration debris.
By creating new markets for wood products and forest byproducts, these investments aim to reduce the amount of material left in burn piles or on the forest floor—helping lower wildfire fuel loads while supporting rural economies and climate goals.

Legislative Update
*The Legislature is now in Interim Recess, meaning the Assembly and Senate will not meet or pass legislation until January 2026* 
*Governor Newsom had until midnight on October 13 to sign or veto all bills passed by the legislature this year *
 Update on Assemblywoman Hadwick’s Bills
 *Assemblywoman Hadwick concluded the 2025 legislative year with eight of her own bills signed into law and nine additional bills she co-authored also signed*
 To keep updated on the status of legislation, check out Assemblywoman Hadwick’s social media or the California Legislative Information website.

Assemblywoman Hadwick in the MediaAssemblywoman Hadwick has been actively engaging with media outlets to discuss critical issues affecting our district.
Assemblywoman Hadwick in the News:

• Hadwick celebrates congressional action for critical secure rural school funding – Lassen News 
• Flora Receives Assembly GOP Leadership Assignment - myMotherLode.com
• Wicks to Chair New Assembly Select Committee on Housing Construction Innovation - Davis Vanguard  
• California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Discusses 2026 Education Proposals with Literacy Task Force, Legislators and Educators Including a Five-Year Plan to Help Students Reach Literacy by Third Grade 

ICYMI in AD-1: 

• LaMalfa leads house in renewing Secure Rural Schools payments – Lassen News 
• Holiday drive for pets | The Alpine Sun
• Hometown Heroes: Wreaths Across America — December 13th | On the Vine | ledger.news
• Forest Service seeks feedback on Caldor Fire restoration | News | mtdemocrat.com 
• Astound expands high-speed internet in Placer, Yolo communities
• California mountain town in shock after sudden closure of historic mill 

 
Thank you for staying informed and engaged! Please feel free to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns.
Follow Assemblywoman Hadwick on social media and stay connected!


State Capitol Office
1021 O Street, Suite 5710
P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
916-319-2001
Redding District Office
930 Executive Way, Suite 201
Redding, CA 96002
530-223-6300
Jackson District Office
810 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Jackson, CA 95642
530-265-0601

I often hear from constituents looking for help with a project that is vital to their community’s future and well-being – from thinning brush for a firebreak to building a new medical clinic.

It’s wonderful to be able to contribute to solving local problems‚ and sometimes money can be found through the annual budget process. Honestly‚ though‚ that is rare and will be especially so as the Legislature works to close large deficits in the coming year.

But many programs are funded by the Legislature – or federal government – and run through state agencies as competitive grant or loan programs.

Did you know you can find those all in one place?

The California State Library maintains the California Grants Portal‚ which aims to capture every upcoming opportunity to apply for funding through state agencies‚ with filters to narrow by the applicant type‚ the area of interest‚ and your timeline.

Are you a school looking to improve its kitchen facilities to provide better meals for students?

A mountain town trying to improve access to local trails?

A land trust working to preserve oak woodlands?

A tribal government protecting water quality after a wildfire?

There’s a grant program where your project just might be a good fit – and many more.

These programs are competitive and there’s almost always too much paperwork‚ so asking doesn’t make success automatic‚ but opportunities are definitely available.

If I can provide a letter of support for a grant application that has broad community support or otherwise assist‚ I am almost always glad to do it‚ to ensure that our tax dollars come back to the 1st Senate District to meet local needs. Contact my office if you’d like to discuss a specific project. ​[email protected]

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OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) Toxicology Program was awarded a $3 million grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to improve toxicology testing for drug impaired driving statewide. BFS’s Toxicology Program will use the funding to analyze blood and urine samples taken from drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI), critical work that helps law enforcement agencies bring perpetrators to justice and aims to reduce the number of people hurt or killed in traffic crashes.
“I am very proud of the important work carried out by our Bureau of Forensic Services. This ongoing work will be bolstered thanks to a $3 million grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As a part of its critical work, our Bureau of Forensic Services provides high-quality and affordable forensic toxicology services to counties all over California that do not have their own laboratories. The California Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that no matter where you live in California, everyone has equal access to forensic services in the justice system. We thank the Office of Traffic Safety for buoying this commitment.”
BFS is the scientific arm of the Attorney General’s Office whose mission is to serve the people of California on behalf of the Attorney General's Office. Forensic scientists collect, analyze, and compare physical evidence from suspected crimes. They provide analysis of evidence in toxicology: including alcohol, controlled substances and clandestine drug labs; biology and DNA; firearms; impression evidence such as shoeprints, tire marks, or fingerprints; trace evidence including hair, fibers, and paint; and crime-scene analysis of blood spatter patterns and evidence collection. They also testify in state and federal court cases about their analyses in criminal trials.
The BFS regional lab system was established in 1972 to provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies that did not have access to local crime laboratory services. Today, the BFS system serves 46 of the state's 58 counties and operates 10 regional laboratories (Eureka, Santa Rosa, Redding, Chico, Sacramento, Central Valley, Fresno, Freedom, Santa Barbara, Riverside) and a Toxicology Laboratory in Sacramento.
Additionally, several BFS labs focus on DNA by analyzing biological evidence seized by law enforcement in criminal cases: Central Valley, Fresno, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, and the Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory in Richmond. The Jan Bashinski Laboratory in Richmond conducts research to advance DNA typing and coordinates the development of statewide standards on forensic DNA analysis. The laboratory has established CAL-DNA, a computerized DNA identification data bank to which evidence analysis results can be compared to identify unknown offenders. This database works in conjunction with the National DNA Index System (NDIS) as part of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

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AAA Weekly Fuel Report
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2025) - The holiday season is delivering a gift for California drivers as the average gas prices across the state dropped 10 cents since last week to $4.41 per gallon of regular gasoline.

Nationwide the average has dropped 5 cents since last week to $2.94 marking the lowest gas prices in four years. The national average has stayed below the $3 mark since hitting $2.99 on December 2. As a record number of travelers prepare to hit the road later this month, they’ll be paying less than they were last holiday season when the national average was $3.04 to close out 2024.

Fuel Prices Around the State: 
San Francisco: $4.41
Oakland: $4.32
San Jose: $4.23
Sacramento: $4.27
Fresno: $4.27
Stockton: $4.08

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.32 million b/d last week to 8.45 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 214.4 million barrels to 220.8 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose 21 cents to settle at $58.46 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories decreased by 1.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 425.7 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% 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 stayed the same this past week at 38 cents. In California, it’s 42 cents.
State Stats
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are Hawaii ($4.44), California ($4.41), Washington ($4.04), Oregon ($3.66), Alaska ($3.63), Nevada ($3.55), Arizona ($3.20), Washington, DC ($3.19), Pennsylvania ($3.17), and New York ($3.11).

The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($2.36), Texas ($2.51), Iowa ($2.52), Colorado ($2.52), Arkansas ($2.53), Mississippi ($2.54), Wiscon-sin ($2.57), Louisiana ($2.57), Missouri ($2.59), and Kentucky ($2.59).

Electric

The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (51 cents), Alaska (48 cents), Hawaii (48 cents), Louisiana (44 cents), New Hampshire (44 cents), South Carolina (44 cents), New Jersey (43 cents), Alabama (42 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), and Arizona (42 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (26 cents), Wyoming (26 cents), Missouri (28 cents), Nebraska (29 cents), Ver-mont (31 cents), Utah (32 cents), Delaware (32 cents), Iowa (32 cents), Maryland (32cents), and New Mexico (33 cents).

Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay. 
Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release. 


About AAA Mountain West Group

AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Montana, and Utah. 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.

Delays Anticipated As New Bridge Span Opens
NEVADA COUNTY – Caltrans is alerting motorists about an extended lane closure scheduled along Interstate 80 (I-80) near the junction with State Route 20 (SR 20) as construction shifts eastbound I-80 traffic to the new bridge span as part of the $112 million Yuba Pass Separation Overhead Bridge Project.


Starting Sunday, December 14 at 7 p.m., crews will reduce eastbound and westbound I-80 to one lane in each direction through the project area. During the extended closures, crews will move temporary barriers and perform additional tie-in work reconnecting the highway to the new bridge.


Motorists may experience delays up to 30 minutes and are encouraged to factor in additional travel times along the I-80 Sierra corridor. One lane of eastbound traffic will shift onto the new bridge span by Tuesday, December 16.


The extended lane closures will remain in place for additional work until 5 p.m. Friday, December 19. At that time both eastbound and westbound I-80 will reopen to two lanes in each direction with a shoulder. The Yuba Gap on- and off-ramps along eastbound I-80 and the eastbound I-80 to westbound SR 20 connector ramp will also reopen. 
Motorists are reminded that the speed limit within the construction zone has been reduced to 55 mph and the California Highway Patrol will be present for traffic enforcement. 


Additional work is anticipated to fully winterize the project before the end of the year. Crews are scheduled to return in the spring to demolish and rebuild the westbound bridge span.


The extended lane closures will help to minimize the duration of the work and improve workers’ safety. The schedule is subject to change or be delayed due to weather, availability of materials or other unexpected events.
Flatiron Construction of Concord is the prime contractor. The project will replace the current bridge and improve freight efficiency along I-80 by increasing the load carrying capacity for extra-legal load trucks. The project will also construct median barriers, upgrade drainage and install roadway weather information systems. The project is expected to be completed by winter 2027.


The project includes $13.4 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. 


Visit build.ca.gov to learn more about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout the state.  


Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.
 

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Navigate holiday traffic and crowds with expert travel tips from AAA
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2025) - In California, more than 16.5 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 13-day year-end holiday period beginning December 20 and ending January 1, an increase of more than 445,000 compared with 2024’s numbers.

AAA projects nationwide 122.4 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home in that period. This year’s forecast is a 2.2% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.
“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations,” said Doug Johnson, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.”


AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety this holiday season
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month which serves as a timely reminder to make safe choices and stay vigilant. 

• Make a plan. AAA and MADD encourage travelers to plan safe rides home during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road. 
  
• Get home safely. Drivers should be alert at all times, ensure everyone is buckled up, and should pull off to the side of the road if they become fatigued. 
  
• Get your vehicle checked before hitting the road. The most common calls for services were for issues with dead batteries, flat tires, and empty fuel tanks.
  
• AAA to the rescue. During last year’s year-end holiday period, AAA responded to more than 71,000 emergency roadside assistance calls to help stranded drivers in Northern California.
  
• “Slow Down, Move Over” for stopped vehicles.  AAA Mountain West Group has invested heavily in new safety technology to keep our road service providers safe but we need your help. Slow Down, Move Over means when you see stopped vehicles on the side of the road, reduce your speed and change lanes.
  Year-End Travelers by Mode of Transportation
  

By Car: Nationwide this year, 89% of holiday travelers will take road trips. In California, the average cost per gallon of regular gasoline is $4.43, 8 cents higher than this time last year. In California, 14.5 million will be traveling by car, compared with 14.1 million last year. Nationwide AAA projects 109.5 million people will travel by car for their year-end trips, an increase of 2% compared to last year. For the first time in 4 years, the national average dropped below $3 a gallon this month, and prices could continue dropping as 2025 comes to a close, making them lower compared to the last holiday season when the national average was $3.04. 
By Air: In California, more than 1.5 million travelers plan to fly. Nationwide, AAA projects a record 8.03 million travelers taking domestic flights this holiday season, a 2.3% increase compared to last year. This will be the first time on record that the number of domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million. 
By Other Modes: In California, more than 542 thousand people will be traveling by bus, train, or cruise. Travel by other modes nationwide is expected to go up by 9% with 4.9 million people traveling by other means. This category has seen a 25% increase since 2019, mainly due to therecord-setting demand for cruises post-pandemic. 

Media Toolkit
Video soundbites are available and can be downloaded here: Winter Driving Tips; Busiest Times to Travel; Travel Checklist. The spokesperson is Doug Johnson, AAA Mountain West Group.
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA Mobile App, now available on CarPlay. Find current fuel prices at GasPrices.AAA.com. Find local news releases at mwg.aaa.com/news/press-release. 

About AAA Mountain West Group

AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Montana, and Utah. 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.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at Christmas Festival in Old Town Portola

Washington, D.C.--Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) led the effort in the House of Representatives to pass the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, which reauthorizes Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments to rural counties in Northern California and across the country. This legislation passed by a vote of 399-5 and is the first time in recent history that legislation reauthorizing this program passed as a standalone bill.

The SRS program was last reauthorized in 2021 and expired in Fiscal Year 2023 with the last set of payments going out in 2024. Counties have already missed critical payments this year, and future payments were in jeopardy with the program expired. Congressman LaMalfa introduced legislation to reauthorize SRS payments in the House, and worked with the Speaker and Majority Leader since the beginning of the year to bring an SRS bill to the House floor for a vote.
“For rural counties, Secure Rural Schools funding is essential,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “These payments help keep schools open, keep roads maintained, and help ensure sheriff, fire, and emergency services remain in place when federal timber revenues fall short. When the program lapsed, rural schools and counties were cut short of the funding they rely on to provide basic services. This bill restores that funding and keeps future payments on schedule. What we actually need is to rebuild a strong timber economy so these areas can rely on real revenue again.”
Since its enactment, the SRS program has provided $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states.
In 2024, California received $33.7 million in SRS payments, including over $12 million for counties located in the First Congressional District. However, when the program lapsed, payments reverted to a different formula, and most counties saw an 80% reduction in funding. This resulted in teachers being laid off, schools forced to make cuts, and roads left unrepaired.
The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act restores the missed 2024 payment and authorizes payments for 2025 and 2026. Once this bill is signed into law and SRS payments are made, rural counties and schools should be able to restart programs and rehire teachers and staff.
You can view Rep. LaMalfa leading debate on the House floor here.
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.
​

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House voted overwhelmingly to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which is proudly cosponsored by Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA). SRS provides essential funding to public schools in rural communities across the United States, including those in California’s Third Congressional District.
The SRS program was created in 2000 to offset revenue losses for counties containing large areas of National Forest land, where timber sales have been dropping. These declines have directly impacted several rural counties in Congressman Kiley’s district, where local school budgets are heavily reliant on this federal support.
“For our rural communities, the Secure Rural Schools program is not optional, it is essential,” said Rep. Kiley. “These funds keep teachers in classrooms, maintain critical services, and ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education. I’m proud that the House has acted to fully restore this support, and I will continue fighting to make sure our rural counties are never left behind.”
The most recent congressional authorization for the SRS program expired in September 2023, leaving a significant funding gap. Without reauthorization, counties in California’s Third District were set to receive just $4.49 million, a sharp drop from the $8.59 million they will receive under the fully funded SRS program, a shortfall of more than $4 million that would jeopardizes the quality of education and essential services in rural schools.
Click here to watch Rep. Kiley’s House floor remarks.
Click here to learn more about the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act.
Rep. Kiley serves on the Education Committee, chairs the Subcommittee on K–12 Education, and is a former teacher.
​

Two floors of gorgeous and unique hand crafts were featured December 6th at the Loyalton Assembly of God's Church Hall. A tasty lunch of soup and sandwiches was served along with a variety of beverages. This fun event brought the community together prior to Christmas on Main Street which featured a lighting contest, Santa and the Grinch, Open Houses and of course, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and fire truck rides and Light Parade.

A comprehensive presentation on Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) was delivered by local producer Crystal Emsoff during the Small Livestock Seminar held November 18th at Loyalton Elementary School. Crystal and her husband, Frank, own and operate Emsoff Livestock Company in Long Valley, where they raise sheep, a few goats, and a small herd of cattle. The backbone of their predator-management program is a group of well-trained LGDs.
Emsoff explained that LGD breeds were originally developed in Europe and Asia specifically to guard livestock from wolves and other large predators. These dogs are bred to live outdoors year-round and to remain with the animals they protect. Independent by nature, they rely heavily on instinct.
“They know their job and they do it,” Emsoff said.
LGDs typically have a low prey drive, allowing them to remain safe and calm around newborn animals. Despite their gentle behavior toward livestock, they possess a strong protective instinct that makes them highly effective guardians.
Emsoff outlined several types of LGDs, beginning with what she referred to as the Big White Dogs (BWDs). These breeds are generally easier to manage and make a good choice for producers operating on smaller acreages. However, they tend to be less capable when confronting wolves.
For operations facing greater predator pressure, Emsoff highlighted breeds such as the Kangal, Spanish Mastiff, and Central Asian Shepherd. These dogs are more formidable against wolves but require more management skill. Their role is to create a “canine buffer zone” that deters predators through barking, howling, urine marking, and—only when necessary—direct confrontation.
“The whole idea is to encourage predators to find an easier meal elsewhere,” she said.
At Emsoff Livestock Company, the family uses and breeds crossbred LGDs, including lines with Maremma, Central Asian Shepherd and Spanish Mastiff genetics.
Emsoff cautioned that LGDs are not ideal for people with fewer than five acres, emphasizing the need for solid fencing, a willingness to adapt, and readiness to modify livestock-management routines. While 99% of the dogs’ behavior is instinctual, proper leash training remains essential. Also, cattle can be more difficult for dogs to guard since cattle spread out a lot more rather than staying in a tight flock like sheep, but with the right manangement the dogs can still be useful with cattle.
Financial preparedness is also important. LGDs are large dogs with ongoing needs—food, vaccinations, and deworming—so producers must be ready for the cost.
The number of LGDs required varies depending on acreage size, terrain, livestock type, and predator pressure. Emsoff recommends starting with at least two dogs, ideally a male-female pair, and increasing numbers as needed. She also noted that wolves present a unique challenge: wolf packs can overpower dogs if there are not enough of them. For this reason, a pack of dogs is required to guard against a pack of wolves. Her ranch outfits their six to eight LGDs with spiked wolf collars for added neck protection.
A strong dog-stock bond is foundational. Puppies should be born and raised with livestock and purchased from breeders who use their dogs in similar working conditions. Upon arrival, pups are placed in a secure pen with gentle stock to build the bond immediately.
Daily handling during chores, consistent leash training, and immediate correction of rough behavior are all essential steps. Since bored puppies are more likely to get into trouble, Emsoff begins letting them out on pasture during the day at four to six months old, but plans on it taking about a year before the dogs are mature enough to effectively guard.
Beyond LGDs, Emsoff also employs other strategies to reduce depredation. Lambing in the barn and night penning keeps animals close to home and easier for the dogs to protect. Grazing their sheep and cattle together in the same pasture ensures they all have the protection of the dogs. Cellular trail cameras also play a crucial role, providing real-time monitoring of pastures and predator activity.
 

 

Plumas County Supervisor Dwight Ceresola with Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick

​ASSEMBLYMEMBER HEATHER HADWICK held a  Town Hall meeting at the Milton Gottardi Museum in Loyalton November 19th after confusion of it having been advertised as the “Social Hall,” and amid the noise of the City Center’s roof repair.
Assemblywoman Hadwick was joined by her Legislative Director Andrew Nickens.
She talked of  efforts to “hit every one of the 11 counties,” which she described as the “prettiest district,” and very unique. Hadwick co-owns a small farm and pumpkin patch in Modoc County with her husband, and told of having gotten a lot done.
Assemblywoman Hadwick concluded the 2025 legislative year with eight of her own bills signed into law and nine additional bills she co-authored also signed. 
Assembly Bill 1038, her legislation aimed at preventing dangerous encounters between people and California’s growing black bear population, was a two-year bill which got reconsideration.
A “big win” was for the tax exemption for Bear Fire victims, which she compared to the L.A. fires and stated, “needs solutions.”
The Assemblywoman told of her fight on a lot of bills which she described as “bad ideas,” and “would not work where we live.” She talked of her work across the aisle and “a lot of good working relationships.” She stated to want to “bring money back and enjoy rural life.” She described how big the difference of “urban versus rural,” and told of teaching people how we live, calling us “frontier” rather than “rural.”
Assemblywoman Hadwick called it a “different fight,” bringing people, including legislators, and doing tours, specifically like a forestry tour in Chester, hoping they make better decisions. That shows we care about where we live, she stated, and how they “truly don’t know what they don’t know.” She stated the “concept of wolves is hard for them,” and the need to “find things to agree on.”
Ca. Cattlemen’s Assoc. President and Rancher Rick Roberti told how the wolf “had taken the whole state.” There was talk on how the deer herd had declined.
The Assemblywoman discussed Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding with Assembly District 1 receiving nearly 60% of the SRS funds that come to California, and all 11 of our counties rely on this support.
Her focus, she said, was on wolves, health care, and insurance where she would see the most challenges.
On insurance, she said it’s all going up and they needed to “get leadership to change.” She told of needing a new insurance commissioner, calling it “very complex.”
From the audience, Plumas County realtor Mimi Garner told of real estate suffering and called building “moot.” She questioned CA Recycle and wanted the Eastern Plumas Recreation District Park in Chilcoot. The Assemblywoman is in support of a bill for a grant writer in each county.
Sierra County Supervisor Sharon Dryden came in from a Transportation Committee meeting and started discussion on speed limits. Sharon told the Assemblywoman, “Any rural community with a State highway running through it wants lower speed limits.” AB 1013 was discussed which will take effect in January. Section 4 of the bill amended Section 22358.8 of the Vehicle Code allowing a local authority to retain the currently adopted speed limit or restore the immediately prior adopted speed limit on a highway that is not a freeway if that speed limit was established with an engineering and traffic survey.
According to Legislative Director Nickens, “Our understanding is that these communities should have no issue retaining the current speed limits set in these communities. Our office is committed to working with local and state partners to keep residents in rural Northern California safe.”
Following a leisurely talk with constituents, the Assemblywoman and Legislative Director left Loyalton headed to Downieville and then to Yreka.

​A PUBLIC HEARING to consider the revocation of Special Use Permit (SUP) No. 792 granting permission to mine for the Original Sixteen to One Mine was conducted during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on December 2nd. 
Planning & Building Director Brandon Pangman explained the purpose was to conduct a public hearing and decide whether or not to revoke. He stressed Sierra County is mining friendly and they were not interested in shutting it down, but need them to come back into compliance. He stated there was a Federal case pending on who owns the mine and have been dealing with the current operator Roger Haas of Quartz View Inc. Pangman said Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) applies when there is any surface disturbance. It requires a special use permit to mine and when SMARA is triggered it requires a Reclamation Plan. Adding the Plan works hand in hand with the SUP. Once approved by the county and state there are annual reports and the county has to do annual inspections to make sure it’s in compliance. He noted through the annual inspection process going on about 30 years they have not been in compliance despite repeated requests to update the SUP and Plan to more accurately describe the site conditions. 
The Sierra County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on this issue, and on September 25th recommended the SUP be revoked.
Planner Ashley Powell walked the board through the administrative record and listed outstanding violations. She stated on October 2, 2025 the Planning Department received an incomplete application from Quartz View, Inc. which took over mine operations in April of 2022. On October 16th a letter was sent back to Quartz View citing this and to date there had been no response. 
Roger Haas, CEO of Quartz View, stated they “took over this mess” and are working hard to get into compliance.
He said the hardest part has been water quality control and EPA. They now have a process to treat the water and plan to move the mine into total compliance. He explained previous owner Michael Miller never gave them any records of the mine, so they are trying to figure it all out. He felt if they could get an extension on existing SUP, he could amend it to bring it into compliance in three years. Haas stated getting the water quality solved will help them to make an intelligent plan on what they can do with the mine. They already hauled away 50 junk cars, 700 gallons of used motor oil, and about a thousand florescent light tubes. He admitted not paying much attention to Sierra County due to trying to get the water quality fixed first. 
Michael Miller encouraged them to revoke the SUP, calling it outdated and not required. He stated mining is a great asset and a wonderful thing for Sierra County and the mine can operate without the SUP. 
Pangman responded from their standpoint the code clearly states “you may not mine without an SUP and Reclamation Plan.” He said the only way you can make the argument is with vested rights and that’s never been a determination and no such claim has been made by the operator. If the SUP is revoked mining must immediately stop and may not continue in any form. 
Board Chair Lee Adams stated there was a reason for SMARA and other regulations to keep everyone safe. He was sad with the thought of having this permit cancelled but something had to change. Adams suggested the board consider a six-month review to see where Haas and Quartz View are on making progress. Pangman felt this was reasonable if they receive a complete application so they can start getting through the process. Adams said if no progress has been made within the six month extension, the SUP will be revoked.
An alternative resolution was read aloud allowing for a 6-month extension no later than July 1st and was unanimously approved.

QUINCY, Calif. – On December 6, at approximately 8:50 a.m., a highway violence incident occurred on southbound US-395 in the vicinity of the Long Valley Agricultural Inspection Station. The incident involved two vehicles, each occupied by multiple individuals, all residents of Reno, Nevada. Both vehicles pulled to the right shoulder, where a confrontation ensued.
At the same time, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officer from the Portola Resident Post was conducting patrol in the immediate area. As the officer arrived on scene, a shooting occurred between the involved parties. The officer immediately detained all individuals and began administering medical aid to the injured.
Despite lifesaving efforts, two individuals succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Multiple allied agencies responded to assist with scene security, highway closure, and the ongoing investigation. All involved parties, including the individuals suspected of the shooting, have been identified. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Southbound US-395 remained closed for an extended period while investigators processed the scene. Traffic was detoured using Red Rock Road.
The CHP is requesting that any additional witnesses or individuals with information contact the Quincy CHP Office at 530-283-1100. For information regarding the deceased, contact the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office at 775-785-6144.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

 
OROVILLE, Calif., December 6, 2025 — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District plan to conduct prescribed burning operations next week at locations including Sawmill Peak, the Concow area and Challenge with ignitions planned Tuesday through Thursday, conditions permitting.
Approximately 400 acres are planned in the Sawmill Peak and Concow area, starting with approximately 106 acres of combined hand and machine piles and underburning Tuesday morning.
Work to prepare the unit being treated on Sawmill Peak for prescribed burning was completed by the Butte County Fire Safe Council.  This is part of ongoing work for critical fuel reduction for community protection and reduce the risk of wildfire.
The remaining acreage in the area will include combined hand pile and underburning in the Concow area in units on the Rim, in the Basin and surrounding area as fuels and weather conditions allow.
The Butte County Resource Conservation District completed the work to prepare this unit for treatment as part of post-fire recovery and forest resilience work.
All of the units being treated are in areas either directly affected by or burned in the 2018 Camp Fire.
Smoke will be highly visible during these operations to the surrounding area, including the communities of Magalia, Paradise and Concow, as well as in the Sacramento Valley and California State Highway 70.
Firefighters also plan to continue work in the Challenge area next week, with approximately 300 acres of combined pile burning and underburning possible as fuels and weather conditions allow.
The operations are part of ongoing fuel reduction to protect the community of Challenge and the surrounding area.  The community was evacuated and the area was threatened by the 2020 North Complex.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Concow, Magalia, Paradise, Jarbo Gap and Challenge, as well as Rim Road, Concow Road, California State Highway 70, La Porte Road and the surrounding area.  
Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along Rim Road, Concow Road and neighboring forest roads.  Visibility on roads in the project areas may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.
During the evening smoke may settle in lower areas including Challenge and Concow.  Individuals who are smoke sensitive in these areas are advised to monitor conditions and take precautions if needed.
There will also be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area, including on Rim Road, Concow Road, California State Highway 70 and La Porte Road.  Drivers in the area should use caution, watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways, and possible slow traffic.
Area residents and visitors planning to recreate in or travel through the area are asked to be aware of their surroundings, be prepared for possible short-term smoke and reduced visibility, and to watch for vehicle traffic and firefighters working near roads.
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve.  Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout the operation.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation.  Grounded in worldclass science and technology and rooted in communities, the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other.  The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological and social vitality.  The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world.  The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
 
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

For years‚ hunters concerned about the health of the state’s deer herds have urged the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to do more to support and enhance this important resource.

The department is now getting to work on that effort‚ drafting a new Deer Conservation and Management Plan. It will be holding a meeting to discuss the draft plan‚ take input and answer questions Monday‚ Dec. 8‚ at Shasta College in Redding.

Hunters and anyone else interested in deer management are welcome‚ and parking is free at the college after 5 p.m.

• Statewide Deer Conservation and Management Plan Development Public Meeting
• 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m on Monday‚ Dec. 8
• Shasta College Farm Pavilion‚ 11555 Old Oregon Trail
• For more information‚ email [email protected].

While this is a regional meeting for the North State‚ the department says other meetings around Northern California are also planned in the coming months. Staff will present to the Siskiyou County Fish and Game Commission at its regular meeting Tuesday‚ Dec. 9. That meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Lake Shastina Golf Course‚ 5925 Country Club Drive‚ and the public is welcome.

Where's Santa taking Marco!!!!
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Don hanging the lights at the Top Story; nice job!
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Annie, Craig & Jim in action........

The kiosk is well decorated and lit - ready for action tomorrow after Mike Welbourn did final touches.

With Jessica and Wendy, you know it's gotta be good!

Mighty helper..........Now where did he lose that screw?  

JOIN THIS FUN CREW tomorrow starting at 9 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church Hall's Crafts Show with 20-+ local artists. Sip & Stroll through the museum, thrift store, Library at 1 p.m. with Santa, through the Christmas Market at Sierra Valley Home Center and Lombardi Mercantile. Leonards, White's, the Senior Center and the Resource Center, CalAIM Team and the kiosk will all have refreshments. The Evergreen Stage will feature live holiday performances. Don't miss this fun day.  

The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that Cheryl Taddei has been located safe in Lake County.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, our partner agencies, and the community for their assistance and shared awareness during this investigation. We would also like to thank Cheryl’s father for his cooperation and support throughout the search.
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s help in bringing this matter to a safe resolution.


Chandler Peay
Deputy Sheriff/Public Information Officer
Communications Supervisor