During the Board of Equalization's February meeting, I joined a 3-2 vote to lower the state excise tax on gasoline by 2.2 cents per gallon effective July 1, 2016.
Our vote was simply a matter of fairness. Californians overpaid gas tax last year because of a bizarre formula known as the 'gas tax swap' passed by lawmakers in 2010. Lowering the rate is the right thing to do, and I'm sure Californians will welcome this reduction.
Unfortunately, even after the cut goes into effect, Californians will still pay some of the highest taxes in the nation. What we need now is for lawmakers to simplify our tax laws and look for ways to provide value for the money that Californians send to government.

​

 
One of the most widely read books in Plumas and Sierra Counties, besides the phone book, is the annual County Fair Exhibit Guide. The guide lists the many different categories and classes one can enter their handiwork in competition. The very basic reason for the modern fair is a chance for a resident to show off what they have raised, made or grown. Better yet, to have their entry judged as better than their neighbor’s down the road. The motive to compete lives on.
 
The Family Project is back, giving the whole family the chance to work together to earn a ribbon. Everyone in a family will work on a display that tells a story about their family. Details are in the Home Arts section of the guide.
 
Residents will find the general rules governing their entries in the guide. They will also find a preliminary schedule of the fair, contact information and deadlines for entries, judging and picking up entries after the fair. Major sections include Home Arts, Floriculture, Art Barn and Livestock. Each section has many different Divisions, for example, the Art Barn has divisions for Amateur Photography and Professional Photography. Those Divisions are then broken down into Classes, like Sports, Children and even last year’s Fair. The Exhibit Guide covers how to prepare entries and when to bring them to the fairgrounds. Most entries cost only $2. Those who are judged as the best are awarded ribbons and sometimes, cash. All entry forms, except for livestock and floriculture are due July 15, 2016. The actual entries are dropped off in the days before the fair and those dates are listed in the guide.
 
The Plumas Sierra County Fair has followed many fairs that have published their exhibit guides on-line, saving thousands of dollars and many trees. The 2016 Plumas Sierra County Fair Exhibit Guide is now available on the fair website; www.plumas-sierracountyfair.net. Understanding that many Plumas and Sierra residents still have only dial-up for their internet service, the guide has been broken down into smaller sections for quicker download. Entry forms for still exhibits, livestock and horse show are all available on the website.
 
A limited number of guides have been printed and distributed to community libraries and branches of Plumas Bank. Copies are also available at the fair office and fair staff is happy to print out specific sections of the guide for anyone who requests it.
 
A good measure of support for a county fair is the number of exhibits entered. Now is a good time to show your support for the fair by planning to enter something this year. Fair staff is happy to assist anyone with filling out their entry forms by calling the fair office at 530-283-6272.
 
The Plumas Sierra County Fair will be held August 10-14, 2016 and the theme is Harvest of the Home.

                         


 
SACRAMENTO -- Assemblyman Brian Dahle, R-Bieber, today announced that the Legislature passed a health care financing plan that will allow six rural skilled nursing facilities in Assembly District 1 to keep their doors open.


“I am proud to support a plan that will save important health centers in our region,” Dahle said. “This plan will allow elderly residents and those needing specialized care to stay comfortably in the facilities they call home, rather than being relocated miles away.”


In 2011, the state budget cut Medi-Cal reimbursement rates. Eastern Plumas Health Care, in Plumas; Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River; Modoc Memorial Hospital in Alturas; Seneca Healthcare District in Chester; Surprise Valley Community Hospital in Cedarville; and Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee were faced with a 25 percent reimbursement rate reduction. This threatened the viability of both the skilled nursing facilities and the connected hospitals.


The agreement passed by the Legislature restores Medi-Cal reimbursement cuts made between 2011 and 2013, bringing back $12 million to rural hospitals in the 1st Assembly District and allowing rural skilled nursing facilities and hospitals throughout the state to keep their doors open.


“Without the skilled nursing facility at Mayers Memorial Hospital District, patients like Mary Bickel and Beulah Spalding who have deep family roots and have lived in the Fall River Valley for many years would have to move more than 100 miles away from their family and friends.” said Valerie L. Lakey, Director of Public Relations at Mayers Memorial Hospital District. “This agreement will ensure that we are able to continue caring for our residents like Mary and Beulah in their communities, close to their families.”


Statements from local health care facilities on the financing plan:


“Skilled Nursing Facilities like Mayers’ have been struggling for years to keep the lights on while absorbing retroactive budget cuts. MMHD is a small rural facility that has a service area of over 8000 square miles.  We are one of Northeastern Shasta County’s largest employers, with over 250 employees. We have 76 skilled nursing patients, including 22 in our Alzheimer’s unit, that reside in our skilled nursing facility. If we were not an option, these residents would be relocated over 100 miles away from family and friends. The viability of our entire facility would be in question without our skilled nursing facility.” Valerie Lakey, Director of Public Relations, Mayers Memorial Hospital District


“This clawback amount may seem insignificant to those accustomed to larger, city hospitals,” said Eastern Plumas Health Care’s CEO, Tom Hayes. "As a safety net hospital in a severely economically depressed rural area, however, it is our mission to be here when our community members need us. Yet, we are constantly struggling to remain afloat, and the amount of the clawback becomes a survival issue for this hospital. We are consistently cash strapped, and if we manage to pay the required amount each month, it means we don’t pay for essential infrastructure repairs and upgrades, among other things that a larger hospital, a larger community would take for granted." - Thomas P. Hayes, CEO, Eastern Plumas Health Care


"We have estimated that the financial impact of the clawback to Modoc Medical Center will be around $531,000.  As a small, rural facility this money represents a significant amount of resources that could be utilized to ensure the continued provision of healthcare in our small rural community.  We have neighboring facilities that struggle to survive financially.  For some facilities the clawback may represent a real threat to their survival and could create a huge gap in the network of providers that we all rely on to care for our most vulnerable populations in our state." - Kevin Kramer, CEO, Modoc Medical Center




“Eastern Plumas Health Care is one of two Skilled Nursing Facilities in Plumas county and the only one in Sierra County.  We provide access to residential care for the communities we serve, keeping those in need close to their families and support groups.  We cannot continue to fund the deficits that occur when rates are cut back to amounts below our cost to provide services.” - Jeri Nelson, CFO, Eastern Plumas Healthcare District




Assemblyman Brian Dahle, R-Bieber, represents the 1st Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes all or parts of Butte, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra and Siskiyou counties.

$4.4 Million Available for Ariz., Calif., Hawaii, Nev., and the Pacific Islands
 
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the availability of $4.4 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from the existing fleet of diesel engines in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands
Diesel-powered engines move approximately 90 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage, and today nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives, and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines.
EPA is soliciting proposals nationwide for projects that significantly reduce diesel emissions and exposure, especially from fleets operating at goods movements facilities in areas designated as having poor air quality.  Priority for funding will be given to projects that engage and benefit local communities and applicants that demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended. 
Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality.  Nonprofit organizations may apply if they provide pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet owners or have, as their principal purpose, the promotion of transportation or air quality. The applicants may apply until April 26, 2016. 
EPA anticipates releasing a separate Request for Proposals for Tribal applicants in March.
Since the first year of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program in 2008, EPA has awarded nearly 700 grants across the U.S. Many of these projects fund cleaner diesel engines that operate in economically disadvantaged communities whose residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart and lung disease. 
For more information and to access the Request for Proposals, visit http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/clean-diesel-national-grants.
For more information on the West Coast Collaborative, visit: http://www.westcoastcollaborative.org/
For more information on the National Clean Diesel campaign, visit http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel.
  

  Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with authority to change, correct or modify discharges or dismissals not issued by a sentence of a general court-martial. The board has no authority to address medical discharges.
  The veteran or, if the veteran is deceased or incompetent, the surviving spouse, next of kin or legal representative, may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military department concerned, using DD Form 293, “Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States.” This form may be obtained from the Internet or from our office.
  However, if the discharge was more than 15 years ago, a veteran must petition the appropriate Service’s Board for Correction of Military Records using DD Form 149, “Application for Correction of Military Records Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.” A discharge review is conducted by a review of an applicant’s record and, if requested, by a hearing before the board.
  Discharges awarded as a result of a continuous period of unauthorized absence in excess of 180 days make persons ineligible for VA benefits regardless of action taken by discharge review boards, unless VA determines there were compelling circumstances for the absence. Boards for the Correction of Military Records also may consider such cases.
 Veterans separated administratively under other than honorable conditions may request that their discharge be reviewed for possible recharacterization, provided they file their appeal within 15 years of the date of separation.
  Our office can provide forms and directions on how request a review.  Questions regarding the review of a discharge should be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at the address listed on DD Form 293.
    The Plumas County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license (we will need to see your DD214 and a drivers license or other government issued ID).   We can also issue County Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans.     There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.  To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits,   Please call  (283-6275/6271)to make a reservation or walkins are welcome Wednedays from 1:30PM-4:00PM. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can get information on the Web from the Plumas County Veterans Service Office webpage at Plumas County Website (Veterans Services) for hours of operation etc.  ALL VA VAN RIDERS PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE VA VAN DEPARTS UPPER PARKING LOT COUNTY ANNEX BLDG AT 270 COUNTY HOSPITAL ROAD AT 0700 TUES AND THURS SHARP UNLESS SNOW IS IN THE FORECAST.
 
 
 
 

DAVIS, Calif., February 18, 2016 – Today, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Janice Waddell encouraged Sierra County residents to learn more about USDA programs available to help purchase and repair homes in rural California. 
"Homeownership provides a foundation to help individuals and families build a stronger future.  Our programs not only help rural Californians purchase a home, but also make sure homes remain safe places to live," said Waddell. "I encourage anyone that has considered purchasing a home, or who is struggling to make important repairs, to contact my staff to learn more about how we may help."
USDA Rural Development offers mortgages through the Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program. Highlights of the program include no down payment, no mortgage insurance, and interest rates as low as one percent for eligible buyers. In Sierra County the maximum loan amount is $243,800, and a family of four can earn up to $56,250.  
Existing homeowners may be able to take advantage of USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Loan and Grant program. Loans up to $20,000 are available with one percent interest, and grants up to $7,500 may also be available for homeowners age 62 or older. The program can help with roofing, insulation, electrical systems, accessibility, and even re-drilling domestic wells that have gone dry. The program is restricted to very low-income homeowners; a family of four in Sierra C  ounty can earn up to $35,150.
Last year, USDA Rural Development helped 569 homebuyers in rural California purchase a home, and assisted 73 more homeowners with making health and safety repairs to their homes. 
Interested applicants should contact USDA Rural Development Specialist Robert Canepa at (530) 885-6505 extension 114 or Robert.Canepa@ca.usda.gov.  USDA Rural Development offers over 40 programs supporting housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure in rural America. 

SACRAMENTO — Assemblyman Brian Dahle has been named to the Assembly Public Health and Developmental Services Committee in the 2015-16 Second Extraordinary Session, replacing Assembly Republican Leader Chad Mayes.
The committee is negotiating reforms of California’s fees on Managed Care Organizations. Last year, federal regulators declared the state’s MCO fees ineligible for federal matching funds under the Medicaid program, creating a billion-dollar shortfall in the Medi-Cal system.


“I am fighting to keep rural hospitals open.  I am determined to protect California’s taxpayers and insurance ratepayers, and ensure people can get to a doctor when they need one.” Dahle said. “It doesn't do anyone any good to have insurance if you can't have access to a hospital and quality care.  I hope this special session of the Legislature will accomplish something to fix the healthcare system. I appreciate the Speaker and the Republican Leader for appointing me to this committee at this crucial time."

​ 
 

 
Christopher Schendel (35) Loomis.  Possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle.  One year probation, one day jail, fine $1138.
 
Delores Paniqua-Hernandez (38) Turlock.  Take dear without tag, and failure to appear.  One year probation, one day in jail, and a fine of $1206.
 
Jeff Jones (60) Auburn.  Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or above.  Three years probation, two days jail, fine $2427, and attend alcohol school.
 
Christopher Ferrari (47) Sacramento.  Possession of deer parts illegally taken, and speeding.  Three years probation, fine $1319.
 
Michael White (20) Fallbrook.  Hunting deer in X Zone with D Zone tags.  One year probation and a fine of $1065.
 
Samatha Snider (49) Loyalton.  Driving under the influence of a drug.  Four years probation, two days jail, a fine of $2427, and attend drug classes.
 
Mellissa Kaput (52) Downieville.  Dog at large.  Three years probation, fine $685, and must pay restitution to victim of dog bite in the amount of $4720.
 
Kevin Pagel (34) Loyalton.  Reckless driving, alcohol related.  Eighteen months probation, one day jail, fine $1519 and attend alcohol school.
 
Michael Hayward (52) Felony grand theft from Sierra County (welfare fraud).  Sentencing is on March 9.
 
 
Vicki Johnson (50) El Dorado County.  After a contested preliminary hearing, she was ordered to stand trial on felony charges of driving under the influence with three or more prior convictions.

RICHVALE, CA —Today U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa launched an online petition opposing the California Department of Transportation’s attempt to impose a mileage based tax on California motorists.  The federal government is closely watching the California study and legislation has been introduced in Congress to duplicate the tax-per-mile study in other states.  Stopping the tax in California will halt the push to make this a nationwide program.


Starting in July of 2016, the Department of Transportation will begin a pilot program named “California Road Charge" that will attach devices to 5,000 participant vehicles to measure the number of miles driven and collect payment for those miles. The ultimate goal is to expand the program further to all registered vehicles and will create a brand new bureaucracy rather than focus on better use of the fuel consumption tax method in place now.  The end goal of this program is more money and control for the government, less money in the hands of tax paying families.


“Having Sacramento liberals attach tracking devices to our cars is a gross invasion of personal privacy,” said LaMalfa. “North State residents often commute longer distances to attend work, school, doctor visits and pick up groceries.  This tax hits our community disproportionately hard. I am committed to putting a stop to this intrusion and my online petition is the first step to doing that. If California's road's and highways need more funds for repairs perhaps the government should put a stop to the $100 Billion High Speed Rail project.”


Individuals interested in signing the online petition can visit Congressman LaMalfa’s website at www.DougLaMalfa.com.

As seen in the Sacramento Bee

By George Runner
"I take public transit, but I hate it," says a student intern who works in my downtown Sacramento office.
In a perfect world, there would be nothing wrong with investing in public transportation. We're told by government that infrastructure projects like high-speed rail will make travel cheaper, more accessible and better for the environment. It's supposed to be a win-win for everyone.
But we don't live in a perfect world. And you probably know a few people who have a nightmare story to tell about their time catching the bus or train. The reality is most people don't have positive opinions about public transit. That raises the question: In our ever-changing-millennial-driven economy, does it make sense to continue diverting billions of dollars to underutilized mass transit systems?
Many people have given up on public transportation because of the long delays and wait times and, in some cases, unclean and unsafe conditions. In Sacramento, the latest number from Regional Transit show total ridership is down nearly 7 percent compared to last fiscal year, and the number of reported crimes is back on the rise.
In Los Angeles, nearly one in five Metro riders had experienced some form of harassment, including indecent exposure or being fondled. The numbers were even higher prior to a public awareness campaign called "It's Off Limits."
There's another reason people are giving up on public transit: technology.
With the rise of ride sharing networks such as Uber and Lyft, most people don't see the need to deal with the problems that come with public transportation. These ride-sharing services have made transportation quick, reliable and affordable. Best of all - these companies will pick you up at your front door.
Government can't compete.
Take for example what's going on in Southern California. A Los Angeles Times report shows that despite a $9 billion investment in new light-rail and subway lines, Metro now has fewer boardings than it did three decades ago, when buses were the county's only transit option. As a matter of fact, transit ridership in the region has been on the decline for roughly a decade.
The same is happening with other mass transit agencies. Bus ridership in Orange County has dropped 30 percent in the last seven years. A recent Metro study found that 16 transit providers in Los Angeles County have seen quarterly drops in ridership of 4 to 5 percent.
Yes, ridership can be cyclical. But many experts believe this change in travel behavior could be a permanent shift. One thing is clear: people prefer to be in cars and choose private sector transportation solutions if they can afford it.
Ride-sharing services could be better for the environment as well. The big ride sharing companies are currently building out their carpool services. This could lead to fewer cars on the streets - and less demand for costly parking lots and garages. As automotive technology continues to improve, we'll see more environmentally friendly vehicles on the road. In future years, self-driving vehicles could also be an option.
Government needs to get with the times and recognize consumer trends. We need roads, and we need to start investing in them again. So let's stop wasting public dollars trying to get people to do things they're just not interested in. Instead, we should wisely invest California's tax dollars in ways that bolster safe, affordable and environmentally friendly transportation options of the future.
###


George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a taxpayer advocate and elected member of the State Board of Equalization where he serves as Vice Chair. For more information, visit boe.ca.gov/Runner.

​

De-Icing Salt Can Harm Landscape Plants



Each winter, vast quantities of de-icing salt are applied to state and municipal roads to keep them safe for commuters, and salt is spread near houses to avoid pedestrian injuries. This is necessary for safety, but did you know excessive salt can cause widespread damage to trees and shrubs - possibly leading to permanent decline and even death?


Even severe salt damage might not be visible on a tree until the end of summer, leaving homeowners wondering what might have caused the problem. In some cases, decline might not be visible for years.


"Salt deposits migrate to the stems, buds and roots of trees," explains Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). "This causes disfigured foliage, stunted growth and severe decline in tree health. Salt runoff washes from pavement into the ground, increasing salt levels in the soil."


There are steps you can take to ward off tree damage from salt. TCIA recommends taking the following measures:

• Avoid use of de-icing salt unless necessary. Mix salt with abrasives such as sand, cinders and ash.
• Use alternative de-icing salts such as calcium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate.
• Improve drainage of soils. Add organic matter such as activated charcoal or gypsum, and thoroughly leach salt residues from the soil by flushing with water.
• Erect barriers between pavement and plants.
• Plant trees in locations away from any type of salt spray.
• Plant salt-resistant trees in areas where high salt spray is inevitable i.e., near walkways, driveways or roads.
• Provide adequate irrigation and mulching to reduce water loss.
• Prune properly and add fertilizers to correct nutrient deficiency as indicated in spring soil testing.
• Control tree-damaging diseases and pest infestations.

###


Find a professional: A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best trees and shrubs to plant for your existing landscape, and how best to protect them. Homeowners who would like a professional arborist to assess their trees should contact the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938. It has more than 2,100 member companies that recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. 


TCIA has the nation's only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the "Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies" program. You can use this service by calling 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a ZIP Code search on www.treecaretips.org.


*Board Certified Master Arborist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional



​

Lake Tahoe, CA February 17, 2016. Liberty Utilities is once again warning the public of both phone and email scams targeting utility customers that appears to becoming more aggressive. Other utilities in the Lake Tahoe region have also been experiencing these calls. 
In recent weeks, Liberty has received calls from customers indicating they received a phone call from someone posing as a Liberty Utilities collections representative and threatening to shut off their power if payment was not made within a specified period of time. Sometimes the caller has specific customer information such as last payment amount; Liberty is unaware of how this information has been obtained. 
Liberty Utilities warns its customers not to respond to a payment demand of this type if they receive it. Specifically, do not click on any link or open any attachment to an email or provide any payment type information over the phone. 
Liberty Utilities representatives do not place such calls or send emails to customers demanding payment. Liberty encourages customers who receive such a call or email to contact us at 1-800-782-2506. 
“We want our customers to be aware of these deceptive calls and emails so they can avoid possibly compromising their personal information or losing money,” stated Micah Kennedy, Liberty’s Environmental, Health, Safety & Security Manager. “Please contact our business office if you ever have questions about your account or service.” 
Kennedy also recommends customers visit www.libertyutilities.com/west to find out the latest information about the utility, including potentially harmful scams such as this. The website also offers information on services offered by the utility, including free energy audits and recycling rebates. 
Liberty Utilities is your local electric company serving approximately 49,000 customers on the California side of Lake Tahoe and adjacent areas to the south and north including the cities of Markleeville, Woodfords, Topaz, Coleville, Walker, parts of Truckee & Verdi, Portola & Loyalton. We are committed to providing quality service to our customers, and our employees are involved in the communities in which they live and work. Visit us at www.libertyutilities.com 

​                    Date of release: 02/16/2016 Date of incident: 02/13/2016
             Time of release: 1800 Time of incident: 2145
Agencies involved: Plumas County Sheriff’s Office
Armed Robbery of the Red and White Mini-Mart located at 165 Commercial St Portola Ca.
On February 16, 2016 Investigators from the Plumas County Sheriff Office conducted follow up to the Armed Robbery at the Red and White Mini-Mart in Portola.  During the investigation it was determined that the manager and reporting partying, Angrej Singh aka: “AJ” planned and participated in the Armed Robbery of the store he was managing.  Singh was arrested at the store at approx. 4:00 pm on this date.  He was transported to the Plumas County Correctional Facility where he was booked for Robbery and Conspiracy with a bail set at $35,000. 
The case is still under investigation. 
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit at phone # 530-283-6363.
                             By Investigations Sgt Steve Peay 

Review of Discharge from Military Service
  Each of the military services maintains a discharge review board with authority to change, correct or modify discharges or dismissals not issued by a sentence of a general court-martial. The board has no authority to address medical discharges.
  The veteran or, if the veteran is deceased or incompetent, the surviving spouse, next of kin or legal representative, may apply for a review of discharge by writing to the military department concerned, using DD Form 293, “Application for the Review of Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States.” This form may be obtained from the Internet or from our office.
  However, if the discharge was more than 15 years ago, a veteran must petition the appropriate Service’s Board for Correction of Military Records using DD Form 149, “Application for Correction of Military Records Under the Provisions of Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1552.” A discharge review is conducted by a review of an applicant’s record and, if requested, by a hearing before the board.
  Discharges awarded as a result of a continuous period of unauthorized absence in excess of 180 days make persons ineligible for VA benefits regardless of action taken by discharge review boards, unless VA determines there were compelling circumstances for the absence. Boards for the Correction of Military Records also may consider such cases.
 Veterans separated administratively under other than honorable conditions may request that their discharge be reviewed for possible recharacterization, provided they file their appeal within 15 years of the date of separation.
  Our office can provide forms and directions on how request a review.  Questions regarding the review of a discharge should be addressed to the appropriate discharge review board at the address listed on DD Form 293.
    The Plumas County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license (we will need to see your DD214 and a drivers license or other government issued ID).   We can also issue County Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans.     There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.  To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits,   Please call  (283-6275/6271)to make a reservation or walkins are welcome Wednedays from 1:30PM-4:00PM. We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can get information on the Web from the Plumas County Veterans Service Office webpage at Plumas County Website (Veterans Services) for hours of operation etc.  ALL VA VAN RIDERS PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE VA VAN DEPARTS UPPER PARKING LOT COUNTY ANNEX BLDG AT 270 COUNTY HOSPITAL ROAD AT 0700 TUES AND THURS SHARP UNLESS SNOW IS IN THE FORECAST.
 
 
 
 

 
On 02/13/2016 at 2149 hours, an unknown suspect entered the Red and White Convenience Store in Portola and approached the clerk behind the counter. The suspect demanded the cash from within the register, and brandished a handgun. The suspect fled out the rear entrance of the business with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The robbery suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately 5’8” in height, medium build, wearing dark pants, dark shoes, a green beanie cap, with a white shirt covering his face and a black trash bag over his shirt. 
Anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect is urged to contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit at phone # 530-283-6363.

Sacramento – The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) will consider lowering the excise tax rate for gasoline by 2.2 cents for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-17 during its February 23, 2016 meeting in Culver City.  If


adopted, the excise tax rate on gas will be 27.8 cents per gallon from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. The current excise tax rate of 30 cents per gallon remains in effect until June 30, 2016.
“Californians overpaid gas tax last year due to a bizarre and complex formula that most people don’t understand,” said Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner. “When prices fall we must lower the rate to ensure fairness. The cut will be a welcome and much-deserved tax break for Californians, who currently pay more taxes at the pump than drivers in other states.”
California drivers pay two types of state taxes on gas: sales tax, which is a percentage of the price and a per-gallon excise tax. Before AB x8 6 and SB 70—collectively referred to as the “fuel tax swap”—took effect in 2010, drivers paid the full sales tax rate (then 8.25 percent), and an excise tax rate of 18 cents per gallon. The fuel tax swap lowered the sales tax rate on gasoline to 2.25 percent and requires the BOE to set a per-gallon excise tax rate annually before March 1. This excise tax rate is calculated such that drivers still pay the same amount in overall taxes at the pump that they would have paid before the swap.
In FY 2014-15, the BOE collected nearly $5.4 billion in excise tax for the state’s Motor Vehicle Fuel Account, which helps pay for highways, roads and other public transportation projects. The sales tax on gasoline also helps fund a variety of state and local road programs.
How the rate is determined
The excise tax rate takes into account a number of factors including:  forecasted gas price, forecasted amount of gallons sold, sales tax revenue that would have been collected prior to the fuel tax swap, and tax revenue over- or under-collected in the prior fiscal year. The rate ensures that over a three-year period, motorists do not pay more or less in overall gas taxes than they would have prior to the swap.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails in the low-flow section of the Feather River in Butte County, and is asking recreational users of the river to "clean, drain and dry" fishing and recreational gear and watercraft in order to help prevent the spread of these invasive snails.


New Zealand mudsnails are tiny, aquatic snails that reach, on average, up to 4-6 millimeters long. Dense populations of New Zealand mudsnails can displace and outcompete native species, sometimes by consuming up to half the food resources in the waterway. The snails have been linked to reduced populations of aquatic insects, including mayflies, caddisflies, chironomids and other insects upon which trout and salmon populations depend.


Boaters, anglers and others who may visit the Feather River are asked to decontaminate equipment and follow the "clean, drain and dry" directive with all equipment used in the river:

• If you wade, freeze waders and other gear overnight (at least six hours).
• After leaving the water, inspect waders, boots, float tubes, boats and trailers or any gear used in the water. Remove any visible snails with a stiff brush and follow with rinsing. If possible, freeze or completely dry out any wet gear.
• Never transport live fish or other aquatic plants or animals from one water to another.

CDFW biologists are in the process of conducting additional sampling in adjacent waterbodies around and connected to the Feather River including Lake Oroville, its Forebay and Afterbay, and the Yuba River in order to better define the geographic range of this new population. Target sampling areas will include high traffic areas, boat launches, access points and side channels.  


To date, the snails have not been identified at the Feather River Hatchery, but CDFW is setting up decontamination procedures for the hatchery as a precaution.  Decontamination procedures are currently being implemented by field crews working on the Feather River and surrounding waterbodies.  


In the coming weeks, CDFW will implement public outreach and education efforts, including information cards, brochures and signage posted within and outside of the hatchery facility, bait shops and boat launches along the Feather River and at various access points and wildlife areas.

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Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance proposed 

revisions were discussed at the Sierra County Board of Supervisors’ meeting in Downieville on Tuesday, February 2. Board Chair Lee Adams stated over a year ago after concerns from the community regarding developing an ordinance, the Board weighed in, had committee hearings and adopted an ordinance promising a review at the end of the year to see how it went. Adams continued, and said there were some community concerns asking for changes to the ordinance, and on October 9, 2015 the State adopted AB 243, AB 266, and SB 643 on the subject of cultivation of marijuana.  He said the committee had taken a lot of public testimony and acknowledged this was a passionate subject. Adams thought it was important to understand the three new bills so introduced Paul Smith, a senior legislative advocate for Rural County Representatives of California “RCRC” who was involved in the legislative process from the viewpoint of rural counties. Smith gave a disclaimer before starting by stating it was never the policy of RCRC to advocate for marijuana. He said this is about making a regulatory structure work for counties. Smith stated three years ago RCRC was in the middle of fighting a medical marijuana bill. Smith and his colleague felt they could get run over if they didn’t come up with something the counties could live with. They adopted policy principles after a lot of thought and discussion. Smith said the four cornerstones are to preserve local control, explicit county taxing authority, ending the collective model, and addressing environmental impacts. He continued the legislature adopted the three bills that are an interlocking package. Smith talked about four key local control provisions, adding this was an area that involves a lot of litigation so they wanted to make local control airtight.
Smith said a licensing model will go into effect somewhere around January 1, 2018.
Smith went over AB21 that is sitting on the governor’s desk, due to be signed. He said they interpret this bill to be able to retain regulation over personal and caregiver grows. Smith stated AB243 speaks to personal grows and if you are growing more than 100 square feet, you’ll need some sanction from CDFA. He added that a permit would also be needed on 500 square feet for patient caregiver grows.
Smith talked about two other bills that have not been voted upon yet: AB1548 Cultivation tax bill on medical marijuana, where proceeds are heavy on the environmental side, and AB1575 Medical Marijuana clean up bill.
Chair Adams asked when the square footage comes into play. Smith did not know, and thought maybe it was concurrent with the licensing scheme. 
Supervisor Jim Beard asked how a caregiver is defined. Smith said someone who is intimately involved in your life. County Counsel Jim Curtis likened it to In Home Supportive Services.
Adams asked if six plants was the floor or the ceiling. Smith said the ceiling for indoor grows, adding medicinal side has a different set of rules than the recreational side.
Adams addressed the audience and said there was no consensus county wide on this issue, adding he and Supervisor Paul Roen who make up the committee, tried to come up with a framework everyone could live with.
Detective Mike Fisher also sat in on the committee and wanted to bring up a few items, one of which was adding an administrative fee. He had heard from a lot of people both pro and con and felt without putting a penalty to this ordinance there’s no reason to follow it. Fisher said Fresno has a penalty of $1,000 fine per plant out of compliance. He asked the Board to consider adding administrative penalties to the ordinance.
Sheriff Tim Standley said the sheriff’s office received several complaints. He stated it was hard to find a happy medium. He added the County had no appetite for commercial activities and 72 or 18 plants per person was not working. Standley said there was no way he had staff to go after every single person.
An audience member wanted to apologize for how upset he got the last time he was before the committee. He was worried about the price of growing indoors and felt the electric company wouldn’t be able to keep up. He said if it goes indoors he wouldn’t be 
able to afford it, adding he counted over $3,000 to do it 
indoors. He asked the Board to look at this.
Pike resident and chiropractor got involved with this 8 years ago when her mother had cancer. She now grows for her cousin with prostate cancer. She didn’t understand the 10x10, adding it sounded very unrealistic, as she wouldn’t put 10 rose bushes in a 10 x 10 area. She felt they needed time to work this out.
Another audience member said there was a difference between residents in the woods and the residential area in Sierra Brooks. He thought it was legitimate to ask for relief from a nuisance. He said the more other counties deny it, the more people come to Sierra County.
A Pike resident thought the recommendation from the committee was more than disappointing. He said there are cancer patients surviving, adding medical marijuana is a legal drug. He stated leaders should be working with the community to look at a solution focused path to well informed policy and felt if people are here for less than 5 years they shouldn’t be allowed to grow.
A Sierra Brooks resident felt it’s a quality of life issue, adding the ordinance is about Prop. 215 but at the same time they need to follow the money. He urged the supervisors to vote on this.
A local resident and a cannabis patient user, who lives way out in the woods, said the 100 sq. ft. is not enough for a patient. He has been using medical cannabis instead of pharmacy drugs. He stated it was not addictive, and he has been smoking it for 45 years and has quit cold turkey. He concluded by stating it has improved his and his family’s lifestyle.
One audience member wanted to talk about commercial use, adding that medical cannabis is an agricultural product.  He urged the board to lean toward commercial grows, and regulate it with water and environmental protection. He felt the word commercial had been demonized.
A Loyalton resident said no one was arguing against using it, adding it was about the amount of plants. She thought the new proposal sounded fair, and felt the Board should wrap it up.
Beals thanked the Board for the work they had been doing. He said the devil was in the details, and asked the Board to consider recreational vehicles that have been defined as permanent residences. Beals wanted it made clear in the ordinance that a residence requires a permit.
Supervisor Scott Schlefstein wanted some things amended in the ordinance as it looked like there was nowhere in the house you could grow. Adams said he worried about other occupants moving into a home where an indoor grow occurred as well as had kids present. Adams asked if the Board would like to just strike that part of it.
From the audience it was stated that these ordinances don’t help the people, they take the people’s rights away. Another audience member would like to see the fines be $100, and thought $1,000 is as much as a misdemeanor. Another audience member would like to see the 10x10 bumped up. Detective Fisher said a misdemeanor is $5,000 and six months in jail. Adams felt people would comply if the fine was high, and higher than 10x10 would be a commercial grow. Adams is also making a recommendation to put this on the ballot to see if Sierra County thinks this ordinance is good. When asked about commercial grows 
​Adams said they could get 10% of the voters signatures and this issue could be put on the ballot. One audience member said they couldn’t put 10 plants in a 10 x 10 spot.
County Counsel Curtis will bring back an ordinance in two weeks given the changes the Board was requesting. The Board reminded the audience that the County Clerk had received 234 signatures against the current ordinance.
Roen made a motion of intent with changes made by County Counsel to be brought back at the next meeting.  
The motion was passed unanimously.

New Resource to Aid Land Managers in Adapting to Climate Change


Washington


February 1, 2016 at 2:00pm


The U.S. Forest Service today released a new report, Effects of Drought on Forests and Rangelands in the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis, that provides a national assessment of peer-reviewed scientific research on the impacts of drought on U.S. forests and rangelands. This report will help the Forest Service better manage forests and grasslands impacted by climate change.


"Our forests and rangelands are national treasures, and because they are threatened, we are threatened," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "This report confirms what we are seeing, that every region of the country is impacted by the direct and indirect effects of drought conditions and volatile weather patterns. Sixty million Americans rely on drinking water that originates on our 193 million acres of national forest and grasslands. They support 200,000 jobs and contribute over $13 billion to local economies every year."


The report establishes a comprehensive baseline of available data that land managers can use to test how well their efforts to improve drought resilience and adaptation practices are working nationwide. Major findings from the report include:


·         Drought projections suggest that some regions of the U.S. will become drier and that most will have more extreme variations in precipitation.
·         Even if current drought patterns remained unchanged, warmer temperatures will amplify drought effects.
·         Drought and warmer temperatures may increase risks of large-scale insect outbreaks and larger wildfires, especially in the western U.S.
·         Drought and warmer temperature may accelerate tree and shrub death, changing habitats and ecosystems in favor of drought-tolerant species.
·         Forest-based products and values – such as timber, water, habitat and recreation opportunities – may be negatively impacted.
·         Forest and rangeland managers can mitigate some of these impacts and build resiliency in forests through appropriate management actions.
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"Since 2000, fire seasons have grown longer and the frequency, size and severity of wildland fires have increased," said Vilsack. "Among the many benefits of having this solid baseline data is the improved ability to identify where restoration work can help forests adapt and prosper while minimizing the threat and impact of future wildfires."


The assessment, a broad review of existing drought research, provides input to the reauthorized National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS (link is external)), established by Congress in 2006, and the National Climate Assessment (NCA (link is external)), produced every four years to project major trends and evaluate the effects of global climate change on forests, agriculture, rangelands, land and water resources, human health and welfare, and biological diversity. Together these serve as key, science-based, resources for anyone working to maintain or improve public and private lands in the face of a changing environment.


Edited by Forest Service scientists in partnership with Duke University, the document provides a valuable new tool to inform discussion, planning and implementation of adaptation strategies for land managers and policy makers. The collaborative effort, authored by 77 scientists from the Forest Service, other Federal agencies, research institutions and universities across the United States, examines ways to understand and mitigate the effects of drought on forests and rangeland including the 193 million acres of National Forest System lands.


The implications of the findings of this report are likely to have far-reaching effects on the environment for the foreseeable future. As climate change drives temperatures increases and precipitation patterns change, drought–and associated disturbances such as insect outbreaks and wildfires-will only get worse across many areas of the United States.


The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands managed by the Forest Service contribute more than $13 billion to the national economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency also has a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 818 million forested and woodland acres within the U.S., including 100 million acres of urban forests where most Americans live. 
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) this week introduced the FAST Act of 2016, bipartisan legislation to shrink the size of government, eliminate waste, and sell off unused and vacant federal properties, saving taxpayers billions of dollars.


The Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 establishes an independent board to identify federal properties to be sold and consolidated, saving billions of dollars in federal expenses and operating costs.


“Unused and under-utilized federal properties have been draining on our economy for years,” said Rep. Denham. “My bill will save us billions by cutting through red tape to change the poorly-managed property management system so that taxpayers no longer have to foot the bill for keeping the lights on in empty buildings.”


According to the most recent Federal Real Property Summary, the government owns more than 254,000 buildings, comprising 2.5 billion square feet of space, costing the taxpayer $14.4 billion annually. Recent estimates show 77,000 buildings are underutilized, costing $1.7 billion annually. Though federal agencies have been previously directed to identify and eliminate these properties and freeze their federal property footprint, these efforts have been poorly managed and mired in bureaucracy.


The FAST Act establishes a Public Buildings Reform Board of members who are responsible for identifying opportunities to reduce the real property inventory and making recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and publically on the sale of underutilized and vacant properties. Under the FAST Act, the board would be required to recommend selling properties of at least $8 billion in value over six years. After six years, the board would be terminated and agencies would then have six years to implement their recommendations.


The bill also requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to create and publish a single, comprehensive database of all federal real properties, including whether that property is excess, surplus, underutilized or unutilized to prevent a future stockpiling of unused and under-utilized property.

Redding, CA - In another step towards unseating his incumbent opponent, 5th generation North State native, Doug Wright, has launched his campaign website and digital media presence in order to make himself more accessible to the people of California’s First Congressional District. Wright announced his campaign for Congress last month, pledging to bring new leadership and a solutions-first, future-focused approach to Washington.


Of his digital media launch Wright said, “Too many politicians talk at people, and I want to talk with people. Having an online presence is part of that, because this is where a lot of important conversations are happening today.”


As an unconventional candidate, Doug has launched a campaign where he will bring community stakeholders together to solve the problems of the North State instead of playing the status quo politics of DC.


“Rural America is struggling, and, without a real discussion wed with bold action, it’s going to fail. I think the best solutions will come from rural Americans and North State locals who understand these issues and live them every day, but so far no one has taken the time to listen to us. It’s time for that to change.”


As a proud 5th generation North State Native, Doug will bring his experience and his deep knowledge of the community’s needs to give California’s 1st Congressional District the representation it deserves.


Doug grew up in Burney, CA, a small logging town in the mountains outside of Redding. Driven by his work ethic, Doug went to UCLA where he earned his BA in political science. During his undergraduate education, Doug worked full time for a local attorney to pay for school, which sparked his interest in law. He received his JD from the McGeorge School of Law in 2005 and returned to the North State to serve the community he grew up in by starting his own law firm, Wright Nash, where he represents small business owners and advocates for everyday people. In addition to his small business firm, Doug also owns a cattle ranch.


Doug has served on the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Redding, the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Corporation for Shasta County and the Governance Committee for the United Way of Northern California. He is also a member of the Shasta County Farm Bureau and Shasta County Cattlemen's Association.


Named as a 20 under 40 Emerging Leader in the North State by Redding.com, Doug now lives in Millville, CA, on a cattle ranch with his wife, Heather, and their three children, Walker, Reagan, and Rexton.
To hear more about Doug’s vision for the North State, sign up at www.dougwrightforcongress.com
Connect with Doug on Facebook and Twitter.


http://www.dougwrightforcongress.com/

Doug Wright for Congress · PO Box 494714, Redding, CA 96049, United States
This email was sent to jbuck@psln.com. To stop receiving emails, click here.
You can also keep up with Doug Wright for Congress on Twitter or Facebook.
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NEVADA CITY, Calif. – Eli Ilano has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor on the Tahoe National Forest. He has been the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Tahoe since 2010.


Ilano brings years of natural resource and public land management experience. Before coming to the Tahoe National Forest, he was Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit in South Lake Tahoe. His past experience also includes working for the Bureau of Land Management, United States Senate, and non-profit sector, in communities around the country, focusing on natural resource issues.


Eli earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1995, and master’s degrees in Environmental Policy and Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning, from the University of California at Berkeley in 2001.


“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead a great team of passionate and dedicated Forest Service employees on such a beautiful forest,” said Ilano. “The Tahoe National Forest is many things to many people.”


Ilano has been the Acting Forest Supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest since January 3, 2016, when former Forest Supervisor Tom Quinn retired after 8 years with the Forest.


For more Tahoe National Forest information, go to www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Tahoe_NF and “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TahoeNF.


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LOYALTON CAN KEEP A SECRET. Local barber, Ed Shelton was totally surprised Saturday night, January 30th by 150-+ friends and relatives at the new Loyalton City Center.
Ed had barbered fifty years; 30 years in Loyalton. As a 1959 Loyalton High School graduate, he was greeted by alumni and customers who threatened he couldn’t retire without a replacement. Locals hoped the barber business would sell. Ed says in a small town, without a second income, they wouldn’t make it.

There was a long line of potluck dishes including Judge Ervin’s chili, and a good variety of cake for dessert.
Pastor Ral Klundby acted as Master of Ceremonies and there were a few fun stories told on Ed. 
Leroy Vanetti remembered as a kid, Ed wanted to be a barber and he practiced on Leroy and his friends by buzzing all their heads in the garage. Later at school, Principal Frank Piperato didn’t appreciate the ​hair cuts and wouldn’t allow them to play basketball for two weeks.
Ed and Gloria were presented a gift certificate for their favorite get-a-way at Gold Hill by East Sierra  Valley Chamber of Commerce President, Mike 
Welbourn.
The barber chair and much of the memorabilia and old photos were donated to the local museum, thrift shop, Rotary and some to the dump. Ed’s expertise and experience will be sorely missed in Sierra Valley!

Lake Tahoe, CA February 2, 2016. Liberty Utilities is pleased to once again offer academic scholarships for eligible high school and college students within its service territory. The eight schools participating in the fourth annual scholarship program are South Tahoe High School, Loyalton High School, Douglas High School (students residing in Alpine County only), Coleville High School, North Tahoe High School, Truckee High School and Portola High School, as well as Lake Tahoe Community College. 
“We’re very pleased to be able to offer these scholarships to deserving students,” said Greg Sorensen, President of Liberty Utilities-California. “We really enjoy offering this kind of educational support within the communities we serve.” 
The seven high school scholarships are $500 each. High school seniors must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 and be accepted to an accredited 4-year or 2-year university or college or an accredited vocational school. They also must have some community service experience in the community which they reside. 
The Lake Tahoe Community College scholarship is $750. Those students are eligible for the scholarship if they have a current 2.5 GPA or higher, and have completed at least 18 quarter units at LTCC. They must be enrolled in LTCC’s upcoming Fall quarter, and have demonstrated leadership through school and/or community service experiences within the community they reside. 
Interested students should contact their school’s financial aid office or counselor to find out more about the scholarship and to obtain an application. The individual schools have different deadlines, but all scholarships will be awarded starting mid-May through the end of June. Liberty Utilities representatives will attend the school’s awards ceremonies to present the deserving students with their scholarships. 
Liberty Utilities is your local electric company serving approximately 49,000 customers on the California side of Lake Tahoe and adjacent areas to the south and north including the cities of Markleeville, Woodfords, Topaz, Coleville, Walker, parts of Truckee & Verdi, Portola & Loyalton. We are committed to providing quality service to 
our customers, and our employees are involved in the communities in which they live and work. Visit us at www.libertyutilities.com/west