530-993-4379
Sierra Booster
  • Home
  • Newspaper
    • Latest News
    • Letters to the Editor >
      • Submit Letter to the Editor
    • Old News Archive
    • Photo Tour
    • Events
    • About Us
    • SUBSCRIBE
  • Advertiser Directory
    • Advertiser Press Releases
    • Website Sponsors
    • Advertiser Area
  • Buy Ads - Services
  • Fishing Report
  • Contact Us
  • Admin Log In

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING

1/31/2017

0 Comments

 
LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL held a special meeting Tuesday, January 31st with Sierra County Supervisor Scott Schlefstein in attendance.
Scott told of an upcoming pre meeting with County Counsel concerning Loyalton Mobile Home Park and talk of permits in trying to find out if the State has revoked the trailer park permit. Scott explained the need for a permanent revoke permit to move forward but they can’t transition people in winter. He talked of questions about funds for relocation and wanting it to be in warm weather.  He told the Council how the State required an auction but with no bids and stated, “There’s only so much we can do to recoup taxpayer money.”
Councilman Brooks Mitchell brought up losing sewer and water funds they can’t recoup. He talked of “just losing more revenue if they wait through winter.”
Scott responded with, it’s the “State’s fault; they control the license.” He added they can’t do anything with the land and it won’t be a legal trailer park and the lawyer will advise. He talked of taxes owed, losses and public safety and “human beings in homes.” The previous owner is gone and he stated, “Our responsibility is to deal with the property.”
Bookkeeper Kim Lombardi questioned the process. Scott told how it takes “enormous pressure and numerous tax sales that failed.”  The trailer park is in his service district with his constituents and financial losses. “Believe me,” he told the Council, “I understand.” But, he said moving forward would not be anytime soon because of relocation fees from the State and moving people in 15 degree mornings “won’t be taken well.”
Mayor Mark Marin asked about squatters who were to be dealt with. Scott stated it was hard to tell who’s squatting with renter contracts gone and asked, “Who’s to say they’re not renting a room legally?”
Council member Pat Whitley felt, “They all have to leave.”
Under question from Brooks, Scott stated all they can do is enforce the law and it’s an illegal trailer park in violation with a need to revoke the permit.
Pat  mentioned four parcels within the City limits.
Scott stated they can’t sell it as a trailer park once the license is revoked and trailers are not allowed to stay there on advice from the lawyer. He called it a “tragic, horrible situation” for people who live there.
As for water to the trailer park, the City owns the water but the park owned the pipes. Brooks stated Counsel had said to give a 120-day procedure to shut them off with a 45-day period to respond. He talked of shared water and power, calling it a “bad situation.”
Council member Kristin Gallegos was in favor of warning people about water and maybe give them an incentive to move.
Brooks wanted to agendize for an update and Scott said to wait until the State makes a decision.
On another note, Scott stated he’d talked to Eastern Plumas Health Care’s CEO Tom Hayes and he and Supervisor Jim Beard had met with the hospital board over the Loyalton boilers cost and trying to get a USDA loan at 3.5% . He said they’d found a pair of boilers for a total of $50,000. The current boilers have a six-month temporary State permit. The Loyalton Skilled Nursing has 20 residents and Scott said they’re waiting to house more for fear of having to move the residents again due to the boiler issue.

​
LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL approved a proclamation of local emergency resulting from the January 2017 flood event. If residents have flood damage, they should contact City Hall at 993-6750 and be referred to Lee Brown at the Office of Emergency Services in Downieville.
An existing policy over the City’s use of volunteers was discussed with a need to list physical limitations.
The Council approved an emergency hire for temporary, seasonal part-time city maintenance worker for 30 hours/week the first two weeks to do catch up and training and then 25 hours/week.
Appointments of Council members to Boards were: LAFCO, Pat Whitley, Brooks Mitchell and Mark Marin alternate; SEDCorp, Pat Whitley and Brooks Mitchell as alternate; Local Transportation Commission, Pay Whitley , Nancy Rogers and Mark Marin as alternate; Sierra County Economic & Business Development, Pat Whitley and Kristin Gallegos; SCORE, Kathy LeBlanc and Brooks Mitchell as alternate.
For Committees, the entire Council is on Finance; Parks & Recreation, Public Works are Kristin Gallegos and Nancy Rogers; Personnel, Pat Whitley and Kristin Gallegos.
0 Comments

Senator Gaines Introduces Bill To Help Businesses Save Money

1/31/2017

0 Comments

 

SACRAMENTO - Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) today announced Senate Bill 13, which will provide much-needed tax relief to the manufacturing, research and development, software and agricultural industries by expanding an existing sales and use tax exemption.



"Small businesses are the backbone of California's economy and we need to do everything we can to make sure they capitalize on any available tax break," said Senator Gaines. "I will continue to push for lower taxes and simpler, less burdensome regulations to let employers know that California is open for business in order to get our economy back on track."


Existing law allows manufacturers and research and development companies a sales and use tax exemption for their qualifying tangible personal property purchases up to $200 million a year. This includes property such as machinery and equipment used for manufacturing activities. Property that is considered to have a useful life of less than one year is excluded.


Senate Bill 13 seeks to expand the definition of businesses eligible to receive this exemption by including software publishers and others who conduct agricultural business activities. It will also increase the annual property purchase limit from $200 to $500 million a year. Finally, it will define property as having a useful life of one or more years if the property includes a warranty for one or more years.


Senator Gaines introduced this bill on the heels of recent reports indicating that the existing tax exemption has been severely underutilized. Since its inception on July 1, 2014 through September 30, 2016, businesses utilizing the exemption were only 21 percent of the original estimates made by the Department of Finance and Board of Equalization.


"My hope is that by clarifying and expanding the exemption, that more businesses will be able to take advantage of it," said Senator Gaines. "Businesses should be rewarded for their contributions to our state, not continually penalized at every turn. I'm going to let them keep more of the money they earn instead of shipping it to an unaccountable Sacramento."

​
0 Comments

Motorists to Expect Delays from Highway 49 Roadwork

1/31/2017

0 Comments

 
Rocks presenting a hazard to the roadway to be removed

 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists that rock scaling operations will require daytime lane closures on Highway 49 between Newtown Road and Tyler Foote/Birchville Road north of Nevada City from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 31 through February 28, 2017.  One way traffic controls will be in effect, weather permitting, as Caltrans crews work on hillsides above that section of Highway 49 to remove rocks and other debris that present a hazard for roadway traffic below.
 
Work to identify, remove, and clear out the rock and debris, including the possibility of temporary closures to blast apart large boulders, will occur when weather permits. Motorists are encouraged to plan for delays and allow extra time for their travels. Current road conditions are available at Caltrans “QuickMap” at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
 
Motorists are urged to be “Be Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.” Caltrans will issue updates on @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict 3.
0 Comments

Storm System Wednesday Night through Friday

1/30/2017

0 Comments

 
From our friends at Plumas National Forest.......
 

Updates are Highlighted
 
Impacts
Hazardous mountain travel likely with chain controls, travel delays, and increased accidents
Wet valley roads with possible travel delays and increased accidents
Gusty winds may cause travel difficulties and bring down tree branches
Minor flooding on small streams and roadways (added)
Forecast Confidence
High on return to wet pattern
Medium on timing, precipitation amounts, snow levels
Medium on small stream and street flooding (added)
Timing and Strength
System spreads inland Wednesday evening and continues through Friday night (delayed start approx 12 hrs)
Light precipitation starting Wednesday evening; becoming widespread by early Thursday morning with heavier amounts midday Thursday (See attached graphic for amounts)
Total snow accumulations around 1-3 feet above 6000 feet, snow levels a little lower at times (See attached graphic for amounts)
Winds gusting up to around 40 mph in the Valley, 50 mph in the Sierra
Weather Summary
A storm system this week will bring rain and mountain snow to northern California.  Scattered light precipitation will start Wednesday evening across the Coastal and southern Cascade mountains and become more widespread across the area after midnight. Heavier precipitation amounts are expected midday Thursday through Friday with scattered rain and snow showers remaining Saturday as the system exits the region. Storm total snow could reach 2 to 3 feet at pass levels, causing travel difficulties. Gusty winds are probable Thursday into Friday, strongest Thursday afternoon and again later Friday morning. These winds are not expected to be as strong as with recent storms.
0 Comments

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL

1/27/2017

0 Comments

 
MARK MARIN  will remain mayor of Loyalton the next year. The Council took a vote at its regular meeting on January 17th. 
Pat Whitley nominated Brooks Mitchell with Marin, Kristin Gallegos and Nancy Rogers voting no. For Vice Mayor, Brooks nominated Pat and Marin, Gallegos and Rogers voted no. With two new members, there was discussion over who else could qualify. Marin then agreed to second another vote for Pat and it passed.

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL heard a discussion by Jason Christian on the Loyalton biomass plant on January 17th at the regular City Council meeting.
Jason told the Council the UC proposal “was not complete,” stating it “never addresses health of the forest.” He suggested a draft letter to the Governor. 
As a consultant for the City of Loyalton, he would include copies to elected officials and to supervisors who he felt will want to get on board. 
Jason, a fan of Assemblyman Brian Dahle, stated  Dahle was “aware and on board and likes setting things up for constituents.”
Jason felt if they’d get the biomass going everything would be solved. He stated, “the State’s got money.”
Council member Pat Whitley reminded Jason the actual project was on County land and would have to be approved by the County and the County would have to be on board. 
Councilman Brooks Mitchell was in agreement if Jason would spearhead the effort, contact the County and Dahle. The City Council would have legal counsel review any proposal.


Jason agreed to send an updated proposal with any fee waived to get on the next agenda. He called it a “small piece of the drought disaster.”

THE LATE JOE MARIN will be the recipient of the 2017 Richard Meder Community Leader award by the City of Loyalton.
Other nominees were Leland Cross, Terry LeBlanc, Mike Buck and Robert DeMartini. 
Brooks Mitchell nominated Robert and Mayor Mark Marin nominated Joe. New Council members, Kristin Gallegos and Nancy Rogers seemed unaware of such an award and had no suggestions.
The presentation will take place in February for Fire Chief Joseph Marin, Jr.

“WHERE’S THE MONEY COMING FROM?” City Council member Pat Whitley wanted to know concerning CalPERS payments to 
​former employees at the January 17th meeting.
Bookkeeper Kim Lombardi mentioned discrepancies and wanted to confirm “This is what it really is.”
Councilman Brooks Mitchell thought it a general fund expense but Pat stated it was split mostly from water and sewer as most employees worked on water and sewer.
Mary Fleming Leslie, with Rural Community Assistance Corporation out of West Sacramento, is assisting the City and she stated they won’t know if they have the revenue in water and sewer until the financial statement for each enterprise is separated.
Kim was concerned with an additional $5,000 a month in expenses when they don’t have an additional $5,000 in revenue.
Pat talked of sewer and water rates.
Mary said there needs to be a rate analysis done with all costs and revenue by enterprise in water and sewer to tell if the rates are covered. She stated they need to get the audit cleaned up in a 6-week process. 
There was deep discussion over Mary never having seen a rate study done and Brooks stating one was dated 2008. Mary stated USDA doesn’t do it but “would love to see the documents.” If so, it’s eight years old, she said. 
Brooks stated it was in the ordinance for sewer and water. Mary stated nobody projects out ten years but 3-5 years. Brooks said it was 2008-2012, stating 2% every year.
Mary continued, inflation factor would be adequate because of such stalled growth and it “looks like you’ve lost a good segment of revenue; losing dramatically on both enterprises.”  She continued on, “so much work to do to get ready for the audit and be ready for the rate study,” but stressed the audit as number one priority.
Kim questioned paying bills having lost $5,000 at the trailer park and increasing $5,000 in retirement payments. 
Mary was “highly suspect” of a rate increase in three months when they could vote, accept a rate increase and wait 45 days for the hearing.
Brooks made a motion, noting it takes a 4/5 vote, to take $15,000 out of contingencies for the next 3 months’ payments, seconded by Pat and it passed unanimously. Brooks then moved, seconded by Nancy Rogers to open a separate checking account to pay retirees and that too passed. 
0 Comments

SIERRA COUNTY DEPT. HEADS SALARIES

1/27/2017

0 Comments

 
ELIMINATING LONGEVITIES for Department Managers and setting a single pay rate for each position was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Loyalton on January 17th. Longevity provides annual compensation to an employee based on seniority and is often given to employees at the top of the pay scale as compensation for their service.
Supervisor Lee Adams stated this was an item given to the Finance Committee. He said the salary system rewards County employees but doesn’t reward employees coming from outside the County as department managers, adding it could cause the County some liability. The committee wanted to work on this during a non-election year. Adams stated in looking at the department manager’s salary table there was no easy way to do this except to lock everybody into the longevity 5 pay scale. The Committee thought this seemed a reasonable alternative, adding some will get a 5% bump, 10% bump, or 15% bump. Adams said the finance committee talked about what to do with the employee who was already capped out and decided to give them a 5% bump. Adams stated if adopted no employee would get longevities again. The only raises will be cost of living (COLA) increases or raises from the Board. He said if a department head leaves and they appoint a county employee their longevities will go away and they will only get the salary for the office. Adams stated the idea was not to punish anybody but also not to break the bank. Sierra County Auditor Van Maddox said this is a savings over the current system, adding a $30,000 savings over the next decade. He stated management gave up 4% of their pay and are almost 24% below what the consumer price index was 10 years ago when they got the last COLA. Maddox said this doesn’t come anywhere close to closing that gap but it solves some problems he has been pointing out for years. Personally, he stated he would be better off with the current system but he still thinks it’s time to fix this especially for those elected and start moving forward. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein didn’t understand why elected and non-elected were in the same basket. Adams stated they could have ignored them but didn’t want to keep them on the odd system and wanted to treat everyone the same. He added for consistency and morale sake, it seemed the right thing to do. Sierra County Chief Probation Officer Jeff Bosworth stated the current system punishes people from coming from the outside. Other department managers in the audience were asked what they thought. Many didn’t have a strong opinion one way or another and some had no comment. Schleftstein felt it seemed like they were constantly taking away, but added the public has complained about longevities for years. Schlefstein wanted to take one agenda item, as it applies to these types of topics, at a time and not assume because one is favored the others are and because there weren’t many objections to the changes, Schlefstein made the motion to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously except for Supervisor Paul Roen who was caught in an ice storm in Iowa following a bull sale.


.
0 Comments

VALENTINE TEA PARTY FEBRUARY 11TH

1/27/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
JOANIE CHANDLER is pictured above with just a fraction of the many teddy bears she’s donated to the East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce to be available at a Valentine’s Teddy Bear Tea Party to be held  Saturday, February 11th at 2 p.m. at Loyalton’s Museum just in time for Valentine’s Day, February 14th.
Nearly one hundred unique and adorable stuffed bears will be available for “adoption” with a minimum $10 donation. A silent auction will be available for a “big bear.” The event is sponsored by East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

​Please RSVP if possible: (530) 993-4379 or 
993-0453.
Joanie has decided to give up her teddies in favor of angels.
Joanie, known for her radiant smile and friendly personality, survived a malignant brain tumor at the age of 2-1/2. Following three surgeries at UC San Francisco, she suffered stunted growth, damage to her pituitary gland and a growth hormone deficiency. At ages 8-10 she underwent growth hormone therapy to grow to 4’-7” and a current weight of just 63 pounds. She is a graduate of McKinleyville High School with the class of 1989 and is now 46 years of age. 
She and parents, Jan and Gale moved to Loyalton in  February of 1993 and Joanie became well known and worked at Golden West bussing tables, riding her bike to work. 
Joanie had been given the bears for special occasions and her mom finally said, “No more!” So one of her four older brothers gave a parting shot by sending her a fun bag of “Modoc County Bear Poop.” 
Several times in the past, Joanie has made bear donations to Portola’s Highway Patrol and to Sierra County Sheriff’s Office. 
Eight years ago she underwent additional surgery which Jan says has left her weaker and less active.
Joanie used to make handmade greeting cards, do latch hook and puzzle books. 
Due to resulting deep scar tissue she is physically older and has become much more sedentary.

Picture
0 Comments

SIERRA COUNTY SUPERVISORS' COMPENSATION

1/27/2017

0 Comments

 
compensation for County 


Supervisors was discussed in Loyalton by Sierra County Supervisors on January 17th at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting. 
Supervisor Lee Adams said the finance committee looked at this as well to delete the idea of longevities for supervisors. He stated looking at a current chart, two supervisors have no longevity, two supervisors have one longevity and one supervisor has three longevities. The committee came up with locking the supervisors into the longevity 3 period. With this two supervisors would get 3 longevities, two supervisors would get two longevities, one supervisor would be Y rated and get a 5% bump and go to longevity 4 until that position is vacant and then it would go back to longevity 3. Adams said just like department managers the board’s salary would be set every time the board takes action. He stated County Counsel David Prentice indicated legislature has taken action where they can’t put salaries on autopilot, they have to take public action before setting salaries. Adams stated he had more trouble with this in that he is an incumbent and doesn’t know what he is worth or what anyone else is worth adding it is only a starting point for discussion. He added some benefit more than others, but all are locked into equal pay. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein was in full agreement with equal pay, but felt the base amount was unacceptable.  He would be looking at an increase of  $294.61 and after taxes it would amount to $100 and change. He said 5% wouldn’t add up to much. Schlefstein felt if it was increased $500 now and $500 down the road, it amounted to almost exactly 18% of the superior court judge’s salary, which was codified as the original intent. He stated if they went with the 18% of the superior court judge’s salary and take away the longevities, he’d be ok with it. 
Supervisor Peter Huebner thought they would attract more candidates if the salaries were higher. He said he was in his 5th term and knew the workload going in but felt it was time to change to 18% of the judge’s salary. Schlefstein added county employees just lost health insurance premiums which was close to $500, adding if you keep adding up the costs it’s actually a decrease. He said it was $298 difference, adding they weren’t breaking any banks here. Schlefstein made the motion but to change to the 18%, which amounts to $34,490.16 annually. Every time the judge’s salary increases the board can change, but they need to bring it back to be voted on in a public meeting. 
County Counsel felt this was a substantial change to the ordinance, and recommended bringing it back to the next meeting. 
Since the ordinance was going to be modified, Huebner wanted to discuss the $100/month stipend for the Board Chair. He said it had been set at $100 for the last 20 years. Schlefstein agreed and said the workload for the Board Chair is far beyond $100 extra a month. Huebner felt $200 was not too much to ask. 
Adams was not opposed, but has difficulty with what anyone is worth. He told the Board not to take his vote in opposition of what was being done, but at the same time he always looks at how they are treating others, and was having difficulties doing one thing for himself and another thing for others. 
Schlefstein said it was only about a $205 difference from what the finance committee had proposed. All voted in favor of changing the ordinance to be brought back to the next meeting except Adams and Supervisor Paul Roen who was absent due to being caught in an ice storm in Iowa following a bull sale.

 
0 Comments

VETRAX NOV 2016 

1/25/2017

0 Comments

 
JIMMY LAPLANTE CVSO
CAMP LEJEUNE PRESUMPTIVE CONDITIONS
 
The Department of Veterans Affairs finalized regulations effective March 14, 2017  to establish new presumptions of service connection for eight conditions for Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.  If you have a record of service at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, served there for at least 30 days during that period, and developed a condition that you believe is related to exposure to the drinking water at the base, VA recommends you file a disability compensation claim (which Plumas County Veterans Services will assist you with  please call 283-6275/6271).   Presumptive conditions are Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Adult Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Bladder Cancer, Parkinson ’s disease, and Aplastic Anemia/Myelodysplastic Syndromes.  The rule applies to all military active duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel that meet the requirements.  Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between the dates above are already eligible to receive VA healthcare for up to the 15 health conditions of esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, female infertility, multiple myeloma, leukemia, miscarriage, renal toxicity, neurobehavioral effects,lung cancer, bladder cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and scleroderma.   More information can be found online at:  http://www.publichealth.va.gov/PUBLICHEALTH/exposures/camp-lejeune/index.asp.  VA is reimbursing certain Veterans’ family members for eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the 15 covered conditions.  More information can be found at: https://www.clfamilymembers.fsc.va.gov.  This new regulation became final on January 13, 2017 and the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) is working to implement the rule within 60 days (effective March 14, 2017). 
 
The Plumas County Veterans Service Office issues the DMV form in our office to get veteran status on California Drivers Licenses to Veterans honorably discharged.  We have outreach services now in Chester/Greenville on Wed and outreach services in Portola on Thursdays.  If you want to make an appointment for a representative to meet you in Chester/Greenville/Crescent Mills and Portola contact 283-6271/6275.  Kyle Short (VA Van Coordinator and claims representative 283-6271 coordinates the VA Veterans Van that departs from Quincy on Tues/Thurs at 0700 to VAMC Reno)  You must have an appointment at the VAMC Reno to access the VA Van.  If you are 60 years or older or disabled, and live in Plumas County  you can access the Senior Transportation Department for rides to medical appointments on days other than Tues/Thurs by calling Senior Transportation at 283-3546.
​
0 Comments

SIERRA COUNTY SUPERVISORS APPROVE RAISES

1/25/2017

0 Comments

 
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INCREASES in the compensation for mid-management positions was voted on at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting held Tuesday, January 17th in Loyalton.  Sierra County Auditor Van Maddox stated they were simply providing for mid-management that they’ve done for other entities and give them a 2-1/2% COLA starting on January 25th.  From the audience, Julie Osburn wanted to make a blanket statement about raises for Sierra County employees and stated Sierra County is losing population so didn’t see how it could pay for raises. She used Loyalton as an example with its PERS problem, adding when they create a raise they also create the liability to pay for those CalPERS retirements. Supervisor Lee Adams made the motion to approve the resolution as presented and stated in the 8 years since this has been dealt with the consumer price index was raised 19.9%. He said most of the rest of the world gets salary increases from time to time and felt it was the correct thing to do. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein stated he respected what Osburn said, but stated the comparison on PERS for the City of Loyalton and what the County is doing are two different things. He said the City pulled out of PERS and had to suffer the consequences of that decision and the County didn’t, adding it is not the same situation as the City. The resolution was approved unanimously.

A RESOLUTION ELIMINATING LONGEVITIES for Department Managers and setting a single pay rate for each position was discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Loyalton on January 17
th.Supervisor Lee Adams stated this was an item given to the finance committee. He said the salary system rewards County employees but doesn’t reward employees coming from outside the County as department managers, adding it could cause the County some liability. The Committee wanted to work on this during a non-election year. Adams stated in looking at the department manager’s salary table there was no easy way to do this except to lock everybody into the longevity 5 pay scale. The Committee thought this seemed a reasonable alternative, adding some will get a 5% bump, 10% bump, or 15% bump. Adams said the finance committee talked about what to do with the employee who was already capped out and decided to give them a 5% bump. Adams stated if adopted no employee would get longevities again. The only raises will be cost of living increases or raises from the Board. He said if a department head leaves and they appoint a county employee their longevities will go away and they will only get the salary for the office. Adams stated the idea was not to punish anybody but also not to break the bank. Sierra County Auditor Van Maddox said this is a savings over the current system, adding a $30,000 savings over the next decade. He stated management gave up 4% of their pay and are almost 24% below what the consumer price index was 10 years ago when they got the last COLA. Maddox said this doesn’t come anywhere close to closing that gap but it solves some problems he has been pointing out for years. Personally, he stated he would be better off with the current system but he still thinks it’s time to fix this especially for elected and start moving forward. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein didn’t understand why elected and non-elected were in the same basket. Adams stated they could have ignored them but didn’t want to keep them on the odd system and wanted to treat everyone the same. He added for consistency and morale sake, it seemed the right thing to do. Sierra County Chief Probation Officer Jeff Bosworth stated the current system punishes people from coming from the outside. Other department managers in the audience were asked what they thought. Many didn’t have a strong opinion one way or another and some had no comment. Schleftstein felt it seemed like they were constantly taking away, but added the public has complained about longevities for years. Schlefstein wanted to take one agenda item, as it applies to these types of topics, at a time and not assume because one is favored the others are and because there weren’t many objections to the changes, Schlefstein made the motion to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously except for Supervisor Paul Roen who was absent the entire meeting.
Supervisors approved the change in the compensation for Department Heads affective January 25, 2017 as follows:

Assessor $9,690.17 monthly
Auditor Controller/Treasurer - Tax Collector $11,647.00 monthly Chief Probation Officer $9,690.17 monthly
Clerk-Recorder $9,690.17 monthly
District Attorney $11,647.00 monthly
Health and Human Services to be determined at hire Sheriff-Coroner $11,647.00 monthly
Transportation and Planning Director $12,840.12 monthly

Those benefit changes relating to health insurance shall be the same as enumerated in the MOU for the Miscellaneous Unit of represented employees covering the 2017 thru 2020 calendar years. All other befits shall remain as listed in Resolution 2012-126 except for longevities. 

COMPENSATION FOR COUNTY SUPERVISORS was discussed in Loyalton on January 17th at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting. Supervisor Lee Adams said the finance committee looked at this as well to delete the idea of longevities for supervisors. He stated looking at a current chart, two supervisors have no longevity, two supervisors have one longevity and one supervisor has three longevities. The committee came up with locking the supervisors into the longevity 3 period. With this two supervisors would get 3 longevities, two supervisors would get two longevities, one supervisor would be Y rated and get a 5% bump and go to longevity 4 until that position is vacant and then it would go back to longevity 3. Adams said just like department managers the board’s salary would be set every time the board takes action. He stated County Counsel David Prentice indicated legislature has taken action where they can’t put salaries on autopilot, they have to take public action before setting salaries. Adams stated he had more trouble with this in that he is an incumbent and doesn’t know what he is worth or what anyone else is worth adding it is only a starting point for discussion. He added some benefit more than others, but all are locked into equal pay. Supervisor Scott Schlefstein was in full agreement with equal pay, but felt the base amount was unacceptable.  He would be looking at an increase of  $294.61 and after taxes it would amount to $100 and change. He said 5% wouldn’t add up to much. Schlefstein felt if it was increased $500 now and $500 down the road, it amounted to almost exactly 18% of the superior court judge’s salary, which was codified as the original intent. He stated if they went with the 18% of the superior court judge’s salary and take away the longevities, he’d be ok with it. Supervisor Peter Huebner thought they would attract more candidates if the salaries were higher. He said he was in his 5th term and knew the workload going in but felt it was time to change to 18% of the judge’s salary. Schlefstein added county employees just lost health insurance premiums which was close to $500, adding if you keep adding up the costs its actually a decrease. He said it was $298 difference, adding they weren’t breaking any banks here.
Schlefstein made motion but to change to the 18%, which amounts to $34,490.16 annually. Every time the judge’s salary increases the board can change, but they need to bring it back to be voted on in a public meeting. County Counsel felt this was a substantial change to the ordinance, and recommended bringing it back to the next meeting. Since the ordinance was going to be modified, Huebner wanted to discuss the $100/month stipend for the Board Chair. He said it had been set at $100 for the last 20 years. Schlefstein agreed and said the workload for the Board Chair is far beyond $100 extra a month. Huebner felt $200 was not too much to ask. Adams was not opposed, but has difficulty with what anyone is worth. He told the Board not to take his vote in opposition of what was being done, but at the same time he always looks at how they are treating others, and was having difficulties doing one thing for himself and another thing for others. Schlefstein said it was only about a $205 difference from what the finance committee had proposed. All voted in favor except Adams and Supervisor Paul Roen who was absent the entire meeting.

0 Comments

California’s Government Workers Make TWICE As Much as Private Sector Workers

1/25/2017

0 Comments

 
January 24, 2017/by Ed Ring

Earlier today the California Policy Center released a study that provided facts about government compensation. It examined state and local payroll data provided online by the California State Controller and proved that the average pay and benefits for a full-time state/local government employee in 2015 was $121,843.
At the same time, the study found that the average pay and benefits for a full-time private sector worker in California in 2015 was half that much, $62,475.
Moreover, the study found that if the pensions these state/local workers have been promised were being properly funded, their actual pay and benefits in 2015 would have averaged $139,691. And that elevated figure still didn’t take into account the impact of properly pre-funding their supplemental retirement health care, nor did it normalize for their myriad paid days off – typically including 14 paid holidays, 12 “personal days” and 20 or more vacation days as they acquire seniority. And let’s not forget the “9/80” program, common in California government but virtually unheard of in the private sector, where public sector salaried professionals can skip a few lunches and show up a few minutes early or depart a few minutes late each workday, and take 26 additional days a year off with pay because, every two weeks, they worked “nine hour days for nine days, then took the tenth day off.”
If you’re not counting, that adds up to 72 days off per year with pay for a seasoned public sector professional. The study didn’t take that into account.
Similarly, the study had to assume that fully 50% of full time private sector workers in California are getting excellent comprehensive health care coverage 100% paid for by their employer, a 3% employer matching payment to a 401K retirement savings account, along with making employer contributions to Social Security and Medicare (and even that does not occur for the millions of independent contractors working full-time in California). But the study made the 50% assumption just to ensure that the average, $62,475 per year, was not understated.
Finally please note that in the public sector, the study found that the differences between “average” and “median” total compensation are negligible, with the median often actually exceeding the average. Not true in the private sector, where the impact of ultra-wealthy individuals truly skews the average well above the median.
So welcome to Feudal California, where crippling taxes and regulations are destroying the middle class, while a burgeoning dependent class pays no taxes, and hence votes for every tax proposal they see. Welcome to Feudal California, where the super rich support policies designed to create asset bubbles that make them richer, and don’t care about taxes because they’re so rich they can pay them.
It’s not enough to merely point out the fact that government workers make twice as much as ordinary workers in California, and that the gap is widening. The problem is that the unions who represent government workers control policy in California, and those policies are the reason private sector workers can’t get ahead. Every major policy in effect or being contemplated in California is designed to raise the cost-of-living, and while the private sector middle class is crushed, the unionized government workers make twice as much, which is enough to survive.
At the same time, the challenges posed by a high cost-of-living are almost entirely regressive, harming the poor disproportionately. It doesn’t matter to a wealthy person if their gasoline costs $2.50 vs. $4.50 per gallon, or their electricity costs $.04 per KWH vs. $.40 per KWH. It doesn’t matter to them if a home costs $150,000 or $650,000. They’re rich. They can afford it.
So instead of fighting to lower the cost-of-living, California’s wealthy elite makes common cause with government unions, working to create artificial scarcity. This creates asset bubbles that translate into more property tax revenue for governments, more investment returns for the pension funds, and gilds the portfolios of the wealthy. And if anyone objects, they’re “deniers.”
California’s elites – wealthy individuals and their government union allies – have cleverly employed the politics of race, gender, and environmentalism to enthrall millions. California’s citizens, by and large, have become convinced that identity grievances and extreme environmentalism matter more than the fact they are in debt to their eyeballs, living from paycheck to paycheck. In a brilliant inversion of reality, these feudal overlords have actually convinced Californians to attribute the reasons for their poverty to race and gender discrimination, rather than economic policies that have made it nearly impossible for anyone to be upwardly mobile – regardless of their race or gender.
The public sector union leadership that runs California is incorrigible. They have bribed their members, and they have convinced their victims to enthusiastically support a political agenda that itself is the real reason they are victims.
Ed Ring is the vice president of research policy for the California Policy Center.











0 Comments

Americans still prefer to read printedbooks versus e-books and audio books

1/18/2017

0 Comments

 



'There's nothing like the comfort of curling up with a good book'
 
WASHINGTON, DC - Good news!  Americans are avid readers according to a new Gallup Poll.  The better news is that the great majority prefer printed booksovere-books and audio books.  And, nearlythree quarters of respondents in the study said they favored printed books to e-books and audio books.
 
That is also the opinion of David Bruce Smith, co-founder of the Grateful American book Prize-an award that seeks to encourage authors and publishers to produce more printed works of fiction and non-fiction for kids-that focus on American history.


"There's nothing like the comfort of curling up with a good book, andturning paper pages at your own pace so that you can truly appreciate the content.  It's particularly important for young learners because it allows them to 'experience' the moment, so when they read about the people, places and events that shaped our nation they can achieve an understanding of history that they can't get by merely memorizing names and dates.  It's the reason Dr. Bruce Cole, the former Chair of the National Foundation for the Humanities, and I decided to make the investment in creating the Prize," says Smith who is an author and publisher.
 
The Gallup survey found that 53% of young adults read between one and 10 books in the past year.  The Gallup report concluded, "with the advent of e-readers and tablets in the past decade, some futurists predicted the imminent extinction of printed books.  It was said that the ability to download, read and store thousands of digital books on these devices would quickly reduce demand for the paper versions.  However, this prophecy appears to be far from true -- so far."
 
The Prize was established in 2015 and almost instantly became a much-coveted award, says Smith.  "We got 140 entries in less than six months.  In 2016, more than a hundred submissions were received and reviewed by our distinguished panel of Judges."
 
The judges for the 2017 Prize include Smith and Dr. Cole as well as Dr. Louise Mirrer, President and CEO, New-York Historical Society, Dr. Peter Carmichael, the Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Studies & Director of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, Dr. Douglas Bradburn, author, historian and Founding Director of the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon, John Danielson, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Education Management Corporation and Neme Alperstein, a teacher of Gifted and Talented Students in the New York City Public School system since 1987.
 
The award comes with a cash Prize of $13,000 to commemorate the original 13 Colonies and a medallion created by noted American artist, Clarice Smith.  In addition, each year two authors receive Honorable Mention citations and, as of 2017, they will also receive cash prizes of $500 each.
 
"We started accepting eligible books published between July 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017 for the 2017 Prize on January 1st," says Smith.
 
###
Media Contact
Name: John Grimaldi
Phone: 917-846-8485
Email: jpgrimaldi@verizon.net







0 Comments

Caltrans Advises Holiday Weekend Travelers to Be Prepared

1/12/2017

0 Comments

 
Delays Expected Due to Winter Driving Conditions and Holiday Traffic

 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists traveling in the Sierra foothills, mountain areas or over the Donner or Echo Summits to be prepared for winter driving conditions, especially at the higher elevations and in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Motorists should also expect delays caused by increased traffic congestion from additional motorists traveling to the mountains during the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.
 
Tthe National Weather Service forecast for sunny and partly sunny conditions in the Sierras for Friday, January 13 and through the weekend, combined with record amounts of new snowfall, will result in many traveling to mountain areas for recreation. Very cold overnight temperatures will freeze any melted snow, including on roadways. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and use extra caution on bridges, ramps, shaded areas and after sunset.


Additionally, while heavily traveled roadways may be free of snow, other roads will still be snow-covered and chain restrictions may be in force. Motorists are required to carry chains even if driving a four- or all-wheel drive vehicle with mud + snow rated tires.
 
Motorists traveling on U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit, or other Tahoe Basin/Sierra area roadways, may be held intermittently for avalanche control. Highway 89 over Emerald Bay is currently closed due to avalanche hazards. Traffic on Interstate 80 may also be held intermittently to clear any traffic incidents.
 
Caltrans snow removal and winter roadway operations will continue through the weekend. Motorists are instructed to keep a safe distance between their vehicle and Caltrans equipment and only pass when the whole roadway ahead is visible. These and other winter driving tips, can be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html including:
 
 
WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE
Replace the wiper blades and fill the windshield wiper fluid reservoir; be sure to use a winter formula to help de-ice windshields.
If traveling to higher elevations, carry tire chains correctly size for your tires, in good working order and practice installing the chains before needing to use them. 
Have a full tank of fuel before traveling in case of delays.
 
CARRY A TRAVEL KIT
Have blankets, extra clothing, food and water, towels, a shovel, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a small bag of sand or kitty litter and road flares. 
Have a fully charged cell phone before leaving and carry a car charger.
 
DRIVE CAREFULLY
Turn on headlights to see and be seen and turn off cruise control.
Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
Keep additional distance from other vehicles and do not tailgate.


CHECK CONDITIONS FREQUENTLY
Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. A mobile version is also available.
Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
Caltrans will issue updates on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict 3.
 
ANTICIPATE DELAYS AND CLOSURES
Allow for extra travel time or delay your travel until conditions or congestion improves.
Make sure you share the route you intend to take with friends or family. Using GPS to find alternate routes may lead to unplowed roadways or hazardous areas.
Exercise patience and respect for other motorists.
 
Motorists are urged to be “Be Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”
 
##
0 Comments

PG&E to Fly Low in Plumas, Butte and Lassen Counties to Check for Drought-stricken Trees

1/11/2017

0 Comments

 
 

 
CHICO, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will fly low by helicopter over portions of Butte, Plumas and Lassen counties on Thursday and Friday to check for drought-stricken trees near power lines.
 
In Butte County, the Thursday flights will occur over the areas of Forbestown, Robinson Mills and Feather Falls.  In Plumas County, Friday’s flights will occur along the north side of Lake Almanor and the Lake Almanor Peninsula.  Flights will also occur over the western Lassen County communities of Clear Creek and Westwood.
 
Residents are advised that the helicopter will fly low – about 200 to 300 feet – along distribution power lines.
 
PG&E is using a contract helicopter service to fly foresters to check for trees weakened by the drought. This patrol is in addition to the annual patrols PG&E conducts along power lines to identify trees and vegetation in need of pruning and removal. Weakened trees and branches can fall into power lines, leading to outages and even wild land fires.
 
The drought has weakened and killed many trees and left others susceptible to disease or insects. After the flights, foresters will hike to the trees in question for a closer inspection to verify tree conditions. Once a forester confirms a tree needs to be removed, PG&E will work with the property owner to schedule a contractor to cut the tree.
 
Consecutive years of drought have taken a toll on trees and even some trees deemed healthy six months ago have since succumbed to the dry conditions.
 
The U.S. Forest Service recently identified an exponentially growing rate of tree mortality in California. In 2014, 11 million dead trees were identified throughout the state. That number grew to 40 million in 2015 and 102 million in 2016.
 
While tree mortality is more serious in 10 counties in the southern and central Sierra Nevada region, the Forest Service also identified increasing mortality in the northern part of the state.
 
Weather permitting, flights will occur between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
 
 
About PG&E
 
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and pge.com/news.
 
 
 
 
0 Comments

CITY OF PORTOLA PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY

1/11/2017

0 Comments

 
  1. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTOLA RATIFYING THE PROCLAMATION OF CITY-WIDE LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS OF THE JANUARY 2017 WINTER STORMS WITH Discussion, Possible Action was held Wednesday, January 11th
0 Comments

PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY

1/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Please be advised that today, a proclamation of local emergency has been issued and signed by the Director of OES for Sierra County and this proclamation will be scheduled for ratification by the Board of Supervisors on January 17, 2017.  We strongly suggest that the City of Loyalton through its Mayor, make a similar proclamation consistent with its appropriate City Code provisions if it has suffered property damages, infrastructure impacts, equipment losses, or has strained the ability of local resources and finance to deal with this series of storms.  If the city declares, the County and the City can coordinate restoration and funding activities in response to the recent storms.
 
The Sierra County proclamation is joined by 24 California counties; 10 California cities; and numerous Tribes and Special Districts impacted by the recent storms and flood events and these entities have also proclaimed a local emergency.  Lassen, Placer, El Dorado, Yuba, and Plumas counties have proclaimed and we expect Nevada to proclaim if not already accomplished.  
 
A brief situation report is in preparation and should be issued soon.  Thank you and a copy of the County proclamation will be forwarded to you as soon as it is conveyed to State OES, FEMA, and the Governor’s Office.
 
0 Comments

A TEDDY BEAR TEA PARY!

1/10/2017

0 Comments

 
​
A TEDDY BEAR TEA will be held Saturday, February 11th at 2 p.m. at Loyalton’s Museum just in time for Valentine’s Day, February 14th.
Nearly one hundred unique and adorable stuffed bears have been donated by Joannie Chandler.
Come “adopt” a bear and make a minimum $10 donation. A silent auction will be available for a “big bear.”
Bring the kids and Gramma!
Sponsored by East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce. Information and RSVP if possible: (530) 993-4379 or 993-0453.
0 Comments

Photos of flooding today, January 8th, 2017

1/8/2017

0 Comments

 
Long Valley Creek, Feather River, A-23 photos by Nichole and behind Patterson Circle in Loyalton by Michael Welbourn.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Caltrans Expects Sierra Travel Impacts From Weekend Storm

1/6/2017

0 Comments

 
National Weather Service Issues Flood Watch and Winter Weather Advisory

 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists traveling in the Sierra foothills, mountain areas or over the Donner or Echo Summits to be prepared for significant travel delays resulting from the intense storm expected to arrive early Saturday morning and continue through Wednesday. Flooded roadways, mountain area chain controls, downed trees and powerlines are expected impacts from the storm.
 
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for Northern California from Saturday, January 7 through Wednesday, January 11. Up to 14 inches of rain is forecast for the Sierra areas and flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, urban areas and farmland is likely. Additionally, a Winter Weather Advisory for the west slope of the northern Sierra Mountains has also been issued by the NWS for Saturday, January 7 from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. with snow levels beginning as low as 2,000 feet but rising throughout the day, leaving up to 2 feet of snow in the higher elevations before turning to rain on Sunday.
 
Windy conditions are also forecast, so low-visibility, whiteout conditions on mountain roadways may occur. Chain controls over Donner and Echo Summits (Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50) as well as other higher elevation roadways should be anticipated. Motorists are required to carry chains even if driving a four- or all-wheel drive vehicle with mud + snow rated tires.
 
Be advised that motorists using cable (ladder) chains may be turned around on Highway 267 at the Northstar and Kings Beach chain control checkpoints. Although cable chains are legal traction devices, they’ve proven to be ineffective when attempting to drive over Brockway Summit during heavy snow storms. Motorists can use Highway 89 as an alternate route. Access to the Northstar resort area is open for motorists traveling from the Truckee area.
 
Motorists traveling on U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit may be held intermittently during the storm for avalanche control. Highway 89 over Emerald Bay is currently closed due to avalanche hazards. Traffic on Interstate 80 may also be held intermittently to clear traffic incidents or if low-visibility conditions occur.
 
Caltrans’ snow removal crews will be working throughout the storm on summit passes and impacted Caltrans roadways. Caltrans permitted and trained chain installers on Interstate 80 can be identified by a reflective sign with their bib number. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in chain installation/removal areas where pedestrians are present and to not crowd snow removal equipment, passing only when the whole roadway ahead is visible.
 
Caltrans crews in the Sierra foothills will be monitoring roadway drainage systems and motorists are advised that detours resulting from flooded roadways should be anticipated. Motorists are instructed to not enter flooded roadways as the water may be hiding the fact that the roadway’s pavement has washed away. Additional NWS flood prepareness information for the upcoming storm can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/Z76HALXauzM .
 
Severe weather may slow motorists, resulting in roadway congestion. Wet and slippery roadways reduce tire traction, especially at high vehicle speeds. Hydroplaning can result in loss of driver control. If travel cannot be postponed, motorists are encouraged to slow down, plan ahead and follow the winter driving tips at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html.
  
Motorists are urged to be “Be Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.” Caltrans will issue updates on Twitter @D3PIO and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict 3.
 
##
0 Comments

LIBERTY UTILITIES IN ACTION

1/6/2017

0 Comments

 
WE APPRECIATE LIBERTY UTILITIES with many of its team members working non-stop for the last 30 to 36 hours.   Many of the outages have been restored.
A majority of South Lake Tahoe is back in service.  Areas along west shore and Alpine Meadows are still the largest concern.  Smaller pockets remain.​ - Photos courtesy Liberty Utilities

Note: Significant flooding is forecast for Sunday and we have been preparing for this event. 
 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

SLEDDING IN CALPINE - photos by Michelle

1/6/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
All the local Calpine College students (from Southern CA to San Francisco, to UNR, to Boise State) and siblings went sledding at their favorite sled spot. Renteria’s, Reugebrink’s, Studer’s, Gus Driscoll, & Nick from Loyalton.
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    April 2014
    September 2009

    Categories

    All
    2015
    Sierra County News

    RSS Feed

    Vie
    ​w Old News

CONTACT US:

Sierra Booster Newspaper
PO Box 8
Loyalton, CA 96118
Phone: 530-993-4379
Fax: 844-272-8583
Email: jbuck@psln.com

Website Privacy Policy​
Picture
Local Weather
©Copyright Sierra Booster - Sierra County News - Editorial
Website by Chamber Nation