May 4-June 12, the Red Cross invites you to participate in the Women Leading with Heart & Humanity virtual blood drive and to encourage the women in your life to join you. By making an appointment through our BloodLink page, you and your networks across the country can help meet the needs of patients relying on blood donors.

Every day, women are catalysts for compassion, connection and community. When women encourage other women to donate, the impact grows exponentially. Together, we can ensure the Red Cross is ready to meet patient needs throughout the summer. Make an appointment today!
 

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced an increase to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation for 2026. The allocation is now 45 percent of requested supplies, up from the previous allocation of 30 percent announced on January 29. The allocation establishes how much water the State plans to deliver to the 29 public water agencies served by the SWP, which provides water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.
In the spring, SWP allocations are based on current hydrological conditions, existing reservoir storage, and remaining snowpack. While California saw record heat in March and early snowmelt, consistent rainstorms in April provided critical runoff through the system that allowed DWR to capture more water and meet environmental regulations without using stored water. Currently, the SWP’s largest reservoir, Lake Oroville, is at 99 percent of capacity. Statewide, reservoirs are 117 percent of average for this time of year.  
The challenge remains that California’s snowpack, the state’s frozen reservoir, is essentially gone. As of today, the statewide snowpack is just 12 percent of average. The snowpack peaked in mid-February and has since melted off.
“California’s reservoirs are full, but most snowpack melted off weeks ago. We must use this stored water carefully because there’s no backfill until next season,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth.
Learn more about how snowmelt impacts State Water Project allocations: https://youtu.be/vXdP6s8Kq0E.
The SWP utilized real-time operational flexibility to benefit water users and the environment despite the fact that so much of this year’s precipitation came as rain instead of snow. Water managers at Lake Oroville coordinated closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to capture as much water as possible while still providing flood protection to downstream communities. These flexible operations, coupled with the improved runoff in the system resulted in an additional 400,000 acre-feet of storage in Lake Oroville. This puts the SWP in a better position to provide water supply to contractors this year while maintaining robust carryover storage to meet water supply and environmental needs should next year be dry.
Each year, DWR provides an initial SWP allocation in December based on available water storage, projected water supply and water demands. Allocations are updated monthly as snowpack, rainfall and runoff data is analyzed, with a final allocation typically determined near the end of the season in May or June. This season, the initial allocation was 10 percent on December 1, updated to 30 percent on January 29, and increased to 45 percent today.
Historical data on SWP allocations is available at https://water.ca.gov/programs/state-water-project/management/swp-water-contractors.

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See More News Releases


Stay Connected with the California Department of Water Resources
        

Fueling Change for Wildfire Resilient ForestsS

The Middle Truckee River Watershed Forest Partnership (MTRWFP)’s 10-Year Vegetation Management Plan will drive forest restoration and fuels management work on 60,000 acres within the Middle Truckee River watershed by 2034.
After two full years of operation, the collective efforts of MTRWFP have resulted in the following significant milestones toward this goal. All MTRWFP efforts aim to protect our communities, secure critical water supplies, and restore the natural resilience of our forests against extreme wildfire.

Ladybug Wildfire Fuels Mitigation, completed in Fall 2025, was the first project of the MTRWFP.

 
2025 Progress Update

The following are cumulative tallies since projects began in 2023.

11,771 acres of vegetation management and prescribed fire have been implemented.
3,854 acres underwent hazardous fuels reduction through mastication, mechanical thinning, or hand work to reduce ladder fuels.
5,634 acres were commercially thinned to improve forest health and long-term resiliency.
17,506 acres reached "project readiness" through the completion of environmental planning and compliance.
$10,899,656 in federal, state, local, and private funding was invested into these vital planning and implementation projects.
 
2026 Project Outlook

2026 Forest Restoration Project Areas. Download the full map from the USFS.

 
MTRWFP has several key projects taking place over the coming year that may impact public access, due to the use of mechanical vegetation management work, including the use of heavy equipment, movement of haul trucks,  tree-falling operations, mastication, and piling. Here is a brief description of each:

Alder 89: Treating nearly 3,000 acres of forest in a high-use area directly adjacent to the Town of Truckee and dense developments like Tahoe Donner.
Alpine Meadows: Focusing on creating defensible buffers for the Alpine Meadows community and protecting critical ingress and egress routes along Highway 89.
Big Chief: Focusing on mechanical thinning and fuels reduction with periodic closures of the Big Chief climbing area and surrounding trails.
Boca: Protecting forest lands above essential water infrastructure for Reno and Sparks, Nevada while improving overall ecosystem resiliency and reducing wildfire risk for the greater Truckee area.
Woodchopper Project: Fuels reduction work planned on approximately 850 acres north of Truckee, between Highway 89 North and Boca Reservoir.
Ongoing Projects: Implementation continues for the Cabin Creek, the first of three projects covered under the Five Creeks environmental assessment, located directly south of Truckee, west of Highway 89.
Access the USFS media release on potential public access closures for these projects.

Science of Project PrioritizationThe Middle Truckee River watershed is an expansive 315,000-acre landscape. To ensure resources are spent where they have the greatest impact, MTRWFP is guided by three factors: wildfire risk, climate change susceptibility, and hydrologic impacts.
To help facilitate specific project selection, the following management objectives are weighed:

• Fire Dynamics: Reducing the risk of "stand-replacing" fires that destroy entire ecosystems and lead to massive soil erosion.
  
• Forest Resilience: Restoring diverse forest structures that can survive natural disturbances.
  
• Water Security: Protecting source water supplies for the over 470,000 people and 7,000 businesses in the Reno-Sparks area that depend on the Truckee River.
  
• Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting the habitats of native species and unique ecosystems that contribute to forest resiliency and water quality.
  

Funding for projects comes from a variety of sources, including government agencies, corporate donors, non-profit organizations, and core team partners. The long-term funding strategy includes pursuing federal appropriations, state and local grants, and bridge funding to work while waiting to receive grants or appropriations. The estimated cost for all of MTRWFP’s planning and implementation projects is projected to be roughly $140 million.
Read more about MTRWFP’s strategic approach in its 10-Year Vegetation Management Plan at truckeeforests.org/resources.

LEARN MORE
Stay in the Know
Projects active & planned to approach to address at-risk forests within the Middle Truckee River Watershed.

 


As work moves forward, some project phases may include closures of recreational trails or forest roads to keep everyone safe from hazards such as falling trees, mechanical thinning operations, and heavy equipment traffic. Camping may also be prohibited. For the latest project updates, maps, downloadable flyers, and more, visit truckeeforests.org/project-updates.
Feel free to download, print, and share the following flyers for the MTRWFP’s active projects.


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OAKLAND — The California Department of Justice (California DOJ) today released proposed regulations under Senate Bill (SB) 976, also known as the "Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act.” The Act, enacted in September 2024, protects minors from addictive features on online platforms, including social media. The Act requires the Attorney General to adopt regulations in furtherance of the Act’s purposes, including regulations regarding age assurance and parental consent. The Act also requires that the Attorney General solicit public comment about the impact that any regulation might have based on the nondiscrimination characteristics set forth in anti-discrimination law.
A copy of the SB 976 proposed regulations and other related documents can be found at: oag.ca.gov/sb976.
45-Day Written Comment Period and Public Hearing
As part of the regulatory process, California DOJ is opening a 45-day public comment period on the proposed regulations. Any interested party or their duly authorized representative may submit written comments regarding the proposed SB 976 regulations by 5:00pm PT on June 30, 2026. All comments received by the deadline will be posted on the California DOJ website and are subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act. Comments may be submitted to sb[email protected] or by mail to:
California Department of Justice
Consumer Protection Section
1515 Clay Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Following the written comment period, California DOJ will hold a public hearing to provide all interested persons an opportunity to present statements or arguments, either orally or in writing, with respect to the proposed regulations:
WHEN: June 30, 2026, 1:00pm-3:00pm PT
WHERE: Elihu Harris Auditorium, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612 or by Zoom, https://doj-ca.zoomgov.com/j/1655551112.
Public Comment: Total time allocated for public comment may be limited depending on the number of attendees. We anticipate each attendee will be given approximately three (3) minutes to speak; however, California DOJ staff may shorten or lengthen the time limit depending on how many attendees are waiting to speak. Members of the public who wish to speak at the hearing are requested to RSVP in advance. Members of the public can RSVP here. California DOJ requests, but does not require, that persons who provide oral comments at the hearing also submit a written copy of their testimony to [email protected].
Accessibility: If you need assistance, including disability-related modifications or accommodations to participate in this meeting, please make your request by contacting [email protected] at least five (5) business days before the meeting. 
For more information about the public hearing, please visit oag.ca.gov/meetings. You may also contact the department by e-mail at [email protected], by mail at California Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Section 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612, or by phone at 510-879-3992.

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SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2026–27 May Revision budget proposal, highlighting major investments that support student achievement, educator development, special education, literacy, and community schools across California.


“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for advancing a budget proposal that continues California’s commitment to investing in our students, educators, and schools,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “These historic investments reflect what we know works for students: strong literacy support, increased resources for special education, continued support for community schools that provide wraparound services, and resources for recruiting and retaining teachers. This proposal continues the important work of ensuring every student has access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.”


Superintendent Thurmond has long advocated for these proposed investments that lead to demonstrable progress in academic achievement, graduation rates, and reductions in chronic absenteeism. Last year, for the first time in the history of the California School Dashboard, all key student outcomes showed improvement. These results followed significant investments in TK–12 education championed by Superintendent Thurmond, who is renewing the call for further support to keep the momentum going and move the needle on student achievement.


The Governor’s May Revision includes the following significant investments for California’s public schools and students:

• $5 billion for the Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant, flexible dollars that could be utilized for teacher training, recruitment and retention, and career pathways and dual enrollment expansion efforts for career education;

 

• $2.4 billion ongoing investment in special education, representing the largest investment in special education in the state’s history;

 

• $1 billion ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund to expand the community school model to more school sites with large populations of students from low-income families, English learners, and foster youth, building on the investment of $485 million from the existing California Community Schools Partnership Program;

 

• $906.7 million to further increase funding for the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), a discretionary investment, commonly referred to as a “super COLA,” that results in a total (statutory plus discretionary) COLA of 4.31 percent;

 

• $500 million investment to support literacy coaches and reading specialists;

 

• $16.2 million to secure an ongoing commitment to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and strengthen teacher recruitment; and

 

• an additional $10 million for Holocaust and Genocide education.

The May Revision also supports implementation of Assembly Bill 65, sponsored by Superintendent Thurmond, which provides up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave for TK–12 educators and school employees. Additionally, the 2026–27 May Revision includes $30 million in one-time Proposition 98 General Funds for grants to local educational agencies to increase identification of and improve outcomes for students experiencing homelessness. These funds will supplement existing federal McKinney-Vento Children and Youth grant program funding to expand access. 


More information about Superintendent Thurmond’s initiatives can be found on the CDE Superintendent’s Initiatives web page.


Inquiries from members of the media regarding the Superintendent’s initiatives can be directed to [email protected]. 


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The California Department of Education is a state agency led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. For more information, please visit the

Sacramento, CA - May 14, 2026


Following President Trump’s announcement this Monday supporting a suspension of the federal gas tax, the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA) is calling on California’s policymakers to pursue similar action by suspending the state’s excise tax on gasoline and diesel, which currently adds 61 cents to every gallon of gas and 46 cents to every gallon of diesel purchased by Californians.


“This is about affordability and economic survival for millions of Californians,” said Elizabeth Graham, CEO of the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance. “Providing immediate relief at the pump is a bipartisan issue that must take priority, because Californians and California businesses desperately need help now.”


California is historically known to have the highest gas prices in the nation, due to a combination of unique fuel requirements, high taxes and regulatory costs, limited refining capacity, and supply constraints that have made the state a “fuel island” largely dependent on its few remaining refineries and imported crude oil.


As of March 2026, approximately $1.38 per gallon of gasoline in California is attributed to state and federal taxes and fees, while California’s special CARBOB fuel blend and strict regulatory programs further increase production costs. Recent events, including volatility stemming from the Iran War and the loss of the Phillips 66 Wilmington refinery and the Valero Benicia refinery in the last six months, have only exacerbated California’s fuel supply challenges, placing additional upward pressure on prices at the pump.


At a time when Californians are already struggling with rising costs, CFCA strongly urges California policymakers to suspend the state gas tax to prioritize providing immediate and meaningful relief to families, commuters, and businesses across the state.

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About CFCA
CFCA is the industry's statewide trade association representing the needs of small and minority wholesale and retail marketers of gasoline, diesel, lubricating oils, motor fuels products, and alternative fuels, including but not limited to, hydrogen, compressed natural gas, ethanol, renewable and biodiesel, and electric charging stations; transporters of those products; and retail convenience store operators. CFCA’s members serve California’s families, agriculture, police and fire, cities, construction, and all consumer goods moved by the delivery and transportation industries.
California Fuels & Convenience Alliance | 2520 Venture Oaks Way Ste. 100, Sacramento, CA 95833 | 916.646.5999 | [email protected] | www.cfca.energy

Cornhole and Disc Golf tournament on May 24th at White Sulphur Springs Ranch Resort. The cost is $40 a team.
Bad Cat Concert at White Sulphur Springs Ranch Resort,  6/13, 5 PM to 8 PM. Adults $20, kids under 12 free. Food and beverages available.
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Sixth Annual Twisty M Poker Run 6/27. Check-in starting at El Toro Bravo in Truckee
9 AM to 11 AM.  Ending at White Sulphur Springs Ranch Resort. $40 single, $60 double.  Barbecue, live music, car and bike show, raffle and awards included.  This is a fundraiser to support local youth by raising funds for the Emily “M” Wilbanks youth scholarship.

Stars and Stripes 5K Fun Run on July 4th from 7:30 AM to 11 AM at the Graeagle Soccer Field. White Sulphur Springs Resort rummage sale drop offs 7/11 and 712 from 9 AM to 1:30 PM.
White Sulphur Springs  Resort Rummage Sale 7/18, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM.

New Wave Crave, 80’s Dance Party, 8/8 from 5PM to 8 PM at White Sulphur Springs Ranch Resort. Adults $20, kids under 12 free. Food and beverages available.

Lost Sierra Artist and Crafters Fair 8/15 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at Herb Rowe Memorial Park in Graeagle.
Bad Cat Concert on 9/6, 5 PM to 8 PM at White Sulphur Springs Ranch Resort.  Adults $20, kids under 12 free. Food and beverages available.  Additional event details are available through the website calendar: www.white sulphurspringsranch.com. 

 
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA) recognized local high school artists at Sierra College who submitted artwork for consideration in this year’s Congressional Art Competition and announced Anhdan Pham, a junior from Granite Bay High School, as this year’s winner for the second year in a row. Her piece “Co Hieu Khong?” will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year. 
 
Grace Berarducci’s “Kona’s Firelight” and Jennah Ahmed’s “Judge Me Through Your Looking Glass” tied for second place, while James Burns’ “Between the Reeds” and Sophie Economon’s “Seventh Heaven” tied for third place. The second and third place finishers will have their pieces displayed in the D.C. office and our district office, respectively.
 
“Congratulations to Anhdan Pham for winning the Congressional Art Competition for the second year in a row. Her submission of ‘Co Hieu Khong?’ will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year and was selected by an independent panel of art professionals,” said Rep. Kiley. “Thank you to everyone who submitted artwork for this year’s competition. I was so highly impressed with all the submissions.”
 
The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide competition in which high school students can submit a piece of art to their congressman. One winner is selected by each of the 435 Members of Congress in the nation, and the winner’s art is displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Anhdan Pham, a junior from Granite Bay High School, as this year’s winner for the second year in a row. Her piece “Co Hieu Khong?” will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for one year. 
 ​

 
Hello Everyone,

The District and the Sierra Plumas Teachers’ Association (SPTA) held another negotiations session on Wednesday, April 29th.  During this meeting, we reached a tentative agreement on Article 4.  After continued discussions, the parties were unable to reach agreement on Article 4, as the District remained firm in its position that class size overage compensation be based on ADA rather than enrollment, and that ISP contract compensation for elementary teachers remain at $10 per day rather than $10 per core subject, due to concerns regarding impacts to the current fiscal year’s budget.

The District stated that current class size overages were only affecting one teacher.  However, this does not fully reflect what is happening at our sites.  While the District identified only the third grade class at Loyalton Elementary as being over the agreed upon limits, the kindergarten class at LES also exceeded the class size maximum at the end of the second trimester.  This means at least two teachers have been impacted this year alone, not including the overages from last year, reflecting a difference in understanding regarding the scope of the issue.

Recap of Specific Areas of Discussion

Article 4: Class Size

4.4- Current discussions focused on the District’s preference to compensate class size overages based on Average Daily Attendance (ADA), while SPTA’s preference was to use actual class enrollment.  CTA Representative Jon Halvorson noted that enrollment is the measure used in the majority of the districts across the state.

4.11- Discussions continued regarding compensation for elementary teachers with ISP contracts.  The current structure provides elementary teachers $10 per student for preparing work for all four core subject areas in a self-contained classroom, while middle and high school teachers receive $10 per student per class for preparing work for just one subject area.  It was discussed that middle and high teachers may have the same students across multiple class periods, which raises concerns about equity.  The District acknowledged this inequity.

While SPTA was not in full agreement with the District’s position, the teams agreed to accept the current terms for now in order to continue moving negotiations forward, with the understanding that Article 4 will be revisited next year.  While this concludes negotiations for the current year, both the District and SPTA expressed hope that next year’s negotiations will continue in a productive and collaborative manner and avoid some of the challenges experienced in previous negotiations.

We will continue to provide these updates next year to keep staff and the community informed.

Sincerely,                                                

Sean Snider, Superintendent and Miranda Prakash, SPTA President

(Washington, D.C., May 12, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development today announced Rural Development programs will follow the historic reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act regulations effective immediately.
“NEPA implementation had become overly cumbersome and a painful barrier to getting things done for and with rural communities,” said USDA Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Todd Lindsey. “USDA’s Final Rule, championed by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, marks an important step forward in delivering our programs efficiently and with more accountability.”
The Final Rule, published April 3, 2026, removes various agency regulations, including Rural Development 7 CFR 1970. This Final Rule adopts the changes introduced in the Interim Final Rule published on July 3, 2025, which consolidated seven agency-specific NEPA regulations into a single, department wide framework. The changes ensure USDA’s NEPA implementation achieves its purpose, ensuring federal agencies consider environmental impacts while also executing flexibility for faster delivery of USDA Rural Development funding.
For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making RD’s investment data accessible to the public.

After decades of effort, Sierra County Planning Director Brandon Pangman, announced during the Board of Supervisors’ meeting Tuesday, May 5th in Downieville that they finally received confirmation from the United States Postal Office that Verdi is getting a zip code.
The zip code will be an extension of Floriston’s 96111 and are waiting on a final map.
Pangman thanked Sierra County Planner Corri Jimenez for her persistence on this project and who previously lived in Verdi knowing the struggles of those getting mail and deliveries with a Nevada zip code.
In other reports, Pangman stated the Planning Commission adopted a resolution to clean up inconsistencies in the general plan and zoning in Long Valley. He met with residents March 20th and received a general consensus to keep the entire Long Valley in agricultural and nothing else.
Public Works Director Josh Handel reported the Sierra City Transfer Station already had four piles of green waste and recommended residents bring waste as soon as they could. 
Handel stated they repaired the boiler at Sierraville School by replacing the igniter. He explained the tank had been drained and is rusting from the inside. At some point they will need to replace it. 

  
This year’s record-breaking forecast is slightly higher than 2025 when 5.8 million people in California traveled for the holiday
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (May 11, 2026) - AAA projects 5.86 million Californians will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day between Thursday, May 21 and Monday, May 25. This year’s domestic travel forecast is slightly higher than last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend travel record.

The vast majority of California travelers (More than 4.77 million) are expected to drive while more than 632,000 are expected to fly from the Golden State to their destinations. While gas prices are higher than last Memorial Day weekend, average ticket prices for flights are lower than last year.

“Despite higher fuel prices, the underlying desire to travel remains positive and strong as travelers are prioritizing leisure summer getaways,” said Cyndi Zesk, Senior Vice President of Travel for AAA Mountain West Group. “Working with a AAA Travel Advisor provides travelers essential tools and resources to stay safe and much-needed peace of mind.”


Memorial Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation
By Car: Driving is the preferred mode of transportation during holiday travel periods with 87% of Memorial Day travelers choosing to take road trips. AAA is reminding travelers not to delay vehicle maintenance. A breakdown is the fastest way to ruin a holiday weekend.

By Air: Air travel remains robust, making up 8% of the share of travelers this holiday weekend, despite external factors like TSA issues and government shutdowns. Seeking the guidance of a AAA Travel Advisor can help navigate these nuances should they come up during your trip.

By Other Modes: Travel by other modes is expected to go up with more than 455,000 people in California traveling by bus, train, or cruise ship over Memorial Day weekend. Alaskan cruises remain popular and kick-off this time of year, remaining a driving factor in the industry’s momentous growth.


AAA Offers Gas Saving Tips
This holiday weekend, drivers are paying more at the pump compared to last year when the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.17 on Memorial Day. Currently, pump prices are the highest they’ve been since the summer of 2022. AAA recommends drivers follow these gas-saving tips.

• Save on gas. Use the AAA Mobile App to find the cheapest gas stations along your route, plan your trip, request roadside assistance, and more. AAA Members can save 30¢ per gallon on your first fill-up at participating stations when you join Shell Fuel Rewards®. All AAA Shell Fuel Rewards® Members save 5¢ per gallon on their fill-ups of up to 20 gallons at participating stations with complimentary Gold Status.
• Avoid speeding. Fuel economy peaks around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
• Remove unnecessary weight from your vehicle (e.g., trunk, cargo area, etc.) as weight increases the amount of effort it takes to move the vehicle.
• Check tire pressure and align tires: Maintaining proper tire pressure reduces your tire's friction with the road. Less friction means less energy is needed to move, resulting in using less gas. Proper inflation can improve gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average. 

AAA Shares Best Travel Tips

• Hit the road early. Thursday, May 21, Friday, May 22 and Monday May 25 are projected to be the busiest travel days with 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. being the most congested hours. Sunday should be the lightest day for traffic, barring any unexpected events on the road.
• Be road trip ready. AAA anticipates about 350,000 roadside service calls nationwide for the holiday weekend. Last year, AAA came to the rescue of more than 25,000 motorists in Northern California. A pre-trip inspection at a AAA Auto Repair Center can prevent common breakdowns like dead batteries and blown tires.
• Flexibility is key to scoring cheaper airfare. Weekdays tend to be the least expensive days to travel. Opting for basic economy fares (while noting restrictions), booking airport parking in advance, and bringing your own meals can help save you money.
• Slow down, move over. With a record number of travelers on the road this holiday weekend, AAA reminds drivers to put safety first, Slow Down, Move Over for all stopped vehicles on the roadside. 
• Drive sober. AAA reminds drivers to plan sober rides this summer. Before getting behind the wheel, make a plan, designate a sober driver or hail a ride-sharing service so everyone can get home safely.  

Media Toolkit
Video soundbites are available and can be downloaded here: Record Travel Despite Higher Gas Prices; Best and Worst Times to Travel; Gas Saving Tips. The spokesperson is Doug Johnson, AAA Mountain West Group.


About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is one of the most trusted membership organizations, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Alaska, Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, Utah, and Wyoming. Named one of Forbes’ Most Trusted Companies in America, 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.

Dr. Glenn Mollette 




Men and women who run for political offices must be men and women of the people and for the people. Political jobs are jobs for the people. A person who holds a political office must know that he or she is serving a massive number of people. 


Holding office comes with a lot of expectation and a lot of pressure. If the kitchen is too hot then get out of the kitchen. Typically, political jobs are hot jobs that often reach boiling temperatures. People get upset when there are potholes in the road. The price of gasoline and the monthly electric bill are infuriating. People become angry when the water bill and the trash bill are too costly. Somebody has to be blamed for all this, so it’s going to be the political leadership. If you are in office don’t be so surprised if people are mad at you. They may be mad at you most of your tenure. 


The person in political office does have an opportunity to make a lot of friends. People love a politician who will speak to them, treat them nice and listen to what they have to say. If you do just a little bit of this, your local community will name a bridge after you. They might name a building or road after you. There is usually some type of community response when you try to do a decent job. 


Years ago, my dad was approved for federal black lung benefits because he had worked in the mines for over 35 years. Congressman Carl Perkins called him on the telephone to tell him he had been approved for the benefits. It was impressive that a United States Congressman, sitting in Washington D.C., called our little Appalachian house to deliver news that was very welcomed by my dad and mother. 


Politicians who become too high and mighty to make phone calls, visit communities, sit in people’s homes or respond via email or text are not appreciated. We are all people. We all put our pants on the same way. 


When President Lyndon Johnson visited Inez, Kentucky in 1964 he made global news sitting on the porch of a poor East Kentucky family. It was just a photo opportunity to sell his campaign on poverty but it worked. When you visit with people, shake hands, show interest and compassion, people swallow it hook, line and sinker. 


The nature of most Americans resonates with politicians who show themselves friendly and act like they care. I want to know what a politician is going to do and what the goals are during his tenure. There is work to be done. Taxes are too high. The cost of living is too high. There is still work to be done on America’s border. The illegal immigrant task is not over. We must strive for peace in the Middle East and so forth. 


The point is, we can’t elect someone to office because he or she is just a good ol’ fellow. Political offices are big jobs and should not be handed to someone who is just an all-around nice person. However, if you are running for office, keep in mind it will not hurt you to be an all-around nice person. 



















Global Media | P.O. Box 1238 | Newburgh, IN 47629 US

SACRAMENTO, CA (May 11, 2026) – On June 16 at 5:30 p.m. Assemblywoman Hadwick (R-Alturas) will host a virtual Town Hall focused on one of the most pressing concerns facing Californians today: the rising cost and availability of insurance.
 
“When I circulated a survey to constituents earlier this year, the number one issue people were concerned about was affordability, with insurance as a close second,” said Assemblywoman Hadwick, “These issues go hand in hand. California is a very expensive place to live, and people can’t afford the rising cost of insurance. For seniors and others living on fixed incomes, these increases can be especially crushing. This event will be an opportunity for some experts to share their insights they have on the industry.”
 
The Town Hall will be hosted virtually on Zoom to allow constituents from throughout the district to participate. The Assemblywoman will introduce three speakers who will be providing a special update on insurance in California. The speakers, including people from the California Department of Insurance, the Personal Insurance Federation and the California FAIR Plan, will each have 20 minutes to provide a presentation and answer some questions.
 
Constituents can RSVP here:
https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/rsvp_const.php?dist=AD1&rsvpId=2575&bid=2770.
 
Attendees will receive a zoom link and an opportunity to submit questions several weeks in advance.
 
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Contact: Hannah Skaggs (916) 319-2001
 
Assemblywoman Hadwick represents the 1st Assembly District, which includes Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.
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May 2026 - Wolf-Livestock Compensation Survey
On behalf of CDFW, UC-Berkeley and UC Cooperative Extension are seeking input from livestock producers and interested parties who live in California on the future of wolf-livestock compensation. All survey responses are anonymous, and any data collected will be securely housed at UC and shared only in aggregate form with CDFW and the public. The survey can be accessed at the following link, takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and will close on June 11th.
Take the SurveyThis survey is part of CDFW’s ongoing review of the current wolf-livestock compensation program and is intended to gather feedback to help improve the pilot program established in 2021. It is separate from the survey distributed by UC in July 2025.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Mailing Address: PO Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-0209

By Michelle Reugebrink
On our drive home from Portola on Saturday, May 9, 2026, just a few miles from Calpine, Bob and I noticed something in the field that made us both look twice. At first I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me; but no. There they were. Antelope.
In my 56 years of living in Sierra Valley, I have never seen antelope this close to Calpine, not once. We’ve seen them quite a lot over the last few years between Beckwourth and Highway 395, but never here in Calpine.
We pulled over and were able to capture a photo, which I’m sharing with our community. Moments like this remind me how alive this land is, how much it continues to surprise us, and how lucky we are to call Sierra Valley home.
Warmly, Michelle Reugebrink
Michelle Reugebrink-Founder Comprehensive Well-Being LLC
Co‑Founder of the Well‑Being by Design Coach Training Institute
NBC-HWC, IHCP, ICF-MCC, EMCC, ESIA, EIA, ACE-CPT, MBSR (Certified)
Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Trauma Resiliency Yoga certified

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, at approximately 2:50 p.m., the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a report of a possible drowning at Oakland Camp near Spanish Creek.

Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to the area near the Spanish Trailhead. Upon arrival, witnesses were attempting to assist an adult male who had been pulled from the water. Deputies and bystanders immediately began life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived and assumed care.
Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, the individual was pronounced deceased.
There is no indication of foul play. The decedent has been identified as19 year-old Jacob Burke of Lovelock, Nevada.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends affected by this tragic incident. PCSO would like to thank all the emergency responders and bystanders for their efforts regarding this tragic incident.
If there are any questions or concerns, contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact information:
Chandler Peay
Deputy Sheriff/Public Information Officer Plumas County Sheriff’s Office 530-283-6397 [email protected]


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www.tfhd.com


(Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) – The Emergency Departments of Tahoe Forest Health System, serving both Incline Village Community Hospital (IVCH) and Tahoe Forest Hospital (TFH), have achieved a major milestone in pediatric emergency care, significantly advancing their ability to provide high-quality, child-focused treatment through the successful completion of the nationally recognized Pediatric Readiness Assessment (PRA).
The PRA evaluates hospitals nationwide on their preparedness to deliver safe and effective emergency care to children. Since 2022, Tahoe Forest Health System has taken a coordinated, team-based approach to strengthening pediatric readiness across both hospital sites.
These efforts focused on closing key gaps in pediatric emergency care, including expanding pediatric-specific equipment and supplies, implementing updated clinical protocols and guidelines, enhancing staff training and competency, improving quality tracking systems, and strengthening coordination with trauma and specialty care partners.
With engaged leadership and frontline champions- including Liz Cooke (IVCH ED Nurse Champion), Julie Morgan (TFH ED Nurse Champion), Julie Madden (TFH Trauma Program Manager), and Dr. Trevor Heneveld (TFH Physician Champion)- the health system has achieved a significant increase in pediatric readiness scores. Both Emergency Departments are now performing well above national benchmarks, reaching elite-level pediatric readiness.
This advancement is especially meaningful for families in Incline Village, Truckee, and surrounding mountain communities, where geography and seasonal conditions can delay access to specialized pediatric services.
With enhanced pediatric readiness across the health system, families benefit from:
·       Access to high-quality emergency care for children closer to home
·       Safer, more coordinated and consistent care across both hospitals
·       Reduced need for long-distance transfers in many cases
·       Greater confidence during critical moments
In rural mountain regions, access to pediatric emergency services often requires travel over long distances and challenging terrain. By elevating pediatric readiness across both Emergency Departments, Tahoe Forest Health System is helping ensure that children receive timely, high-quality care right in their own communities.
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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, a Level III trauma center, three urgent care clinics, and primary and specialty care clinics throughout Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, including Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, 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 technical innovation, Tahoe Forest Health System strives to be the health system of choice in our region and the best mountain health system in the nation. For a complete list of physician specialties and services, visit www.tfhd.com.
 
 

California has one of the most affordable lawn care markets in the country — and Los Angeles has one of the most unequal within a single city. The state's average mowing cost sits well below the national average, yet within L.A. itself, where you live determines what you pay more than any other major U.S. city.

We dove into LawnStarter’s historical data for our State of Lawn Care in America Industry Report — analyzing 2+ million mowing jobs across 2,000+ cities — to identify some lawn care industry trends across pricing, tipping, weather disruptions, and seasonal patterns.

California Mowing Insights:

• Professional lawn mowing services are nearly $8 cheaper than the national average in California at $45.73 per mow.
  
• Lawn care prices are up across the board, with a national increase of 4.8% per 1,000 square feet for lawn mowing jobs between 2024 and 2025. California saw a smaller increase of 2.5% for mowing costs per 1,000 square feet.
  
• Los Angeles has a pricey lawn care market with average mows costing $10.50 per 1,000 square feet. The national average is $6.30 per 1,000 square feet. 
  
• Los Angeles has the largest price gap by ZIP code, with a $38 spread between the most affordable and most expensive average mowing costs within a ZIP code. Priciest neighborhood: Los Feliz.  
  
• California’s tipping rate for lawn mowing is just above the national average at 27.5%.
  
  
  

Read the full story here: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/statistics/lawnstarter-industry-report/ 

Other helpful links:

• Texas Tips Big: Inside America’s Lawn Care Tipping Culture
• The Lawn Care Calendar: Summer is Everything
• The "Weather Excuse" Capitals of America
• The States Where Mowing Costs Jumped Most

 Please email [email protected] with any questions you have about our industry report or if you would like to interview one of our editors.