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SENATOR GAINES APPLAUDS BOARD OF EQUALIZATION GAS TAX DEFEAT

2/28/2018

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SACRAMENTO – Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) today applauded the California Board of Equalization’s (BOE) vote against a recommendation to increase California’s gas excise tax by $0.04 a gallon.
 
“This is a major victory for California taxpayers. With a budget surplus in the billions and the new gas tax that has already increased the price of gasoline by $0.12 a gallon, I see no reason why we need to tack on another $0.04 tax, with no guarantee that the money will go to fixing or maintaining our roads. We cannot continue to nickel and dime Californians to death.”
 
Every spring, the BOE meets to calculate a new gasoline excise tax based on a number of factors. Prior to their meeting, BOE staff recommended a $0.04 per gallon excise tax increase that would take effect this July. In an interesting turn in events, the BOE vote resulted in a 2-2 tie that prevented the increase from passing.
 
“We’re already paying the second-highest gas prices in the nation. It’s like there is a contest to see how expensive we can make staple goods and how unlivable we can make this state for the poor and middle class. We aren’t taxing champagne and caviar. Transportation is a basic need to live and work and raise a family. I applaud the members of the BOE for standing up for what’s right and giving taxpayers a break for once.”
 
Last spring, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1, the $5.2 billion annual transportation tax proposal and the largest gas tax increase in California’s history. Under the new bill, last fall, motorists began paying an additional $0.12 per gallon in gasoline excise tax.
 
Although the BOE was able to defeat this round of excise tax increases, Senate Bill 1 requires a 5.6 cent per gallon excise tax increase in July 2019. And beginning in 2021, the excise tax will be annually adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index.
 
Senator Ted Gaines represents the 1st Senate District, which includes all or parts of Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra and Siskiyou counties. Follow him on Facebook.
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Update for Cross Country Skiers - PESP Grooming Report

2/28/2018

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TUESDAY
FEBRUARY 27, 2018
 
GROOMED TODAY!!! Received  about 4” of very light snow yesterday and several inches the day before. Had enough snow to groom most of the trails, including the Dog Trail!  Only Bear Scat Flat and Harpers Way are closed/not groomed at this time (they still need more snow, hopefully this week!). 
Watch out for thin spots! We set track for most of the groomed trails, in some spots, where it was thin, we didn’t. 
Hopefully (we are eternal optimists), the next set of storms next week will allow us to provide you with a better ski experience. In the meantime, go out and get in a few kilometers! Overall, should be good skiing tomorrow, after that several days of snow in the forecast. We hope to at least pack the trails on Friday. 


TRAIL REPORT
Watch for thin spots!!! The skiing is decent from both trailheads, the first 100 yards or so of the Museum Trailhead is the thinnest.


JAMISON TRAIL: Open, groomed, with set track
HARPER’S WAY: CLOSED
CAMP LISA: Open, groomed, with set track
UPPER CAMPGROUND: Open, groomed, with set track
CAMPGROUND: Open, groomed, with set track
 LOWER CAMPGROUND: Open, groomed, no set track
 BEAR SCAT FLAT: CLOSED
 PLUMAS-EUREKA:  Open, groomed, with set track
DOG TRAIL:  Open, groomed, no set track


THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS!
A special thank you to all who have supported our volunteer grooming program in the past (no state funds are used for this program). If you haven’t this year, please consider donating to our efforts to keep them ongoing. And of course, gratitude to all the volunteers who donate their time to the trails. 


Again, this year, our entire funding comes through donations to PESPA (Plumas Eureka State Park Association, P.O. Box 1148, Graeagle, CA 96103. There is also a donation slot on the Museum door at the Museum Trailhead). There are no trail fees, but we do wish that you consider donating to the program. Suggested donations are $5.00/day per person,  $25.00/person for the season and only $35.00/family for the season.


Dogs are not permitted on the Jamison or Museum Trailhead trails, but a separate Dog Trail is groomed across from the Jamison Trailhead, for both skiers, snowshoers and their canine friends. It is currently groomed.  We ask that you pick up after your pets. There is a pet station/bags at the Kiosk. Go out and enjoy winter skiing and snowshoeing!!!
 
Ken & Debbie McMaster
www.thegoldrushgallery.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/thegoldrushgallery




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LIBERTY UTILITIES ASKS CUSTOMERS TO BE PREPARED FOR WINTER STORMS

2/28/2018

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 Lake Tahoe, CA February 28, 2018. Liberty Utilities wants to remind customers to be prepared for
possible extended power outages due to incoming winter storms.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning and avalanche watch starting Thursday morning for the Sierra and Lake Tahoe areas citing that this weather pattern could be the biggest snowstorm of the season.
”Although we prepare for extreme weather impacts to our electric system, we remind customers that power outages may occur and we encourage them to be prepared,” said Travis Johnson, Liberty Utilities’ VP of Electric Operations.
Johnson also noted that storm-related power outages may be extended because of difficulties in identifying outage causes and crews being able to access infrastructure to make repairs.
According to Johnson, the 2017 winter storms resulted in a lot of broken poles and downed wire due to snow-heavy trees and branches that fell. Crews had difficulty seeing the broken poles, cross arms and downed wires amongst the trees due to heavy snowfall, and often couldn’t access areas because of avalanche warnings and/or unpassable roads. Crews often took snow cats or hiked into remote areas carrying wire and other equipment.
“We learned some lessons from the 2017 historic storm and have done things like stockpile more poles and wire, but if conditions make it impossible to get crews out to remote areas to identify and fix problems, customers may need to wait several hours for their power to be restored.”
Liberty Utilities offers the following advice if your power goes out:
  •   If the power goes off during cold weather, keep all doors closed to keep the heat inside. Have your family dress warmly and stay together in the same room or area. Even in very cold weather, the house will stay comfortable for several hours.
  •   Keep your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. The contents should be good for many hours if the door is kept closed.
  •   Turn off all appliances, including computers and peripherals, especially those that generate heat. This helps prevent hazards or damage when service is restored.
  •   Turn off all lights except one inside your home/business and one outside. The inside light lets you see and the outside light lets Liberty Utilities’ crews know when the power is back on.
  •   When power has been restored, please conserve electricity in the first hours to prevent further outages on your lines. Bring up the temperature in one room of the house or in one heating zone, if you have electric space heating. We ask that you not use electric stoves and clothes dryers in the first hour after restoration.
 If you use a generator, ensure that it is outside and well ventilated. Ensure that snow does not accumulate on it.
Liberty asks that customers go to www.libertyutilities.com to get the latest information available so phone lines can remain available for emergencies only. Customers should click on the Emergencies & Outages link at the top of the homepage, where they will be directed to a real time outage map as well any emergency messages regularly updated. Customers can also access Liberty’s Twitter account by clicking on the Twitter logo on that webpage, or visiting Twitter@LibertyUtil_CA. Liberty’s website and Twitter account is accessible on mobile devices.
“We want to thank our customers in advance for their preparation planning and patience as we prepare for the impacts of this major storm, Johnson added. “Above all, we want our customers to stay safe and NEVER go near or attempt to move a downed power line even if you believe it isn’t energized. Call 9-1-1 or Liberty Utilities if you believe such a situation is dangerous and we will respond as quickly as possible.”
This broken power pole during the 2017 winter storms is difficult to see given the heavy snow and tree coverage.
About Liberty Utilities
Fallen trees during the 2017 winter storms were responsible for many downed power lines and were time-intensive to remove and repair.
Liberty Utilities Co. owns and operates regulated water, wastewater, natural gas and electric transmission and distribution utilities in 12 states, delivering responsive and reliable essential services to approximately 783,000 customers across the United States. With a local approach to management, service and support, we deliver efficient, dependable services to meet the needs of our customers. Liberty Utilities provides a superior customer experience through walk-in customer centers, locally focused conservation and energy efficiency initiatives, and programs for businesses and residential customers. We measure our performance in terms of service reliability, an enjoyable customer experience, and an unwavering dedication to public and workplace safety. Liberty Utilities currently operates in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas,
Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Texas. For more information, please visit www.LibertyUtilities.com. 

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SIERRA COUNTY CASES WEEKENDING February 23, 2018

2/27/2018

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Daniel Orr (68) Reno.  Driving with a blood alcohol level of .08or above.  Three years probation, 2 days jail, fine $1885, and attend alcohol school.
 
Scott Kirbride (63) Chilicoot.  Attempt to purchase a firearm by a person prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony conviction.  Sentencing is March 6.
 
Mark Black (48) Loyalton.  Possession of a firearm by person prohibited from possession of a firearm due to prior conviction for reckless discharge of a firearm which prohibits the possession of a firearm for 10 years.  Sentencing is March 6.
 
Nicole Brogdon (34) transit. Prole violation for failure to keep in contact with parole officer.  One hundred days jail, and reinstated on parole.
 
Richard Douglas (23) Napa.  Sentencing for residential burglary with an admission that a victim was in the residence at the time of burglary.  Four years state prison.  This case  resulted when Douglas and his co-defendant, Debra Hunt (who  is in custody pending sentencing) went to a Downieville residence late at night to collect an alleged debt.  The victims, who were home at the time, armed himself with an AR – 15 rifle and when Douglas broke a window and started to enter, Douglas was shot. 
 
Shanno Struve (43) Reno. After a contested preliminary hearing, Struve was ordered to stand trial on felony charges of resisting an officer with force and violence.  She is out custody on $20,000 bail.
 
Eric Tennant (46) transit (formerly of Loyalton).  Parole violation for failure to contact his parole officer when he was released from prison, and failure to register as an arsonist.  He was given 130 days jail and reinstated on parole.
 
Jose Vasquez-Martinez (23)  Loyalton.  Reckless driving, alcohol related.  Eighteen months probation, fine $1519, alcohol school.
 
Justin Smejda (31) Citrus Heights.  Faillure to have bear tag in possession and take of bear without tag in possession (he did have tag, but not with him at the time).  One year probation, fine $1668, and no hunting, or being in the field with hunters for one year.
 
Paul Dority (42) Grass Valley.  Assault with a deadly weapon (misdemeanor). Three years probation, two days jail, fine $2210, stay away from victim, restitution was reserved, and he is prohibited from firearm possession for ten years.
 
Peter Hatch (68) Sierra City. After a contested preliminary hearing, Hatch was ordered to stand trial on possession of child pornography with a prior conviction, and being on school grounds as a registered sex offender without permission.  He is in custody on $200,000 bail.   
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More fires mean less funds for local USDA Forest Service projects

2/23/2018

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By: Randy Moore, Regional Forester, Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service

Last year, more than 1,500 wildfires burned over 640,000 acres on National Forest System lands in California, including the Thomas Fire, the largest fire in California’s recorded history. The surrounding communities are still dealing with damage from debris flows caused by a charred and barren landscape that no longer has the protection of trees, grass and other vegetation. We see and empathize with those affected, and are working to reduce the potential for future loss by performing hazardous fuel reduction treatments which include thinning overstocked forests and prescribed burning. 

The Forest Service is increasingly challenged to provide the personnel and management needed to maintain these services; infrastructure, such as roads, trails and campgrounds; and the health and resiliency of our public forests. The Pacific Southwest Region spent in excess of $500 million preventing or suppressing wildfires over the past year. While nationally, Forest Service suppression costs exceeded $2.4 billion last year, more than ever before. Fire alone accounted for 57 percent of the agency’s budget in 2017, up from just 16 percent in 1995. At this rate, suppression costs will take up 67 percent of the Forest Service’s budget by 2021.

Currently, 10 million acres of National Forest System lands in California are at moderate to high risk from insects, disease or fire. The science, data and monitoring shows that hazardous fuel treatments positively affect fire behavior and lowers the catastrophic risk of fire damage. Essentially, the more acres we treat, the healthier our forests become, contributing to safer and more resilient communities. In 2017 alone, we performed fuels reduction treatments on over 310,000 acres of Forest Service lands across the state, but there is more to be done.

Funding for suppression efforts performed by the Forest Service on National Forest System lands as well as those under other ownerships, comes from the agency’s overall budget which means less money for other Forest Service programs and services. The Forest Service is the only federal agency that is required to fund its entire emergency management program through its regular appropriations. About a third of the Forest Service’s total spending on fire goes toward 1 to 2 percent of the fires it fights.  Megafires, like the Thomas Fire, are national disasters.  It would make sense to deal with them as such: through a separate national emergency fund to stop the drain on the funding for the work we care most about. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and the Forest Service deeply appreciate the ongoing work of Congress to pass new legislation to reform the way wildfire suppression is funded, supporting our efforts to meet the many different needs of the communities we serve, for the benefit of generations to come.




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BURNED: TITA'S HIDEAWAY IN SIERRA CITY

2/23/2018

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​Tita’s Hideaway, the historic building in downtown Sierra City which burned on February 7th, and is shown with Derek Beverly and friend, had a tremendously colorful past. 
The structure housed a number of businesses over the years, including the Tribune newspaper,  doctor’s office, a shoe store, and even a jail. At one time it was the location of Lottie’s Boarding House.
“Queen Louis,” the last surviving Chinese in Sierra City was a friend of Lottie’s family. He was known as a very sensitive and humble man who would honor the dead with bouquets of wildflowers and serenade newcomers on his old violin.
 – Information courtesy of Mary Nourse from the 2014 Sesquicentennial Walking Tour.
Photos courtesy Derek Beverly


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SIERRAVILLE HISTORIC HOME RENOVATION

2/23/2018

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​IN SIERRAVILLE, the former Jean and Jerry McCaffrey house is raised for a new foundation. The house, according to Historic Houses of Sierra County in Sierra Valley, was built in 1862 or 1863. “Square nails and rough cut lumber for framings were used in construction. Sawdust from Nichols Mill was used for insulation in the original house. The addition has hand-formed cedar blocks between studs that kept the sawdust from dropping to the bottom. 
“About 1868, four more rooms were added at the rear of the house.  A carriage house was added in 1870 and this later became a garage. The original foundation was cedar ‘wheels’.
“The house changed ownership many times. It originally belonged to Mary J. Darling, then H. Nichols, followed by Amos Maxwell and Fred and Jean Dolley. The late Rita Bradley of Sattley recalled she used to play with Margie Dolley, their daughter. The next owners were Earnest Lombardi, then Freda and Robert  Ryder who sold to Richard E. and Jessie Barrington. Richard was a business partner with Chance Goodrich in the Sierraville Lumber Company and bought the property before 1950. Mrs. Barrington continued to live in the big house alone after her husband died. After her death in 1973, Jean and Jerry McCaffrey purchased the property. During their tenure, there were two weddings, a baptism and many, many civic meetings. Assemblymen, State Senators, U.S. Congressmen and a U.S. Senator had been guests, in addition to their many local friends and families.”
            Photo courtesy Rick Maddalena
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LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL

2/23/2018

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‘BRAIN STORMING” turned into a Town Hall on Tuesday, February 13th as 18 Loyalton residents met at the Social Hall. City Council member Joy Markum, under suggestion of nearly-new resident, Jackie Mertton, explained the meeting was a way to express concerns and so as a City, “Can make progress.” Mertton compared it to a church revival.
Lists were prioritized and discussed. Mertton stated at City Council meetings, she’d “heard a lot of heat,” and they’d forgotten Robert’s Rules of Order.
She explained how anybody can ask the Council to consider agenda items. 
Issues listed for discussion included those from the State, building and planning, the swimming pool. 
Concerning cleaning the city via ordinance, former member Brooks Mitchell stated the City has all the backup it needs and details everything. The problem, he said, is enforcement. He called the “big thing,” a lack of revenue and no means to raise it without cooperation of private property owners.
Joe Dines mentioned the former use of volunteers and Brooks told of the umbrella insurance policy that gets “push back.” He also credited the use of church members; the Community Church with the hotel debris and the Catholic Church a “good asset” to get the community to look better.
Removing old junk cars was well discussed with its regulatory process.
Eileen Benson wanted CC&Rs for the City.
In finance discussion, Brooks stated the City had a $940,000 budget carried over the last seven years. It was urged the City “do a budget.” The lack of general accounting and added confusion were discussed. The City is two years behind on audits, according to Mertton. Brooks told of settling two lawsuits with nearly $3 million in separate accounts and how the Council has to decide on it once it gets a new member. Mertton suggested  asking for a summary report on sums of money; a budget report on each account.
Concerning PERS retirement, Brooks stated it was voted to make an offer by legal counsel and was not agreed to. Retirees rejected it, he said.
It was stated there’s “a lot of junk in town,” and previous free dump days were discussed.
Speed bumps and the electronic speed signs were another disappointing topic.
“Elections are coming up,” was a brighter subject.
Another session will be held Tuesday, March 6th at 6 p.m. at Loyalton Social Hall.

LOYALTON CITY COUNCIL held a special meeting February 15th for discussion and possible action regarding the appointment of the Loyalton City Council to fill a vacant council seat. Even before the meeting started, Councilman Mark Marin stated they couldn’t appoint anyone because they can’t have more appointed than elected members.
Once the meeting was started, Marin stated he’d talked to attorney Steve Gross who said they can’t appoint but will go to election. Marin has been suggesting he needs surgery and in the event something happens, the mayor wouldn’t be able to pay bills, etc. without a legal council. “That’s the way it stands,” he stated.
One candidate, Brooks Mitchell, questioned the decision. He asked about the government code.
Member Joy Markum    pressed that if something happened, they have two members anyway.
Marin then admitted he wasn’t voting for any candidate.
From the audience, Mark Lombardi complained it was predicated on one person’s health which is “insane,”  and talked of risk and reward.
Former councilman Ernie Teague urged the need for a fourth person for the budget and suggested they appoint.
Marin talked about an investigation, missing monies, insurance fraud, CALPers and the sewer plant settlement, indicating a former member’s fault.
Marin then made a motion to appoint Colby Russell.
Joy Markum made a motion to appoint Brooks Mitchell.
Mayor Nancy Rogers called it a “dead issue” and didn’t want to appoint.
Joy stated it “really sad,” with no way of doing anything for the community and the community suffers.

Ed’s Note: According to County Clerk Heather Foster, the City is its own election officials. It has missed the June election deadline of February 11th or calling114 days prior to the next regularly scheduled election.
A special election would cost approximately $4,500 to include number of registered voters, time and benefits for staff, postage and supplies.

 
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NEW RESCUE TRUCK POSITIONEDIN SIERRAVILLE FIRE STATION

2/23/2018

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Sierra Co. Fire Protection District #1 volunteers take a moment to memorialize the delivery of the new rescue truck with the Burton brothers at regular training Thursday, February 15. 

On Thursday Feb. 15, John Burton of Burton Fire Apparatus (Modesto CA) delivered a new light rescue truck ordered by Sierra Co. Fire Protection District #1 to the Sierraville Fire Department.  Specifications for the truck were assembled by District Chief Jeff McCollum, and Sierraville Fire Department Chief Dan Wentling.  Three competitive bids were evaluated before a contract was awarded to Burton Fire to purchase this truck built by Rosenbaurer in Lyons South Dakota.  
The rescue truck is financed by a $50,100 grant and $51,300 low interest loan from the USDA Rural Assistance Program, local mitigation funds, and a $35,000 contribution from proceeds of the “Tour de Manure” bike event sponsored by the Sierraville Fire Department.  The grant/loan package was negotiated by Fire Commissioner Rick Maddalena in full cooperation with USDA Representative Michael Velez.  “I doubt we would have been successful in this endeavor without Michael’s personal attention and ‘we can make this happen attitude,’” stated Maddalena.   
“The light rescue truck will be dedicated on June 16, 2018 at the 10th anniversary of the Tour de Manure,” said Chief Wentling.  The truck will be “branded” with the bike ride event’s logo to help celebrate the event and its contribution to supporting the finance needs of the Sierraville and Sattley Fire Departments.   
The Rosenbaurer buildup is mounted on a new 2017 Ford F550 chasse, 4x4 diesel, crew cab manufactured with an “ambulance package” featuring warning lights, serene, and high capacity electrical system to support the work lights and equipment in the box.  The box was designed to facilitate medical calls, vehicle accident extractions, and to a limited degree building collapse.  It will replace the very tired 1994 F-350 which has been a workhorse of the SCFPD #1 fleet.  
 “Although our primary mission is Structure Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Response has been our primary source of calls for service in recent years.  A large share of our calls involve vehicle or motorcycle accidents on Hwy 89 or Hwy 49 which means we are pushing the tired gas powered truck hard up a steep highway heavily laden with rescue equipment,” said Chief McCollum.
Truck delivery was made by John Burton and follows a final truck inspection in Modesto by Chief McCollum, USDA representative Michael Velez, and two additional volunteers from Sierraville in late January.  Burton’s service includes a complete orientation to the truck and its operating systems. ​“Before we let the old rescue truck go, we hope to find a suitable 4x4 diesel chassis to mount under the service box.   If we can do that, we will have parleyed the investment by recycling a great box.  That equipment would be stationed in Calpine to reinforce our District response capability,” said McCollum. 
“The entire community is invited to the “branding” on June 16th at the 10th Tour de Manure Ride” said Doug Read, creator of the funds raising event.  There will be great live music by Mike Hogan and the Simpletones, and fantastic BBQ by Lee Wright proprietor of When Pigs Fly.  -  Story and photo by SCFPD#1
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Legislative Republicans Submit Petitions Demanding New Water Storage

2/21/2018

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Photos and video can be viewed here.
 
SACRAMENTO – Today, Republican members of the California Legislature delivered a wagon-load of petitions to the California Water Commission calling for the immediate approval of funding for Sites and Temperance Flat reservoirs. The more than 4,000 petitions were signed by Californians from all corners of the state in response to recent reports that the commission is blocking the construction of badly needed surface water storage, even as another drought is looming.
 
“Four years ago, California voters overwhelmingly approved a $7 billion water bond on the promise of new surface storage projects,” said Assembly Republican Leader Brian Dahle (Bieber). “Our government has made a habit of selling the voters a false bill of goods. It is long past time that our government starts keeping its promises.”
 
In 2014, Californians approved Proposition 1, a water bond that included $2.7 billion for investments in new reservoirs. The proposition tasked the California Water Commission with allocating the storage funding. Recently, the commission issued a report that could jeopardize the funding for important storage projects like Sites Reservoir and Temperance Flat.
 
“The lack of urgency from bureaucrats at the water commission is putting Californians’ livelihoods in danger,” said Assemblyman Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) in a recent Sacramento Bee op-ed. “If we are hit with another drought, the commission will be responsible.”
 
If built, Temperance Flat Reservoir could hold 423 billion gallons of water northeast of Fresno. Sites Reservoir could hold 586 billion gallons in Colusa County.
                                                                                                                                                                             

 
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Blast of Winter Weather to Impact Foothill and Mountain Travel

2/21/2018

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Valley frosts, foothill and mountain snow continue through Friday

 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans District 3 is alerting motorists to be prepared for winter driving conditions Wednesday night through Friday morning as another very cold storm brings winter temperatures to Northern California.
                                                               
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory with snow accumulations forecast for elevations as low as 2,000 feet, including a dusting of snow as low as 1,000 feet. Very cold  temperature are predicted to occur with this storm, including Valley frosts and below freezing conditions in the Sierra, with mountain temperatures down to single digits.
 

Intermittent periods of rapid snow accumulations on Donner and Echo Summit passes are expected with this storm, impacting travel on foothill and mountain highways, including Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 50 where chain controls are expected. Additionally, the severe cold will create very slick and icy conditions on all Northern California roadways.
 
To assist motorists, Caltrans permitted and trained chain installers will be available on Interstate 80 and can be identified by a reflective sign with their bib number.
 
Severe weather may slow motorists, resulting in roadway congestion. Icy and slippery roadways reduce tire traction, especially at high vehicle speeds, and can result in loss of driver control. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and are especially cautioned to observe the following winter driving tips, which can also be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html:
 
WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE
Check anti-freeze levels and consider a de-icer for car locking mechanisms.
Check your tire pressure and tread depth to minimize sliding and/or hydroplaning.
Replace the wiper blades and fill the windshield wiper fluid reservoir; be sure to use a winter formula to help de-ice windshields.
If traveling to higher elevations, carry tire chains that are the correct size for your tires, and practice installing the chains before needing to use them. 
Have a full tank of fuel before traveling.
 
CARRY A TRAVEL KIT
Have warm blankets, extra clothing, food and water, towels, a shovel, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a small bag of sand or kitty litter and road flares. 
Have a fully charged cell phone before leaving and carry a car charger.
 
DRIVE CAREFULLY
Reduce speeds during winter weather and allow for additional stopping time.
Turn on headlights to see and be seen and turn off cruise control.
Watch for snow removal equipment. Only pass snow removal vehicles when a safe, legal passing area is available and sight distance is good.
Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, and shaded areas; they may freeze first.
If your vehicle begins to skid, steer in the direction of the slide and slowly remove your foot from the accelerator.
 
CHECK CONDITIONS FREQUENTLY
Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. A mobile version is also available.
Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling
Follow Caltrans District 3 on Twitter @CaltransDist3 and Facebook to receive the latest information about current roadway conditions.
For forecast information, visit the National Weather Service website.
 
ANTICIPATE DELAYS AND CLOSURES
Understand that winter weather and road conditions can change rapidly and allow for extra travel time.
Make sure you share the route you intend to take with friends or family.
Exercise patience and respect for other motorists.
 
Caltrans crews will be working around the clock to keep the roadways open and clear. Motorists are urged to be “Be Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”
 
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Guns, Opioids, Alcohol, Bad Judgment and Balance

2/21/2018

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By Dr. Glenn Mollette
 
Every person in America should have the privilege of driving a car if they meet the qualifications.  Requirements involve passing written and driving tests and passing a vision test. Enough incidents of driving violations or driving impaired can certainly curtail and even eliminate our privilege to drive an automobile.
 
Most everyone has made mistakes while driving a car. Most of us have driven too fast or crossed over the centerline or done something foolish while behind the wheel. Everybody makes mistakes in judgment.
 
An extreme mistake in judgment can bring about crippling results and even death to the driver or others on the highway. Traffic accidents and fatalities happen every day somewhere in America.
 
Most of us do not want to fathom what life would be without our car or at least subways, trains and planes. The concept of being stuck without transportation does not bode well with most of us.
 
On May 14, 1988 Larry Mahoney was driving northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 71 close to Carrollton, Kentucky. His blood alcohol concentration the night of the crash was .24 percent. The legal limit of .10 was obviously exceeded substantially. Mahoney would hit a school bus carrying a church group on a return trip from King's Island resulting in the death of 27 of the 67 passengers and becoming the deadliest incident involving drunk driving in United States history.  Mahoney was said to have no memory of the crash and learned of the collision after waking in the hospital the next day.  He would walk out of prison September 1, 1999 having served 10 years and 11 months.
 
Mahoney should never ever be allowed to drive again or drink alcohol. Yet, it's too late for those on that fatal bus crash. It only takes one drunk driving incident to kill many. Who or how would we have ever known Mahoney would do such a thing that he later would not even remember himself? We wouldn't. Mahoney didn't wake up on May 14,1988 with a determination to kill people. He did want others have done in consuming too much alcohol and getting behind the wheel of a car. He was an impaired driver.
 
Too much alcohol impairs a person's judgment. Thus who are we to blame? Mahoney or the alcohol? Mahoney was sentenced to prison but bourbon whiskey cannot be made, stored and sold fast enough in Kentucky. Business is booming turning over a billion dollars in annual sales.
 
We put people in jail for DUIs and suspend drivers' licenses and imprison people like Larry Mahoney. We never blame the alcohol but the people who make stupid choices. Do we need to get some of the alcohol off the streets and out of the restaurants and out of the homes, etc.? It's not even a thought. The National Football League couldn't survive without beer and beer advertising. I'm thinking Kentucky couldn't survive without their share of  the $825 million dollars in taxes just from the bourbon industry.
 
Yet, we don't push for new alcohol laws. Most every restaurant cries and screams until it can push the local government to go "wet."  Alcohol is seen as the savior for every county or small town that is dry. Yet, alcohol is never blamed for anybody's problems. It's always the person who made bad choices.
 
Guns are now blamed for America's troubles. Guns do kill people when in the hands of the wrong person. What happened in Florida last week and every place where there has been a shooting is horrendous. Something must be done to keep guns and weapons out of the hands of the mentally ill. Now is the time to enact strict measures. 
 
Crazy people do not need guns of any kind.
 
People feel it's their personal choice and freedom to consume alcohol, smoke cigarettes, pot, gamble and have unlimited access to pornography and opioids. I recently read one column that said opioids are killing more people in America than guns. I do believe there are some things that only impact the person personally and I am for people having the freedom to do what only impacts them. It's their life and if they choose to destroy it then it's their choice. However, most everything that your mom, dad, brother, sister or child does will impact you personally. Other people and society pay the price for your stupidity. I had loved ones who smoked all the time and it was their bodies and lungs but I inhaled a lot of that smoke as a kid and so have millions of others.
 
America is a free country. We feel we are entitled to everything. Are we really entitled to everything? Are we entitled to purchase hand grenades and bazookas? Are we entitled to own our own atomic weapons? Am I entitled to drive anything on the highway?
 
I don't own any assault rifles. I've never desired one. I have shotguns, and pistols. Those who own them feel it's their second amendment right and I support the second amendment. I just can't figure out why we have to have assault rifles. I've heard the rationale. We might need them to defend ourselves against bad government, ISIS and the list goes on. I'm not going to rule out that I will not buy one but I don't have the passion for owning one. I don't know why I would.
 
I wonder where our hope and trust is in America? It seems like our motto has become In Guns We Trust. Is a gun the answer for everything? I'm not giving up the Colt 45 on my bedside table. However, to so many it seems the answer to everything is more guns. Yes I do think we now need armed security about everywhere... schools, churches etc. However a society of more guns and more violence is a despairing and bleak forecast for this country.
 
For many the motto is In Drugs We Trust. The drug epidemic in America is catastrophic. Will Congress outlaw drugs? Will all pain medication be outlawed? Two million Americans are addicted to prescription opioids according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. An additional 600,000 are addicted to heroin and some estimates say over 59,000 people died from drug overdose deaths in 2016. Millions of Americans will do whatever it takes to get their opioids. Granted, in recent years lawsuits have been filed against drug manufacturers, pill clinics have been closed and there is now an awareness and some movement to deal with the issue.
 
Our problems in America are not pain medication, guns, welfare or even religion. Statistics support all these are abused.
 
Our problems are of the heart and soul. Are we good people today? Are Americans good people? Do we care about anybody else? How many people do you love and would get up in the middle of the night to go help if they called you? Is the world only about you and what you can get?
 
We quit teaching, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." We disposed of the second commandment that teaches love your neighbor as yourself. We stopped teaching thou shalt not kill. We took prayer out of schools and ripped the Ten Commandments off classroom walls. Are we now better for it?
 
I don't have the answer. I'm just like most other Americans treading water and climbing on the bumps of life.
 
I do know we must step back and stop attacking each other. Attacking each other, biting each other, devouring each other is only creating a chasm in this nation that is making us vulnerable to outside enemies. The best way to beat any team or defeat any group is to get that team or group fighting among them selves.
 
And then there is finally balance. Balance is about resolve, giving and taking and being willing to edit a bit. Whether it's guns, opioids, alcohol or most anything in our country finding a balance seems to be our greatest difficulty.  




Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of 12 books. His syndicated column is read in all 50 states. 


READ HIS  NEW BOOK - UNCOMMON SENSE 
 
Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette










Glenn Mollette, P.O. Box 204, Pennsylvania Ave, Please do not unsubscribe! You might miss a great column!!!, Washington, DC 20003




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FIRE IN BECKWOURTH

2/21/2018

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A FIRE at 190 Industrial Way in Beckwourth broke out about 4:17 a.m. Wednesday morning. According to Plumas County Sheriff’s Office Commander Johns, it was a structure fire at a heavy equipment repair building. Responding were Beckwourth Fire, Eastern Plumas Health Care, Sierra Valley Fire and Plumas Rural Electric.
A notice from Plumas County Environmental Health to Loyalton Fire read, “An auto repair business is burning with a variety of oils, solvents, and misc. hazmat.  The fire departments are just protecting exposures and not actively fighting the fire.  I will be sending staff out this morning for some better info, but I understand a black, thick smoke plume is currently heading southeast toward Loyalton.”  
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Cat Care Coalition: Community Cats are a Community Problem

2/20/2018

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By Connie Koch February 15, 2018 33 






All it takes to start a cat colony is one person's cat that isn’t spayed or neutered. Many stray and free-roaming cats in even the nicest neighborhoods will find shelter in a backyard or storage shed and deliver a litter. Abandoned or neglected cats will colonize at fast food areas and parks where food can be found in dumpsters.  It’s really sad.
Homeless cats can be found everywhere people live. Some places have only a few, like near the Starbucks on Lake Boulevard (five cats), to large colonies of maybe 100 or more cats along the river at Henderson Open Space.
Basically, homeless cats can be found everywhere from rest stops  and trailer parks to the nicest neighborhoods all over the north state.
This is a problem created by people. You know where you won’t find domestic cats?   In the wild where people don’t live.
For the cats’ safety, and to avoid cat dumping, it isn’t wise to give exact locations. But in the vicinity of the O’Brien rest stop 14 cats were killed by someone who fed them meatballs that contained antidepressants. This was done even though the cats were sterilized by volunteers and were fed and cared for by a caretaker.
I sat down with Blanca Jeffers and Pete Stiglich (aka Colonel Pete), two of the major principals (Blanca, President and Pete Chairman of the Board) in Shasta County's newly created Community Cat Care Coalition.
I have known Blanca for 10 years.  She has been my go-to person every time a feral momma cat has shown up with her babies at the various places I have lived in Shasta County.  Always ready to help get the cats trapped, neutered/spayed and released to a local colony of cats or as like the last two times, she took them back to the ranch where she works at socializing them and finding them forever homes.  She has a tag line at the end of her emails that says, "I can't fix a human, but I can fix a cat."
Pete, an Air Force Colonel with 26 years of service, initially wasn't a cat person when he retired to Cottonwood.  But when a hungry, cold and scared cat showed up at his Cottonwood ranch, his late mother took the cat in. That cat is still a resident of Pete's home, along with seven other cats that found their way into Pete's heart and home.
The Community Cat Care Coalition is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, EIN 82-3090270. It is comprised of individuals and organizations committed to improving the lives of thousands of free-roaming community cats living in Shasta County. It has no paid staff. One hundred percent of the funds raised is devoted to community cat care within the county.


Pixie, Mouse & Flurry were found in a box left on the side of a road at only 3 weeks old. All three are available for adoption. Photo by Karen Marie Hansen.
Each day thousands of community cats struggle for survival. They face starvation, abuse, illness, predators and harsh weather. Two breeding cats, plus their kittens and kittens' offspring, if not sterilized, can produce 80 million cats in 10 years. The Community Cat Care Coalition exists solely to solve this growing problem.
The Community Cat Care Coalition hopes to spay and neuter all stray and/or homeless community cats as well as offer those services to cat owners who can't afford to sterilize their cats. Using the Trap-Neuter-Return strategy, cats are trapped, sterilized and returned to their colony, moved to safer locations or adopted out. Feedings, shelters, adoption and foster care are also provided.
Pete has an answer for those who wonder why he helped form the Community Cat Care Coalition.
"There are several independent groups that have made progress in small pockets," he said. "The idea to form a coalition is to achieve large scale progress, share ideas, expertise, resources, and fund-raise."
Blanca agreed. "The smaller groups have been doing this for 10 to 30 years in some instances, and some of the original people are getting tired," she said. "Yet, there is a tremendous need to control the population of homeless cats."


Sugar, Domino and Tazz were dumped next to an office in downtown Redding. All three are available for adoption. Photo by Karen Marie Hansen.
I asked if any of the local veterinary clinics were helping. Blanca said currently they are working with one doctor who has stepped up to help, and she and Pete hope that more veterinarians will eventually get involved.
“It would make sense, now that the Coalition is a non-profit, that the veterinarians could donate one day to help spay and neuter and write it off as tax donation," Blanca said. "If we could get each veterinary clinic in the county to donate an allotted set of hours one day a week, we could get so many more community cats spayed and neutered, especially now during the kitty season.”
Pete and Blanca plan to visit local veterinary offices to brief them on the Coalition, and see what assistance they can provide.
As Pete says, “Community cats are a community problem.”
The Coalition is also in the process of working with county officials to update the Animal Control Ordinance.  Presently, it is silent with regard to addressing community cats.  A draft amendment has been provided to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Department that, among other things, requires trapped feral cats be sterilized and returned to their colonies, rather than being put down.  The draft also recommends a fund be established to be used to offset the cost of sterilizing community cats.  Hopefully, county supervisors will approve this ordinance update shortly.
I asked what their critical needs are at this time and they both had the same answer: funding and volunteers, both of which are needed so the Coalition can succeed. Volunteers are needed to help with colony identification, trapping, transportation, feeding, sheltering, adoption, foster care and veterinary assistance. Grants, special fundraising events and donations cover the cost of supplies and veterinary services.
We hope the citizens of Shasta County will join our efforts and help us all make a difference in the out of control homeless cat population. Together , we can transform our communities into a model for the ethical and humane treatment of our feline community members.
Connie Koch was raised in Santa Barbara. She moved to Redding after high school, traveled to and lived in other places, and finally returned to Redding in 2009. 
She is currently semi-retired, and works at various part-time jobs, including private in-home care for the elderly. 
In her spare time, Connie is a gifted artist who specializes in making all sizes of mirrored mosaic sculptures.
Connie is also the "mother" of two rescue cats, each of whom showed up at her doorstep at separate times, and have yet to accept each other.

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​5 Ways Leaders Can Achieve Personal Wellness – And Inspire It In Others

2/20/2018

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Leaders in companies and organizations often face enormous demands on their time, but the best leaders realize they can’t let those demands become so overwhelming that their health suffers as a result.

“Successful leaders prioritize personal wellness, both at home and at work,” says Kerry Alison Wekelo, author of Culture Infusion: 9 Principles to Create and Maintain a Thriving Organizational Culture (www.kerryalison.com).

And those who don’t prioritize personal wellness should realize it’s not too late to make it a New Year’s resolution for 2018, she says. Plus, taking care of themselves is also a great way for leaders to inspire others throughout the organization to do the same.

“Team members will be more inclined to focus on their own well being if they see the leadership team making it a priority,” says Wekelo, who is managing director of human resources and operations for Actualize Consulting. “It’s better for the entire company when everyone strives to be physically and mentally fit.”

In her own life, Wekelo says she follows five guiding values for personal wellness. They are:

•    Breathe. Many people forget to breathe during the day, Wekelo says, though she’s not talking about breathing to stay alive. “On any given day we are going to experience moments of stress,” she says. “Focusing on taking a few long, slow breaths can help calm you down.”

•    Move. Movement is another way to take care of your well being. “Many of us are sedentary most of the day, sitting at desks then lounging at home in the evening,” she says. “We are not made to sit like this all day every day.” To get moving, you don’t need to schedule time at a gym for an aggressive workout. She suggests stretching while at your desk and taking time once an hour to get up and walk, even if it’s just to walk to somewhere else in the office. 

•    Play. Children love to play, but adults forget they need to take time to play as well, even if it’s just a game of cards or charades. “Next time you find yourself stressing, give your brain a break and call your inner child out for a play date,” Wekelo says.

•    Nourish. No matter how smoothly life is going, there will always be conflict, so you should handle it directly, openly and immediately. When you do, you will be nourishing your relationship with those employees and they will have the opportunity to nourish themselves. “Take the approach that everything is a learning opportunity and work with your employees on how to improve rather than running them into the ground and making them feel even worse,” Wekelo says. “If they know you care and support them even in hard times, you will have their loyalty.”

•    Replenish. Life gets hectic, so it’s important to set aside time for reflection, introspection, meditation or just plain quiet time. “My best ideas come from my quiet time,” Wekelo says.

“I am sure that’s why so many of the great pioneers, artists and scientists spend hours each day walking and contemplating.”
“As you consider your own personal well-being, it’s important to remember that you create your life and how you feel,” Wekelo says. “Change starts at the individual level.”


About Kerry Alison Wekelo
Kerry Alison Wekelo (www.kerryalison.com) is managing director of human resources and operations for Actualize Consulting. She also is author of Culture Infusion: 9 Principles to Create and Maintain a Thriving Organizational Culture. Among her other accomplishments, Wekelo is a yoga teacher, life coach, award-winning author of children’s books, and the founder of Zendoway, a company that encourages holistic wellness.

 
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Frigid Forecast to Impact President's Day Weekend Travel

2/16/2018

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Freezing temps will bring valley frosts and mountain snow

 
MARYSVILLE – Caltrans District 3 is alerting motorists to be prepared for winter driving conditions Sunday through Tuesday with the arrival of cold winter temperatures for the Northern California area.
                                                               
The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast significant drops in both day and nighttime temperatures, including Valley frosts and below freezing conditions in the Sierra, with mountain temps down to single digits. The cold weather system is expected to arrive Sunday morning and continue through Tuesday night. While snow accumulations over the passes Sunday evening and Monday morning are not expected to be significant (2-4 inches), the severe cold will create very slick and icy conditions for mountain roadways.
 
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Strong winds are also forecast throughout the area. With below freezing temps predicted, gusty winds will result in wind chills in the single digits in the valleys and below zero in the mountains. Holiday weekend visitors to mountain areas are advised to dress warmly.
 
Chain controls on Interstate 80 over Donner Summit and U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit should be anticipated Sunday night through Monday morning. To assist motorists, Caltrans permitted and trained chain installers will be available on Interstate 80 and can be identified by a reflective sign with their bib number.
 
Severe weather may slow motorists, resulting in roadway congestion. Icy and slippery roadways reduce tire traction, especially at high vehicle speeds, and can result in loss of driver control. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and are especially cautioned to observe the following winter driving tips, which can also be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cttravel/winter.html:
 
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Annual Pilot Training

2/12/2018

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Grass Valley – Annual pilot training will begin the first week of March and continue until the Grass Valley Air Attack Base is staffed in mid-June.
Approximately 35 S2T Air Tanker pilots and 25 OV-10 Air Tactical pilots will participate in the training. Grass Valley Air Attack Base will be used as one of several pilot training facilities throughout California. Flights may occur several times a day, several days a week.
Air tankers will practice dropping water in approved areas for training purposes. This training allows pilots to simulate retardant drops and improve flight skills. Pilots must show proficiency in many emergency situations where they must react to ensure safety of the aircraft, themselves and anyone operating on the ground during a fire.
People recreating and traveling in forested or mountainous areas may see these planes flying overhead. This is not necessarily an indication of a wildfire. Both the United States Forest Service and CAL FIRE conduct control burns during this time of year which may or may not be associated with pilot training.
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CDFW to Release a Half-Million Steelhead into Feather River

2/12/2018

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Hatchery trucks from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) today began the weeklong process of stocking a half million young steelhead smolts on the Feather River near Yuba City. The 125,000 fish released Monday were the first of the fish reared from eggs rescued from the Feather River Fish Hatchery during last year's Feather River spillway failure. Plants will continue through Thursday near Yuba City.


More than a million steelhead eggs were endangered in February 2017 when silt and debris overwhelmed the hatchery water system following the spillway failure. With less than 72 hours to complete fixes on aeration and filtration systems CDFW engineers went to work to save the steelhead eggs stacked in hundreds of trays at the hatchery.


Feather River steelhead are on the state and federal list of species of concern, and the hatchery is key to maintaining the viable run in the Central Valley. The eggs in the hatchery during the Feather River spillway event represented a year-age class of steelhead.


Engineers redesigned the water in-flow system using city water for the incubating steelhead. They also brought in massive six-foot-tall charcoal filters to purify the city water and reconfigured the aeration system. These alterations made this week's release of more than 500,000 steelhead possible.


"CDFW engineers did something that had never been done successfully before on a massive scale," said Feather River Fish Hatchery Manager Anna Kastner. "The eggs were in a fragile state of incubation and could not be moved, so innovation was the only option. The use of city water for incubation paid off."


CDFW Engineers George Heise and Beth Lawson, working with hatchery personnel, pathologists and biologists, conferred on the requirements of redesigning the system.  Once agreed upon they went to work.


"Our options were limited and something had to be implemented immediately. The team told us what they needed and we went to work making it happen," Heise said.


Thousands of anglers fish these waters annually, significatnly boosting the local economy. Finding an emergency fix for the potential catastrophic loss of a year of hatchery production of steelhead was critical - recreationally, economically and biologically.


John Church, a local fisherman from Yuba City, is one of the many anglers who value and rely on steelhead fishing opportunities on the Feather River. "It's really important to me and family ... I take my daughters to the Feather River for the chance to catch a steelhead each year," he said. "It is what we go there for."

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Statement by CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley

2/10/2018

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Warren Stanley, 56, of Sacramento has just been appointed Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., where he has been serving as Acting Commissioner since 2017. Commissioner Stanley has been employed with the CHP since 1982, and is one of the distinguished few to hold every position from Officer to Commissioner within the CHP.


While working as a patrol officer, he served as a member of the Protective Services Detail and worked as a Field Training Officer. He excelled through the ranks, supervising the CHP’s Border Division Investigative Services Unit as a Lieutenant, and served as the Commander of the CHP Academy, where he was responsible for the leadership of 191 employees and the training of approximately 1,700 cadets. He promoted to the rank of Chief in 2008, and assumed command of the CHP’s Coastal Division followed by the CHP’s Southern Division. Stanley was appointed to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, Staff, in 2010, followed by the rank of Assistant Commissioner, Field, in 2012. Prior to his appointment to Commissioner, he served as the Deputy Commissioner and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the largest state law enforcement agency in the nation; a Department with more than 11,000 employees.


Commissioner Stanley released the following statement following today’s appointment:


“I would first and foremost like to thank Governor Brown for placing his trust in me and giving me this incredible opportunity to lead the California Highway Patrol. I am extremely honored and proud to accept this appointment and serve as your Commissioner. I vow to continue the CHP’s long and distinguished legacy of providing Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California, and lead a Department committed to earning the public’s trust every day.”


Commissioner Stanley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Los Angeles, and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Executive Institute.


“CHP Commissioner Stanley has served the public for more than 35 years with the California Highway Patrol, excelling at every role from patrol officer to deputy commissioner where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the CHP,” said Acting Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Annis. “Warren has led the CHP’s response in the face of some of the worst natural disasters in this state’s history. We know that under his leadership the department will continue to uphold its mission.”
Commissioner Stanley is the first African American in the history of the CHP to hold the rank of Commissioner.
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FS employees provide lifesaving aid

2/7/2018

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QUINCY, CA - Six Plumas National Forest employees were recently recognized by the Pacific Southwest (PSW) Regional Forester, for their life-saving actions. According to Beckwourth District Ranger, Matt Jedra, the six firefighters provided life-saving medical aid in a December 2017 emergency involving a fellow employee.
 
Regional Forester Randy Moore, presented each employee with a certificate inscribed with, “In recognition of your ability to remain calm and effective while rendering life-saving medical care to a fellow Forest Service employee. Your actions, in this unexpected and traumatic situation, reflect a notable level of training, experience, and professionalism.”
 
Employees include: Aaron Knudson, Ryan Vondriska, Regional Forester Randy Moore, Damian Rivadeneyra, Chris Voelker, Dustin Kaurich and Kyle Mitchell.
 
For information about the Plumas National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas .
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The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. 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 the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the 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 has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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SIERRA CITY FIRE

2/7/2018

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AT 9:33 A.M.:Main St. (Hwy 49) through Sierra City is currently closed due to a structure fire at 204 Main Street.  For safety purposes, PG&E was notified to cut power to the residence.  Unfortunately the only way to do this remotely is to de-energize the entire line which is from Alleghany to Sierra City and communities in between which is the reason for the current outage. 
Hwy 49/Main St. through Sierra City was open to 1-way traffic with an escort at 12:06 pm. 
 In addition to Sierra City VFD, Sierra County Fire (Sierraville & Calpine), Downieville VFD, Camptonville VFD, USFS Engine 31 out of Camptonville, and a County water truck responded along with Dep. Rust and CHP Kostik for traffic control.  PG&E also responded for the power.  Supervisor Huebner and Larry Breed from the Sierra Country Store also lent a hand.  It was another excellent coordination of mutual response and only one minor injury due to smoke inhalation, according to Sgt. Michelle Anderson. - Photos by Sheriff Tim Standley
 
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Don’t Fumble: Call AAA for a Safe Ride Home

2/3/2018

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AAA offers free “Tipsy Tow” service to keep drunk drivers off our roads on Super Bowl Sunday

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WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2018) –  Planning to attend a Super Bowl party? Then you should also plan ahead for a safe ride home on Sunday night. But if your designated driver calls an audible, AAA will offer its free Tipsy Tow service to ensure that drunk drivers stay on the sidelines.


"If your Super Bowl party plans include alcohol, then you should also plan ahead for a safe ride home," said Michael Blasky, spokesman for AAA Northern California. "But if those plans fall through, AAA can provide a 'Hail Mary' and tow your car home for free."


AAA’s Tipsy Tow service will start at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4, and will run through 6 a.m. Monday, Feb 5, wherever AAA offers emergency roadside service. Drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and/or restaurant managers should: 


•    Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357)
•    State that they need a “Tipsy Tow.” 
•    Provide the driver’s name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location.


You don’t need to be a AAA Member to qualify for the ‘Tipsy Tow’ program. AAA will provide free 10 miles of towing for a driver, one passenger and their vehicle. Any additional miles are subject to a standard towing rate. Tipsy Tow does not take reservations. 


The service does not include roadside assistance. AAA challenges drivers to pledge to drive drug- and alcohol-free. AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost a motorist more than $10,000 in fines, penalties, legal fees and increased insurance costs.


AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 117 years ago.  
 
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I Have the Flu, Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

2/3/2018

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WASHINGTON, DC — As flu activity reaches its highest levels in nearly a decade, it is important to take steps to prevent getting or spreading the illness. These include recognizing the signs and symptoms, and knowing when to go to the emergency department or seek care from another medical professional.

“This is a particularly dangerous flu season, and your first line of prevention is to take appropriate precautions including washing your hands and avoiding direct contact with ill people,” said Paul Kivela, MD, MBA, FACEP, president of ACEP. “The most vulnerable patients are children, baby boomers aged 50 to 64, seniors, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions. Even though the flu shot is less effective this year, it still can reduce your risk of getting the flu and having serious complications.” 
The flu shot is recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months, including pregnant women.You can avoid spreading germs by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home from work, school or other activities if you are not well.
“Most people with flu typically do not require emergency care, but this season’s disease strain is much more active than previous years. Public health experts project that tens of thousands of people could suffer flu-related deaths. If you have emergency warning signs or complications, go to the nearest emergency department immediately,” said Dr. Kivela. 
In addition, Dr. Kivela said that emergency physicians seeing are increased cases of patients with irregular heart rhythms and heart attacks during or in the days after someone had the flu.  Some people are also developing swelling in mouth or neck, which could be serious.
Cases have been reported in 49 states for weeks and more than 6 percent of all patients at clinics and emergency departments are there because they are showing flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
If you have a non-emergency illness, first seek help with your primary care physician or urgent care. Common flu symptoms include fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache or body ache, fatigue or vomiting/diarrhea. If you have any emergency warning signs of flu, or flu-related complications, please go to the nearest ER immediately.
CDC identifies these flu emergency warning signs:
For adults:
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or abdominal pain
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Swelling in the mouth or throat
  • Weakness
For children: 
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash
In addition to the signs above, seek medical attention for an infant who shows any of these signs:
  • Not able to eat
  • Trouble breathing
  • No tears when crying
  • Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
“If you have these warning signs, you should seek emergency care, even if your health insurance company tells you not to,” said Dr. Kivela.
Dr. Kivela added that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield this year implemented a dangerous policy to deny insurance coverage for visits that it decides are not emergencies, leaving ER patients who thought they were having emergencies with an expensive bill.
Flu-like symptoms are among the hundreds, or in some cases several thousand, conditions that Anthem is refusing to cover.
There is nearly a 90-percent overlap between emergency and non-emergency symptoms, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. The policy is active in six states: Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire and Ohio.
Visit www.emergencycareforyou.org for more information on recognizing an emergency, choosing between the emergency department or urgent care and other topics. 
Visit www.cdc.gov/flu for specific information on the current flu season. 
Visit www.faircoverage.org learn more about Anthem’s dangerous policy. 
ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of

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Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications Brings New Broadband Service to Truckee

2/1/2018

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Teams up with Truckee Donner PUD to leverage existing fiber-optic assets 

Truckee, Calif. (January 16, 2018) – Much needed broadband coverage will soon be coming to the Truckee area, thanks to an agreement between Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) and Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) which allows PST to leverage existing TDPUD fiber optic infrastructure and facilities to expand high-speed internet services in Truckee.
 “This agreement helps us bring true high-speed internet services to Truckee,” says Bob Marshall, PST CEO, “PST will be able to use TDPUD’s existing fiber optic lines, conduit and poles to cost-effectively expand coverage in Truckee where there is interest.”
It is not a far stretch that the two utilities work together to improve services to the area. Marshall is also the general manager for Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative, a sister electric utility to TDPUD.  The two utilities provide mutual aid when needed, especially during storms and already have an established relationship.
“TDPUD is leveraging our assets to get true high-speed internet service to improve efficiency and allow us to better serve our customers,” said Steven Poncelet, TDPUD public information and strategic affairs manager. “Not only is TDPUD getting better broadband service, others in the community can benefit as well.”
PST is currently serving key commercial districts where TDPUD infrastructure and fiber is present. Tahoe Forest Hospital has been on the system since August, and PST is working to activate other accounts in the area in the near future. The area around Highway 89 North and Interstate-80 are well covered by PST services as well as the business districts. Residential areas may be served depending on the level of interest and the costs for PST to connect. Expansion of broadband services to new areas will also be facilitated by TDPUD’s expansion of its infrastructure.
There is an opportunity for homeowners associations and their members to work together to facilitate PST bringing services to subdivisions. Contacting PST to get on the interest list is key to helping PST identify opportunities to expand. You can inquire about signing up for service or be added to the interest list by call PST at (800) 221-3474 or visiting the PST website at www.pst.coop.
In addition to Truckee, there are communities just north of Truckee in Plumas County who recently banded together to work with PST to bring broadband services to their neighborhoods including Gold Mountain in Portola and Whitehawk in Clio. The first such community to work with PST was Sierra Park, in Quincy, in 2013.
“Fiber optic is very expensive to build,” says Corby Erwin, PST member services manager. “When enough residents get together though, it helps bring construction costs down for everybody, and this can move a project forward.” 
About Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications:
Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC), providing high-quality telecommunications services to Lassen, Plumas, Sierra and Nevada counties in California, and Washoe County, Nevada. 
Founded in 1937, PSREC is a member-owned electric distribution, transmission and generation utility providing electrical power and related services to more than 7,500 member/owners in Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra counties in California, and parts of Washoe County, Nevada. The cooperative is controlled by the membership through an elected seven-person board of directors.  For more information about PST, call 800-221-3474 or visit www.pst.coop.
About Truckee Donner PUD:
TDPUD is a public utility district created in 1927 and overseen by a locally elected board of directors. TDPUD is a non-profit entity that provides the greater Truckee area with reliable and high quality water and power services while guiding the community to conserve resources. For more information about the TDPUD, visit www.tdpud.org.
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