Thank you's go to the following for such a fun Christmas event!
​Loyalton Rotary Club 
Treasure Mt, Echo, and Sierra Valley 4H for the Cookies!
Jeff Holland for the Christmas Tree
Josh Black Loyalton High Alumni for the Lot use!
Loyalton Fire Department Fire Truck Rides
Jake Marsh for heading up and starting the Light parade
Terry Lablanc and the Christmas Helpers for the Toys for Tots
and his spaghetti dinner at the Golden West
Musica Sierra and Owen our very own music teacher for music
Museum and all the volunteers for the Polar Express demo! 

Our own music teacher, Owen McIntosh, led Christmas carols while waiting for Santa.

Co-president of Rotary Club of Loyalton, Wendy Bergstrom, joined in the festivities prior to the tree lighting.

Patiently waiting for Santa!

Santa arrives!!!!

After a countdown, the tree lights up!  

The light parade was the best ever!!!  Thanks Jake Marsh!!!

The annual event was held Friday, December 1st with great food, refreshment and a terrific array of holiday gifts for the entire family from warm winter wear to hats, jewelry and home goods. Shop Local! Shop Sierra Valley Feed!!

On Saturday, November 25, the fourth annual Blairsden holiday market event occurred. Pictured here is Organizer John McCormick of Sasquatch Farms.  It was a beautiful sunny day and the holiday market had a variety of local vendors and artists offering gourmet food, organic wine tasting, hand made crafts, fresh produce, homemade treats, and of course, Sasquatch Farm’s organic CBD health products. - Photos and story by Adrian Hardy
​

Media Contact (Plumas County/ California): Josh Hart, Spokesperson Feather River Action!, josh@featherriveraction.org  /  Landline Phone Contact: 530-832-4728

QUINCY, CA—The U.S. Forest Service's $650 Million “Community Protection Project,” the most extreme logging plan in Plumas National Forest history, has been presented as a response to the climate-driven Dixie Fire, yet would emit 6 million tons of CO2 and spray $30 million of herbicides to convert wild forest habitat to tree plantations that are more fire prone. 


The fact that not one cent of the $650m of taxpayer money would pay for structure hardening, evacuation planning, or defensible space around structures has riled a growing number of local residents who say the plan is  waste of public money and would only put communities at greater risk from faster moving wildfires in the future by causing greater evaporation and wind speeds through the damaged forest canopy.


The plan is one of the first logging projects (in CA, NV, and ID) under a new federal "emergency action" loophole that allows cutting of National Forests without customary legal challenges by claiming extreme wildfire threat. 
The Plumas National Forest Central and West Slope Project involves logging and $30 million of herbicide spraying over 275,000 acres of the Plumas National Forest in the Beckwourth, Feather River, and Mt. Hough Ranger Districts in Plumas, Yuba, and Butte and Sierra Counties. Despite recent high intensity fires being linked to the climate crisis, the Forest Service is planning to add to the problem by doubling down on logging and fire suppression that have caused the current crisis. The USFS estimates nearly 6 million tons of carbon dioxide would be released over a ten year period [1], yet claim without evidence that "these emissions would likely be offset."
 
In January, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack invoked a controversial "emergency action" authorization, as laid out under Section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, targeting up to 45 million acres of National Forests across the western U.S. [4] This so-called emergency logging "shall not be subject to objection under the predecisional administrative review process," a legal challenge used by environmental advocates to pause or stop destructive projects. [5]

This unprecedented scale of logging is inconsistent with President Biden's executive order to protect old growth forests. It would release an estimated 4 gigatons of carbon dioxide (90 tons of CO2 released per acre), the equivalent of 635 coal plants and greater than the entire U.S. emissions goal of 3.3 gigatons for 2030. [6]

According to Josh Schlossberg of the Eco-Integrity Alliance, one of the groups opposed to the plan, "Despite one-sided and often inaccurate media coverage, industry/agency claims of ‘overgrown' forests, ‘unusual' high-severity wildfire, and the efficacy of 'wildfire risk reduction' logging have been debunked by countless studies in peer-reviewed journals from independent scientists."

Indeed, these studies (not funded by agencies with conflicts of interest proven to intentionally exclude scientific data) conclude that western forests prior to fire suppression did grow densely, did experience high-severity wildfire, and that not only won't logging stop large wildfires, it can make them burn hotter and spread faster by opening forests to sunlight and wind. [7][8]

Yet, contrary to this science, "wildfire risk reduction" logging—which includes clearcutting mature and old-growth trees—is being justified as an "emergency" to supposedly address "threats to natural resources" and "hazards threatening human health and safety.” The scientific consensus is that hardening homes—measures such as installing metal roofs and maintaining defensible space up to 100 feet around structures—are the only thing that actually prevents structure losses in a wildfire. Research has shown that nothing done beyond 100 feet makes any difference to the survivability of homes. [9]
"The central cause of recent high intensity wildfires is the worsening climate crisis [10], caused by deforestation, which the Forest Service now wants to ramp up," says Josh Hart with Portola, CA-based Feather River Action!. "Their plan would devastate biodiversity, increase carbon emissions, damage crucial carbon sinks, and turn forests into dried out tree plantations, making extreme wildfires like the Dixie more—not less threatening to communities. We demand the USFS halt this dangerous and destructive project immediately.”

[1] https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/plumas/?project=62873
[2] https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61355
[3] https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/file/1201186672813
[4]
https://www.congress.gov/118/meeting/house/115437/witnesses/HHRG-118-AP06-Wstate-MooreR-20230323.pdf
[5] https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-117publ58.pdf
[6] https://irp.cdn-website.com/0358d1eb/files/uploaded/Version-2.0-JMP-ReportRFS.pdf
[7] https://www.mdpi.com/2571-6255/6/4/146
[8] https://botanicgardens.uw.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/03/Prichard_etal_2021_10CommonQuestions.pdf
[9https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267028232_The_Role_of_Defensible_Space_for_Residential_Structure_Protection_During_Wildfires
[10] https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2111875118

Josh Hart
Spokesperson
Feather River Action!
FeatherRiverAction.org
josh@featherriveraction.org

BY BEN DEMERS
LAST UPDATED 12 HOURS AGOSo you've weighed up whether to buy a fake or a real Christmas tree and plumped for the real one this year, at an average cost of between $80-100. That's not much more than last year as wholesale prices have stabilized, according to the Real Christmas Tree Board. Throw in the cost of Christmas lights, your nicest ornaments, and the presents underneath the three, and it all adds up to a real holiday investment. 
But what if the tree's branches are starting to droop, and the needles look a little dry? Here's what you can do to keep your home's festive centerpiece perky throughout the whole holiday season.
1. Pick a fresh Christmas treeIt starts from the beginning. The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) recommends you to choose the freshest tree possible. 
Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal FinanceBe a smarter, better informed investor.
SAVE UP TO 74%Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-NewslettersProfit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

SIGN UPTest for freshness by gently grasping a branch and drawing your hand down the branch. A few green or brown needles falling off isn't a big deal, but if lots of green needles come off, try a different tree. 
2. Make a fresh cutNCTA advises that you cut a 1/2-inch thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk when you get it home — before you put it into a tree stand or container. This will improve the ability of the trunk to absorb water. Forget the cut, and you'll definitely have more falling needles than you can handle. 
Don’t cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree.
3. Use fresh waterAccording to the Christmas tree experts at Michigan State University, a fresh tree can use up to 1 quart of water per day for each inch of diameter on the cut end. A typical 7-foot-tall tree with a 3-inch trunk diameter needs up to 3 quarts of water per day. 
NCTA recommends that you place your tree in fresh water as soon as you bring it home. This can be a designated Christmas tree stand or a suitable bucket.  Check the water level once or twice a day and always keep the base of the tree trunk submerged in a small amount of water.
You want your tree to be drinking a lot of water, which shows the tree is fresh and hydrated.
4. Avoid special additivesIt's become a trend to add sugar or bleach or flower food to your tree's water. Your family may even have a homebrew additive you swear by each holiday season. Resist the urge. 
The American Society for Horticultural Science tested a range of Christmas tree additives for needle retention potential, and the results show you're better off just using distilled water for overall tree health, cost, and hassle factors:
Christmas Tree AdditiveNeedle Loss PercentageClorox bleach99.5%
Generic Aspirin72.3%
"Tree Life"33.3%
"Yule Prolong"29.3%
"Floralife"27.6%
"Tree Care"13.3%
"Crop-Life"9.1%
"Keeps-it-Green"9.0%
Distlilled water6.0%
Sugar5.8%
7-Up5.3%Unsurprisingly the bleach did not help with needle retention...
5. Avoid heat sourcesYou should keep your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, heat vents and other heat sources, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Exposure to heat can dry your tree out early, creating a floor full of needles and an immediate fire hazard. 
The National Institute of Standards and Technology ran tests that showed a dry Christmas tree that catches fire will burn an entire room in a mere 20 seconds. By comparison, a fire set multiple times in a watered Christmas tree smoldered briefly before going out on its own. The safety difference between dry and watered couldn't be more clear. 
RELATED CONTENT

• Fake vs. Real Christmas Tree: Which Will Save You More?
• Christmas Lights and Your Energy Bill: How to Save Money
• Is the stock market open on Christmas?

Ben Demers
Audience Engagement Manager, Kiplinger.comBen Demers manages digital content and engagement at Kiplinger, informing readers through a range of personal finance articles, e-newsletters, social media, syndicated content, and videos. He is passionate about helping people lead their best lives through sound financial behavior, particularly saving money at home and avoiding scams and identity theft. Ben graduated with an M.P.S. from Georgetown University and a B.A. from Vassar College. He joined Kiplinger in May 2017.

A CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) report was given to the Sierra Plumas Joint Unified School Board on November 14th by Loyalton High School Principal Megan Meschery and Ag teacher Cali Griffin. The percent of graduating seniors who are completers of Agriscience Pathway and the Construction trades combined was 76% in 2023 and will be 71% in 2024. LHS has a new Mechatronics pathway that was started in 2022. The future of CTE across the District include EMT Basic offered through Adult Education to seniors, Medical CTE course exploration through Paxton/Patterson at Downieville High School, CTE course offerings through online platform PEAK/FuelED, and apprenticeship and paid work experience in Elementary Education.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) 2022-23 report was given by Meschery. She explained it as a test to see how students have improved, gaps they may have, and is another piece of data to help guide instruction and support student learning. For this period, overall achievement for grade 3-12 was at 32.5% proficient or above. California is at 46.7%. Meschery felt the greatest need was in the area of writing with almost 40% at below standard.
Math has gone up compared to the previous year with the district at right about the state level of 34.2%. Going forward, she stated they need to focus on concepts and procedures.
Meschery was excited to report that science scores went “way up” from the year before at 35.5%. California is at 30.18%.
She stated as a whole, grades 3-12 and all schools in our district were higher than districts with similar demographics.
​

 
QUINCY, CA — The Plumas National Forest wants to remind area residents that personal use firewood is available for free with a permit and tags.
Up to 10 cords per household are available per calendar year for free with a permit, a $50 value.
Firewood cutters must have a valid personal use firewood permit, tags and a copy of the firewood map and regulations in their possession to cut and gather firewood.  Tags must be properly affixed to firewood during transport of firewood to a personal residence.
Permits, tags, maps and woodcutting regulations are available at Plumas National Forest Ranger District Offices during business hours.  It is recommended to call in advance to verify the office is open and has tags available.  Offices may be closed for lunchbreaks, illness or staffing shortages.
 
Beckwourth Ranger Station
23 Mohawk Hwy, Blairsden
530-836-2575
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
 
Feather River Ranger District
875 Mitchell Ave., Oroville
530-534-6500
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
 
Mount Hough Ranger District
39696 State Hwy 70, Quincy
530-283-0555
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
 
One cord is the amount of tightly piled wood in a stack 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. 
All regulations on the permit and map for personal use firewood must be followed.  Firewood may not be cut from active timber sales or Congressionally-designated Wilderness or special areas.  It is illegal to cut green trees.  Firewood collection is generally prohibited in recreation sites, unless authorized by a local Ranger District.
Ranger Districts will sometimes have areas where they would like the public’s help to clear out wood as personal use firewood.
Currently the Mount Hough Ranger District has personal use firewood available at Whitehorse Campground in the Bucks Lake area.  These are hazard trees felled recently by firefighters.  The campground gate is open and the wood is available until it is gone or snow begins to restrict access, whichever occurs first.
Beckwourth Ranger District would like to encourage woodcutters to help clear firewood near roads northwest of Lake Davis before Walker Mine.
There is a fee for commercial firewood permits.  For more information on commercial firewood permits, please contact the local Ranger District office.
Woodcutters are advised to take precautions for personal safety and to avoid road and resource damage.

• Plan your trip – check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, water, emergency food, first aid kit, a shovel and rope or tie downs if needed to safely secure the load.  Make sure to have a full tank of gas when you leave and are prepared for changing conditions.  Let someone know where you are going, the route you are taking and when you plan to be back.
• Keep vehicles on designated roads and be aware of changing weather and road conditions.  Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources.  If there are puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires or you can see your ruts in the rearview mirror, turn around.
• Avoid traveling in the forest during storms or windy conditions.  Falling and downed trees, as well as landslides, can block roads with little to no warning.

For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, follow the forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. 
 
###

PORTOLA, California — Santa Trains are coming to town Saturday, December 2 and Fridays and Saturdays on December 8-9 and 15-16 at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.
The Feather River Rail Society invites everyone to “climb aboard” the Santa Trains. This event features a festive holiday train covered in lights, free homemade cookies, hot chocolate, apple cider and coffee, special exhibits and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The museum opens at 4pm with train rides starting at 5pm and continuing until everyone has a turn – usually about 9pm. Admission for Santa Trains is $10 per carload, or $5 with the donation of 3 non-perishable canned goods for EPCAN - Portola’s Food Bank.
For more information visit www.santa.wplives.org or call 530-832-4131.
 
 
###
 

This very funny play was held November 17 & 18 as a production of The Sierra Turnpike Players. Last time of this performance was 13 years ago! - Photos courtesy Mary Davey

 
QUINCY, CA — With the holiday season officially underway, Christmas tree permits for the Plumas National Forest are available at local Ranger District offices or online through www.Recreation.gov/. 
Permits cost $10 and are nonrefundable.  A maximum of two permits can be purchased per household and can be used through December 31.  Permits are only valid for this year.
Each permit is valid to cut one tree and must be secured to the tree in a place visible during transport of the tree from the forest.
The Forest is no longer offering mail-in Christmas tree permits.  However, purchasing the permit online through Recreation.gov is a great and convenient option.  Just search for “Plumas National Forest Christmas Tree Permit”.
The permit cost through Recreation.gov is $10.  Up to two permits can be purchased and there is a $2.50 service charge per transaction.  The purchase can be done from a computer or mobile device and must be printed and visible on the vehicle dashboard when transporting the tree.
Christmas tree permits from the Plumas National Forest are valid for use on the Forest.  It is the responsibility of the cutter to ensure they are not getting their tree from private, state or other federal lands.  Christmas trees also cannot be harvested in Congressionally-designated Wilderness Areas, active timber sales, developed recreation sites or tree plantations.
Fourth graders with a valid Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) pass can use their pass to get a free Christmas tree permit on the Plumas National Forest to enjoy with their family.
EKO passes can also be acquired by visiting https://everykidoutdoors.gov and completing the application process.  Recreation.gov has an option for EKO passholders to get their Christmas tree permit online, but there is still the $2.50 service charge for the transaction.  Just search for the national forest where you want to cut your tree, check the box for the EKO pass, enter the EKO voucher or pass number and complete the purchase information. 
Local Forest offices can answer questions regarding Christmas tree cutting, current conditions and roads.  It is recommended to call to verify that Christmas tree permits are available at the Forest Service office and methods of payment being accepted.  All offices will be closed Thursday, November 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Beckwourth Ranger Station
23 Mohawk Hwy, Blairsden
530-836-2575
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-noon; 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturdays – December 2 and 9, 8 a.m.-noon; 12:30-4:30 p.m.
 
Feather River Ranger District
875 Mitchell Ave., Oroville
530-534-6500
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturdays – November 25 and December 2, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
Mount Hough Ranger District
39696 State Hwy 70, Quincy
530-283-0555
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m

Saturdays – December 2 and 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Closed Friday, November 24
 

Cutting a Christmas tree on the National Forest is a great holiday tradition for many families and also helps with hazardous fuels reduction by removing smaller trees from the Forest.  Following are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable.
·      Plan your trip – check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, water, emergency food, tire chains, shovel, a saw or axe to cut your tree, and a tarp and rope to bring it home.  Make sure you have a full tank of gas when you leave and are prepared for changing conditions in the mountains!  Also, let someone know where you are going, the route you are taking and when you plan to be back.
·      Keep vehicles on designated roads and be aware of changing weather and road conditions.  Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and causing damage to road, soil and water resources.  If there are puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires or you can see your ruts in the rearview mirror, consider pulling over and taking a hike to look for a tree, or turning around and finding a different area to cut your tree.
·      Avoid traveling in the forest during storms or windy conditions.  Falling and downed trees, as well as landslides, can block roads with little to no warning.
·      Cut your tree early in the season before favorite cutting areas can’t be reached because of snow.
·      Cut the tree as close as possible to the ground and leave as little of a stump as possible.
·      Attach the permit on the tree where it will be easily visible with the tree packed or tied on your vehicle for transport home.
·      To help keep your tree fresh, cut at least one inch off the base when you get home and stand the tree in a container of water in a cool, shaded area, checking the water level daily.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, follow the forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. 
###
“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”
​

Good afternoon members of the media,
 
Below please find the press release highlighting the upcoming Maximum Enforcement Period, which begins this Wednesday evening.  The traffic safety effort being conducted by CHP officers statewide, aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
 
Thank you for sharing the information with your listeners/viewers/readers.
 
Safe travels and happy Thanksgiving,
 
Jaime
 
 
 
 
 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As millions of people begin to venture out onto California’s busy roadways for the upcoming holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing to serve up its annual Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).  
 
Beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, the MEP aims to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
 
“Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and celebration, but the holiday is also associated with increased travel and a higher risk of traffic incidents,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.  “Our officers will be on patrol to take enforcement action as necessary and to provide assistance to motorists who are stranded or in need of help on the side of the road.”
 
During the MEP, CHP officers will be working to assist and educate motorists and enforce traffic safety laws throughout the state, actively looking for unsafe driving behaviors, including impaired or distracted driving, speed and reckless driving, and people not wearing seat belts.
 
Last year during the Thanksgiving MEP, 37 people were killed in crashes within the CHP’s jurisdiction.  The CHP’s holiday enforcement effort also resulted in more than 8,600 citations issued to motorists for speed and seat belt violations.  Additionally, CHP officers made 1,016 arrests for driving under the influence during the four-day period.
 
“Remember to prioritize safety as you travel during the holidays,” added Commissioner Duryee.  “Observe speed limits, avoid distractions, and ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.  Responsible driving contributes to a happy and safe holiday.”
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.
 
# # #
 
 


 
 

 
 
 

Caltrain, the new state-of-the-art technology with electric trains for transportation between San Fransisco and San Jose, was recently spotted at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in Portola. According to a representative from Caltrain, the unit was making its way south after being maintained or manufactured at the Salt Lake City production faculty.
According to a 2019 article in Mercury News, “Caltrain is the largest U.S. contract yet for Stadler, which has built trains for railways around the world, including the new biodiesel trains on BART’s extension to Antioch (which were made in Switzerland). The company’s leaders call their Salt Lake City plant an investment in the prediction that increasingly congested American cities will need to build more of the public transit that’s common in European capitals.
The Bay Area is a perfect example. The region’s most important highways are sluggish every rush hour, and the traffic is getting worse — by 2040, an additional 1.2 million people will be living within two miles of Caltrain stations along the San Francisco Peninsula. At the same time, more than half of Caltrain’s passenger cars, as well as two-thirds of its locomotives, are already past their retirement age, requiring costly extra maintenance.
The electrification project is aimed at getting more people to ride the rail. The new trains will still run at 79 mph, the same as the current maximum speed, but they’ll be much faster at stopping and starting. That means they can fit in more stops in less time.
The upgraded trains also will feature free WiFi, an electric outlet at almost every seat, more luggage space, and improved digital signage. Each train still will have multiple bike cars, although only one bathroom.
Another plus: The ride will be a lot smoother than today’s sometimes bone-shaking experience, thanks to the electric acceleration and special air cushioning around the wheels.”
According to the Caltrain website, as of today, their 77-mile route serves 32 stations, and ridership has doubled since 2005 and has an average of 65,000 riders on a daily basis. The existing diesel fleets that are more than 30 years old are past their service expectancy and ready to retire. The new Caltrain Modernization program represents a $1.9 Million investment in the future of the Caltrain electrification project. This project aims to provide cleaner, more reliable service and will lay the foundation for future improvements, claiming a 97% reduction in pollution, 13 stations in 60 minutes, and a 15%reduction in travel time.
An electrified system means that the trains can run more frequently and more efficiently. This helps us increase capacity initially by over 30%. Calmod (in partnership with Caltrain) will provide over 2.5 billion dollars in economic benefits, including creating nearly 10,000 jobs across the country. Visit Caltrain.com and Calmod.org for more information.
Hopefully, one day soon we can have a similar system traveling throughout the local area, by providing rail travel to the area and providing a new way to appreciate the beautiful landscapes we love from a whole new perspective. 

​

PG&E Offers Customers Many Ways to Manage Energy Use, Bills
 
CPUC-approved Rate Changes Take Effect January 1, 2024
 
Oakland, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) energy rates will change on January 1, 2024, to pay for continued critical safety investments for its customers and hometowns. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved PG&E’s 2023-2026 General Rate Case (GRC). More than 85% of PG&E’s proposed increase, originally submitted in June 2021, was to reduce risk in PG&E’s gas and electric operations.
 
As part of the GRC, the CPUC approved placing 1,230 miles of powerlines underground in PG&E’s highest fire-risk areas. Undergrounding is permanent risk reduction that eliminates nearly 98% of risk of wildfire ignition from electrical equipment, increases electric reliability by reducing the need for safety-related power shutoffs, and saves customers billions of dollars in reduced annual tree trimming and overhead line maintenance costs.
 
“We are committed to being the safe operator that the people of California expect and deserve. We appreciate the Commission for recognizing the important safety and reliability investments we are making on behalf of our customers, including undergrounding powerlines to permanently reduce wildfire risk. Undergrounding is the best tool in the highest fire-risk areas to protect our customers and hometowns and improve reliability year-round at the lowest cost to our customers,” said PG&E Corporation CEO Patti Poppe.
 
The GRC funds these key safety and reliability investments for the benefit of customers:
 

• Undergrounding 1,230 miles of powerlines in PG&E’s highest fire-risk areas. In addition to being the safest, most reliable, and cost-effective solution, undergrounding benefits all customers through improved air and water quality from fewer fires, protecting wildlands, and improving access to homeowners’ insurance at lower premiums, over the long run. It is one of PG&E’s multiple layers of protection that have reduced wildfire risk from company equipment by 94%[[1] Based on the methodology established by the CPUC in the Safety Model Assessment Proceeding and implemented by PG&E, accordingly.1].

 

• Replacing 139 miles and 24 miles of plastic and steel distribution pipeline respectively; inspecting 343 miles of transmission pipeline with state-of-the-art tools that run inside the pipeline; strength-testing 43 miles of gas transmission pipeline to assess integrity and reconfirm the maximum allowable operating pressure; employing advanced mobile leak detection technology to quickly find and fix gas leaks to improve safety and reduce methane emissions.

 

• Increasing electric capacity to support the state’s transportation electrification, affordable housing and economic development goals. Additional electric system investments include grid work to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles to reduce climate change impacts and improve air quality; exploring technologies to use electric vehicles and other energy storage; and microgrid advancements to help improve grid resiliency during extreme weather and peak-energy demand periods.

 
Ways PG&E Helps Customers Manage Energy Use and Costs
 
PG&E offers no- and low-cost actions to help customers reduce energy use and better manage monthly energy bills, and financial assistance programs for income-eligible customers.
 

• Check your rate plan – get a personalized Rate Plan Comparison to find the best rate plan for your personal energy use.
• Take a free Home Energy Checkup to identify wasted energy sources and get a personalized savings plan to lower monthly bills in just five minutes.
• Enroll in Budget Billing to spread out annual energy costs throughout the year to avoid peaks in months of higher use.
• Receive Bill Forecast Alerts when your bill is projected to exceed an amount set by you so you can reduce energy use prior to your next bill.

 
Customers may qualify for bill assistance including:
 

• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity.
• Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) provides a monthly discount of 18% on electricity only. Must be a household of three or more people.
• Arrearage Management Program is a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers who may have experienced pandemic-related hardship.

 
Customer Bill Impacts
 
Customer bills may vary based on where they live, energy usage, rate plan, program enrollment, weather in their region, and other factors.
 
The GRC will increase typical residential non-CARE monthly combined gas and electric bills by an average of 3.6% over three years. It will increase monthly bills by approximately 12.8% in 2024, and have a net decrease in the following years, 2025 and 2026. For example, the typical bill will increase by approximately $32.50 in 2024, $4.50 in 2025, and decrease by almost $8.00 in 2026.
 
For the typical residential CARE customer, the monthly combined bill would increase by an average of 3.8% over three years. Typical bills will increase by about $21.50 in 2024, $3 in 2025, and decrease by about $5.50 in 2026.
 
Non-CARE202420252026Annual average
Annual incremental change$32.50$4.50$(8)
% Annual Change12.8%1.6%-2.8%3.6%
CARE
Annual incremental change$21.50$3$(5.50)
% Annual Change13.1%1.6%-2.8%3.8%
 
In addition to the GRC, PG&E will implement additional rate changes as part of an annual process called the “true-up” which consolidates rate changes authorized by the CPUC. These amounts will be final at the end of December.
 
Rates take effect January 1, 2024, however, customers may not see the change in their bill until February depending on their billing cycle.
 
About PG&E 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/. 


Gallagher Statement on Utility Rate Increase Proposal
SACRAMENTO - Today, Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) issued the following statement ahead of the California Public Utilities Commission decision on approving a multi-billion dollar utility rate increase:


“People shouldn’t have to choose between insanely high utility bills and power that is delivered reliably and safely to their homes. Republicans want to lower costs by reducing the taxes, mandates and regulations that are causing Californians to already buy some of the most expensive electricity in the country. To be frank, the Democrat majority seems uninterested in lowering costs and their decisions have led to customers paying upwards of $500-$1,000 in monthly utility bills. We need transparency, accountability and a complete reality check in Sacramento to right the ship. Not another rate increase.”

Contest open to third grade students in seven counties.
SUSANVILLE, CA, November 16, 2023 — The Lassen National Forest is hosting an essay contest for third grade students in Lassen, Shasta, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Siskiyou, and Modoc Counties. The deadline for entries has been extended. Submissions will be accepted now through December 10th, 2023.
Archaeology is the study of things left behind by people from the past. We use these to learn how people lived in specific times and places.
To participate in this contest, students should submit an essay on a place that is at least 50 years old that means something to them, why they like it, how old it is, and why it should be preserved.
“We are excited to learn about the places that are important to you and our communities.  We want to encourage the development of writing at a critical age where children are making the transition from learning to read, to reading to learn,” said Jennifer Norton, acting Forest Archaeologist on the Lassen National Forest.
Our partners at the Shasta Historical Society have donated prizes for this contest. First prize is a One Year Family Pass to Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. The runner up will receive a copy of “Can you Dig it” by Amanda Baker.
“This contest is a chance for young people to express connections to the outdoors and places that are special to them through their own creativity. I look forward to seeing what they create. Thank you to the teachers and parents that support these students, and to our partner for their generous donation of tickets for this essay contest,” said Forest Supervisor, Deb Bumpus.
Submit your essays with the entry form to SM.FS.LNFHeritage@usda.gov no later than December 10th, 2023.
###
 
 

 

Dr. Glenn Mollette 


Here are some tips for Thanksgiving. Be Thankful. Thanksgiving season is a good time to say thanks but we need to make it a lifestyle. 


An attitude of thanksgiving is a good way to live. When you are daily thankful for your food, shelter, and the simplest things it elevates your sense of well-being. We devalue our well-being when we spend all of our time looking at what others seem to have. Others may seem to have such great lives that we start missing our own blessings.


The greatest blessings in life are:  the ability to walk across the floor; take yourself to the bathroom; enjoy a car ride; feed yourself; have meaningful conversations with other people; enjoy whatever income you have; walk through the grocery store; go to church or enjoy watching television. 


Too often we get depressed and bogged down with worries and cares that aren’t worth worrying about.


Give thanks today for everything and anything. Say thank you often. They are good words to say. Teach your children and grandchildren to say thank you and to say it often. 


Be helpful.  Thank all the cooks several times. Help out in any way you can. Cleaning up is a big job. Be active in clearing the table and offering to wash dishes and put stuff away. An ounce of effort goes a long way. Don’t eat two plates of food and then go into a hypnotic state staring at the football game. Don’t leave all the mess for the person who spent days cooking your meal.  


Be wise. Don’t kill yourself eating. If you gain ten pounds in November and December then it will take you two to three months to lose the weight, if you are lucky. It’s tough to lose a pound a week. Do you want to be fat all the way into April? If you can’t wear your clothes now then adding ten more pounds will not do anything to enhance your mood and sense of well-being. 


Be safe. Millions of people are traveling. If you have to travel don’t push it. Slow down and enjoy the drive. Leave an hour early and take your time. If you don’t have to go anywhere then be glad and relax. 


Jesus healed ten men with leprosy as described in Luke 17: 11-19. Only one of the healed men returned to Jesus to say thanks. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed?  Where are the other nine? But only this one has returned to say thank you?  Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” This scripture demonstrates the power of a thankful spirit. This man’s life was changed even more because he was thankful.  It’s easy to see ungratefulness all around us. The vast majority of those healed were ungrateful. Let’s not live like the majority. Let’s be like the winner of this story. He was the person who gave thanks. 

Find books by Glenn Mollette at Amazon.com Learn more about his books, columns and music at GlennMollette.Com

Global Media | P.O. Box 1238, Newburgh, IN 47629
Unsubscribe jbuck@psln.com
Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Sent by gmollette@aol.com powered by

Try email marketing for free today!

 
OAKLAND, Calif. — A November storm is bringing rain and wind to much of Northern California and serves as a reminder of the importance of winter storm safety.
 
After some rain on Tuesday, showers and possible isolated thunderstorms will continue to be experienced across Northern and Central California through Friday or as late as Saturday of this week. In addition, dirt and dust can build up on equipment throughout the year. The first of rains of the season, or even heavy mist or fog, can turn this accumulated dirt and dust to mud, which can conduct electricity and lead to outages and in some cases, small pole fires.
PG&E’s meteorology team has developed a Storm Outage Prediction Model that incorporates real-time weather forecasts, historical data and system knowledge to predict where and when storm impacts will be most severe. This model enables the company to pre-stage crews and equipment as storms approach to enable rapid response to outages.
PG&E is urging its customers to take the necessary steps to be prepared and stay safe throughout the winter.
Safety Tips

• Never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Use flashlights, not candles: During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, please keep them away from drapes, lampshades and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
• Have a backup phone: If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, such as a cordless phone or answering machine, plan to have a standard telephone or cellular phone ready as a backup.
• Have fresh drinking water, ice: Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling. Blue Ice from your picnic cooler also works well in the freezer.
• Use generators safely: Customers with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as crews working on power lines. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
• Turn off appliances: If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
• Safely clean up: After the inclement weather has passed, be sure to safely clean up. Never touch downed wires and always call 811 or visit 811express.com at least two full business days before digging to have all underground utilities safely marked.

Other tips can be found at pge.com/beprepared
 
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.
 ​

​“ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL,” keeps coming up in our small county and city.
Take, for example, the current Housing Element recently reported on by Planning Director Brandon Pangman. This establishes programs to improve housing. The previous cost for the County portion was $30-$35,000 and was conducted using State grant funding yet no grant funding has been determined available for this housing element update project. This update is now called “much more complicated, challenging and costly” and initial estimates were at $200,000. Cutting out public workshops and discussion ended up with double what it cost in years past - $65,000 for the County’s housing element using $15,000 from Sierra Buttes/Lakes Basin Recreation Masterplan Update. 
Brandon also spoke to the City with no better news. The City is experiencing negative growth and there’s a minimum of just two affordable housing numbers. Yet the City’s portion is $55,000. Pangman offered three options which included one to ask the City’s Planning Director, Gary Price for a proposal on the Housing Element. The subject was again on a Special Meeting agenda Monday night where Council member Joy Markum stated the City doesn’t have “any extra money.” She stated a cost of $55,707.45  for limited bills every month and told of the need of an $8,100 surge protector installed. In 2012 the City’s Housing Element cost $35,000 with a grant.
The Housing Element is one of seven State mandated elements that comprise the General Plan, a policy document that provides an assessment of housing characteristics and needs in the community and establishes programs to improve housing to meet those needs. To stay in compliance, it must be updated every five years.

* * * * *

IF THE STATE CARED anything about the City’s housing, it would allow funds to exercise the abatement process to clear several of the despicable messes left around town, particularly near Smithneck Creek where old vehicles are most likely leaking fluids. It will require legal counsel which is costly but well worth the trouble to see such unsightly areas cleaned up. 
That would be a much better investment for both the City and the public.