California has strong laws to remove guns from dangerous individuals when red flags are present 
LOS ANGELES — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a public safety alert reminding Californians of the strong laws in place to temporarily remove guns from dangerous individuals and potentially prevent an oncoming tragedy. The Attorney General reminds Californians that, in addition to criminal laws that prohibit certain individuals from possessing firearms, California has strong protections in the form of civil orders: Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO) and Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO), as well as other orders like Workplace Violence Prevention Orders, School Violence Restraining Orders, and Civil Harassment orders. These protections allow for the temporary removal of firearms from individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others. These orders can be a critical tool to remove firearms and prevent the purchase of new guns by individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. 
“Often in the aftermath of tragedies such as mass shootings, we hear about red flags displayed by the perpetrator that could have signaled an impending crisis or trauma,” said Attorney General Bonta. “California has strong red flag laws that allow the public and law enforcement to recommend the removal of guns from those who may be a potential threat. Criminal and civil orders that result in the removal of firearms are critical tools that can help save lives, but they are severely underutilized. When you have concerns that someone may pose a threat, we encourage you to act; If you see something, say something. We are in this together, and together we can save lives.”
In 2016, California became one of the first states to enact a red flag law. In California, these laws are called Gun Violence Restraining Orders, or GVROs. GVROs are court orders that prohibit individuals from owning or possessing firearms. The law initially allowed only law enforcement officers and family members of a person they believed was a danger to themselves or others to petition the court to prohibit that person from possessing firearms. The law has since been expanded to allow law enforcement officers, family members, employers, coworkers, and school employees to petition the court for a GVRO to prohibit a person from possessing firearms who they believe poses a serious threat.  
In addition to GVROs, someone experiencing abuse or harassment may be able to obtain other civil orders through their local court or through law enforcement. These orders include DVROs, Workplace Violence Prevention Orders, School Violence Restraining Orders, and Civil Harassment orders. These orders provide protection for people being harassed or abused and include firearm prohibitions. Individuals who are in fear of or experiencing abuse by someone with whom they are in a close relationship – such as a current or former spouse, partner, or parent – can request a DVRO.  
These critical laws can assist law enforcement in recovering firearms from individuals who have shown a probability to commit violence, harassment, or abuse. Additionally, they can prevent those individuals from obtaining firearms in the first place. 
For more information on how to obtain Emergency or Permanent orders under these provisions, go to courts.ca.gov or oag.ca.gov/ovgp/gvro-dvro. 
Attorney General Bonta has long-advocated for the increased use of GVROs to prevent gun violence. In October 2022, Attorney General Bonta brought together California's city attorneys and county counsels for a special virtual convening on GVROs. The goal of the meeting was to highlight the lifesaving impact of GVROs and to provide resources and impetus for local agencies to establish GVRO programs in their offices. Attorney General Bonta specifically cited the success of San Diego’s comprehensive GVRO program. Under this program, Deputy City Attorneys apply for GVROs on behalf of officers from the San Diego Police Department. In 2021, over 31% or 435 of the 1,384 GVROs issued statewide were issued in San Diego County. Since the inception of the groundbreaking program, more than 1,500 firearms have been confiscated through GVROs. Removing these firearms is believed to have prevented multiple violent incidents, including mass shootings. 
Victims of domestic violence who are in immediate danger should call 911. For additional information and assistance call:

• The 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
• The Victims of Crime Resource Center: 1-800-VICTIMS (1-800-842-8467)

For additional information on resources available to survivors of sexual violence please visit: oag.ca.gov/sexual-violence.

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QUINCY, CA — Work resumed today on the pile burning that started last week on the Feather River Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest.
Approximately 5 acres were treated last week near Concow Rim Road.  The goal this week is to burn the remaining 45 acres of piles this week in preparation for tree planting for forest restoration later this winter.  Today firefighters were able to successfully treat 10 acres of piles.
Additional fire management resources from other national forests in the area are assisting with the project.  Pile burning is only occurring as conditions allow and ignitions are expected to continue through Thursday.
The Mount Hough Ranger District is planning to ignite approximately 10 acres of the Butterfly East Timber piles in Butterfly Valley tomorrow, conditions permitting.
Conditions are being monitored across the forest for opportunities for pile burning as part of fuel reduction efforts.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Meadow Valley and Quincy.  Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along Highway 70 and neighboring forest roads. 
Visibility on roads in the project areas may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.  Drivers in the area should use caution.
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve.  Firefighters will be monitoring conditions and the burning piles until fires are out.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. 
 

​LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met January 17th. With no total given on the Aged Balances for water and sewer charges in the packet, Council member Joy Markum reported “good luck” with credit card payments which have brought down the aged balances, $4-5,000.

POTENTIAL SALE OF SOCIAL HALL
Joy and Mayor Sarah Jackson have been in meetings with the County and Probation on leasing the entire Social Hall at City Park and discussion has been held on consideration of selling the building if there is a fair market value agreement. Key factors are it being part of a 10-acre parcel, parking and if City residents are in favor of selling the building.
Councilman Jerry Gerow felt it hard not knowing the selling price and the total rent. Current rent by Probation is $1,000/month with $100 credit for a shared propane account. The entire building would rent for $1,700/month with renter maintaining the inside and the City maintaining the outside.  Mayor Sarah called the “tricky part” it being two government agencies and no similar comparisons in the City.  She explained it was not signing a Bill of Sale but just getting a consensus if a sale is good to pursue.
Council member Dorie Gayner made the motion to move forward to consider the County to purchase the Social Hall if it is financially appropriate. It was seconded by Joy and Jerry voted no. The mayor stated if it wasn’t profitable, they don’t move forward.

PROP. 68 COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT
Louie Siqueido volunteer of Sierra Brooks and Sierra Valley Little League President who has helped spearhead the new Community Center to include sports and recreation, gave a presentation which included a need of $6,400 to purchase the building’s architectural design and code review as a pre-service. He told how the $177,000 grant is not enough to replace the pool building with a 120’ x 100’ building, manufactured and shipped. which is now $290,000.
Lindsay McIntosh of Musica Sierra  has pursued funding options for significant contributions and other grants. She told of tying in the old church building and incorporating both projects at the City Park. She called a Phase Two “challenging” with the church building requiring all private funding. She stated sustainability is key.
Owen McIntosh talked of an online community survey of 109 households; 89 with “high interest.” Survey results showed residents' recreational budgets and what they were willing to pay and how they wanted the school building and were willing to spend money toward it. 
Louie stated the $6,400 can be covered against the grant and they have three years to get the building operational. He stated they are short $200,000 on the size shell and a Community Block Grant can fully fund the inside. Asked if they need that big a building, he said no but want to accommodate all programs. 
Jerry questioned water demands, how many kitchens and baths. Louie told how it’s been “zero cost” so far for all site work.
Dorie made a motion to move forward with the $6,400 out of the grant for the design services phase, seconded by Joy with Jerry voting no, stating they don’t even know the size.
 
511 AND 509 MAIN STREET
Elizabeth Morgan approached the Council over 509 and 511 Main Street which she purchased in 2000. She told of three “very, very large trees, big and old,” and a Title report that looks like an alley with no dimensions, “not even on my parcel.” She found a 1926 Record of Survey that shows an alley where the trees are located. On New Years Eve a branch fell onto a neighbor’s building and she called it a “real hazard.” She hired a lawyer and told the Council, “It is your property. You’re responsible.”  
The mayor told how the part of the alley disappears in a 1958 map and since then “all homes utilize the space as personal space,” not under the City. Elizabeth stated if the property is not owned, the jurisdiction is the City’s.  Joy said the property had been abandoned and given to her. Elizabeth said it’s not on her deed. Sarah responded and asked if Elizabeth wanted a lot line adjustment and for them to give her the property. She stated all public easement has been blocked and the City never utilized it.  She gave Elizabeth the choice if the City owns it the City regains it and her renter no longer parks on the property or adjust the lot line and she does the trees. There will be a special meeting.

Loyalton Grizzlies are having some exciting wins!  Join the fun. Next home games are January 25th against Virginia City. Winterfest is January 27th and games are against Greenville. Keep current with the schedule in the Booster! 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a series of public hearings will be held by Participating Agencies (i.e., City of Portola, Beckwourth Fire Protection District, Sierra Valley Fire Protection District, and Gold Mountain Community Services District) to consider adopting substantially similar Resolutions of Application to the Plumas Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) for the formation of the “Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District” (Beckwourth Peak FPD) and the reorganization of existing fire service providers in the affected territory in accordance with Government Code Section 56853.  The respective agencies plan to consider this item at the following public hearings:

Sierra Valley FPD Board Hearing
February 14, 2023 – 7:00pm
Chilcoot Fire Station
94362 Highway 70, Chilcoot, CA 96105
​
Beckwourth FPD Board Hearing
February 15, 2023 – 6:30pm
Beckwourth Fire Station No. 1
180 Main Street, Beckwourth, CA 96129

Gold Mountain CSD Board Hearing
February 17, 2023 – 10:00am
GMCSD Conference Room
150 Pacific Street, Suite 8, Portola, CA 96122

City of Portola Council Hearing
February 22, 2023 – 6:00pm
City Hall Council Chambers
35 Third Avenue, Portola, CA 96122

Formation of the Beckwourth Peak FPD would serve to consolidate fire protection, emergency medical and rescue services into a regional district and establish a reliable source of revenue to support services. The Beckwourth Peak FPD will be governed by a five-member board of directors elected by the registered voters residing within the boundaries of the new district. The formation will result in the concurrent dissolution of the Beckwourth FPD and the Sierra Valley FPD, the divestiture of power to provide fire protection by Gold Mountain CSD, and the transfer of responsibility for providing fire protection by the City of Portola. All remaining assets, including real property assets, fire stations, rolling stock and equipment will be transferred to the Beckwourth Peak FPD as the successor agency.

Formation of the Beckwourth Peak FPD is intended to address common issues faced by the affected agencies including significant financial constraints in the face of rising costs, increasing critical non-fire life safety calls that require more resources to adequately serve those in need, reliance solely on volunteers in a time of declining volunteerism, illogical fire service boundaries, disjointed service operations and planning, and difficulty maintaining full governing bodies from small population bases.

The overall objective of the regional district is to provide a cost effective, well trained, and professional volunteer fire agency for years to come through the implementation of modern and efficient programs and providing opportunities to professionals and volunteers.

Since the Beckwourth Peak FPD will be formed through consolidation of several existing agencies, all existing apparatus and other vehicles and equipment will be transferred to the Beckwourth Peak FPD upon formation. The approval of a new special tax by the registered voters within the new fire district boundary and the successful execution of a property tax exchange agreement with the County are requested LAFCo conditions of reorganization/formation approval. The revenue generated by these two key funding sources and continued fundraising, donations and grants are essential for establishing a reliable budget for which the Beckwourth Peak FPD will need to maintain and improve its capacity to provide fire and EMS services.

This Notice of Intent for formation of the Beckwourth Peak FPD and reorganization of existing fire service providers in the affected territory, serves as the required 21-day notice pursuant to California Government Code Sections 56654(c).  Anyone who wishes to be heard on this matter of the included agencies detailed above, may appear at one or more of the public hearings and be heard. For more information, please visit: www.fireprotectplumas.org or email: FireProtectPlumas@gmail.com.

VALLEJO, CA Jan 19 -- Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today (Jan. 19) expanded efforts to reduce wildfire risk across the western U.S., directly affecting national forests here in California.
These investments, made possible through the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), will directly benefit at-risk communities and critical infrastructure across 11 additional landscapes in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.   
“It is no longer a matter of if a wildfire will threaten many western communities in these landscapes, it is a matter of when,” said Secretary Vilsack. “The need to invest more and to move quickly is apparent. This is a crisis and President Biden is treating it as one. Today’s announcement will bring more than $490 million to 11 key landscapes across the western United States, and will be used to restore our national forests, including the restoration of resilient old-growth forest conditions.”
In California, the following landscapes were selected for increased funding:

1. Southern California Fireshed Risk Reduction Strategy (California – 4M acres): The immense values at risk in southern California and the collaborative solutions underway for vegetation management represent investment opportunities to avoid staggering social, economic, and ecological costs.
2. Trinity Forest Health and Fire Resilient Rural Communities (California – 910K acres): California’s northern forests are naturally adapted to low-intensity fire. The health and well-being of California communities and ecosystems depend on urgent and effective forest and rangeland stewardship to restore resilient and diverse ecosystems. Numerous roads through the area serve as critical ingress/egress routes for local communities.
3. Klamath River Basin (Oregon, California – 10M acres) The Forest Service manages about 55 percent of the 10-million-acre Klamath Basin. These lands generate 80 percent of the mean annual surface water supply to the Klamath River. The area provides important habitat for fish listed under the Endangered Species Act.

4.     Plumas Community Protection (California – 285K acres): The Plumas Community Protection Projects Landscape focuses on community zones across the Plumas National Forest with very high, high, or moderate wildfire hazard potential.
5.     Sierra and Elko Fronts (Nevada, California – 3.4M acres): This Intermountain Region project includes work in California. The project totals 3.4 million acres and encompasses landscapes in two states. These two projects together demonstrate the comprehensive landscape treatment goal of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
This announcement complements the agency’s 10 landscape projects announced in 2022 and the agency’s broader strategy to address critical infrastructure, community protection, and forest resilience at risk to catastrophic wildfire. Combined with the initial investment landscapes, these actions will span nearly 45 million acres across 137 of the 250 high-risk firesheds in the western U.S., with a total investment of $930 million on 21 landscapes across 26.7 million acres in 2023. This work will mitigate risk to approximately 200 communities within these landscapes.
“Restoring natural forest health and diversity with thoughtful, science-based fuels treatments is critical for the future of California communities and natural resources,” said Kara Chadwick, Deputy Regional Forester with the Pacific Southwest Region. “With our partners, we are dramatically increasing the scope and pace of fuels reduction projects in landscapes across the state.”
To meet this moment, Secretary Vilsack is also authorizing the Forest Service to utilize a new emergency authority in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, combined with strategic implementation of existing authorities. Doing so will enable the agency to move more quickly in applying targeted treatments to high-risk firesheds identified in the agency’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, as well as post-fire recovery areas most impacted the past several years.   
These actions are required to be conducted in an ecologically appropriate manner that maximizes the retention of large trees and considers historically underserved communities and tribes. The need to continue working collaboratively with communities and partners is critical.  In California, the Regional Forester is co-lead of the California and Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force with California Natural Resources Agency secretary Wade Crowfoot. The Task Force is aligning billions of dollars in state and federal funds to increase the pace and scale of treatments.
“Doing this work in the right place, at the right time, and at the right scale, combined with the use of emergency authorities, will accelerate our planning, consultation, contracting, hiring and project work to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health and resilience,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “Collaboration with Tribes, communities and partners will remain a priority, and we will continue to use the best available science when carrying out this important work.”
Background: The Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy 
This announcement comes on the anniversary of the launch of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which debuted Jan. 18, 2022. A few months later in April, the agency introduced the initial 10 fire-prone landscapes that are now funded for the next five years through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.  
Since releasing its Wildfire Crisis Strategy one year ago, the Forest Service and its partners have used the best available science and data to identify the highest risk landscapes for treatment projects. The Forest Service found that around 80% of the wildfire risk to communities is concentrated in less than 10% of “firesheds,” or areas where wildfires are likely to threaten communities and infrastructure. These targeted investments focus on firesheds of the highest risk, where projects are ready to begin or to expand.  
The 10-year strategy calls for treating up to 20 million acres on national forests and grasslands and up to 30 million acres of treatments on other federal, state, Tribal, private and family lands.  
Over the past 20 years, many states have had record catastrophic wildfires, devastating communities, lives and livelihoods, and causing billions of dollars in damage. More than 10 million acres – more than twice the size of New Jersey – burned each year across the U.S. in 2020, 2017 and 2015.  
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy builds on current work, leverages congressional authorities and partnerships to support the department’s work to mitigate wildfire risk, and restore forest health over the next decade. In addition to State Forest Action Plans, the strategy also aligns with the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, Tribal Forest Protection Act, Good Neighbor Authority, Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership and Shared Stewardship agreements.  
In June 2022, USDA released the Secretary’s Memorandum on Climate Resilience and Carbon Stewardship of America’s National Forests and Grasslands. The Secretary’s memo builds on previous actions on climate change, equity, and forest resilience, but provides more specific and time-bound actions to integrate into agency programs. The Forest Service used the guidance in the Secretary’s memo to better inform the selection criteria for projects under the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, including equity, source water protection, community infrastructure, and wildlife corridors. Recognizing that insects, disease, and wildfire are among the most significant threats to mature and old growth forests, in alignment with the Administration, the Forest Service will be targeting hazardous fuels reduction projects to address these threats to promote the recruitment, protection and restoration of mature or old-growth forests.  
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

The "Hub" will replace the former Loyalton Swimming Pool building at Loyalton City Park.

By Ted Gaines
Word Count 574
 
California reigned for decades as the unmatched destination for people around the country. Now people can’t leave fast enough. Recently released numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that between July 2021 and July 2022, California lost roughly 343,000 residents to other states. This number is a “domestic net migration” figure, meaning that 343,000 more Americans moved out of California over those 12 months than moved here from other states.
 
Where are they going? The number-one net migration winner over that period was Florida, which gained around 319,000 residents from other states.
 
It’s too easy to say exclusively that Newsom is driving people out of state and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is attracting them, but to the extent the two governors symbolize different approaches to taxation, regulation, and liberty, it holds true. People are leaving Newsom-like states and flocking to DeSantis-like states. If you want to handicap the 2024 presidential election, this is a good place to start.
 
The states shedding domestic population are progressive strongholds, with extensive regulatory regimens, strong public employee unions and other Democrat policy priorities. They are, simply, big government states. High tax, high cost of living states. Joining California in the top five net losers are New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
 
States attracting Americans are lower-cost, lower-tax, Republican strongholds. Trailing Florida in the top five net gainers are Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
 
And even if your individual tax burden is not too bad in California, big government, supported by high taxes (regardless of who pays them) indicates a mindset that the state should always be doing more and additional money for government is inherently good.
 
This bigger-is-better approach leads to government solutions in search of problems.
 
It’s why California government seeps into every crack of your life, blocking the exercise of what you can eat, what house you build, what car you drive, how much you keep of the money you earn, down to such trivialities as what drinking straws you can get in a restaurant. Do you feel as though you personally need government monitoring your straw usage, or is that a decision you are competent to make as an adult? Florida trusts you to choose your own straw, California does not.
 
The California government mindset drives up costs in every area of living. Looking at taxes alone doesn’t tell a complete story of government-imposed costs. How many taxes would have to move lower to make up for policy-driven expenses in California? Would a one-percent decrease make up for gas that’s two-dollars-a-gallon higher than the national average? Would slightly lower sales taxes offset electricity costs 80-percent higher than the national average? Exactly what tax would offset the cost of an $800,000 starter home, driven in part by extraordinary regulatory costs in our state?
 
California will always be desirable for the wealthy. I defy another state to produce a Yosemite, a Golden Gate, giant redwoods, Lake Tahoe, Big Sur, Santa Monica beach…the list of our wonders is long, if you can afford to enjoy them. But our unmatched beauty is apparently overwhelmed by policy failures of colossal dimension. People are voting with their feet and moving.
 
It says so much about our government’s misguided agenda that hundreds of thousands of people last year abandoned everything this state has to offer because of everything this state takes away. It’s time for an affordability revolution in California to turn us once again into a destination state.
 
Senator Ted Gaines (Ret.) was elected to represent the Board of Equalization’s First District. He is a leading taxpayer advocate, defender of Prop. 13, and is committed to providing trustworthy and transparent representation for nearly ten million constituents in 34 counties of northern, eastern, and southern California. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Gaines.
 

New Task Force Seeking Public Members to Contribute to Pre-Drought Planning and Emergency Response Efforts


SACRAMENTO, Calif. –While California’s drought outlook is improving, the State is continuing to proactively prepare for a return to dry conditions amid climate-driven extremes in weather. Today, Department of Water Resources (DWR) is officially launching a standing Drought Resilience Interagency and Partners (DRIP) Collaborative, which will include members of the public. Community members and water users are encouraged to apply.
Initiated by Senate Bill 552, the DRIP Collaborative will foster partnerships between local governments, experts, community representatives and state agencies to address drought planning, emergency response, and ongoing management. Members will help ensure support for community needs and anticipate and mitigate drought impacts, especially for small water supplier and rural communities who are often more vulnerable to droughts.
While recent storms have filled many of the state’s reservoirs to average or above average levels and improved water conditions, much of the state remains in drought following the past three years of extreme drought – the state’s driest on record. 
“Even as the state’s drought outlook improves, it’s critical that the water community all work together to advance drought planning and response for the state’s hotter, drier future,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We’re looking for a variety of representatives statewide to actively participate on behalf of all water users to achieve a drought resilient future.”
The DRIP Collaborative will include a total of 26 members, comprising state agency representatives and two appointees from each of the following groups: local governments, community-based organizations, Tribes, nonprofit technical assistance providers, the general public, agriculture, environmental representatives, public water systems, small water suppliers or urban water agencies, and experts in land use planning, water resilience, or water infrastructure.
DWR is accepting Letters of Interest until February 24, 2023, and DWR will announce selected members of the DRIP Collaborative in spring 2023. Members will be chosen based on answers to a series of questions about their background, available time commitment and expected contributions to the Collaborative. Interested parties can visit the DWR website for more information on how to submit Letters of Interest.
The first meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2023. Meetings will occur tri-annually and will be open to the public. DRIP Collaborative meetings will coordinate multiple state agencies to present the current and projected drought conditions the State is experiencing, discuss potential impacts in small water supplier and rural communities, challenges on-the-ground based on water community expertise, and align state programs, funding, and strategies to anticipate and proactively address climate-driven effects. The Drought Resilience Interagency and Partners Collaborative will serve as a public forum to address drought-related issues and solutions across a State interagency team.   

​

SACRAMENTO - Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City) issued the following statement ahead of President Biden’s visit to California, calling on the President and Governor Newsom to prioritize infrastructure to protect and improve the lives of Californians:

“Newsom & Biden’s allies on the far left continue to throw up roadblocks to improving critical infrastructure. Everything from fuels reduction projects that protect communities from wildfire to water storage get bogged down in red tape.

“This is a matter of safety. The President and the Governor need to reject the extremists that stop us from delivering for Californians.

”And if anyone is wondering where we can get the money for these infrastructure projects, there’s a $100 billion train to nowhere and 87,000 new IRS agents we could pull money from.”
​

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL met January 17th. With no total given on the Aged Balances for water and sewer charges in the packet, Council member Joy Markum reported “good luck” with credit card payments which have brought down the aged balances, $4-5,000.

POTENTIAL SALE OF SOCIAL HALL
Joy and Mayor Sarah Jackson have been in meetings with the County and Probation on leasing the entire Social Hall at City Park and discussion has been held on consideration of selling the building if there is a fair market value agreement. Key factors are it being part of a 10-acre parcel, parking and if City residents are in favor of selling the building.
Councilman Jerry Gerow felt it hard not knowing the selling price and the total rent. Current rent by Probation is $1,000/month with $100 credit for a shared propane account. The entire building would rent for $1,700/month with renter maintaining the inside and the City maintaining the outside.  Mayor Sarah called the “tricky part” it being two government agencies and no similar comparisons in the City.  She explained it was not signing a Bill of Sale but just getting a consensus if a sale is good to pursue.
Council member Dorie Gayner made the motion to move forward to consider the County to purchase the Social Hall if it is financially appropriate. It was seconded by Joy and Jerry voted no. The mayor stated if it wasn’t profitable, they don’t move forward.

USFS California Wildland Firefighter Hiring Events

The Forest Service is hosting two in-person hiring events to quickly fill approximately 400 permanent, permanent seasonal, and temporary wildland fire positions across various forests in California including the Tahoe National Forest.
For complete details please see link below:  
https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs/CA-FireHire

Tahoe National Forest hiring representatives will be in attendance at both events and it is strongly encouraged to contact the TNF duty stations that you are interested in working at ASAP, before the hiring events take place.

Applicants Do Not have to attend an in-person event to apply. 

In-person Hiring Events When/Where:
January 24–25, 2023 
from 9 AM–5 PM PST  
Double Tree Hotel
2233 Ventura Street
Fresno, CA 93721

February 14-15, 2023 
from 9 AM -5 PM PST 
Red Lion Hotel
1830 Hilltop Drive
Redding, CA 96002

Skip the line and reserve your spot today using this link https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs/CA-FireHire

For applicants who plan on attending an event, we highly suggest applying on USAJOBS.gov during the application open period, before the event and reserving a scheduled time in order to avoid a long wait. Our goal with these events is to answer questions, move applicants through the interview process, and match local candidates with local positions in California.

Applicants may still attend the event as walk-ins. However, we cannot guarantee a walk-in applicant will make it through the application, interview, and job offer process during the scheduled event.

Applications accepted January 17–26, 2023 for Fresno event and February 7-16, 2023, for Redding event on USAJOBS.gov for positions on hand crews, engine crews, hotshot crews, and more. Search for these Fire Jobs using the following announcement numbers on USAJOBS.gov and apply by the closing date. 

• Permanent /Permanent Seasonal Firefighter
Forestry Aid GS-0462-03 
Forestry Technician GS-0462-04 
USAJOBS Vacancy Number 23-EHTOCR-R5JAN-FS4886-34DH

• Temporary Seasonal Firefighter
Forestry Aid GS-0462-03 
USAJOBS Vacancy Number 23-EHT-OCR-R5JAN-TF3867-3DH

• Temporary Seasonal Firefighter
Forestry Technician GS-0462-04
USAJOBS Vacancy Number 23-EHT-OCR-R5JAN-TF0003-4DH




Meredith Anello
Forestry Technician- Wildland Firefighter Engine 371
Public Information Officer-Fire 
U.S. Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest 
Truckee Ranger District

Craig Sheridan and grandson.........

​On November 18, 2022, the Sierra County Sheriff's Office responded to the White's Sierra Station in Loyalton for the report of check fraud.
Upon arrival, investigators learned that White's Sierra Station had a company check stolen from them for $6,200.00 that was intended for a distributor.
Over the course of two months, Sierra County investigators wrote six search warrants tracking the suspect to Sacramento, CA.
On January 10, 2023, Sierra County Deputies traveled to Sacramento, CA. The Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force and Sacramento County Sheriff's Department assisted Sierra County Deputies in the execution of a search warrant on an apartment.
During the search warrant, Deputies took Dannielle Coleman of Sacramento, CA, into custody for identity theft, check fraud, grand theft, and money laundering. After thoroughly searching the apartment, investigators located dozens of victims' identities and stolen mail.
The Sierra County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the @SacSheriff for all their operational support and assistance in planning this operation.

 

SACRAMENTO – Senate Budget Vice Chair, Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) and Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) react to the announcement of Governor Newsom’s 2023-24 proposed budget today.  
 
“California’s assumption of unending higher revenue, combined with overspending on misguided priorities, led the state down the path to the deficit we have today. And this is in contrast to other states that are considering tax rebates at this same time,” said Senator Niello.


“Republicans fought to fill the Rainy Day Fund, and we applaud today’s commitment to not tap into it. Recent on-going spending by the governor must be re-evaluated. The governor continues to celebrate how much he spends, but California has yet to see the results. 


“California is not on a sustainable path. The state must take pause and address the real needs of Californians such as homelessness, public safety, wildfires, water storage, and education. Republicans look forward to working with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle towards a more live-able California.” 


Senate Minority Leader Jones said, “The California Senate Republican Caucus is pleased that Governor Newsom listened to our calls and is not planning on tapping into reserves. We are disappointed, but not surprised, by the governor breaking his promise to pay down our unemployment insurance debt—instead he leaves small businesses to bear the brunt of the state’s failures with a tax increase.


"Our caucus stands ready with practical solutions to the many problems plaguing Californians. We are eager to work with our colleagues across the aisle on fixing California and spending smarter instead of spending more.”
 
And earlier this morning, California Senate Minority Caucus Chair, Senator Janet Nguyen (R-Huntington Beach) released the following video statement prior to Governor Newsom’s budget proposal announcement:


“Drive down the street,” said Senator Nguyen. “Turn on the news. Go to the gas pump. There are harsh realities facing Californians up and down this state. Taxpayers cannot afford more empty promises and failures. We want results.” 

Media Briefing Will Be Held Today at 5:30 p.m.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As a series of severe storms is poised to move across California in the coming days, DWR will host a media briefing via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. today to discuss current weather forecasts and the state’s hydrologic conditions.
Experts will discuss flooding projections for parts of California, current forecasts for rivers, levees and weirs, and the department’s continued efforts to support local communities. State and local agencies are working together to proactively respond to immediate local impacts and are coordinating flood preparedness activities.
Reporters who wish to attend the Zoom briefing may register here. For those unable to attend, a recording of the briefing will be made available upon request. Additional briefings may be held throughout the week to keep media apprised of important updates.
What: Media Briefing on Winter Storms, Flood Conditions
When: Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Who: Dr. Michael Anderson, State Climatologist, DWR
         Jeremy Hill, Hydrology and Flood Operations Branch Manager, DWR
Where: Media Briefing via Zoom
Media briefing open to credentialed media only. Registration for the webinar is required (click here to register). Once registered, the link to join the media briefing will be emailed to you.
For more information, follow us on Twitter or Facebook and read our news releases and DWR updates.

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SummaryIn February 1982, a Sierra Pacific Power Company worker noticed a double-bagged black garbage bag floating in the Truckee River at the Flash Dam. Upon inspection, the worker opened the bag and discovered an unresponsive White female infant. The decedent was found wrapped in a pink/red towel and was declared dead at the scene by law enforcement investigators. Days later, an autopsy was performed by the Washoe County Coroner’s Office which revealed that the infant was less than a year old, weighed four pounds, had brown hair, and was measured as 16 inches in height. The autopsy also led investigators to conclude that the infant had been dead for one week prior to the discovery of her remains. Investigators were unable to make a definitive determination about the baby’s eye color.
Since the discovery of the infant’s remains, law enforcement investigators have diligently pursued all leads about her identity. Washoe County Coroner’s Office examined tissue block samples from the infant and preserved them for evidentiary purposes. In July 2010, the case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as case number #UP7400. Despite the exhaustive efforts of law enforcement, the infant’s identity has remained a mystery. With few leads for investigators to pursue, the case eventually went cold.
In 2022, the Sierra County Sheriff's Office partnered with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing could help establish an identity for the infant or a close relative. The investigation continues as Othram begins to build a comprehensive genealogical profile. Anyone with information that could aid in this investigation is encouraged to contact the Sierra County Sheriff's Office by calling 530-289-3700 and referencing agency case 2-820257-L.
A DNASolves crowdfund has bContribute Noween created to raise funds for the remaining casework costs. Anyone can contribute ​here.

 


SACRAMENTO – In response to the oncoming powerful storm, this morning Caltrans activated approximately 1,200 electronic highway signs statewide to display urgent safety messaging. 
 
“Safety is always Caltrans’ priority, so as a violent storm deluges our state, today we activated our electronic message signs to advise everyone to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “If travel cannot be postponed, we urge motorists to drive slowly, allow themselves plenty of time and be especially alert.” 
 
Earlier today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation throughout California to support the ongoing response to recent winter storms. Caltrans has activated its district emergency operation centers and is working with local partners to respond to the storm and be poised to recover from its damage. In addition, the department is:  

• Prioritizing staffing, with more than 4,000 crew members working 12-hour shifts. 
• Placing equipment at critical locations to prepare for flooding and mudslides to quickly respond to emergencies. 
• Monitoring bridges as the river levels rise and water flows increase.  

If travel is unavoidable, Caltrans urges drivers – before they get on the road – to go to the Caltrans website and check QuickMap.dot.ca.gov for real-time traffic information or call 1-800-427-ROAD.  
 
Caltrans also reminds drivers to move over to allow crews, California Highway Patrol officers and other emergency personnel to perform the important tasks needed to keep the roads open. And if motorists see standing water, use caution. It may be deeper than it appears. Never drive through moving water. 

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First Storm to Arrive Today, More Weather Through Next Week
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists of successive winter storms forecasted by the National Weather Service that will impact travel in the Sacramento Valley and the Sierra Nevada starting today.
 
Rainfall amounts are expected to range between 2-4 inches in the valley and 5-7 inches in higher elevations. Sustained winds of 30-40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph will make travel extremely difficult. Driving during this storm is highly discouraged.
 
Heavy snow in the Sierra is expected down to 4,500 feet elevation and accumulating 2-4 feet at pass levels. Chain controls should be expected on Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50 and secondary highways in the mountains.
 
Today marks the most recent in a series of storms, with wet weather expected through the weekend and into next week. Doug Veerkamp General Engineering, Inc. has been contracted due to necessary emergency repairs on Highways 50, 49 and 193 in areas that have storm damage in El Dorado County. Daytime one-way traffic control should be expected in multiple locations as weather allows. Caltrans maintenance crews will be monitoring areas prone to flooding and slides.
 
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).
 
Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties.
 

Tahoe Forest Health System is recognized as a leader in the healthcare industry
www.tfhd.com


 (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) – Tahoe Forest Health System announced that it has been named a 2022 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® and Pinnacle of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey, the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services. These awards are part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top hospitals and health systems in the country, according to performance in patient experience.
 
As a winner of the Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award®, Tahoe Forest Health System’s Emergency Department and Inpatient Services are in the top 5% of healthcare providers in delivering patient experience in the last year. Tahoe Forest Health System’s Inpatient Services has ranked in the top 5% for over a minimum of three consecutive years, earning the Press Ganey HX Pinnacle of Excellence Award®. Press Ganey works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care.
 
“By putting human experience at the heart of healthcare, our team has continued to raise the bar year-after-year in caring for our patients,” said Harry Weis, President and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System. “These awards are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to our mission of enhancing the health of our communities that we serve through excellence and compassion.”
 
To learn more about Tahoe Forest Health System’s Emergency Department and Inpatient Services, visit www.tfhd.com.
 
 
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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, 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.


About Press Ganey
Press Ganey, the leading Human Experience (HX) healthcare performance improvement company, offers an integrated suite of solutions that address safety, clinical excellence, patient experience and workforce engagement. The company works with more than 41,000 healthcare facilities in its mission to reduce patient suffering and enhance caregiver resilience to improve the overall safety, quality and experience of care. Press Ganey is a PG Forsta company.