​Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is alerting customers to be aware of ongoing scam phone calls with criminals threatening to shut off power if a payment is not made. There have been double the number of scam attempts, in some areas, compared to this time last year.
 
PG&E’s Corporate Security department has received several reports in the past few weeks regarding scammers requesting payment on past due utility bills immediately using a Green Dot card, Money Pack or gift card. These most recent reports have come from across PG&E service area.
 
Another new trend that PG&E is seeing is that the scam is becoming more detailed. Scammers include specific names of customers, and in some cases, guessing general dollar amounts owed. They are also disguising their true phone numbers with a caller ID that says “PG&E” or “Pacific Gas & Electric.”
 
Other scam phone call tactics include:
 

• Notifying residents that they are eligible for a federal tax refund related to their utility bill;
• Trying to sell services related to solar evaluation; and
• Claiming to represent a PG&E initiative to sell a product in order to gain access to their home.

 
PG&E offers the following tips to help protect customers from all types of potential scams:
 

• PG&E will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Anyone who has received such a phone call and provided credit card or checking account information should report it immediately to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement.

 

• Customers with concerns about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, service request or request for personal information are encouraged to call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

 

• Customers should always ask to see identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are willing to show it to you.

 

• If a person claiming to be a PG&E employee has identification and you still feel uncomfortable, call PG&E’s customer service line at 1-800-743-5000 to verify an appointment and/or PG&E’s presence in the community.  If you feel threatened in any way, notify local law enforcement immediately.

 

• Customers who have an appointment with PG&E will receive an automated call back within 48 hours prior to a scheduled visit, or a personal call from a PG&E gas service representative prior to a scheduled visit.

 

• If you feel threatened in any way, notify local law enforcement immediately.

 
PG&E takes security seriously and will actively work with law enforcement to help stop any scam victimizing customers. Anyone who has received such a call can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or visit www.pge.com/scams.
 
 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the second manual snow survey of 2020 at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 40.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 14.5 inches, which is 79 percent of average for this location. The SWE measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack, which provides a more accurate forecast of spring runoff.
“After a good start in December, January saw dry conditions that added little to the Sierra snowpack,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “As climate change continues to impact California’s snowpack, we look to actions described in the recently released California Water Resilience Portfolio to meet the challenges brought by weather variability to California’s water supply.”
In addition to the manual surveys, DWR collects readings from 130 electronic snow sensors scattered throughout the state. Measurements indicate that statewide, the snowpack’s water equivalent is 12 inches, or 72 percent of the January 30 average.
“The foundation of California’s water supply forecasting system remains the manual snow surveys,” said Sean de Guzman, chief of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Section. “The data gathered from these surveys are used to create seasonal runoff forecasts and define how wet or dry a year is based on the total precipitation, including both rain and snow, and runoff.”
This critical snow survey data and forecasts are used by:

• Operators of flood control projects to determine how much water can safely be stored in a reservoir while reserving space for predicted inflows. This includes the State Water Project, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the Central Valley Project, and local reservoir operators.
• Other state agencies, including the Office of Emergency Services and the State Water Resources Control Board, to develop responses to drought or flood emergencies.
• Public and private utilities to determine what percentage of their electric energy generation will be hydropower.
• Water districts to manage surface and groundwater storage, allocate the available supply, plan water deliveries, and coordinate conjunctive use operations.
• Agricultural interests to determine crop planting patterns, groundwater pumping needs, and irrigation schedules.
• Researchers to improve snow melt runoff forecasting methods and perform climate change analyses.

DWR conducts five media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter in January, February, March, April and, if necessary, May. On average, the snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs as it melts in the spring and early summer.
Additional Resources
NEW – California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program Story Map https://arcg.is/1fiCbG
Video of today’s Phillips survey (Expected between 2-3 p.m.)
Digital photos of today’s Phillips survey (Expected between 2-3 p.m.)
Snowpack readings (View readings for current regional snowpack and historical snowpack comparison)
CDEC precipitation data (View current charts for the Northern Sierra 8-station index for updated rainfall readings in the critical northern portion of the state, as well as the San Joaquin 5-station index and Tulare Basin 6-station index.)
 

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – With excitement and expectations running high for the Super Bowl on February 2, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds everyone their game plan for the day should include getting home safely.   
 
Whether people are attending parties or hanging out in a bar, planning for a safe ride home will be their best defensive move.  Option plays include calling a cab or ride-sharing service, using public transportation, or lining up a designated driver in advance.  Those who host parties should take care of the most valuable player, the designated driver, with plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.
 
“Driving impaired is completely preventable,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said.  “Lives are on the line.  Not only are innocent people at risk, impaired drivers stand to lose money, their freedom, their license, and their vehicle.” 
 
Alcohol is not the only substance that can lead to an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).  Cannabis, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs all can impair driving.  Driving is a complex task, and any drug can slow reaction time.
 
The CHP will have a full team of officers ready to intercept dangerous drivers.  In addition to stopping impaired drivers, they will be watching for seat belt usage, speeding, and distracted driving.  
 
Three people died in alcohol-involved collisions in California on Super Bowl Sunday in 2019.  Another 140 people were injured, preliminary CHP data shows.  The CHP made 187 DUI arrests that day.
 
The public can help keep California roadways safe by calling 9-1-1 if they suspect an impaired driver.  Callers should be prepared to give the vehicle’s description, location, license plate number, and direction of travel.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 
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January 29, 2020 – The U.S. Census Bureau wants the community’s help to get a complete and accurate count this spring and summer. Thousands of census taker jobs are still available in Sacramento county and in every Northern California county. The jobs offer flexible hours on nights and weekends, weekly pay, mileage reimbursement and higher than average hourly wages.
 
The pay rate in Sacramento County begins at $21 per hour, even more for supervisors. Anyone who is 18 years old, a citizen and has an email address can apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs.
 
Beginning in mid-April, census takers will work in an operation that counts all people who have not self-responded to the census questionnaire. They will visit those households in person and help residents respond to the census. We want to recruit people who live in the communities they’re working. People who know their communities are best positioned to explain how important it is to respond to the Census when they knock on the door.
 
The decennial count influences how hundreds of billions of dollars  are distributed each year for schools, roads, bridges, homeless and senior services, emergency response and other critical services and programs.  


For more information about 2020 Census jobs, call 1-855-JOB-2020.


Recruiting event details:


Carmichael Library
5605 Marconi Avenue
Carmichael, CA 95608


Friday, January 31, 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday, February 1, 10-am - 4pm

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. –  Today, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced an increase in 2020 State Water Project (SWP) allocations to 15 percent of requested supplies, up from the year’s initial 10 percent allocation announced on December 2.
Allocations are reviewed monthly based on snowpack and runoff information and are typically finalized by May.
 
“California gets most of its annual precipitation from a handful of major and infrequent winter storms,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “After some significant storms in December, January has been relatively quiet and is currently below average. We continue to hope for wetter conditions and must always work to eliminate waste and use water more wisely.”
 
Precipitation in the Northern Sierra is at 63 percent of average to date. Statewide snowpack is 76 percent of normal for this date. The state gets about 30 percent of its annual water supply from snowpack. Snow water content is one factor in determining allocation amounts along with reservoir storage and releases necessary to meet water supply and environmental demands.
 
Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir, is currently at 61 percent of capacity and 94 percent of average for this time of year. Shasta Lake, the Central Valley Project’s (CVP) largest reservoir, is at 74 percent of capacity and 112 percent of average. San Luis Reservoir, the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States where water is stored for the SWP and CVP, is at 72 percent of capacity and 95 percent of average. In Southern California, SWP’s Castaic Lake is at 72 percent of capacity and 87 percent of average.
 
Today’s 15 percent allocation amounts to 635,434 acre-feet of water. The SWP provides water to 29 SWP contractors who supply water to more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.
 
For information on current water conditions at the state’s largest reservoirs and weather stations, visit the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC).

​

It’s not too late to take precautions against the flu; the threat
of infection can last several additional months, says AMAC

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan 24 - The flu can be uncomfortable, at best, but it can also be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control [CDC] so far this season more than 13 million people have been sick with the flu, at least 5,900,000 people have been to the doctor because of the flu, more than 120,000  people have been hospitalized and more than 6,600 have died.


Dan Weber, president of the senior advocacy organization, the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC], is advising its membership and older Americans, at large, to get a flu shot if you haven’t already done so. 

“It’s not too late. The flu season is not over yet and the CDC says it can last for several more months,” Weber warns. He points out that 53% of flu victims are 65 years old or older, noting that Medicare covers 100% of the cost.. 

“Even if your physician does not take Medicare, there are alternatives. Most drug stores, particularly the major pharmacy chains, including CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, offer Medicare-covered flu shots. And, free or low-cost shots are available at local clinics and public health facilities.” 

Weber adds, if you or someone in your family does come down with the flu, take precautions by following guidelines recommended by the CDC:

In addition to vaccination and appropriate use of antiviral drugs, CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs. 

·     If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.

·     Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands often with soap and water.

·     Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as germs spread this way.

·     Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.


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www.tfhd.com


 (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) –  February is Heart Health Month, and Tahoe Forest Health System is focusing on helping our community understand the threat of heart disease and the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

Heart disease remains as the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.The good news is that a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent cardiovascular disease and improve heart health, even if a person has been diagnosed with a heart or vascular condition. Through a balanced diet and regular exercise, many forms of this disease can be prevented.

Tahoe Forest Health System is offering free Workshop Wednesdays during the month of February, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, held in the Eskridge Conference Room at Tahoe Forest Hospital.
Heart health workshop topics include:
Feb 5: Latest in Heart Health, with cardiologist, Dr. Tim Lombard, MD  
Feb 12: Seasoning with Herbs and Spices, with dietitian, Lisa Fligor, MS, RDN
Feb 19: Strength Training for a Healthy Heart, with exercise physiologist, Anna Aldridge
Feb 26: Breathing  and Mindfulness for Heart Health, with social worker, Sheryl Schultz, and health coach, Liz Schenk

The Cardiac Rehab Open House will immediately follow each workshop from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm. Meet our disciplinary staff, enjoy healthy snacks, and tour the Cardiac Rehab facility. Everyone is welcome!
 
Tahoe Forest Health System offers the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation ICR program, a Medicare-approved, comprehensive lifestyle program designed specifically for patients recovering from a cardiovascular disease-related event, such as a heart attack or surgery. The program includes healthy cooking classes, nutrition workshops, healthy mindset workshops and medically-supervised exercise. Tahoe Forest Health System is the first Pritikin ICR location in California. Learn more about the Pritikin ICR program by clicking here.
 
For more information about our heart health events or the Pritikin ICR program, call (530) 582-3285.


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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, primary and specialty health care clinics including Tahoe Forest Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, CoC-accredited cancer center, the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, the Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care and the Tahoe Forest Primary Care Clinic with same-day appointments. With a strong focus on high quality patient care, community collaboration, clinical excellence and innovation, Tahoe Forest Health System is a UC Davis Rural Center of Excellence. For a complete list of physician specialties and services, visit www.tfhd.com.
 
 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email, including attachments, may contain confidential and privileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his/her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any use, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail, including attachments, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please IMMEDIATELY (1) Forward the email and all file attachments to compliance@tfhd.com to notify the Tahoe Forest Hospital District Compliance office AND (2) permanently delete the message and any file attachments. Questions may be directed to the Tahoe Forest Hospital District Compliance Hotline at 1(530)582-6655.

 
By Dr. Glenn Mollette 
 
 
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil is coming out soon to see or not see his shadow on his big day, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.  If old' furry Phil wants to fly first class or even coach anywhere, he had better do it this year. The chances are he will be walking or riding with a friend in a car next Groundhog's day. 
 
A new rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation would permit airlines to stop accepting emotional support animals on planes allowing only service dogs that are professionally trained to perform tasks or assist passengers with disabilities, including psychiatric disorders.
 
I'm all for this as airplanes have started looking like Noah's Ark or flying zoos.  Who wants to ride on an airplane with birds, cats, pigs and whatever anyone imagines to be their emotional support creature? Maybe you do. A lot of us do not. 
 
 This has developed into a lot malarkey over the years. Carole and I were traveling back from Maine several years ago. We had bought tickets well in advance so we could have the two front bulkhead seats. This was a small plane and our seats weren't considered first class, but we had thee or four more inches of leg room. Before boarding our flight, we heard our names called on the airport public address system. We went to the check-in counter and were almost told that we needed to give up our seats for a man with a disability and his wife who had service animals. We were young, naïve and gullible so being tenderhearted people we said okay. 
 
The agent assigned us to the two seats directly behind our old seats which meant no extra leg room that we had planned for months in advance. The guy gets on the plane and he and his wife appear healthier than we are. He was wearing a hearing aid, but he was seeing and getting around fine as was his wife. With these people were "three" dogs. Yes, three dogs! The only thing I could tell that these dogs could do was stink up the area where we were sitting. To add insult to injury we had to ride now behind our original seats with these dogs occasionally starring at us. 
 
I'm not doing it again. Many years ago, I developed a blood clot from extended travel and I'm not giving up my seat for some person who needs to sit and pet their dog. I'm not an animal hater. I love animals. I had a dog in my house for sixteen years. For people who truly are disabled and need a documented trained service dog then that's okay but plan and buy your ticket in advance instead of bumping someone else out of their seat for your "dogs." 
 
 Most real trained service dogs are better behaved than some passengers. It's just finally time that our airlines can get some control over the zoos flying through the sky. 
​