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QUINCY, Calif. — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will increase flows on portions of the North Fork Feather River on Sunday, Jan. 31, by releasing more water from the Rock Creek and Cresta dams. Those recreating in or near the on this part of the river are advised to be aware of the higher flows and to exercise caution. The higher flows, known as “pulse flows,” are done to mimic higher flows that would normally occur during typical winters and flush out sediment. PG&E will gradually increase water flows to 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) out of the Rock Creek Dam, holding the higher flows for 12 hours, starting before dawn on Jan. 31, and continuing until about 1 p.m. that day before gradually reducing flows to 100 cfs. PG&E will also increase flows below the Cresta Dam, starting by gradually increasing flows before dawn on Sunday, and release 1,000 cfs between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., before gradually reducing flows that night to 110 cfs. The two higher flows will be present along 15 miles of river between the Rock Creek Dam and the Cresta Powerhouse along Highway 70 in the Plumas National Forest in western Plumas County. Despite recent wet weather, the higher releases will still be necessary. PG&E offers the following water safety tips:
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 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com/ and pge.com/news. -30- Other campground sites will reopen for new reservations using a phased approach. Critical for Californians to recreate responsibly as the pandemic is far from over. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With the Regional Stay at Home Order lifted for all regions in the state, California State Parks today announced the reopening of campground sites for existing reservation holders. The department will be using a phased approach to reopen other state campground sites for new reservations starting today, Jan. 28, 2021. The public is advised that not all campground sites are open to the public due to the pandemic, wildfire impacts and other issues. Additionally, group campsites remain closed. Day use outdoor areas of park units currently open to the public remain open. Updates on the phased reopening will be posted on the department's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts and on parks.ca.gov/COVID19Camping. Information will also be posted on individual park unit webpages. Reservations can be made at least two days in advance (48 hours) prior to arrival at ReserveCalifornia.com. It is important to note that the demand for camping and lodging sites sometimes exceeds the available inventory. As such, the public is advised to plan ahead, do some research and have alternate parks in mind in case the first choice is booked. As State Parks increases access to the State Park System, it is critical that Californians continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over. Visitors must stay local, plan ahead to find out what is open as some park units and campgrounds remain temporarily closed, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing and avoid gatherings with people outside the immediate household. “Through this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Californians are continuing to do their part to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Thank you to our visitors for helping reduce the exposure to the virus in the outdoors. Together we are protecting the safety of visitors and those who take care of the State Park System.” Below are the COVID-19 guidelines that State Parks has implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus in the outdoors:
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures. The State of California recognizes the benefits of the outdoors during this challenging time of COVID-19. As such, State Parks continues working with local officials on a phased and regionally driven approach to increase access at park units where compliance with state and local public health ordinances can be achieved. The reopening of state park units will be made with little advance notice. Please visit parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve for detailed information on how Californians can slow the spread of COVID-19 in the outdoors. For safety tips, please visit parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips. ### Subscribe to California State Parks News online at www.parks.ca.gov/news and click here. California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov. Facebook I Twitter I Instagram I YouTube I Blog I Periscope I Flickr The California Arts, Culture and Entertainment Industry suffers from one of the highest unemployment rates with one- third of our sector out of work. That is more than 450,000 jobs and an estimated $45B in accumulative economic loss. That’s 30.4% of California’s creative jobs lost due to COVID.(April - July, Brooking’s Institution). Art venues including museums and theaters across California were the first to close and may be the last to re-open with billions of jobs and revenue losses. Locally The Yuba Theatre has been closed all of 2020 and Sierra County Arts Council(SCAC) has lost all event income. The Kentucky Mine museum and amphitheater have been closed. Public art and music events that support local community and business groups across our county have been cancelled. Local artists and musicians have been unable to practice their art in public and have lost performance income and sales revenue.
The Sierra County Arts Council has been grateful to the California Arts Council and to various Federal Relief programs for support and relief during the COVID crisis. SCAC has made every effort connect our artists with relief funding sources. We are pleased to announce that we have awarded grants to arts organizations that serve Sierra County through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act recognizes that the nonprofit arts industry is an important sector of America’s economy. In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the National Endowment for the Arts awarded 40 percent of its CARES appropriation directly to state and regional arts agencies. The National Endowment for the Arts is directing these funds to support arts organizations and their employees to endure the economic hardships caused by the forced closure of their operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding was received and administrated by the California Arts Council(CAC). As a state agency, the CAC, voted in a public meeting to direct this funding to the State Local-Partners (SLPs) for regranting on the county level. In alignment with the CAC’s public mission and commitment to racial equity, and in response to public health data and state leadership practices, funds were designated to support local arts and cultural organizations serving communities of color disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. As State-Local Partner(SLP) with the CAC, Sierra County Arts Council in partnership with Nevada County Arts Council, is pleased to announce that we have awarded CARES Relief grants to the following organizations.
We would like to give a big thank you to our partner, Eliza Tudor of Nevada County Arts Council. Her assistance was invaluable in helping Sierra County arts organizations to receive this vital funding. In breaking news, Governor Newsom is proposing $4.5 Billion for Equitable Recovery for California’s Businesses and Jobs in the 2021 Budget. The budget dedicates $25 million for a small cultural institution grant program for museums and theaters, and a $15 million to the California Arts Council (CAC), for a statewide pilot program - California Creative Corps - which will fuel positivity, regain public trust, and inspire safe and healthy behavior across California’s diverse populations through media, outreach, and an engagement campaign. The SCAC will continue in its efforts to support arts organizations and artists across Sierra County during these unprecedented times of hardship. Please check out the Artists Relief page on our website: www.sierracountyartscouncil.org or email Executive Director, B.J. Jordan at bj@sierracountyartscouncil.org for questions and assistance. Stay well and we look forward to dancing in the streets again someday. By Dr. Richard Gesker, Chief Dental Officer, UnitedHealthcare
COVID-19 has disrupted multiple aspects of daily life, including how people access dental care. That’s in part because many dental offices closed during the early part of the pandemic, and some people have stayed away since. In fact, dental care spending in the United States declined by an estimated 38% in 2020, with an additional 20% slump expected this year, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).[1] As a result, fewer people may be accessing routine dental care that may help prevent oral pain and untreated disease. Maintaining proper dental care is especially important for children, given that by age 5 nearly 50% have at least one cavity. Plus, it’s important to keep baby teeth healthy and in place to help permanent teeth come in properly. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a reminder for people of all ages that good oral health is important to good overall health. Here are five tips to consider: Start Early. Good oral health habits should start early. While tooth decay is largely preventable, it unfortunately ranks as the most common chronic disease among children. Recommended dental health guidelines for babies and children include:
Up Your Home Hygiene. Maintaining proper oral health at home is important year-round, but especially if COVID-19 (or other circumstances) requires delaying a trip to the dentist. Recommended dental health guidelines for adults and children include:
Consider Alternative Treatments: To help with prevention, parents should consider fluoride supplements for children, which may strengthen tooth enamel and help protect it from decay. Sealants are another option, as these plastic coatings are placed on back teeth to help protect them from decay. They are sometimes covered as a preventive service by dental plans, so ask the dentist about sealants when your child’s molars first come in. As an alternative to filling cavities, the use of silver diamine fluoride has emerged as an option to help stop cavities from worsening, especially among children and older adults with a history of tooth decay. For children with a significant number of cavities, silver diamine fluoride may be an option your dentist discusses with you. Tap into Tele-dentistry: Virtual care has become an important option for accessing health care amid COVID-19, including for dentistry. Some dentists and dental plans are making available telephone and video consultations, which offer people a starting point for advice and guidance to help select (if needed) an appropriate setting for in-person care. Dental care ranks among the most frequently avoidable emergency room visits,[2] with tele-dentistry providing a resource that may help people make more informed decisions about where to go for in-person care, such as their own dentist, another available local dentist or a primary care physician*. By considering these tips, you may help maintain or improve your own dental well-being, while also enabling young people to develop good oral health habits. *Not all dental services are eligible for tele-dentistry.  The latest storm related outage information in PG&E’s Sierra Division which includes El Dorado, Nevada, Placer and Sierra Counties. Currently we have 10,831 customers without power due to the storms. Here are a few of the large outages:
We do not have estimated times of restoration at this time. Once the weather clears and it’s safe for our crews to get out in the fields, they will be assessing damage, making repairs and getting the power back on safely and as quickly as possible. It would be great if you could remind members of the community to never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. Customers can get updates on outages in their neighborhood through a variety of channels.
Good morning -
I wanted to share the latest storm related outage information in PG&E’s Sierra Division which includes El Dorado, Nevada, Placer and Sierra Counties. Currently we have 10,831 customers without power due to the storms. Here are a few of the large outages:
We do not have estimated times of restoration at this time. Once the weather clears and it’s safe for our crews to get out in the fields, they will be assessing damage, making repairs and getting the power back on safely and as quickly as possible. It would be great if you could remind members of the community to never touch downed wires: If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and extremely dangerous. Do not touch or try to move it—and keep children and animals away. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. Customers can get updates on outages in their neighborhood through a variety of channels.
Thanks Megan Megan McFarland| Marketing & Communications| Pacific Gas & Electric California earns B in Flavored Tobacco Products, Lung Association calls on state officials to ensure the prohibition of flavored tobacco products in 2021 to end tobacco use, youth vaping and save lives - SPOKESPERSONS AVAILABLE SACRAMENTO, CA [January 27, 2021] – Even amid the pandemic, tobacco use remains a serious public health threat. In addition to tobacco-related death and disease, smoking also increases the risk of the most severe impacts of COVID-19, making ending tobacco use more important than ever. This year’s “State of Tobacco Control” report from the American Lung Association grades federal and state efforts to reduce tobacco use and calls for meaningful policies that will prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. The report finds that California had mixed grades on its efforts to reduce and prevent tobacco use, including e-cigarettes. Tobacco use remains the nation’s leading cause of preventable death and disease, taking an estimated 480,000 lives every year. Much like COVID-19, tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately impacts certain communities, including communities of color, LGTBQ+ Americans and persons of lower income. To address this critical public health threat, “State of Tobacco Control” provides a roadmap for the federal and state policies needed to prevent and reduce tobacco use. This year’s 19th annual report finds that in 2021 California can take action to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in order to support public health and save lives. The need for California to take action to protect youth from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is more urgent than ever, with the youth vaping epidemic continuing. With 1 in 5 teens vaping, our children are becoming the next generation addicted to tobacco. Youth vaping and tobacco use overall is largely driven by flavored tobacco products, and our 19th annual report has added a new state grade calling for policies to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, flavored e-cigarettes and flavored cigars. “In California, our high school tobacco use rate is 12.7%. The surge in youth vaping combined with the fact that smoking increases the chance of severe COVID-19 symptoms, make it more important than ever for California to implement the proven measures outlined in ‘State of Tobacco Control’ to prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said American Lung Association Advocacy Director, Erica Costa. The 19th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report grades states and the federal government on policies proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use, and finds that while California has taken significant steps to reduce tobacco use, including investing in tobacco prevention and control programs and has passed strong smokefree air policies, elected officials should do more to save lives and ensure all California residents benefit from reductions in tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. This is especially the case during the pandemic. The report also explores the fact that tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure disproportionately impacts certain communities, including communities of color, LGBTQ+ Americans and persons of lower income, and outlines solutions to close this gap. California’s Grades “State of Tobacco Control” 2021 grades states and the District of Columbia in five areas that have been proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. California received the following grades:
The American Lung Association encourages California to put in place all the public policies called for in “State of Tobacco Control.” In particular, this year’s report noted the need to focus on ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. In 2019, about 8,000 kids began vaping every day – typically with flavored e-cigarettes – setting them up for a lifetime of addiction to nicotine. Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol, will not only help end youth vaping, but will also help address the disproportionate impact of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke on Black and Brown communities. Menthol cigarettes remain a key vector for tobacco-related death and disease in Black communities, with nearly 85% of Black Americans who smoke using them. “Kids follow the flavors and ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products in California is key to ending the youth e-cigarette epidemic and youth tobacco use overall. We call on legislators in Sacramento to prohibit the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol across the Golden State”, said Costa. Federal Grades Overview “State of Tobacco Control” 2021 also grades the federal government in five areas:
“State of Tobacco Control” 2021 provides an important roadmap on how states like California and the federal government can put in place the policies proven to have the greatest impact on reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. Because of COVID-19, we are all thinking more about lung health. Now is the time for lawmakers in California to act and take this opportunity to achieve lasting reductions in tobacco-related death and disease,” said Costa. ### About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. By Dr. Glenn Mollette Some of the nicest people I've known have been police officers from county to state to city cops. I have some dear friends who wear badges and they are good people. The police officers who killed George Floyd on May 25th in Minneapolis at that moment and time were not good people. I would never say they haven't been good people or have the potential to be good people but what they did that day was an act of hate and evil. There was nothing good about that scene of a defenseless man being choked to death. The police were called because Floyd was suspected of trying to use forged documents at a deli. If true it was criminal but also implies he was hungry. His actions did not deserve a death sentence. Floyd was obviously going nowhere. He was surrounded by the police. He was on the ground. Why kill him? He wasn't a threat. Sadly, we have watched scenes on television where police and citizens have acted like terrorists and members of ISIS. We horrifically watched Eric Garner's death as he was arrested in New York City in 2014. How many times has this happened that have not been videotaped? We've watched too many scenes on television where members of ISIS cruelly tortured and killed journalists and others they had captured and rendered helpless. Are Americans any better than ISIS terrorists when human beings are rendered helpless and then killed? Let's face it, those police officers videotaped killing Floyd in Minneapolis, were filled with hate and released it on Floyd. On May 24th someone hung an effigy of Governor Andy Beshear to a tree in front of the Governor's mansion in Frankfort, Kentucky. The scene took place at what was supposed to be a peaceful Second Amendment rally. Someone in the crowd upset by the act immediately cut the effigy down but the act itself was evil and hate filled. This is not what free speech is about. Free speech does not promote or encourage an assassination of an elected official. I did not vote for Andy Beshear but we are to support and respect our elected officials as much as possible. They have tough jobs and have to face too much garbage like what was displayed in Frankfort in front of the house where the Governor's family lives. This type of hate is dangerous, reckless and leads to people getting hurt or killed. Find some way to deal with your hate. Go to the gym and hit a punching bag. Get a job busting rocks. Push a lawn mower. Try prayer. Ask God to change your heart toward others. Yell and scream if you have to. Vote. Work for positive change. Don't be an American terrorist. If you are suddenly in a position to hurt someone of afflict pain then take the high road and don't. Use the opportunity to try to help others if and when you can. Hate will never make you feel better, solve a problem or bring about positive change. Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) – February is Heart Health Month, and Tahoe Forest Health System and the Wellness Neighborhood are focusing on helping our community understand the threat of heart disease and the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. Heart disease is 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. During the month of February, join Tahoe Forest Health System in their Follow Your Heart: Passport to Health Challenge. Explore a variety of activities and learning opportunities to support your heart health. Complete at least two of the activities below for a chance to win a Therapeutic Massage or Biofeedback session. · Attend a FREE Authentic Wellness Virtual Workshop – Zoom ID: 991 3131 5222 o February 11, 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm: "Why Can't I Sleep?," with Dr. Gregory Tirdel, MD, FCCP, Diplomat American Board of Sleep Medicine o February 25, 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm: The Power of Your Heart and Breath Rhythm, with Linda Mackenzie, Biofeedback Therapist · Attend a Cooking Class o February 15, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Cooking Club: Fiber for Heart Health (Call 530-587-3769 to register. Cost is $15.) · Laughter is the best medicine: email a joke with your passport to rethinkhealthy@tfhd.com · Make a meatless meal · Meditate for 5 minutes, 3 times a week · Walk at least 15,000 steps in a day Visit our website at www.tfhd.com for more information or to download and print your Passport to Health to get started. Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehab Program Tahoe Forest Health System offers the Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (Pritikin 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. If you have experienced a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, chest pain (angina), a heart valve replacement or repair, coronary angioplasty (stent) or if you have congestive heart failure, you may qualify for our cardiac rehab program. Please ask your provider for a referral to our program and we will see if you qualify. For more information, call the Tahoe Forest Cardiac Rehab at (530) 582-3478. ##### About Tahoe Forest Health System Tahoe Forest Health System, which includes Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA, and Incline Village Community Hospital in Incline Village, NV, offers 24-hour emergency care, urgent care, primary and specialty health care clinics including Tahoe Forest Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Commission on Cancer (COC) accredited cancer center, the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, and the Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care. With a strong focus on high quality patient care, community collaboration, clinical excellence and innovation, Tahoe Forest Health System is a UC Davis Rural Center of Excellence. For a complete list of physician specialties and services, visit www.tfhd.com. Sacramento -- In case you missed it, in light of today's Associated Press article headlined It's a secret: California keeps key virus data from public, The Center for American Liberty (@Liberty_Ctr) in conjunction with the Law Offices of Craig P. Alexander filed a lawsuit on Nov. 16 against the California Health and Human Services Agency seeking to enforce its right to obtain public records regarding the science and data used to justify the state's shelter-in-place, face covering, and canceling of mass gathering orders. The Center for American Liberty submitted public record requests on May 28, 2020 from the CHHS, which were not adequately responded to. The requests sought the "science" and "data" from Oct. 1, 2019 to May 28, 2020. "It is unacceptable that the Governor Newsom has openly disregarded essential transparency laws, depriving legal insights to its decision making, that have had devastating consequences to millions of Californians," said Center for American Liberty Executive Director, Mark Trammell (@mark_trammell). "If Governor Newsom and CHHS is confident in its science and data, they should enthusiastically share it with its constituents and press, rather than breaking the law to keep it secret." California law requires CHHS to respond within 10 days of submission. CAL submitted its original request on May 28, 2020, then sent a reminder on July 23, 2020, then again on Aug. 8, 2020. As of the date of filing the complaint, CAL has not received any response. About the Center for American Liberty The Center for American Liberty is a non-profit litigation, education, and public policy organization dedicated to advancing Free Speech rights and Civil Liberties. Founded by Harmeet K. Dhillon in 2019, the Center for American Liberty offers pro-bono and low-bono legal representation to Americans whose fundamental freedoms are violated. ### SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California State Parks is seeking public feedback on draft guidelines for $19 million in outdoor program grants to create new or expand access to outdoor programs in underserved communities. Input from the public will help State Parks establish a new grant program - the Outdoor Equity Grant Program - in support of providing equitable access to all Californians. “Investing in outdoor programs that give underserved communities access to nature is critical for the health, inspiration and education of Californians,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “State Parks looks forward to working with grant applicants to create new educational and recreational activities that strengthen a connection to cultural history and the natural world.” This competitive grant program, made possible through Assembly Bill 209 (Limón), will increase the ability of residents in underserved communities –with an emphasis on students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, foster youth, and students of limited English proficiency – to participate in outdoor experiences at state parks and other public lands. The program’s focus is on funding transportation, logistics, program operations, and capacity costs associated with reaching historically underserved urban and rural communities throughout California. The draft guidelines for the Outdoor Equity Grant Program are available for review online at www.parks.ca.gov/oep. Comments must be emailed to Supervisor Richard Rendon via email at Richard.Rendon@parks.ca.gov by 5 p.m. (PST) on Feb. 22, 2021. The public is also invited to attend one of the following four online public hearings next month: Outdoor Equity Grant Program Public Hearing Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Thursday Feb. 18, 2021 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Please RSVP to the virtual public hearings online at www.parks.ca.gov/oep. Once finalized, the guidelines will be used by eligible applicants to plan for Outdoor Equity Grant Program grants. Application workshops and guidance will be offered approximately five months before applications are due. The application due date is to be determined. Since 1964, more than 7,500 parks throughout California have been created or improved through grant programs administered by the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS). The mission of OGALS is to address California’s diverse recreational, cultural and historical resource needs by developing grant programs, administering funds, offering technical assistance, building partnerships and providing leadership through quality customer service. For more information on Proposition 68 programs and other grant programs, visit www.parks.ca.gov/grants. ### Subscribe to California State Parks News online at www.parks.ca.gov/news and click here. California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov. Facebook I Twitter I Instagram I YouTube I Blog I Periscope I Flickr If you would rather not receive future communications from California State Parks, let us know by clicking here. California State Parks, 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 United States Golden State Parents Find New Ways to Celebrate Learning, Support Opportunity for All Sacramento– In the midst of a school year like no other, California families and educators are gearing up to safely spotlight education options during School Choice Week 2021. California families, schools, and organizations are hosting 2,104 virtual or at-home celebrations during the Week. For example, parents and education experts around the state will participate in a Zoom call hosted by the California Policy Center and Celebration Education on Saturday, Jan. 30 to share details about what school choices are available to parents in the state. Also, the California School Choice Foundation will be hosting a statewide virtual webinar bringing families keynote speakers and education tips. Taking place annually since 2011, School Choice Week is America’s largest celebration of educational choice. While typically the Week is packed with large, in-person events, school choice advocates have adapted to this year’s health and safety protocols, opting for drive through scavenger hunts, virtual information sessions and showcases, online contests, drive-in movie screenings, and more. Across the country, more than two dozen iconic U.S. landmarks and notable buildings will light up in special colors to mark the Week. A growing number of California communities have issued proclamations recognizing School Choice Week, including the county of Santa Cruz and the cities of Montague, Highland, and Citrus Heights. “This National School Choice Week, let’s pause to recognize the impact a child’s education has on their ability to achieve their dreams, attain a fulfilling career, and give back to their community,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “Across California, different schools help different students succeed—all great schools are worth celebrating and supporting.” In California, there are a variety of educational options available including: traditional public schools with some open enrollment, charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, homeschooling, and private schools. California families will be raising awareness about these choices at their virtual celebrations, which make up some of the more than 33,000 planned nationwide to spotlight K-12 education options. To download a guide to California school choice, use the Schools Near Me tool to search for schools in your area, or see celebration photos and proclamation updates, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/california. National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort; the Week is nonpartisan, nonpolitical, and not related to any legislative advocacy campaign. Select local celebrants are available to discuss their plans with reporters upon request. For information on celebrations planned near you, reach out to us with information about your coverage area at pressoffice@schoolchoiceweek.com. # # # National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective education options for children and is the world’s largest celebration of opportunity in K-12 education. The Week is a not-for-profit effort that focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of events and activities to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. Year-round, National School Choice Week develops resources and guides to assist families searching for schools or learning environments for their children. By Ted Gaines Word count 645 A massive change to property tax law is coming soon that could cost families thousands of dollars a year and affect how parents and grandparents pass down properties through generations. Proposition 19, passed by California voters last November, makes major adjustments to the “parent-child” and “grandparent-grandchild” exclusions, all to the harm of taxpayers. Prior to Prop. 19, parents and grandparents could transfer their principal residence to a child or grandchild with no value limit and without adjusting the property tax base-year value, meaning that the child or grandchild would not be saddled with a huge new property tax assessment when they became owner. The person receiving the property could live there, rent it out, use it as a second home, or let it sit empty – there were no restrictions on property use to qualify for the exemption. Prop. 19 changes all of that. Once the new law goes into effect on February 16, 2021, the unlimited value provision disappears. The new formula will be the current taxable value of the property plus one-million dollars. This change will hit many coastal property owners in the pocketbook as they inherit or receive property that appreciated wildly in California’s multi-decade housing boom. Modest homes in Silicon Valley neighborhoods owned and transferred by middle-class families will face stratospheric tax bills under the new regime. As bad as that will be, it is another provision that is more likely to cause havoc and financial loss for many Californians. Under Prop. 19, a person receiving property under one of these exclusions must now use the property as their primary residence to qualify. That means if you have moved to a different city, you would have to move back and occupy the home to receive the exemption. It means that if you are happy with your current home, you would have to give it up and move to qualify for the exemption. The date these changes go into effect is right around the corner. If you are planning on transferring property to a child or grandchild, please be aware of the very different landscape that awaits you and them after February 16. There are a thousand unanswered questions regarding these changes that are not clarified in the proposition language. What happens if multiple children receive a property but only one makes it a primary residence, for example? What happens if someone qualifies for the exclusion, then moves out of the primary residence for a time, then moves back in? Does the exemption kick back in or is it lost forever? It was an initiative written with little concern for detail. Proposition 19 does provide some new and welcome benefits for California taxpayers, most notably that it allows certain property owners to transfer their base-year tax assessment to all 58 counties. This allows homeowners who want to downsize, move closer to their children, or relocate for any other reason to keep a lower property tax. Prior to Prop. 19, that benefit was only available within counties or in a handful of counties that accepted base-year transfers. Taxpayers can now also use that transfer provision three times instead of the one-time, geographically limited use in prior law. Although I favor the base-year transfer provisions, I oppose this new tax increase, which will take hundreds of millions of dollars a year from Californians inheriting their family’s biggest asset. But it’s now the law, and as a Board of Equalization Member and taxpayer advocate, I will be seeking to identify every area where Prop. 19 is unclear and am committed to working with the legislature, county assessors, tax professionals and taxpayers to ensure effective administration of this new law. Visit my website at boe.ca.gov/gaines for more information on Prop. 19 and for examples of how the new law would affect passed-down properties. Please consult a qualified attorney or tax professional for advice on transferring any property. Senator Ted Gaines (Ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District. He is a leading taxpayer advocate and is committed to providing trustworthy and transparent representation for nearly ten million constituents in 30 counties of northern, eastern, and southern California. For more information, visit boe.ca.gov/Gaines. A PUBLIC HEARING for a proposed increase to the Fire Development Impact Fee was held during the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday, January 19th virtually. Planning Director Tim Beals reported that the process started with the Board about three months ago. Sierra County Fire Protection District No. 1 has a fire mitigation fee in place. The Building Department collects the fee as part of the building permit process and the money is transferred to the Fire District. Beals stated this was not a fee applied to existing property, it only applies to new development. The Fire District commissioned a consultant to put forward a new capital improvement plan and new schedule of fees. Beals said the Board was originally concerned over the amount of the fee and the fee escalation over the next five years. Tom Archer, a representative from the Fire District, stated there was a consensus that it be presented as formatted. He said the fee was to be adopted by resolution. Archer emphasized this was done with scrutiny and $1.90 per square foot was appropriate and the escalator was reasonable and would remain in effect until further review in five years. Supervisor Sharon Dryden felt the increase was reasonable, but wanted Archer to give the pros and cons of the built-in escalator. Archer responded a pro is to try to keep pace with inflation, adding it was a very low rising escalator. Personally he didn’t see a down side to the escalator and felt it was financially judicious to include it.
Board Chair Lee Adams opened the public hearing, and with no public comments the public hearing was closed. Supervisor Paul Roen asked for updated numbers as to what the escalator will do. Archer said 3% increase would be $1.957. Roen stated it would compound on an annual basis for five years. He said his concern was the very uncertain times they were in, adding he had no problem supporting $1.90; it’s what happens after year to year. Dryden asked how hard it would it be to be brought back each year for approval. She stated it’s very restrictive to build right now and was uncomfortable with the built-in escalator. Archer stated they had to go through a process and public hearing to adopt any fees or charges and each time you want to review it you have to go back through that process. He felt it was a very reasonable fee for five years. Dryden asked when was the $1.25 adopted. Archer thought it was in the 1980’s. Roen said it was 2011. Beals suggested to build in a process for the Board to review each increase before it gets implemented. This way it’s a checkpoint to see if the increase is warranted. County Counsel Margaret Long stated this could be done on a yearly basis and felt it was a good way to do it. Having an automatic escalator with board review could be done, and at the annual review the board has the authority to increase or decrease. Archer stated the District provides an annual report with how those fees have been utilized. Roen would like to set the fee increase the same time the annual report is done. Changes were made to the Resolution, which was adopted unanimously as amended. New York, NY, January 22, 2021 — It’s the new year and one of your resolutions should be to get your eyes checked, advises Dr. Daniel Laroche, Director of Glaucoma Services and President of Advanced Eyecare of New York. Despite the busyness of the new year, he says it’s still important to stay on top of regular doctor visits, including visits with your eye doctor. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by three components: 1. Damage and loss of the retinal ganglions cells and optic nerve described as cupping 2. Loss of visual field 3. Usually increased eye pressure (the mean normal eye pressure is 15mmHG) People at risk for glaucoma include the elderly, Blacks, people with elevated eye pressure, primary relatives with glaucoma, persons with high myopia, high hyperopia, history of eye trauma and diabetes. Blindness from glaucoma is insidious. In most cases, there is no pain, and the loss of vision occurs slowly from peripheral to central. The central reading vision is not affected until the end, thus most people do not realize it until they have lost a substantial amount of their peripheral vision. In low or normal pressure glaucoma, the central vision may be affected first. The elevated intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve both mechanically and creates decreased blood flow to the eye. The most identifiable cause of glaucoma is the enlarged lens or cataract in the eye. Early cataract surgery and trabecular bypass has become the best option to stop vision loss in patients with glaucoma. The current use of eyedrops and laser help to lower intraocular pressure but do not address the causative mechanism of the glaucoma being the enlarged lens. Incisional cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery is often needed to truly stabilize glaucoma. All people should be screened regularly for glaucoma as part of a medical eye exam. Screening should consist of an eye examination consisting of gonioscopy (examination of the drainage angle), intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry and a dilated optic nerve examination. If there appears to be any damage to the optic nerve or abnormal pressure, then a visual field test should be performed, and optic nerve photos taken. Persons with thin corneas should be more aggressively monitored and treated for glaucoma as the disease tends to be worse in these patients. If you have eye pressure or glaucoma and feel that you may be losing vision, Dr. Laroche recommends that you seek the care of a glaucoma specialist for a second opinion. DON’T GO BLIND FROM GLAUCOMA! People with conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy that could lead to blindness if left unchecked need to stay particularly vigilant with their checkups. The pandemic shouldn’t keep you from visiting your doctor, but for patients over 60, Dr. Laroche advises it's better to stay home and do telehealth visits or video consultations until the pandemic flattens. He also encourages people to wear face masks on visits and maintain social distancing, even if they are in a health clinic, and if you’re high-risk, consider adding eye protection when in public spaces. “Eyesight or human vision is one of the most important senses. As much as 80 percent of what we feel comes through our sense of sight. By protecting the eyes, people will reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss while also staying on top of any developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts. “A healthy brain function requires a healthy vision. The brain is our most essential organ, and it allows us to control other organs. Normal and healthy vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension for a better quality of life,” says Dr. Laroche. About Dr. Daniel Laroche Dr. Laroche is an exceptional glaucoma specialist in New York. He studied and received his bachelor's degree from New York University and a medical doctorate with honors in research from Weil Cornell University Medical College. He underwent a medical internship at Montefiore Hospital and finished his ophthalmology residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was the chief resident in his third year. He later completed his glaucoma fellowship at New York Eye and Ear. For more information about Dr. Laroche, please call (212) 663-0473 or visit: www.advancedeyecareny.com. To learn what causes glaucoma, please watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEKOj-KJ0oo. To watch a glaucoma procedure, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7gS-7fGXGE&list=UUXVc2YbXJZGBSgtoknvid8w&index=4&t=2s. ### (Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s 17 executive orders issued on his first day in office. Rep. LaMalfa stated, “President Biden’s executive orders on his first day in office make it clear that he will prioritize pleasing the far left radicals that have taken over his party over bringing unity to our healing nation. He calls for sweeping actions to reduce immigration enforcement, surrender our ability monitor and control our borders, and stop all border wall construction just weeks after Congress approved a bipartisan funding bill to build more. He recklessly seeks to take a backseat to China and other global competitors by unilaterally rejoining the Paris Climate Accords, despite treaties with foreign nations requiring Senate ratification. We’ve achieved energy independence but will lose that along with many good jobs from stopping the Keystone XL pipeline. And months after the U.S. removed itself from the China-beholden World Health Organization whose historic bungle thrust us into the worst pandemic we have ever seen, President Biden is looking the other way and reinserting us – while writing a big check made of your tax dollars – into this corrupt and inept organization that changes its Covid policy frequently and politically. The WHO needs drastic reform, not our capitulation to it. “President Biden would be wise to recognize that the radical left policy whisperers in his inner circle do not represent the Americans who just sent a closely divided government to Washington. Americans want free markets where we can thrive based on our ingenuity and desire, to get government off our backs, and to be defended from those on the global stage who wish to harm us. The American people do not want a European socialist country and are pleading for their way of life and prosperity to be defended, and I stand ready to fight for them.” Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.  Nevada City, Calif. —The US Forest Service has released an updated Tahoe National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map. The Motor Vehicle Use Map displays all permissible opportunities for off-high motorized use including single track riding and ATV/UTV family fun. The Map also provides seasonal operational dates for all Tahoe National Forest routes, trails, and roads. A few highlights and reminders:
With the low precipitation and snow levels so far in winter 2020-2021, Off-Highway Vehicle enthusiasts have been utilizing the Tahoe National Forest in uncharacteristically high numbers typical for this time of year. Unfortunately, resource damage is occurring. We thank all those adhering to regulations and protecting resources. Please remember the following:
LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL approved the hiring of Phillip Wall out of Coleville, CA as Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator who was hired the following day. He will work three 12-hour days from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as an employee at $28/hour.
The City will continue to pay John Cussins’ insurance package who has generously worked for free many years. Wall worked as Water Treatment Operator at Beale AFB from June 2017 to September 2018. His training as a wastewater operator goes back to Fall Brook Public Utilities District from June 1993 to December 1993. From the audience, Phyllis DeMartini spoke against the number of hours calling it “not effective.” She had concern with the middle of winter, turning dark and no supervision. Vice Mayor Sarah Jackson said he’d be on probation one year, be monitored and checked for productivity. Because the current two employees are not licensed, they both had to be at the plant. With the new Operator, they will do maintenance including streets, Ac- cording to Public Works Director Nancy Rogers, they will attend free online training in Redding for their water certificates. This is their second attempt and according to Sarah, “Last try on our dime.”  A Strategic Planning Meeting January 18th at New Life Christian Center in Portola was hosted by Lost Sierra Chamber of Commerce. President Donna Mills introduced Vice President Emily Compton, Secretary Johna Berg, Treasurer Kathi Burton and Director Mike Cook. Featured speaker was Consultant Clint Koble, Advisor for Sierra Small Business Development Center “SBDC” out of Truckee. He services Plumas, Lassen and Modoc Counties. He was born and raised on a family farm and loves rural America. On how to build a strategic plan, he told how COVID-19 has affected businesses, non-profits and communities. He stated realtors had done okay but mom and pops not so much and probably get the least attention and assistance but are what make communities function. He called it a “domino affect.” He suggested relocation packages to grow our community. He talked how Plumas County used to give aid to chambers and how it’s been tough on resources and staffing. Koble stated by 2024 over half of tourists would be Millennials with families who want to travel. He called them “more demanding,” and want it all on the phone. They’ll want exponential tourism, about adventure and experience. He mentioned Greenhorn Ranch, the premier guest dude ranch in Quincy with all it has to offer. They’ll want vacations authentic and personalization and an emphasis on friendly ecotourism. Trails help make it a unique authentic experience and he talked of there being more 3-day week ends. He added there will be more senior and solo travel with a demand for locally grown healthy food. There needs to be convenient booking and keeping websites up and working closer with one another to share resources and link to each other. For a good strategic plan, he used Lassen County’s as a model which he called short, clear and concise with mission, vision and goals. They update the plan every January and have a relocation package and drone footage. For Mission, he stated it’s “do what for whom,” no more than one sentence. Vision is “What’s the result?” The strategy is “How are you going to increase 10%?” He told the need to update websites, public relations and volunteering and sharing grant writers. He stated County employees need to go to Chamber meetings. The County, Chamber and businesses and City should all be on the same page and talk economic development with a liaison between the County and Chambers – “all part of beautiful Plumas County.” He loved the concept of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship to connect communities. Under question by Plumas County Supervisor Jeff Engel why he’d come to Plumas County, Koble responded, “It’s a beautiful place to live and work.” Opened for public comment, Kathi Burton reflected on when the Chamber was supported by its membership. Chamber members were appreciated by Tiffiney Lozano of Spanish Peak Production, stating members were “doing it because you care.” Richard Aiple from Nakoma Golf reported they’d had “more rounds than ever.” Golfing was called the “saving grace” for a lot of folks who drove up to golf because of COVID-19. Donna Mills stated the Lost Sierra Chamber office in Blairsden is closed to the public, “out of funds,” treading water, adding it was open when the forest service and parks were closed. Business Manager Jan Tew told how they’d make $17,000 usually with events and now have a deficit, not allowed to have one event with concerts and the NRA dinners cancelled. But she stated the Chamber would open in February. A handout showed international visitors for years 2017-2020 until the international ban. Visitors came from Netherlands, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden to name a few. Domestic visitors came from nearly every city and state. Interests ranged from campgrounds to hiking, horseback riding, lakes, parks, national forests and locally, the railroad museum, barn quilt tours, Frenchman and Davis Lakes and the Pacific Crest Trail. The SBDC offers free trainings and workshops for small businesses. Koble can be reached at (775)843-4081. On January 21st there is a Restaurant Survival Strategies workshop from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register with Nicole@orcalsbdc.org On February 18th there is a Zoom meeting for all Plumas County chambers with 3-5 representatives from each chamber with location to be announced. In talking of meeting and working with one another, Koble extended that to Sierra County Chambers, too. Watch for information.  THE SIERRA-PLUMAS JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD met on Tuesday, January 12th via videoconference and the first order of business was to appoint a Trustee for the Area 4 vacancy. There were two applicants.
Nicole Stannard has lived in Sierra Brooks for 11 years with her husband and two young sons who are just beginning school. She previously worked for the Nevada Dairy Council and is a Registered Dietetic Technician. Nicole had served as the Area 4 Trustee prior to the vacancy. Benjamin Hitchcock has resided in Sierra Brooks eight months with his wife, coming from Sheridan, Montana where he worked as a public works employee, was the fire chief and served on the town council. He currently works for a local company involved in fuels reduction for forests and fire fighting The two were interviewed during the meeting. Board President Mike Moore asked why they were interested in serving. Benjamin stated he wanted to help his community and be of service. Nicole said she wanted to serve for the students and community as a whole and is able to donate her time and energy. Moore asked what they see as the major issues affecting schools in the near future. Benjamin stated he saw COVID-19, funding and staffing as major issues. Nicole said funding and the financial ability to move forward, health of the community and health and education of our students. When asked what their strength and experience was, Nicole stated she was a great communicator and listens to concerns. She is a fast learner and has the time and energy to serve. Benjamin said he is direct and to the point, doesn’t beat around the bush. He has done a lot of fundraising, has grant writing experience, a problem solver and feels he can contribute quite a bit to see the Board into the future. Board Trustee Christina Potter nominated Nicole Stannard, who was unanimously voted in as Trustee for Area 4. Superintendent James Berardi thanked Benjamin for wanting to serve and stated both candidates were very qualified. During the Superintendent’s report, Berardi talked about needing to have some budget meetings, stating they know they are in deficit spending and know they may have to make cuts and difficult decisions. He said he’s been meeting with SPTA and suggested having an adhoc committee to get a grip on what is happening and have clear decisions before putting it out to the public. Berardi recognized needing to have better information, adding they luckily don’t have to cut $1.3 million all at once. Berardi stated he was hearing talk about a cost of living adjustment (COLA), which may work out in their favor. He said Business Manager Nona Griesert has been gathering information and they are hearing some better news that may not be as dire as first predicted. Berardi wanted to have communication with staff and the community, but recommended a methodical process, adding he didn’t want what happened last year to occur again and wanted to be clear and more transparent. Moore wanted a special budget meeting for the Board and to have Griesert give a presentation to get a feel for where they are with the District. Berardi reported that things are constantly changing and really felt the whole board should be trained in Board Best Practices. He said Bob Ferguson, who helped with the Superintendent search, does these trainings and would cost $700 plus travel expenses. Berardi stressed wanting everyone to be on the same page, adding it puts them on a path for who they are and helps to figure out what their direction is. Board Trustee Patty Hall stated she spoke with Megan Meschery, Vice President of Sierra Schools Foundation who indicated the Foundation would help with training costs. Berardi was going to contact Ferguson. During staff reports, Loyalton High School Principal Tom Jones stated he was happy to be back after the holiday break. He reported the semester ends January 29th and they were holding parent meetings for those most at risk. He praised his teachers who are continuing to do an amazing job, tackling obstacles daily. Jones said they had open lines of communication with the Health Department. Loyalton Elementary School Principal Andrea Ceresola stated it was exciting to have the kids back. Over the next 2-3 weeks they would be working on fostering relationships, and behavior management for our classrooms to be successful. Berardi gave an update on Downieville School. He stated they’d dodged a bullet with COVID for a while and then went from 6 to 24 cases in a 10-day period. Three staff members had COVID in Downieville. Because of the numbers, they decided to close the school down. Berardi said the elementary was set to reopen on the 18th and moved to reopen the high school after Teachers have been meeting regularly on zoom and staff is working hard district wide. Ed’s Note: On Thursday, January 14th, Loyalton schools returned to distance learning based on confirmed exposures to positive cases within the elementary and high school sites. The exposures within the schools triggered student and staff quarantines. It is hoped with isolation and universal precautions, schools can reopen on Monday, February 1st and semester will be extended to February 12th. School Accountability Report Cards for 2019-2020 were approved unanimously. Berardi stated the goal was to have all students be successful and improve their test scores throughout the district. Great test scores were mentioned that Loyalton Elementary School and Loyalton High School have had. Motorists Should Prepare for Winter Conditions and Travel Delays
MARYSVILLE – Intermittent periods of rain and snow are in the forecast this weekend with winter driving conditions and travel delays anticipated in the Sierra. The first weather system is anticipated Friday with 2-6 inches of snow possible above 4,000 feet and a dusting possible at 3,000-foot elevations. Saturday will mostly see a break in snowy weather, with winter conditions returning Sunday night and lingering into Monday, according to the National Weather Service. The second weather system arriving Sunday night is forecast to deliver 6-12 inches of snow at pass levels with cold temperatures potentially dropping snow levels to 1,000 feet. In addition, the Sacramento Valley area will see 0.25 to 1 inch of rain during the two storm systems. Caltrans reminds drivers to winterize vehicles by ensuring tires are properly inflated and have good tread, and to stock up with water, blankets, snacks, a flashlight and a full tank of gas before mountain travel. Further tips for safe winter driving and information about chain controls can be found at dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips. Motorists also are reminded to carry traction-control devices in their vehicles as permitted highway chain installers do not sell traction devices. Periods of chain control are anticipated during both storms with posted speed limits of 30 mph on Interstate 80 and 25 mph on U.S. Highway 50 during chain-enforcement periods. Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the free QuickMap app on the App Store or Google Play. Motorists also can call the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623). |
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