As of 12:00 AM yesterday, I am no longer a Member of the California State Assembly. My term in office has expired and the new Assembly will be sworn on Monday.

My term in Congress begins on January 3. While amazingly, ballots are still being counted, at this point the scope of our victory has come into focus: We received more votes than any Republican running for Congress in California.

And as the 218th race to be called nationwide, our campaign was also the one that ushered in a new Majority in the House of Representatives – ending the Speakership of Nancy Pelosi and claiming a mandate to hold Joe Biden accountable.

It has been a whirlwind since Election Day, and I’ve spent two of the last three weeks in D.C. for orientation. So I apologize I haven’t provided more updates recently. But in the coming days I’m planning to write posts on the following:

• Election results across California.

• My impressions after two weeks in D.C.

• The new GOP Majority’s plans for oversight of the Biden Administration.

• What to expect at the State Capitol, and how we can keep fighting for sanity in California with my new role in Congress.

In the meantime, you can see my recent national TV interviews here. There is so much to do, and I can’t wait to get started.

Kevin Kiley
Congressman-Elect

 
By Bryan Golden
 
Among other things, the holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts. The question most often asked of people is, "what did you get?" Much less frequently asked is, "what did you give?" Invariably, the inquiries concern material gifts. Purchasing a gift can certainly be thoughtful and a wonderful gesture, especially when it's backed up by your actions.
 
However, the most valuable presents are those that aren't sold in stores. When you give your love, your time, help someone in need, aid another in solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle, you give something priceless.
 
The true spirit of the holidays is giving. When you give, you receive. You can get anything in life you want by helping enough others get what they want. But only if you give without expecting anything in return. The impact of giving isn't limited to just the holiday season, it's something that has value all year.
 
The power of giving is often underestimated. When you give unconditionally, you don't just impact the recipient; you start a chain reaction. By brightening the life of one person you also affect all those who they then touch.
 
No gesture of giving or kindness is too small. Holding the door open at a store, helping someone carry groceries to their car, letting another car in front of you, saying please and thank you, and saying hello to a stranger you pass on the sidewalk, are some of the many things you can do daily.
 
For family and friends, your time is one of the most precious gifts you can offer. Are you there for others when they need you? Do you offer a hand without being asked? Do you help out when asked?
 
Too often, people get caught up in their own desires, thus losing sight of the needs of others. A person who tries to get through life by looking out for himself or herself first is invariably frustrated. Often this person views life as a competition to determine who can accumulate more.
 
On the other hand, those who are concerned for the wellbeing of others are happier, more content, and more satisfied. By giving without expecting, they in turn receive the things they need.
 
Giving is a simple concept that works every time it is applied. There will be people who don't appreciate what you do, but it doesn't matter. You are giving without anticipating anything in return. Besides, there will be many more who are thankful for your efforts.
 
If you don't treat others well, buying a gift won't compensate for your behavior. The recipient might like what you give them but it won't make up for your actions. You can't bribe someone to forgive the way you treat them with a present.
 
The best gift you can receive is the joy of making someone else happy. Being unselfish is a wonderful way to live. When you give with no ulterior motives, your actions are seen as genuine. Should you expect something in return, your behavior is always suspect. We all know people who do nice things only when they want something in return.
 
Make giving a daily routine. Don't start and end with the holiday season. Every day is a good day to do something nice. When people feel good due to your actions, you can't help but feel happy yourself.  And that is priceless. The most significant action you can take is having a positive impact on the lives of others.
 
Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits."  Contact Bryan at Bryan@columnist.com or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2022 Bryan Golden
 
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Today, Governor Newsom called for a special session of the Legislature on December 5. Vice Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Central Valley), issued the following statement:
 

“With soaring inflation, everyday Californians are hurting. The affordability crisis gripping the state is only intensifying with high gas prices, energy volatility and unreliable power. More taxes are not the answer.
 
“Since Governor Newsom took office, the gas tax has increased four times.

 
“Instead of taking immediate action to suspend the gas tax to ease the financial pain inflicted by higher gas prices, the Governor has been more focused on making splashy headlines with a proposal that will only increase costs on struggling Californians.

 
“Governor Newsom is not going to be able to tax and spend his way out of an energy crisis he helped create. He is trying to distract Californians from the real life consequences of his poor policies.”
 

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – It is important that all travelers on California roadways be well-equipped with knowledge and tools to help them operate their vehicles as safely as possible. As such, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will continue to provide free classes to assist and educate drivers age 65 and older, as well as promote safe travel for all, with the Keeping Everyone Safe (KEYS)grant funded by the Office of Traffic Safety.  As part of the grant, the Age Well, Drive Smart classes will continue to emphasize that a driver’s performance determines a person’s fitness to drive, not their age.
Age Well, Drive Smart classes are free to the public, provide education specifically designed to help the senior population improve their driving skills, refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road, and learn how age-related physical changes may affect one’s driving ability.  The Age Well, DriveSmart classes have been educating California’s senior drivers since 2008. 
“Roadway safety and mobility of California’s seniors continues to be a high priority of the CHP,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “The Age Well, Drive Smart program provides education, as well as alternative transportation options, to seniors and their families to positively impact driving behavior and adjust to age-related changes.”
The CHP invites California’s senior drivers age 65 and older to attend a free Age Well, Drive Smartclass to learn the tools to driving safer and driving longer.  The class is approximately two hours and is offered at local CHP offices as well as many senior centers within the community.  The class is a way for seniors to educate themselves, evaluate their driving abilities, and improve their driving skills.
More information about this free class is available from any local CHP office. To locate an office near you, visit www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office. 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

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On November 29, 2022, at approximately 1356 hours, Guadalupe Ventura Perez was driving a 2019 Nissan Armada westbound on SR-70 east of Camp Layman Road, at approximately 55 MPH. Charles Dunn was driving a 2005 Nissan Sentra westbound on SR-70 directly behind the Armada, at approximately 55 MPH. A group of deer were in the roadway ahead of the vehicles, and Perez slowed the Armada and eventually came to a stop to avoid hitting the deer. Dunn did not see the Armada come to a stop ahead of him in the westbound lane and could not slow or stop in time. As a result, the front of Dunn’s Sentra collided with the rear of Perez’s Armada, within the westbound lane of SR-70. After the crash, both vehicles were driven to the north shoulder of SR-70 where they came to a stop. Perez and Dunn did not claim any injuries at the scene, however, Dunn’s right front passenger, Debra Lee Dunn, sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. This crash remains under investigation by the Quincy Area California Highway Patrol.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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by Brianne Deerwester, Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

(NAPSI)—Statistics show that the incidence of home fires and electrical accidents typically increases during the winter holiday season. To combat this, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is launching its annual holiday safety campaign by providing tips to help consumers prevent household fires and accidents caused by improper cooking, heating, and holiday decorating practices. 

“According to the National Fire Protection Association, 860 home fires are caused by holiday decorations, while an additional 210 home fires are caused by Christmas trees per year,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “Taking preventative measures when cooking, heating, and decorating can help prevent fires while you enjoy this festive time of year.”

The organization’s website, holidaysafety.org, offers a variety of free-to-share resources that can be shared with your family, your workplace, and throughout your community. Follow these steps to help ensure your safety during the winter holidays:

Decorating Safety

•    Twenty-five percent of holiday fires are caused by electrical decorations. Never leave these on while sleeping or away from home.
•    When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness and be sure to water your tree daily until it’s properly disposed of.
•    Never leave an open flame, including the fireplace or candles, unattended.
•    Keep young children and pets away from holiday lights, electrical decorations, and extension cords to prevent injuries.
•    Use electrical decorations and lights only for their labeled purpose, indoor or outdoor. Don’t use indoor decorations outside, as water and electricity should never mix.
•    Keep all decorations three feet away from heat sources.
•    Carefully inspect decorations before use. Cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a shock or start a fire.
•    Use only electrical decorations and lights that have been approved for safe use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
•    Avoid plugging too many decorations into a single outlet. Overloaded outlets can overheat and cause fires.
•    Ensure cords are not pinched in doors, windows, under heavy furniture, or rugs that could damage the cord and cause a fire.
•    Always unplug decorations using the gripping area. Pulling on the cord could damage the wire and present a shock or fire hazard.

Heating Safety

•    Replace worn or old heating pads and electric blankets. Look for dark, charred, or frayed spots or cracked or frayed electric cords. 
•    Do not allow anything on top of a heating pad or electric blanket when it is in use. It may cause the device to overheat.
•    Keep anything that can burn at least three feet from heat sources.
•    Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn off when leaving a room or sleeping.
•    Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip, as this could cause the cords to overheat and cause a fire.
•    Never use a cooking stove to heat your home or dry clothes.
•    Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces on the ground. 
•    Have a qualified service professional inspect your heating system annually.
•    Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 
•    Never use a space heater or appliance with a damaged cord.

Cooking Safety

•    Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove top.
•    Always unplug countertop appliances when not in use.
•    Double-check that everything is off when you finish cooking.
•    Prevent fires by keeping your oven and stove top clean of grease and dust. 
•    Never leave the kitchen while cooking.
•    Never cook while tired, drinking alcohol, or taking medication that makes you drowsy.
•    Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking.
•    Children should be closely supervised and kept at least three feet away from all cooking appliances.
•    Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove top.

"“Taking preventative measures when cooking, heating, and decorating can help prevent fires while you enjoy this festive time of year,” said Electrical Safety Foundation International President Brett Brenner."

First Storm to Arrive Wednesday, Another Expected This Weekend
 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists of successive winter storms expected by the National Weather Service that will impact travel in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada starting Wednesday night.
 
Rain and strong winds will move into the Sacramento Valley beginning Wednesday night into Thursday, making travel challenging. A total of 3 to 4 inches of rain is expected for the Sacramento Valley between Wednesday night and Sunday night. Winds will be gusting up to 30 mph.
 
Snow in the Sierra will begin Wednesday overnight into Thursday, heavy at times. By Sunday evening, a total of 2 to 3 feet of snow is expected over Echo Summit on U.S. Highway 50 and 4 to 5 feet of snow is possible over Donner Summit on Interstate 80. A brief break in the weather will arrive Friday into Saturday, with the next storm system moving into Northern California Saturday night and lasting into Sunday night.
 
Chain controls and additional travel time should be expected in mountain areas with possible flooding in the Valley until the storm clears. Motorists are advised that speed limits during chain controls are reduced to 30 mph on Interstate 80 and 25 mph on U.S. Highway 50.
 
Drivers are asked to be alert for Caltrans highway workers operating equipment and to move over a lane when it’s safe to do so. Caltrans staff will continue to work around the clock during and after the storm this week to clear highways and address any storm damages.
 
Caltrans reminds drivers now is the time to winterize vehicles and to stock up with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. More tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips. Caltrans District 3 recommends following the National Weather Service offices in Sacramento and Reno for daily weather forecasts. 
 
District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at quickmap.dot.ca.gov/or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
 

(NAPSI)—It’s a huge irony—those who live in the most wildfire prone areas are shunned by private insurance companies and relegated to rely on the state-subsidized California Fair Plan. This basic Fair Plan, in most cases, will not rebuild a home back to its former glory, yet more than 200,000 homeowners depend on it. Fair Plan covers only up to $2.7M and that’s based on when a place was built; that cost could be double today. This is exacerbated by the fact that if you buy a wrap-around policy, it usually doesn’t cover fire. 
 
 
Of the 13M homes in the state of California, more than 350,000 people live within zones deemed to be at very high risk of fire. In total, almost 3 million people live in what are deemed “very high fire hazard severity zones.” High risk insurance specialist for homeowners in California Robert Feldman of Coast to Canyon Insurance Services, explains: “Most insurance carriers use a rating system of 1 to 100 for fire rating and for most scores over 40, private insurance carriers will not write a policy. Every California homeowner should know their fire score.”




According to the World Economic Forum where world leaders gather each year to discuss and attempt to solve the biggest global issues of our time, there is new research that shows that wildfires are increasing due to climate change (and the more fires, climate change is accelerated).
 
 
Fire in the state of California (especially) is not a matter of “if,” but “when,” as such, every homeowner in these areas should do three things: 
 
 
1. Fire harden their home, 
2. follow fire clearance recommendations from their local fire department and 
3. spray their home in a fire retardant.




Though every underwriting procedure is incredibly individual, Feldman believes that when a homeowner can show they are being very proactive to protect their property in these ways, the underwriters notice. 
 
 
Craig Weeks, a 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Fleet Services Department provides some context: “Homeowners need to be proactive, as opposed to reactive. In the 2018 Woolsey Fire there were somewhere close to four hundred homes that burned with probably 8 to 10 fire departments in surrounding areas. In 2021 alone, there were more than 7000 fires in California.”




The founder of a company called Sun FireDefense, Jim Moseley, has created a newly patented breakthrough in fire retardant that when absorbed and dried on building materials, starves oxygen that fire needs to burn. “Did you know the cement and stucco can explode with enough heat?” he asks. “That’s because there are tiny air bubbles that with enough heat will explode (called spalling). We created a spray that can be mixed into paint or stain and when dried, will self-extinguish.” The spray, called SPF3000, has been tested vigorously with the Department of Energy utility companies on utility poles that were hit with 50,000 volts (equal to a lightning strike), which then self-extinguished. This is significant because most wildfires burn at only approximately 1400 degrees.
 
 
To learn about your fire rating, click here to enter your address and email and expect a call from a team that can guide you through the 3-step process that will help you get the insurance you need or call 833-964-3888. 

"The founder of a company called Sun FireDefense, Jim Moseley, has created a newly patented breakthrough in fire retardant that when absorbed and dried on building materials, starves that fire of the oxygen it needs to burnhttp://bit.ly/3AkLJWR"

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today provided California donors with tips to avoid fraud and other scams when making charitable donations during Giving Tuesday. The Attorney General’s Office is responsible for supervising and regulating charities that operate in California and the professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf. Attorney General Bonta encourages donors to learn the common signs of charity fraud and to do their research to ensure they are donating to legitimate charities and organizations.
“Charities rely heavily on the goodwill of Californians to operate and serve individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Sadly, as charity fraud becomes more common across the nation, it is crucial that Californians do their due diligence before they donate. This Giving Tuesday, learn the signs to avoid being preyed on by scammers looking to make a quick buck off your generosity.” 
Tips on How to Avoid Charity Fraud

• Check the Registration Status: Charities and professional fundraisers soliciting donations in California are required to register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. They are also required to file annual financial reports. Before you donate, make sure to confirm that the charity is registered and up-to-date with its financial reporting. The Registry of Charitable Trust’s Registry Verification Search tool allows you to search the Registry’s database and verify whether a charitable organization or fundraiser has complied with the Attorney General’s registration and reporting requirements.
• Give to Organizations You Trust: Always do your research before making a donation. Review the charity’s annual financial reports to find out how much of your donation will actually be spent on the charitable cause, as well as how much, or if any, will go to overhead and employee compensation. Research charities in your community and support those that make a positive impact.
• Don’t Be Pressured by Telemarketers and Ask Questions Before Donating: If you receive a call from a telemarketer, take your time and make sure to ask plenty of questions, such as the name of the fundraising organization, whether the fundraising organization is registered with the Attorney General’s Office, the name of the charity that is benefitting from the solicitation, how much of your donation will go to charity and how much to the fundraising company, and the direct telephone number of the charity that is receiving the donation. If the telemarketer tells you the donation is for your local animal shelter, hospital, school, police, or other public safety agency, check directly with the benefitting organization to confirm that it authorized the solicitation and will actually benefit from your donation. Don’t fall for pressure tactics or threats. Remember, you have the right to decline the donation request. If you feel pressured or threatened, just hang up.
• Be Cautious of "Look-Alike" and Fake Websites and Emails: Be on the lookout for websites and emails that use slightly different web addresses (URLs) or email addresses in order to pass off as a legitimate charity. Scammers sometimes purchase these types of URLs or create fake email accounts in order to trick potential donors into donating to a look-alike website or steal your information. Be careful of fake websites by closely looking at the web address, and be cautious of web addresses that end in a series of numbers. If a charity’s website or email is asking for your detailed personal information — such as your Social Security Number, date of birth, or your bank account number — it may likely be a scam.
• Watch Out for Similar-Sounding Names and Other Deceptive Tactics: Some organizations use names that closely resemble those of well-established charitable organizations in order to mislead donors. Additionally, if you receive an email from an organization to which you have never donated, take extra precautions before clicking on any links. Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge or donation that you never made, as scammers use this trick to deceive you into paying them. If you are unsure whether or not you made a donation, make sure to check your records.
• Be Wary of Social Network Fundraising: Never assume charitable fundraisers that you see online or on social media are legitimate, even if it is shared by someone that you trust. If you plan to donate through a social network solicitation, do your research first and find out what percentage is going to the charity, whether you will be charged a fee, or if a percentage of your donation will be paid to the platform website.
• Protect Your Identity: Never give your Social Security number, credit card information, or other personal identifiable information in response to a charitable solicitation. Some organizations may sell or rent their donor lists to other organizations, including organizations that are not charities. Before making a donation, review the charity’s privacy policy to find out if your information will be shared with outside companies.
• Be Careful When Making Electronic Donations: Electronic donations, such as donations made via text, QR Codes, and Square Card Readers, have become common practice due to their ability to provide a quick and easy way to donate on the spot. While convenient, remember that anyone can create a QR code, send a text, or buy a Square Card Reader. Always confirm that the solicitation was submitted by a charity, or that the person facilitating the transaction is authorized to receive donations on behalf of a charity. Always check your receipt and your credit card/PayPal statement to ensure that the transaction charged to your account is accurate. 

For more information on how to protect yourself against charity fraud, visit our donation tips webpage at https://oag.ca.gov/donations. Complaints against charities can be filed using our charity complaint form at https://oag.ca.gov/charities/complaints.

 
Status:      State of Emergency
Update:
An Ad hoc committee was formed to work on the state of our water infrastructure.  The committee is comprised of two City Council members along with concerned city residents and property owners. Anyone who has experience with grant seeking, grant writing, or are knowledgeable in plumbing / pipe installation are encouraged to join this committee.  This is a working committee; each member contributes and reports on their area of expertise. These meetings will be held the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  To stay informed please attend the regular City Town Hall meeting immediately following the Ad hoc committee meeting, the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM. Both meetings are held in the museum’s auditorium.  
Currently all major leaks are under containment. The next biggest leak scheduled for repair has been named the Van Daam leak; of which we received funding from State Department of Water Resources to repair this leak. The repair of the Van Daam leak has been delayed due to weather and frozen ground, as this leak must be hand dug to access due to the pipes fragile state. Once this leak is repaired, we will be in a holding pattern while we continue to find funding via grants, low interest loans, or property tax special assessments to replace close to 75% of our city water system.  The ad hoc committee is currently assessing a short term work plan as well as beginning a long-term work plan.  A short-term next step would be to replace the abandoned 10” pipe from where the previous major leak occurred.  Creating a long-term plan, we are hopeful to include more shut off locations and another well on the south side of town.  This will prevent water having to be shut off for the majority of the town to conduct repairs in the future.   We are pulling together to find possible solutions to fix this serious dilemma.
Possible Solutions:
USDA Grant for rural water structures, with the possibility of matching funds.
USDA long term low interest loans, resulting in rate increases.
Property Tax / Special Assessment
 
What to expect:
A definite increase in water/sewer charges
Possible disruption of water source, as well as street detours due to construction.
 
Next Meeting:  12-1-2022 Ad hoc Committee 5:30 PM / City Town Hall meeting 6:30 PM
 
 

REDDING – The National Weather Service is forecasting significant rain and snow for the Northern California area starting late Wednesday and lasting through Sunday. Snow levels are currently forecasted to drop to 1,000-2,500 feet locally over the weekend. Motorists should plan for chain controls in higher elevations and are advised to check weather and roadway conditions prior to and during breaks in travel. Travelers are also reminded to slow down and drive carefully during inclement weather and allot extra time for delays, slow travel, and possible highway impacts.
 
Higher elevation travel is highly discouraged during winter weather systems. Motorists who must travel into higher elevations must carry chains, be prepared for winter driving conditions, expect delays and possible closures, and follow instructions of Caltrans personnel and law enforcement. Motorists who do not comply with chain controls endanger their own safety and the safety of other motorists around them, along with jeopardizing vital maintenance operations to keep roadways safe and open. Truck and/or vehicle screening is probable for northbound Interstate 5 traffic at Fawndale Road, approximately ten miles north of Redding, prior to or during the storms. Motorists are also reminded to be cognizant when traveling in recent burn scar areas and to watch for debris on the roadways that may be present due to weather conditions.
 
24/7 updated highway conditions are available via QuickMap. Motorists can use QuickMap by free app for smartphones and can now opt-in for push notifications for highway closures and areas of chain control as travelers approach these areas. Other resources include One-Stop-Shop (roadway conditions for Western U.S.) or through the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623. Motorists can also follow Caltrans District 2 on our Twitter and Facebook pages for important traffic updates. 
 
Travelers are also reminded to be wary of using non-highway alternative routes in the event of highway closures. These routes may not be maintained or open during inclement weather events and may have size restrictions for larger vehicles. Contact local city or county agencies for current roadway status or restrictions on non-highway routes.


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To stay up to date on highway projects, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Project information can also be found on the District 2 webpage. The public can also call (530) 225-3426 during working hours or send an email to D2PIO@dot.ca.gov. Updated highway conditions for California can be found on QuickMap and on One-Stop-Shop for the Western U.S. 

 

www.tfhd.com


(Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) –  Tahoe Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital have received accolades from the Beta Healthcare Group, professional liability insurer of hospitals, for their participation and achievements in the following programs: BETA HEART®, Emergency Department Zero Harm, and Obstetrical Zero Harm. 
BETA HEART® is a multi-year, interactive and collaborative process for moving organizations to a culture of safety, transparency and learning. The program includes five domains for development and implementation, which include: Culture of Safety, Rapid Events Response and Analysis, Communication and Transparency, Care for the Caregiver, and Early Resolution. Both Tahoe Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital are the only hospitals to achieve all 5 domain validation by Beta Healthcare Group in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The Emergency Department Zero Harm BETA program provides education that empowers leaders at Tahoe Forest Health System to make positive changes in risk management processes in their Emergency Departments. Tahoe Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital Emergency Departments have achieved Tier 2, the highest recognition, by Beta Healthcare Group. Both hospitals have been participating in the program for 10 years.
The Obstetrical Zero Harm BETA program is designed to help the OB team mitigate and manage risks with increased efficiency and effectiveness, while providing support to ensure the healthy deliveries of babies. Tahoe Forest Hospital’s Joseph Family Center for Women & Newborn Care have achieved Tier 2, the highest recognition, by Beta Healthcare Group. The Center has been participating in the program for 10 years.
“At Tahoe Forest Health System, we have a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients and their families and caregivers,” said Harry Weis, President & CEO, Tahoe Forest Health System.  “Receiving the highest recognition from the Beta Healthcare Group is a testament to the continued excellent work and compassionate care that our team strives to provide on a daily basis.”
To learn more about the BETA programs, visit www.betahg.com/risk-management-and-safety/.

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About Tahoe Forest Health System
Tahoe Forest Health System, which includes Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA, and Incline Village Community Hospital in Incline Village, NV, offers 24-hour emergency care, urgent care, primary and specialty health care clinics including Tahoe Forest Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Commission on Cancer (COC) accredited cancer center, the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, and the Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care. With a strong focus on high quality patient care, community collaboration, clinical excellence and innovation, Tahoe Forest Health System is a UC Davis Rural Center of Excellence. For a complete list of physician specialties and services, visit www.tfhd.com.
 

New Report Shows Continued Water Conservation Is Key to Enabling Suppliers to Meet Demand Media Briefing at 1 p.m. today to Highlight How Urban Water Suppliers Are Taking Proactive Steps to Respond to Drought and Build Resiliency
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As directed by 2018 legislation, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) today submitted a first report to the State Water Resources Control Board summarizing how urban water districts assess the adequacy of their supplies over the next seven months. Broadly, the assessments show the importance of conservation by individual Californians to help suppliers meet demands through June 30, 2023.
In this year’s assessments, urban water suppliers indicate that they will rely on either continued conservation or more aggressive actions to meet demand through June 30, 2023, if dry conditions persist. They report that they can ensure adequate water supplies through water-saving strategies, such as requiring customers to limit outdoor water and providing leak detection and repair services.
Since 2022 is the first year that urban water suppliers are required to submit an Annual Water Shortage Assessment, this year will serve as a baseline to evaluate if urban water suppliers are accurately assessing their annual water supply and demand. These annual assessments submitted by local agencies are intended to help state and local water suppliers better prepare for current and future droughts.
“One of the lessons learned from the last drought was the importance of early planning and State action to support our water suppliers in preparing for a hotter and drier climate,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Despite ongoing severe drought conditions and a possible fourth dry year ahead, DWR and suppliers are better prepared to continue to supply reliable drinking water to millions of Californians. Actions taken by individual Californians to save water indoors and outdoors make a big collective difference.”
With less water available as California shifts to a hotter, drier future, urban water suppliers will be submitting water supply and demand assessments annually as required by the 2018 Making Water Conservation a Way of Life legislation to improve long-term water conservation. The assessments are intended to ensure proper planning at the local level to meet demands and mitigate shortages through water conservation and other actions. The assessments also indicate what level of State assistance may be needed during continued drought.
The DWR report summarizes water supply assessments conducted by 414 of the 435 local urban water suppliers. Twenty-one agencies have not submitted the required assessments. Those required to submit include water suppliers that serve more than 3,000 connections or that supply more than 3,000 acre-feet of potable water annually for municipal purposes. The summary report does not include small water suppliers, which historically have faced more significant water supply challenges during drought conditions. The State continues to work with small suppliers through direct assistance, grants, and technical support programs.
Of the 414 submitted reports by urban water suppliers:

• 338 urban water suppliers do not expect a shortage during the upcoming year with continued conservation efforts, including a voluntary 15 percent water-use reduction and continued activation of local Level 2 Water Shortage Contingency Plan measures.
• 73 urban water suppliers anticipate they can fully address any shortage through increased conservation actions or increased supplies noted in their water shortage contingency plans, including stronger water-use reduction mandates.
• 3 urban water suppliers noted that they may still experience a shortage after implementing water conservation actions or increased supplies included in their current plans. DWR continues to work with these suppliers to include additional actions to adequately address expected shortages.

To help prepare for drought and water shortage events, urban water suppliers are responsible for developing a water shortage contingency plan. These plans provide a description of the procedures they will employ each year to conduct their annual assessment, including a written decision-making process, as well as the key data inputs and the assessment methodology used to evaluate the near-term water supply reliability. Many suppliers are already implementing Level 2 response actions per Executive Order N-7-22 issued by Governor Newsom earlier this year.
It will be critically important for urban water suppliers to follow their plans and report their water supply situation accurately. This allows state water officials to work with local agencies to find additional supplies and head off potential shortages. The City of Coalinga, for example, submitted a water supply assessment in July that anticipated no water shortages. A few months later, the City announced that it would be out of water by December, largely because it did not implement the actions identified in its Water Shortage Contingency Plan. DWR was able to provide $1.2 million to the City of Coalinga to fund the purchase of supplemental water to maintain a reliable supply through the winter months. The City has been asked to submit a revised water supply assessment.
To help water suppliers plan more effectively, DWR offered technical assistance and provided feedback on their water shortage contingency plans. The feedback included proposing more aggressive response actions appropriate to the projected shortage levels and amending the supplier’s water shortage contingency plan, if deemed necessary. Some of the water suppliers realized more water savings with additional conservation actions and resubmitted the plan with no shortage expected.
DWR is coordinating with the remaining 21 suppliers who have yet to submit their plans and is currently providing additional targeted help and assistance. DWR reminds delinquent suppliers of the importance of proactively assessing supplies and demands in order to be prepared in case of future shortage events. The full list of delinquent suppliers is available here.  
“Thank you to all Californians for stepping up conservation efforts to help reduce water use statewide and to urban water suppliers who are serious about planning for their communities,” Nemeth said. “Coming together like this to conserve will make a big impact for our water future.”
Small water suppliers are receiving support from DWR as it implements Senate Bill 552 (SB 552), which imposes new drought planning requirements on small water suppliers with fewer than 3,000 customers. DWR and the State Water Resources Control Board are hosting a series of informational workshops to explain the new requirements and help small water suppliers develop a water shortage contingency plan and solicit feedback for future resources. For more information about SB 552, visit DWR’s SB552 webpage.
This month, DWR will announce funding awards totaling $86 million for emergency and long-term projects through the Small Community Drought Relief program and the Integrated Regional Water Management program. The selected projects will support strategies to improve water quality, increase water supply, and upgrade aging infrastructure.
For larger communities still in need of assistance, DWR is currently accepting applications for the Urban Community Drought Relief program to support projects that build long-term climate resilience and improve water conservation.
State water officials will provide an overview of the summary report to the media and discuss how the state is taking action to help urban and small suppliers prepare for current and future dry conditions. The media briefing will be held via Zoom at 1 p.m. today. Credentialed media can register at https://ca-water-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sd-GurTsjGNRiRVZNwk3vXpxreoF7xcQ3
As California experiences a climate transformation bringing hotter and drier conditions, each individual act of conservation makes a difference. More information and water-saving tips are available at saveourwater.com. For information about other DWR and State of California drought response efforts and funding programs, visit: drought.ca.gov.

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Lots of truck traffic through Loyalton this morning:
[IN THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA]
IS CLOSED TO EASTBOUND TRAFFIC AT FLORISTON WAY /IN FLORISTON/ (NEVADA CO) - DUE TO A TRAFFIC COLLISION - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
ALL WESTBOUND TRUCKS ARE REQUIRED TO STOP AT THE BRAKE CHECK AREA 0.5 MI WEST OF NYACK (PLACER CO) - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BRAKE FIRES

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Courtesy of Meredith Anello
Forestry Technician- Wildland Firefighter Engine 371
Public Information Officer-Fire 
U.S. Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest 
Truckee Ranger District

USFS Tahoe/Plumas National Forest Strike Team 4660C comprised of PNF Engine 316, TNF Sierraville Engine 361, TNF Foresthill Engine 341, TNF Big Bend Engine 334, and TNF Downieville Engine 332 on assignment, pre-positioned for Fire Support on the San Bernardino National Forest, CA.
📸Photo Courtesy of TNF Foresthill Engineer 341 Dana Salisbury

USFS Tahoe National Forest Sierraville Engine 361 enjoying a Thanksgiving Dinner together.
📸Photo Courtesy of TNF Sierraville Engine 361 Firefighter Krystal Benn


​On Nov. 17th, The Tahoe and Plumas National Forests mobilized a Strike Team 4660C comprised of TNF Sierraville Engine 361, TNF Foresthill Engine 341, TNF Big Bend Engine 334, TNF Downieville Engine 332, and PNF Engine 316 to preposition on the San Bernardino National Forest for Fire Support. Although they were far from home and away from their families, the Strike Team Engine crews were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with their USFS Fire Family. This Thanksgiving and always, we are grateful for our USFS firefighters’ unwavering dedication and commitment to caring for the land and serving people.

SIERRRA COUNTY SHERIFF Mike Fisher reported on recent storm damage during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting held November 15th in Loyalton. He stated the Sheriff’s Office radio system went down for almost a week and had been working with AT&T and Office of Emergency Services to fix the issue. Fisher said some of the problem stemmed from last year’s December 2021 storm where AT&T’s line was damaged pretty heavily. He was complimentary for the local linemen, but felt AT&T continues to not pay much attention to Sierra County. During the last storm, Caltrans’ generator went out. Fisher stated they were set to get that fixed that day. Brownouts from PG&E damaged some equipment on the repeater side. As of November 14th, the radios are back up. Fisher said they were going to need to do some major retrofit to the Sheriff’s Office radio system and planned to start looking for some funding sources.

GRAND THEFT on Main Street in Loyalton was reported to Sierra County Sheriff’s office on November 18, 2022.
A check written out for over $6,000 to a Loyalton business was mailed out and the owner realized the check had been rewritten and deposited in an account in Sacramento. An investigation is pending.
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One of the best traditions of the year! Giving back to the community. Living to serve!! Our chapter loves to give out baskets filled with goodies for Thanksgiving.  We are thankful for many things including new babies and families that have given to our school and community for years! Thank you to the Muyanja  and Wilson family for being a part of our LHS life. ​

On November 21, 2022, at approximately 0920 hours, Kolby Elzea of Taylorsville, CA, was driving a 2016 Mack concrete truck westbound on SR-70, just west of Camp Layman Road, at approximately 50 MPH. Elzea allowed the truck to drift to the right, onto the north dirt/rock shoulder. Elzea steered the truck to the left to drive back onto the paved roadway, but overcorrected. As a result, the truck overturned onto its right side and slid in a southwesterly direction across SR-70 before coming to a stop on the south shoulder. Elzea was transported from the scene by Careflight Ground Ambulance to Nervino Airport in Sierra Valley where he was flown by helicopter to Renown Medical Center. The collision remains under investigation.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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www.tfhd.com


 (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) –  Tahoe Forest Health System is pleased to announce new, extended hours for the Urgent Care Clinic in Truckee. The Urgent Care Clinic, located on the first floor of the Medical Office Building at 10956 Donner Pass Road, Suite 110, across from Tahoe Forest Hospital, will now be serving patients from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, every day.
With ready sta­ff and onsite diagnostic services, Urgent Care off­ers an alternative to visiting the Emergency Room or waiting for a primary care provider appointment.
The Urgent Care Clinic in Truckee is walk-in only. For more information about Urgent Care services and clinic locations, visitwww.tfhd.com.